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Why does Dr. Groothuis use the “cumulative case” as his apologetic method for Christianity?
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The Cumulative Case method builds a “Case for Christ,” if you will, by including science, philosophical arguments, and historical records in our dialogue, along with the Bible’s teachings about the need for salvation. It’s a multi-faceted approach to apologetics. Professor G. uses this approach to show that: (1) basic claims contained in the Word do not contradict each other; (2) there are factual evidences in science and non-biblical historical records that point to the accuracy of Scripture’s claims; (3) to show that Christianity is the only meaningful and rational way to live.
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In the cumulative case Dr. Groothuis expands on the history, science, philosophy, human experience, and this brings about witnesses. This apologetic method is not fideistic and shows that Christianity is internally consistent, factually accurate, and existentially viable and meaningful.
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This method involves using several sources as “witnesses” to strengthen the argument. Using the Bible alone as a source isn’t very effective when speaking to someone who does not believe that the Bible is anything special, let alone the word of God. Appealing to several different areas of knowledge that are indisputable to any reasonable person, like science and history, means that there is even more evidence to prove that Christianity is true.
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The more evidence one can provide, the stronger the foundation for explaining truth.
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I think he uses the ‘cumulative case’ to show how much we need God. He shows the progression of sin in our lives and how God changes this.
