Christian Apologetics – Part II St. Mary & St. Mina Youth Meeting November 21, 2014

Summary of last time The importance of apologetics The importance of apologetics The argument from Design The argument from Design

The necessity of religion There was never a race with religion There was never a race with religion Something wide-spread like that cannot be ascribed to custom Something wide-spread like that cannot be ascribed to custom

Religion Every goal requires proper means to attain it Every goal requires proper means to attain it God is the supreme goal of mankind God is the supreme goal of mankind Religion is defined as the sum of truths whereby one’s life is directed toward God Religion is defined as the sum of truths whereby one’s life is directed toward God

Natural Religion The truths and precepts that man can discover by the natural light of reason The truths and precepts that man can discover by the natural light of reason This is by no means an easy task This is by no means an easy task –Requires a lot of study –Requires a lot of time –Requires motivation

Natural Religion The fall of man is also hampering him from being able to find God on his own The fall of man is also hampering him from being able to find God on his own In Christianity, it is not that we are trying to reach out to God. On the opposite, it is God who is reaching out to us ! In Christianity, it is not that we are trying to reach out to God. On the opposite, it is God who is reaching out to us !

Revealed Religion Christianity is a revealed religion, confirmed by God in so many different ways Christianity is a revealed religion, confirmed by God in so many different ways If God has revealed Himself to us, it is not up to us now to practice religion the way we want If God has revealed Himself to us, it is not up to us now to practice religion the way we want

Religion as a personal relationship with God Religion can be better defined as man’s recognition of the existence of God, and the worship of Him because of His excellence, love and beauty. Religion can be better defined as man’s recognition of the existence of God, and the worship of Him because of His excellence, love and beauty. Man as a creature is dependent on God, and therefore it is important to recognize this and act accordingly Man as a creature is dependent on God, and therefore it is important to recognize this and act accordingly

Religion (cont.) A strong argument for the necessity of religion is based on man’s desire to be happy A strong argument for the necessity of religion is based on man’s desire to be happy The things of the world cannot make us happy – why ? The things of the world cannot make us happy – why ?

Religion (cont.) Man has an intellect and will, and God is the supreme object of man’s intellect and will Man has an intellect and will, and God is the supreme object of man’s intellect and will