The document discusses various philosophical and scientific arguments for the compatibility of belief in God and evolution, highlighting reasons for faith, both in the context of scientific principles and biblical insights. It also critiques materialism and naturalism while presenting Christianity as a viable framework for understanding moral and existential questions. The text further addresses historical critiques of Christianity and emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies as evidence of biblical legitimacy.

1. Reasons for BeliefReasons for Belief
John OakesJohn Oakes
Harvard UniversityHarvard University
10/16/0910/16/09

2. You are Invited!
2010 International Christian Evidence
Conference
Concordia University
Irvine, CA
Evolution: Four Views

3. Can Science and belief in God coexist?Can Science and belief in God coexist?
The Language ofThe Language of
GodGod

4. Reasons Collins believes in GodReasons Collins believes in God
1. There is something instead of nothing.1. There is something instead of nothing.
2. The unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics.2. The unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics.
3. The Big Bang.3. The Big Bang.
4. Nature does not solve the problem of why.4. Nature does not solve the problem of why.
5. The existence of time.5. The existence of time.
6. Fine tuning of the universe. The “Goldilocks6. Fine tuning of the universe. The “Goldilocks
Paradox.”Paradox.”
7. Ockham’s Razor.7. Ockham’s Razor.
8. The existence of moral law.8. The existence of moral law.
I would add… Because the Bible is inspiredI would add… Because the Bible is inspired

5. Accident or Design?
The Anthropic Principle
William
Paley

6. The Teleological Argument
Evidence for Design in Nature
The Anthropic Principle
Boeing 747
Design or
Accident?

7. Physics:
The Finely Tuned Universe

8. .
000000000000000000000
000000000000000000000
00000000000000000001
Fine Tuning of the
Gravitational Constant

9. Fred Hoyle on Fine-TuningFred Hoyle on Fine-Tuning
“… a super-intellect has monkeyed with
physics, as well as with chemistry and
biology.”

10. Antony Flew Considers GodAntony Flew Considers God
Flew is increasingly persuaded thatFlew is increasingly persuaded that
some sort of Deity brought aboutsome sort of Deity brought about
this universe. He says he has inthis universe. He says he has in
mind something like the God ofmind something like the God of
Aristotle, a distant, impersonalAristotle, a distant, impersonal
"prime mover." It might not even"prime mover." It might not even
be conscious, but a mere force. Inbe conscious, but a mere force. In
formal terms, he regards theformal terms, he regards the
existence of this minimal God as aexistence of this minimal God as a
hypothesis that, at present, ishypothesis that, at present, is
perhaps the best explanation forperhaps the best explanation for
why a universe exists that canwhy a universe exists that can
produce complex lifeproduce complex life

11. Delos B. McKown:
“Christianity is scientifically
unsupported and probably insupportable,
philosophically suspect at best and
disreputable at worst, and historically
fraudulent.”

12. Proposition #1Proposition #1
The Bible is scientifically unsupported andThe Bible is scientifically unsupported and
probably insupportibleprobably insupportible

13. Papyrus EbersPapyrus Ebers

14. The Ebers PapyrusThe Ebers Papyrus::
““To prevent hair from turning gray,To prevent hair from turning gray,
anoint it with the blood of a calfanoint it with the blood of a calf
which has been boiled in oil or withwhich has been boiled in oil or with
the fat of a rattlesnake.”the fat of a rattlesnake.”
““A mixture of six fats, namely thoseA mixture of six fats, namely those
of the horse, the hippopotamus, theof the horse, the hippopotamus, the
crocodile, the cat, the snake andcrocodile, the cat, the snake and
the ibex.... to prevent hair loss.”the ibex.... to prevent hair loss.”

15. Drugs of Choice included:Drugs of Choice included:
Lizards bloodLizards blood
Swine’s teethSwine’s teeth
Putrid meatPutrid meat
Moisture from Pigs’ earsMoisture from Pigs’ ears
Excreta from animals including humanExcreta from animals including human
beings, donkeys, antelope, dogs, catsbeings, donkeys, antelope, dogs, cats
and fliesand flies

16. “I will not bring on you any of
these diseases...”
Exodus 15:26
“The pig... is unclean for
you...those that walk on their
paws...the weasel, the rat...are
unclean for you.”
Leviticus 11

17. “The sting of a hornet is healed by
the house-fly, crushed and applied to
the wound.”
“The gnat, feeble creature, taking in
food but never secreting it is a
specific against the poison of the
viper.”
An ancient Hebrew medical manuscript.

18. “Whoever touches the dead body of anyone
will be unclean for seven days. He must
purify himself with the water on the third
and seventh day...take some hyssop, dip it in
the water and sprinkle the tent and
furnishings and the people who were there.”
Numbers 19

19. SemelweissSemelweiss

20. Vienna, 1847Vienna, 1847
In maternity wards one out ofIn maternity wards one out of
every six women dies.every six women dies.
Obstetricians ascribe deaths toObstetricians ascribe deaths to
constipation, fear andconstipation, fear and
poisonous air.poisonous air.

21. Death Rate fallsDeath Rate falls
from 18% to 1%from 18% to 1%

22. Thymol (Oil of Hyssop)

23. “For the generations to come,
every male among you who is eight
days old must be circumcised...”
Genesis 17:12
Vitamin K
Prothrombrin: a clotting protein.

24. 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
days
%ofnormal
Clotting Protein Peaks on Day EightClotting Protein Peaks on Day Eight
Available Prothrombin

25. DayDay
CircumcisedCircumcised
Number of HebrewNumber of Hebrew
BoysBoys
Number of DeathsNumber of Deaths
11 823823 44
33 759759 66
55 693693 88
77 855855 33
99 770770 22
1111 698698 44
Abraham’s Experiment

26. Proposition #1Proposition #1
The Bible is scientifically unsupported andThe Bible is scientifically unsupported and
probably insupportibleprobably insupportible
Genesis 1, Hebrews 11:3Genesis 1, Hebrews 11:3
Response: Oh really…Response: Oh really…

27. Proposition #2Proposition #2
““Christianity isChristianity is
philosophicallyphilosophically
suspect at best”suspect at best”
Delos McKownDelos McKown
Socrates

28. Christian Philosophy/TheologyChristian Philosophy/Theology
Christian Philosophy (theology) gives a moreChristian Philosophy (theology) gives a more
realistic description of things as they are thanrealistic description of things as they are than
materialism or postmodernism.materialism or postmodernism.
Materialism denies the existence of truth, moralityMaterialism denies the existence of truth, morality
and value.and value.
Postmodernism says that all truth is relative. NoPostmodernism says that all truth is relative. No
particular world view is preferred.particular world view is preferred.

29. 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 ethics, no morality, no supernatural, no God,No ethics, no morality, no supernatural, no God,
no truth (except that found by science), nono truth (except that found by science), no
consciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment of ourconsciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment of our
imagination.imagination.

30. Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins
In the universe of blind physical forces and geneticIn the universe of blind physical forces and genetic
replication, some people are going to get hurt andreplication, some people are going to get hurt and
other people are going to get lucky: and you won’tother people are going to get lucky: and you won’t
find any rhyme or reason to it, nor any justice. Thefind any rhyme or reason to it, nor any justice. The
universe we observe has precisely the properties weuniverse we observe has precisely the properties we
should expect if there is at the bottom, no design, noshould expect if there is at the bottom, no design, no
purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but blind,purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but blind,
pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows nor cares.pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows nor cares.
DNA just is, and we dance to its music.DNA just is, and we dance to its music.

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

32. Questions Science Cannot Answer:Questions Science Cannot Answer:
(That the Bible Does Answer)(That the Bible 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 act (theism)?Does God exist? Does God act (theism)?
– Will that God respond if I pray?Will that God respond if I pray?
– Do supernatural events (miracles) happen?Do supernatural events (miracles) happen?

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

34. Naturalism is a Dangerous (Evil?) PhilosophyNaturalism is a Dangerous (Evil?) Philosophy
If the naturalist is right then:If the naturalist is right then:
Good and evil are meaningless ideas.Good and evil are meaningless ideas.
Stealing is not necessarily wrong.Stealing is not necessarily wrong.
Any kind of sexual behavior is as right as any other.Any kind of sexual behavior is as right as any other.
There is nothing inherently evil about genocide.There is nothing inherently evil about genocide.
Racism is acceptable.Racism is acceptable.

35. 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 for me.Truth: It is true for you, but it is not true for me.
All beliefs are theory-laden (Thomas Kuhn)All beliefs are theory-laden (Thomas Kuhn)
Meaning, if it exists, lies in a community of believers.Meaning, if it exists, lies in a community of believers.
Self is a construction of our society.Self is a construction of our society.
No rational way to discover which is the best world view.No rational way to discover which is the best world view.

36. Challenge to a Postmodernist:Challenge to a Postmodernist:
How do you know the postmodern view is theHow do you know the postmodern view is the
correct one?correct one?
If your culture does not believe in gravity tryIf your culture does not believe in gravity try
throwing yourself off of a high buildingthrowing yourself off of a high building

37. The Impact of Christian Thinking on theThe Impact of Christian Thinking on the
WorldWorld
Women’s rightsWomen’s rights
Human rightsHuman rights
Abolition of SlaveryAbolition of Slavery
Science was created due to the Christian view of theScience was created due to the Christian view of the
worldworld

38. Predictions Based on Christian Theology:
1. The universe will follow a single, unchanging set of laws.
2. The universe will be understandable to human beings.
3. The universe will be describable by mathematics.
4. The universe will be designed so that we can observe it
- (“The Priveleged Planet” Gonzalez and Richards)

39. Christian Philosophy/The Christian WorldChristian Philosophy/The Christian World
ViewView
Realism but not naturalismRealism but not naturalism
Genesis 1:31 The world/creation is good (vsGenesis 1:31 The world/creation is good (vs
Pythagoreanism, Platonism, neo-Platonism, Gnosticism,Pythagoreanism, Platonism, neo-Platonism, Gnosticism,
etc.)etc.)
Genesis 1:1 Defeats pantheism, atheism, dualism,Genesis 1:1 Defeats pantheism, atheism, dualism,
materialism/scientism, humanism, animism, all in onematerialism/scientism, humanism, animism, all in one
verse. (Hebrews 11:3)verse. (Hebrews 11:3)

40. Christian Philosophy (cont.)Christian Philosophy (cont.)
Biblical theology solves the dual problems of sufferingBiblical theology solves the dual problems of suffering
and evil.and evil.
Evil the result of people with free will rebelling againstEvil the result of people with free will rebelling against
God.God.
Suffering is not evil. It is from God, but it should be dealtSuffering is not evil. It is from God, but it should be dealt
with by compassion.with by compassion.
Nearly all compassionate works in the world are done byNearly all compassionate works in the world are done by
Bible believers.Bible believers.

41. Proposition #3Proposition #3
Christianity is historically fraudulentChristianity is historically fraudulent

42. Ruins of
Hattusha,
capital of
the Hittites

43. The Lion Gate in Hattusha

44. The Five City
League,
including Sodom
and Gomorrah

45. The Tel Dan
Inscription
820 BC
2 Kings 8:28-29
I Hazael killed Joram,
son of Omri and I
defeated Ahaziah of
the House of David

46. Pilate Inscription Caesarea AD 30

47. Ziggurat in UrZiggurat in Ur

48. Proposition #4Proposition #4
The Bible is full of myths.The Bible is full of myths.
This charge is true! The Bible contains true myths.This charge is true! The Bible contains true myths.

49. Myths Common to Nearly All CulturesMyths Common to Nearly All Cultures
Creation mythsCreation myths
– Gilgamesh (Akkadian/Sumerian)Gilgamesh (Akkadian/Sumerian)
– Popol Vuh (Mayan)Popol Vuh (Mayan)
– Sutras (Hindu) etc.Sutras (Hindu) etc.
– vs. Genesis 1-3vs. Genesis 1-3
God/man mythsGod/man myths
– Isis and OsirisIsis and Osiris
– MithraMithra
– KrishnaKrishna
– Eleusian Rites, etc.Eleusian Rites, etc.
– vs. Jesusvs. Jesus

50. Babylonian Creation Myth:
Marduk kills Tiamat

51. Sutras: Hindu ScriptureSutras: Hindu Scripture
The Earth sits on the back of four elephants, standing onThe Earth sits on the back of four elephants, standing on
a turtle, encircled by a snake, swimming in a bowl ofa turtle, encircled by a snake, swimming in a bowl of
milk.milk.

52. Egyptian Creation Myth

53. Iroquois Creation Myth:
Enigorio and Enigohahetgea Battling the
Ronnongwetowanca (Stone Giants)

54. Inspiration of the Bible:Inspiration of the Bible:
Messianic Prophecies FulfilledMessianic Prophecies Fulfilled
He said to them, “This is what I told you while IHe said to them, “This is what I told you while I
was still with you: Everything must be fulfilledwas still with you: Everything must be fulfilled
that is written about me in the Law of Moses, thethat is written about me in the Law of Moses, the
Prophets and the Psalms. Luke 24:44Prophets and the Psalms. Luke 24:44

55. Isaiah 53:1-13:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of
sorrows, familiar with suffering. (v. 3)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was
crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought
us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed. (v. 5) (John 19:31-37)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open
his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and
as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not
open his mouth. (v. 7)

57. Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathrah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one
who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old,
from ancient times.
Isaiah 9:1,6
In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of
Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the
Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan…. For
to us a child is born… And he will be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.

60. Psalm 22:16-18
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men have encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; (John 19:3-37)
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing. (John 19:23,24)

63. Zechariah 11:12,13
I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but
if not, keep it.” so they paid me thirty pieces of silver.
(Matthew 26:14-16)
And the Lord said to me,
“Throw it to the potter”—
the handsome price at
which they priced me! So
I took the thirty pieces of
silver and threw them into
the house of the Lord, to
the potter. (Matthew
27:3-8)

64. Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your
holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone
for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal
up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.
Know and understand this: From the issuing of the
decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Anointed
One, the ruler comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixty
two ‘sevens’
Decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12-26) 458 BC
458 BC - 490 years = -32 (no zero BC)

65. Be born in BethlehemBe born in Bethlehem
Be raised in Galilee near NazarethBe raised in Galilee near Nazareth
Be despised and rejected by menBe despised and rejected by men
Be meek and silent before his accusersBe meek and silent before his accusers
Be “pierced”Be “pierced”
Be crucifiedBe crucified
Have his garments divided and gambled overHave his garments divided and gambled over
Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silverBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33
And many more….And many more….
Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of theWas all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of the
Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?
Is the Bible the Word of God or the word of men?Is the Bible the Word of God or the word of men?

66. If The Bible is the Word of GodIf The Bible is the Word of God
We Need to Put it Into PracticeWe Need to Put it Into Practice
Hebrews 11:1 Faith in what is not seen.Hebrews 11:1 Faith in what is not seen.
John 12:47-50 The Word will be our judgeJohn 12:47-50 The Word will be our judge
James 1:22-25 Put it into practiceJames 1:22-25 Put it into practice
2 Tim 4:1-5 No sentimentality. Eternal life is2 Tim 4:1-5 No sentimentality. Eternal life is
at stake.at stake.

67. www.evidenceforchristianity.org