I’ve had the privilege of taking a course on apologetics with Dr. Norman Geisler. He’s considered by many to be one of the foremost apologists alive today. I’ve certainly come to appreciate Dr. Geisler all the more since becoming one of his students.
In his lectures, he was adamant about driving home the twelve points that show Christianity is true. This is a logical case that starts by arguing for the existence of objective truth and concludes that the Bible is the Word of God. These twelve points have provided me with a strategy to keep in the back of my mind when asked about the veracity of the Christian faith. I hope this will be as helpful to you as it has been for me.
- Truth about reality is knowable.
- Opposites cannot both be true.
- The theistic God exists.
- If God exists, then miracles are possible.
- Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.
- The New Testament is historically reliable.
- The New Testament says that Jesus claimed to be God.
- Jesus’ claim to be God is confirmed by miracles.
- Therefore, Jesus is God.
- Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.
- Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.
- Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and anything opposed to it is false).
But what my "That said" comment was referring to is the fact that most of the so-called Bible 'contradictions' aren't really very challenging...no need to hammer your theology around or trust God for some future revelation. You can most often tell right now that the 'contradiction' poses no problem.
Posted by: WisdomLover | November 02, 2015 at 05:15 PM
Yes, I do agree. Most of the contradictions that were mentioned to me in my younger days as a Christian were brought up by non-believers. At the time, it caused me considerable grief trying to resolve them. As it turns out, they were never really contradictions at all.
That's why I made the comment that those who approach scripture LOOKING for contradictions (or reasons not to believe) will find them. I believe the Bible is hidden from the wise and prudent... It's a stumbling stone for the prideful and haughty. This is why so many atheists misquote scripture and get it wrong.
But, those who approach scripture as babes... with humility and prayer, and a sincere desire to know the truth of God will find that also.
In past discussions with atheists who misquote scripture I've pointed this out (with some success) as a reason for why they just don't get it. I tell them that they misquoted scripture, that they misquoted it because they don't understand it, and that in order to understand it, scripture must be approached with humility and a sincere desire to know the truth. This impacts those atheists who seek the truth versus those who are scoffers.
That the Word of God could even be configured in such a way as to separate the hearts of men, to me, is convincing evidence of its divine inspiration.
Do you agree, or feel that I'm over-stretching the Lord's intent here?
Posted by: Allen | November 03, 2015 at 10:22 AM
Posted by: WisdomLover | November 03, 2015 at 11:49 AM
But, my question was not so much about whether you've noticed the phenomenon, rather, do you think the doctrine is theologically sound, given the verses I cited?
I've actually met very few atheists who didn't misinterpret scripture to some extent. Of course, if they understood it they wouldn't be atheists.
Posted by: Allen | November 03, 2015 at 05:03 PM
scbrownlhrm posted this in a different blog but on this same site...
"Christianity is unique because it functions on a paradox. You must be perfect and you cannot be perfect"
So, you see how you guys twist everything to fit within your belief system. Premise 2 says that opposites can't both be true but then you guys use opposites to "prove the uniqueness of Christianity". Of course you will come up with some new spin as to why the above is not an opposite.
Posted by: Talking Donkey | November 04, 2015 at 07:21 AM
The Critic's version of an illogical statement:
I must get to NY, and, I cannot get to NY.
Posted by: scbrownlhrm | November 04, 2015 at 07:47 AM
T.D.,
To be fair, you are correct that there *is* such a state of affairs where "the perfection of being Human...." is concerned. Only, there are metaphysical necessities which converge between "here" (inside of our painful privation) and "there". And that makes sense, given that we do not just "leap" from here to there (so to speak). Reality indeed maps to Christ. Again, you are correct that Man "can", only, there is much which comes before and after "that" housed seamlessly within the words of Christ and the margins of Christianity's paradigm.
Posted by: scbrownlhrm | November 04, 2015 at 09:19 AM
TD quoted scbrownlhrm as saying...
There is nothing paradoxical about that statement at all. If anything it is incomplete. It's like saying...Where is the paradox? There isn't any. A more complete statement of the original premise would be...1. You must be perfect to stand in God's presence.
2. You cannot be perfect (due to your fallen nature).
3. Jesus, who WAS perfect, and therefore worthy to stand in God's presence, asked God to overlook your imperfection if you believe him.
4. God will overlook your imperfection if you believe Jesus.
It's a little more complex than the original statement, yet fairly straightforward and clear... certainly not paradoxical. See, TD? No spin is even necessary.
Posted by: Allen | November 04, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Well scb is the one who originally used the word "paradox" not me.
Posted by: Talking Donkey | November 04, 2015 at 11:05 AM
However I concede that I didn't read very carefully and I'm sorry I wasted everybody's time. When I saw "paradox" I think of two things that contradict each other however that may not be the precise definition of the word. I guess I should look it up :)
Posted by: Talking Donkey | November 04, 2015 at 11:37 AM
No apology necessary and it's not a waste of time to mention anything you may have a problem with. Discussion is how we can better understand each other and clarify matters.
Posted by: Allen | November 04, 2015 at 01:03 PM
I think Paul has more than one thing to say about these "liberal christians". Save your breath believers. And just read your bible with an open heart.
1 Timothy 4:7 Have nothing to do with irreverent silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
1 Timothy 7:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
1 Timothy 6:11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things(silly arguments and the like. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
And again,
1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge" for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
Posted by: Scott C | November 04, 2015 at 08:03 PM
Sorry I mistyped the 2nd verse. Its also chapter 6 of 1 Timothy not 7 because it doesn't exist. Hah
Posted by: Scott C | November 04, 2015 at 08:05 PM
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the post. I agree with nearly everything that you posted from 1 Timothy and it is the evangelicals that go on and on and on with quarrels about words.
Regarding silly myth believing, again, it is the evangelicals that believe in talking snakes, talking donkeys, etc.
Posted by: Talking Donkey | November 11, 2015 at 01:44 PM