Apologetics Camp Session 5 Other Religions. Overview 1.Existence of God 2.Reliability of the Bible 3.Who Jesus Was 4.The Resurrection of Jesus

Apologetics Camp Session 5Apologetics Camp Session 5

Other ReligionsOther Religions

OverviewOverview

1.1. Existence of GodExistence of God

2.2. Reliability of the BibleReliability of the Bible

3.3. Who Jesus WasWho Jesus Was

4.4. The Resurrection of JesusThe Resurrection of Jesus

What is Christianity?What is Christianity?

1.1. One GodOne God


““Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”is one.”

Deuteronomy 6:4Deuteronomy 6:4

What is Christianity?What is Christianity?““We know that An idol is nothing at all in We know that An idol is nothing at all in

the world and that There is no God but one. the world and that There is no God but one. For even if there are so- called gods, For even if there are so- called gods,

whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many gods and many lords), yet there are many gods and many lords), yet

for us there is but one God, the Father, from for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we whom all things came and for whom we

live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through through whom all things came and through

whom we live.”whom we live.”1 Corinthians 8:4-61 Corinthians 8:4-6


1.1. One GodOne God

2.2. Jesus Christ as Lord and SaviorJesus Christ as Lord and Savior


I and the Father are one.I and the Father are one.Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, I have shown stone him, but Jesus said to them, I have shown

you many good works from the Father. For which of you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?these do you stone me?

We are not stoning you for any good work, they We are not stoning you for any good work, they replied, but for blasphemy, because you, a mere replied, but for blasphemy, because you, a mere

man, claim to be God.man, claim to be God.

John 10:30-33John 10:30-33


““Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.”me.”

John 14:6John 14:6


““Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even life. The one who believes in me will live, even

though they die; and whoever lives by believing in though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”me will never die.”

John 11:25-26John 11:25-26


1.1. One GodOne God


3.3. Jesus’ ResurrectionJesus’ Resurrection

What is Christianity?What is Christianity?"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have I preached to you, which you received and on which you have

taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have

believed in vain.believed in vain.For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then

to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then

he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."

1 Corinthians 15:1-81 Corinthians 15:1-8


"And if Christ has not been raised, our "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."preaching is useless and so is your faith."

1 Corinthians 15:141 Corinthians 15:14


1.1. One GodOne God


3.3. Jesus’ ResurrectionJesus’ Resurrection

4.4. Salvation by Grace through FaithSalvation by Grace through Faith


““Salvation is found in no one else, for there Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12Acts 4:12


““And without faith it is impossible to please And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6


Ephesians 2:1-10Ephesians 2:1-10

Nicene CreedNicene CreedWe believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven

and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the

Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by

the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was

buried, and the third day he rose again according to the buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right

hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.

Nicene CreedNicene Creed

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son together is who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.

And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the

remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Christian DenominationsChristian Denominations1.1. CatholicismCatholicism

2.2. Eastern OrthodoxEastern Orthodox

3.3. Protestant Protestant (Lutheranism, Baptist, Presbyterian, non-(Lutheranism, Baptist, Presbyterian, non-denominational, etc.)denominational, etc.)

The Problem of Other ReligionsThe Problem of Other Religions

4,200 Faiths4,200 Faiths

The Problem of Other ReligionsThe Problem of Other Religions

PluralismPluralism - There is not one true - There is not one true religious faith.religious faith.

ParticularismParticularism - There is one - There is one religious faith with exclusive religious faith with exclusive authenticity.authenticity.

Pluralism - Two TypesPluralism - Two Types

1.)1.) All religions are equally true. All religions are equally true.

2.)2.) All religions have part of the All religions have part of the truth.truth.

In Defense of ParticularismIn Defense of Particularism

1.1. Pluralism is incoherent.Pluralism is incoherent.

2.2. Particularists can actually respect other Particularists can actually respect other beliefs even while disagreeing with them.beliefs even while disagreeing with them.

3.3. There may be evidence for one particular There may be evidence for one particular faith tradition that outshines the rest.faith tradition that outshines the rest.

4.4. Parallels - Morality, ScienceParallels - Morality, Science

Evaluating Christianity in Light of Other Evaluating Christianity in Light of Other FaithsFaiths

1.1. We have already provided a strong, We have already provided a strong, affirmative case. No need to refute every affirmative case. No need to refute every other possibility!other possibility!

2.2. Most religious traditions do not have an Most religious traditions do not have an evidential basis.evidential basis.

3.3. Christianity has a number of compelling Christianity has a number of compelling unique characteristics.unique characteristics.

JudaismJudaismVARIETIESVARIETIES Orthodox, Conservative, ReformOrthodox, Conservative, Reform

GODGOD One God (monotheism)One God (monotheism)

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE Tanakh (Old Testament)Tanakh (Old Testament)

FOUNDERFOUNDER AbrahamAbraham

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE Mixed Views (Most believe in Mixed Views (Most believe in physical resurrection)physical resurrection)

SALVATIONSALVATION Works?Works?

CHRIST?CHRIST? Good religious teacher, not Good religious teacher, not MessiahMessiah

IslamIslamVARIETIESVARIETIES Sunni, ShiaSunni, Shia

GODGOD One God (monotheism)One God (monotheism)

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE Quran (Koran)Quran (Koran)

FOUNDERFOUNDER MuhammadMuhammad

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE Physical resurrectionPhysical resurrection

SALVATIONSALVATION Works Based. Five Pillars of Works Based. Five Pillars of IslamIslam

CHRIST?CHRIST? Wonderful prophet of God. Did Wonderful prophet of God. Did not die on the cross.not die on the cross.

What is Christianity?What is Christianity?That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who was made to appear to them, and those who

differ therein are full of doubts, with no differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and

Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise;Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise;

Qur'an, sura 4 (An-Nisa) ayat 157-158Qur'an, sura 4 (An-Nisa) ayat 157-158

BuddhismBuddhismGODGOD No God (or God does not matter)No God (or God does not matter)

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE Buddhavacana (the Word of the Buddhavacana (the Word of the Buddha)Buddha)

FOUNDERFOUNDER Siddhārtha Gautama Siddhārtha Gautama (Buddha)(Buddha)

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE ReincarnationReincarnation

SALVATIONSALVATIONNirvana (end of individual self-identity). Nirvana (end of individual self-identity).

Follow the 4 Noble Truths and the Follow the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold PathEightfold Path

CHRIST?CHRIST? Respect as religious teacher.Respect as religious teacher.

Buddhism - 4 Noble Buddhism - 4 Noble TruthsTruths

1.1. Life means sufferingLife means suffering

2.2. The origin of suffering is attachmentThe origin of suffering is attachment

3.3. The Cessation of suffering is attainableThe Cessation of suffering is attainable

4.4. The path to the cessation of sufferingThe path to the cessation of suffering

Buddhism - 8 Fold PathBuddhism - 8 Fold Path

HinduismHinduismVARIETIESVARIETIES 4 Castes4 Castes

GODGOD Many Gods (polytheism)Many Gods (polytheism)

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE The Vedas The Vedas (and The Upanishads)(and The Upanishads)

FOUNDERFOUNDER NoneNone

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE ReincarnationReincarnation

SALVATIONSALVATION Moksha - Becoming ‘one’ with God. Moksha - Becoming ‘one’ with God. Works Based. Works Based.

CHRIST?CHRIST? Possibly an incarnation of the god Possibly an incarnation of the god VishnuVishnu

MormonismMormonismGODGOD Multiple Gods (polytheism). Multiple Gods (polytheism).

God is physical.God is physical.

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE Bible + Book of Mormon + Bible + Book of Mormon + Doctrine and CovenantsDoctrine and Covenants

FOUNDERFOUNDER Joseph SmithJoseph Smith

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE Faithful mormons can eventually Faithful mormons can eventually become gods.become gods.

SALVATIONSALVATION WorksWorks

CHRIST?CHRIST? Literal son of God. Literal son of God.

Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s WitnessesGODGOD One God (non-Trinitarian)One God (non-Trinitarian)

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE The Bible (New World Translation - The Bible (New World Translation - questionable!)questionable!)

FOUNDERFOUNDER Charles Taze Russell (Watchtower Charles Taze Russell (Watchtower Society)Society)

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE 144,000 in Heaven. The rest rule 144,000 in Heaven. The rest rule with Christ on Earth.with Christ on Earth.

SALVATIONSALVATION WorksWorks

CHRIST?CHRIST? God’s first creation. Archangel God’s first creation. Archangel Michael. Not divine.Michael. Not divine.

ScientologyScientology

GODGODbelieve in muti-gods some believe in muti-gods some are better or higher then are better or higher then

othersothers

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE limited solely to what L. Ron limited solely to what L. Ron Hubbard writesHubbard writes

FOUNDERFOUNDER L Ron HubbardL Ron Hubbard

AFTERLIFEAFTERLIFE ??????

SALVATIONSALVATIONyou go through you go through

reincarnation untill you are reincarnation untill you are auditedaudited

CHRIST?CHRIST?Believe to be a non god or demi Believe to be a non god or demi god that gained important status god that gained important status

through out timethrough out time

CRAZYCRAZY

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The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell

Is everybody who accepts a different faith Is everybody who accepts a different faith damned? And what about those who never damned? And what about those who never

heard the Gospel?heard the Gospel?

The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell

Foundational Belief: Jesus sacrifice on the Foundational Belief: Jesus sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead were cross and resurrection from the dead were NECESSARY for anybody whatsoever to be NECESSARY for anybody whatsoever to be

saved. The question is HOW that salvation is saved. The question is HOW that salvation is applied.applied.

The Problem of Hell - Easy CasesThe Problem of Hell - Easy Cases

1.1. HitlerHitler

2.2. StalinStalin

3.3. Exceedingly wicked people who rape, Exceedingly wicked people who rape, torture, kill.torture, kill.

The Problem of Hell - Problem The Problem of Hell - Problem CasesCases

1.1. Old Testament saints before JesusOld Testament saints before Jesus

2.2. Infants and unbornInfants and unborn

3.3. People who have never heard the GospelPeople who have never heard the Gospel

4.4. People who seem to be “nice” but People who seem to be “nice” but happen to have the wrong theology.happen to have the wrong theology.

3 Views3 Views

1.1. ExclusivismExclusivism

2.2. InclusivismInclusivism

3.3. UniversalismUniversalism

3 Views on Who is Saved3 Views on Who is Saved““For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of

men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is because that which is known about God is

evident within them; for God made it evident to evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His them. For since the creation of the world His

invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being nature, have been clearly seen, being

understood through what has been made, so understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”that they are without excuse.”

Rom. 1:18-20Rom. 1:18-20

3 Views on Who is Saved3 Views on Who is Saved

““For when Gentiles who do not have the Law For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in that they show the work of the Law written

in their hearts, their conscience bearing in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately witness, and their thoughts alternately

accusing or else defending them.”accusing or else defending them.”

Rom. 2:14-15Rom. 2:14-15

3 Views on Who is Saved3 Views on Who is Saved““How, then, can they call on the one they How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they have not believed in? And how can they

believe in the one of whom they have not believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how someone preaching to them? And how

can anyone preach unless they are sent? can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet As it is written: How beautiful are the feet

of those who bring good news!”of those who bring good news!”Romans 10:14-15Romans 10:14-15


““Then Peter began to speak: I now realize Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show how true it is that God does not show

favoritism but accepts from every nation favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is the one who fears him and does what is

right.”right.”Acts 10:34Acts 10:34

3 Views on Who is Saved3 Views on Who is Saved““God will repay each person according to what they God will repay each person according to what they

have done. To those who by persistence in doing have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will

give eternal life. But for those who are self- seeking give eternal life. But for those who are self- seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will

be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor

and peace for everyone who does good: first for the and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show

favoritism.”favoritism.”Romans 2:6-11Romans 2:6-11


This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God knowledge of the truth. For there is one God

and one mediator between God and mankind, and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a

ransom for all people. This has now been ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.witnessed to at the proper time.

1 Timothy 2:3-61 Timothy 2:3-6

Christian DistinctionsChristian Distinctions

““For it is by grace you have been saved, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no

one can boast.”one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9Ephesians 2:8-9

Christianity is the only truly grace-Christianity is the only truly grace-based religious faith.based religious faith.


““If Christ has not been risen, our If Christ has not been risen, our preaching is useless and so is our faith”preaching is useless and so is our faith”

1 Corinthians 15:171 Corinthians 15:17

Christianity stakes it’s truth on Christianity stakes it’s truth on a historical event.a historical event.


Jesus Christ’s ministry, works, and Jesus Christ’s ministry, works, and message form the foundation of the message form the foundation of the

Christian worldview. We can be confident Christian worldview. We can be confident in the truth of Christianity because we in the truth of Christianity because we

can be confident in Christ!can be confident in Christ!

The Message of ChristThe Message of Christ

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

Documents

Apologetics Camp Session 5 Other Religions. Overview 1.Existence of God 2.Reliability of the Bible 3.Who Jesus Was 4.The Resurrection of Jesus