Varieties of Apologetics 3 schools of thought Presuppositional Apologetics – Emphasizes the importance of presuppositions or the foundation of ones thinking – Assumes the existence of God and the truth the bible – 2 Peter 3:5

Varieties of Apologetics Classical Apologetics – Stresses rational argumentation for the existence of God. – It is necessary to demonstrate the existence of God first in order to argue for the resurrection of Jesus – Romans 1:20

Varieties of Apologetics Evidentual Apologetics – Emphasize giving evidence for the Christian faith whether historical, logical, etc... – They think that miracles do not presuppose God’s existence, but can serve as evidence for existence – 1 Cor 15:3-7

Varieties of Apologetics Areas of: Philosophical – Cosmological – Teleological – Ontological – Moral – Transcendental – Presuppostional

Varieties of Apologetics Theological Biblical Scientific Religion and Cults Historical and legal Defense of miracles

Varieties of Apologetics Prophetic fulfilment Moral Creationist Experiential Others (sociology, business, etc…)

So… Since Christianity is a worldview, apologetics in some sense affects every aspect of life.

So… – What is worldview? the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. “it is the ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world, and man’s relations to God and the world”

So… – For example a 2 year old believes he is the center of the universe. A secular humanist believes that the material world is all that exist. And a Buddhist believes he can be liberated by self purification – Someone with a biblical world view believes his primary reason for existence is to love and serve God

So… Since Christianity is a worldview, apologetics in some sense affects every aspect of life. The bible commands it, Jesus did it, Paul did it, the early church did it, and the world needs it. What are you going to do about it?

Apologetics is A lonely endeavor. It is possible for a person to give a great deal of effort to apologetic work, to defending God’s word, to answering questions, to reasoning with people and have it all seem as though it was worthless.

Apologetics is Discouragement is a reality to the apologist. You need to understand what your job is an apologist – To answer questions and objections and point people to Jesus

So… WorldViews – What is worldview? the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. “it is the ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world, and man’s relations to God and the world”

So… WorldViews – What is worldview? “A world view is a set of beliefs about the most important issues in life.” – Ronald Nash Everyone has a world view even if they cannot explain what it is.

WorldView questions – Why is there something rather than nothing? – What is the origin of the universe? – Is there a God? – What is the nature of man? – What is the basis of ethics and morality?

WorldView questions – Why is there evil and suffering in the world? – How do you know that you know?

Major world views – Theism – Pantheism – Naturalism – Polytheism – Pluralism

Major world views – Theism There is one God who was and is involved in lives in a personal way. Examples: Christianity, Judaism, Islam

Major world views – Pantheism Pan (meaning all) theos (meaning God) Everything is God. Think Star Wars and the “Force”. Knowledge is getting in touch with the cosmic consciousness. “Enlightenment.”

Major world views – Naturalism There is no God. Material things are all that exist. Everything can be explained. Life has no purpose.

Major world views – Polytheism “Many gods” Example: Mormonism, Hinduism Popular in Ancient times – Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and other Near East Peoples

Major world views – Pluralism Cafeteria-style religion – Mix and Match Find what works for you. All “ways” to god are equally valid.

TheismPantheismNaturalism (Modernism) Pluralism (Postmodernism) GODPersonalImpersonalNon-existent WORLDCreationSpiritualEvolution MANLike GodIs GodLike Animals IMMORTALITYResurrectionReincarnationAnnihilation Reincarnation DESTINYGlorificationAbsorptionExtinction AUTHORITYDivine Revelation Spiritual Enlightenment Human ReasonCulture TRUTHAbsolutePersonalObjective/ Science Relative/ Cultural EVILRebellion/SinIllusionIgnoranceCulturally Defined HISTORYLinearCyclicalChaoticRe-defined

Major world views – Examples 2+2=??? What if you had been raised a Muslim? Teaching evolution, instead of ID You only go around once in life, so go for all the gusto you can. There’s nothing wrong with abortion School children from under-priviledged homes committing vandilism.

Major world views – So Apologetics helps people understand a biblical world view – Do you understand a biblical world view?

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity Christians say that the Bible is true, but the original documents have never been found. You only have copies. You can’t know what it said originally, and yet you base your life of these copies.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity The Bible says in Genesis that the earth is 6,000 years old, but science has clearly shown that the universe is >6 billion years old. The Bible must be wrong.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity Christians claim to be loving, but they oppose homosexuals and their equal rights and happiness. How is that loving?

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity Science clearly shows that life came about through evolution, but you claim that some intelligent God created everything.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity Christians try to impose their moral standard on everyone, and they shouldn’t do that. Just because something is right for you, don’t mean it is right for me.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity God doesn’t exist, because if he did, there wouldn’t be evil, pain, or suffering. If God is all good and all powerful, he would have to prevent evil.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity We can’t fully know if something is true. It might be true for you. Your faith experience might be true for you, but I have had my own experiences that show me what I know to be true.

Objections to a biblical world view – Objections to Christianity Christians believe in the Trinity, which is 3 beings in 1 being. This is a logical contradiction similar to saying there is a “square circle.”