Worldviews in Collision Asking Them Hard Questions

Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich Worldviews in Collision Asking Them Hard Questions 1 st Peter 3:15 "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." This series of courses is about answering difficult questions about Christianity. As disciples of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to be prepared to defend our faith. In this course we are going to take the initiative and ask questions of the unbeliever. Everyone has a worldview. Whether or not we realize it, we all have certain presuppositions and biases that affect the way we view all of life and reality. A worldview is like a set of lenses through which we perceive the world around us. Our worldview is formed by our education, our upbringing, the culture we live in, the books we read, the media and movies we absorb, etc. For many people their worldview is simply something they have absorbed from their surrounding cultural influences. They have never thought about what they believe and wouldn t be able to give a rational defense of their beliefs to others. Apologetics is what we have been studying in these courses. Apologetics means making a defense. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. I believe if they question our faith, we can respond by asking questions of our own. Our idea is that no view of the nature of things can stand up to scrutiny except the Christian Worldview, because it is the only one that is the truth. We need to take the offensive without being offensive. Most of the atheist questions and associated dialogs in these courses came from a several month long conversation with about three dozen atheists I found on the internet in 2007. I have been alert ever since for something new from the atheist camp, but I have not seen anything. Please let me know if you know of some new kind of attack other than endless attempts to find non-existent contradictions in the Bible. LESSONS 1 God Gives Meaning to Life 2 The Spiritual World 3 Existence of Ethics 4 Existence of the Universe 5 Law Implies Lawgiver 6 Textual Problems 7 Universal Law 8 Unexpected Speaker 9 Odd Congregation 10 Intolerant of the Truth 11 Offended by Violence 12 Elijah or John? 13 Swords 14 Role of Women 15 Homosexuality 16 Divine Terrorism? Suggested methodology for each lesson: 1. Fellowship (Save most of this for the end of class.) 2. Take prayer requests (Try to keep it from becoming a competition to see who has the most or the worst.) 3. Pray (The idea here is to leave our troubles with God so we can give His word our attention with a clear mind.) 4. Read the lesson s text (if any) aloud from the Bible. ( or a few verses at a time as you answer the questions.) 5. Answer and briefly discuss the fill in the blank questions. (Let those who prefer to listen, listen. My answers on the next page are just one opinion; you may have a better answer if it is based on Scripture.) 6. On the thought questions everyone should take a few minutes to pray over them and jot down their own thoughts before the discussion. This will give the Holy Spirit a time to speak. 7. Discuss your answers. (Never force anyone to share theirs. As with the other questions, my answer is just one more opinion; you may have a better answer.) 8. Close in prayer (It is best to call on others to pray, but try to get their permission ahead of time.) 9. Fellowship (Leave this as open ended as possible for the time and place you meet.) The amount of time each lesson might take varies widely with this course. It depends on the number of students and how engaged they are in the process. You might finish several lessons in a single meeting or struggle to finish one. There are several "extra" questions with the first five lessons that should enhance the discussion if needed. These are questions I asked atheists and got no answer. Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 1

Copyright Information All content of this training course not attributed to others is copyrighted, including questions, formatting, and explanatory text. Copyright 2018 by Thor F. Carden. All rights reserved. Course Logo and Other Illustrations by Troy Cunningham Copyright 2014 by Troy Cunningham. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://www.lovebiblestudy.com/troy/art.htm Illustrations by Jeff Larson Copyright 2000-2018. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://www.thebackpew.com Illustrations by Michael D Waters Copyright 2006-2018. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://www.joyfultoons.com Quotes from GotQuestions.org Copyright 2002-2018 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. NASB or NASV (New American Standard Bible) Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. NIV (New International Version) Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible ) Some scripture may come from Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. ----------------- PRICE INFMATION ----------------- This material is provided at no cost. You have permission to print and copy these course materials as much as you like as long as you keep the contents intact with the copyright information on this page. You do not have permission to copy the art work and embed it in other material. Other free Bible courses are available at http://www.lovebiblestudy.com Additional Reading These lessons are designed for small groups or individuals to use without reference to other materials besides the Bible. However, a lot more could be gained if those involved would do some additional reading between class meetings. (See http://lovebiblestudy.com/cc/library.htm) We plan to provide specific recommendations with each course at http://lovebiblestudy.com/tls/adjunct/ We also hope to be making specific chapter recommendations from various Christian books that have helped us in our understanding of apologetics, but are not entirely about the topic of the course. Such as these books which would make good companions for this entire series of courses. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis I Don t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek The Case for series of books by Lee Strobel Cold Case Christianity, God s Crime Scene, and Forensic Faith 3 books by J. Warner Wallace This particular course was developed after reading this book: Tactics; a Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl 2 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 1 God Gives Meaning to Life Read these scriptures and answer the associated question: (1A) Psalm 37:4 What will God give us if we delight in Him? (1B) Ecclesiastes 3:11 What has He set in our heart? (1C) Jeremiah 29:11 What does He plan for us? (1D) Matthew 16:24-25 What will we find if we die for His sake? (1E) John 10:10 What kind of life does He want us to have? (1F) John 14:6 Who is Jesus? (1G) Revelation 21:3-4 Christian Question: We thirst and there is water. We hunger and there is food. We desire meaning in life and there is God. How could a desire come into existence for which there is nothing to fulfill it? (1H) What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer this question? Think & Pray (1I) How would you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Think & Pray Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 3

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 1 God Gives Meaning to Life (1A) Psalm 37:4 What will God give us if we delight in Him? The desires of our heart (1B) Ecclesiastes 3:11 What has He set in our heart? Eternity (1C) Jeremiah 29:11 What does He plan for us? A future and a hope (1D) Matthew 16:24-25 What will we find if we die for His sake? Life (1E) John 10:10 What kind of life does He want us to have? An abundant life (1F) John 14:6 Who is Jesus? The way, the truth and the life (1G) Revelation 21:3-4 What will He wipe away? Every tear from our eyes (1H) Atheist's Actual Response: "A god does not add meaning to life. An eternity spent singing psalms in heaven is the most meaningless future I can imagine. The argument from desires is absurd. Human life is filled with desires with no viable satisfaction." How would you answer his response? Suppose that instead he had responded something like this: "I don't need God to give my life meaning. I have a family and a rewarding profession." How would you answer this response? (1I) My Actual Answer: (To the first response above.) The Atheist "asserts my argument is absurd but offers no evidence that it is. He asserts a god does not add meaning to life, when I know from personal experience that He does. My life was so difficult I was in a suicidal depression until I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Decades later my life is even more difficult and I rejoice in the Lord. I have never suggested that eternity will be spent singing psalms in heaven, but" the Atheist "insists on inviting his straw men to every discussion we have. He asserts that 'human life is filled with desires with no viable satisfaction,' but he offers not a single example of one." How could I have wrapped this truth in a love sandwich? Possible answer to the second response above: "What about people that have neither a family or a rewarding profession, or perhaps even a job? Are you suggesting they are meaningless?" Other questions I have asked atheists but without a rational response: [1j] Question: 1 Has anyone ever heard a story like this one? "I was a drifting drunk and drug addict. I lost every loving relationship I had in my life. Then I became an atheist and it turned my life around." I don't think so. [1k] Question: I know a man whose only hope is that maybe instead of being executed in the electric chair, he will be allowed to live in prison the rest of his life. What should I say to him? Please advise me. How would atheism help him? [1L] Question: I met a man in jail this week. All that remained of his dreams were painful memories. What should I have said to him? How would atheism help him? [1m] Question: I met a widow recently, who is dying of cancer. Her only living relatives are three young children. What should I have said to her? How would atheism help her? 4 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 2 The Spiritual World Read these scriptures and answer the associated question: (2A) Gen 28:12 Where was the top of the ladder? (2B) 2 Kings 6:15-17 What kind of chariots did they see? (2C) Isaiah 66:1 What is the Lord's throne? (2D) Daniel 10:13 Who helped the angel in his struggle? (2E) Matt 10:28 Who should we fear? (2F) John 17:14 Of what is Jesus not a part? (2G) Acts 7:48 49 Where does the Most Hight not dwell? (2H) Eph 6:12 Where are the spiritual forces of wickedness? (2I) Rev 10:1-3 What was on his head? Christian Question: "Why is there almost universal belief in the spiritual world?" (2J) What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer this question? Think & Pray (2K) How would you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Think & Pray Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 5

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 2 The Spiritual World (2A) Gen 28:12 Where was the top of the ladder? Heaven (2B) 2 Kings 6:15-17 What kind of chariots did they see? Chariots of fire (2C) Isaiah 66:1 What is the Lord's throne? Heaven (2D) Daniel 10:13 Who helped the angel in his struggle? Michael (2E) Matt 10:28 Who should we fear? Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (2F) John 17:14 Of what is Jesus not a part? The world (2G) Acts 7:48 49 Where does the Most Hight not dwell? Houses made with hands (2H) Eph 6:12 Where are the spiritual forces of wickedness? Heavenly places (2I) Rev 10:1-3 What was on his head? A rainbow (2J) Atheist's Actual Response: "Touché. Consider this one: Why are spiritual beliefs currently disappearing in the more civilized societies?" How would you respond to this? Instead of side-stepping the question he might have said something like, "Just because someone believes in something superstitious, like a rabbit's foot bringing luck, does not mean that the rabbit's foot actually has any power." How would you respond to this? (2K) My Actual Answer: (to the first response above) "I am not aware of spiritual beliefs disappearing in the more civilized societies. I am not really sure what you mean by "civilized." In the United States and Western Europe Christianity is losing ground to Moslems, Hindus, and a variety of pagan cults. In China, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and most of the so-called third world, Christianity is on the rise. The Moslem countries are remaining solidly Moslem, although there are some signs they be weakening. What are you talking about?" Possible answer to the second response above: "Yes, you cannot determine truth by counting noses, but I think you missed the point of my question. In well educated societies where knowledge of the scientific method is well known spirituality is growing. Doesn't that make you wonder?" Other questions I have asked atheists but without a rational response: [2L] Question: I met a woman the other day who could not stop weeping for hours at a time. What should I have said to her? How could atheism help her? [2m] Question: If the Bible was just written by ordinary men how do you account for the fulfilled prophecy in it? [2n] Question: The hospital where I volunteer is opening a new section. They call it a hospice. People go there to die. Usually they are enduring long, lingering, painful, deaths. I may get the chance to speak with them as well. If I do, what should I say to them? Please advise me. How can atheism help? [2o] Question: If you were standing up in front of a bunch of men who are incarcerated, waiting to stand trial for serious felonies, what could you tell them that would help them? I speak to them every week. Please, advise me. (One atheist tried to suggest they just confess and save us all the cost of a trial. I found his presumption of their guilt before a trial very offensive.) 6 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 3 Existence of Ethics Read these scriptures and answer the associated question: (3A) Judges 17:6 What did people do? (3B) 1 Kings 3:9 What did Solomon pray for? (3C) Psalm 34:14 Depart from what? (3D) Proverbs 15:3 Who sees when evil is done? (3E) Proverbs 16:25 The way that seems right ends how? (3F) Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil what? (3G) John 8:32 What sets us free? (3H) 2 Corinthians 13:7 How do we avoid wrong and do right? (3I) 1 Peter 3:17 Regardless of the consequences it is always better to do what? (3J) Hebrews 5:14 What have they trained their senses to do? (3K) 3 John 1:11 The one who does evil has not seen who? Christian Question: "On what basis can we make sound ethical decisions and convince our children to do the same?" (3L) What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer this question? Think & Pray (3M) How would you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Think & Pray Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 7

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 3 Existence of Ethics (3A) Judges 17:6 What did people do? Whatever seemed right in their own eyes (3B) 1 Kings 3:9 What did Solomon pray for? Wisdom to discern good and evil (3C) Psalm 34:14 Depart from what? Evil (3D) Proverbs 15:3 Who sees when evil is done? The eyes of the Lord (3E) Proverbs 16:25 The way that seems right ends how? In death (See also Prov 14:12) (3F) Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil what? Good (3G) John 8:32 What sets us free? The truth (3H) 2 Corinthians 13:7 How do we avoid wrong and do right? Pray for God's help (3I) 1 Peter 3:17 Regardless of the consequences it is always better to do what? Right (3J) Hebrews 5:14 What have they trained their senses to do? Discern good and evil (3K) 3 John 1:11 The one who does evil has not seen who? God (3L) Atheist's Actual Response: "Ethical decisions are based on goals. (Which goal you want to achieve is up to you; that's what freedom is for.) The most efficient way to reach a goal without producing adverse consequences that might later render the goal useless turns out to be the best choice. This seems like something Machiavelli would endorse, but a convincing case can be made that absolute selfishness often yields counterproductive results. When educating children, show them what works and what doesn't. Practical example is the best teacher." How would you respond to this? Another response often heard is "Ethics are simply the norms of the cultural around you. If you expose your children to the best your culture has to offer, they will adopt the same norms." How would you respond to this? (3M) My Actual Answer: (to the first response above) "On what rational basis can you possibly claim that "ethical decisions are based on goals?" Yes, Machiavelli would indeed be quite comfortable with your ethics, or lack thereof. I would be very interested in hearing you make the case that 'absolute selfishness often yields counterproductive results.' I thought ethics was part of what you used to choose your goals. Here we have the 'what works' idea being offered again. When it came up before, you never could give me any criteria to use in determining whether it was working or not." Possible answer to the second response above: "So you would have been one of those people in Nazi Germany who turned a blind eye to the concentration camps. Or maybe you would have joined the SS. That was considered normal too. How could we possibly prosecute anyone for war crimes if ethics are based on what seems normal to the people around you?" I find ethical relativism like this repugnant, and have a difficult time not letting my contempt show when I run into people who support it. Other questions I have asked atheists but without a rational response: [3n] Question: I minister in a jail and a mental hospital. A decade or two ago I would not have been allowed in those places. The administrations let us come, not because they believe a word of what we preach, in fact, I think they do not. They let us come because, as a practical matter, it helps them better manage patients and inmates. How do you explain that? [3n] Question: If the universe is evil, how is it you even know what is good? Your awareness of evil is evidence for the existence of God, isn't it? 8 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 4 Existence of the Universe Read these scriptures and answer the associated question: (4A) Gen 1:1 What did God create? (4B) Gen 1:2 Who was present at creation? (4C) Gen 1:26 Are the pronouns singular (one Person) or plural (multiple Persons)? (4D) Gen 2:4 Who made the earth and the heavens? (4E) Isaiah 45:11-12 Who made the earth, and created man upon it. (4F) Psalm 19:1-6 What do the heavens declare? (4G) Mark 13:19 Who made the world? (4H) John 1:3 What came into being or existence through the Word? (4I) Eph 3:9 Who created all things? (4J) Heb 11:3 how was the universe created? Christian Question: "If the Cosmological Argument (There must be a first cause.) does not demonstrate God, how do you account for the universe?" (4K) What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer this question? Think & Pray (4L) How would you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Think & Pray Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 9

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 4 Existence of the Universe (4A) Gen 1:1 What did God create? The heavens and the earth (4B) Genesis 1:2 Who was present at creation? The Spirit (4C) Genesis 1:26 Are the pronouns singular (one Person) or plural (multiple Persons)? Plural (4D) Genesis 2:4 Who made the earth and the heavens? the Lord God (4E) Isaiah 45:11-12 Who made the earth, and created man upon it. The Lord (4F) Psalms 19:1-6 What do the heavens declare? the glory of God (4G) Mark 13:19 Who made the world? God (4H) John 1:3 What came into being or existence through the Word? Everything (4I) Ephesians 3:9 Who created all things? God (4J) Hebrews 11:3 how was the universe created? by God's command (4K) Atheist's Actual Response: "The cosmological argument is no help. You would still be left with the task of explaining where God came from. Rather than answering the question, it only brings it back one step and leaves it at that. The cosmological argument is not an explanation, but an evasion of the problem. How do I account for the universe? I wish I knew. Do you?" How would you respond to this? (4L) My Actual Answer: "I understand the universe to be the creation of God. I am pleased to see you admit ignorance about something. That means you might still be open to learning something, all other evidence being to the contrary." Clearly, I could have been nicer. This might be better: "The cosmological argument states that there must be something outside the universe of causes and effects that caused the first effect. God does not need a cause. He is the uncaused first cause of everything." Then I think I would ask him what evidence would convince him of God's existence. Other questions I have asked atheists but without a rational response: [4m] Question: You claim you denounce the Bible publicly in order to help people. I still do not understand what motivates atheists to want to help people. Why are you discussing this with me at all? What do you hope to gain by it? What I do not understand is why you care what I believe? What possible difference could it make to you? As I mentioned earlier, I agree with your basic proposition about how damaging "religious" organizations can be in some cases, but I think you are throwing the baby out with the bath water. [4n] Question: If you were standing up in front of a bunch of people who were being cared for in an institution because they had exhibited potentially harmful behaviors, such as attempted suicide or drug addiction, what could you tell them that would help them? I speak to them every week. Please, advise me. [4o] Question: You accuse the early church of removing and adding things to the Bible. We have the same Bible they did in the first century. They would have had to change thousands of copies. How would such a thing be possible? 10 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 5 Law Implies Lawgiver Read these scriptures and answer the associated question: (5A) Exodus 20:1-17. What is this passage called? (5B) Deut 6:1-2 If they kept His statutes and commandments what happened? (5C) Joshua 24:24 What did the people promise to obey? (5D) Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? (5E) Matt 7:12. This verse, (A.K.A. the Golden Rule) is called what 2 things? (5F) Mark 12:28-31. Who are the two we are supposed to love? (5G) John 3:36 What happens to the one who does not obey the Son? (5H) Acts 5:29 They decided to obey Who instead of men? Christian Question: "If the moral law does not imply a law giver, where did the idea come from that there is such a thing as morals?" (5I) What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer this question? Think & Pray (5J) How would you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Think & Pray Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 11

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 5 Law Implies Lawgiver (5A) Exodus 20:1-17. What is this passage called? The Ten Commandments (5B) Deut 6:1-2 If they kept His statutes and commandments what happened? They lived longer (5C) Joshua 24:24 What did the people promise to obey? The Lord's voice (5D) Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it by God's word (5E) Matt 7:12. This verse, (A.K.A. the Golden Rule) is called what 2 things? Law & Prophets (5F) Mark 12:28-31. Who are the two we are supposed to love? God and our neighbors (5G) John 3:36 What happens to the one who does not obey the Son? Does not see life (5H) Acts 5:29 They decided to obey Who instead of men? God (5I) Atheist's Actual Response: "The requirements of our survival as a group of thinking individuals, all with different and conflicting interests, moved us to make increasingly more complicated agreements (from taboos to decalogues to codes to decrees to constitutions) so we don't bash each other's head over what to have for dinner." How would you respond to this? Another answer I have heard goes something like this: "The powerful invented the idea or morals to make it easier to control the weak." How would you respond to this? (5J) My Actual Answer: (to the first response above) "You offered a theory explaining the development of morals over time. That was not the question. The question was where did the idea of morals originate?" Possible answer to the second response above: "What makes you think this? Even if it is true, it doesn't seem to have worked. Every time a tyrant becomes too much of a bully people band together and get rid of him. Sometimes it takes a while. As the founding fathers said "all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.' Declaration of Independence." Other questions I have asked atheists but without a rational response: [5k] Question: "If Jesus is wrong about being the only way, we cannot call him a prophet or wise man, or perhaps even a good man. Are you saying Jesus was stupid?" [5L] Questions: You say a good God cannot exist because evil exists. So, which is it? Is He evil or not existent? (a) If the former then, without God, what is your basis for deciding was is evil, and what is not? (b) If the latter, what is your evidence that He does not exist? [5m] Question: You say because there are ways to construe the Bible to mean contradictory things it can not be believed. There are ways to construe the Bible so that it can be understood as non-contradictory. Why don't you believe it? 12 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 6 Textual Problems Atheist's Attack: If the Bible was God's word, then why would it have so many really obvious textual problems? Matthew 17:21 doesn't even exist in some old versions. That is just one of thousands of problems. A perfect God had nothing to do with the Bible. [6A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [6B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [6C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [6C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [6D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [6E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 13

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 6 Textual Problems [6A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? 2 Peter 1:16 "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." [6B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? "Errors" in the Bible do not necessarily mean God made errors. And as 2 Peter 1:16 suggests to me, textual problems do not keep the Bible from being testimony that would hold up in court. [6C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My actual response: Yes, textual problems are real. You claim that since the facts about the Bible do not agree with your view of perfection either God and/or His book must be flawed. There is another possibility. Your idea of what a perfect person would, and would not do, could be flawed. How do you know what a perfect being would do? Have you ever met one? [6C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? What makes you think there are thousands of errors? [6D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? Atheist's Actual Response: (To my C1) Since the Bible contains mistakes it could not be the work of God unless you believe God could make mistakes. Is that what you are saying? [6E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? My Actual Answer: "God does not make mistakes. If I am playing chess with someone and notice that on my next move, I can take his queen with my pawn I have to ask myself, 'Is it a mistake or is it a queen sacrifice designed to lure me into a losing position?' What we perceive as mistakes can only be understood as mistakes if we also understand the intention of the person who took the action or said the words. In this particular case, textual difficulties in the Bible, you see them as mistakes because the information does not agree exactly word for word, letter for letter. I see it as God allowing multiple witnesses to testify to the truth in the normal everyday way. The points I made above were never addressed. Let me put it another way. If meeting with your approval is required for God to exist how could you ever come to know about Him if, in fact, He is different than you expect?" How could I have wrapped this truth in a love sandwich? Perhaps better would have been: "It is only a mistake if it was not what He hand in mind. How do you know the textual 'problems' are not what He expected to happen to a Bible in human hands?" 14 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 7 Universal Law Atheist's Attack: "There no absolute laws that would apply for all people, places and times in the universe. Give me just one example of a law or rule that applies in all situations." [7A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [7B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [7C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [7C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [7D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [7E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 15

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 7 Universal Law [7A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? I considered a number of commands, particularly the 10 commandments, the golden rule, and the two great commandments. Any of them would do. I settled on Matthew 22:35-40. [7B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? This is a symptom of a modern issue of relative vs. absolute truth. Many unbelievers will say things like, "That may be true for you, but not for me." Their idea is that truth changes with time, personality and circumstances - relative truth. I believe the truth is by definition those things that do not change - absolute truth. [7C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My actual response: "I'll give you two examples. Matthew 22:35-40. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself." I should have asked him why he asked the question. [7C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? If I do, will you obey it? [7D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? Atheist's actual answer: (To my C1) "In all times? Really? Let's speculate. Just as a rhetorical exercise, would it do any good for people already condemned in hell to pray to god or start loving their fellow damned?" [7E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? My actual response: "You do not believe in hell. Why are you bringing it up?" Possibly better response: "It applies to people in hell because they are suffering the consequences of not obeying it." 16 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 8 Unexpected Speaker Atheist Attack: Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? [8A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [8B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [8C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [8C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [8D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [8E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 17

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 8 Unexpected Speaker [8A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? I thought of Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22:22-35 but could not think of a way to make it pertinent to the discussion right away. [8B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? It is just a silly question. It is being used to imply that the Genesis account is not the truth because the people do not act "normal". It was paradise before the fall. We simply don't know enough about the context to rightly judge Adam and Eve's reactions to what they encountered. [8C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? What makes you sure animals didn't normally talk before the fall? [8C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? What an interesting question. What made you think of that? [8D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? To my C1 question he might have said, "The bible doesn't say they lost their power of speech. Surely you don't think animals can talk? Is your horse named Mr. Ed?" To my C2 question he might have said, "They were not acting like normal people would. It adds to the evidence showing it is not a true story." [8E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? To his C1 response I might say, "Balaam had a talking donkey. A zoo taught an ape sign language. Bees communicate. It is not out of the question." To his C2 response I might say, "They weren't 'normal' people and they were not in a 'normal' situation. Perhaps they had only existed a day or two and had no idea whether it was normal for serpents to talk or not." 18 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 9 Odd Congregation Atheist Attack: Jesus wants us to preach to animals - Mark 16:15 Jesus said: Preach the gospel to every creature... What? Jesus said for you to preach the gospel to fleas, maggots, cats, and Great White Sharks, too? Are they not "creatures"? Does Jesus' order qualify to be a lie? [9A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [9B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [9C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [9C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [9D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [9E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 19

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 9 Odd Congregation [9A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Also Ez 37 when he prophesied over the dry bones, Jeremiah 12 where the land groans because of the sins of the people, and Romans 8 where all creation groans. [9B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? It is a silly question and he asks many questions to be deliberately annoying and insulting or perhaps to intimidate. The next verse makes it clear who He expects to listen to the gospel. [9C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My Actual Response: If you read it in context you realize it means preach to creatures that have the ability to believe something. As far as I know, only human beings qualify. It might have been better to ask, "Are there any creatures besides humans that can understand the gospel message?" [9C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? What makes you think He was talking about animals here? Rocks and plants are also part of creation. Do you think He also meant rocks and plants? [9D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? To my C1 question he might have said, "No, animals cannot comprehend language. Which is why it was stupid to tell them to preach to 'every creature'." To my C2 question he might have said, "Rocks and trees aren't creatures. But maybe he was talking about them too. After all, what he said made no sense." [9E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? To his C1 response I might say, "In Jeremiah 12:4 the land groans because of people's sin. In Romans 8:22-23 all creation groans in pain awaiting the renewal of all things. Maybe all creation does need to hear the gospel. I know we do. You do know Jesus Christ died for our sins, and was raised from the dead to show we have been redeemed. Do you believe this?" To his C2 response I might say, "We cannot comprehend everything that God does. In Ezekiel 37 the prophet is told to preach to the dry bones. That would be like preaching to animals who cannot comprehend and rocks which cannot hear. When the prophet preached, the bones came to life even though they were dead and could not hear. It was God that gave them life, not the preaching. Preaching to the gospel to the lost is a lot like that. I pray that God will use something I am saying to you to help you be born into eternal life. What is keeping you from accepting this good news?" 20 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 10 Intolerant of the Truth Atheist Attack: It is arrogant, intolerant, and offensive for you to insist the Bible is God's word. (This atheist has a website of his own totally dedicated to attacking the Bible.) [10A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [10B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [10C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [10C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [10D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [10E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 21

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 10 Intolerant of the Truth [10A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? John 8:45-46 (Jesus said) "But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?" [10B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? It is mostly just insults. It is the truth that offends him, as it does all liars. [10C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My Response: "If having people insist the Bible is the word of God is offensive to you, why do you post a website practically begging us to do just that? Why do you then engage us in a discussion? Just to make sure you are offended over and over again?" Perhaps better would have been: "I'm confused. Why is it offensive for me to insist the Bible is God's word, but it is not offensive for you to insist it is not God's word?" [10C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? I don't understand. Why does it offend you for someone to believe differently than you? [10D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? To my final C1 question he might have said, "What is offensive is you trying to force your beliefs on me." To my C2 question he might have said, "People are free to believe as they like as far as I'm concerned. What bothers me is all the Christians running around trying to establish a theocracy." [10E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? To his C1 response I might say, "I'm sorry. I thought I was just giving you information and trying to be a little bit persuasive. I had no idea you felt threatened. It is the Bible that claims to be God's word. I just agree with it. It says it is God speaking hundreds of times. What else are we to believe?" To his C2 response I might say, "I would not like a theocracy. The politicians we have are bad enough without them thinking they speak for God, or are gods. The Bible says hundreds of times that God is speaking. What makes you think it is lying?" 22 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 11 Offended by Violence Atheist Attack: "God is Evil: Hosea 13:16 'Samaria has rebelled against God. They shall fall by the sword, their little ones shall be dashed to pieces, their expectant mothers shall be ripped open.' So, if you are a practicing believer, is this the God you hold sacred in your heart? Yes or no? Would you dutifully obey and rip expectant mothers open and dash their little ones to pieces? How would you respond if God ordered others to do this to your family? Is this the god you worship?" [11A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [11B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [11C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [11C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [11D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [11E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 23

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 11 Offended by Violence [11A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? Hosea 14. The prophet begs them to repent so the prophecies will not be fulfilled. [11B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? Term confusion - prophecy is not a command. He uses many questions, some of them loaded, to intimidate and confuse. [11C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My Actual; Response: "Yes, He is the one. God does not use His people for such tasks. Satan's followers are the ones who do it. A Russian soldier did that very thing to cousin of mine in Hungary. Nasty." Perhaps better: "Do you think the next chapter of Hosea gives this verse a context that clarifies its meaning differently than how you have taken it?" [11C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? What makes you think God is commanding me to do such a thing? [11D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? To my C1 question he might have said, "Not really. It just makes it clear that disobedience to god's tyranny gives him the excuse he needs to kill, torture, and destroy." To my C2 question he might have said, "He told them to torture and kill. It applies to you as well." [11E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? To his C1 response I might say, ""If you read the next chapter, I think you will find God is warning them what will happen if they do not repent and He removes His hand of protection keeping the savage barbarians away from them. He loves them and is trying to help them. Hosea 14:9 says, 'Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.' What do you think that verse means?" To his C2 response I might say, "Who do you mean by 'them'? I can't find any such command. My understanding is that we are supposed to love each other. What's wrong with that?" 24 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 12 Elijah or John? Atheist Attack: "In Matthew 11:12-14 Jesus said: John the Baptist is Elijah but in John 1:21 John the Baptist said he was not Elijah. Who lied - John the Baptist or Jesus Christ? Do you acknowledge and confirm that according to these two Bible verses, either Jesus Christ or John the Baptist lied?" [12A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [12B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [12C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [12C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [12D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [12E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 25

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 12 Elijah or John? [12A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? The angel who foretold John's birth explained it in Luke 1:16-17 "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [12B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? John was being literal, Jesus was being figurative. [12C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My actual response: "Matthew 11:14 actually says, 'And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.' Jesus said, 'If you are willing to accept it.' If you are not willing to accept it, don't. What's the problem?" Perhaps better: "What do you think the angel meant in Luke 1:16-17?" [12C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? Are you sure they are talking about the same thing? [12D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? To final my C1 question he might have said, "Oh, yet another contradiction! Jesus says John is Elijah. John says he is not. Now we have some apparition or hallucination saying he is 'in the spirit and power of Elijah.' Everywhere you look in the Bible is another contradiction." To my C2 question he might have said, "Elijah means Elijah. John means John. Yes, same thing." [12E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? To his C1 response I might say, "The angel and Jesus are saying the same exact thing. They are speaking figuratively, while John's denial is literal. Isn't this a possible and reasonable explanation?" To his C2 response I might say, "Why don't we look up all the places where it talks about John and Elijah in the New Testament. I'm sure we can sort this out." It would probably do not good to say that this is about types and prophecy and how they interrelate. John the Baptist is a "type" of Elijah not the actual fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6. I believe the fulfillment will come when the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:1-3 appear. My speculation is that they will be Elijah and Enoch. Not going to get into that with an unbeliever. 26 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich

Lesson 13 Swords Atheist Attack: Matthew contradicts himself: Matt. 10:34 "I came not to send peace but a sword" contradicts Matt. 26:52 "Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword." [13A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? [13B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? [13C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? [13C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? [13D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? [13E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? Course Title (Revised 1/5/219) 27

------------------------------------ SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS ------------------------------------ (Your answers do not have to match exactly.) Lesson 13 Swords [13A] Does a particular Bible verse or passage come to mind as you consider the above? What? The context of Matthew 10:34 and Matthew 26:52. [13B] What is the main error in the unbeliever's thinking? He is taking a figure of speech literally? [13C1] If you identified an important mistake what question can you ask that exposes this flaw to scrutiny? My Actual Response: "In Matt 10:34 sword is a figure of speech. In Matt 26:52 sword is meant literally." Perhaps better would have been to ask if he thought it was the same kind of sword in both passages. [13C2] If you don't see anything wrong right away, what question can you ask to buy time and/or gain more information? That sure looks contradictory, doesn't it? Let's look closely at the context and see if we can figure it out. OK? [13D] What are some of the ways you think an unbeliever might answer your question? Atheist Actual Retort: (To my C1) "The shifting nature of the sword does not improve Jesus' ambiguous stance on violence." [13E] How will you respond to the answers an unbeliever is most likely to use? My Actual Response: "Shifting the topic of discussion to your pet peeves, while at the same time making unsupported assertions, in no way demonstrates any inaccuracy in the Bible." (he was a militant pacifist, and I was tired of hearing it interjected in every exchange.) 28 Serving the Truth in a Love Sandwich