A class taught by John Oakes, PhD at the 2010 ICEC.

1. A Defense of Christian TheologyA Defense of Christian Theology
ICECICEC
John Oakes, PhDJohn Oakes, PhD
6/11/106/11/10

2. Apologetics Course OutlineApologetics Course Outline
 Existence of GodExistence of God
 JesusJesus
 Messianic PropheciesMessianic Prophecies
 Claims of JesusClaims of Jesus
 Miracles of JesusMiracles of Jesus
 Resurrection of JesusResurrection of Jesus
 The BibleThe Bible
 Inspiration and InerrancyInspiration and Inerrancy
 How We Got the Bible, CanonHow We Got the Bible, Canon
 Contradictions?Contradictions?
 History, Archaeology and the BibleHistory, Archaeology and the Bible
 Science and ChristianityScience and Christianity
 Christian and Other World ViewsChristian and Other World Views
 Defense of Christian TheologyDefense of Christian Theology
 Problem of Pain, Suffering and EvilProblem of Pain, Suffering and Evil
 Free Will/PredestinationFree Will/Predestination
 The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell

3.  The most difficult questions:The most difficult questions:
 TrinityTrinity
 Problem of Evil, Problem of SufferingProblem of Evil, Problem of Suffering
 Violence for God in OTViolence for God in OT
 Problem of HellProblem of Hell
 One Possible Response:One Possible Response:
 That’s the way it is and if you don’t like itThat’s the way it is and if you don’t like it
tough for you!tough for you!

4. A Primer on World ViewA Primer on World View
 One's world view is theOne's world view is the
perspective one uses toperspective one uses to
process and interpretprocess and interpret
information received about theinformation received about the
world. world.
 James W. Sire put it this way,James W. Sire put it this way,
"A world view is a set of"A world view is a set of
presuppositions (ie.presuppositions (ie.
assumptions) which we holdassumptions) which we hold
about the basic makeup of ourabout the basic makeup of our
world." world."

James W. Sire,James W. Sire, The Universe NextThe Universe Next
DoorDoor (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)
A Jain World
View

5. 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, postmodernismpantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, postmodernism
and every other ism is false.and every other ism is false.
 Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated withConflicting world views cannot be accommodated with
one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with allone another. Biblical theism is incompatible with all
these other world views.these other world views.

6. A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined
A. It is true.A. It is true.
It is consistent with reality.It is consistent with reality.
It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.
It works.It works.
B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really wantB. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want
answered.answered.
What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)
What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?
What is my value as a human being?What is my value as a human being?
What happens to a person at death?What happens to a person at death?
How do we know what is right and wrong?How do we know what is right and wrong?
What is my purpose?What is my purpose?
What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"
C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people thanC. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than
they would otherwise have been if they held to competingthey would otherwise have been if they held to competing
alternative world views.alternative world views.

7. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex
nihilo) and c. essentially good.nihilo) and c. essentially good.
2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or
defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritualdefined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual
aspect to their nature.aspect to their nature.
3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God
who reveals himself in the Bible.who reveals himself in the Bible.
4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The
spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.
5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain
qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God isqualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is
holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

8. The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)
6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world
is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result ofis good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of
freedom of will given to created beings and theirfreedom of will given to created beings and their
subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”
7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who
choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged andchoose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and
separated from God for eternity.separated from God for eternity.
8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences
is provided by God through the atoning substitutionaryis provided by God through the atoning substitutionary
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

9. 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 of Jesus)The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of 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

10. Hindu World ViewHindu World View
 Maya. The physical world is an illusion.Maya. The physical world is an illusion.
 Brahman. Universal soul.Brahman. Universal soul.
 The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soulThe goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul
which is within yourself.which is within yourself.
 The Hindu world view has man looking inward, notThe Hindu world view has man looking inward, not
outward.outward.
 Evil is the denial of Atman—of God in youEvil is the denial of Atman—of God in you

11. 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 to rebirth.The cause of suffering is desire which leads to 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 is the eight-The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-
fold path.fold path.
 Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.

12. 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

13. Islamic Worldview:
God is very distant from mankind
In Islam, Allah determines everything, even
who will choose to follow him.
2:142, 6:39 6:125
Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that
people suffer.
.

14. 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.

15. A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

16. 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 even theinstrument to deciding the truth or even the
value of any proposition is the scientific method.value of any proposition is the scientific method.
 No basis for ethics or morality, no supernatural,No basis for ethics or morality, no supernatural,
no God, no truth (except that found by science),no God, no truth (except that found by science),
no consciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment ofno consciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment of
our imagination.our imagination.

17. Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism
 Scientific Materialism accepts only oneScientific Materialism accepts only one
reality: the physical universe, composed as itreality: the physical universe, composed as it
is of matter and energy. Everything that isis of matter and energy. Everything that is
not physical, measurable, or deducible fromnot physical, measurable, or deducible from
scientific observations, is considered unreal.scientific observations, is considered unreal.
LifeLife is explained in purely mechanical terms,is explained in purely mechanical terms,
and phenomena such as Mind andand phenomena such as Mind and
Consciousness are considered nothing butConsciousness are considered nothing but
epiphenomena - curious by-products, ofepiphenomena - curious by-products, of
certain complex physical processes (such ascertain complex physical processes (such as
brain metabolism)brain metabolism)

18. Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth
 Truth, if such a thing exists, is the property ofTruth, if such a thing exists, is the property of
culture. There is no absolute truth. All truth isculture. There is no absolute truth. All truth is
relative. It is created by societies. There is norelative. It is created by societies. There is no
ultimate moral authority or moral absolute.ultimate moral authority or moral absolute.

19. Doctrine of the TrinityDoctrine of the Trinity
 Tertullian AD 160-Tertullian AD 160-
220220
 The Father and theThe Father and the
Son are different “notSon are different “not
in condition, but inin condition, but in
degree; not indegree; not in
substance, but insubstance, but in
form; not in power, butform; not in power, but
in aspect”in aspect”

20. Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of
Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of
one substance (homoousios, of the same substance,
consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father,
by whom all things were made.
Is this what we believe?

21. A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

22. InitiativeInitiative
Human approachHuman approach TruthTruth
GodGod GodGod
MankindMankind MankindMankind

23. 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

24. Apologetics and the TrinityApologetics and the Trinity
 Bottom line, the trinity is a mystery. We cannotBottom line, the trinity is a mystery. We cannot
defend it as a logical concept.defend it as a logical concept.
 The “apologetics” of the trinity is that GodThe “apologetics” of the trinity is that God
became a man so that he could reach out to usbecame a man so that he could reach out to us
—so that we could know Him.—so that we could know Him.

25. The Problem of Evil: What is it andThe Problem of Evil: What is it and
what is its cause?what is its cause?

26. Augustine on EvilAugustine on Evil
 When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it mustWhen accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it must
first be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else thanfirst be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else than
corruption, either of the measure, or the form or thecorruption, either of the measure, or the form or the
order, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which hasorder, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which has
been corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly whenbeen corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when
incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it isincorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it is
nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.
 Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, but theSin is not the striving after an evil nature, but the
desertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, notdesertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, not
the nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil tothe nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil to
use amiss that which is good.use amiss that which is good.

27. Augustine: Evil and Free WillAugustine: Evil and Free Will
 About Augustine: “Evil arises from theAbout Augustine: “Evil arises from the
corruption of a nature which is essentially good.corruption of a nature which is essentially good.
What is called evil is good corrupted; if it wereWhat is called evil is good corrupted; if it were
not corrupted it would be wholly good; but evennot corrupted it would be wholly good; but even
when it is corrupted, it is good in so far as itwhen it is corrupted, it is good in so far as it
remains a natural thing, and bad only in so farremains a natural thing, and bad only in so far
as it is corrupted.”as it is corrupted.”
 ““A man’s free will avails for nothing except toA man’s free will avails for nothing except to
sin.”sin.”

28. Sin, Redemption, SalvationSin, Redemption, Salvation
 Augustine!!!!!Augustine!!!!!
 The City of God SoveriegntyThe City of God Soveriegnty
 Total depravityTotal depravity
 Monoergism (only God)Monoergism (only God)
 PredestinationPredestination
 Original SinOriginal Sin
 Infant baptism required forInfant baptism required for
salvationsalvation
 SacramentalismSacramentalism
 TransubstantiationTransubstantiation
 City and StateCity and State
 Opposed DonatistsOpposed Donatists
Augustine of Hippo (from 6th century)

29.  Q: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? WhatQ: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? What
happened in the garden?happened in the garden?
 Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.”Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.”
 Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12

30. Martin Luther 1483-1541
Augustinian Monk
Faith Alone
Grace Alone
Scripture Alone
Predestination

31. Ulrich Zwingli
1484-1531
Opposed baptismal
regeneration
Double Predestination
Reformed Theology
“Those individuals who end
up damned forever in hell are
also eternally determined by
God for that fate.”

32. John Calvin 1509-1564
Institutes of Christian Religion
His emphasis: the sovereignty
of God
TULIP

33. TULIPTULIP
 TTotal depravityotal depravity
 UUnconditional electionnconditional election
 LLimited atonementimited atonement
 IIrresistable gracerresistable grace
 PPerseverence of the saint (once saved,erseverence of the saint (once saved,
always saved)always saved)

34. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
Why? Because he loves us.Why? Because he loves us.
The result: We rebelled and brought evil into theThe result: We rebelled and brought evil into the
world. Is this God’s fault? What is the alternative?world. Is this God’s fault? What is the alternative?
 Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20
 Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15
 John 7:17John 7:17

35. Pelagius AD c. 354-430
Works
Salvation?
Affirmed the existence
of free will. “Evil is not
born with us, and we
are procreated without
fault.” Rejected infant
baptism. Taught that
we become holy
through our own effort?

36. Thomas Aquinas:
“God, therefore, is the first cause, who
moves causes both natural and voluntary.
And just as by moving natural causes He
does not prevent their actions from being
natural, so by moving voluntary causes He
does not deprive their actions of being
voluntary; but rather is He the cause of this
very thing in them, for He operates in each
thing according to his own nature.”
In other words, Aquinas believed in free will
and not a strict monergism.

37. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son

38. Jacob Arminius
(1560-1609)
Opposed Reformed idea of
predestination.
Are we Arminians?

39. Apologetics and Evil: What are theApologetics and Evil: What are the
alternatives?alternatives?
 Dualism: Good and Evil in an unending more or lessDualism: Good and Evil in an unending more or less
equal balanceequal balance
 Pantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil is being tiedPantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil is being tied
down to the physical—it is missing the god-likeness indown to the physical—it is missing the god-likeness in
you.you.
 Naturalism: There is no evil.Naturalism: There is no evil.
 Postmodernism: Evil???Postmodernism: Evil???
 Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.

40. Christianity and the Problem of EvilChristianity and the Problem of Evil
 Evil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is theEvil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is the
product of God’s love. God loved us so muchproduct of God’s love. God loved us so much
that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.
We chose evil, and thus evil came into theWe chose evil, and thus evil came into the
world.world.
 Remember your alternatives:Remember your alternatives:
 Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.
 Deny evil existsDeny evil exists
 Physical creation is evil, but you are GodPhysical creation is evil, but you are God
 An unending battle/balance between good and evil.An unending battle/balance between good and evil.

41. Question #3 The Problem of SufferingQuestion #3 The Problem of Suffering
 Does answering the question of evil answer the questionDoes answering the question of evil answer the question
of suffering? Not quite.of suffering? Not quite.
 Causes of suffering:Causes of suffering:
 Sin/evilSin/evil
 Natural causesNatural causes
 God’s discipline on those he lovesGod’s discipline on those he loves

42. Pain and Suffering: An ApologeticPain and Suffering: An Apologetic
ProblemProblem
 Agnostic:Agnostic:
 God of the Bible is completely good and loving.God of the Bible is completely good and loving.
 God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.
 Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in theConclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the
world, the God of the Bible is not real.world, the God of the Bible is not real.

43. Question #4 Violence and Slavery in OTQuestion #4 Violence and Slavery in OT
 The critic of Christianity: The God of the Old TestamentThe critic of Christianity: The God of the Old Testament
is a sadistic, violent ethnic cleanser.is a sadistic, violent ethnic cleanser.
 1 Samuel 15:2-3 “This is what the Lord of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed1 Samuel 15:2-3 “This is what the Lord of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed
what the Amelekites did to the Israelites when they opposed themwhat the Amelekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them
along the way as they were coming out of Egypt. Now, go andalong the way as they were coming out of Egypt. Now, go and
attach the Amelekites, and completely destroy everything they have.attach the Amelekites, and completely destroy everything they have.
Do not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants, oxenDo not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants, oxen
and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
 This is pretty tough stuff!This is pretty tough stuff!

44. Response to the Question of Violence in theResponse to the Question of Violence in the
OTOT
 If you are not bothered by this on some level, I amIf you are not bothered by this on some level, I am
worried about you!worried about you!
 The argument assumes that physical death is bad/evil.The argument assumes that physical death is bad/evil.
This is a false assumption. Sin is evil but death is not.This is a false assumption. Sin is evil but death is not.
Death is a transition, hopefully, to something better.Death is a transition, hopefully, to something better.
 God has a perfect right to judge—not us.God has a perfect right to judge—not us.
 There is the issue of the religion of the Amelekites.There is the issue of the religion of the Amelekites.
Sacrificing of children in fire, worshipping gods by havingSacrificing of children in fire, worshipping gods by having
sex with a prostitute in the temple, etc.sex with a prostitute in the temple, etc.
 The situation for the children in this situation wasThe situation for the children in this situation was
hopeless.hopeless.

45. Violence in the OT (cont.)Violence in the OT (cont.)
 In the case of Amelek and other Canaanites, both God’sIn the case of Amelek and other Canaanites, both God’s
love and his justice demanded that something be done.love and his justice demanded that something be done.
 Either God was going to create a nation or he was not.Either God was going to create a nation or he was not.
If God is going to have a “people,” then such people mustIf God is going to have a “people,” then such people must
have a physical land and must have an army.have a physical land and must have an army.
 God’s plan is to choose a man, then a nation, through whomGod’s plan is to choose a man, then a nation, through whom
to send a savior. God’s plan to bless humanity throughto send a savior. God’s plan to bless humanity through
Jesus trumps all else.Jesus trumps all else.
 It is sinful to take the life of another in anger, out of greedIt is sinful to take the life of another in anger, out of greed
or selfishness, but it is not necessarily sinful to take a life inor selfishness, but it is not necessarily sinful to take a life in
war.war.
 Everything God did to Israel as a nation was to limit theirEverything God did to Israel as a nation was to limit their
ability to wage war.ability to wage war.
 No authority to establish an empire.No authority to establish an empire.
 No standing army.No standing army.
 No cruelty, no abuse, no rapeNo cruelty, no abuse, no rape

46. The Problem of Slavery in the OTThe Problem of Slavery in the OT
 First, let us acknowledge that, on some level, GodFirst, let us acknowledge that, on some level, God
legislating slavery is troubling.legislating slavery is troubling.
 God accommodated rather than approved slavery.God accommodated rather than approved slavery.
 All of God’s regulations with regard to slavery were to limitAll of God’s regulations with regard to slavery were to limit
it. (Eph 6:9)it. (Eph 6:9)
 Slaves could not be bought and sold.Slaves could not be bought and sold.
 Humane treatment. Deuteronomy 23:15, Leviticus 25:14Humane treatment. Deuteronomy 23:15, Leviticus 25:14
 All slaves were eventually given their freedom at the JubileeAll slaves were eventually given their freedom at the Jubilee
year.year.
 God is not concerned with physical slavery nearly so muchGod is not concerned with physical slavery nearly so much
as spiritual slavery.as spiritual slavery.
 Nevertheless, Paul asked Philemon to free his slaveNevertheless, Paul asked Philemon to free his slave
Onesimus in an inspired passage.Onesimus in an inspired passage.
 William Wilberforce. It was Christian influence which endedWilliam Wilberforce. It was Christian influence which ended
the slave trade world wide.the slave trade world wide.

47. The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell
 Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.
 Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found writtenRevelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written
in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is theRev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the
second death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented daysecond death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented day
and night for even and ever.and night for even and ever.
 Does God choose to send us to hell? No! We chooseDoes God choose to send us to hell? No! We choose
hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.
 Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heavenIs suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heaven
literally eternal?literally eternal?

48. Attributes of GodAttributes of God
 EternalEternal
 OmnipresentOmnipresent
 OmniscientOmniscient
 OmnipotentOmnipotent
 Righteous, HolyRighteous, Holy
 LoveLove
 JusticeJustice
God is not merely loving, he is loveGod is not merely loving, he is love
God, in his awesomeness is fully love and fullyGod, in his awesomeness is fully love and fully
justjust

49. Love and JusticeLove and Justice
 For God so loved the world…For God so loved the world…
 The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23
 The law of sin and death Rom 8:2The law of sin and death Rom 8:2
 We like God’s love, but we are not so fired upWe like God’s love, but we are not so fired up
about his justice.about his justice.
 When we reach heaven, we will understand andWhen we reach heaven, we will understand and
fully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’sfully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’s
justice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The eldersjustice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The elders
are thankful that God’s judgement has finallyare thankful that God’s judgement has finally
come. You are just, O God.come. You are just, O God.
 Psalm 94:1-3 David How long, O LordPsalm 94:1-3 David How long, O Lord

50. Here is the Good NewsHere is the Good News
 God’s love met God’s justice at the cross. AsGod’s love met God’s justice at the cross. As
far as we are concerned, love won.far as we are concerned, love won.
 Romans 3:21-26Romans 3:21-26