Reformed Presuppositional Apologetics

There are presently more believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) than at any point in history. This unprecedented movement presents a missiological challenge: how to disciple BMBs through the unique barriers they face. This study evaluated Reformed Presuppositional Apologetics (RPA) as a discipleship model to practically address barriers to spiritual growth unique to BMBs.

RPA was found to have clear biblical and theological foundations as a model for discipleship. This study required a mixed approach of descriptive research through bibliographic and qualitative research methods. Bibliographic methods analyzed the theological, biblical, and historical references to RPA in relation to discipling BMBs.

The survey research produced crucial categories of discipleship to be addressed with BMBs. Barriers to BMBs’ spiritual growth were found to include the following areas: theology, biblical narratives, spiritual disciplines, church attendance/discipline, finances, ethics, relationships, family, marriage, childrearing, and folk practices. The survey research also established that the major barrier to BMBs’ spiritual growth in these categories stem from residual influences of their former Muslim worldview and primary sources (Qur’an, Hadith, Sirat). Results further demonstrated that Muslim primary sources and worldviews must be intentionally deconstructed and reconstructed upon the Bible and the Christian worldview for the BMB to grow spiritually.

The survey research thus supported the theory that RPA is not only biblically grounded, theologically coherent, and historically applied, but that it practically addresses discipleship issues unique to BMBs. Considering BMBs’ religio-cultural background, this study answered how the unprecedented number of converts might be discipled.

Pursley, James J. 2019. “Reformed Presuppositional Apologetics: A Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Model of Discipleship with Believers from a Muslim Background.” South Carolina: Columbia International University.