Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point. A lesson on world views, including the Christian world view, and the world views of naturalism, postmodernism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jaina, Sikkhism, Confucianism and Islam. First taught by John Oakes in Manila 1/16/2010.
A power point for a titled What is Truth? A talk about Postmodernism, Naturalism and the Christian World View, given by Dr. John Oakes at Rutgers University 11/20-09.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Presuppositional Apologetics at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the types of apologetics, followed by an analysis of the strong and weak points of presuppositional apologetics, followed by a discussion of world view apologetics. Here are the notes and power point for the class.
Dr. John Oakes did a sermon on God and Science recently in San Diego. There were multiple requests that the audio be made available. The class was not recorded, but we are posting a nearly identical class taught in London, England in June, 2014.
Reasons For Belief: A class taught by John Oakes, PhD at Harvard University 10/16/2009. The subject is reasons to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. See EFC store for the recording
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Christianity in a Postmodern World at the 2013 ICEC at San Diego State University. He proposes a rational Christian response to both the good and the bad which comes with postmodern thinking. The class covers the history of modernism and why it was replaced by postmodernism, as well as a brief bio of the major influences in the movement as well as suggesting both the strengths and weaknesses of the postmodern mood.
Notes to Accompany "A History of Science and Christianity"
The ancient world: Chaos vs Cosmos
1. Thales (585 BC) Predicted a Solar Eclipse: Nature is predictable. Cosmos
and the human mind.
Melvin Calvin (atheist expert on the chemical origin of life): ?The fundamental conviction
that the universe is ordered [cosmos] is the first and strongest tenet [of scientists].
As I try to discern the origin of that conviction, I seem to find it in a
basic notion discovered 2000 or 3000 years ago, and enunciated first in the
Western world by the ancient Hebrews: namely that the universe is governed by
a single God, and is not the product of the whims of many gods, each governing
his own province, according to his own laws. This monotheistic view seems to be
the historical foundation of modern science.?...
A power point for a titled What is Truth? A talk about Postmodernism, Naturalism and the Christian World View, given by Dr. John Oakes at Rutgers University 11/20-09.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Presuppositional Apologetics at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the types of apologetics, followed by an analysis of the strong and weak points of presuppositional apologetics, followed by a discussion of world view apologetics. Here are the notes and power point for the class.
Dr. John Oakes did a sermon on God and Science recently in San Diego. There were multiple requests that the audio be made available. The class was not recorded, but we are posting a nearly identical class taught in London, England in June, 2014.
Reasons For Belief: A class taught by John Oakes, PhD at Harvard University 10/16/2009. The subject is reasons to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. See EFC store for the recording
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Christianity in a Postmodern World at the 2013 ICEC at San Diego State University. He proposes a rational Christian response to both the good and the bad which comes with postmodern thinking. The class covers the history of modernism and why it was replaced by postmodernism, as well as a brief bio of the major influences in the movement as well as suggesting both the strengths and weaknesses of the postmodern mood.
Notes to Accompany "A History of Science and Christianity"
The ancient world: Chaos vs Cosmos
1. Thales (585 BC) Predicted a Solar Eclipse: Nature is predictable. Cosmos
and the human mind.
Melvin Calvin (atheist expert on the chemical origin of life): ?The fundamental conviction
that the universe is ordered [cosmos] is the first and strongest tenet [of scientists].
As I try to discern the origin of that conviction, I seem to find it in a
basic notion discovered 2000 or 3000 years ago, and enunciated first in the
Western world by the ancient Hebrews: namely that the universe is governed by
a single God, and is not the product of the whims of many gods, each governing
his own province, according to his own laws. This monotheistic view seems to be
the historical foundation of modern science.?...
John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months. The notes and power point for the class are available here. John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History” available at www.ipibooks.com
Dr. John Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science/Science and the Bible at the University of Connecticut 10/15/2015. The power point and audio are attached.
Dr. John Oakes taught on Calvinism–its history, basic theology and reasons to reject its basic tenets–in Manila Jan 23, 2016. The notes and power point are included.
http://evidenceforchristianity.org/answering-calvinism/
Dr. John Oakes gave a talk titled Evidence for Jesus at the Jesus Conference in San Diego, California March, 21, 2015. The class covers the claims of Jesus and reasonable response to those claims, as well as messianic prophecies.
Apologetics Class: Biblical Reliability, Inspiration and Inerrancy The class has now been taught by Dr. John Oakes, Dan Conder and Brian Colon. Notes and Power Point are attached.
This is a presentation given by Dr. John Oakes in Hong Kong 1/11/2012. John acknowledges that, although all the notes and power point are his, many of the thoughts come from a similar presentation by Dr. Douglas Jacoby at the 2011 ARS Christian evidences conference. Audio will be in the ARS store soon.
This lesson was taught by John Oakes, PhD in Bergen, Norway 9/2/2010. Norway is a mainly atheist or agnostic country where traditional Christian apologetics may not work. The lesson uses Acts as a model for how to do Christian apologetics depending on the culture.
A power point by Dr. John Beggs, professor at Indiana University for 2010 ICEC on his research in neuroscience and the philosophical and theological questions of the existence of the human soul.
Jesus and Christian Apologetics. A class taught by John Oakes PhD 9/26/09, on question, Who is Jesus Christ and evidence that the real Jesus is the Jesus of the gospels. See the notes below and the attached Power Point.
The Apologetics Research Society, along with the South Florida Church of Christ put on a Christian Evidence weekend in Miami/Dade and Broward County, including at Florida International University Sept. 18-20, 2015. The audio and some of the power points and outlines are attached.
Dr. John Oakes is taught a class on Answering the Hard Questions at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the Christian world view before launching into the Christian answer to the questions both believers and non-believers often struggle with, such as the Trinity, the problem of evil, the problem of suffering, the problem of violence in the Old Testament and the problem of Hell. Notes and power point are here:
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Modernism and Scientific Materialism at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the history of modern science and then give a world view critique of the philosophy, comparing it to Christianity. Here are notes and power points from the presentation.
Dr. Robert Kurka gave a class at the 2015 ICEC designed to help us gain perspective on how to deal with a world in which there is a plurality of religions. He argues that we should strongly approach the philosophy of religious pluralism (no religion has absolute truth) but that we should not be overly discouraged to live in a society in which many religions exist. This has been normal in much of Christian history and we should think of it as an opportunity, not a disaster. How, then, should we behave in a world in which we cannot assume that the Christian Worldview is not the predominant one? We should be respectful, find common ground, and present with boldness the distinctiveness and advantage of the Christian explanation. The audio will be available in about a week at www.ipibooks.com. I am attaching the power point for the presentation.
John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months. The notes and power point for the class are available here. John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History” available at www.ipibooks.com
Dr. John Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science/Science and the Bible at the University of Connecticut 10/15/2015. The power point and audio are attached.
Dr. John Oakes taught on Calvinism–its history, basic theology and reasons to reject its basic tenets–in Manila Jan 23, 2016. The notes and power point are included.
http://evidenceforchristianity.org/answering-calvinism/
Dr. John Oakes gave a talk titled Evidence for Jesus at the Jesus Conference in San Diego, California March, 21, 2015. The class covers the claims of Jesus and reasonable response to those claims, as well as messianic prophecies.
Apologetics Class: Biblical Reliability, Inspiration and Inerrancy The class has now been taught by Dr. John Oakes, Dan Conder and Brian Colon. Notes and Power Point are attached.
This is a presentation given by Dr. John Oakes in Hong Kong 1/11/2012. John acknowledges that, although all the notes and power point are his, many of the thoughts come from a similar presentation by Dr. Douglas Jacoby at the 2011 ARS Christian evidences conference. Audio will be in the ARS store soon.
This lesson was taught by John Oakes, PhD in Bergen, Norway 9/2/2010. Norway is a mainly atheist or agnostic country where traditional Christian apologetics may not work. The lesson uses Acts as a model for how to do Christian apologetics depending on the culture.
A power point by Dr. John Beggs, professor at Indiana University for 2010 ICEC on his research in neuroscience and the philosophical and theological questions of the existence of the human soul.
Jesus and Christian Apologetics. A class taught by John Oakes PhD 9/26/09, on question, Who is Jesus Christ and evidence that the real Jesus is the Jesus of the gospels. See the notes below and the attached Power Point.
The Apologetics Research Society, along with the South Florida Church of Christ put on a Christian Evidence weekend in Miami/Dade and Broward County, including at Florida International University Sept. 18-20, 2015. The audio and some of the power points and outlines are attached.
Dr. John Oakes is taught a class on Answering the Hard Questions at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the Christian world view before launching into the Christian answer to the questions both believers and non-believers often struggle with, such as the Trinity, the problem of evil, the problem of suffering, the problem of violence in the Old Testament and the problem of Hell. Notes and power point are here:
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Modernism and Scientific Materialism at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the history of modern science and then give a world view critique of the philosophy, comparing it to Christianity. Here are notes and power points from the presentation.
Dr. Robert Kurka gave a class at the 2015 ICEC designed to help us gain perspective on how to deal with a world in which there is a plurality of religions. He argues that we should strongly approach the philosophy of religious pluralism (no religion has absolute truth) but that we should not be overly discouraged to live in a society in which many religions exist. This has been normal in much of Christian history and we should think of it as an opportunity, not a disaster. How, then, should we behave in a world in which we cannot assume that the Christian Worldview is not the predominant one? We should be respectful, find common ground, and present with boldness the distinctiveness and advantage of the Christian explanation. The audio will be available in about a week at www.ipibooks.com. I am attaching the power point for the presentation.
This lesson was given by Dr. John Oakes for the Iglesia de Cristo de Tijuana April 20, 2012. Translation is by Mauricio Garcia. The class is about hte reasons that the early church, starting with a small group of poor, uneducated people without power were able to conquer the entire Roman and Greek world.
Dr. John Oakes did a presentation at Kings College, London 6/12/14 on evidence that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. This is not brand new material, but it is the first time this combination of material about who Jesus is, about his miracles and his fulfillment of prophecy in one class, so I though I would post it.
Power Point: Apologetics Without Apologies (March, 2005, San Antonio)evidenceforchristianity
Notes to accompany Apologetics Without Apologies
Apologetics: Explaining and defending the reasons for belief in God and in
the Bible.
Jonathan Swift: ??It is impossible to reason a person out of a thing which they were
not reasoned into in the first place.??
Epistemology: How do we know.
William of Ockham:
Nothing is assumed as evident unless it is known per se, is evident by experience,
or is proved by authority of scripture.
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson for teens on the Christian World View and the Christian answer to the most common hard questions which all human beings ask. Why is there evil? Why is there suffering? Why does God allow killing of nations in the Old Testament? Why did God make hell?
Brian Colon and Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on the reliability of the Bible on Saturday Sept. 14, 2013 at the Orange County Church of Christ, Irvine, CA. The class covered the manuscript and other evidence for the reliability of both the Old and the New Testaments. The power point on the Reliability of the Old Testament for the class is here:
The attached power point is for a lesson given by Dr. Douglas Jacoby at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA October 20, 2012. Doug taught about the biblical doctrine of heaven, Hades and hell. He also presented a number of the important views on this subject in Judaism and in the early church, as well as reflecting on some of the views held today on this important topic.
Is It Possible To Demonstrate That God Exists? - Dr. Norman Geisler (by Intel...godknt777
Contrary to common opinion, believing in the existence of God is not something which must be left up the "blind faith" or personal subjectivity of the individual.
There are very strong intellectual and logical reasons to believe that God's existence is more plausible than not.
Many features of our reality such as objective morality, biological information, the beginning of the universe, and even human consciousness, that point powerfully and persuasively to God's existence.
For more information and resources like this, go to www.intelligentfaith315.com or to www.youtube.com/user/intelligentfaith315
The Intersection of Philosophy, Science, and TheologySarah Salviander
A comparison of the religions of Christianity and modern secularism — their philosophies, science, and theologies — in light of internal consistency, consistency with the world, and the fruit they bear.
The evidence over the last century indicates that the religion of modern secularism has been a disaster for humankind, and that Christianity is the best option if humans are to survive and thrive.
The natural friendship between science and spiritualitySuzanne Yada
Presentation given by David Brett Richardson of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley's Personal Theology series, December 4, 2011. Uploaded here with his permission.
The Intersection of philosophy, science, and theologySarah Salviander
We compare the religions of Christianity and modern secularism -- their philosophies, science, and theologies -- in light of internal consistency, consistency with the world, and the fruit they bear.
The evidence over the last century indicates that the religion of modern secularism has been a disaster for humankind, and that Christianity is the best option if humans are to survive and thrive.
As we live through #COVID19, explore the origins of everything. Introduction of an engaging book which endeavors to initiate a collective search for answers to deep questions from science, philosophy and faith. How do we explain origins of universe, life, its purpose and death. Available Now. islamiceconomicsproject.com
The author examines available evidence to examine the question of "Are we alone?", i.e., whether humans are the only intelligent species in the Milky Way, or if the galaxy is teeming with advanced civilizations. The author discusses barriers to physical contact with extra-terrestrial beings and addresses Fermi's paradox "Where is everybody?" using the Drake Equation. The final answer is surprising, disturbing, and inspirational all at the same time. The appendix analyzes the strategy of the SETI project from and engineer's point of view, and offers some advice to maximize the chances of finding alien civilizations who may be transmitting beacon signals to announce their presence: Look for them in the Andromeda galaxy.
it is a report about Positivism by August Comte who give the history of mankind develops in three stages:
1. Theological Stage
2. Metaphysical Stage
3. Positivist Stage
Similar to Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point (20)
Outline for From Shadow to Reality
OT Theme: The Messiah is coming
NT Theme: The Messiah is here
Jesus is priest, prophet and king. Jesus brings together the entire OT.
Jesus says: Everything must be fulfilled that was written about me Luke 24:44
These are the scriptures that testify about me. Jn 6:39,40 I am the fulfillment of the OT...
Notes to accompany "Reflections on the Passion of the Christ."
Many have been shocked by the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
Not the kind of movie to see many times. Not bringing in popcorn.
Rev 13:8 In God?s eyes, Jesus is a ?lamb, slain from the creation of the world.?
God had this in mind all along.
We should have know it was coming...
Notes to accompany HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE
Many have claimed that the Old Testament contains a number of myths and legends which were created by Jewish writers in the two or three centuries before the time of Christ or soon thereafter. Others would claim that most of the New Testament was written well into the late second century AD by Christian apologists who were creating a Jesus very different from the historical person. They would claim that the gospels are not an eye-witness account at all. Another common claim is that the original writings of the apostles were radically edited by the Catholic Church in the period after the conversion of the Roman Empire, to reflect Catholic doctrine. These people would claim that the doctrines found in the New Testament are very different from the original teachings of Jesus Christ. Still others will claim
that there were additional gospels written by the apostles which were excluded by leaders in the early church because of their bias against certain teachings...
Notes to accompany Daniel Power Point Presentation
Background to Daniel:
Theme: God Rules the Nations, Do Not Fear!
Main messages:
1. How to stay pure and uncorrupted?to maintain your integrity in a world
in which you are surrounded by unbelievers.
2. God is in control. He will protect his people. Do not fear. God will deal
with those who persecute or otherwise oppose your service for him...
Notas para Daniel, Profeta a Las Naciones abajo
Destinatarios principales de la carta: los jud?os que sufr?an durante la persecuci?n
de Ant?oco Ep?fanes. Hay que notar que este es un paralelo cercano a Apocalipsis,
cuyos destinatarios principales eran los disc?pulos que sufr?an bajo la intensa
persecuci?n del Imperio Romano durante los primeros dos siglos...
Notes to accompany: JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Background and History.
Founded by Charles Russel
Russel was influenced by the Adventist movement (let to the 7th DayAdventistChurch)
The Adventist/Millerite movement began in the 1830?s
William Miller used Daniel 8:14and Daniel 9:25(a very odd connection) to calculate
that the millennial reign would come in October, 1844...
Notes to accompany MORMONISM (The Churchof Jesus Christof the Latter Day Saints)
Founder: Joseph Smith (1805 – 1844)
HISTORY:
Joseph Smith
Born in Vermont, 1805, raised in rural New YorkState...
Notas para
Mormonismo / LA IGLESIA DE JESUCRISTO DE LOS SANTOS DE LOS ULTIMOS DIAS
? Fundador: Jos? Smith (1805-1844)
HISTORIA:
? Jos? Smith. Nacido en Vermont, 1805, criado en el ?rea rural de Nueva
York.
? No fu? conocido por haber tenido un trabajo regular.
? Se volvi? estafador de la gente. Era un charlat?n religioso.
? Adivinando, cazador de tesoros...
Notes to accompany ISLAM (literally, submit the will in Arabic)
Founder: Muhammad. About 570 ? 632 AD, in Mecca, in modern Saudi Arabia.
Roughly 1 billion Muslims in the world.
Location: Northern Africa, almost the entire Middle East, Pakistan Afghanistan,
Bangaladesh, India, Albania, Indonesia and the Phillipines, with scatterings elsewhere...
PROFECIAS MESIANICAS
Prop?sito: ayudar a aquellos que son esc?pticos o les falta suficiente fe a
moverlos m?s all? de alg?n punto en su estudio b?blico.
Juan 5:39,40 Pregunta: ?qu? es lo que Jes?s est? afirmando aqu??. Que el AT escrito
cientos de a?os antes de que naciera hablaba de ?l. Imagina las implicaciones
de lo que afirmaba.
Lucas 24:44 Jes?s est? afirmando que en ?l se han cumplido todas las profes?as
del Mes?as...
NOTES FOR FULL DANIEL CLASS
Background to Daniel:
Theme: God Rules the Nations, Do Not Fear!
Main messages:
1. How to stay pure and uncorrupted-to maintain your integrity in a world
in which you are surrounded by unbelievers.
2. God is in control. He will protect his people. Do not fear. God will deal
with those who persecute or otherwise oppose your service for him.
Principle Audience:
Jews who suffered under the persecutions of Antiochus Epiphanes (167-164 BC)
Things that make Daniel unique...
De La Sombra a la Realidad
Tema del AT: el Mesías viene.
Tema del NT: el Mesías está aquí.
Jesús es sacerdote, profeta y rey. Jesús junta consigo todo el AT.
Jesús dice: "Que había de cumplirse todo lo que está escrito de mí". Lc 24:44.
Estas son las escrituras que testifican sobre mí. Juan 6:39-40. Yo soy el cumplimiento del AT.
I. Prefiguras históricas. 2 P 2:4-8. Dios nos enseña. 1 Co 10:11. Ro 15:4...
Stone/Campbell Movement: Reformation or Restoration? (Church History)evidenceforchristianity
The Stone/Campbell Movement: Reformation or Restoration?
Background: The religious atmosphere in the early 19th century on the Western
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1. Puritans. British Dissenters. Strongly Calvinistic. Independent church structure.
The Great Awakening: Jonathan Edwards 1740?s, 50?s, ?Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.?
A revivalist.
(The Puritans became the Congregational
Church)
2. Methodists. John Wesley (1703-1791) (and George Whitefield) Sought to reform Anglicanism. Ho
liness/Pietism movement Arminian theology. Emphasis on conversion, personal relationship with
God. Led to the idea of adult confirmation...
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Homily: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday 2024.docxJames Knipper
Countless volumes have been written trying to explain the mystery of three persons in one true God, leaving us to resort to metaphors such as the three-leaf clover to try to comprehend the Divinity. Many of us grew up with the quintessential pyramidal Trinity structure of God at the top and Son and Spirit in opposite corners. But what if we looked at this ‘mystery’ from a different perspective? What if we shifted our language of God as a being towards the concept of God as love? What if we focused more on the relationship within the Trinity versus the persons of the Trinity? What if stopped looking at God as a noun…and instead considered God as a verb? Check it out…
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
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SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Kenneth Grant - Against the Light-Holmes Pub Grou Llc (1999).pdf
Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point
1. Ethical Answers in an Unethical World
What is Truth?
John Oakes, PhD
APLA Jan, 2010
Christian and Other World Views
2. Suggested Resources on World ViewSuggested Resources on World View
Copan, Paul.Copan, Paul. That’s Just Your InterpretationThat’s Just Your Interpretation. Grand Rapids:. Grand Rapids:
Baker Books, 2001.Baker Books, 2001.
Oakes, John. “Apologetics and the Christian Worldview”Oakes, John. “Apologetics and the Christian Worldview”
www.evidenceforchristianity.orgwww.evidenceforchristianity.org..
Copan, Paul.Copan, Paul. True for You, But Not for MeTrue for You, But Not for Me. Minneapolis:. Minneapolis:
Bethany House, 1998.Bethany House, 1998.
Pearcey, Nancy J.Pearcey, Nancy J. Total Truth: Liberating Christianity fromTotal Truth: Liberating Christianity from
Its Cultural CaptivityIts Cultural Captivity. Study Guide ed. Wheaton, Ill.:. Study Guide ed. Wheaton, Ill.:
Crossway Books, 2004.Crossway Books, 2004.
Sire, James W.Sire, James W. The Universe Next DoorThe Universe Next Door:: A Basic WorldviewA Basic Worldview
CatalogCatalog. 4th ed. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter Varsity Press,. 4th ed. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter Varsity Press,
2004.2004.
Why Should Anyone Believe Anything At All?Why Should Anyone Believe Anything At All? DownersDowners
Grove, Ill.: Inter Varsity Press, 1994.Grove, Ill.: Inter Varsity Press, 1994.
3. Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”
Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”
4. 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.
5. 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.”
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Questions That Need an AnswerQuestions That Need an Answer
1.1. What is the prime reality? (What is theWhat is the prime reality? (What is the
nature of God?)nature of God?)
2. What am I?2. What am I?
3. What happens to a person at death?3. What happens to a person at death?
4. Why is it possible for us to know anything4. Why is it possible for us to know anything
at all?at all?
5. How do we know what is right and wrong?5. How do we know what is right and wrong?
6. What is my purpose in life?6. What is my purpose in life?
7. What is the nature of my relationship, with7. What is the nature of my relationship, with
the “prime reality?”the “prime reality?”
9. 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.
10. 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,,
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Roger BaconRoger Bacon (1214-1292)(1214-1292)
Bacon’s advice:
To study Natural Philosophy, use;
“External experience, aided by
instruments, and made precise by
mathematics.”
Christianity invents science
A (ridiculously) Brief Intellectual History of
The West:
15. Charles Darwin
“It is mere rubbish
to think at this
point of the origin
of life. One might
as well think of the
origin of matter.”
16. The 20The 20thth
CenturyCentury
Science appears triumphantScience appears triumphant
Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality.Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality. Eugenics.Eugenics.
Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?
WWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses itsWWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses its
luster. Humans are not getting better and better.luster. Humans are not getting better and better.
Scientific Materialism cannot answer our deepestScientific Materialism cannot answer our deepest
questions. Scientism is hubris.questions. Scientism is hubris.
Enter, Postmodernism!Enter, Postmodernism!
17. 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.
18. 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)
19. 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
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.”
23. Questions Science Can AnswerQuestions Science Can Answer
When?When?
What?What?
Where?Where?
How many?How many?
By what means?By what means?
24. 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?
25. 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)
26. 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….
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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?
30. If the Materialist is Right Then…If the Materialist is Right Then…
Violence selfishness greed are acceptable behavior.Violence selfishness 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. French Revolution, USSR,controlled by atheists. French Revolution, USSR,
Communist China, Khmer Rouge, North Korea….Communist China, Khmer Rouge, North Korea….
Is this where human beings want to head?Is this where human beings want to head?
31. No wonder intellectuals (over)reacted
With the result being postmodernism!
Now, let us discuss postmodernism.
32. 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..
33. 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 the bestNo rational way to discover which is the best
world view.world view.
34. 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 created.Truth is either discovered or created.
Truth is either absolute or relative.Truth is either absolute or relative.
35. 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.
No authorial prerogative. The truth of a text isNo authorial prerogative. The truth of a text is
determined by the culture reading the text.determined by the culture reading the text.
There is no such thing as the book of Romans.There is no such thing as the book of Romans.
– Methodist Romans, Lutheran Romans, Buddhist Romans,Methodist Romans, Lutheran Romans, Buddhist Romans,
Atheist Romans.Atheist Romans.
36. 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.
37. 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?
38. 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.
39. 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!
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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 comprehend theWhy are human beings able to comprehend the
universe?universe?
Why is there pain and suffering and evil in theWhy is there pain and suffering and evil in the
world?world?
43. 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
44. 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)
45. 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)
46. 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.
47. DefinitionsDefinitions
Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system whichAnimism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which
includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objectsincludes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects
and phenomenaand phenomena
Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe isPolytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is
governed by many gods. (Hinduism, Shinto)governed by many gods. (Hinduism, Shinto)
Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills thePantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the
universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.
(Hinduism, Epicureanism)(Hinduism, Epicureanism)
Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed byDualism: 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)(Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism)
Deism: A monotheistic view which sees God as distantDeism: A monotheistic view which sees God as distant
and not involved in human affairs. (Stoicism)and not involved in human affairs. (Stoicism)
48. 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)
50. 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.
51. 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.
52. World View and Other ReligionsWorld View and Other Religions
53. HINDUISMHINDUISM
The principle religion of India.The principle religion of India.
Approximately 900,000,000Approximately 900,000,000
adherents.adherents.
Began as animism/polytheismBegan as animism/polytheism
Evolved intoEvolved into
polytheism/pantheismpolytheism/pantheism
Syncretistic. Hinduism is notSyncretistic. Hinduism is not
really a single religion.really a single religion.
Ganesh: a Hindu deity
God of wisdom and
intellect
54. Principle gods of HinduismPrinciple gods of Hinduism
Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.
Shiva God of destruction. WorshippedShiva God of destruction. Worshipped
as a male phalus.as a male phalus.
Vishnu Preserver and protector.Vishnu Preserver and protector.
Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.
Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of theRama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the
Ramayana.Ramayana.
Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animatesDevi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates
the cosmos.the cosmos.
Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.
Lakshmi
56. Scriptures of HinduismScriptures of Hinduism
Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC.Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC.
Especially the Rig Veda. Include the Brahmanas.Especially the Rig Veda. Include the Brahmanas.
Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman,Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman,
atman, transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-atman, transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-
600 BC.600 BC.
Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) MythicEpics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic
adventures of Rama, Krishna and others.adventures of Rama, Krishna and others.
Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities.Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities.
AD 400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.AD 400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.
Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.
58. Hindu World ViewHindu World View
Maya. The physical world is an illusion. The physical world isMaya. The physical world is an illusion. The physical world is
evil. Suffering is an illusion.evil. Suffering is an illusion.
Brahman. Universal soul. Pantheism.Brahman. Universal soul. Pantheism.
Atman (soul). When we die, atman is swallowed up inAtman (soul). When we die, atman is swallowed up in
BrahmanBrahman
The goal: Escape cycle of karma and reincarnationThe goal: Escape cycle of karma and reincarnation
Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is withinNirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is within
yourself.yourself.
The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.
59. Is The Hindu World View a Good One?Is The Hindu World View a Good One?
Is it true?Is it true?
– Hindu cosmology (cyclic time, earth on the back of fourHindu cosmology (cyclic time, earth on the back of four
elephants on a turtle swimming in a bowl of milk) iselephants on a turtle swimming in a bowl of milk) is
patently false.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 naturalism!It does better than postmodernism or naturalism!
Does accepting this world view make one a betterDoes accepting this world view make one a better
person?person?
– Debatable. Better than naturalism. Karma. Self-focusDebatable. Better than naturalism. Karma. Self-focus
and dispassion are not helpful.and dispassion are not helpful.
– Suffering is not real.Suffering is not real.
– Evil is not real.Evil is not real.
60. BuddhismBuddhism
Principle religion of Korea, Japan,Principle religion of Korea, Japan,
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand,Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand,
Burma Sri Lanka and China?Burma Sri Lanka and China?
400,000,000 adherents.400,000,000 adherents.
A reaction against the rigidA reaction against the rigid
priestly system of Hinduism.priestly system of Hinduism.
Pantheistic, or arguably non-Pantheistic, or arguably non-
theistic. A philosophy, atheistic. A philosophy, a
psychology.psychology.
61. Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Born into a wealthy family in north India aboutBorn into a wealthy family in north India about
550 BC.550 BC.
Renounced his birthright. Sought nirvana/godRenounced his birthright. Sought nirvana/god
through asceticism.through asceticism.
Decided on a middle path between asceticism andDecided on a middle path between asceticism and
sensuality.sensuality.
Created the eight-fold path to enlightenmentCreated the eight-fold path to enlightenment
(nirvana).(nirvana).
62. Important Terms to Understand BuddhismImportant Terms to Understand Buddhism
Nirvana awakened state, lack of suffering.Nirvana awakened state, lack of suffering.
Bodhi awakenment, enlightenment.Bodhi awakenment, enlightenment.
Bodhisattva an awakened being.Bodhisattva an awakened being.
Dharma the Buddha’s teachings.Dharma the Buddha’s teachings.
Sangha the Buddhist community of monks andSangha the Buddhist community of monks and
nuns.nuns.
Maitreya the second coming of BuddhaMaitreya the second coming of Buddha
prophesied.prophesied.
63. The Four Noble Truths of SiddharthaThe Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha
Suffering is not getting what one wants.Suffering is not getting what one wants.
The cause of suffering is desire which leads toThe cause of suffering is desire which leads to
rebirth.rebirth.
The way to end suffering is to end desire.The way to end suffering is to end desire.
The way to the end of desire and of suffering isThe way to the end of desire and of suffering is
the eight-fold path.the eight-fold path.
64. The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack ofThe eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of
sufferingsuffering
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
65. Schools/Sects of BuddhismSchools/Sects of Buddhism
Mahayana (the greater vehicle) China, Korea,Mahayana (the greater vehicle) China, Korea,
Japan. Ideal of the bodhisattva. Stresses theJapan. Ideal of the bodhisattva. Stresses the
divine nature of the Buddha. Many mini-divine nature of the Buddha. Many mini-
buddhas (bodhisattvas).buddhas (bodhisattvas).
Theravada Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma. A moreTheravada Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma. A more
pure form of Buddhism?pure form of Buddhism?
Zen. An offshoot of Mahayana which emphasizesZen. An offshoot of Mahayana which emphasizes
meditation to achieve nirvana.meditation to achieve nirvana.
Vajrayana Stresses tantric practices, rituals,Vajrayana Stresses tantric practices, rituals,
initiations, mystical power. Tibet, Mongolia.initiations, mystical power. Tibet, Mongolia.
Similar to Gnosticism.Similar to Gnosticism.
66.
67. Buddhist ScriptureBuddhist Scripture
The Tripitaka “three baskets” Three sets of theThe Tripitaka “three baskets” Three sets of the
supposedly original sayings and teachings andsupposedly original sayings and teachings and
philosophy of Buddha. These were oral only forphilosophy of Buddha. These were oral only for
about 400 years.about 400 years.
Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka ledDisputes over the content of the Tripitaka led
eventually to the Theravada, Mahayana and othereventually to the Theravada, Mahayana and other
sects.sects.
Jatakas Mahayana stories of previousJatakas Mahayana stories of previous
incarnations of Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism isincarnations of Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is
a striving through many lives to come to aa striving through many lives to come to a
bodhisattva state.bodhisattva state.
69. Practices of BuddhismPractices of Buddhism
Many monks and nuns who live ascetic livesMany monks and nuns who live ascetic lives
““Lay” Buddhists follow the five precepts, whichLay” Buddhists follow the five precepts, which
are, 1. do not kill 2. do not steal. 3. do notare, 1. do not kill 2. do not steal. 3. do not
have sex. 4. do not lie and 5. do not gethave sex. 4. do not lie and 5. do not get
drunkdrunk
Meditation is a big part of many BuddhistMeditation is a big part of many Buddhist
traditions, involving the saying of a mantra. (Omtraditions, involving the saying of a mantra. (Om
Mani Padme Hum).Mani Padme Hum).
71. The Buddhist World ViewThe Buddhist World View
Is Buddhism pantheist or agnostic?Is Buddhism pantheist or agnostic?
The physical world is an illusion and not good.The physical world is an illusion and not good.
Suffering is an illusion.Suffering is an illusion.
Cyclic cosmology. Reincarnation.Cyclic cosmology. Reincarnation.
The goal to lose oneselfThe goal to lose oneself
72. Is the Buddhist World View a Good One?Is the Buddhist World View a Good One?
Is it true?Is it true?
– The world is an illusion?The world is an illusion?
– Cosmology appears to be refuted by science.Cosmology appears to be refuted by science.
Does in answer the important questions?Does in answer the important questions?
– Like Hinduism, superior to Naturalism, PostmodernismLike Hinduism, superior to Naturalism, Postmodernism
– Does not answer the question of GodDoes not answer the question of God
Does it make one a better person?Does it make one a better person?
– Less self-focused than HinduismLess self-focused than Hinduism
– Suffering is not real.Suffering is not real.
– Goal: dispassion, rather than compassionGoal: dispassion, rather than compassion
73. JainismJainism
Founder: MahaviraFounder: Mahavira ~600-540~600-540
BCBC
Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750
BC?BC?
Location: India mostly.Location: India mostly.
About 5,000,000 practitionersAbout 5,000,000 practitioners
A reaction to worldly, priestlyA reaction to worldly, priestly
HinduismHinduism
74. Jaina TheologyJaina Theology
Very strong emphasis on asceticismVery strong emphasis on asceticism
Siddhartha may have been a followerSiddhartha may have been a follower
before finding a middle way.before finding a middle way.
We are souls trapped in a body. TheWe are souls trapped in a body. The
goal: escape the body to reach nirvanagoal: escape the body to reach nirvana
through ascetic practices.through ascetic practices.
ReincarnationReincarnation
KarmaKarma
PantheisticPantheistic
The Svastika
a symbol of
samsara
(rebirth)
75. Jaina ScripturesJaina Scriptures
The Purvas. Sayings of the 24 gurusThe Purvas. Sayings of the 24 gurus
all the original Purvas were lost.all the original Purvas were lost.
Agama Sutras Sayings of MahaviraAgama Sutras Sayings of Mahavira
Jaina Sects
Digambaras: Monks are nude, only
males can reach enlightenment.
Shvetambaras: Wear white robes.
Women can be ordained as nuns.
76. The Heart of Jainism: AsceticismThe Heart of Jainism: Asceticism
Five Mahavrata or rules of ascetic livingFive Mahavrata or rules of ascetic living
– Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids,Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids,
etc…)etc…)
– Satya. TruthfulnessSatya. Truthfulness
– Asteya. Non-stealingAsteya. Non-stealing
– CelibacyCelibacy
– Non-attachmentNon-attachment
77. Jaina WorldviewJaina Worldview
A very strange cosmology. The universe is anA very strange cosmology. The universe is an
infinitely repeating pattern of cycles of time.infinitely repeating pattern of cycles of time.
One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000
ft. tall.ft. tall.
The earth is the center of the universe.The earth is the center of the universe.
The universe has existed forever.The universe has existed forever.
Pantheism.Pantheism.
Reincarnation/karma.Reincarnation/karma.
The physical world is evil.The physical world is evil.
Is this a “good” world view? (essentially same asIs this a “good” world view? (essentially same as
Hindu)Hindu)
78. SikhismSikhism
Location: India, especially theLocation: India, especially the
Punjab. 25,000,000 adherents.Punjab. 25,000,000 adherents.
Founder: Nanak (1469-1539)Founder: Nanak (1469-1539)
A compromise between Islam andA compromise between Islam and
Hinduism.Hinduism.
Avowedly monotheistic, but withAvowedly monotheistic, but with
many Hindu ideas.many Hindu ideas.
Nanak, founder
of Jaina
79. Sikh Teaching and TheologySikh Teaching and Theology
Reject polytheism but keep ideasReject polytheism but keep ideas
of maya (illusion), samsaraof maya (illusion), samsara
(reincarnation), karma(reincarnation), karma
Reject priestly system. All areReject priestly system. All are
equal before the “True Name.”equal before the “True Name.”
Reject caste system.Reject caste system.
Opposition to idolatry and toOpposition to idolatry and to
asceticism.asceticism.
Sikhs do not try to escape theSikhs do not try to escape the
world, but to participate in it.world, but to participate in it.
The Golden Temple
Amristar, India
80. Scriptures of SikkhismScriptures of Sikkhism
The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru ArjunThe Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun
in 1604in 1604
The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the lastThe Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last
of the ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.of the ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.
The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythicalThe Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical
accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles.accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles.
(Nanak never claimed to be a miracle worker).(Nanak never claimed to be a miracle worker).
Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed byWorks salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by
hearkening.”hearkening.”
81. Sikh PracticesSikh Practices
The wearing of the male turban isThe wearing of the male turban is
very characteristic.very characteristic.
Baptism in sugar water holding aBaptism in sugar water holding a
dagger.dagger.
Sikhs have been warriors. TheySikhs have been warriors. They
have been very militaristic.have been very militaristic.
Sikhs are immersed in worldlySikhs are immersed in worldly
affairs. Businessmen, merchantsaffairs. Businessmen, merchants
etc.etc.
Think of Sikhs as the opposite ofThink of Sikhs as the opposite of
Jains.Jains.
82. Sikh World ViewSikh World View
MonotheisticMonotheistic
Yet it maintains much of the Hindu World ViewYet it maintains much of the Hindu World View
Maya. The world is an illusionMaya. The world is an illusion
Karma, reincarnation.Karma, reincarnation.
Works salvation.Works salvation.
Is it a “good” world view?Is it a “good” world view?
– True? Cyclic cosmology.True? Cyclic cosmology.
– Much in common with Islam.Much in common with Islam.
83. ConfucianismConfucianism
Founded by Confucius Kung Fu Tzu 551-Founded by Confucius Kung Fu Tzu 551-
478 BC.478 BC.
Principle religion in China? Is it aPrinciple religion in China? Is it a
religion?religion?
Also influential in Korea and Viet Nam.Also influential in Korea and Viet Nam.
NotNot a religious leader—he accepted thea religious leader—he accepted the
religious superstition of his day asreligious superstition of his day as
sufficient.sufficient.
Agnostic—“Keep aloof from spiritualAgnostic—“Keep aloof from spiritual
matters, but perform the ceremonymatters, but perform the ceremony
correctly.”correctly.”
Utilitarian, conservative philosophy.Utilitarian, conservative philosophy.
Each person should accept his position inEach person should accept his position in
society for righteousness and stability.society for righteousness and stability.
Strong emphasis on proper government,Strong emphasis on proper government,
training for holding government office.training for holding government office.
84. Confucianism (cont.)Confucianism (cont.)
Practical rather than esoteric.Practical rather than esoteric.
Ancestor worship stressed.Ancestor worship stressed.
Later Confucian philosophy involved emphasis onLater Confucian philosophy involved emphasis on
yingying andand yangyang—the competing balance between—the competing balance between
good vs. evil, physical vs. spiritual, hate vs. love.good vs. evil, physical vs. spiritual, hate vs. love.
(Dualism)(Dualism)
Confucianism competed with two other
philosophies: Taoism and Moism. Confucianism,
being more practical, generally won out.
85. Confucian ScripturesConfucian Scriptures
– I-Ching 1000 BC. Book of divination, magic.I-Ching 1000 BC. Book of divination, magic.
– Shu-Ching. History, ancient documents,Shu-Ching. History, ancient documents,
speeches.speeches.
– Shin-Ching 800-600 BC. Poetry used extensivelyShin-Ching 800-600 BC. Poetry used extensively
by Confucius. Customs concerning courtship,by Confucius. Customs concerning courtship,
marriage, war, agriculture, feasts, sacrifices, etc.marriage, war, agriculture, feasts, sacrifices, etc.
– Li Chi. Book of ceremonial etiquite. 200 BC –Li Chi. Book of ceremonial etiquite. 200 BC –
200 AD.200 AD.
– Ch’un Chiu. History of one Chinese province.Ch’un Chiu. History of one Chinese province.
Collected by Confucius?Collected by Confucius?
– Lun Yu. Written down 400 BC. The sayings ofLun Yu. Written down 400 BC. The sayings of
Confucius, especially on ethics and governmentConfucius, especially on ethics and government
– Analects of Confucius, etc…Analects of Confucius, etc…
86. Confucian World ViewConfucian World View
DualismDualism
In some ways world-view neutral, as it is more aIn some ways world-view neutral, as it is more a
collection of aphorisms and wise advice than acollection of aphorisms and wise advice than a
religion.religion.
Is it a good world view?Is it a good world view?
Is it “true”? Does chi exist?Is it “true”? Does chi exist?
Individual not assigned much valueIndividual not assigned much value
87. TaoismTaoism (Daoism)(Daoism)
Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.
Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = powerScripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power
Ching = teachingChing = teaching
Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal,Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal,
we come to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest.we come to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest.
“The religion of selfishness.”“The religion of selfishness.”
Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.
Emphasis on mysticism and magic.Emphasis on mysticism and magic.
““He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head forHe would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for
the benefit of his fellow man.”the benefit of his fellow man.”
88. Taoist World ViewTaoist World View
PantheismPantheism
Self-focus, emphasis on mysticism and magic.Self-focus, emphasis on mysticism and magic.
89. Baha’iBaha’i
Founded by Baha-Ullah 1817-1892Founded by Baha-Ullah 1817-1892
The Bab 1819-1850 The John the Baptist of Baha’iThe Bab 1819-1850 The John the Baptist of Baha’i
Begun in Iran, moved to Iraq, Lebanon. VeryBegun in Iran, moved to Iraq, Lebanon. Very
widely spread today.widely spread today.
About 7,000,000 adherents.About 7,000,000 adherents.
A reform movement within Islam?A reform movement within Islam?
90. History and TeachingHistory and Teaching
The Bab was martyred in 1850The Bab was martyred in 1850
in 1852 Baha-Ullah claims to have received ain 1852 Baha-Ullah claims to have received a
vision, while in prison, of a divine woman whovision, while in prison, of a divine woman who
declared him to be “The Beauty of God amongstdeclared him to be “The Beauty of God amongst
you.” ie the next prophet.you.” ie the next prophet.
Ba’hai is the culmination of all the world’sBa’hai is the culmination of all the world’s
religions. Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus,religions. Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus,
Muhammad, Baha’Ullah.Muhammad, Baha’Ullah.
No priests, no ceremony.No priests, no ceremony.
91. Theology and TeachingTheology and Teaching
Monotheistic.Monotheistic.
God is unknowable “The most Exalted, the Inaccessible.”God is unknowable “The most Exalted, the Inaccessible.”
Baha-Ullah claimed to beBaha-Ullah claimed to be
– The second coming of Christ—that John 14:16 was about him.The second coming of Christ—that John 14:16 was about him.
– The Maitreya—the second coming of Buddha.The Maitreya—the second coming of Buddha.
– The new incarnation of KrishnaThe new incarnation of Krishna
– The fulfillment of the “Day of God” in the Koran.The fulfillment of the “Day of God” in the Koran.
Strong emphasis on equality, education, peace.Strong emphasis on equality, education, peace.
Progressive Revelation. “Religious truth is not absolute butProgressive Revelation. “Religious truth is not absolute but
relative.”relative.”
92. Ba’hai TheologyBa’hai Theology
Salvation through keeping the law as handedSalvation through keeping the law as handed
down by Baha-Ullahdown by Baha-Ullah
Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor,Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor,
educationeducation
Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did notJesus did not die for our sins, because he did not
have to. We are imperfect, but not lost.have to. We are imperfect, but not lost.
Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There areScripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are
many!many!
93. New Age: A Very Confusing ReligionNew Age: A Very Confusing Religion
Is it:Is it:
Palm reading?Palm reading?
Channeling?Channeling?
Seances?Seances?
Meditation?Meditation?
Reincarnation?Reincarnation?
Occultism?Occultism?
Gurus?Gurus?
Paganism?Paganism?
Gnosticism?Gnosticism?
Mother Goddess worship?Mother Goddess worship?
Yes… all the above.Yes… all the above.
94. So, What is New Age, Really?So, What is New Age, Really?
You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all areYou are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are
God!God!
New Age is Western pantheismNew Age is Western pantheism
New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism,New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism,
Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism andHinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and
Paganism.Paganism.
New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!
““Once we begin to see that we are all God, then IOnce we begin to see that we are all God, then I
think the whole purpose of life is to re-own the God-think the whole purpose of life is to re-own the God-
likeness within us.”likeness within us.”
98. MOHAMMEDMOHAMMED
•• Claimed Gabriel spoke to himClaimed Gabriel spoke to him
when he was 40 (610 AD)when he was 40 (610 AD)
Turned from persuasion to warfareTurned from persuasion to warfare
Attacked caravansAttacked caravans attackattack
cities/nationscities/nations
Conversion at sword-pointConversion at sword-point
Mohammed ordered assassination ofMohammed ordered assassination of
those who mocked him in theirthose who mocked him in their
poems.poems.
•• Massacred 700 Jews in MedinaMassacred 700 Jews in Medina
Fifteen wivesFifteen wives
99. • Early Period in Mecca. Muhammad sees
himself as following tradition of Judaism.
Muslims pray toward Jerusalem.
• Early Medina period. Mohammad begins
to be politically powerful. The idea of Jihad
introduced.
• Later Medina and Meccan period.
Muhammad strongly opposed to Jews and
Christianity. Islam definitely a distinct
religion.
100. Qur’an and womenQur’an and women
““Men have authority over womenMen have authority over women
because Allah has made the onebecause Allah has made the one
superior to the other, and becausesuperior to the other, and because
they spend their wealth to supportthey spend their wealth to support
them. Good women are obedient…them. Good women are obedient…
If they are rebellious, rebuke them,If they are rebellious, rebuke them,
beat them, and send them to bed.”beat them, and send them to bed.”
-- 4:34-- 4:34
101. Qur’an and JihadQur’an and Jihad
““Wage war on them until the infidels are noWage war on them until the infidels are no
moremore and Allah’s religion reignsand Allah’s religion reigns
supreme.”supreme.”
8:12 Cut off their finger tips, stab them in8:12 Cut off their finger tips, stab them in
the neck.the neck.
48:16,17 Atone for sin by killing in war.48:16,17 Atone for sin by killing in war.
47:4-6 Martyrdom47:4-6 Martyrdom →→ Heaven.Heaven.
102. Qur’an and punishment of enemiesQur’an and punishment of enemies
““The punishment of those whoThe punishment of those who
wage war against God and hiswage war against God and his
Apostle, and strive with might andApostle, and strive with might and
main for mischief through the landmain for mischief through the land
is: execution, or crucifixion, oris: execution, or crucifixion, or
cutting off of hands and feet fromcutting off of hands and feet from
opposite sides, or exile from theopposite sides, or exile from the
land.” (5:36)land.” (5:36)
103. Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology
Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam isLike Christianity and Judaism, Islam is
monotheisticmonotheistic
But there are several differences in the theologyBut there are several differences in the theology
of these religions.of these religions.
In Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea ofIn Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea of
God—very distant and removed from man.God—very distant and removed from man.
104. 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.
105. 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.
106. 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.
109. 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
110. 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.
111. 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.
112. 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?
113. 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).
114. 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…..
115. 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.