High School / College Sample Questions Reason for Belief Norman L Geisler (Updated 14 JUL 2016) It should be noted that these are sample questions only. In the past often the questions on the day of the competition were found verbatim in the sample questions offered prior to the competition. These questions are meant as a study guide to point you toward areas that you can study, yet there may be questions asked on the day of the competition that are not found or covered in the following sample questions. You should be able and ready to answer questions pulled from anywhere in the book whether they are directly covered in these questions or not. 1. The Bible encourages everyone to seek God. Provide two Biblical references to support this concept. (p. 10 11). 2. Norman Geisler s book, Reasons for Belief, is structured upon the concept of apologetics. Apologetics is also a very important aspect of Christianity. In chapter one, Dr. Geisler defines this term. Provide the definition of apologetics as it is given in Reasons for Belief. (p. 12) 3. Norman Geisler discusses the concept of truth in chapter two of Reasons for Belief. He goes on to present two contradictory views about what is meant by truth. What are those two views? Provide one of the ways in which Dr. Geisler defines truth. (p. 16 17) 4. Norman Geisler discusses the concept of truth in chapter two of Reasons for Belief. He goes on to present two tests for how we can know what is true. What are those two tests? (p. 17 & 19) 5. While discussing the idea of truth in chapter two of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler provides two tests which can help us discover whether or not something is true. He goes on to talk about Some Truths About Truth. He gives four points in this section, and for each point he gives an example. What is test number one? How does he say that you can prove your case? What are the four points in Some Truths About Truth? (p. 17 & 18) 6. While discussing the idea of truth in chapter two of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler provides two tests which can help us discover whether or not something is true. What is test number two? What is the law of noncontradiction? Why is this law important to understand when discussing how other religions are contradictory to Christianity? (p. 19 20) 7. In chapter two of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler identifies three reasons why we need to have the right view of truth. Name and explain all three of those reasons. How many times does Jesus explicitly claim to be speaking the truth in the New Testament? Provide a Biblical reference listed in this section of Reasons for Belief where Jesus claims he is the truth (p. 21) 8. Norman Geisler presents three basic arguments for God s existence throughout chapter three and four of Reasons for Belief. What is the theme of the first argument? What are the three points of the first argument for the existence of God? (p. 33) 9. In chapter four of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler continues his argument for God s existence. He begins the chapter with the second argument for God s existence. What is the theme of that argument? What are the three tests he discusses which help to prove the second argument? (p. 43 & 44) 10. In chapter three of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents three arguments for God s existence. The first argument for the existence of God is that there was a beginning and there was a Beginner. What is the first point of this argument? What basic law of science does Dr. Geisler use to support this point? What does that law say? (p. 34) 11. In chapter three of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents three arguments for God s existence. The first argument for the existence of God is that there was a beginning and there was a Beginner. What is the second point of this argument? What scientific law related to energy does Dr. Geisler present when expanding upon this point? What does that law say? (p. 35)
12. In supporting the second point for his first argument of God s existence, which states that the universe had a beginning and a Beginner, Norman Geisler discusses a theory known as The Big Bang. He went on to discuss a handful of scientists whose contributions were instrumental in the development of The Big Bang theory. What did Einstein s theory say? Which Biblical reference did Dr. Geisler cite in order to show the concurrence of Einstein s theory with Scripture? What does that verse say? (p. 36 38) 13. In supporting the second point for his first argument of God s existence, which states that the universe had a beginning and a Beginner, Norman Geisler discusses a theory known as The Big Bang. He went on to discuss a handful of scientists whose contributions were instrumental in the development of The Big Bang theory. What did Dr. Hubble s pictures show? Which Biblical reference did Dr. Geisler cite in order to show the concurrence of Dr. Hubble s pictures with Scripture? What does that verse say? (p. 36 38) 14. In chapter four of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents his second argument for the existence of God, which is that the universe was designed and there was a Designer. He discusses three tests that may be used to determine whether or not something is truly designed as opposed to being the result of natural forces. What are the three tests? Which example is given in test number one? (p. 44 46) 15. In chapter four of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents his second argument for the existence of God, which is that the universe was designed and there was a Designer. He discusses three tests that may be used to determine whether or not something is truly designed as opposed to being the result of natural forces. What are the three tests? Which example is given in test number three? (p. 44 46) 16. In chapter four of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents his second argument for the existence of God, which is that the universe was designed and there was a Designer. What is the second point of this argument? He also gives 8 supporting facts for his claim that the universe appears to be designed for life. List 5 of them. (p. 47 54) 17. In chapter five of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses the 3 rd challenge to Christianity, which is, If God exists, He isn t necessarily the God of the Bible. After proving that God exists in the previous chapters, Dr. Geisler uses this chapter to identify which God exists. To do this, he outlines 8 attributes of the God of the Bible, which build off of the three arguments for God s existence. Two of these attributes are discussed in identifying the God of the Bible as the Designer of the universe. List and explain those two attributes. List 5 of the Biblical references used in the text for each attribute to support your answer (p. 69 71) 18. In discussing the God of the Bible as the Beginner of the universe in chapter five of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents four attributes of the Beginner. The third attribute of the Beginner, which he discusses, is that the Beginner must have great power. What term does Dr. Geisler use to describe the power which is held by the Beginner? What does Dr. Geisler say this term means? Provide 5 of the Biblical references used in the text which he gives to support his claim that the God of the Bible has this attribute. (p. 67) 19. In chapter five of Reasons for Belief, after proving that God exists, Norman Geisler discusses Which God exists. At the end of this chapter, he revisits the four worldviews and what the facts have shown to this point. He first points out that atheism does not match the data. He explains that atheists hold one of two beliefs about the beginning of the universe, both of which are false. What are those two beliefs and why are they false? (p. 75) 20. In chapter five of Reasons for Belief, after proving that God exists, Norman Geisler discusses Which God exists. At the end of this chapter, he revisits the four worldviews and what the facts have shown to this point. He points out that deists believe there is a God. What do deists believe God did after He created everything? In explaining why this is not true, what does Dr. Geisler say are possible if God exists? (p. 77) 21. In chapter five of Reasons for Belief, after proving that God exists, Norman Geisler discusses Which God exists. At the end of this chapter, he revisits the four worldviews and what the facts have shown to this point. He points out that theism is the best match for what has been discussed thus far. What are the three primary, theistic religions? What three points do they agree upon with regard to God? (p. 77 78) 22. In chapter six of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses miracles, addressing challenge #4 to Christianity, which is that miracles don t happen. What does Dr. Geisler say is the main purpose of Biblical miracles? Name two other reasons for God s use of miracles. Provide 3 of the Biblical references
from the text to support these reasons. (p. 81 82) 23. In Reasons for Belief, on his chapter about miracles, Norman Geisler discusses why it is so important whether miracles can happen. What did the Apostle Peter say miracles are proof of? Provide the Biblical reference used in the text to support your answer. (p. 83) 24. In Reasons for Belief, on his chapter about miracles, Norman Geisler discusses why it is so important whether miracles can happen. What does he say is riddled with errors and what is not true if miracles do not happen? Provide the Biblical reference used in the text to support your answer. (p. 84) 25. In chapter six of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses miracles, addressing challenge #4 to Christianity, which is that miracles don t happen. He discusses that one of the objections to Christianity being the true religion is that all religions claim to have the same kinds of miracles. In differentiating the miracles of the Bible, Dr. Geisler mentions that Christianity makes unique miracle claims for its founder. List the totally unique miracles that Christianity claims for Jesus? (p. 88) 26. In chapter six of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses miracles, addressing challenge #4 to Christianity, which is that miracles don t happen. Towards the end of the chapter, he presents a table making a comparison between miracles and magic. List the comparisons Dr. Geisler makes between the two? (p. 89) 27. In chapter six of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses miracles, addressing challenge #4 to Christianity, which is that miracles don t happen. Towards the end of the chapter, he presents a table making a comparison between natural laws and miracles. List the comparisons Dr. Geisler makes between the two? (p. 89 90) 28. In chapter seven of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses The New Testament, addressing to address this challenge, Dr. Geisler discusses four key questions. What is question number one? Before what date was most of the New Testament written? What is said about the four Gospel accounts in this section? (p. 94 98) 29. In chapter seven of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses The New Testament, addressing to address this challenge, Dr. Geisler discusses four key questions. What is the second question he asks with regard to challenge #5? What percentage of the New Testament was accurately copied? What does Dr. Geisler say is true if we cannot trust the accuracy of the New Testament? (p. 98 104) 30. In chapter seven of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses The New Testament, addressing to address this challenge, Dr. Geisler discusses four key questions. What is third question he asks with regard to challenge #5? Provide 3 of the Biblical references listed in the text which demonstrate eyewitness accounts to the events of the New Testament. List six reasons he gives in answering yes to this question? (p. 104 111) 31. In chapter seven of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler discusses The New Testament, addressing to address this challenge, Dr. Geisler discusses four key questions. These questions serve to prove the reliability of the New Testament. He first addresses the span of time between the events and the writings of the New Testament, then he addresses the accuracy of the text, and third he discusses the writers reliability. In the fourth question he continues to address the reliability of the New Testament. What is question number four? What are the five reasons he gives in answering yes to this question? (p. 111 116) 32. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that Jesus never claimed to be God in chapter 8 of Reasons for Belief. One of the pieces of evidence he presents in arguing this point, is that Jesus claimed to lead a sinless life. How did Jesus set the pinnacle of moral standards? In addition to Jesus claim to be sinless, the people who knew Him best agree. There are multiple examples of this provided in the text; list three of them. Even Jesus enemies agreed that Jesus lived a sinless life. List the 5 Biblical characters from the text, with Biblical references to support that even Jesus' enemies agreed that Jesus lived a sinless life. (p. 123 125)
33. One of the challenges posed to Christianity by non believers is that Jesus never claimed to be God. In chapter 8 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses this challenge. One piece of evidence which he presents is Jesus claimed to have power only God has. Dr. Geisler breaks this evidence down on a chart showing the things that only God has the power to do, and compared them to the things that Jesus did. List the five examples that were given to prove that Jesus should be able to do anything God has power to do. Provide one instance where Jesus did something that only God has the power to do. (p. 126) 34. In chapter 8 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler answers the question, Is Jesus God? One piece of evidence which he uses to show that Jesus claimed to be God is that Jesus claimed titles that the Jews applied only to God. In fact, Jesus applied two unique titles to himself, and the Jews of his time understood each to be a clear statement of his divinity. Besides claiming to be the I AM of the Old Testament, what two titles did Jesus apply to himself? Recite John 10:36. (p. 127 128) 35. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that Jesus never claimed to be God in chapter 8 of Reasons for Belief. One of the pieces of evidence he presents in arguing this point, is that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. In Greek, what can son of also mean? By claiming to be the Son of God, what was Jesus also claiming? Recite John 19:7. (p. 127) 36. Based on the evidence provided in chapter 8 of Reasons for Belief, in addressing the challenge that Jesus never claimed to be God, we know that Jesus claim to be God is made very clear in the Gospels. Because it is made so clear, Dr. Geisler, citing C.S. Lewis, explains that there are 3 choices: Jesus is either a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord. Why can we say that Jesus was not a lunatic? Why can we say that he was not a liar? (p. 130 131) 37. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge to Christianity that Jesus didn t prove He is God in chapter 9 of Reasons for Belief. His third of five proofs addressing that challenge is that the New Testament records that others agreed Jesus is God. Which five entities does he identify in supporting this proof? Provide a Biblical reference from the text which supports your answer. (p. 138 139) 38. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge to Christianity that Jesus didn t prove He is God in chapter 9 of Reasons for Belief. His fifth proof addressing this challenge is that the New Testament records that prophecy proves Jesus to be God. In expanding upon this proof, Dr. Geisler discusses that Jesus said he was the focus of prophecy. What prophecies did he claim were written about him? Support your answer with a Biblical reference from the text. (p. 144 145) 39. One of the challenges posed to Christianity by non believers is that Jesus didn t prove He is God. In chapter 9 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses this challenge. The fifth proof he provides in addressing this challenge is that the New Testament records that prophecy proves Jesus to be God. Dr. Geisler posits that perhaps the most amazing prophecy is found in the book of Daniel because it proves that Jesus, and only Jesus, is the Messiah. In Daniel 9:25 26 the coming of the Messiah is predicted, and a period of years is referred to in prophesying the death of the Anointed One. After doing the math, how many years does this scripture say there will be between when God would bring the Jews out of captivity, back to their homeland, and when the Anointed One would be put to death? When was Daniel told that these years would begin and end? What date was given for this decree, by King Artaxerxes? Based on the difference between the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar of 5.25 days, how many years does the original number of years in Daniel 9 equate to based on the Gregorian calendar? In what year does that put the death of the Anointed One? (p. 145 147) 40. Throughout his book, Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents ten challenges to Christianity, which he says are the primary challenges facing believers today. Throughout the book he addresses these challenges by presenting the facts: examining eyewitness accounts, appealing to science, to history, to archaeology, and to prophecy. We eventually reach the conclusion that Christianity is the only true religion. Identify the eighth challenge to Christianity. What does Dr. Geisler say is the potential problem for Christianity if this challenge is true? (p. 151) 41. In chapter ten of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler talks about Jesus resurrection, addressing the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Early in his defense of Jesus resurrection, Dr. Geisler answers the key question of, What do we mean by resurrection? Within this section, what three terms does he say people often confuse? Provide the definition given in this section for all three terms. (p. 153)
42. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead in chapter ten of Reasons for Belief. Early in this chapter he presents five alternative explanations for the empty tomb. List all five of the alternative explanations. Why does Islam maintain that Jesus did not die on the cross? (p. 154) 43. Chapter ten of Reasons for Belief addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Norman Geisler defends Jesus resurrection in this chapter by presenting and disproving the five most common, alternative explanations for the empty tomb. These explanations are sometimes given by non believers in an effort to disprove that Jesus resurrection was a miracle. Explanation number two states that Jesus only fainted on the cross; he didn t die. In answering the question, why is this view wrong?, Dr. Geisler looks at three different ways to prove that Jesus really died. List and explain the three ways discussed by Dr. Geisler which prove that Jesus really died. (p. 155 158) 44. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead in chapter ten of Reasons for Belief. Early in this chapter he presents five alternative explanations for the empty tomb. The third alternative explanation states that The disciples had a mass hallucination. List five reasons why we know this did not happen. (p. 158 160) 45. Chapter ten of Reasons for Belief addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Norman Geisler defends Jesus resurrection in this chapter by presenting and disproving the five most common, alternative explanations for the empty tomb. These explanations are sometimes given by non believers in an effort to disprove that Jesus resurrection was a miracle. Explanation number four states that somebody moved or stole the body. List five reasons why we know this did not happen. (p. 160 161) 46. Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead in chapter ten of Reasons for Belief. After defending Jesus resurrection in this chapter by presenting and disproving the five most common, alternative explanations for the empty tomb, Dr. Geisler discusses some of the facts that establish Christ s resurrection. What four facts does he discuss? Recite Acts 1:3. (p. 163 164) 47. Chapter ten of Reasons for Belief addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Norman Geisler defends Jesus resurrection in this chapter in a variety of ways; disproving false claims and presenting facts about Jesus resurrection along the way. At the end of this chapter, he takes these facts and considers the three theistic religions. In comparing the three religions, Dr. Geisler looks at four issues. What are these four issues? Based on Judaism and Islam s stance on these issues, what can be said about these two religions? What three things are we to do for all who do not know that Jesus truly is God? (p. 168 169) 48. Chapter ten of Reasons for Belief addresses the challenge that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Norman Geisler defends Jesus resurrection in this chapter in a variety of ways; disproving false claims and presenting facts about Jesus resurrection along the way. At the end of this chapter, he takes these facts and considers the three theistic religions. In comparing the three religions, Dr. Geisler looks at four issues. What does Judaism say about the New Testament documents? What does Islam say about Jesus rising from the dead? What does Judaism say about Jesus claiming to be God? What does Islam say about Jesus claiming to be God? Compare the three theistic religions on the issue of the New Testament documents. (p. 168) 49. Throughout his book, Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents ten challenges to Christianity, which he says are the primary challenges facing believers today. Throughout the book he addresses these challenges by presenting the facts: examining eyewitness accounts, appealing to science, to history, to archaeology, and to prophecy. We eventually reach the conclusion that Christianity is the only true religion. Identify the ninth challenge to Christianity. In presenting the potential problem for Christianity if this challenge is true, Dr. Geisler asks two questions. What are they? What 5 points does he tells us to consider as he answers these two questions? Based on these 5 points, what does Dr. Geisler say about anything in any other religious book that contradicts the Bible? (p. 171 172) 50. In chapter 11 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. Throughout the book we learned that Jesus is God, and because Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God, if something contradicts the Bible, it is wrong. In supporting this point, Dr. Geisler looks at what Jesus taught about the Old Testament. He presents 8 points in answering the
questions, What did Jesus have to say about the Old Testament, and Is it God s Word? What are those 8 points? Recite Luke 18:31 33. (p. 172 176) 51. By the time we reach chapter 11 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler has presented, addressed, and disproven 8 challenges to Christianity. The ninth challenge, which he addresses in this chapter, is that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. One of the ways he does this is by looking at evidence other than Jesus teachings that confirms the Old Testament. One line of support in this section is that fulfilled prophecies show that the Old Testament is true. How long did Jeremiah prophesy that the Jews captivity in Babylon would last? Recite Jeremiah 29:10. Who did Isaiah say would appear and allow the Jews to return to their former homeland and rebuild their temple? Recite Isaiah 44:28. What prophecy was fulfilled in 1948? Recite Deuteronomy 30:4 5. (p. 178 180) 52. Throughout Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents, addresses, and disproves 10 challenges to Christianity. In chapter 11, he addresses the ninth challenge, which is that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. One of the ways he does this is by looking at evidence other than Jesus teachings that confirms the Old Testament. One line of support in this section is that men would have written the Old Testament differently. Dr. Geisler says that the heroes of the Old Testament were by no means always admirable. Which six examples from the Old Testament does he list here, and what did they do that was not admirable? In reference to Christianity, what does Dr. Geisler say we would do if we were making all this up? (p. 180) 53. In chapter 11 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. Throughout the book we learned that Jesus is God, and because Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God, if something contradicts the Bible, it is wrong. In order to evaluate the validity of other religious books, however, Dr. Geisler looks at whether or not other religious books could also contain the truth. What four key areas does he discuss in order to examine this? What is the only religion that teaches that we cannot earn our salvation? Recite Ephesians 2:8 9. (p. 186 188) 54. In chapter 11 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler addresses the challenge that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. Throughout the book we learned that Jesus is God, and because Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God, if something contradicts the Bible, it is wrong. In order to evaluate the validity of other religious books, however, Dr. Geisler looks at whether or not other religious books could also contain the truth. Name the religious books of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Mormonism, and Jehovah s Witnesses. Do they all contradict the Bible at some point? Where they contradict the Bible, what can we say about them? Why is it that these religions, for the most part, share a common moral code with Christianity? (p. 188 189) 55. Throughout Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents, addresses, and disproves 10 challenges to Christianity. In chapter 11, he addresses the ninth challenge, which is that the Bible isn t the only true religious book. One of the ways he does this is by looking at seven unique truth claims of Christianity, compared to other religions claims. What are the seven unique truth claims of Christianity, as presented by Dr. Geisler? In comparison, what are the corresponding claims of other religions? (p. 190) 56. Throughout his book, Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler presents ten challenges to Christianity, which he says are the primary challenges facing believers today. Throughout the book he addresses these challenges by presenting the facts: examining eyewitness accounts, appealing to science, to history, to archaeology, and to prophecy. We eventually reach the conclusion that Christianity is the only true religion. Identify the tenth challenge to Christianity. What does Dr. Geisler say is the potential problem for Christianity if this challenge is true? (p. 193) 57. In chapter twelve of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler asks, Is Jesus the only way to God? This question addresses challenge 10 to Christianity, which is: Christianity is too narrow. There are many ways to God besides Jesus. At this point in the text, we know that Jesus, as God, validated the entire Bible as being God s Word. With that in mind, Jesus is quoted in the Bible on numerous occasions talking about how to find God and spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Provide the Biblical references that Dr. Geisler used to support his points. (p. 193 194) 58. Norman Geisler addresses challenge ten to Christianity in chapter 12 of Reasons for Belief. This challenge stating that Christianity is too narrow. There are many ways to God besides Jesus. In the
beginning of the chapter he talks about some popular ideas about reality and salvation in support of this challenge. He notes that many today do not believe Jesus is the only way to God; they believe that there are many paths to God, and as long as they endeavor to be good and sincerely believe that their ideas about God are true they will go to heaven. Tell the story of the The Blind Men and the Elephant. What is the major flaw of this illustration? If these men could see, what would they know? (p. 196 197) 59. In chapter 12 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler does a quick review of what we ve learned about Jesus to this point, and the reliability of His words. This is done in order to address the 10 th challenge to Christianity, which is that Christianity is too narrow. There are many ways to God besides Jesus. After disproving the logic that you can have multiple, correct paths which reach the same goal, Dr. Geisler provides 4 facts that support Jesus claim to be the only way to God. List these 4 facts. Provide 3 Biblical references for each one of the 4 facts to support your answer. (p. 199 201) 60. Throughout his book, Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler compares the great religious leaders. At the end of chapter 12, he consolidates these comparisons into a chart which looks at the characteristics of the great religious leaders, showing just how unique Jesus is. What is said about the ethical standard of Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, and Joseph Smith? What is said about the miracles of Jesus versus the miracles of Muhammad? (p. 209) 61. In chapter 13 of Reasons for Belief, Norman Geisler answers the question: How should the truth impact my daily life? At this point, he has already addressed and disproved the 10 most prominent challenges facing Christianity today, and determined that Christianity is the only true religion. In answering the question of how the truth should impact our daily lives, Dr. Geisler quotes Mark 12:30. In order to explain how we should love God with all of our mind, he provides 6 points that involve the use of our mind. List these 6 points and recite Mark 12:30 (p. 214 217)