Theology

Theology

Pastor Brett Peterson

Coastland University

04/21/23 Pastor Brett Peterson, CCBCU.EDU 2

What are the sources of our study of Theology?

– The “Wesleyan Quadrilateral”

• Scripture (Supreme Authority)

• Reason

• Tradition

• Experience

– All four of these areas are important to discover truth – however, the last two need to be used with caution.


Arguments for God

• How do you know God exists?

• What arguments do we have to establish God’s existence?


• As a preface to the arguments, it is worth noting an argument that the claim that God exists is made more plausible by the fact of wide-spread religious belief. This argument is called the “argument from desire”. Generally speaking, if we have an innate desire for a thing then that thing both exists and is good for us. The natural instinct to look to the transcendent, therefore, is proof enough for God.


• 1. THE "COSMOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...is also called "the argument from first cause. It is based upon the premise that "every effect must have a cause". The cosmos (universe) is an effect that has adequate cause. The theist believes that Gen 1:1 reveals that adequate cause: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

•


• 2. THE "TELEOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...is based upon the evidence of design in

the universe. The name “the teleological argument” is derived from the Greek word telos, meaning end or purpose.

• Evidence of design suggests a "designer", some Being with intelligence possessing purpose. Example: a watch shows design, and implies a watchmaker, To credit such intricate workmanship to blind chance is unreasonable. Examples of design in the universe are many; some examples include: The orderly movement of heavenly bodies; Animal instinct, such as the migration patterns of birds, eels, and salmon; The human body itself, e.g., the eye or even…


• The following video is from Harvard Medical school, and is a video of what actually goes on in a cell – every element is scientifically accurate!


• 3. THE "MORAL" ARGUMENT...is also called the "anthropological argument". It is based upon reality that everywhere people have "a sense of ought"--That in certain circumstances, certain things should be done. This moral nature in man demands a Moral Being as the Original Cause


• Rom 2:14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,

• Rom 2:15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,

• Rom 2:16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.


• 4. THE "ESTHETICAL" ARGUMENT...is based upon the presence of beauty and sublimity in the universe. It observes that you have both the presence of beauty in nature itself, and in art produced by man and the response of man to such beauty. Were both the result of blind chance or did it come from a Supreme Being, who is not only: Intelligent (an argument from design), Moral (an argument from our sense of ought), but also Artistic (an argument from beauty and our sense of it)? cf. Ps 96:4-6


• Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

• Rom 1:19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

• Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.


God’s revelation of Himself

• Beauty, Creation, Morality, Logic

• If God is real, then why doesn’t He give us a clear sign?

• He has! The Bible! It is God’s Word!

• And, Jesus Christ! God became flesh!


How do you know Christ?

• By studying His Word!• By praying• By good Christian fellowship• By loving Him

His Word is absolute Truth. If it is not reliable, we have nothing to base our faith on. Truth must originate outside of the mind of finite man! It must come from God!


How about Reason & Logic?

• Today, the world has thrown reason away for Postmodernism.

• The basis for Post modern thought is pluralism.


What is the Bible? Absolute Truth• There is now an attack against the Bible

that is more philosophical than textual:

Pluralism


Pluralism denies absolute Truth!

• Absolute Truth is the message of the Bible!

• Truth = a right understanding of God

• Pluralism says:Knowledge is no different in kind than opinion.Our agreeing together is the criteria for determining

what is knowledge.Truth amounts to no more than social sustainability.


1) Background of Pluralism

• It attacks Biblical Theism: Belief that right & wrong are absolute, unchanging, and are decided by God – American Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…”


Modernism

• Renaissance (1300-1600): Exalt man through literature, art, learning, etc. Humanism: human ability; man toward the

center; reject “external authorities”

• Enlightenment (1600-1700): Push God out & depend on human reason to discern truth

• Industrial Revolution (1700-1800): Human productivity & advancement; no need for God

push God out, put man in


• Transition (1890’s-1919): Man began to test his wings of invention. We can create – no need for a creator.

• Modern Era (1920-1970): TV, scientific advancement, entertainment, pleasure.1927

• Bell Telephone and the U.S. Department of Commerce conduct the first long distance use of television that took place between Washington D.C. and New York City on April 9th. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover commented, “Today we have, in a sense, the transmission of sight for the first time in the world’s history. Human genius has now destroyed the impediment of distance in a new respect, and in a manner hitherto unknown.”


• Age of Advancement (1980-1990): Exponential growth in knowledge, goods, inventions, etc.

• Post-modern (1990-?): No absolutes. Tolerance, Pluralism, Globalization.

• Experiential (2001-?): The only reality is what you experience personally. Everything else could be photoshoped, etc.


Modernists’ foundations

• Rationality: Man can understand the world

• Empiricism: Knowledge only through senses

• Implications for truth:– Scientific truth became absolute– “Unobservable” spiritual / moral truths became

relative


Postmodernism pushed it further• Objective Truth does not exist

– Even scientific truth is “true” only for that time & culture (Kuhn’s paradigms)

– Even words don’t have original meaning (“reader above the writer”)

Individuals are products of their culture

• Arbitrary beliefs shaped by cultural biases – e.g. suicide bombers are heroes


Encouraged by choices

• Today’s society offers many choices– Classes, career, cell phones, fast food, etc.

• “You choose…”– Outside world is “changeable”– Outside world is doubtful

• Disdain for fixed standards & absolutes

leads to Pluralism


Pluralism

• Definition of Pluralism: – Theory that there are more than one or more

than two kinds of ultimate reality

• Varieties of ultimate truths available– No one absolute truth

• Exercised in the form of…

…Tolerance !


2) Tolerance

• TRADITIONAL definition of “Tolerate”:– to recognize and respect others’ beliefs,

practices, etc. without sharing them– to bear or put up with someone or

something not especially liked

• “Values, respects, and accepts the individual without necessarily approving of or participating in his/her belief or behavior.”


NEW tolerance under pluralism

• Since pluralism says there are no absolute truths…

• …NEW tolerance states, “All values, beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims are equal”


3) Implications of new tolerance

• Not just “Live and let live”…

• Now you must agree that another person’s position is just as valid as your own

• Now you must give approval, endorsement, sincere support to their beliefs and behaviors

• Even some demand full participation


By being silent we are giving our approval!• It is time to take a stand for Truth – the

absolute Truth of God’s Word and the precepts it teaches!

• Rom 1:32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.


Dangerous Fallouts

• Consequences of doing away with absolute truth…

• No “progress”– can’t praise bravery vs. cowardice

• Loss of hierarchy of values– “more sympathy for threatened insects species

than for children dying of hunger” [Finnish Green Party activist]


Impact on morality & justice

• Can’t make moral judgments– “If there is no absolute moral standard, then one

cannot say in a final sense that anything is right or wrong.”

[Francis Schaeffer]– We must approve Hitler’s actions

No justice possible without truth


4) Case against pluralism

• Pluralism demands, “Tolerance for all”– But who gave that authority to pluralism?– Is it absolutely?

• Pluralism says, “Equal footing and hearing”– Then Christianity should be given a fair and

equal hearing without being called “exclusive”


Reasons for Absolutes

• Presence of universal sentiments– Love & goodness (regardless of culture)– C. S. Lewis: universal desire for

something is a good reason to believe the existence of that thing

• “Choices” must be measured by some apriori truth– e.g. Mathematics 2+2 always = 4


Emptiness of pluralism

• Discourages critical thinking– Brainless in accepting everything blindly– “Tolerance is a virtue of a man without

convictions” [G.K. Chesterton]

• Cravings for an absolute moral Judge– When injustice comes upon you

• Hunger of the heart – Epidemic of emptiness & loneliness


Incompatibility with religions

• Many religions seem to say same things – “Be good to others”

• But quite different in major doctrines– i.e. sin, nature of God, salvation

• Law of Non-Contradiction: Two contradictory ideas cannot both be true


5) Uniqueness of Christ

• Historical figure (not myth)

• He claimed to be God

• Gave real evidence and proof– Ultimate proof: Resurrection– “Show your cards”

• Other religious leaders did not resurrect

Jesus’ claims to truths are validated


Also, Jesus’ loving tolerance

• Loved everyone the same– Tax collector, prostitute, leper

• Distinguishes person from behavior– “Hates the sin but loves the sinner”– People have intrinsic worth & value because

wonderfully made in image of God [Gen. 1 & Psalm 139]

– e.g. people are to be valued, not false belief systems

• Fills our need for love, justice, & truth


Eight Reasons Why It Matters What You Believe!

Building common ground with those you are trying to reach! ( I Cor. 9:22)


What You Believe Will Affect How You Live!1. What you believe will affect how you live!


Beliefs Have Consequences


Not All Religious Viewpoints Can Be Right!

1. What you believe will affect how you live!

2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!

Law of non-contradiction:

“Two opposing views can not both be right”


Can All Religious Viewpoints Be Right?

No! Someone has to be wrong!

“Either Jesus is the Messiah or He isn't.”

“If He isn't the Messiah, then the Christians are wrong. If He is the Messiah, then the Jews are wrong.”

“So one way or another somebody's right and somebody's wrong! Everyone can't be right at the same time, can they?“

Greg Koukl, Christian ApologistTaken from: http://www.str.org


Objective Truth Does Exist!

1. What you believe will affect how you live!2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!

3. Objective Truth does exist!


Biblical Objective Truth

The Bible teaches that truth does existsFor example:

John 14:6Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 8:32 Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth

shall make you free.”


Truth Is Not a Matter of Your Own Perspective

For example:

“Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 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.”

2 Pet. 1: 20-21


A Truth Statement Matches Its Object

“Satan is called a liar because his statement to Eve, “You will surely not die” in Gen. 3:4 did not correspond to what God really said, namely “you shall surely die (Gen. 2:17).”

Dr. Norman Geisler


Truth is That Which Corresponds to Reality

Jesus states in John 14:6 that he is the only way to God.

This is a true statement because it corresponds to reality and was verified by His conquering death in His resurrection.


• A right understanding of God (Truth) leads to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Truth).

Jesus=Truth=The Word of God=Understanding=Logos=Intelligence

• This produces reverence for God• Wisdom begins with the fear(reverence) of God!• Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the

beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.


Why is Truth so Important?

“If truth and reasonableness are not uppermost in our presentation of the truth to a pagan culture, already predisposed to regarding religion as a set of private feelings, then we will constantly hear this response. Well that’s fine if having those feelings helps you.”

Love God with all your MindJ.P. Moreland P. 30


Truth is not based on feelings!

• Truth is based on evidence

• Evidence is logical and rational

• Emotions are unreliable and often times wicked

• Jer 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?


Truth is not based on feelings!

• Truth is based on evidence

• Evidence is logical and rational

• Emotions are unreliable and often times wicked

• Jer 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

Strongs – heart - : “A form of H3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings”


Faith Must Have an Object to Have Merit!

1. What you believe will affect how you live!

2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!

3. Objective Truth does exist!

4. Faith must have an object to have merit!


Christian Faith

• Christianity is based on a historical event.

• If the resurrection did not occur our faith is in vain.

I Cor. 15:14


Not All Religious Leaders Made Equal Claims!

1. What you believe will affect how you live!2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!3. Objective Truth does exist!4. Faith must have an object to have merit!

5. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!


Jesus’ Unique Claims

Jesus made unique claims compared to any other major religious leaders

•John 10:30•Jn. 14:6•I Tim. 2:5•Acts 4:12


Proof of Christ’s Claims Have No Parallel

1. What you believe will affect how you live!2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!3. Objective Truth does exist!4. Faith must have an object to have merit!5. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!

6. The proof of Christ’s claims have no parallel among major religious leaders! (I Cor. 15:3-6)


No Comparison!

Comparing Christianity and other religions is not like comparing apples with apples!

Other ReligionsChristianity


Jesus Christ Has No Peers!

“Buddha pointed to the way, Muhammad claimed to be a prophet of God,…

but Jesus Christ is the only major religious leader that ever claimed to be God, who fulfilled prophecy, lived a sinless life, and then died on the cross and rose from the dead.”


If Christianity Is True, It Makes an Eternal Difference

1. What you believe will affect how you live!2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!3. Objective Truth does exist!4. Faith must have an object to have merit!5. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!6. The proof of Christ’s claims have no parallel among major

religious leaders!

7. If Christianity is true, it makes an eternal difference!


Eternal Consequences

Jesus said, “And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.”

Matt. 5:30


No Meaning in Life Apart From God


religious leaders!7. If Christianity is true, it makes an eternal difference!

8. Some people who don’t believe in God find it difficult to find meaning in life.


Finding Ultimate Meaning

“My mother committed suicide three years ago, and I don’t believe in God and Christianity but I realize that if there is no God, there is no ultimate meaning and purpose to my life and I am not willing to accept that yet.”

U.T. Student


Why Bother?

The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all means I may save some.”

I Cor. 9:22

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to the Auca Indians in 1956

Why go the extra mile?


Eight Reasons Why It Matters What You Believe!


religious leaders!7. If Christianity is true, it makes an eternal difference!8. Some people who don’t believe in God find it difficult to

find meaning in life.


It Matters What You Believe!

Building common ground with those you are trying to reach! ( I Cor. 9:22)


We must stand for truth..

• Even if we stand alone

• Even when it is not politically correct

• Even when denomination refuse to do so

• The Bible is our sole source for faith and practice!


Jesus said…

• “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.”

• John 14:6


Let’s proclaim the Truth!

• How do we start a revolution?

• A revolution to bring the Church back to Biblical Truth.

• By doing Inductive Bible Study!

This is our task. There is only one Truth.

Next week – Proof the Bible is reliable +

Next weekBibliology

Theology

Documents

moral argument

teleological argument

esthetical argument

anthropological argument

cosmological argument

beginning god

examples of design

evidence of design