In The Hands of Critics

Not New In The World Jude 14,15 “harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” 1 Peter 3:15 “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks…” Colossians 4:5,6 “know how you ought to answer each one.” Proverbs 26:4,5 “Answer a fool according to his folly…”

“..Only interested in the facts…” The Bible Does Not Have Mistakes- John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16 Critics are NOT without mistakes Allegations of Error in the Bible are based on Some Error of their Own Deny Bible infallibility, but claim Infallibility for their viewpoint

Bible Claims to be Truth & Excludes all other Religions Mathematical Truth is Exclusive: = 4 Critics says: “I hate the exclusive nature of the Bible!” “BUT I love Jesus’ charge to humanity.” Jesus’ charge or teaching is very exclusive in its nature – Mark 16:16; John 3:16; 8:24; 14:6; Matthew 7:13,14,21-23

Inconsistent to love Jesus but hate what He taught – John 12:48; 13:20 Critics says: “You have the freedom to believe what you want to believe.” Criticize you for exercising that freedom Critic reserves ire for those who simply take what the Bible says at face value

Bible Claims to be Truth & Excludes all other Religions Critic says: “Just as people have different tastes in food, each can also have their own taste in spiritual food.” Difference between food that perishes and truth – John 6:48 All created in the image of God, why should we have different spiritual needs? Genesis 1:26

Critic Resents “My way or the Highway” attitude Bible is NOT Someone’s opinion It IS the Word of God God Does have the Moral right to Tell Them What to Do God does have the right to say, “My way or the highway.” God has the right to say, “Believe this or perish!” John 3:16

Critic Says Exclusive Nature of Bible Doctrine has led to Crusades, Witch hunts, etc. New Testament does not advocate spreading the Gospel through violence – 2 Corinthians 10:4 Critics equate Catholicism with Christianity – Somewhat true, since the word “Christianity” is rooted in the apostasy of Catholicism Abuses are without approval of God

Critics Exaggerate and Overstate Their Case “No other Christian historian or Theologian has been able to answer these contradictions.” False Claim! These have been answered many times “Gospels written in admitted propagandistic style and manner.” John 20:30,31 “that you may believe” Where is the deception/falsehood?

Alleged Contradictions “Mark states Mary was at the tomb very early in the morning when sun had risen (Mark 16:2) John says it was ‘early, while it was still dark’ (John 20:1 Matthew says it was ‘at it began to dawn toward the first day of the week’ (Matthew 28:1” Between pre-dawn & dawn very short. When started for tomb it was dark, arrived as sun had risen.

Alleged Contradictions “What women came to the tomb? Matthew said Mary Magdalene & other Mary. Mark said Mary Magdalene, Mother of James & Salome. Luke said Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mother of James and other women. John said Mary Magdalene.” NONE said “Only” one woman – not necessary for all women to be mentioned in every account. 2 Peter 1:3 “all things pertain to life & godliness” John 21:25 “many other things”

Alleged Contradictions “Matthew (28:5) says there was one angel at the tomb after the resurrection, John informs us there were two (20:12).” Matthew did not say there was “Only” one angel – critic must add the word ONLY for his argument to hold water Fact: where two are present there is as least one present as well. Compare John 20:12 with Matthew 28:2

Dealing with Critics Remember: Critic needs to be held accountable – if will not abandon argument when answered, no longer honest Remind critic of everything he is missing, all of the evidence is to be considered IF will not admit you have given satisfactory answers to questions, unfair for him to demand more