Presuppositional ApologeticsPresuppositional Apologeticsandand

World View ApologeticsWorld View Apologetics

John OakesJohn OakesARS ARS

2015 ICEC2015 ICECYork College, York, NEYork College, York, NE

Apologetic Strategies: John OakesApologetic Strategies: John Oakes

Defending the FaithDefending the Faith

– History and History and ArchaeologyArchaeology

– How We Got the Bible How We Got the Bible (including response to (including response to form criticism, etc.)form criticism, etc.)

– ScienceScience

– Contradictions in the Contradictions in the BibleBible

Creating FaithCreating Faith

– World ViewWorld View

– ProphecyProphecy

– Miracles/ResurrectionMiracles/Resurrection

– Claims of JesusClaims of Jesus

Schools of Christian ApologeticsSchools of Christian Apologetics Classical Apologetics (two-step)Classical Apologetics (two-step)

– Emphasizes arguments for theismEmphasizes arguments for theism– Miracles make no sense unless prove God exists.Miracles make no sense unless prove God exists.– RationalismRationalism– Thomas Aquinas, William Lane Craig, Norman GeislerThomas Aquinas, William Lane Craig, Norman Geisler

Evidential Apologetics (one-step)Evidential Apologetics (one-step)– Emphasizes history, prophecy, miracles, Emphasizes history, prophecy, miracles,

resurrection.resurrection.– Habermas, McDowell, J P MorelandHabermas, McDowell, J P Moreland

Cumulative Case Apologetics Cumulative Case Apologetics – Like Evidential but makes legal-type arguments. Like Evidential but makes legal-type arguments.

What is the most reasonable conclusion, given the What is the most reasonable conclusion, given the evidence? Feinberg, Strobelevidence? Feinberg, Strobel

Schools of Christian ApologeticsSchools of Christian Apologetics

Presuppositional Apologetics (World View Presuppositional Apologetics (World View Apologetics) Apologetics) Cornelius Van Til, Greg BahnsenCornelius Van Til, Greg Bahnsen

Reformed Epistemological ApologeticsReformed Epistemological Apologetics– It is rational to believe without evidence It is rational to believe without evidence

(induction). God revealed by experiencing him.(induction). God revealed by experiencing him.

Fideism Fideism You just have to believe. Faith is a blind You just have to believe. Faith is a blind leap. Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Barthleap. Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth

Presuppositional ApologeticsPresuppositional Apologetics

A type of World View ApologeticsA type of World View Apologetics

Chief proponents:Chief proponents:

Cornelius Van Til Dutch 1895-1987Cornelius Van Til Dutch 1895-1987Greg Bahnsen American 1948-1995Greg Bahnsen American 1948-1995

Argues for the rationality of the Christian Argues for the rationality of the Christian World View but highly influenced by World View but highly influenced by Calvinism/Reformed TheologyCalvinism/Reformed Theology

Augustinianism in DisguiseAugustinianism in Disguise

Because of Original Sin/Total Depravity, the Because of Original Sin/Total Depravity, the mind of the unbeliever is so depraved that no mind of the unbeliever is so depraved that no logical argument will be an effective means to logical argument will be an effective means to create saving faith. Presuppositional create saving faith. Presuppositional Apologists, strongly emphasize the Apologists, strongly emphasize the sovereignty of God (over and above his love, sovereignty of God (over and above his love, for example) The apologist’s method is to for example) The apologist’s method is to demand the unbeliever to accept by formal demand the unbeliever to accept by formal presupposition the Christian world view presupposition the Christian world view because only under the Christian World View because only under the Christian World View does reality make sense.does reality make sense.

Presuppositions of the Presuppositions of the PresuppositionalistsPresuppositionalists

Use Colossians 2:3-8 to demonstrate that Use Colossians 2:3-8 to demonstrate that every single thought of the non-believer is every single thought of the non-believer is foolishness.foolishness.Bahnsen:Bahnsen:All wisdom and knowledge is deposited in the All wisdom and knowledge is deposited in the person of Christ—whether it be about the War person of Christ—whether it be about the War of 1812, water’s chemical composition, the of 1812, water’s chemical composition, the literature of Shakespeare or the laws of logic. literature of Shakespeare or the laws of logic. Every academic pursuit and every thought Every academic pursuit and every thought must be related to Jesus Christ, for Jesus is must be related to Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the way the truth and the life.the way the truth and the life.

Christianity Owns All KnowledgeChristianity Owns All Knowledge

Bahnsen:Bahnsen:““One must be presuppositionally committed to Christ One must be presuppositionally committed to Christ in the world of thought… or else the persuasive in the world of thought… or else the persuasive argumentation of secular thought will delude him. argumentation of secular thought will delude him. Hence the Christian is obliged to presuppose the word Hence the Christian is obliged to presuppose the word of Christ in every area of knowledge; the alternative is of Christ in every area of knowledge; the alternative is delusion.”delusion.”

Michael A. Robinson:Michael A. Robinson:““Everything that opposes the truth of Christianity will Everything that opposes the truth of Christianity will be false. Everything.”be false. Everything.”

Augustine: A man must believe in order to understand. Augustine: A man must believe in order to understand. Reason without conversion avails nothing. Reason without conversion avails nothing.

The Foolish UnbelieverThe Foolish Unbeliever

Van Til: “The struggle between Christian theism and Van Til: “The struggle between Christian theism and its opponents covers the whole field of knowledge. its opponents covers the whole field of knowledge. Christian theism’s fundamental contention is just this, Christian theism’s fundamental contention is just this, that nothing whatsoever can be known unless God can that nothing whatsoever can be known unless God can be and is known.be and is known.

We defeat the unbeliever in argument by walking away We defeat the unbeliever in argument by walking away from the argument.from the argument.

““The fool-oriented question is to be put aside.”The fool-oriented question is to be put aside.”

Use Proverbs 26:4-5 to show that our opponents are Use Proverbs 26:4-5 to show that our opponents are foolish and therefore we should not engage in foolish and therefore we should not engage in arguments with them.arguments with them.

How to Do Apologetics?How to Do Apologetics?

Bahnsen:Bahnsen:““By attacking the unbeliever’s position at its By attacking the unbeliever’s position at its foundation.” “The pseudo-wisdom of the world must foundation.” “The pseudo-wisdom of the world must be reduced to foolishness.” be reduced to foolishness.”

Robinson about the unbeliever:Robinson about the unbeliever:““He despises biblical morality and desires sin. He is an He despises biblical morality and desires sin. He is an intellectual criminal because he is a moral criminal intellectual criminal because he is a moral criminal first.”first.”

Important Terminology for Van Til and Important Terminology for Van Til and BahnsenBahnsen

““The myth of neutrality”The myth of neutrality”

No common groundNo common ground

AntithesisAntithesis

ThThe Myth of Neutralitye Myth of Neutrality

Van Til: “There is no neutral middle ground Van Til: “There is no neutral middle ground where the Christian and the unbeliever can where the Christian and the unbeliever can agree.”agree.”

Robinson:Robinson:““The Christian who strives after neutrality in The Christian who strives after neutrality in his thought… is reduced to apostate thought his thought… is reduced to apostate thought patterns and absorbed into the world of patterns and absorbed into the world of unbelief.”unbelief.”““Neutrality is nothing short of immorality.” Neutrality is nothing short of immorality.”

No Common GroundNo Common Ground

Robinson:“No demilitarized zone exists between the Robinson:“No demilitarized zone exists between the camp of unbelief and the forces obedient to Christ.”camp of unbelief and the forces obedient to Christ.”

Bahnsen:Bahnsen:““Any common ground is ‘owned’ by the believer. The Any common ground is ‘owned’ by the believer. The best we can have is formal agreement.”best we can have is formal agreement.”

Van Til: Van Til: The only “common ground” is found in the sinner’s The only “common ground” is found in the sinner’s sense of deity that lies within because he/she was sense of deity that lies within because he/she was made in the image of God. (in other words, the only made in the image of God. (in other words, the only reason we agree is that they are unknowingly hijacking reason we agree is that they are unknowingly hijacking Christianity)Christianity)

Points of Vulnerability (Bahnsen)Points of Vulnerability (Bahnsen)

1. It is dogmatic and absolutistic. (His 1. It is dogmatic and absolutistic. (His response: “It appears dogmatic and response: “It appears dogmatic and absolutistic because it is dogmatic and absolutistic because it is dogmatic and absolutistic”)absolutistic”)

2. The presuppositionalist is claiming that 2. The presuppositionalist is claiming that non-believers know nothing.non-believers know nothing.

3. The presuppositionalist argument would 3. The presuppositionalist argument would prevent any meaningful discussion with the prevent any meaningful discussion with the unbeliever. unbeliever.

ConclusionConclusion

We can agree with the presuppositional We can agree with the presuppositional apologists that the Christian world view is the apologists that the Christian world view is the only one with a consistent rational basis, but only one with a consistent rational basis, but to deny common ground to other world views to deny common ground to other world views is to speak untruthfully and to defeat our is to speak untruthfully and to defeat our evangelism before it starts. Total depravity is evangelism before it starts. Total depravity is not a good presupposition on which to build a not a good presupposition on which to build a Christian apologetic (and it also is not true).Christian apologetic (and it also is not true).

B. Christianity: The Christian World ViewB. Christianity: The Christian World View

► One's world view is the One's world view is the perspective one uses to perspective one uses to process and interpret process and interpret information received about information received about the world.  the world. 

► James W. Sire put it this way, James W. Sire put it this way, "A world view is a set of "A world view is a set of presuppositions (ie. presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which we hold assumptions) which we hold about the basic makeup of about the basic makeup of our world." our world." 

►James W. Sire, James W. Sire, The Universe Next The Universe Next Door Door (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)

A Jain World View

A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined

A. It is true.A. It is true. It is consistent with reality. It is consistent with reality. It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience. It It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience. It

works.works.

B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want answered.answered.

What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is a human being? What is a human being? What happens to a person at death? What happens to a person at death? Why is it possible for us to know anything at all? Why is it possible for us to know anything at all? How do we know what is right and wrong? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is my purpose? What is my purpose? What is the value of a human being? What is the value of a human being?

C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than they would otherwise have been if they held to competing they would otherwise have been if they held to competing alternative world views.alternative world views.

DefinitionsDefinitions

► Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and phenomena.and phenomena.

► Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is governed by many gods.governed by many gods.

► Pantheism (monism): Pan = all. A belief that a spirit Pantheism (monism): Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.of God. Panentheism: God is in everything (stoicism)Panentheism: God is in everything (stoicism)

► Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Taoism)(Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Taoism)

Definitions (cont.)Definitions (cont.)

► Deism: A belief in a distant, uninvolved God who is Deism: A belief in a distant, uninvolved God who is creator, but does not interact with his creation. creator, but does not interact with his creation. (Epicureanism)(Epicureanism)

► Monotheism: A belief that the universe is Monotheism: A belief that the universe is created/governed by a single created/governed by a single omnipotent/omniscient/omnipresent spiritual being.omnipotent/omniscient/omnipresent spiritual being.

Other World ViewsOther World Views

1. Animism/Polytheism1. Animism/Polytheism2. Pantheism2. Pantheism3. Dualism3. Dualism4. Materialism4. Materialism5. Deism5. Deism6. Theism6. Theism

The Bible and Other World ViewsThe Bible and Other World Views

► If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism, polytheism, If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism, polytheism, pantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, pantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, postmodernism and every other ism is false.postmodernism and every other ism is false.

► Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated with one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with all these other world views.with all these other world views.

Hindu World ViewHindu World View

► Maya. The physical world is an illusion.Maya. The physical world is an illusion.

► Brahman. Universal soul.Brahman. Universal soul.

► The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is within yourself.which is within yourself.

► The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.outward.

The Hindu World ViewThe Hindu World View

““There is no holy life. There is no war There is no holy life. There is no war between good and evil. There is no sin and no between good and evil. There is no sin and no redemption. None of these things matter to the redemption. None of these things matter to the real you. But they all matter hugely to the false real you. But they all matter hugely to the false you, the one who believes in the separate self. you, the one who believes in the separate self. You have tried to take your separate self, with You have tried to take your separate self, with all its loneliness and anxiety and pride, to the all its loneliness and anxiety and pride, to the door of enlightenment. But it will never go door of enlightenment. But it will never go through, because it is a ghost.” through, because it is a ghost.” ――Deepak ChopraDeepak Chopra

Hinduism and TimeHinduism and Time

Time is cyclic. There is a “wheel of time.”Time is cyclic. There is a “wheel of time.” World is cyclically created by Brahma, World is cyclically created by Brahma,

sustained by Vishnu and destroyed by sustained by Vishnu and destroyed by Shiva.Shiva.

Creative/destructive cycles called YugasCreative/destructive cycles called Yugas A universe lasts for one Brahma day = A universe lasts for one Brahma day =

4,320,000 years4,320,000 years– Satya yuga (Krita yuga):- 1,728,000 Human years Satya yuga (Krita yuga):- 1,728,000 Human years

(already past) (already past) – Treta yuga:- 1,296,000 Human years (already past) Treta yuga:- 1,296,000 Human years (already past) – Dwapar yuga:- 864,000 Human years (already past) Dwapar yuga:- 864,000 Human years (already past) – Kali yuga:- 432,000 Human years (5,110 years have Kali yuga:- 432,000 Human years (5,110 years have

passed; 426,890 years remain). passed; 426,890 years remain). KaliyugaKaliyuga started in started in 3,102 B.C.; CE 2008 corresponds to 3,102 B.C.; CE 2008 corresponds to KaliyugaKaliyuga year 5,110 year 5,110

Hindism and Time (cont)Hindism and Time (cont)

One full cycle = One full cycle = 100 “Brahma 100 “Brahma years” 311 years” 311 trillion years.trillion years.

Then Brahma Then Brahma himself dies himself dies and is rebornand is reborn

Hindu CosmologyHindu Cosmology

Many different levels of Many different levels of heavens/worlds/hellsheavens/worlds/hells

These levels are horizontal (flat)These levels are horizontal (flat) The physical world is illusory and it is The physical world is illusory and it is

evilevil Lower levels are even more evil than Lower levels are even more evil than

oursours

Angkor Wat: Mount Meru

Is The Hindu World View a Good One?Is The Hindu World View a Good One?

Is it true?Is it true?– Hindu cosmology (cycles of creation, Hindu cosmology (cycles of creation,

destruction and rebirth, eternal universe) destruction and rebirth, eternal universe) is patently false.is patently false.

– The physical world is real and it is good.The physical world is real and it is good.– Evil is NOT an illusionEvil is NOT an illusion

Does it answer the important questions?Does it answer the important questions?– It does better than postmodernism or It does better than postmodernism or

naturalism!naturalism!– Purpose: To cease to exist.Purpose: To cease to exist.

Is Hinduism/Pantheism a Good World Is Hinduism/Pantheism a Good World View?View?

Does accepting this world view make one a Does accepting this world view make one a better person?better person?

Better than naturalism. Better than naturalism.

Self-focus and dispassion are not helpful.Self-focus and dispassion are not helpful.

Suffering is not real.Suffering is not real.Christian groups do the majority of benevolent work Christian groups do the majority of benevolent work

ininIndiaIndia

Evil is not real. What is the effect of this belief?Evil is not real. What is the effect of this belief?

The Buddhist World ViewThe Buddhist World View

The Four Noble Truths:The Four Noble Truths:Suffering is not getting what Suffering is not getting what one wants.one wants.

The cause of suffering is desire The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.which leads to rebirth.

The way to end suffering is to The way to end suffering is to end desire.end desire.

The way to the end of desire The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-and of suffering is the eight-fold path.fold path.

The eight-fold path to The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of sufferingbodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of suffering

► Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).► Right values.Right values.► Right speech.Right speech.► Right actions.Right actions.► Right livelihoodRight livelihood► Right effortRight effort► Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness► Right meditationRight meditation

► Hard to argue with these values.Hard to argue with these values.

Other Buddhist IdeasOther Buddhist Ideas

Buddha claimed to be agnostic, but his world Buddha claimed to be agnostic, but his world view was clearly pantheistic.view was clearly pantheistic.

Physical things are illusion.Physical things are illusion.

Evil is not real.Evil is not real.

Buddhist CosmologyBuddhist Cosmology

Like Jaina, Hinduism, a vertical cosmology, Like Jaina, Hinduism, a vertical cosmology, with multiple levels/earths/heavens/lokahswith multiple levels/earths/heavens/lokahs

31 planes of existence, each with 3 realms.31 planes of existence, each with 3 realms.

Higher ones more blissful, lower ones more Higher ones more blissful, lower ones more like hell. like hell.

Endless cycle of time Cosmic wheel.Endless cycle of time Cosmic wheel.

Buddhist Cosmology

Borodbur in Indonesia: A Buddhist concept of the world

Is The Buddhist World View a Good One?Is The Buddhist World View a Good One?

Is Buddhist Cosmology true?Is Buddhist Cosmology true?Is matter illusion?Is matter illusion?

Purpose of life: To lose oneself and to Purpose of life: To lose oneself and to become dispassionate.become dispassionate.

A better person?A better person?Christians do a majority of the benevolent Christians do a majority of the benevolent work in Buddhist countries.work in Buddhist countries.

Islamic Worldview:

Monotheistic, of course

God is very distant from mankind

In Islam, Allah determines everything, even who will choose to follow him.

Sura 2:142, 6:39 6:125

Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that people suffer..

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology “ “Surely good deeds take away Surely good deeds take away

evil deeds” (11:114).evil deeds” (11:114).Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort

(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43) Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins

(2:271,277)(2:271,277) ► Earn grace.Earn grace.► Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.► Earn salvation.Earn salvation.► Earn paradise.Earn paradise.

Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort (40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)

Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins (2:271,277)(2:271,277)

►Earn grace.Earn grace.►Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.►Earn salvation.Earn salvation.►Earn paradise.Earn paradise.

Sura 23:102-103Those whose balance of good deeds is heavy, they will be successful. But those whose balance is light will be those who have lost their souls

Islam: Salvation is earned through the efforts of those who were pre-selected by Allah to inhabit a very sensual paradise.

Christianity: Salvation is granted by the grace of a loving God to those who, through faith and repentance and baptism accept that love.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

InitiativeInitiative

Human approachHuman approach Truth Truth

God God GodGod

Mankind Mankind Mankind Mankind

Works Salvation: Man reaches out to God.

IslamHinduismJainaSikkhismGnosticismNew AgeBuddhism?

Salvation by Grace: God reaches out to man.

JudaismChristianity

The 5 Pillars of IslamThe 5 Pillars of Islam1.1. Recite the profession of faith: Recite the profession of faith:

“There is no God but Allah, “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is his prophet.”Mohammed is his prophet.”

2.2. Pray five times a dayPray five times a day3.3. Pay the tax for the poorPay the tax for the poor4.4. Fast during RamadanFast during Ramadan5.5. Do the Hajj (the pilgrimage)Do the Hajj (the pilgrimage)

Is the Islamic World View a Good Is the Islamic World View a Good One?One?

Is it true?Is it true?Like Christianity, it is in reasonably good correspondence Like Christianity, it is in reasonably good correspondence with reality.with reality.

Does it give satisfactory answers to the important Does it give satisfactory answers to the important questions?questions?

Better that pantheism, dualism, naturalism…Better that pantheism, dualism, naturalism…

Does it make one better than other world views?Does it make one better than other world views?Alms only for MuslimsAlms only for MuslimsFate/Predestination. God is the source of suffering and Fate/Predestination. God is the source of suffering and even evil.even evil.

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View

1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing 1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex nihilo) and c. essentially good.(ex nihilo) and c. essentially good.

2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited 2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual aspect to their nature.spiritual aspect to their nature.

3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the 3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God who reveals himself in the Bible.God who reveals himself in the Bible.

4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, 4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.

5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by 5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.omnipresent.

The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)

6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical 6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings and their of freedom of will given to created beings and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin” “sin”

7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who 7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and separated from God for eternity.and separated from God for eternity.

8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal 8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences is provided by God through the consequences is provided by God through the atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Biblical World ViewThe Biblical World View

► The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1:311:31 Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.

► This world is not our home.This world is not our home.

► But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8

► Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in general and to work for social justice.suffering in general and to work for social justice.

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View

1. Is it true that the universe was created, that evil is 1. Is it true that the universe was created, that evil is real, that there is both a physical and spiritual real, that there is both a physical and spiritual reality?reality?

2. Why? Because of God2. Why? Because of God Purpose? To know and be known by GodPurpose? To know and be known by God Value? More than the entire worldValue? More than the entire world

3. Are we made better?3. Are we made better? Evil is real and is to be rejected.Evil is real and is to be rejected. Suffering: Compassion!Suffering: Compassion!

What Does the World Owe to What Does the World Owe to Christianity?Christianity?

ScienceScience

Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)

Civil Rights (Locke, Martin Luther King Jr. )Civil Rights (Locke, Martin Luther King Jr. )

Women’s RightsWomen’s Rights

Christian groups do a majority of all benevolent Christian groups do a majority of all benevolent work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)

How, then, should we interact with members of How, then, should we interact with members of other religions?other religions?

► Find common ground.Find common ground.

► Give respect where respect is due.Give respect where respect is due.

► Acknowledge the good and do not make personal Acknowledge the good and do not make personal attacks—especially toward revered people.attacks—especially toward revered people.

► Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and introduce them to Jesus Christ.introduce them to Jesus Christ.

► This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34

The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)

► Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by arguing for the Christian World View.arguing for the Christian World View. v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.

v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the Christian world view as opposed to truth of the Christian world view as opposed to Epicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deismEpicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deism

v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ For we are his offspring.”For we are his offspring.”

v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points them to Jesus.them to Jesus.

v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.

Acts 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World Acts 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World ViewsViews

► God is Creator. He exists outside creation.God is Creator. He exists outside creation. Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.

► God is close to us.God is close to us. Disproves deism/Epicureanism.Disproves deism/Epicureanism.

► God is personal and has given us an individual God is personal and has given us an individual purpose.purpose.

► God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be defeateddefeated Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.