Apologetics

People are like houses, with windows and doors around the walls of their hearts. INTRODUCTION Look for where the Holy Spirit has opened a door or window. Each person is different, and is in a unique situation. * Neighbors in Santiago, EE questions.

Integrated Apologetics Use every form of revelation. Use the best arguments of the best apologists. But always come back to the authority of Scripture and to the gospel. But special revelation has the priority.

Part 1 Uncertainty in non-Christian thought

Chapter 1 Introduction; Why do we need apologetics? A. My Story B. What is apologetics? We cannot convince anyone to become a Christian by arguments. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. But we can reason with them and explain the gospel to them. Acts 17:2-3 1 Peter 3:15 Man’s greatest impediment is spiritual, not intellectual. He simply does not WANT to believe.

Apologetics is the DEFENSE OF THE FAITH. But it includes a good offense. 2 Corinthians 10:5

“Toxicity” by System of a Down Conversion, software version 7.0 looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub eating seeds as a pastime activity the toxicity of our city, of our city You, what do you own the world? how do you own disorder, disorder Now, somewhere between the sacred silence Sacred silence and sleep somewhere, between the sacred silence and sleep disorder, disorder, disorder... [1][1] [1] System of a Down, “Toxicity”, Internet site: C. The Present Opportunity (Postmodern age)

Francis Bacon, “Head VI,” 1949 “Now...man is aware that he is an accident, that he is completely futile, that he must finish the game without reason.” Francis Bacon [1][1] [1] Quoted in H. Rookmaaker Modern Art and the Death of a Culture (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter- Varsity Press, Chicago, 1970), p. 174.

What does this mean? How did man get to this point? How can we share the gospel with these people?

D. Hard Questions People Ask #1 How can you prove that God exists? #2 How can you be sure that the Bible is true? What about the apparent contradictions and errors? #3 What about other religions? How can you be sure that they are not also legitimate? #4 What about the theory of evolution? Doesn’t it prove that the Bible is wrong? #5 How can a good God condemn people? #6 If God is both good and All-powerful, why does He allow evil?

TV Program: The Question of God Web Site: Losing My Religion Christian, no answer to problem of suffering. Comparing C.S. Lewis with Sigmund Freud Darcy West to Roger: What would you think of a father who said to his child, "Love me by the time you are six, or I will bake you in the oven."?

Review Questions 1. What is the illustration used to represent the non-believer in the preface? 2. In what sense should apologetics be “integrated”? 3. Which kind of revelation should have the priority in apologetics? 4. What was the “second conversion” of the author? 5. Why is a person not saved when he has only intellectually accepted the postulates of the Christian faith? 6. What is man’s greatest impediment in becoming a Christian? 7. Why does reasoning have a place in apologetics? 8. What is the origin of the term apologetics? 9. Write 1 Peter 3: How can we define “apologetics”? 11. What can we learn from the painting “Head VI” of Francis Bacon?

Questions for reflection 1. Why do you think it is important to study apologetics? 2. What were the most important factors leading to your own conversion? 3. Which of the six questions mentioned in the chapter do you frequently hear from non-believers? 4. What is your opinion about the dialogue between Darcy West and Roger in the web site, “Losing My Religion”? What suggestion would you give to Roger?