what is truth? - by john oakes

Welcome to the Edinburgh International Church

of Christ

Teaching Service!

www.icoc.org.uk/edinburgh

Welcome to the Edinburgh International Church

of Christ

Teaching Service!


Be with me Lord page 1 of 6J. Brian Craig 1999 © 1999 DPI Publications International

Be with me Lord page 1 of 6J. Brian Craig 1999 © 1999 DPI Publications International

1.Sometimes I feel That I could fight an armyWith just me and you, And there's no one could harm me.O, but sometimes I can feel a little shy.It's then I need to know That you are there, that's why I'm

singing

1.Sometimes I feel That I could fight an armyWith just me and you, And there's no one could harm me.O, but sometimes I can feel a little shy.It's then I need to know That you are there, that's why I'm

singing

Be with me Lord page 2 of 6

Chorus:


Chorus:

Congregation sings:

Be with me Lord Be with me Lord Be with me Lord Be with me LordBe with me Lord Be with me Lord Be with me Lord Be my only God.

Congregation sings:


Leader sings:When I'm downWhen I'm lonelyWhen I'm tiredI need you onlyWhen I'm downWhen I'm lonelyWhen I need you,

LordBe my only God


LordBe my only God

Be with me Lord page 3 of 6Be with me Lord page 3 of 6

2.I know you saidThat I would not be tested More than I could bearAnd that you'd have my best in mind.With everything That ever comes my way,I know you're in controlSo hear me as I pray. I'm singing...

2.I know you saidThat I would not be tested More than I could bearAnd that you'd have my best in mind.With everything That ever comes my way,I know you're in controlSo hear me as I pray. I'm singing...


Chorus:


Chorus:

Congregation sings:


Congregation sings:



LordBe my only God


LordBe my only God

Be with me Lord page 5 of 6Be with me Lord page 5 of 6

3.Now help me, LordTo share what I've been given.Help me make a difference With this life I'm living.As I show my neighbourWhere true treasure's stored,Help me know you promisedYou'd be with me Lord. I'm singing...

3.Now help me, LordTo share what I've been given.Help me make a difference With this life I'm living.As I show my neighbourWhere true treasure's stored,Help me know you promisedYou'd be with me Lord. I'm singing...


Chorus:


Chorus:

Congregation sings:


Congregation sings:



LordBe my only God


LordBe my only God

I’ll Fly Away page 1/3 I’ll Fly Away page 1/3

•Some glad morning when this life is over•I'll fly away (fly away)•To a home on God's celestial shore,•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)

•Chorus;•I'll fly away Oh Glory, I'll fly away•(in the morning)•When I die Hallelujah by and by•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)

•Some glad morning when this life is over•I'll fly away (fly away)•To a home on God's celestial shore,•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)



•When the shadows of this life have gone,•I'll fly away (fly away)•Like a bird from prison bars has flown•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)


•When the shadows of this life have gone,•I'll fly away (fly away)•Like a bird from prison bars has flown•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)



•Just a few more weary days and then,•I'll fly away (fly away)•To a land where joys shall never end•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)


•Just a few more weary days and then,•I'll fly away (fly away)•To a land where joys shall never end•I'll fly away (I’ll fly away)


Song for AndreySong for Andrey

1. Yesli s drugom vyshel v put', Yesli s drugom vyshel v put' -

Veseley doroga! Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut', Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut',

A s druziyami mnogo!

1. Yesli s drugom vyshel v put', Yesli s drugom vyshel v put' -

Veseley doroga! Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut', Bez druzey menya - chut'-chut',

A s druziyami mnogo!


Chorus

Chto mne sneg, chto mne znoy, Chto mne dozhdik prolivnoy,

Kogda moi druziya so mnoy!

Chorus




2. Tam gde trudno odnomu, Tam gde trudno odnomu, - Spravlyus' vmeste s vami! Gde chego-to ne poymu, Gde chego-to ne poymu -

Razberem s druziyami!

!

2. Tam gde trudno odnomu, Tam gde trudno odnomu, - Spravlyus' vmeste s vami! Gde chego-to ne poymu, Gde chego-to ne poymu -

Razberem s druziyami!

!


Chorus



Chorus




3. Na medvedya ya, druziya,Na medvedya ya, druziya,

Vyydu bez ispuga, Yesli s drugom budu ya, Yesli s drugom budu ya, A medved' - bez druga!

!

3. Na medvedya ya, druziya,Na medvedya ya, druziya,

Vyydu bez ispuga, Yesli s drugom budu ya, Yesli s drugom budu ya, A medved' - bez druga!

!


Chorus



Chorus



Welcome &

Announcements

Ally Boyd


Welcome &

Announcements

Ally Boyd


John Oakes is here!

Tonight!What is Truth?

Tomorrow 10am-1pm‘Living By Faith’ & ‘Freedom in Christ’

John Oakes is here!

Tonight!What is Truth?

Tomorrow 10am-1pm‘Living By Faith’ & ‘Freedom in Christ’

Friday 20th JuneFriday 20th June

7pm Drummond Communit

y High

School

7pm Drummond Communit

y High

School

Separate Men & Women Classes

Ethical Answers in an Unethical WorldWhat is Truth?

John Oakes, PhD

Edinbugh

June 13, 2014 Christian and Other World Views

Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”

Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”

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 at The Loss of the Intellectual High Ground at the University to Non-Believers.the University to Non-Believers.

The Culprits: The Leading Philosophies of Our The 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.”

World ViewWorld View

The perspective one uses to process and The perspective one uses to process and interpret information received about the interpret information received about the world. world.

James W. Sire “A world view is a set of James W. Sire “A world view is a set of presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which we hold about the basic makeup of our we hold about the basic makeup of our world.” world.”

James W. Sire, James W. Sire, TheUniverse Next DoorTheUniverse Next Door

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 important 2. It successfully answers the important questions humans ask questions humans ask

3. Those who ascribe to it are better human 3. Those who ascribe to it are better human beings for having taken this as their world beings for having taken this as their world

view.view.

Questions That Need an AnswerQuestions That Need an Answer

1. What am I?1. What am I?

2. What happens to a person at death?2. What happens to a person at death?

3. What is my purpose (if any)?3. What is my purpose (if any)?

4. What is my value?4. What is my value?

5. How do we know what is right and wrong?5. How do we know what is right and wrong?

6. What is the nature of my relationship, with 6. What is the nature of my relationship, with the “prime reality?”the “prime reality?”

Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism

The belief that the only reliable or valid The belief that the only reliable or valid instrument to deciding the truth or even instrument to deciding the truth or even the value of any proposition is the the value of any proposition is the scientific method.scientific method.

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

MaterialismMaterialism

““We exist as material beings in a material world, all We exist as material beings in a material world, all of whose phenomena are the consequences of of 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 means the public needs to accept materialism, which means that they must put God in the trash can of history that 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, 1997 Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997 New York Review of BooksNew York Review of Books,,

Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins

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

ScientificScientific MaterialismMaterialism

Only that which can be observed and Only that which can be observed and measured through the technique of measured through the technique of Scientific Scientific MethodMethod is real, and everything else is unreal. is real, and everything else is unreal.

Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism

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

Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism There is no There 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, and No non-physical realities, and No ultimate meaning or purpose to lifeNo ultimate meaning or purpose to life No HeavenNo Heaven No afterlifeNo afterlife

A Response to Naturalism/Materialism/ScientismA Response to Naturalism/Materialism/Scientism

It is a faith/religious belief based on circular It is a faith/religious belief based on circular reasoning.reasoning.

It cannot answer the questions human beings It cannot answer the questions human beings care about.care about.

It is patently and demonstrably false.It is patently and demonstrably false.

As a world view it is does not tend to make its As a world view it is does not tend to make its followers “better.” If fact it is downright followers “better.” If fact it is downright dangerous.dangerous.

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 preciselaws.laws.

None of these assumptions can be proved by None of these assumptions can be proved by experiment. Inexperiment. In

a sense, science is not scientific.a sense, science is not scientific.

A recent BBC broadcast forum:A recent BBC broadcast forum:

Questioner: How do you know that physical reality is Questioner: 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 much Response 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 the Questioner: Well, now we at least have it out on the table!table!

In other words, the strongest argument I have that In other words, the strongest argument I have that physical reality is “all there is” is that I believe physical reality is “all there is” is that I believe physical reality is “all there is.”physical reality is “all there is.”

Questions Science Can AnswerQuestions Science Can Answer

When?When? What?What? Where?Where? How many?How many? By what means?By what means?

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 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) Do supernatural events (miracles)

happen?happen?

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 random I” 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 unfortunate Belief 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)

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 your Prayer is chemical moving around in your brain.brain.

Art, Literature, Music have no intrinsic Art, 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….

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 is The 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 the No 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.

Naturalism does not tend to make its believers Naturalism 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 on Our purpose, if it exists at all, is to pass on our DNA.our DNA.

Any kind of sexual behavior is as right as Any 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 about There is nothing inherently evil about genocide.genocide.

Racism, slavery etc can be defended.Racism, slavery etc can be defended.

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 history Consider 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?

No wonder intellectuals (over)reactedWith the result being postmodernism!

Now, let us discuss postmodernism.

Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth

Truth, if such a thing exists, is the property Truth, if such a thing exists, is the property of culture. There is no absolute truth. All of culture. There is no absolute truth. All truth is relative. It is created by societies. truth is relative. It is created by societies. There is no ultimate moral authority or There is no ultimate moral authority or moral absolute. moral absolute.

Postmodernism/Cultural RelativismPostmodernism/Cultural Relativism

Positive ContributionsPositive Contributions– Importance of groups and relationships between Importance 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 More accurate description of history (including

the history of science).the 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..

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 Truth: It is true for you, but it is not true for me.for me.

Meaning, if it exists, lies in a community of Meaning, if it exists, lies in a community of believers.believers.

No rational way to discover which is the No rational way to discover which is the best world view.best world view.

Theories of TruthTheories of Truth

Correspondence Theory of Truth: A Correspondence Theory of Truth: A statement is true if reality corresponds to statement is true if reality corresponds to that which is predicted by the statement.that which is predicted by the statement.

Relativism (postmodernism): A claim is Relativism (postmodernism): A claim is made true for those who accept it by that made true for those who accept it by that very act (of accepting it).very act (of accepting it).

Truth is either discovered or createdTruth is either discovered or created– (by humans)(by humans)

Truth is either absolute or relative.Truth is either absolute or relative.

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 or No universal trans-cultural standard of truth or

value.value.

Can You Accept This???Can You Accept This???

Consciousness is social, not individual. Self is a Consciousness 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 is Individual has no authority to determine what is true.true.

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 are some things are just truejust true..

Either God is real or he is not. Even if I cannot Either 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 a If you culture told you it was safe to jump off a cliff, would you jump?cliff, would you jump?

Scientism is Bogus, But Science is NotScientism is Bogus, But Science is Not

The naturally convincing explanation of the The naturally convincing explanation of the success of science is that it is gaining a success of science is that it is gaining a tightening grasp of an actual reality. The goal of tightening grasp of an actual reality. The goal of scientific endeavor is to gain an understanding of scientific endeavor is to gain an understanding of the structure of the physical world. The the structure of the physical world. The conclusions are always tentative, but they are conclusions are always tentative, but they are dictated by dictated by the way things actually are.the way things actually are.

What is Wrong With Postmodernism?What is Wrong With Postmodernism?

It does not agree with reality—with the It does not agree with reality—with the world as it is. Our understanding of truth world 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 or Which is better, the Nazi culture or

Christianity? On what basis?Christianity? On what basis?– Sin is a cultural creation. Why prefer one Sin is a cultural creation. Why prefer one

moral system to another?moral system to another?– Why listen to reformers like Jesus Christ or Why listen to reformers like Jesus Christ or

Siddhartha Buddha? By definition, our culture Siddhartha Buddha? By definition, our culture is always right!is always right!

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View1. 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 not 2. 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 the 3. 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. Such 5. Although the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings evil 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 behavior 6. There is a definite right and wrong for human behavior which is determined by God.which is determined by God.

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 spiritual Despite what Naturalists say, there is a spiritual reality. For example, “I” exist. Consciousness is not reality. For example, “I” exist. Consciousness is not simply an epiphenomenon.simply an epiphenomenon.

Science and the Christian world view do not Science and the Christian world view do not contradict.contradict.

Christian World View Answers the Big Christian 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 Why are human beings able to comprehend the universe?the universe?

Why is there pain and suffering and evil in Why is there pain and suffering and evil in the world?the world?

Christianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems of Christianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems of Human BeingsHuman Beings

The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of The 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 9:35-36 Matthew 9:35-36

The Problem of DeathThe Problem of Death– 1 Corinthians 15:54-561 Corinthians 15:54-56

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 benevolent Christian 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)

The Naturalist’s Response:The Naturalist’s Response:

What about the evil done in the name of What about the evil done in the name of Christianity? What about the Crusades and the Christianity? What about the Crusades and the Inquisition?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 these At least we have a standard which tells us that these things are to be condemned. Christianity gives us a things are to be condemned. Christianity gives us a basis to know that these things should not be done basis 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.

What about the pain and suffering in the world?What about the pain and suffering in the world?

World ViewsWorld Views

Naturalism Naturalism (already discussed)(already discussed)

Postmodernism: No World View Postmodernism: No World View (already discussed)(already discussed)

DeismDeism

PantheismPantheism

Animism/PolytheismAnimism/Polytheism

DualismDualism

Biblical Theism Biblical Theism (already discussed)(already discussed)

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)

God

Islam

Buddhism

Mysticism

Ba’hai

Another Point of View: Different Paths to the Same Goal?

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 accommodated Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated with one another. Biblical theism is incompatable with one another. Biblical theism is incompatable with all these other world views.with all these other world views.

The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)

Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by Acts 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 the v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the Christian world view as opposed to truth 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 points v. 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.

World View and Other ReligionsWorld View and Other Religions

World View Example: EvilWorld View Example: Evil

Atheism: Evil is not real.Atheism: Evil is not real.

Postmodernism: Evil?Postmodernism: Evil?

Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikkhism, etc.: Evil is Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikkhism, etc.: Evil is not realnot real

Islam: Inshallah It is the will of God.Islam: Inshallah It is the will of God.

Christianity: Evil exists because God loves Christianity: Evil exists because God loves us and wants a relationship with usus and wants a relationship with us

Also: The question of sufferingAlso: The question of suffering

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology “ “Surely good deeds take away evil Surely good deeds take away evil

deeds” (11:114).deeds” (11:114).

Kabira Kabira (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness, (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness, disobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Friday disobeying 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 are greater sins are avoided and good deeds are performed.performed.

ShirkShirk—association (of other gods—association (of other gods with Allah). No with Allah). No forgiveness.forgiveness.

Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort (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.

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.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

InitiativeInitiative

Human approachHuman approach Truth Truth

God God GodGod

Mankind Mankind Mankind Mankind

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

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.

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.

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?

SummarySummary The theologies of world religions are fundamentally The theologies of world religions are fundamentally

and diametrically opposed to one another. Many and 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 different The 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 and Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).2:3,4).

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 other Polytheism, 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 is Two Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he is not…..not…..

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 it in John 2:19 Destroy this temple and I will raise it in three days. Jesus was resurrected from the three days. Jesus was resurrected from the dead.dead.

Praises Heard Around the World

Praises Heard Around the World

Lord, your love has saved usPrecious blood has bathed usNow your message takes us

All around the world

Lord, your love has saved usPrecious blood has bathed usNow your message takes us


Can't you hear themHear them singing

The people they’re rejoicingWith one voice they are shouting

Singing halle, hallelujah Praises heard around the world




All of your creation Each and every nationSending your salvation


All of your creation Each and every nationSending your salvation


Gainst the demons fightingHoly Spirit guiding

Family we’re unitingAll around the world

Gainst the demons fightingHoly Spirit guiding

Family we’re unitingAll around the world

FELLOWSHIP


FELLOWSHIP


what is truth? - by john oakes

Spiritual