Post by Josh on Sept 3, 2007 20:24:16 GMT -8
The following article is an excerpt from a series I did on Apologetics, and (hopefully) serves as a helpful introduction to the word "Apologetics":
Apolo-What? An Introduction to Apologetics by Joshua Coles, MS
Welcome! If you're wondering what all these articles about "Apologetics" are about, this introduction will hopefully answer your questions. Let's jump right in:
1. Defining Apologetics
Apologetics can defined as follows:
-The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.
-Formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.
In the New Testament, one of Jesus' disciples gives us a great working definition of what Christian apologetics is all about:
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
2. Holistic Apologetics
There are a variety of distinct approaches to Christian apologetics (classical, experiential, historical, philosophical). It is my firm belief that the seeker of truth should be expected to employ all of his or her human faculties: the intellect, the emotion, and the will, to the best of their ability. This is what Christianity offers: a compelling case appealing to our intuitive nature as well as our intellectual capacities. Christianity, despite what some Christians may have implied, does not ask the seeker to check their brain in at the door (see Acts 17:11). Neither should the study of apologetics be merely a detached mental exercise; the apologetic process is the marriage of reason, emotion, and faith (a willingness to trust what you've learned to be true).
3. A Chain of Questions
This series (other articles have not been posted to the discussion forums yet, as of 9/07) is designed to guide the learner through a defense of the Christian faith following a logical chain of questions and reasonable answers (condensed and simplified, without hopefully too much substance lost in the process). Most likely it will seem that not enough time is given to each subject, and that is certainly true. Breaking it down into several different segments allows the reader to chew on each argument and hopefully do some of their own reflection and research. I would, however, suggest reading through the entire series first and then going back and analyzing it more carefully. The format follows (although in greater detail) this general flowchart of questions:
Does God exist?
-Yes (Deism)
-No (Atheism)
-Can’t Decide (Agnosticism)
If yes, then,
Is God a Personal God(s)?
-Yes (Theism)
-No (Deism)
-Don’t Know
If yes, then,
Which Belief System Describes God(s) Reliably?
-Christianity?
-Islam?
-Mormonism?
- ___________?
-None of them?
4. Proof Vs. Evidence
The primary intent of these studies is not to 'prove' Christianity. Absolute proof is not available. Absolute proof is actually not available for almost everything humans believe in on a daily basis. That might seem a silly claim, but reading Plato might have you thinking otherwise. Remember, there is a slight possibility that the chair you're currently sitting on, believing that it will support you, is actually not there- perhaps it only exists in your imagination. It may be that even our senses are deceiving us. Now, why do we believe it is there? Because we have good evidence for it: it has always held us up before, it looks solid, we can feel it, etc., we have seen how the laws of physics are consistent. We have a lot of good reasons to believe in that chair, but ultimately, we cannot absolutely prove it. We have faith in it, based on good evidence.
But, come on, can we really compare something as complicated and vague as a religious belief to something we can verify by scientific observation? I have come to see that the answer is only a matter of degrees.
Some things we believe in have better evidence than other things. The chair, arguably has a lot of evidence behind it. Belief in the existence of George Washington, which none of us would doubt, being outside the reach of direct scientific observation, does demonstrably have less evidence for it; but still enough. It wouldn't be foolish to place a serious bet on the existence of Washington. Of course, eventually the evidence for a claim becomes scanty: how many of us would bet our eternal souls on the existence of Bigfoot, having been presented with all the evidence that's out there? (I hope I'm not offending any serious Sasquatch hunters here)
Christian faith is based on evidence, not proof or even direct scientific observation. It is a warranted belief, meaning the evidence for it is enough to justify belief in it, but not compel that belief. And the evidence is of many kinds- types of evidence commonly upheld in the courtroom, and in some cases the laboratory, and in ways used everyday by ordinary people to ascertain the "truth" about a matter. All disciplines bring evidence to the table for Christianity: history, law, philosophy, psychology, art, biology, archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, physics, mathematics, and last, but not least, mystical inquiry (don't let that one scare you off just yet).
This series is an attempt to bring some of the most fundamental nuggets of evidence to the table for consideration by skeptics and Christians alike. Hopefully in the process, thoughtful conversations and further study can be encouraged. Some of the sections require the reader to do their own homework and come up with their own conclusions. This is as it should be considering that although help is crucial when asking the eternal questions, ultimately the questioning process is a responsibility in which we should all take personal ownership.
5. A Note to the Skeptic and to the Christian
First to the skeptical inquirer: in working your way through these claims, start by asking yourself if this chain of argument is plausible, rather than irrefutable. I believe this is a discipline we must always afford a belief system at odds with our own, or one that we have many reservations against. If a belief is plausible, then it can enter into a new stage of inquiry: one that is ready for more scrutiny, but I guess I am asking for a mind sufficiently open (but not too open now, lest your brain leak out, as the great Steve Taylor once chided).
Second, to the Christian believer (you probably want to skip this if you're not... like that's going to happen!): always remember in the pursuit of apologetics to leave room for Mystery. We serve an Unknowable God who has condescended to be Known in some capacity. We can indeed Know Him in a real way: that's part of what apologetics is all about- like hunting for his tracks, even finding a glimpse of His face in Jesus, but our knowledge is oh so limited. And we can only be humble when we realize how finite we are and how vast and limitless He is. We can revel in His Mystery while finding certainty in the evidence of His Knowableness.
6. The Bold Claims of Scripture
All that being said, let's begin by looking at some serious claims that are made in the Bible by those who were eyewitnesses of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are where the 'rubber meets the road' for Christianity- this faith stands or falls upon it's claims about Jesus- claims that seem to either indict the authors as perjurers or establish them as confident testifiers:
2 Peter 1:16-21
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:1-4
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
1 Corinthians 15:1,3-8,14-20
1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born... 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
All Scripture Quotes: The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984
Apolo-What? An Introduction to Apologetics by Joshua Coles, MS
Welcome! If you're wondering what all these articles about "Apologetics" are about, this introduction will hopefully answer your questions. Let's jump right in:
1. Defining Apologetics
Apologetics can defined as follows:
-The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.
-Formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.
In the New Testament, one of Jesus' disciples gives us a great working definition of what Christian apologetics is all about:
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
2. Holistic Apologetics
There are a variety of distinct approaches to Christian apologetics (classical, experiential, historical, philosophical). It is my firm belief that the seeker of truth should be expected to employ all of his or her human faculties: the intellect, the emotion, and the will, to the best of their ability. This is what Christianity offers: a compelling case appealing to our intuitive nature as well as our intellectual capacities. Christianity, despite what some Christians may have implied, does not ask the seeker to check their brain in at the door (see Acts 17:11). Neither should the study of apologetics be merely a detached mental exercise; the apologetic process is the marriage of reason, emotion, and faith (a willingness to trust what you've learned to be true).
3. A Chain of Questions
This series (other articles have not been posted to the discussion forums yet, as of 9/07) is designed to guide the learner through a defense of the Christian faith following a logical chain of questions and reasonable answers (condensed and simplified, without hopefully too much substance lost in the process). Most likely it will seem that not enough time is given to each subject, and that is certainly true. Breaking it down into several different segments allows the reader to chew on each argument and hopefully do some of their own reflection and research. I would, however, suggest reading through the entire series first and then going back and analyzing it more carefully. The format follows (although in greater detail) this general flowchart of questions:
Does God exist?
-Yes (Deism)
-No (Atheism)
-Can’t Decide (Agnosticism)
If yes, then,
Is God a Personal God(s)?
-Yes (Theism)
-No (Deism)
-Don’t Know
If yes, then,
Which Belief System Describes God(s) Reliably?
-Christianity?
-Islam?
-Mormonism?
- ___________?
-None of them?
4. Proof Vs. Evidence
The primary intent of these studies is not to 'prove' Christianity. Absolute proof is not available. Absolute proof is actually not available for almost everything humans believe in on a daily basis. That might seem a silly claim, but reading Plato might have you thinking otherwise. Remember, there is a slight possibility that the chair you're currently sitting on, believing that it will support you, is actually not there- perhaps it only exists in your imagination. It may be that even our senses are deceiving us. Now, why do we believe it is there? Because we have good evidence for it: it has always held us up before, it looks solid, we can feel it, etc., we have seen how the laws of physics are consistent. We have a lot of good reasons to believe in that chair, but ultimately, we cannot absolutely prove it. We have faith in it, based on good evidence.
But, come on, can we really compare something as complicated and vague as a religious belief to something we can verify by scientific observation? I have come to see that the answer is only a matter of degrees.
Some things we believe in have better evidence than other things. The chair, arguably has a lot of evidence behind it. Belief in the existence of George Washington, which none of us would doubt, being outside the reach of direct scientific observation, does demonstrably have less evidence for it; but still enough. It wouldn't be foolish to place a serious bet on the existence of Washington. Of course, eventually the evidence for a claim becomes scanty: how many of us would bet our eternal souls on the existence of Bigfoot, having been presented with all the evidence that's out there? (I hope I'm not offending any serious Sasquatch hunters here)
Christian faith is based on evidence, not proof or even direct scientific observation. It is a warranted belief, meaning the evidence for it is enough to justify belief in it, but not compel that belief. And the evidence is of many kinds- types of evidence commonly upheld in the courtroom, and in some cases the laboratory, and in ways used everyday by ordinary people to ascertain the "truth" about a matter. All disciplines bring evidence to the table for Christianity: history, law, philosophy, psychology, art, biology, archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, physics, mathematics, and last, but not least, mystical inquiry (don't let that one scare you off just yet).
This series is an attempt to bring some of the most fundamental nuggets of evidence to the table for consideration by skeptics and Christians alike. Hopefully in the process, thoughtful conversations and further study can be encouraged. Some of the sections require the reader to do their own homework and come up with their own conclusions. This is as it should be considering that although help is crucial when asking the eternal questions, ultimately the questioning process is a responsibility in which we should all take personal ownership.
5. A Note to the Skeptic and to the Christian
First to the skeptical inquirer: in working your way through these claims, start by asking yourself if this chain of argument is plausible, rather than irrefutable. I believe this is a discipline we must always afford a belief system at odds with our own, or one that we have many reservations against. If a belief is plausible, then it can enter into a new stage of inquiry: one that is ready for more scrutiny, but I guess I am asking for a mind sufficiently open (but not too open now, lest your brain leak out, as the great Steve Taylor once chided).
Second, to the Christian believer (you probably want to skip this if you're not... like that's going to happen!): always remember in the pursuit of apologetics to leave room for Mystery. We serve an Unknowable God who has condescended to be Known in some capacity. We can indeed Know Him in a real way: that's part of what apologetics is all about- like hunting for his tracks, even finding a glimpse of His face in Jesus, but our knowledge is oh so limited. And we can only be humble when we realize how finite we are and how vast and limitless He is. We can revel in His Mystery while finding certainty in the evidence of His Knowableness.
6. The Bold Claims of Scripture
All that being said, let's begin by looking at some serious claims that are made in the Bible by those who were eyewitnesses of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are where the 'rubber meets the road' for Christianity- this faith stands or falls upon it's claims about Jesus- claims that seem to either indict the authors as perjurers or establish them as confident testifiers:
2 Peter 1:16-21
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:1-4
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
1 Corinthians 15:1,3-8,14-20
1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born... 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
All Scripture Quotes: The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984