The Truth About Worldviews

Welcome to the
Edinburgh International Church
of Christ
Teaching Service!
www.icoc.org.uk/edinburgh

Be with me Lord page 1 of 6
J. Brian Craig 1999 © 1999 DPI Publications International
1.
Sometimes I feel
That I could fight an army
With just me and you,
And there's no one could harm me.
O, but sometimes
I can feel a little shy.
It's then I need to know
That you are there, that's why I'm singing

Chorus:
Congregation sings:
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be with me Lord
Be my only God.
Leader sings:
When I'm down
When I'm lonely
When I'm tired
I need you only
When I'm down
When I'm lonely
When I need you, Lord
Be my only God

2.
I know you said
That I would not be tested
More than I could bear
And that you'd have my best in mind.
With everything
That ever comes my way,
I know you're in control
So hear me as I pray. I'm singing...

3.
Now help me, Lord
To share what I've been given.
Help me make a difference
With this life I'm living.
As I show my neighbour
Where true treasure's stored,
Help me know you promised
You'd be with me Lord. I'm singing...

I’ll Fly Awaypage 1/3
•Some glad morning when this life is over
•I'll fly away (fly away)
•To a home on God's celestial shore,
•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)
•Chorus;
•I'll fly away Oh Glory, I'll fly away
•(in the morning)
•When I die Hallelujah by and by

•When the shadows of this life have gone,
•Like a bird from prison bars has flown
•Chorus;
•(in the morning)

•Just a few more weary days and then,
•To a land where joys shall never end
•Chorus;
•(in the morning)

Song for Andrey
1. Yesli s drugom vyshel v put',
Yesli s drugom vyshel v put' -
Veseley doroga!
Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut',
Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut',
A s druziyami mnogo!

Song for Andrey
Chorus
Chto mne sneg, chto mne znoy,
Chto mne dozhdik prolivnoy,
Kogda moi druziya so mnoy!

Song for Andrey
2. Tam gde trudno odnomu,
Tam gde trudno odnomu, -
Spravlyus' vmeste s vami!
Gde chego-to ne poymu,
Gde chego-to ne poymu -
Razberem s druziyami!
!

Song for Andrey
3. Na medvedya ya, druziya,
Na medvedya ya, druziya,
Vyydu bez ispuga,
Yesli s drugom budu ya,
Yesli s drugom budu ya,
A medved' - bez druga!
!

Welcome
&
Announcements
Ally Boyd

John Oakes is here!
Tonight!
What is Truth?
Tomorrow 10am-1pm
‘Living By Faith’ & ‘Freedom in Christ’

Friday 20th
June
7pm
Drummond
Community
High School
Separate Men & Women Classes

Ethical Answers in an Unethical World
What is Truth?
John Oakes, PhD
Edinbugh
June 13, 2014 Christian and Other World Views

Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”
Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”

The Problem as I See ItThe Problem as I See It
 The Secularization of CultureThe Secularization of Culture
 The Loss of MoralityThe Loss of Morality
 The Loss of GodThe Loss of God
 The Loss of the Intellectual High Ground atThe Loss of the Intellectual High Ground at
the University to Non-Believers.the University to Non-Believers.

The Culprits: The Leading Philosophies of OurThe Culprits: The Leading Philosophies of Our
DayDay
 Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism
 Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth
Delos B. McKown:
“Christianity is scientifically unsupported
and probably insupportable, philosophically
suspect at best and disreputable at worst, and
historically fraudulent.”

World ViewWorld View
 The perspective one uses to process andThe perspective one uses to process and
interpret information received about theinterpret information received about the
world.world.
 James W. Sire “A world view is a set ofJames W. Sire “A world view is a set of
presuppositions (ie. assumptions) whichpresuppositions (ie. assumptions) which
we hold about the basic makeup of ourwe hold about the basic makeup of our
world.”world.”
James W. Sire,James W. Sire, TheUniverse Next DoorTheUniverse Next Door

What Makes for a “Good” World ViewWhat Makes for a “Good” World View
1.1. It is “true”It is “true”
2. It successfully answers the important2. It successfully answers the important
questions humans askquestions humans ask
3. Those who ascribe to it are better human3. Those who ascribe to it are better human
beings for having taken this as their worldbeings for having taken this as their world
view.view.

Questions That Need an AnswerQuestions That Need an Answer
1. What am I?1. What am I?
2. What happens to a person at death?2. What happens to a person at death?
3. What is my purpose (if any)?3. What is my purpose (if any)?
4. What is my value?4. What is my value?
5. How do we know what is right and wrong?5. How do we know what is right and wrong?
6. What is the nature of my relationship, with6. What is the nature of my relationship, with
the “prime reality?”the “prime reality?”

Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism
 The belief that the only reliable or validThe belief that the only reliable or valid
instrument to deciding the truth or eveninstrument to deciding the truth or even
the value of any proposition is thethe value of any proposition is the
scientific method.scientific method.
 No basis for ethics or morality, noNo basis for ethics or morality, no
supernatural, no God, no truth (exceptsupernatural, no God, no truth (except
that found by science), no consciousness,that found by science), no consciousness,
no “I.” Justice is a figment of ourno “I.” Justice is a figment of our
imagination.imagination.

MaterialismMaterialism
 ““We exist as material beings in a material world, allWe exist as material beings in a material world, all
of whose phenomena are the consequences ofof whose phenomena are the consequences of
material relations among material entities." In a word,material relations among material entities." In a word,
the public needs to accept materialism, which meansthe public needs to accept materialism, which means
that they must put God in the trash can of historythat they must put God in the trash can of history
where such myths belong.”where such myths belong.”
Richard LewontinRichard Lewontin
Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997 New York Review of BooksNew York Review of Books,,

Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins
 In the universe of blind physical forces andIn the universe of blind physical forces and
genetic replication, some people are going togenetic replication, some people are going to
get hurt and other people are going to getget hurt and other people are going to get
lucky: and you won’t find any rhyme or reasonlucky: and you won’t find any rhyme or reason
to it, nor any justice. The universe weto it, nor any justice. The universe we
observe has precisely the properties we shouldobserve has precisely the properties we should
expect if there is at the bottom, no design, noexpect if there is at the bottom, no design, no
purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing butpurpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but
blind, pitiless indifference. DNA neither knowsblind, pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows
nor cares. DNA just is, and we dance to itsnor cares. DNA just is, and we dance to its
music.music.

ScientificScientific MaterialismMaterialism
 Only that which can be observed andOnly that which can be observed and
measured through the technique ofmeasured through the technique of ScientificScientific
MethodMethod is real, and everything else is unreal.is real, and everything else is unreal.

Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism
 Scientific Materialism accepts only oneScientific Materialism accepts only one
reality: the physical universe, composedreality: the physical universe, composed
as it is of matter and energy. Everythingas it is of matter and energy. Everything
that is not physical, measurable, orthat is not physical, measurable, or
deducible from scientific observations, isdeducible from scientific observations, is
considered unreal.considered unreal. LifeLife is explained inis explained in
purely mechanical terms, and phenomenapurely mechanical terms, and phenomena
such as Mind and Consciousness aresuch as Mind and Consciousness are
considered nothing but epiphenomena -considered nothing but epiphenomena -
curious by-products, of certain complexcurious by-products, of certain complex
physical processes (such as brainphysical processes (such as brain
metabolism)metabolism)

Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism
 There is noThere is no GodGod,,
 No angelsNo angels
 No DevilNo Devil
 No goodNo good
 No evilNo evil
 No survival of physical death,No survival of physical death,
 No non-physical realities, andNo non-physical realities, and
 No ultimate meaning or purpose to lifeNo ultimate meaning or purpose to life
 No HeavenNo Heaven
 No afterlifeNo afterlife

A Response to Naturalism/Materialism/ScientismA Response to Naturalism/Materialism/Scientism
 It is a faith/religious belief based on circularIt is a faith/religious belief based on circular
reasoning.reasoning.
 It cannot answer the questions humanIt cannot answer the questions human
beings care about.beings care about.
 It is patently and demonstrably false.It is patently and demonstrably false.
 As a world view it is does not tend to makeAs a world view it is does not tend to make
its followers “better.” If fact it is downrightits followers “better.” If fact it is downright
dangerous.dangerous.

Circular ReasoningCircular Reasoning
Unprovable assumptions of science.Unprovable assumptions of science.
The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.
The universe is observable and understandable.The universe is observable and understandable.
The universe is governed by mathematically preciseThe universe is governed by mathematically precise
laws.laws.
None of these assumptions can be proved byNone of these assumptions can be proved by
experiment. Inexperiment. In
a sense, science is not scientific.a sense, science is not scientific.

A recent BBC broadcast forum:A recent BBC broadcast forum:
 Questioner: How do you know that physical reality isQuestioner: How do you know that physical reality is
all there is: that there is no God?all there is: that there is no God?
 Response of a vehement materialist (after muchResponse of a vehement materialist (after much
prodding): I simply believe it to be true.prodding): I simply believe it to be true.
 Questioner: Well, now we at least have it out on theQuestioner: Well, now we at least have it out on the
table!table!
 In other words, the strongest argument I have thatIn other words, the strongest argument I have that
physical reality is “all there is” is that I believephysical reality is “all there is” is that I believe
physical reality is “all there is.”physical reality is “all there is.”

Questions Science Can AnswerQuestions Science Can Answer
 When?When?
 What?What?
 Where?Where?
 How many?How many?
 By what means?By what means?

Questions Science Cannot Answer:Questions Science Cannot Answer:
(That Christianity Does Answer)(That Christianity Does Answer)
– Why am I here?Why am I here?
– Is that the right thing to do?Is that the right thing to do?
– How valuable am I?How valuable am I?
– Does God exist? Does God actDoes God exist? Does God act
(theism)?(theism)?
– Will that God respond if I pray?Will that God respond if I pray?
– Do supernatural events (miracles)Do supernatural events (miracles)
happen?happen?

Materialism is Patently FalseMaterialism is Patently False
If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;
 ““I” do not exist. Consciousness is just randomI” do not exist. Consciousness is just random
moving around of chemicals.moving around of chemicals.
 No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.
 Belief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunateBelief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunate
accidental result of brain evolution.accidental result of brain evolution.
 Life has no value. Human beings have no value.Life has no value. Human beings have no value.
What is value?What is value?
 Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)

If the Materialist is right, then…If the Materialist is right, then…
 Religious thought is absolute nonsense.Religious thought is absolute nonsense.
Prayer is chemical moving around in yourPrayer is chemical moving around in your
brain.brain.
 Art, Literature, Music have no intrinsicArt, Literature, Music have no intrinsic
value.value.
 Justice is a meaningless word.Justice is a meaningless word.
 Human rights have no basis.Human rights have no basis.
 Etc….Etc….

Scientism is Patently False Because….Scientism is Patently False Because….
 The universe was created.The universe was created.
 Life was created.Life was created.
 The Anthropic Principle. The universe isThe Anthropic Principle. The universe is
ridiculously well fine-tuned for us to exist.ridiculously well fine-tuned for us to exist.
 No one in their right mind can deny theNo one in their right mind can deny the
existence of right and wrongexistence of right and wrong
 The Bible is inspired by God.The Bible is inspired by God.

Naturalism does not tend to make its believersNaturalism does not tend to make its believers
better people. Dangerous?better people. Dangerous?
If the naturalist is right then:If the naturalist is right then:
 Good and evil are meaningless ideas.Good and evil are meaningless ideas.
 Our purpose, if it exists at all, is to pass onOur purpose, if it exists at all, is to pass on
our DNA.our DNA.
 Any kind of sexual behavior is as right asAny kind of sexual behavior is as right as
any other. Stealing is probably good.any other. Stealing is probably good.
 There is nothing inherently evil aboutThere is nothing inherently evil about
genocide.genocide.
 Racism, slavery etc can be defended.Racism, slavery etc can be defended.

If the Materialist is Right Then…If the Materialist is Right Then…
 Violence and greed are acceptable behavior.Violence and greed are acceptable behavior.
 Justice is a meaningless construct.Justice is a meaningless construct.
 The words “ought and should” are meaningless.The words “ought and should” are meaningless.
 There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.
 Consider the only societies in human historyConsider the only societies in human history
controlled by atheists. USSR, Communist China,controlled by atheists. USSR, Communist China,
Khmer Rouge….Khmer Rouge….
 Is this where human beings want to head?Is this where human beings want to head?

No wonder intellectuals (over)reacted
With the result being postmodernism!
Now, let us discuss postmodernism.

Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth
 Truth, if such a thing exists, is theTruth, if such a thing exists, is the
property of culture. There is no absoluteproperty of culture. There is no absolute
truth. All truth is relative. It is created bytruth. All truth is relative. It is created by
societies. There is no ultimate moralsocieties. There is no ultimate moral
authority or moral absolute.authority or moral absolute.

Postmodernism/Cultural RelativismPostmodernism/Cultural Relativism
 Positive ContributionsPositive Contributions
– Importance of groups and relationships betweenImportance of groups and relationships between
groups.groups.
– Gives honor to culture, beauty, wonder,Gives honor to culture, beauty, wonder,
imagination.imagination.
– More accurate description of history (including theMore accurate description of history (including the
history of science).history of science).
– The Western mindset is not the only valid one.The Western mindset is not the only valid one.
 ProblemsProblems
– Very confusing.Very confusing.
– No world view is preferred.No world view is preferred.
– The idea of truth, for all practical purposes,The idea of truth, for all practical purposes,
disappearsdisappears..

Postmodernism: Cultural RelativismPostmodernism: Cultural Relativism
 Reality is a social construction.Reality is a social construction.
 Truth: It is true for you, but it is not true forTruth: It is true for you, but it is not true for
me.me.
 Meaning, if it exists, lies in a community ofMeaning, if it exists, lies in a community of
believers.believers.
 No rational way to discover which is theNo rational way to discover which is the
best world view.best world view.

Theories of TruthTheories of Truth
 Correspondence Theory of Truth: ACorrespondence Theory of Truth: A
statement is true if reality corresponds tostatement is true if reality corresponds to
that which is predicted by the statement.that which is predicted by the statement.
 Relativism (postmodernism): A claim isRelativism (postmodernism): A claim is
made true for those who accept it by thatmade true for those who accept it by that
very act (of accepting it).very act (of accepting it).
 Truth is either discovered or createdTruth is either discovered or created
– (by humans)(by humans)
 Truth is either absolute or relative.Truth is either absolute or relative.

If The Postmodernists are Right Then…If The Postmodernists are Right Then…
 Reality is a social construction.Reality is a social construction.
 ““It is true for you, but it is not true for me.”It is true for you, but it is not true for me.”
 Truth is found in an accepted narrative.Truth is found in an accepted narrative.
 No universal trans-cultural standard of truth orNo universal trans-cultural standard of truth or
value.value.

Can You Accept This???Can You Accept This???
 Consciousness is social, not individual. Self is aConsciousness is social, not individual. Self is a
construction (mother, British, grad student…)construction (mother, British, grad student…)
 All truth is relative. All truth is cultural.All truth is relative. All truth is cultural.
 Individual has no authority to determine what isIndividual has no authority to determine what is
true.true.

Problems With PostmodernismProblems With Postmodernism
 Self-refuting.Self-refuting.
– If nothing is true, then postmodernism is not true.If nothing is true, then postmodernism is not true.
– Its authors insist on authorial privilege.Its authors insist on authorial privilege.
 I do not care what they say,I do not care what they say, some things aresome things are
just truejust true..
 Either God is real or he is not. Even if I cannotEither God is real or he is not. Even if I cannot
prove it one way or another.prove it one way or another.
 If you culture told you it was safe to jump off aIf you culture told you it was safe to jump off a
cliff, would you jump?cliff, would you jump?

Scientism is Bogus, But Science is NotScientism is Bogus, But Science is Not
 The naturally convincing explanation of theThe naturally convincing explanation of the
success of science is that it is gaining a tighteningsuccess of science is that it is gaining a tightening
grasp of an actual reality. The goal of scientificgrasp of an actual reality. The goal of scientific
endeavor is to gain an understanding of theendeavor is to gain an understanding of the
structure of the physical world. The conclusionsstructure of the physical world. The conclusions
are always tentative, but they are dictated byare always tentative, but they are dictated by thethe
way things actually are.way things actually are.

What is Wrong With Postmodernism?What is Wrong With Postmodernism?
 It does not agree with reality—with theIt does not agree with reality—with the
world as it is. Our understanding of truthworld as it is. Our understanding of truth
may be relative, but truth is not.may be relative, but truth is not.
 It can be dangerous.It can be dangerous.
– Which is better, the Nazi culture orWhich is better, the Nazi culture or
Christianity? On what basis?Christianity? On what basis?
– Sin is a cultural creation. Why prefer oneSin is a cultural creation. Why prefer one
moral system to another?moral system to another?
– Why listen to reformers like Jesus Christ orWhy listen to reformers like Jesus Christ or
Siddhartha Buddha? By definition, our cultureSiddhartha Buddha? By definition, our culture
is always right!is always right!

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
1.1. The physical world is: (Genesis 1)The physical world is: (Genesis 1)
a. real b. created and c. essentially good.a. real b. created and c. essentially good.
2. There exists a parallel unseen spiritual reality which is not2. There exists a parallel unseen spiritual reality which is not
limited to or defined by the physical reality.limited to or defined by the physical reality.
3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the
God who is revealed and who reveals himself in the Bible.God who is revealed and 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,
but the spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.but the spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.
5. Although the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such5. Although the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such
evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beingsevil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings
and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to “sin”and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to “sin”
(defined as transgressing the will of God).(defined as transgressing the will of God).
6. There is a definite right and wrong for human behavior6. There is a definite right and wrong for human behavior
which is determined by God.which is determined by God.

The Christian World View Is TrueThe Christian World View Is True
 The Universe is RealThe Universe is Real
 The creation is good.The creation is good.
 Evil exists.Evil exists.
 Despite what Naturalists say, there is a spiritualDespite what Naturalists say, there is a spiritual
reality. For example, “I” exist. Consciousness is notreality. For example, “I” exist. Consciousness is not
simply an epiphenomenon.simply an epiphenomenon.
 Science and the Christian world view do notScience and the Christian world view do not
contradict.contradict.

Christian World View Answers the BigChristian World View Answers the Big
QuestionsQuestions
 How did I get here?How did I get here?
 Why am I here?Why am I here?
 Where am I going?Where am I going?
 Why are human beings able to comprehendWhy are human beings able to comprehend
the universe?the universe?
 Why is there pain and suffering and evil inWhy is there pain and suffering and evil in
the world?the world?

Christianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems ofChristianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems of
Human BeingsHuman Beings
 The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death ofThe Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of
Jesus)Jesus)
– Romans 7:24,25Romans 7:24,25
 The Problem of Suffering (compassion)The Problem of Suffering (compassion)
– Matthew 9:35-36Matthew 9:35-36
 The Problem of DeathThe Problem of Death
– 1 Corinthians 15:54-561 Corinthians 15:54-56

The Christian World View Has Given Us:The Christian World View Has Given Us:
 ScienceScience
 Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)
 Civil RightsCivil Rights
 Women’s RightsWomen’s Rights
 Christian groups do a majority of all benevolentChristian 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)

The Naturalist’s Response:The Naturalist’s Response:
 What about the evil done in the name of Christianity?What about the evil done in the name of Christianity?
What about the Crusades and the Inquisition?What about the Crusades and the Inquisition?
 Response: So you DO believe in evil?Response: So you DO believe in evil?
 At least we have a standard which tells us that theseAt least we have a standard which tells us that these
things are to be condemned. Christianity gives us athings are to be condemned. Christianity gives us a
basis to know that these things should not be donebasis to know that these things should not be done
by Christians or anyone else for that matter.by Christians or anyone else for that matter.
 What about the pain and suffering in the world?What about the pain and suffering in the world?

World ViewsWorld Views
 NaturalismNaturalism (already discussed)(already discussed)
 Postmodernism: No World ViewPostmodernism: No World View (already discussed)(already discussed)
 DeismDeism
 PantheismPantheism
 Animism/PolytheismAnimism/Polytheism
 DualismDualism
 Biblical TheismBiblical Theism (already discussed)(already discussed)

One Point of View:
“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and
many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.” -Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew
7:13-14)
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:6)

God
Islam
Buddhis
m
Mysticism
Ba’hai
Another Point of
View: Different
Paths to the Same
Goal?

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 accommodatedConflicting world views cannot be accommodated
with one another. Biblical theism is incompatablewith one another. Biblical theism is incompatable
with all these other world views.with all these other world views.

The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)
 Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel byActs 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 thev. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the
truth of the Christian world view as opposed totruth 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 pointsv. 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.

World View and Other ReligionsWorld View and Other Religions

World View Example: EvilWorld View Example: Evil
 Atheism: Evil is not real.Atheism: Evil is not real.
 Postmodernism: Evil?Postmodernism: Evil?
 Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikkhism, etc.: Evil isHinduism, Buddhism, Sikkhism, etc.: Evil is
not realnot real
 Islam: Inshallah It is the will of God.Islam: Inshallah It is the will of God.
 Christianity: Evil exists because God lovesChristianity: Evil exists because God loves
us and wants a relationship with usus and wants a relationship with us
Also: The question of sufferingAlso: The question of suffering

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology
““Surely good deeds take away evilSurely good deeds take away evil
deeds” (11:114).deeds” (11:114).
KabiraKabira (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness,(big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness,
disobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Fridaydisobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Friday
prayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard,prayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard,
forgetting the Koran after reading it, usury…forgetting the Koran after reading it, usury…
Forgiveness with repentance.Forgiveness with repentance.
SaghiraSaghira (little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if(little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if
greater sins are avoided and good deeds aregreater sins are avoided and good deeds are
performed.performed.
ShirkShirk—association (of other gods—association (of other gods with Allah). Nowith Allah). No
forgiveness.forgiveness.

Salvation by ownSalvation by own
efforteffort
(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.

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 TruthTruth
GodGod GodGod
MankindMankind MankindMankind

Works Salvation: Man
reaches out to God.
Islam
Hinduism
Jaina
Sikkhism
Gnosticism
New Age
Buddhism?
Salvation by Grace:
God reaches out to man.
Judaism
Christianity

Islamic Worldview:
Obviously closer to the Christian world view than Eastern
Religions, but…
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.

Is Islam a Good World View?Is Islam a Good World View?
 Is it true? Is Mohammed a prophet?
– Fifteen wives
– Massacre of 700 Jews
– Doctrine of Abrogation
– Science errors
 Does it make its followers better?
– Motivation to help others?
– Are women respected?
– Does emphasis on Jihad lead to loving non-Muslims?

SummarySummary
 The theologies of world religions are fundamentallyThe theologies of world religions are fundamentally
and diametrically opposed to one another. Manyand diametrically opposed to one another. Many
paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.
 The world view of Christianity is radically differentThe world view of Christianity is radically different
from any other religion. They cannot both be right!from any other religion. They cannot both be right!
 The truth of the Bible is confirmed byThe truth of the Bible is confirmed by
– Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy,Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy,
types and foreshadows, historical accuracy,types and foreshadows, historical accuracy,
scientific evidence, etc…)scientific evidence, etc…)
– Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah andPublic miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and
others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrewsothers, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews
2:3,4).2:3,4).

So, What is Truth?So, What is Truth?
 John 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life.John 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life.
no one comes to the Father, except by me.no one comes to the Father, except by me.
 Why are Postmodernism, Scientism, Animism,Why are Postmodernism, Scientism, Animism,
Polytheism, Pantheism, Dualism and every otherPolytheism, Pantheism, Dualism and every other
ism wrong?ism wrong?
 Genesis Chapter OneGenesis Chapter One
 Because Jesus is truth.Because Jesus is truth.
Two Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he isTwo Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he is
not…..not…..

How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?
 Fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah.Fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah.
 John 6:48 I am the bread of life.John 6:48 I am the bread of life.
 John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life.John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life.
 John 2:19 Destroy this temple and I will raise itJohn 2:19 Destroy this temple and I will raise it
in three days. Jesus was resurrected from thein three days. Jesus was resurrected from the
dead.dead.

Praises Heard Around the World
Lord, your love has saved us
Precious blood has bathed us
Now your message takes us
All around the world

Can't you hear them
Hear them singing
The people they’re rejoicing
With one voice they are shouting
Singing halle, hallelujah
Praises heard around the world

All of your creation
Each and every nation
Sending your salvation

Gainst the demons fighting
Holy Spirit guiding
Family we’re uniting

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