MINISTRY 3 3THIS COURSE WILL HELP THE STUDENT OBEY I PETER 3:15-16, WHICH SAYS THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU, WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR IN THIS CONVERSATIONAL STYLE APOLOGETICS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL LEARN HOW TO DEFEND HIS FAITH TO ANYONE WHO HOLDS ANY NON-CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW. DEFENDING THE FAITH TABLE OF CONTENTS COURSE OBJECTIVES...4 PART 1: 2 WORLDVIEWS THAT REJECT LOGIC/COHERENCY...6 PART 2: NATURALISM...8 PART 3: POLYTHEISM...11 PART 4: PANTHEISM...14 PART 5: ISLAM...17 PART 6: JUDAISM...21 PART 7: A REVIEW OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE COURSE...25 PART 8: CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEWS...26 PART 9: THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE...27 PART 10: THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE BIBLE...28 PART 11: LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE...32 PART 12: WHY SHOULD I ACCEPT THE GOSPEL?...34 MENTOR GUIDE
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course: defending the faith Description: This course will help the student obey I Peter 3:15-16, which says that we should always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear In this conversational style apologetics course, the student will learn how to defend his faith to anyone who holds any non-christian worldview. Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to Know and understand all of the world s major worldviews. Assess and categorize anyone s worldview in conversation. Give clear arguments why he does not believe in any of the other worldviews. Give reasonable support for belief in Christianity. Defend the authority and sufficiency of Scriptures Defend the literal/normal hermeneutic of Scripture. Be able to present the gospel in a gentle and respectful manner. Learning Inputs: 1. Attendance of course lectures 2. Completion of assigned reading Outcome Activities: 1. Complete Homework Assignments 2. Complete Final Project 3 DEFENDING THE FAITH
NOTES PARAGRAPH Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas leo dui, sodales quis nibh ut, posuere maximus COURSE nibh. Nunc OBJECTIVES sed sem sollicitudin, maximus odio at, interdum purus. Nullam fermentum sagittis ipsum at placerat. Phasellus pharetra orci purus, ut gravida ligula commodo id. Integer velit risus, tincidunt at (I PETER arcu eget, laoreet hendrerit 3:15) turpis. Donec sed ex finibus, vehicula risus eget, commodo diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non tincidunt dui. Curabitur in placerat erat. Aenean a erat vitae dui vulputate vulputate et eu odio. Morbi id mi bibendum, efficitur massa non, dapibus justo. Sed 1. Give clear REASONS why one should choose CHRISTIANITY as his worldview. sit amet velit non orci consequat accumsan. 2. Give clear evidence that all other worldviews are INCORRECT. 3. Be able to show an unbeliever why he should become a CHRISTIAN. Duis id ante ac dui scelerisque faucibus vitae vel turpis. 4. Be able to present the gospel in a GENTLE and RESPECTFUL way. Definitions: Sed egestas erat sit amet velit vestibulum, a lobortis risus ultrices. 1. Naturalist - A person who believes in a NATURAL explanation of the universe s origin. 2. Theist - A person who believes in a SUPERNATURAL explanation of the universe s origin, and that the cause is a PERSONAL God (or gods). 3. Deist - A theist who believes that God is not INVOLVED in the universe. He created it and left. 4. Monotheist - A theist who believes there Ut vel is ONLY lorem ONE ac quam GOD and ultrices that tempus he is indeed at sed involved mi. in the universe. 5. Polytheist - A person who believes there Morbi are in MULTIPLE mi eget gods. elit vestibulum faucibus. 6. Pantheist - A person who believes that Morbi everything quis elit that egestas, exists in maximus the universe lacus is quis, God, faucibus and that lectus. God is not PERSONAL. Aenean laoreet arcu luctus erat gravida pellentesque. 7. Atheist - A person who believes THERE IS NO GOD. Praesent eu turpis tempor, malesuada mi vel, gravida est. 8. Agnostic - A person who believes that the existence of God is IRRELEVANT because no one could know if He indeed existed. 9. Nihilist - Literally, a NOTHING-ist. He believes that there is no reasonable explanation for the existence of the universe. Phasellus in turpis commodo, ultrices ligula nec,. Integer eget arcu consectetur, tempor quam eget, iaculis libero. Nulla a nibh condimentum velit tristique faucibus eget ut lorem. Etiam lobortis erat quis quam dapibus, non laoreet sem laoreet. 64 DEFENDING section 1 TITLE THE FAITH
Diagram of all worldviews LEARNING OBJECTIVE 1 Donec sed ex finibus, vehicula risus eget, commodo diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non tincidunt dui. Curabitur in placerat erat. Aenean a erat vitae dui vulputate vulputate et eu odio. Morbi id mi bibendum, Logic efficitur or No Logic massa non, dapibus justo. Sed sit amet velit non (Coherency) orci consequat accumsan. Logical Reality Nam tempus tortor nec condimentum aliquam. Not a Logical Reality Etiam auctor tellus at augue porttitor, non elementum ex accumsan. In faucibus velit ac condimentum aliquet. Naturalism Supernaturalism 1. Proin luctus ipsum ac est lobortis porta. Existentialism 2. Maecenas tristique dolor id diam tristique, non convallis diam sodales. Nihilism 3. Pantheism Donec dapibus sem eget leo Polytheism commodo, sed faucibus felis Monotheism fermentum. 4. Ut sit amet lacus id est congue facilisis ac eget ligula. Islam Judaism Christianity 5. Aliquam id arcu ac magna venenatis euismod. LEARNING OBJECTIVE 2 Vivamus nibh eros, laoreet ac imperdiet ac, dignissim quis nisi. Vivamus nibh magna, ornare vel lobortis auctor, sollicitudin eu odio. Fusce eu erat aliquam, venenatis augue sit amet, malesuada lorem. Nulla vulputate venenatis pretium. Proin hendrerit placerat mi vitae ultricies. Duis elit sapien, interdum malesuada viverra a, porta ut arcu. Praesent sagittis nibh lectus, et ullamcorper purus pretium id. Etiam sagittis, nisi non varius dapibus, est ligula fringilla ex, quis tempor dui sem id tellus. AENEAN A ERAT VITAE DUI VULPUTATE VULPUTATE ET EU ODIO. MORBI ID MI BIBENDUM, EFFICITUR MASSA NON, DAPI- BUS JUSTO. SED SIT AMET VELIT NON ORCI CONSEQUAT ACCUMSAN. 5 DEFENDING 7 section THE 1 FAITH TITLE
NOTES PARAGRAPH Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas leo dui, sodales quis nibh ut, posuere maximus nibh. Nunc sed sem sollicitudin, maximus odio at, interdum purus. Nullam fermentum sagittis ipsum at placerat. Phasellus PART pharetra orci 1: purus, ut gravida ligula commodo id. Integer velit risus, tincidunt at arcu eget, laoreet hendrerit turpis. Donec sed ex finibus, vehicula risus eget, commodo diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non tincidunt dui. Curabitur in placerat erat. Aenean a erat vitae dui vulputate vulputate et eu odio. Morbi id mi bibendum, efficitur massa non, dapibus justo. Sed sit amet velit non orci consequat accumsan. 2 WORLDVIEWS THAT REJECT LOGIC/COHERENCY Presuppositions: Duis id ante ac dui scelerisque faucibus vitae vel turpis. Sed egestas erat sit Existentialist amet velit vestibulum, a lobortis risus ultrices. Nihilist Shared Presuppositions Nothing can logically explain my experiences. My experiences are all that I know exist. Since there is no such thing as coherent reality, the meaning of life can be found only in my experiences. Ut vel lorem ac quam ultrices tempus at sed mi. Since there is no such thing as coherent reality, nothing really matters. 1. Morbi in mi eget elit vestibulum faucibus. How to identify them: 2. Morbi quis elit egestas, maximus lacus quis, faucibus lectus. Existentialist 3. Aenean laoreet arcu luctus erat gravida pellentesque. Nihilist 4. Praesent eu turpis If it feels tempor, good, malesuada so it! mi vel, gravida est. Preoccupation with Death and Destruction It s OK if your view againstdicts mine; we can both be right. Sense of Hopelessness Negative outlook on life. There are no answers, just impressions. Phasellus in turpis commodo, ultrices ligula nec,. There is no Afterlife. Often results in suicide. Before judging A. Integer them eget prematurely, arcu consectetur, let s read tempor Ecclesiastes quam eget, 1. iaculis libero. Ecclesiastes B. Nulla 1 a nibh condimentum velit tristique faucibus eget ut lorem. Nothing C. makes Etiam sense! lobortis Everything erat quis quam is nonsense. dapibus, I have non laoreet seen it all nothing sem laoreet. makes sense! What is there to show for all of our hard work here on this earth? People come, and people go, but still the world never changes. The sun comes up, the sun goes down; it hurries right back to where it started from. All of life is far more boring than words could ever say. Our eyes and our ears are never satisfied with what we see and hear. Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun. - Solomon 86 section DEFENDING 1 TITLE THE FAITH
3 2 Observations: (1) Nihilism is the most accurate worldview *under the sun. * Under the sun means everything tangible, without taking into account the supernatural. (2) Logic will cause a person to accept the truth of the Bible, or it will cause him to lose all sense of the meaning of life. COURSE DESCRIPTION PARAGRAPH Lorem ipsum dolor sit The Argument against Existentialism amet, consectetur and Nihilism adipiscing (Non-realism): elit. Maecenas leo dui, sodales quis nibh ut, posuere maximus nibh. Nunc sed sem sollicitudin, In short... Experience affirms Coherency. maximus odio at, interdum purus. Nullam fermentum sagittis (1) Start with their experiences. ipsum (At least at placerat. you both Phasellus agree that pharetra experiences orci purus, exist.) ut gravida ligula commodo id. Integer velit risus, tincidunt at arcu eget, (2) In our experiences, coherence laoreet is considered hendrerit turpis. normal, Donec while sed incoherence ex finibus, is vehicula considered risus abnormal. eget, commodo diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam Example: sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non tincidunt dui. Normally, 2 objects cannot hold Curabitur the same in placerat erat. the Aenean same time. a erat How vitae would dui vulputate you react if someone walked through the wall right vulputate now? You et would eu odio. assume Morbi it was id mi a bibendum, trick. The point efficitur is, our massa minds are bent on believing in coherence. non, dapibus justo. Sed sit amet velit non orci consequat accumsan. (3) When our experiences seem incoherent, the answer always lies in what we do not see/know. (4) Conclusion: Even though we cannot know or observe everything, we should still believe in the coherency of things. When something doesn t seem to make sense, we should assume that the answer lies in what we do not know. SECTION TITLE PAGE [Remember it is not the goal yet to lead the person to Christ; it s to help him be ready and willing to seek out answers in things they do not yet understand.] LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1 learning objective 2 learning objective 3 learning objective 4 learning objective 5 learning objective 6 learning objective 7 learning objective 7 DEFENDING THE FAITH
3PART 2: NATURALISM COURSE DESCRIPTION PARAGRAPH Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas leo dui, sodales The Effects of Naturalism: quis nibh ut, posuere maximus nibh. Nunc sed sem sollicitudin, maximus odio at, interdum purus. Nullam fermentum sagittis ipsum at placerat. Phasellus Goal pharetra orci purus, ut gravida Effect ligula commodo id. Integer velit risus, tincidunt at arcu eget, Origins To explain Creation by natural 1. Decline of personal laoreet hendrerit turpis. Donec sed ex finibus, vehicula risus eget, commodo means. accountability. diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non 2. tincidunt Man is no dui. longer responsible Curabitur in placerat erat. Aenean a erat vitae dui for vulputate his actions. Psychiatry vulputate To explain et eu odio. the Soul/Psyche Morbi id mi by bibendum, natural 1. efficitur The Soul massa is reduced to non, dapibus justo. Sed sit amet velit non orci consequat accumsan. means. biochemical actions and reactions. Politics / Ethics To base ethics on evolutionary 2. Man is an animal. doctrines to create a superior race. SECTION TITLE PAGE 3. Destroys the notion of SIN. 1. Mass murder of milliones is acceptable as it speeds up the evolutionary process. The Media 2. Survival of the Fittest is the only true ethic. To be free of any personal 1. Moral decline responsibility. 2. Increase of pains LEARNING OBJECTIVES associated by moral 1 learning decline. objective 2 learning objective With savages the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated. We civilized men, on the other hand, do our 3 learning objective utmost to check the process of elimination... There is reason to believe that vaccination has preserved thousands, who from a weak constitution would formerly have succumbed 4 learning to smallpox. objectivethus the weak members of society propogate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals 5 learning objective will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of men. 6 learning objective -Charles Darwin in The Descent of Man, 1871-7 learning objective 8 DEFENDING THE FAITH
3 Man, too, is an animal, and evidently has a bisexual disposition. -Sigmund Freud in Civilization and its Discontents, p.77 - Either the world will be governed according to the ideas of our modern democracy, or the world will be dominated by the natural right of force. In the latter case, those with brute strength will rise victorious. COURSE DESCRIPTION PARAGRAPH Lorem ipsum dolor sit -Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf - amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas leo dui, sodales Success is the only judge between quis nibh right ut, and posuere wrong. maximus nibh. Nunc sed sem sollicitudin, maximus odio at, interdum purus. Nullam fermentum sagittis -Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf - ipsum at placerat. Phasellus pharetra orci purus, ut gravida ligula commodo id. Integer velit risus, tincidunt at arcu eget, Show Design Argument video. laoreet hendrerit turpis. Donec sed ex finibus, vehicula risus Arguments against Naturalismeget, commodo diam. Integer pretium nulla lacinia diam sagittis, vel suscipit sapien congue. Duis non tincidunt dui. I. The Laws of Science demand Curabitur the Supernatural. in placerat erat. Aenean a erat vitae dui vulputate vulputate et eu odio. Morbi id mi bibendum, efficitur massa Starting Point Naturalism non, dapibus justo. Sed sit amet velit non orci consequat accumsan. Left with Science and Given Observation. Given Matter and Energy cannot be created or destroyed. However The universe we observe has both matter and motion (a form of energy) SECTION Therefore TITLE PAGE II. The Laws of Logic demand the Supernatural. The origin of the universe must be supernatural. Starting Point Given Given However Therefore Naturalism Every effect has a cause. LEARNING OBJECTIVES It s illogical to have an infinite regression of causes. 1 learning objective The original cause must have been a noncaused objective 2 learning effect. An effect without 3 learning a cause objective is not natural. It is supernatural. 4 learning objective 5 learning objective 6 learning objective 7 learning objective 9 DEFENDING THE FAITH
III. The Ethics of Naturalism contradict the Human Conscience. Starting Point Given Given So Therefore Naturalism Death is the ending point of our existence. Every human being will eventually die. Meaning must be found in the quality of this present life. The only logical ethic then, is selfishness. *Most do not want to believe this. Why? Because God has given them a conscience. Conclusion: The Laws of Science, the Laws of Logic and the human conscience all imply that there is a supernatural cause of the universe. An Important Question: The evolutionist often says, Believing in God requires just as much faith as believing that matter and energy have always existed. At your table, come up with an answer that you can share with the rest of the class. [Teacher s answer: Yes, you are right. It s true, but that is not a valid argument for a naturalist. It would be logical for a supernaturalist to believe that matter and energy have always existed, but that goes directly against naturalism! Remember it is not the goal yet to lead the person to Christ; it s to help them understand that the cause of the universe was supernatural.] {show video: Einstein} 10 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 3: POLYTHEISM The History: There are 3 arenas, each with 11 gods. There is no explanation of their origin. 11 Gods - The High Heavens 11 Gods - The Low Heavens 11 Gods - The Earth The Ethic: Pain is good and pleasure is evil. II. Western Polytheism (Eg. Wicca) The History: None. They avoid it like the plague. Ancient gods just exist. The Ethic: If it harms none, do what you will. Problems with ANY form of Polytheism: I. The Problem of Source. Once you add plurality to the mix, you are left again with the problem of cause and effect. Why? Because there are new effects, demanding an original cause. Example: Hinduism High Heavens Who created the three arenas? Low Heavens Who divided the 11 gods equally into each arena? Who keeps the gods from crossing boundaries? Earth Where did these gods come from? 11 DEFENDING THE FAITH
II. The Problem of Design The order and the organization of the universe imply that there is only one designer (singular). Why? Because there is unity in the design. (The whole universe works together in harmony.) III. The Problem of Sovereignty. The unity of the design implies sovereignty on the part of the Creator (or creators). Logically, ultimate sovereignty cannot be held by two or more individuals. Therefore, the Creator (with a capital C ) must be one. Example: The all-powerful spear vs. the impenetrable shield paradox Tell-Tale Signs of Man-made Cults: I. The Problem of Origin: (Jim Jones, Charles Manson, David Karesh, Peter Ruckman) A. The claims of some religions are simply not historically accurate. Example: Mormonism They say that Christ appeared in North America after his resurrection. They also claim that the land in North America was infiltrated from the South. However, archaeology shows that men clearly migrated from the North. B. To avoid scrutiny, origin and history are left out altogether. Example: Wicca Wicca claims in Ancient Deities, but avoids the subject of their origin altogether... and purposely so. It would be too easily scrutinized. III. The Problem of Ethics: A. Some cults have an extremely strict code of ethics. This is to appeal to those who feel guilty for abusing their conscience, or feel the need to do penitence for absolution of sins, rather than relying on God s grace. Example: Islam The 5 pillars of Islam include a strict regiment of difficult activities, ranging from 5 daily ceremonial prayers to an arduous journey to the Holy City of Mecca. B. Some cults will have an extremely liberal code of ethics. This is to appeal to those who seek spiritual satisfaction, yet do not wish to give up the rights of their own indulgences. Example: Wicca Wicca ethic: If it harm none, do what you will. 12 DEFENDING THE FAITH
III. The Problem of Authority: A. Unsupported Holy Writing Many religions have a Holy Book. Christianity has the Bible, Islam has the Koran, etc. False religions will often have a Holy Book that is completely unfounded. Example: Mormonism Mormons have The Book of Mormon. It was translated by only one man (Joseph Smith), using a pair of magic stone glasses. The original writings were conveniently carried into heaven where the truths therein could no longer be held to scrutiny. The magic glasses too are missing. Compare this to the Bible... There are literally thousands and thousands of ancient manuscripts, located all over the globe, each verifying the words of the others. The Bible is coherent (That is, it does not disagree with itself) and is consistent with reliable extra-biblical records as well. B. Unsupported Prophet or Divine Spokesman In many false religions, men claim to speak on God s behalf. That is too characteristically convenient unless there is some support for divine origin. Example: Mohammed (Islam) Mohammed claimed to speak on God s behalf, but there was nothing to support his veracity. Usually he just spoke pious rhetoric, but at times would receive personal permission to self-indulgence. When he added his son s wife to his harem, many questioned him until he conveniently received permission from God in a vision. Compare this to the prophets of Scripture... In each of the eras where divine revelation was coming to humankind, the messengers were confirmed by signs and wonders and various miracles. [The 3 Eras: In the time of (1) Moses, (2) The Prophets, and (3) the Apostles (Hebrews 2:1-4). The miracles of Christ were done publicly to establish his veracity (John 20:30-31). IV. The Problem Of Consistency: A. Inconsistent Facts Example: Mormonism Joseph Smith had several attempts at starting a new religion, and modified the story of his vision each time, to appeal to the people he was trying to convince. B. Inconsistent Faith Sometimes, a religion will change its doctrine in order to accommodate the desires of those in the religion. Example: El Islam Islam taught peace and righteousness, until Mohammed became bitter toward his political and religious enemies. Then the ethics of Islam turned violent. 13 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 4: PANTHEISM The Distinction between Pantheism and Monotheism Pantheism All is God; God is all. God is an impersonal force. The universe (sometimes called The Cosmos ) is a collective soul. Everything is defined by its connection to everything else in the universe. The goal is to lose one s sense of personal consciousness, and realize their oneness with the Cosmos. Monotheism God created all; He is above all. God is a personal creator. The universe is a creation. Everything is defined by its distinction from everything else in the universe. The goal is to recognize one s relationship to the Creator and submit to His authority. Video: Use the Force, Luke Example #1: Hinduism (Pantheistic Hinduism) The Collective Soul is called Brahman. Men are encouraged to embrace pain in their search for enlightenment (Asceticism). Problem: This does not bring them the satisfaction for which they were searching. Example #2: Buddhism It s Hinduism, but with a twist. Guatama Buddha almost died in the asceticism of Hinduism, but found it unsatisfying. He founded The Middle Way which avoids the asceticism of Hinduism and the luxuries of selfish living. He found that desire was the enemy, and men are encouraged to suppress their desires until they are gone altogether. Problem: Theoretically, the suppression of all desires would keep us from having any dissatisfaction, but would also keep us from having any satisfaction. 14 DEFENDING THE FAITH
Selfishness Buddhism Hinduism Men, by nature tend toward self-indulgence. He seeks the satisfaction of his desires. Problem: Self-indulgence does not satisfy (Law of Diminishing Returns). The Problem and the Solution of Pantheism Buddhism seeks meaning in the suppression of desires. Problem: Theoretically, the suppression of all desires would keep us from having any dissatisfaction, but would also keep us from having any satisfaction. Hinduism seeks satisfaction in selfabasement. Problem: Self-abasement doesn t satisfy either. Problem The suppression of desires does not bring the satisfaction we desire. It only eliminates dissatisfaction (theoretically). It leaves us without desires to satisfy. Man cannot have an intimate relationship with an impersonal force. So then, there is no real meaning in life. Solution We must understand that the pantheist s observation is legitimate. Selfindulgence doesn t satisfy. Satisfaction has nothing to do with our relationship to things. Man s satisfaction can only come when he has a relationship to a personal Creator. Arguments Against Pantheism The Problem of Design An impersonal force cannot create with design and order. Creation is designed and orderly; therefore, its designer must have personality (a mind, a will and emotions). Problem of Relevance Supposing that the notion of a Collective Soul were true, it would be impossible for a personal creature to relate to an impersonal collective being. All attempts to do so would be meaningless. Problem of Contradiction Pantheism assumes that contradictions are natural. If that were true, the everything would lose its meaning. Example: To say, My name is David, has no meaning, if the statement s contradiction was equally true: My name is not David. Truth, by nature, can have no contradictions. 15 DEFENDING THE FAITH
ACTIVITY: NAME THAT WORLDVIEW A. Existentialism B. Nihilismo C.Naturalism D. Polytheism E.Pantheism F. Monotheism I believe the universe is the product of time and chance.answer: I don t care about anything. Nothing really matters! Answer: I am seeking to lose myself in the universe. Answer: Today I am praying to the god of good luck. Answer: I really don t care about religion. I just wanna PARTY!!! Answer: I know God will hear my prayers!!! Answer: 16 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 5: ISLAM Coherent Reality or No Reality Coherent Reality No Reality Naturalism Supernaturalism Existentialism Nihilism Pantheism Polytheism Monotheism Islam Judaism Christianity We already know... 1. how to convince someone of that there is a coherent reality. 2. how to convince someone that there is a supernatural cause of the universe. 3. how to convince someone that Monotheism is more reasonable than polytheism or pantheism. Now the question is... How do we know that Christianity is more reasonable than Islam and Judaism? 17 DEFENDING THE FAITH
The 5 Duties (or 5 Pillars) of Islam 1. The Repetition of the Creed Muslims must affirm, There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. 1 2. The 5 Daily Prayers At specific times of the day, each Muslim is called to bow prostrate and pray in the direction of Mecca. 3. The Observance of Ramadan For 30 days, Muslims abstain from food, drink and bodily pleasures from sunrise to sunset. 4. The Giving of Alms 5. The Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca Believers of Islam must journey to Mecca at least once in his life. While there, many ceremonial tasks must be performed. 2 Problems with the Pillars: 1. There is only one virtuous duty. The Giving of Alms is the only virtuous duty among the Pillars. The rest are merely ceremonial. Islam tends to focus on the external appearance over the internal condition of the soul. 2. The Ethics of Jihad contradict the creed. There is another duty of Islam, considered by many to be the 6th Pillar, called Jihad or Holy War. It refers to the war between believers of Islam and anyone who is not Muslim, also known as infidels. According to Islam, it is not ethically wrong to take the life of an infidel. This ethic contradicts the often repeated Creed, that God is merciful and benevolent. The 5 Doctrines of Islam: 1. The Doctrine of God Muslims believe in one God and that his name is Allah. Up to this point in the course, they are in agreement with us (monotheism). The question now is: Do Muslims have a correct perception of God? Problems: There are several problems with the Islamic notion of God. God (Allah) is presented as good and merciful, but his actions do not agree with this commonly repeated affirmation. If Islam were true, Allah would be responsible for the violent deaths of millions of people, because He has allowed his followers to kill any infidels or non-muslims. No such contradiction exists en Creation, so we shouldn t find such internal contradiction in the Creator. So the God of this creation/universe cannot be the God of Islam. 1 Adolf Hitler once said, If people hear something loud enough and often enough, they 1 will believe it. 18 DEFENDING THE FAITH
Also, Allah was not so violent at first. Only when Mohammed s wife died, and he was in the midst of political turmoil did Allah give Mohammed permission to use violent methods. It seems that the religion changed temperament with the prophet Mohammed. This would imply that the prophet himself invented the religion. 2. The Doctrine of Angels: It is believed that angels or Jinn are celestial creatures without sin. Problem: The idea of Jinn (or genie en The Arabian Nights) was borrowed from local religions. 3. The Doctrine of the Holy Books: Several writings are considered sacred: The Quran (based on a corrupted version of the Penteteuch), The Zabur (Psalms David), The Injil (story of Jesus) and others. Problem: There are major theological differences between the sacred texts, especially when it comes to Jesus. Their version of Jesus is not historically accurate. It contradicts the Biblical versions of the stories of Jesus and the teachings of Christ by his earliest followers. 4. The Doctrine of the Prophets Islam has several prophets, but the main ones are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. Mohammed is considered the greatest. Problem: The Quran and the laws of Moses do not agree. There are many inconsistencies. 5. The Doctrine of the Resurrection and the Last Day They believe that all men will be judged by Allah for their actions in this life, good or bad. Problem: Although this doctrine seems to agree with Christianity, the standards of good and evil are radically different. Also, the idea of morality in heaven does not agree with the idea of morality on earth. For example, on earth, a man should be a monogamist (having one woman.) In heaven however, he can have up to 72 virgins as his wives. Reasons NOT to believe in Islam: Islam contains all of the Tell-Tale Signs of Man-Made Cults. 1. The Problem of Origin: Problems: The Quran avoids chronological history completely to avoid scrutiny in respect to its veracity. Also, Islam borrows religious material from neighboring religions (The Penteteuch, the concept of Jinn, etc.) Even the name of God, Allah was taken from neighboring tribal religions. 2. The Problem of Ethics: Problems: The 5 pillars of Islam include a strict regiment of difficult activities, ranging from 5 daily ceremonial prayers to an arduous journey to the Holy City of Mecca. Also, the value of women was diminished when Mohammed became jealous of others and wanted their wives for his own. Divorce also became accepted when Mohammed decided to marry the wife of his son, thanks to an unfounded vision from Allah. 19 DEFENDING THE FAITH
3. The Problem of Authority: Problems: Mohammed never confirmed his claims with public miracles. The Quran contradicts known history. The emphasis on outward behavior over internal character contradicts the human conscience. 4. The Problem of Inconsistency: Problems: Belief in multiple gods was permitted by Mohammed for a time in order to infiltrate the nearby religions. Mohammed originally taught peace, but annihilated three Jewish sects under his jurisdiction. The concept of Gods is inconsistent. God is good but yet allows shedding of innocent blood. 20 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 6: JUDAISM The Relationship between Christianity and Judaism: Actually, Christianity is an extension of Judaism; so, the doctrine of Judaism serves as a basis for all Christian doctrine. New Testament (Matthew - Revelation) Old Testament (Genesis - Malachi) Law (Genesis - Deuteronomy) Primitive History (Genesis 1-11) Creation Account (Genesis 1:1-2:4) The Difference between Christianity and Judaism: Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah of Jewish prophecies, and that the majority of Jews did not recognize him as the Messiah, even though the prophecies clearly predicted his coming. So then, one can use the Old Testament Scriptures with Jews. We do not have this advantage with Muslims. How did Paul preach to the Jews: Acts 17:1-4 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah, he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 21 DEFENDING THE FAITH
2 Steps: 1. Start where we agree. In this case, they agreed upon the Scriptures of the Old Testament. 2. Convince, using logic and the common authority. In this case, he focused on the fact that Jesus was the Messiah predicted by the prophets. Starting where we agree: Worldview Existentialism Naturalism Polytheism or Pantheism Islam Judaism Common Authority Validity of experiences. Laws of Science and Logic. Supernatural cause of the universe. Personal Creator. Personal Creator that authored the TNK (Old Testament of the Bible) Activity: Some Key Prophecies of the Old Testament: Prophecy Isaiah 11:10-12 and 2 Samuel 7 The Messiah would be called the root of Jessie, and the fulfillment of the covenant with David. Jeremiah 31:15 His birth would be accompanied by slaughter of the innocents. Malachi 3 A forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah would introduce the Messiah. Isaiah 53:4-9 The Messiah would be beaten, oppressed and killed for the sins of mankind. Daniel 9 Daniel predicted when the Messiah would be annointed. ( Messiah in Hebrew is Christ in Greek.) Fulfillment Matthew 1:1-16 Matthew makes the genealogical connection from Jesse to Jesus. Matthew 2:13-18 Herod fulfilled this prophecy when he killed all toddlers and babies in Bethlehem. Matthew 11:7-18 John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy. Matthew 27:32-50 He was crucified without a just cause. See the following pages. 22 DEFENDING THE FAITH
The 70 Years of Daniel 9: Preface: God had promised Israel that He would punish them with 70 years of captivity. Of course, it happened. Toward the end of those 70 years, Daniel received a prophecy from God indicating that the punishment would be multiplied by seven (Daniel 9:22-24). 2 Daniel 9:22-24 22 He instructed me and said to me, Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision: 24 Seventy sevens are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place. This prolonging of punishment was the fulfillment of a threat made by God if Israel did not repent after the 70 years. Leviticus 26:14-18 14 But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. 18 If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. The 70 Weeks of Daniel 9: 70 years became 490 years. 7 Weeks (49 years) Begins with the decree to restore Jerusalem March 14, 445 B.C. Restoration of Jerusalem Walls of Jerusalem restored. 62 Week (434 years) Ends with the anointed ruler He is cut off. Break Marked by destruction, desolation and war. The amount of time is not disclosed. 1 Week (7 years) An evil ruler will confirm a covenant (3 1/2 years) He will end sacrifices and desecrate Temple. The Math in Prophecy: 7 + 62 = 69 weeks or sevens 69 x 7 = 483 years. The Jewsish calender has 360 days. 483 x 360 = 173,880 days. The Math in History: Date of the decree (1st of Nisan of the 20th year of Artaxerxes or March 14, 445 BC). Date of the Triumphal Entry = 10 of Nisan or Abril 6, 32 BC = 476 years and 24 days. 476 x 365 = 173,740 days, plus the 24 equals 173,764 days. 173,764 + 116 days of leap years = 173, 880 days. 2 The word week literally means seven. So in this context it refers 2 to 7 years, not days. 23 DEFENDING THE FAITH
The Problem for the Jews: If Jesus wasn t the Messiah, who else, in the line of David, born in Bethlehem, anointed as king of Israel on the exact day of the Triumphal Entry, mounted on a donkey as he entered Jerusalem (Zacharias 9:9 and Matthew 21:5-11), could have been the Messiah? Even their rejection of Him was prophesied! 24 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 7: A REVIEW OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE COURSE Coherent Reality or No Reality Coherent Reality No Reality Naturalism Supernaturalism Existentialism Nihilism Pantheism Polytheism Monotheism Islam Judaism Christianity Worldview Common Ground What we want to Convince them Existentialism and Nihilismo Validity of Experiences That there is a coherente reality. Naturalism Laws of Logic and Science That there is a supernatural cause. Pantheism and Polytheism Belief in the Supernatural That the Creator (singular) is personal. Islam Belief in Monotheism That their understanding of God is wrong. Judaism Monotheism and the Old Testament That Jesus is the Messiah of their own prophecies. 25 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 8: CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEWS Christianity The Bible is Authoritative The Bible is NOT Authoritative Bible + something is Authoritative. Bible alone is Authoritative. + the Church or Tradition Literal Interpretation Non-Literal Interpretation + other Scriptures + Experiences Literal Interpretation Non-Literal Interpretation + Science So, The new questions are... 1. Why should I believe the Bible is authoritative? 2. Why should I believe that only the Bible is authoritative? 3. Why should I interpret the Bible literally? 4. Why should I receive the gospel? 26 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 9: THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE 3 Reasons to believe in the Authority of the Bible: 1. Because it is historically accurate. There are no contradictions between what we know from history and what the Bible affirms. So then, it is reasonable to believe that there are no contradictions in that which we do not know of history. 2. Because its divine origin was confirmed by signs, wonders and miracles. Hebrews 2:1-4 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. *This implies that all future prophecies will be fulfilled too. 3. Because its divine origin was confirmed by Old Testament prophecies. Human beings cannot predict the future with such. Only God can. Therefore, God must have inspired the prophets. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 27 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 10: THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE BIBLE Why should I believe that the Bible alone is authoritative? The Meaning of Sufficiency 1. Everything in the Bible is completely. 2. Anything that contradicts the Bible is. 3. The Bible contains everything we need for and (2 Peter 1:3). 4. The Bible contains everything we need to accomplish every (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 5. We should everything we learn through the Bible. What it does not mean: 1. It does not mean that all are found in the Bible. 2. It does not mean that there are no truths of Scriptures. 3. It does not mean that all truths outside the Bible are. What about supplemental Authorities like the Church or the Pope? Some, like the Catholics, believe that The Church has the same authority as the Scriptures. (This doctrine is called authority. ) It comes from a misinterpretation of Matthew 16:17-18. Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Catholics believe that... 1. Peter was the that would build the Church. 2. Peter was the first of many who would have over the Church. 3. Peter s authority was equal to that of the, and that he could that authority on to future Popes. 28 DEFENDING THE FAITH
Problems: 1. The rock of Matthew 16 is the that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God. (See v. 16.) According to other passages of the Bible, this concept is seen as the foundation of the Church! (See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 15:1-8, 2 Corinthians 2:12, 4:5*, Acts 10:25-26 y Ephesians 3:8.) 2. If Peter were the Pope, he would have had over the primitive Church. However, at the Council of Jerusalem, Peter strongly disagreed with Paul, but both submitted to the leadership of - the leader of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). 3. Papal history is at best, at times having recognized Popes. 4. Many Popes have authoritatively made proclamations that later had to be. Example: The Catholic Church killed many people for believing that the world was, because the Pope had said that it was. Eventually, they had to the proclamation or lose all. What about supplemental Authorities like other Holy Writings? Example: Some believe that the Bible is authoritative, but they add other Scriptures like The Book of Mormon of the Mormon faith or The Watchtower Society of the Jehovah s Witnesses. Problem: These writings are not found in the Divine Chain of Authority. God God wrote the 10 Commandments with his own hand, 10 Plagues, Miracles of Moses, Red Sea, etc. (Exodus 5:2, 10:1-3, 14:30) Moses In the books of Moses, God announced that he would use prophets (Deuteronomy 18:14-22 and 1 Peter 1:19-21). Prophets The prophets announced his coming in the O.T. Being God, Christ s words carry divine authority (Matthew 9:4-8, 28:18). Christ Christ transferred this authority to the apostles (Matthew 10:1, Mark 6:6-7 and Acts 1:7-8). Apostles The collection of the apostles writings is called the New Testament. New Testament Supplemental Scriptures? END OF REVELATION 1 Corinthians 13 warned the primitive Church that prophetic revelation was going to end soon (implied within their lifetimes.) 29 DEFENDING THE FAITH
2 Examples of Supplemental Scriptures : 1. The Apocrypha There is no apostolic authority. Many texts contradict the New Testament, so any other information must be held in suspect. 2. The Book of Mormon The plates of Nephi returned to heaven before they could be proven to exist. Joseph Smith himself had no connection to the apostles, nor could he reproduce their signs and miracles to confirm his message. What about supplemental Authorities like Science? Example: Psychology Some believe that the Bible is true, but that we need something more if we are ever to be at peace or find meaning in this life. Many Christians believe that the answers to our sin problems must be found in the study of psychology. However, the Bible affirms in Ephesians 4 that there is only one solution to overcoming our sin. So if we are struggling with sin, we must use the method found in the Bible to overcome it. We will need nothing more (2 Peter 3:1 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.) Can psychology be helpful? Yes, of course. Psychology, like any other science, can be helpful so long as...... It is actually scientific. Much of what we call science is too subjective to be considered true science.... It does not contradict Scripture.... It is not accepted as true before examining it through Scripture. We should filter everything through the Scriptures. What about supplemental Authorities like Personal Experience? Example: Charismatics Many charismatics believe that God continues to guide believers through personal experiences. While this is true in part, many times these experiences exclude or usurp God s Word. Many will seek God s will for a specific circumstance they are going through via dreams, audible voices, visions and strong emotions. Problems: 1. Feelings are not trustworthy. We are at war with the old nature (See 1 Corinthians 7). Many times we can confuse our selfish desires with the voice of God. We have a feeling that actually comes from our desires, and not from God. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 30 DEFENDING THE FAITH
2. Our experiences can be flawed. Oftentimes, we don t perceive things the way they actually are. For example: Magicians can do things that seem supernatural, but they are just tricks. Also, 2 people can witness the same accident and have 2 completely different perspectives of who bears the fault. If something seems to contradict the Bible, we should assume our perception is wrong. 3. The Scriptures never transfers that authority to our experiences. At times, our experiences seem to contradict the Bible, but we trust in our experiences. The Gift of Tongues: According to the Bible, the gift of tongues was to cease during the lifetime of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13:8). As a refutation, many charismatics say, But I have spoken in tongues. So then, their personal experience has become a higher authority than the Bible. 31 DEFENDING THE FAITH
PART 11: LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE Some hold that the Bible teaches truths, though it isn t actually true. The Ugly Duckling: Take The Ugly Duckling as an illustration. Even though it is not a true story, it teaches a true moral lesson. Many see the Bible that way. Some Examples: 1. The Story of Adam and Eve Some say that Adam and Eve were not real people, but that they merely represent mankind and womankind. The story is meant to teach us to avoid temptations. 2. The Exodus Account Some hold that it never actually happened. It s just a story to teach us that God hates slavery. 3. The Resurrection Some say that the physical body of Christ never resurrected; but that his teachings of love were resurrected by his followers. Problems: 1. The Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled literally. 2. The O.T. accounts correspond with human history. 3. Both Testaments are held together genealogically. 4. The apostles held to a literal interpretation of the Scriptures. 5. If the Bible were not interpreted literally, all preaching would be in vain. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-24.) 32 DEFENDING THE FAITH
1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-24: Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 3 Essential Beliefs according to 1 Corinthians 15: 1. The Gospel (v. 3) 2. A Literal Interpretation of the Bible (v. 3-4) 3. A Closed Canon of Scriptures (v. 5-7) 33 DEFENDING THE FAITH