The fourth session of a six-week series on apologetics at Above Bar Church, Southampton. May 2010.

1. Above Bar Church Summer Bible School 2010! Apologetics
Apologetics 3: Other Religions
A. Three challenges
1. ʻAll religions are basically the sameʼ
a. Is this true only of the major religions?
i. What about historical religions?
ii. What about cults and extreme sects?
iii. How do we define a religion anyway?
iv. Are all religious beliefs valid?
v. Are all religious practices valid?
b. Do all religions lead to the same ultimate reality (God/gods)?
c. Do all religions have the same view of morality?
d. Do all religions see salvation in the same terms?
2. ʻEach religion focuses on part of a bigger truthʼ
a. The blind men and the elephant
b. How do we know that there is a bigger truth?
© Tony Watkins! 1! www.tonywatkins.org

2. Above Bar Church Summer Bible School 2010! Apologetics
3. ʻReligions are too culturally conditioned to be trueʼ
a. Does a specific cultural background mean something canʼt be true?
b. Isnʼt this criticism a product of western secular culture?
B. The real problem of religion
1. Religion is a problem
a. Religion leads to legalism
b. Religion can lead to arrogance
c. Religion can lead to hard-heartedness and division
2. Jesus is the answer
a. The gospel is about grace
b. The gospel leads to humility
c. The gospel leads to openness and compassion
© Tony Watkins! 2! www.tonywatkins.org