1. Divine Revelation – The Communication of God

2. I. Important Questions to Consider II. Basic Terminology
OBJECTIVES
I. Important Questions to Consider
II. Basic Terminology
III. Various Opinions
IV. Examining the Scriptures
V. Systematic Conclusions
VI. Apologetics
VII. Practical Applications

3. I. Important Questions to Consider

4. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION What does the word apologetics mean?
In your opinion, what are 2-3 accusations against Christianity that the church needs to be equipped to answer?
Theology Matters

5. II. Basic Terminology
1. Apologetics – This word comes from the Greek word apologia, which means to give a speech or defense in response to something. In ancient times, this term was used in a court of law; for an example, see the famous apologia of Socrates. Today, Christians use this expression to describe the act of defending the various aspects of the Christian faith.

6. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
What is the difference between one’s conscience and the state of being conscious?
Would you kill someone for a million dollars if you knew you would not get caught?
Would you steal from the elderly if you were in financial trouble?
Would you slap a baby under any circumstances?
Would you eat another human if your survival depended on it?

7. II. Basic Terminology
2. Conscience – This term refers to a person’s internal sense of what is right or wrong in reference to practiced behaviors and contemplated intentions, especially as it relates to past actions and moral accountability; the conscience compels one towards right actions.

8. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
What is the difference between cosmology and teleology? Which of these two fields interests you more? Why?

9. II. Basic Terminology
3. Cosmology (Kosmos – universe or world; logia – word or reason) – It is the field of study that investigates the universe, especially in matters dealing with its origin and organization.

10. II. Basic Terminology
12. Teleology (telos – end, purpose; logia – word or reason) – This term refers to the study of design or purpose in the universe.

11. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
How does the discipline of concordism compare and contrast with the study of theology?
Which scientific theories are in harmony with the Bible?
Which scientific theories seem to be in contradiction with the Bible?
What is the difference between modest concordism and bold concordism?

12. II. Basic Terminology
4. Concordism – This discipline seeks to show the harmony between the Bible’s teachings and modern scientific findings.

13. II. Basic Terminology
13. Theology (theos – God; logia – word or reason) - This term has its origins in classical Greek. It initially was used to describe the study of the gods; the early church adapted this term to refer to study of the Triune God of Scripture. In today’s world, the word theology is usually applied to any investigation into the divine. Thus, it is simply the study of God.

14. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
What is epistemology? How does empiricism relate to the field of epistemology? Should Christians be empiricists?

15. II. Basic Terminology
6. Epistemology – This branch of philosophy studies the concept of knowledge. In particular, it seeks to answer the following questions: How do we know if something is true or false? Where do we go to find truth? Which truth source is the most authoritative?

16. II. Basic Terminology
5. Empiricism – This term comes from the Greek word empeiria, which means “experience.” Empiricists believe that knowledge is acquired merely, or at least primarily, through the five senses (scientific method).

17. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
What is General Revelation? How is it different from Special Revelation? How does it compare and contrast with Natural Theology?
Words
General Revelation
Special Revelation
Creation
Angelic Visitation
Word of God
Dreams
Visions
Coming of Jesus

18. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
How does General Revelation compare and contrast with Natural Theology? General Revelation (Location) Natural Theology (Awareness)

19. II. Basic Terminology
7. General Revelation – This theological expression refers to God’s disclosure of Himself to all persons at all times in all locations. General revelation, as opposed to Special Revelation, is presented externally through God’s creation, and it is present internally in the human conscience.

20. II. Basic Terminology
8. Natural Theology – This phrase is used in two prime ways. First, it is utilized to positively claim that all persons, even unbelievers, do comprehend or grasp God’s General Revelation in at least a basic manner. Second, natural theology can be understood as a discipline that “seeks to provide warrant for belief in God’s existence” apart from the Bible or any other written revelation

21. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
Create a T/F question for each of the following terms:
Pantheism
Objective truth
Total depravity

22. II. Basic Terminology
9. Objective Truth – It is not dependent on a person’s perception, ideas, or opinions; instead, it is factual and correct because it corresponds to reality; a truth claim is false and, thus, not objectively true if it does not correspond to reality.

23. II. Basic Terminology
10. Pantheism (pan – all; theos – God) - This theological view equates God with the universe and its principles. Thus, God is everything.

24. II. Basic Terminology
14. Total Depravity – This doctrine asserts that every aspect of the human being has been corrupted by sin.

25. II. Basic Terminology
11. Syllogism – This term refers to a logical argument that defends a conclusion with a series of premises or ideas. The strength of the conclusion is contingent upon the truthfulness and verifiability of the premises. A syllogism is presented as a form of deductive reasoning.

26. HOMEWORK DISCUSSION
Create one syllogism to argue for something that you believe is true.