S6E10 The Inevitability of Tribalism (w. Dr. Mark Phillips)

By: Dr. Brian Chilton | December 2, 2022

On S6E10, Dr. Mark Phillips and Dr. Brian Chilton discuss the inevitability of tribalism. Culture has a way of impacting people far more than anyone realizes. The Christian apologetics community is not immune to the cultural bombardment of negativity and factionalism. Because of different approaches on methodology and theological viewpoints, the community appears to be splintering. Dr. Mark Phillips has observed this phenomenon and coined the term “tribalism” to describe this compartmentalization of modern apologetics. Dr. Phillips joins us on this episode to discuss the inevitability of tribalism and the inherent problems associated with the trend. Additionally, he notes the problems that will flow out of this problem if it is not corrected.

What do you mean by “tribalism”?
What do you see as the motivating factor behind the inevitable move toward tribalism?
Why do you see tribalism as inevitable in the apologetic community?
Some have argued online that tribalism merely flows from holding different methodological and theological viewpoints. How does tribalism differ from holding differing intellectual perspectives? How would you respond to said claim?
What do you find as the inherent dangers of tribalism in any Christian community, but especially the apologetic community?
How might we as apologists and Christians find solutions to the tribalism movement?
If the trajectory stays the same, what do you see as the end result of an apologetic community broken into tribes and cliques?
Do you have any words of encouragement that you would like to share with those who wish to combat this trend?

About the Guest

Mark Phillips is the Vice President of Academics and Professor at Tri-State Bible College. He earned his Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary and has earned masters degrees from Liberty University and Luther-Rice Seminary. Dr. Phillips is no stranger to the apologetics community, having served as a Ratio Christi Chapter Director at Marshall University and is actively engaged in several apologetics groups on social media. He often speaks at his church and is currently seeking ordination with his denomination.

About the Host

Brian G. Chilton earned his Doctor of Philosophy in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast and the founder of Bellator Christi. Brian 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); earned a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and plans to purse philosophical studies in the near future. He is also enrolled in Clinical Pastoral Education to better learn how to empower those around him. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society.

Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical hospice chaplain and serves as an interim pastor in northwestern North Carolina. Additionally, he serves as an editor for the Eleutheria Journal. At the prompting of the Lord, Brian established Bellator Christi Ministries in 2012. The ministry is aimed to provide readily available resources in theology, apologetics, biblical studies, and philosophy to those who want to know what Christianity teaches and why it should be believed. In 2019, Brian published his first book entitled the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. After finishing his Ph.D., Brian intends to publish more books. His areas of expertise include early Christology, early NT creeds, near-death experiences, biblical reliability, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and the need for empathy.

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

About the Guest

About the Host

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