- The document discusses the problem of pain and suffering from an apologetic perspective. It addresses the argument that if God is all-powerful and loving, he would not allow suffering in the world.
- It explores various causes of suffering, including free will, sin, and natural causes. While sin is a major cause, not all suffering can be explained by sin alone.
- The document argues that while suffering exists, God gave humans free will and the world operates according to physical laws, so some suffering is an unintended consequence of these factors rather than a sign that God is not good.
Dr. John Oakes is on a teaching trip to Bangkok, Udon, Phnom Penh, Siem Riap, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Manila for the next three weeks. He will be posting pictures and a report, as well as lesson outlines and audio every couple of days. Contact him if you are in one of these cities and want to attend at john.oakes@gcccd.edu
Class taught by Dr. John Oakes 11/14/10. The lesson focuses in on the definition and evidence for biblical inspiration, the meaning of biblical inerrancy, errors of copyists and translators, followed by an introduction to the English translations. The final section discusses claims that the King James Version is the only acceptable translation and that others are of the devil.
An outline of the class can be seen by clicking on the link below, or click on the power point icon to see the power point presentation. by John M. Oakes, PhD
Dr John Oakes taught a class titled Living By Faith in Las Vegas 9/9/2012. It is an exposition on Hebrews 11, with the theme that faith is belief in things unseen.
Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation in both Manchester and Edinburgh June, 2014 on the role of freedom in the Christian life as well as on a healthy role of membership in the Christian church. He will be publishing a book on this topic titled “Golden Rule Membership” from IP Books in just a couple of weeks.
Dr John Oakes gave a class 10/17/2013 on how the Christian can know God’s will. Coll 1:9-10, Psalm 119:110, Romans 12:1-2 and others are used. The lesson focuses largely on how to obtain wisdom through advice. This is clearly not Christian evidence, but we thought we would publish it for those interested.
Dr. John Oakes is on a teaching trip to Bangkok, Udon, Phnom Penh, Siem Riap, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Manila for the next three weeks. He will be posting pictures and a report, as well as lesson outlines and audio every couple of days. Contact him if you are in one of these cities and want to attend at john.oakes@gcccd.edu
Class taught by Dr. John Oakes 11/14/10. The lesson focuses in on the definition and evidence for biblical inspiration, the meaning of biblical inerrancy, errors of copyists and translators, followed by an introduction to the English translations. The final section discusses claims that the King James Version is the only acceptable translation and that others are of the devil.
An outline of the class can be seen by clicking on the link below, or click on the power point icon to see the power point presentation. by John M. Oakes, PhD
Dr John Oakes taught a class titled Living By Faith in Las Vegas 9/9/2012. It is an exposition on Hebrews 11, with the theme that faith is belief in things unseen.
Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation in both Manchester and Edinburgh June, 2014 on the role of freedom in the Christian life as well as on a healthy role of membership in the Christian church. He will be publishing a book on this topic titled “Golden Rule Membership” from IP Books in just a couple of weeks.
Dr John Oakes gave a class 10/17/2013 on how the Christian can know God’s will. Coll 1:9-10, Psalm 119:110, Romans 12:1-2 and others are used. The lesson focuses largely on how to obtain wisdom through advice. This is clearly not Christian evidence, but we thought we would publish it for those interested.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Strong in Chrst and a sermon titled One in Christ for the Coastal Region of the Los Angeles Church of Christ for their family retreat 8/15/15. Notes power point and audio are attached. Strong in Christ is about how to deepen our understanding of the scripture, using examples from Ephesians and Matthew. One in Christ is about the amazing blessings we have In Christ.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Deuteronomy 8 in San Diego 9/15/2013. The focus of the lesson is on Moses’ instructions to the “second generation” of those who wandered in the wilderness as an analogy for the life of a disciple.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Christian membership and Freedom in Christ in San Diego 8/31/14. The lesson uses material from his new book Golden Rule Membership (www.ipibooks.com)
This power point was used by Dr. John Oakes as a follow-up lesson at the 2012 ICEC in Los Angeles on October 21, 2012. It is about the reasons the church in the first three centuries was able to conquer the known world for Jesus and a suggestion of how faithful Christians today can see the same thing happen in our world.
The attached Power Point and notes are for a class taught April and May, 2011 by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego, CA. The audio is also available in the EFC store.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on 3/15/2014 in San Diego. The topic was the Levitical sacrificial system as a prefigure of worship in the New Testament. The “sweet smelling” offerings are discussed as prefigures both of the offerings given by Jesus and by Christians. Specifically discussed are the burnt offering, the grain offering, the drink offering and the fellowship offering. There is also a brief introduction to the sin and guilt sacrifices as prefigures of the sacrificial work of Jesus.
It is a wonderful debate between the main character Job, his friends and finally his teacher Eli’hu who gave him real understanding of God. Job was blameless, upright (righteous; honest, responsible and moral), one who feared God and turned away from evil. Reference to seven sons and three daughters is our “ten senses”. All of us are born with these ten children and we play the game of life thru them.
The book of Job faces the age old problem of suffering. Why do good people suffer. Job the most righteous man alive in his day suffers multiple tragedies and painful disease. yet in all his pain and grief he does not blame God but affirms his faith and trust in God.
Lesson 18 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on the Book of Job was presented March 27, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Look at the spiritual discipline of Bible intake.
Feel free to check out my Youtube channel ("Bible A to Z"):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksmizy3de-HTruLFkHDCMA
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BibleAtoZ1
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Bible-A-to-Z-104071948506766
(Also on Instagram, BitChute, and Rumble)
Dr. John Oakes and James Shults will be teaching a class on biblical books covering the period after the exile of Judah and Israel. The theme of these books is returning to God, restoring our relationship with God and rebuilding our lives with God. The books covered will include Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah. The class will be held at the Mission Center of Hope 6162 Mission Gorge Road, Suite A, San Diego 92120 on six consecutive Saturdays from 9:00-10:30. For more information or to register contact Jan Oakes at joakes01@san.rr.com. The cost for the class is $20 for the entire series. Outline is below.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the book of Jeremiah 8/23/13. The class was not comprehensive, but covers the main themes of Jeremiah. Notes and power point are attached.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Strong in Chrst and a sermon titled One in Christ for the Coastal Region of the Los Angeles Church of Christ for their family retreat 8/15/15. Notes power point and audio are attached. Strong in Christ is about how to deepen our understanding of the scripture, using examples from Ephesians and Matthew. One in Christ is about the amazing blessings we have In Christ.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Deuteronomy 8 in San Diego 9/15/2013. The focus of the lesson is on Moses’ instructions to the “second generation” of those who wandered in the wilderness as an analogy for the life of a disciple.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Christian membership and Freedom in Christ in San Diego 8/31/14. The lesson uses material from his new book Golden Rule Membership (www.ipibooks.com)
This power point was used by Dr. John Oakes as a follow-up lesson at the 2012 ICEC in Los Angeles on October 21, 2012. It is about the reasons the church in the first three centuries was able to conquer the known world for Jesus and a suggestion of how faithful Christians today can see the same thing happen in our world.
The attached Power Point and notes are for a class taught April and May, 2011 by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego, CA. The audio is also available in the EFC store.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on 3/15/2014 in San Diego. The topic was the Levitical sacrificial system as a prefigure of worship in the New Testament. The “sweet smelling” offerings are discussed as prefigures both of the offerings given by Jesus and by Christians. Specifically discussed are the burnt offering, the grain offering, the drink offering and the fellowship offering. There is also a brief introduction to the sin and guilt sacrifices as prefigures of the sacrificial work of Jesus.
It is a wonderful debate between the main character Job, his friends and finally his teacher Eli’hu who gave him real understanding of God. Job was blameless, upright (righteous; honest, responsible and moral), one who feared God and turned away from evil. Reference to seven sons and three daughters is our “ten senses”. All of us are born with these ten children and we play the game of life thru them.
The book of Job faces the age old problem of suffering. Why do good people suffer. Job the most righteous man alive in his day suffers multiple tragedies and painful disease. yet in all his pain and grief he does not blame God but affirms his faith and trust in God.
Lesson 18 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on the Book of Job was presented March 27, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Look at the spiritual discipline of Bible intake.
Feel free to check out my Youtube channel ("Bible A to Z"):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksmizy3de-HTruLFkHDCMA
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BibleAtoZ1
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Bible-A-to-Z-104071948506766
(Also on Instagram, BitChute, and Rumble)
Dr. John Oakes and James Shults will be teaching a class on biblical books covering the period after the exile of Judah and Israel. The theme of these books is returning to God, restoring our relationship with God and rebuilding our lives with God. The books covered will include Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah. The class will be held at the Mission Center of Hope 6162 Mission Gorge Road, Suite A, San Diego 92120 on six consecutive Saturdays from 9:00-10:30. For more information or to register contact Jan Oakes at joakes01@san.rr.com. The cost for the class is $20 for the entire series. Outline is below.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the book of Jeremiah 8/23/13. The class was not comprehensive, but covers the main themes of Jeremiah. Notes and power point are attached.
John Oakes did a class on church history in Panama City, Panama June 8, 2013. The power point is mostly in Spanish, with some English and the outline is in English.
John and Jan Oakes taught classes for a singles conference in Tijuana focusing in on the claims of Jesus. Notes and Power Point in English and Spanish and audio in Spanish.
Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation for the South Florida Church of Christ in Miami on 9/1/13 on answering the hard questions (the question of evil, the question of suffering and the question of hell). The power point is attached.
Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo taught a Bible workshop on the Book of Luke at San Diego State University Saturday May 3rd 2014. Notes, power point and recordings are attached.
Dr. John Oakes is traveling in Indonesia for two weeks. He will be uploading lessons given there. All will be taught in English, but most with Bahasa Indonesia translation. Classes include one on Hebrews 11 (Living by Faith), a five hour class on the Book of Revelation, and a five hour class on the Book of Ezekiel.
John Oakes has been traveling in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Below are some of the audios as well as some notes and power points for the lessons on this teaching trip.
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 has been teaching a series of lessons in Brazil. Included are audio in English and Portugese and, where they have been made, translated power points.
Attached are notes and a power point for a 23 hour class on the Book of Hebrews given by Dr. John Oakes recently in Manila, Philippines. The recordings are now available in the ARS store.
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on the Book of Matthew in San Diego, 6/7/2015. The lesson shows how Matthew uses prophecies,prefigures and foreshadows to tell us who Jesus is.
Dr. John Oakes, Robert Carrillo Pedro Figueroa and Mark Wilkinson taught an 8-week 16-hour introduction to the Old Testament on consecutive Saturdays Feb 25-April 14 at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego, CA. To view the notes, the 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.
Adversity can be the gateway to greatness.
The dire circumstances that threaten to ruin your life may actually be a step on the path to a life far greater than you've dreamed of.
This is the third lesson in our series addressing the topic of Christian Evidences - Defending Your Faith. This powerpoint accompanies our lesson on evil, pain, and suffering.
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?
We see pain, suffering and death all around us
Holocaust wipes out 6 million Jews during WWII
September 11, 2001 attack on World Trade Center resulted in the death of 3000
Tsunami kills more than 250,000 in Dec. 2004
2 million Sudanese Christians have been martyredfor their faith
Earthquakes, floods, accidents cause thousands of deaths
Earthquake in Haiti kills more than 150,000 in Jan. 2010
Human suffering
Toothaches to broken limbs and cancer
Infant deaths
Wars
Famines
Etc…
Suffering caused by man, natural disasters, & disease
Human suffering
Toothaches to broken limbs and cancer
Infant deaths
Wars
Famines
Etc…
Suffering caused by man, natural disasters, & disease
Three main categories:
Suffering caused by man,
Natural disasters,
Disease
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.?...
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...
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.
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
Frontier:
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...
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
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.
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
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.
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.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
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
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
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
Tarot for Your Self A Workbook for Personal Transformation Second Edition (M...
Power Points in Mandarin and Cantonese
1. The Problem of Pain and SufferingThe Problem of Pain and Suffering
(and The Problem of Evil)(and The Problem of Evil)
痛苦與苦難的難題 (邪惡的問痛苦與苦難的難題 (邪惡的問
題)題)
John OakesJohn Oakes
Hong Kong Church of Christ CampusHong Kong Church of Christ Campus
MinistryMinistry
2-Jan 20122-Jan 2012
2. Also…
Apologetics Research Society Presents
Jan, 2010
Certificate Program in Christian Apologetics
Classes on DVD
For information: joakes01@san.rr.com
3. The Problem of Pain and SufferingThe Problem of Pain and Suffering
痛苦與苦難的難題痛苦與苦難的難題
An apologetic/intellectual problemAn apologetic/intellectual problem
護教學護教學 // 理智問題理智問題
A human problemA human problem
人類的問題人類的問題
4. Pain and Suffering: An ApologeticPain and Suffering: An Apologetic
ProblemProblem 痛苦與苦難:護教學問題痛苦與苦難:護教學問題
Agnostic:Agnostic: 不可知論者不可知論者::
God of the Bible is completely good and loving.God of the Bible is completely good and loving.
聖經中的神是全善全愛的聖經中的神是全善全愛的
God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.
聖經中的神是全知及全能的聖經中的神是全知及全能的
Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world,Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world,
the God of the Bible is not real.the God of the Bible is not real.
結論:看到這世界的痛苦及受苦,聖經中的神是假的結論:看到這世界的痛苦及受苦,聖經中的神是假的
5. Examples of SufferingExamples of Suffering 苦難的例子苦難的例子
Are they truly bad/evil?Are they truly bad/evil? 是否真的是否真的壞壞 // 邪惡邪惡
??
Are they GodAre they God’s fault?’s fault? 神神的錯嗎?神神的錯嗎?
6. Kinds of SufferingKinds of Suffering 不同種類的苦難不同種類的苦難
Physical pain: acute and chronicPhysical pain: acute and chronic 生理上痛苦: 急性及慢生理上痛苦: 急性及慢
性性
Disease: acute and chronicDisease: acute and chronic 病:急性及慢性病:急性及慢性
Broken relationshipsBroken relationships 關係破裂關係破裂
Poverty, hunger, etc.Poverty, hunger, etc. 貧窮,貧窮,飢餓飢餓
Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.
暴力;暴力;恐怖主義恐怖主義,,種族滅絕種族滅絕,嚴重罪行,嚴重罪行
Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.)Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.)
慢性恐懼 (強姦,自然災害,慢性恐懼 (強姦,自然災害,虐待虐待))
Disappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hopeDisappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hope
失望,失敗的感受,失去盼望失望,失敗的感受,失去盼望
Death of a loved one, mourningDeath of a loved one, mourning
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13. Bottom line, there is a lot of pain and suffering in
the world.
結果,這世界有很多苦難
Question: Is this because God does not care, or is
this because he is not sufficiently powerful to
prevent human suffering and evil in the world?
問題: 這是否代表神不關心,或代表他沒有足夠的
能力去阻止這世上的苦難及邪惡嗎?
Caution: There is no simple answer.
小心: 並沒有一個簡單的答案
14. Causes of SufferingCauses of Suffering 苦難的成因苦難的成因
Free WillFree Will 自由意志自由意志
SinSin 罪罪
Natural DisastersNatural Disasters 天然災害天然災害
FoolishnessFoolishness 愚蠢愚蠢
15. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
自由意志:神給我們選擇自由意志:神給我們選擇
Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20 申命記申命記 30:15-2030:15-20
Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15 約書亞記約書亞記 24:1524:15
John 7:17John 7:17 約翰福音約翰福音 7:177:17
Question: What is the alternative?Question: What is the alternative?
問題: 有否其他選擇呢?問題: 有否其他選擇呢?
Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us?Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us?
問題:這是否代表神不愛我們呢?問題:這是否代表神不愛我們呢?
God took a huge risk…God took a huge risk…
神冒了很大的危險神冒了很大的危險
16. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son
自由意志,例子:浪子回頭
17. Cause of Human Suffering and Evil: SINCause of Human Suffering and Evil: SIN
人類受苦及邪惡的成因:罪人類受苦及邪惡的成因:罪
The great majority (but not all) of suffering is the resultThe great majority (but not all) of suffering is the result
of sinof sin 大部份(不是所有)的苦難都是罪的後果大部份(不是所有)的苦難都是罪的後果
Addiction, lack of self-controlAddiction, lack of self-control 成癮成癮 ,, 缺乏自控能力缺乏自控能力
Sexual immorality, perversion and abuseSexual immorality, perversion and abuse 不到德的性行為不到德的性行為
,,誤用誤用,,濫用濫用
Anger, violenceAnger, violence 憤怒,暴力憤怒,暴力
GreedGreed 貪婪貪婪
Pride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for controlPride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for control
驕傲,自大,妒忌,控制慾望驕傲,自大,妒忌,控制慾望
SelfishnessSelfishness 自私自私
18. GodGod’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces Suffering’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces Suffering
神的道德律法很簡單:罪惡引伸苦難神的道德律法很簡單:罪惡引伸苦難
Exodus 20:5-6Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idols youYou shall not bow down to them (the idols you
have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am ahave made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a
jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathersjealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers toto
the third and fourth generationthe third and fourth generation of those who hate me, butof those who hate me, but
showing love to thousands who love me and keep myshowing love to thousands who love me and keep my
commands.commands.
出埃及記出埃及記 20:5-620:5-6 不 可 跪 拜 那 些 像 、 也 不 可 事 奉不 可 跪 拜 那 些 像 、 也 不 可 事 奉
他 、 因 為 我 耶 和 華 你 的 神 是 忌 邪 的 神 、他 、 因 為 我 耶 和 華 你 的 神 是 忌 邪 的 神 、
恨 我 的 、 我 必 追 討 他 的 罪 、 自 父 及 子 、恨 我 的 、 我 必 追 討 他 的 罪 、 自 父 及 子 、 直 到直 到
三 四 代三 四 代 .愛 我 守 我 誡 命 的 、 我 必 向 他 們 發 慈.愛 我 守 我 誡 命 的 、 我 必 向 他 們 發 慈
愛 、 直 到 千 代 。愛 、 直 到 千 代 。
God is love and God is just.God is love and God is just. 神是愛及公義神是愛及公義
Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20 記住以西結書記住以西結書 18:19-2018:19-20
19. Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?
罪是所有苦難的成因嗎?罪是所有苦難的成因嗎?
Job: Why did he suffer?Job: Why did he suffer? 約伯:為何他要受苦?約伯:為何他要受苦?
John 9John 9 約翰福音約翰福音 99
Is AIDS GodIs AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality? No!’s punishment for homosexuality? No!
愛滋病是神懲罰同性戀嗎?不是!愛滋病是神懲罰同性戀嗎?不是!
20. Tsunami off Sumatra in 2004: Whose sin was this a punishment for?
2004 年的南亞大海嘯:是誰的罪導致呢?
21. Causes of Suffering #3: Natural CausesCauses of Suffering #3: Natural Causes
苦難的成因苦難的成因 33 : 天然成因: 天然成因
Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics 板塊移動板塊移動
WeatherWeather 氣候氣候
BacteriaBacteria 細菌細菌
These are all very good things.These are all very good things. 這些都是非常好的東西這些都是非常好的東西
22. A Question: Is Pain Evil?A Question: Is Pain Evil?
問題:痛苦是邪惡嗎?問題:痛苦是邪惡嗎?
Touch a burner on the stoveTouch a burner on the stove 碰煤氣爐碰煤氣爐
Broken BoneBroken Bone 骨節骨節
OvereatingOvereating 吃得過飽吃得過飽
Emotional PainEmotional Pain 情感痛苦情感痛苦
Pain is Good. Pain is from GodPain is Good. Pain is from God
痛苦是好的,痛苦是來自神痛苦是好的,痛苦是來自神
But… Not all pain is explained so easily.But… Not all pain is explained so easily.
…但 並不是所有的痛苦能簡單地解釋…但 並不是所有的痛苦能簡單地解釋
23. A Question: Is Death Evil?A Question: Is Death Evil?
問題:死亡是邪惡嗎?問題:死亡是邪惡嗎?
For plants and animals, death is a positive good.For plants and animals, death is a positive good.
對於動植物,死亡是非常好的事情對於動植物,死亡是非常好的事情
Isaiah 57:2Isaiah 57:2 以賽亞書以賽亞書 57:257:2
Philippians 1:21Philippians 1:21 腓立比書腓立比書 1:211:21
For humans, death is a transition, not an end.For humans, death is a transition, not an end.
對人來說,死亡是一個過渡,並不是終結對人來說,死亡是一個過渡,並不是終結
If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if theIf the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if the
atheist is right, there is no evil.atheist is right, there is no evil. 如果無神論者是對,如果無神論者是對,
死亡可以是邪惡,但如果無神論者是對,根本沒死亡可以是邪惡,但如果無神論者是對,根本沒
有邪惡。有邪惡。
24. Question: Is Suffering Evil?Question: Is Suffering Evil?
問題:受苦邪惡嗎?問題:受苦邪惡嗎?
Psalm 30:5Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.
詩詩 30:530:5 對人而言,沒有受苦就沒有喜樂對人而言,沒有受苦就沒有喜樂
John 9:1-3John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.
約約 9:1-39:1-3 適當的受苦能榮耀神適當的受苦能榮耀神
Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful howAll kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful how
you use this passage)you use this passage)
羅羅 8:288:28 各類的受苦可以有其好的一面(小心如何運用這段經文)各類的受苦可以有其好的一面(小心如何運用這段經文)
Romans 5:3Romans 5:3,, James 1:2-3James 1:2-3 Suffering produces good character. No pain, noSuffering produces good character. No pain, no
gain.gain. 羅羅 5:3,5:3, 雅雅 1:2-31:2-3 受苦會鍛煉出好的品格受苦會鍛煉出好的品格
1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:121 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result of doing good.. Suffering is the natural result of doing good.
彼前彼前 2:20-22,2:20-22, 提後提後 3:123:12 受苦是做好事的自然結果受苦是做好事的自然結果
Col 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17Col 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come to know Christ and toSuffering is how we come to know Christ and to
fill up his suffering.fill up his suffering.
歌歌 1:24-29,1:24-29, 彼前彼前 4:12-174:12-17 受苦是我們明白神的方法及如何學習他的受受苦是我們明白神的方法及如何學習他的受
苦苦
Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another.Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another.
25. Suffering and Evil: The Apologetic ProblemSuffering and Evil: The Apologetic Problem
A SummaryA Summary 苦難與邪惡: 護教學問題 總結苦難與邪惡: 護教學問題 總結
Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. ItMost suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. It
is because God loves us, not because he does not care or is notis because God loves us, not because he does not care or is not
powerful enough to stop us from suffering.powerful enough to stop us from suffering. 大部份的苦難是大部份的苦難是
人用其自由意志選擇去犯罪而生的,並不是神不愛我們,人用其自由意志選擇去犯罪而生的,並不是神不愛我們,
不關心我們,更不是他沒有能力去阻止苦難。不關心我們,更不是他沒有能力去阻止苦難。
Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All ofPain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All of
these are gifts from a loving God.these are gifts from a loving God. 痛苦不是邪惡,死亡也不痛苦不是邪惡,死亡也不
是邪惡,受苦也不是邪惡。所有這些是神的恩典。是邪惡,受苦也不是邪惡。所有這些是神的恩典。
26. The Problem of Pain and Suffering Part IIThe Problem of Pain and Suffering Part II
The Human ProblemThe Human Problem
痛苦與受苦問題第二部分 人類的問題痛苦與受苦問題第二部分 人類的問題
Our response to suffering depends on our world view.Our response to suffering depends on our world view.
我們對苦難的回應我們對苦難的回應取決於取決於我們的世界觀我們的世界觀
What is the Hindu world view?What is the Hindu world view?
甚麼是印度教的世界觀?甚麼是印度教的世界觀?
What is the Buddhist world view?What is the Buddhist world view?
甚麼是佛教的世界觀?甚麼是佛教的世界觀?
What is the world view of Islam?What is the world view of Islam?
甚麼是伊斯蘭教的世界觀?甚麼是伊斯蘭教的世界觀?
What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist?What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist?
甚麼是無神論甚麼是無神論 // 自然學的世界觀?自然學的世界觀?
27. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
基督教世界觀基督教世界觀
The physical world is real.The physical world is real.
這肉體世界是真實的這肉體世界是真實的
The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)
這肉體世界是美好的,並不是邪惡這肉體世界是美好的,並不是邪惡 (( 創創 1:31)1:31)
Pain and suffering are very real, but they are not thePain and suffering are very real, but they are not the
problem: the human problem is sin and separation.problem: the human problem is sin and separation.
痛苦與苦難是非常真實但它們不是問題,是人犯罪後痛苦與苦難是非常真實但它們不是問題,是人犯罪後
的問題的問題
The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27
基督教的回應:憐憫的心 彌基督教的回應:憐憫的心 彌
迦書迦書 6:8,6:8, 雅雅 1:271:27
28. Julian “the apostate.” (332-363)Julian “the apostate.” (332-363) 朱利安朱利安
““Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been speciallyAtheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been specially
advanced through the loving service rendered toadvanced through the loving service rendered to
strangers, and through their care for the burial of thestrangers, and through their care for the burial of the
dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jewdead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew
who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans carewho is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care
not only for their own poor but for ours as well;not only for their own poor but for ours as well;
while those who belong to us look in vain for thewhile those who belong to us look in vain for the
help that we should render them.”help that we should render them.” 無神論 (指基督無神論 (指基督
教) 透過他們愛的服侍及埋葬死人的關懷有特別的教) 透過他們愛的服侍及埋葬死人的關懷有特別的
成長。對於沒有一個猶太人是乞丐這是一件醜聞。那成長。對於沒有一個猶太人是乞丐這是一件醜聞。那
些無神的加利利人不但關心他們的窮人,也關懷我們些無神的加利利人不但關心他們的窮人,也關懷我們
的窮人的窮人 ..
29. God Understands (and so should we)God Understands (and so should we)
神是明白的 (我們也應該明白)神是明白的 (我們也應該明白)
God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.
神是隨時準備聆聽我們的訴求神是隨時準備聆聽我們的訴求
Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1 哈哈 1:2-4,1:2-4, 耶耶 12:112:1
Even Jesus cried out in his suffering.Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God…“My God, my God…
“ …儘管是耶穌,他也大聲向神訴求他的痛苦 我的神,我的神“ …儘管是耶穌,他也大聲向神訴求他的痛苦 我的神,我的神 .”.”
Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.
耶穌能完全明白我們的苦難耶穌能完全明白我們的苦難
Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15.Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. 希希 2:17-18,2:17-18, 希希 4:154:15
This ought to affect our response to othersThis ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15
這也應該影響到我們對其他人受苦的回應這也應該影響到我們對其他人受苦的回應 (( 林後林後 5:14-15)5:14-15)
Look at JesusLook at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.
看一看耶穌對苦難的回應 (約看一看耶穌對苦難的回應 (約 11:3511:35 )耶穌哭了)耶穌哭了 (( 太太 23:37)23:37) 耶路撒耶路撒
…冷,耶路撒冷…冷,耶路撒冷 .. 憐憫憐憫
30. What Should We Do?What Should We Do?
我們應該怎樣做呢?我們應該怎樣做呢?
Live with integrity, like Job.Live with integrity, like Job.
活出誠信,像約伯一樣活出誠信,像約伯一樣
Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy.Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy.
透過你的苦難成為展現憐憫的機會透過你的苦難成為展現憐憫的機會
Alleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but becauseAlleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but because
that is how God responds to sufferingthat is how God responds to suffering
緩和緩和對苦難的看法,不是因為它是邪惡,而這對苦難的看法,不是因為它是邪惡,而這
是神對苦難的回應是神對苦難的回應
Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38
展現憐憫的心展現憐憫的心 (( 太太 9:36-38)9:36-38)