Unit Title: Archeology and Christian Apologetics

Unit Overview: This unit will explore the role of archeology in Christian apologetics. Students will learn about the importance of archeological discoveries in verifying the historical accuracy of the Bible and defending the Christian faith. They will also examine the challenges and controversies surrounding archeological research and its relationship to faith.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of archeology in Christian apologetics
2. Analyze the historical accuracy of the Bible through archeological evidence
3. Evaluate the challenges and controversies surrounding archeological research and its relationship to faith
4. Develop critical thinking skills in interpreting archeological evidence and its implications for Christian apologetics

Lesson 1: Introduction to Archeology and Christian Apologetics - Define archeology and its relationship to Christian apologetics - Discuss the importance of archeological discoveries in verifying the historical accuracy of the Bible - Explore the challenges and controversies surrounding archeological research and its relationship to faith

Lesson 2: Archeological Evidence for the Bible - Analyze archeological evidence that supports the historical accuracy of the Bible - Discuss the significance of archeological discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Tel Dan Stele, and the Pool of Siloam - Evaluate the implications of archeological evidence for Christian apologetics

Lesson 3: Archeological Challenges to the Bible - Examine archeological evidence that challenges the historical accuracy of the Bible - Discuss controversies surrounding archeological research and its relationship to faith - Evaluate the implications of archeological challenges for Christian apologetics

Lesson 4: Interpreting Archeological Evidence - Develop critical thinking skills in interpreting archeological evidence - Analyze the limitations and biases of archeological research - Discuss the implications of archeological evidence for Christian apologetics

Lesson 5: Archeology and Faith - Explore the relationship between archeology and faith - Discuss the limitations and possibilities of archeological evidence in supporting faith - Evaluate the implications of archeology for Christian apologetics

Assessment: - Research paper analyzing the historical accuracy of the Bible through archeological evidence - Class discussion evaluating the challenges and controversies surrounding archeological research and its relationship to faith - Critical analysis of archeological evidence and its implications for Christian apologetics

Resources: - The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman - The Archaeology of the Bible by James K. Hoffmeier - The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel - The Archaeology of the New Testament: The Life of Jesus and the Beginning of the Early Church by Jack Finegan