(SIS S1 E13) Moral Apologetics (w. Dr. David Baggett)

By: Brian Chilton and Curtis Evelo | October 3, 2021

Through the summertime, we will host a new series entitled the “Summer Interview Series” which engages Christian scholars and experts about issues in their chosen fields. On the final episode of the series, Brian and Curtis interview Dr. David Baggett, Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University and esteemed moral apologist. Dr. Baggett provides the basic essentials of moral apologetics. Be sure to listen to the brand new ad for the Center for the Foundations of Ethics toward the end of the podcast.

What is the basis for moral apologetics? That is, what does the moral argument set out to do?
In your research, you trace the history of the moral argument. Who are the earliest moral apologists?
Who are some of the most important moral apologists?
Can you describe the Euthypro Dilemma? What is the best solution to the dilemma?
Can you explain your version of the divine command theory?
You use the abductive approach to moral apologetics. Can you explain the abductive approach and its benefits?
You, William Lane Craig, and Alvin Plantinga have all noted the power and impact of moral apologetics. Why is it such a powerful argument?
Take a few moments to tell us about the Center for the Foundations of Ethics at Houston Baptist University and MoralApologetics.com.

About our Guest: Dr. David Baggett

Dr. David Baggett is the Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University and the Founder of the new Center for the Foundations of Ethics also at Houston Baptist University. He has authored numerous books which include The Morals of the Story, coauthored with his spouse, Dr. Marybeth Baggett. He also coauthored Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality, God and Cosmos: Moral Truth and Human Meaning, and At the Bend of the River Grand. Dr. Baggett also founded https://www.moralapologetics.com.

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, and is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has nearly 20 years of pastoral experience and currently serves as a clinical chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Digging Deeper

(Podcast) Brian Chilton, interview with Drs. David and Marybeth Baggett, “Re-airing of the Morals of the Story (Pt. 1),” https://bellatorchristi.com/2018/05/25/podcast-5-25-18-the-morals-of-the-story-part-1-w-drs-david-and-marybeth-baggett/

(Podcast) Brian Chilton, interview with Drs. David and Marybeth Baggett, “Re-airing of the Morals of the Story (Pt. 2),” https://bellatorchristi.com/2018/12/14/podcast-12-13-18-re-airing-of-the-morals-of-the-story-pt-2-w-drs-david-and-marybeth-baggett/

(Article) Brian Chilton, “The Benefits of Active Listening and Moral Apologetics to the Chaplain Ministry,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2021/05/03/the-benefits-of-active-listening-and-moral-apologetics-to-the-chaplaincy-ministry/