The Need for Apologetics: An Apologetic for Apologetics Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009.

The Need for Apologetics: An Apologetic for Apologetics

The Need for Apologetics: An Apologetic for Apologetics

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009

Why?Why?Because: Because: Christianity is under attackChristianity is under attack

Attacked by CultsAttacked by Cults

74 killed74 killed

914 dead914 dead

Attacked by CriticsAttacked by Critics

Jesus Eaten by DogsJesus Eaten by Dogs Jesus Eaten by DogsJesus Eaten by Dogs

82 % of Gospels False 82 % of Gospels False

98% untrustworthy98% untrustworthy 98% untrustworthy98% untrustworthy

Jesus was not GodJesus was not God Jesus was not GodJesus was not God

No ResurrectionNo Resurrection No ResurrectionNo Resurrection

16 % Doubtful16 % Doubtful 16 % Doubtful16 % Doubtful

Attacked by the CultureAttacked by the Culture

“The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God…. Man created it as a historical record…. History has never had a definitive version of the book…” (231).

“The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God…. Man created it as a historical record…. History has never had a definitive version of the book…” (231).

B. DaVinci Code: Purely Human B. DaVinci Code: Purely Human

Attacked by Competing Religions

Attacked by Competing Religions

Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth [Islam]….”

Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah.”

Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth [Islam]….”

Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah.”

Islamic War on Other FaithsIslamic War on Other Faiths

OutlineOutline

I. What is Apologetics?

A. Apologetics Defined

B. Apologetics Described




OutlineOutlineI. 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.

OutlineOutlineI. What is Apologetics?






1. It is Defending the Gospel1. It is Defending the Gospel

Philippians 1:7—“I am put here for the defense of the Gospel” (ESV).

Philippians 1:7—“I am put here for the defense of the Gospel” (ESV).

2. It is Answering Every Question2. It is Answering Every Question

Colossians 4:6—“Let your speech be always gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Colossians 4:6—“Let 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 Faith3. 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.”

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 Unbelievers4. It is Reasoning with Unbelievers

Acts 17:16—“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews… [and] some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him.”

Acts 17:16—“So 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 Hope5. It is Giving a Reason for our Hope

1 Peter 3:15—“Be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 3:15—“Be 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-Evangelism6. 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 God—unless there is a God!

Therefore, evangelizing non-theists (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 God—unless there is a God!

Therefore, evangelizing non-theists (most of the world) depends on first establishing the viability of theism.

How Much of the World is Non-Theistic?How Much of the World is Non-Theistic?

Almost Half of it!Almost Half of it!

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II. What is the Role of Apologetics?



II. What is the Role of Apologetics in Evangelism?

II. What is the Role of Apologetics in Evangelism?

A. Its Pre-evangelistic role—convince 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 dead…and some of them were persuaded…” Acts 17:2-4).

B. Its Post-evangelistic role—confirm Christians in the Christian Faith.

“It seemed good to me…to write an orderly account for you…that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Lk. 1:4).

A. Its Pre-evangelistic role—convince 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 dead…and some of them were persuaded…” Acts 17:2-4).

B. Its Post-evangelistic role—confirm Christians in the Christian Faith.

“It seemed good to me…to write an orderly account for you…that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Lk. 1:4).

Apologetics Helps Pre-EvangelismApologetics 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 Lord’s help I was able to answer his arguments and in the end he really had no reason to deny God’s existence he just didn’t 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 hasn’t yet received Christ, but he is now left without reasons to deny that God exists.” (Pastor Jones 11/18/05)

“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 Lord’s help I was able to answer his arguments and in the end he really had no reason to deny God’s existence he just didn’t 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 hasn’t yet received Christ, but he is now left without reasons to deny that God exists.” (Pastor Jones 11/18/05)

It Bring Assurance to BelieversIt Bring Assurance to Believers “My son is dying of cancer and for months all I could think

of was ‘What if there really isn’t a God?’ ‘What if there isn’t 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)

“My son is dying of cancer and for months all I could think of was ‘What if there really isn’t a God?’ ‘What if there isn’t 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 PaulThe Pattern of PaulHe started where they were:Acts 14 (to Heathen)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)—Old TestamentActs 17b (to Greeks)—ReasonActs 20 (to Christians)—Jesus Words And took them where they needed to go

He started where they were:Acts 14 (to Heathen)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)—Old TestamentActs 17b (to Greeks)—ReasonActs 20 (to Christians)—Jesus Words And took them where they needed to go

The Pattern of PaulThe Pattern of PaulHe 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 PaulThe Pattern of PaulHe started where they were:Acts 14 (to Heathen)—Nature

Acts 17a (to Jews)--Scripture

“And Paul…reasoned 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 Paul…reasoned 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 PaulThe Pattern of PaulHe started where they were:Acts 14 (to Heathen)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)--ScriptureActs 17b (to Greeks)—Reason “As even some of your own poets have

said, ‘For we are all his offspring.’ Being then God’s 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)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)--ScriptureActs 17b (to Greeks)—Reason “As even some of your own poets have

said, ‘For we are all his offspring.’ Being then God’s 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 PaulThe Pattern of PaulHe started where they were:Acts 14 (to Heathen)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)--ScriptureActs 17b (to Greeks)—ReasonActs 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)—NatureActs 17a (to Jews)--ScriptureActs 17b (to Greeks)—ReasonActs 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




III. Answering Some ObjectionsIII. Answering Some ObjectionsObjection 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)

Objection 2: The Bible is like a lion. It does not need to be defended. It only needs to be released.

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 Qur’an or a Mormon about the 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 Qur’an or a Mormon about the 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).

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. 31-32). 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. 31-32). 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. Hence, the “suppress” the truth “clearly” “known” by them (Rom. 1:18).

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. Hence, the “suppress” the truth “clearly” “known” by them (Rom. 1:18).

Objection 5: We are saved by faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9), not by faith plus reason.

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).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 want’s 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 your…mind”(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 want’s 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 your…mind”(Mt. 22:37)

Objection 7: Dead people do not respond to reason, and all are dead in sins (Eph. 2:8-9)

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. Even when Adam was “dead” in sins he could still hear and understand God’s 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. Even when Adam was “dead” in sins he could still hear and understand God’s voice (Gen. 3).




IV. Why do Apologetics?





OutlineOutlineI. Why is Apologetics?

II. The Role of Apologetics?

III. Why is Apologetics Needed?

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. Why is Apologetics?

II. The Role of Apologetics?

III. Why is Apologetics Needed?


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)

OutlineOutlineIV. Why do Apologetics?


B. The Cultural demand it

1. Relativism—No view is absolutely true.

2. Pluralism—All views are relatively true.

3. Naturalism—No supernatural view is actually true.




1. Relativism—No view is absolutely true.

2. Pluralism—All views are relatively true.

3. Naturalism—No supernatural view is actually true.

C. S. Lewis on Why Apologetics?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.”

"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 Weight of Glory, 50)

Why Apologetics?Why Apologetics? “ “A century ago our task A century ago our task

was to edify those who was to edify those who had been brought up in had been brought up in the Faith; our present the Faith; our present task is chiefly to convert task is chiefly to convert and instruct infidels” and instruct infidels” (“Christian Apologetics” (“Christian Apologetics” in in God in the Dock God in the Dock (Eerdmans, 1970), 94(Eerdmans, 1970), 94

The ProblemThe ProblemWe 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.

OutlineOutline




C. The Results confirm it




C. The Results confirm it

How Apologetics Helped AugustineHow 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 DesignerAtheist 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).

"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 Lead to Posit a Mind Behind Nature

Einstein Lead 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).

• "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 EinsteinAlbert Einstein

“Nor do I claim to have had any personal experience of God or any experience that may be called supernatural or miraculous. In short, my discovery of the divine has been a pilgrimage of reason and not of faith” (93).

“Nor do I claim to have had any personal experience of God or any experience that may be called supernatural or miraculous. In short, my discovery of the divine has been a pilgrimage of reason and not of faith” (93).

Reason Leads Atheist to GodReason 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. So…the world of living, conscious, thinking beings has to originate in a living Source, a Mind” (There is a God, 183).

Anthony FlewAnthony Flew

Notorious Atheists Reasons to GodNotorious Atheists Reasons to God

Famous Astronmer Finds GodFamous 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).

“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!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.

“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.

[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 StandardStraight Line = Absolute Standard

Moral Law Lead Atheist to GodMoral Law Lead Atheist to God

C.S. LewisMere Christianity, 45.C.S. LewisMere Christianity, 45.

Evidence Leads Skeptic to ChristEvidence 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

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 true–even the faith that I had abandoned” (Ignatius Press, 2006).

“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 true–even the faith that I had abandoned” (Ignatius Press, 2006).

Converted Atheists

Noted Atheist Scientist Finds GodNoted 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).

“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 CollinsFrancis 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 ChristianityFrom 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 SalvationApologetics Can Lead to Salvation “God sent me your book “I Don’t

Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” through a co-worker who recognized my agnostic…world- view in the spring of 2006. 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 sent me your book “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist”

through a co-worker who recognized my agnostic…world- view in the spring of 2006. 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)

An Evangelical Gone Skeptic RestoredAn 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)

“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)

God Used Evidence to Bring Real FaithGod 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)

“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 FaithApologetics 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 I’ve 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)

“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 I’ve 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)

ConclusionConclusionWhy Apologetics?Because:1. God commanded it.2. Our culture demands it.3. The results confirm it.

Are you doing it?

Why Apologetics?Because:1. God commanded it.2. Our culture demands it.3. The results confirm it.

Are you doing it?

Unbeliever ConvertedUnbeliever Converted “For several [years] we’ve prayed for my son in law an avowed Atheist. After reading your book…here is his note: “I thought I’d 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 didn’t have every answer to every question, I at least had a preponderance of evidence in my hands, which has finally tipped the scales in God’s direction again. So I said a prayer and accepted Jesus.’” (Bernard LaTour, 6/4/05)

“For several [years] we’ve prayed for my son in law an avowed Atheist. After reading your book…here is his note: “I thought I’d 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 didn’t have every answer to every question, I at least had a preponderance of evidence in my hands, which has finally tipped the scales in God’s direction again. So I said a prayer and accepted Jesus.’” (Bernard LaTour, 6/4/05)

“

The Testimony of Jimmy DukeThe Testimony of Jimmy Duke “When Jimmy’s 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 wasn’t 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 bookstore…trying to find something that would give him reason to believe. He wanted evidence. In his research…he discovered the book, “I Don’t 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 that…he 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 God’s will for me is OK.’ He had found peace with God. The funeral message was closed with this opportunity, ‘Because the book, ‘I Don’t 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)

M.D. Converted Through Evidence• I happened to come last Sunday and was thrilled to hear your message!.... I

am a physician (family practice) who was a committed atheist through college and medical school. In residency… my relentless search for truth ended in the person of Jesus Christ! I so appreciate your intellectual approach to Christianity. When I came to faith I had so many questions about evolution/creation. I was an aerospace engineer major in undergraduate and upon learning the laws of thermodynamics I flatly rejected Darwinian theory of evolution….

• I also firmly felt that God could not possibly exist and that religion was wishful thinking! God has been infinitely merciful with me and has revealed his truth to me through science first and then through his grace and forgiveness!

C. S. Lewis, Lee Stroebel, Walter Wangerin and Ravi Zacharias have been key in my conversion…. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your ministry of academia and apologetics!!! It excites me and I LOVE the fact that our GOD is a scientific genius who NEVER disappoints me in his ingenuity! ---Susan K. Arnoult, MD (Aug 2009)









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The Need for Apologetics: An Apologetic for Apologetics Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009.

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