Evangelicalism: Facing the Challenge of the 21 st Century Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009 Introduction: Christianity is Under Attack By Cults, Critics, and Culture Attacked by Cults 74 killed 914 dead Attacked by Critics Jesus Eaten by Dogs Jesus Eaten by Dogs 82 % of Gospels False 0 % of John is True 0 % of John is True Jesus was not God Jesus was not God No Resurrection No Resurrection 16 % Doubtful 16 % Doubtful Attacked by the Culture I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms The Culture Affirms I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way Miracles do Happen The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way Miracles do Happen The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way Miracles dont Happen The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way Miracles dont Happen I. The Problem A. The Contrast The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way Miracles do Happen The Bible is Reliable The Church Affirms Truth Can be Known Truth is Absolute Christ is the Only Way Miracles do Happen The Bible is Reliable The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way Miracles dont Happen The Bible isnt Reliable The Culture Affirms Truth Cant be Known Truth is Relative Christ isnt the Only Way Miracles dont Happen The Bible isnt Reliable I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: We are preaching: I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: A certain message in an uncertain age We are preaching: A certain message in an uncertain age I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context A supernatural story in a naturalistic setting We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context A supernatural story in a naturalistic setting I. The Problem B. The Conclusion We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context A supernatural story in a naturalistic setting A biblical proclamation in an anti-biblical period In short: Our message is a misfit with our milieu! We are preaching: An absolute truth to a relativistic time An exclusive claim in a pluralistic context A supernatural story in a naturalistic setting A biblical proclamation in an anti-biblical period In short: Our message is a misfit with our milieu! II. The Solution A. Two alternatives 1. Change the message to fit the milieu. 2. Challenge the milieu with the message. B. The right alternative: Apologetics We Must Defend the Truth to our Times I am set for the defense of the gospel (Phil. 1:17). Know how you ought to answer each one (Col. 4:6). Give a reason for the hope within you (1Pet. 3:15). Contend for the Faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). A. Two alternatives 1. Change the message to fit the milieu. 2. Challenge the milieu with the message. B. The right alternative: Apologetics We Must Defend the Truth to our Times I am set for the defense of the gospel (Phil. 1:17). Know how you ought to answer each one (Col. 4:6). Give a reason for the hope within you (1Pet. 3:15). Contend for the Faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Outline Apologetics: I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Why Do We Need Apoogetics? a? Apologetics: I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Why Do We Need Apoogetics? a? Outline I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described C. Apologetics Delineated I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described C. Apologetics Delineated Outline I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined Set apart the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give a reason (Gk. apologia) for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics is giving a reason or defense for our Christian Faith. I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined Set apart the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give a reason (Gk. apologia) for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics is giving a reason or defense for our Christian Faith. Outline I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described 1. It is Defending the Gospel Philippians 1:7I am put here for the defense of the Gospel (ESV). 2. It is Answering Every Question Colossians 4:6Let your speech be always gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 3. It is Contending for the Faith Jude 3--I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4. It is Reasoning with Unbelievers Acts 17:16So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews [and] some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. 5. It is Giving a Reason for our Hope 1 Peter 3:15Be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15) 6. It is Pre-Evangelism We cannot effectively evangelize until we first pre-evangelize. There cannot be the Son of God, the Word of God, miraculous acts of God, and salvation of Godunless there is a God! Therefore, evangelizing non-theist (most of the world) depends on first establishing the viability of theism. We cannot effectively evangelize until we first pre-evangelize. There cannot be the Son of God, the Word of God, miraculous acts of God, and salvation of Godunless there is a God! Therefore, evangelizing non-theist (most of the world) depends on first establishing the viability of theism. Outline I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described C. Apologetics Delineated 1. Biblical Apologetics 2. Scientific Apologetics 3. Philosophical Apologetics 4. Historical Apologetics 5. Religious Apologetics 6. Cultural Apologetics I.What is Apologetics? A. Apologetics Defined B. Apologetics Described C. Apologetics Delineated 1. Biblical Apologetics 2. Scientific Apologetics 3. Philosophical Apologetics 4. Historical Apologetics 5. Religious Apologetics 6. Cultural Apologetics Outline I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? A.Its Pre-evangelistic roleconvince non- Christians to accept the Christian Faith. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures explaining and proving that its was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the deadand some of them were persuaded Acts 17:2-4). B.Its Post-evangelistic roleconfirm Christians in the Christian Faith. It seemed good to meto write an orderly account for youthat you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught (Lk. 1:4). A.Its Pre-evangelistic roleconvince non- Christians to accept the Christian Faith. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures explaining and proving that its was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the deadand some of them were persuaded Acts 17:2-4). B.Its Post-evangelistic roleconfirm Christians in the Christian Faith. It seemed good to meto write an orderly account for youthat you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught (Lk. 1:4). Apologetics Helps Pre-Evangelism This past Sunday a first year college student visited our Sunday morning service and spoke to me afterwards. He said, I am an atheist. A few years ago that statement would have left me scrambling for a way to reach him. However, the [apologetic] materials I have received from you have been a great help. With the Lords help I was able to answer his arguments and in the end he really had no reason to deny Gods existence he just didnt want God to control his life. At the end our discussion he was standing in the back of our building with tears in his eyes. He hasnt yet received Christ, but he is now left without reasons to deny that God exists. (Pastor Jones 11/18/05) It Bring Assurance to Believers My son is dying of cancer and for months all I could think of was What if there really isnt a God? What if there isnt a heaven? What if my son just disappears? Why is my Christian religion correct and others incorrect?. Thank you so much for this book [on apologetics] you wrote. It answered all my questions for me. I have tried reading other materials and have tried speaking to other people but nothing seemed to stick. I really needed something more. I needed to start at the beginning. Your logical process really helped sort things our for me. I am now able to pick up my Bible and read it and find comfort in the words during this very difficult time of my son dying from cancer. I can pray to God and feel assured that my son will soon be in His hands. (Nancy Dickens 8/2/05) The Pattern of Paul He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)Old Testament Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason Acts 20 (to Christians)Jesus Words And took them where they needed to go He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)Old Testament Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason Acts 20 (to Christians)Jesus Words And took them where they needed to go The Pattern of Paul He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature He did not leave himself without witness for he did good by giving you rains form heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness (v. 17). For His invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Rom. 1:19-20). He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature He did not leave himself without witness for he did good by giving you rains form heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness (v. 17). For His invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Rom. 1:19-20). The Pattern of Paul He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture And Paulreasoned with them from the [Old Testament] Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead (Acts 17:3). He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture And Paulreasoned with them from the [Old Testament] Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead (Acts 17:3). The Pattern of Paul He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason As even some of your own poets have said, For we are all his offspring. Being then Gods offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man (v. 29). He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason As even some of your own poets have said, For we are all his offspring. Being then Gods offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man (v. 29). The Pattern of Paul He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason Acts 20 (To Christians)Jesus Words He sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church [and spoke of] the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus [who said] It is more blessed to give than to receive (vs. 24, 35). He started where they were: Acts 14 (to Heathen)Nature Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture Acts 17b (to Greeks)Reason Acts 20 (To Christians)Jesus Words He sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church [and spoke of] the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus [who said] It is more blessed to give than to receive (vs. 24, 35). III. Answering Some Objections Objection 1: Only the Holy Spirit can save, not apologetics? Response: True, but He can use evidence to convince them to be saved. 1. Almost no one believes because he thinks it is irrational and without evidence. 2. Almost everyone who believes is convinced that it is the most rational thing for him to do. Note: Apologetics can lead the horse to the water, but only the Holy Spirit can persuade him to drink! (Jn. 3:5-7) Objection 1: Only the Holy Spirit can save, not apologetics? Response: True, but He can use evidence to convince them to be saved. 1. Almost no one believes because he thinks it is irrational and without evidence. 2. Almost everyone who believes is convinced that it is the most rational thing for him to do. Note: Apologetics can lead the horse to the water, but only the Holy Spirit can persuade him to drink! (Jn. 3:5-7) Outline I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections Objection 2: The Bible is like a lion. It does not need to be defended. It only needs to be released. Response: 1) What if a Muslim said this about the Quran or a Mormon about the Book of Mormon? Would we accept it, or would we ask for evidence? 2) We only fear lions because we have prior evidence that they are dangerous. 3) Also, we need evidence that what looks like a lion is not merely someone just dressed up like a lion. Response: 1) What if a Muslim said this about the Quran or a Mormon about the Book of Mormon? Would we accept it, or would we ask for evidence? 2) We only fear lions because we have prior evidence that they are dangerous. 3) Also, we need evidence that what looks like a lion is not merely someone just dressed up like a lion. Objection 3: Paul tried apologetics on Mars Hill (Acts 17) but failed. He later turned to preaching Jesus only (1 Cor. 2:2). Response: This is false because: 1) He had good results: Some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them (Acts 17:34). 2) He had the same results here as elsewhere: some mocked; some believed, and some wanted to hear more (v. 32). 3) He did preach Jesus and his resurrection here (vs ). He just pre-evangelized them first. 4) He did not use a different method in Corinth. He gave them the strongest evidence for the resurrection of Christ anywhere (1 Cor. 15). Response: This is false because: 1) He had good results: Some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them (Acts 17:34). 2) He had the same results here as elsewhere: some mocked; some believed, and some wanted to hear more (v. 32). 3) He did preach Jesus and his resurrection here (vs ). He just pre-evangelized them first. 4) He did not use a different method in Corinth. He gave them the strongest evidence for the resurrection of Christ anywhere (1 Cor. 15). Objection 4: Paul said the natural man does not even understand spiritual things, let alone being convinced by arguments. Response: 1) Paul said unsaved persons clearly perceive the truth and are without excuse (Rom. 1:19-20 cf. 2:12-15). 2) Their problem is that they do not want to receive (dekomai) the truth or welcome it. 3) Their basic problem is not the inability to understand but their unwillingness to accept the truth. Objection 5: We are saved by faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9), not by faith plus reason. Response: 1) We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves us is not an unreasonable faith. 2) Rational persons demand evidence that God exists before they believe in God. 3) Evidence bears on belief that (the mind), but only the Holy Spirit can bring someone to believe in Christ (the will). Response: 1) We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves us is not an unreasonable faith. 2) Rational persons demand evidence that God exists before they believe in God. 3) Evidence bears on belief that (the mind), but only the Holy Spirit can bring someone to believe in Christ (the will). Objection 6: No one is saved by using reasons but by preaching Christ (Rom. 1:16). Response: 1) It is not either one or the other; it is both. 2) Christ is the only way to God, but reasons are one way to help bring people to Christ. 3) It is unreasonable to believe that the God of infinite reason would bypass reason to reach people with reason for Christ. 4) God wants to reach the heart, but God does not bypass the head on the way to the heart. He said, Come now let us reason. (Isa. 1:18) Give a reason for your hope. (1 Pet. 3:15) Love the Lord with all yourmind(Mt. 22:37) Response: 1) It is not either one or the other; it is both. 2) Christ is the only way to God, but reasons are one way to help bring people to Christ. 3) It is unreasonable to believe that the God of infinite reason would bypass reason to reach people with reason for Christ. 4) God wants to reach the heart, but God does not bypass the head on the way to the heart. He said, Come now let us reason. (Isa. 1:18) Give a reason for your hope. (1 Pet. 3:15) Love the Lord with all yourmind(Mt. 22:37) Objection 7: Dead people do not respond to reason, and all are dead in sins (Eph. 2:8-9) Response: 1.Death does not mean annihilation but separation from God (2 Cor. 5:8; Rev. 20:14-15). 2.The image of God in fallen humans is only effaced, not erased (Gen. 9:6). 3.When Adam was dead in sins he could still hear and understand Gods voice (Gen. 3). Response: 1.Death does not mean annihilation but separation from God (2 Cor. 5:8; Rev. 20:14-15). 2.The image of God in fallen humans is only effaced, not erased (Gen. 9:6). 3.When Adam was dead in sins he could still hear and understand Gods voice (Gen. 3). Outline I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections IV. Why do Apologetics? I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections IV. Why do Apologetics? I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it 1. Give a reason for your hope (1 Peter 3:15) 2. Defend the Gospel (Phil. 1:17) 3. Answer every question (Col. 4:6) 4. Contend for the Faith (Jude 3) I. What is Apologetics? II. What is the Role of Apologetics? III. Answering Some Objections IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it 1. Give a reason for your hope (1 Peter 3:15) 2. Defend the Gospel (Phil. 1:17) 3. Answer every question (Col. 4:6) 4. Contend for the Faith (Jude 3) Outline IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it B. The Cultural demand it 1. RelativismNo view is absolutely true. 2. PluralismAll views are relatively true. 3. NaturalismNo supernatural view is actually true. IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it B. The Cultural demand it 1. RelativismNo view is absolutely true. 2. PluralismAll views are relatively true. 3. NaturalismNo supernatural view is actually true. C. S. Lewis on Why Apologetics? "To be ignorant and simple now- -not to be able to meet the enemies on their ground--would be to throw down our weapons, and to betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered. (The Weight of Glory, 50) The Problem We are declaring: 1. An absolute truth in a relativistic time. 2. An exclusivistic message in a pluralistic mind-set. 3. A supernaturalistic view in a naturalistic venue. Note: We must address the challenge of our culture before they are likely to accept the content of our message. We are declaring: 1. An absolute truth in a relativistic time. 2. An exclusivistic message in a pluralistic mind-set. 3. A supernaturalistic view in a naturalistic venue. Note: We must address the challenge of our culture before they are likely to accept the content of our message. Outline IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it B. The Cultural demand it C. The Results confirm it IV. Why do Apologetics? A. The Bible commands it B. The Cultural demand it C. The Results confirm it How Apologetics Helped Augustine He reasoned his way from skepticism. A Christian debater helped deliver him from Manicheanism. Plotinus helped reason him from materialism. He reasoned his way from skepticism. A Christian debater helped deliver him from Manicheanism. Plotinus helped reason him from materialism. Astronomy Leads to Genesis 1:1 Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commence suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy" (God and the Astronomers, 14). Astronomy Leads to Genesis 1:1 Now we see how the astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commence suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy" (God and the Astronomers, 14). Atheist Reasons to Designer "Biochemical systems are exceedingly complex, so much so that the chance of their being formed through random shuffling of simple organic molecules is exceedingly minute, to a point indeed where it is insensibly different from zero." So, there must be "...an intelligence, which designed the biochemicals and gave rise to the origin of carbonaceous life" ( Hoyle, Evolution from Space, 3, 143 ). Einstein: Need to Posit a Mind Behind Nature "The harmony of natural law...reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection" (cited in Heeren, Shew Me God, 66). Albert Einstein Nor do I claim to have had any personal experience of God or any experience that may be called super- natural or miraculous. In short, my discovery of the divine has been a pilgrimage of reason and not of faith (93). Reason Leads Atheist to God It is simply inconceivable that any material matrix or field can generate agents who think and act. A force field does not plan or think. Sothe world of living, conscious, thinking beings has to originate in a living Source, a Mind (There is a God, 183). Anthony Flew Notorious Atheists Reasons to God Famous Astronmer Finds God The world is too complicated in all of its parts to be due to chance alone. The more one learns of biochemistry the more unbelievable it becomes unless there is some kind of organizing principle--an architect for believers...." ( Truth [1985], 54). Noted Atheist Finds God! I do not feel that I am the product of chance, a speck of dust in the universe, but someone who was expected, prepared, prefigured. In short, a being whom only a Creator could put here ( National Review, 11 June, 1982), 677. [As an atheist] my argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. Straight Line = Absolute Standard Moral Law Lead Atheist to God C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity, 45. C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity, 45. Evidence Leads Skeptic to Christ Skeptic converted in attempt to disprove Christianity First Chapter titled The Book that Refused to be Written Skeptic converted in attempt to disprove Christianity First Chapter titled The Book that Refused to be Written Former Atheist Converted What actually led me back was a growing intuition that my condition was objectively evil. Evil is deficiency in good; there is no such thing as an evil "substance," an evil-in- itself. So if my condition really was evil, there had to be some good of which my condition was the ruination. I had been so wrong, for so long, so profoundly, that it seemed that almost anything might be trueeven the faith that I had abandoned (Ignatius Press, 2006). Converted Atheists Noted Atheist Scientist Finds God Why would such a universal and uniquely human hunger [for God] exist, if it were not connected to some opportunity for fulfillment?... Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well there is such a thing as water (The Language of God, 38). Francis Collins Former Atheist: After twenty eight years as a believer, the Moral Law still stands out for me as the strongest signpost to God. More than that, it points to a God who cares about human beings, and a God who is infinitely good and holy (p. 218). Former Atheist: After twenty eight years as a believer, the Moral Law still stands out for me as the strongest signpost to God. More than that, it points to a God who cares about human beings, and a God who is infinitely good and holy (p. 218). From Atheism to Christianity Former Atheists Donald Bly Near St. Louis, MO Converted in1971 Mundelein, IL Former Atheists Donald Bly Near St. Louis, MO Converted in1971 Mundelein, IL Apologetics Can Lead to Salvation God sent me your book I Dont Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist through a co-worker who recognized my agnosticworld- view in the spring of I opened the book thinking I would rip it apart with my superior viewpoint and about one quarter of the way through I ended up apologizing to God and accepting him into my heart. I have since grown exponentially in Christ, and I thought I would thank you for your inspiring book. Keep up the good work and God bless. (Ryan Johnson 11/10/06) God Used Evidence to Bring Real Faith This book, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. is something I will have forever. I cannot even express with enough words all the ways God has proven Himself to me. I was raised in a Christian home but I came to realize that I believed in Christianity merely because I was told it was true, which is interesting because now that I know it to be true I know that I never truly BELIEVED to begin with. (Ryan Johnson) Apologetics Clears Roadblocks to Faith WOW! I just got done reading Why I Am a Christian, and I was blown away. It is perhaps the most powerful and influential Christian book Ive ever read. It was exactly what I was looking for. It provided the answers to the roadblocks that were guarding against my faith. Your book pressed the red button setting off the nuclear bomb of my faith. (Michigan State University student, James Warmels 6/27/05) Many Unbelievers Converted For several [years] weve prayed for my son in law an avowed Atheist. After reading your bookhere is his note: I thought Id drop you a line and let you know that I finished the book yesterday, and as I was sitting at my desk at work that morning, I came to realize that even if I didnt have every answer to every question, I at least had a preponderance of evidence in my hands, which has finally tipped the scales in Gods direction again. So I said a prayer and accepted Jesus. (Bernard LaTour, 6/4/05) Conclusion Why Apologetics? Because: 1. God commanded it. 2. Our culture demands it. 3. The results confirm it. Why Apologetics? Because: 1. God commanded it. 2. Our culture demands it. 3. The results confirm it. 1. Pray 2. Read 3. Write 4. Speak 5. Train 6. Serve 7. Vote 1. Pray 2. Read 3. Write 4. Speak 5. Train 6. Serve 7. Vote What Can I Do? The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. (d.1797) (d.1797) The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. (d.1797) (d.1797) Edmund Burke Edward Everett Hale I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. (US author, clergyman, ) It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness! It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness! Good Organizations ACLJ.org (American Center for Law & Justice) Alliance Defense Fund.org EagleForum.org FaithandAction.org CWFA.org (Concerned Women for America) FRC.org (Family Research Council) Liberty.edu (Liberty School of Law) Rutherford.org (Rutherford Institute) ACLJ.org (American Center for Law & Justice) Alliance Defense Fund.org EagleForum.org FaithandAction.org CWFA.org (Concerned Women for America) FRC.org (Family Research Council) Liberty.edu (Liberty School of Law) Rutherford.org (Rutherford Institute) What Can I Do? Major in a relevant area. Get a graduate degree in the area. Become engaged with the culture. Read Write Teach Preach Serve Vote The Testimony of Jimmy Duke When Jimmys father died 30 years ago, this was a difficult time in his life. He was very close to his father, and due to this event and some others he quit attending church and became an agnostic. [He had a lot of questions] I told Jimmy there were good answers to all his questions, but he wasnt going to live long enough to find them. [But] He was going to figure this faith thing for himself. So he went into Barnes and Nobles bookstoretrying to find something that would give him reason to believe. He wanted evidence. In his researchhe discovered the book, I Dont Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist. Jimmy was so excited about it, he bought the tape and 30 books. As Jimmy studied this book, he came to the place where he had a satisfied mind. Jimmy came to the place that he could believe that Jesus lived on this earth, that Jesus died on the cross, and Jesus rose from the dead [Then] he read and re-read the New Testament. He was seeking God with all his heart and soul. One day he called me and told he wanted to present what he had found out about Christ to his children and to those people he loved very much. He said, to know Christ is the most important decision a person can ever make. He also had a breakfast meeting at work and told everyone that worked for him thathe had found the greatest treasure in the world, life with Jesus. [Some time later, Jimmy became serious ill] His last words as he was put on the ventilator to Linda were these, Whatever is Gods will for me is OK. He had found peace with God. The funeral message was closed with this opportunity, Because the book, I Dont have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist meant so much to Jimmy, the family would like to make available to anyone who is here a copy of this book. 40 people signed up for a copy of the book. [Jimmy was a NASA scientist who is now in the third heaven with Jesus, far beyond what any NASA rocket can ever go]. (Pastor Roger De Young, 9/6/06) An Evangelical Gone Skeptic Restored It was wonderful when I regained sufficient faith to renew my love for study and reflection once more, this time unhindered by the skepticism which formerly dogged my every effort. Now, I can affirm freely my delight in the Lord and my confidence that evidence and rationality lie on the side of biblical faith. Yes, I do believe in apologetics, but only as a means of stripping away falsehoods so that multitudes who are seeking truth may be able to say, Oh, now I see. (Dr. Drury Patterson 7/6/06)