Atheism - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/whitestonecommunitychurch... · 2011-05-25 · HISTORY Since CREATION - people refuse to believe in God. 1500s – the term ‘Atheism’

Atheism

CHRISTIANITY vs..

Review of Important Points

1] How do I know that what I believe really is the TRUTH?A: My source of truth is GodGod’’s Words Word – the BIBLE.

2] How do I know the BIBLE really is God’s Word?A: ProphecyProphecy!

3] Why not include the Apocrypha in the Bible?A: not recognized by Jesus, Apostles or Jews, contains errors, contradictory to Bible,

only added in 1546ad by Catholics, etc. [14 reasons]

4] Has the Bible been ‘corrupted’?A: Old Testament (200 B.C.), New Testament (125 A.D.)

5] How do I know which translation of the Bible is the most reliable?

A: Choose one of the best translations in modern English – ESV, NASB, NKJV (NIV).

- The New World Translation changes many passages in the Bible to fit Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs and doctrine

- The name ‘Jehovah’ was inserted 237 times into their New Testament

Why talk about God with an Atheist?

I Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect .

II Corinthians 10:5 – ‘We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.’

Matthew 22:37 – ‘And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”’

HISTORYSince CREATION - people refuse to believe in God.

1500s – the term ‘Atheism’ is coined.

1600s – Atheism enters philosophical thought.

1700s – Atheism is popularized by the Enlightenmentperiod. Spread by the French Revolution.

1800s – Atheism develops and gains many followers.

How do I even know

there is a God’?

1. Matter 1. Matter – where did everything come from?

2. Design2. Design – how did things get this way?

3. Ethics3. Ethics – why is there a ‘right and wrong’?

4. Bible4. Bible – how is prophecy possible?

1. MATTER – The Cosmological Argument for

GOD

The Argument:The Argument:

1. Everything that has a beginning has a cause.

2. The Universe had a beginning.

3. Therefore, the Universe had a Cause.

1. MATTER – The Cosmological Argument for

GOD

Proof forProof for BEGINNING BEGINNING of Universeof Universe::

PhilosophyPhilosophy

T. T. (Theory of Relativity (Theory of Relativity –– Einstein)Einstein)

E. E. (Expanding Universe)(Expanding Universe)

A. A. (Afterglow Radiation)(Afterglow Radiation)

R. R. (Ripples in Background Radiation)(Ripples in Background Radiation)

S. S. (Second Law of Thermodynamics)(Second Law of Thermodynamics)

DecayDecay

1. MATTER –The Cosmological Argument for GOD


PPhilosophyhilosophy ((KalamKalam Argument):Argument):

If time is infinite, it has no beginning or end. However, today is the end of time

so far.

You can’t add anything to something that is infinite. However, tomorrow we’ll

add another day to time.

�------------------------------------------------------------*-------------------------------*----

----------------------------------------*

Distant History Years ago Yesterday Today



T. T. (Theory of Relativity (Theory of Relativity –– Einstein)Einstein)

The Theory of General Relativity states that Time, Space and MatThe Theory of General Relativity states that Time, Space and Matter are coter are co--

relative.relative.

The Theory The Theory demandsdemands an absolute an absolute beginningbeginning for all of them and says that they for all of them and says that they

are interdependent are interdependent -- you canyou can’’t have one without the others.t have one without the others.

This theory is extremely reliable This theory is extremely reliable –– having been tested and proven many times. having been tested and proven many times.

ItIt’’s been verified up to 5 decimal places.s been verified up to 5 decimal places.



E. E. (Expanding Universe)(Expanding Universe)

The Universe has been observed to be expanding The Universe has been observed to be expanding –– and from a single point. and from a single point.

Not only matter, but space itself is expanding.Not only matter, but space itself is expanding.

Therefore, if you go back in time and run the universe in reversTherefore, if you go back in time and run the universe in reverse, ite, it’’ll eventually ll eventually

arrive at a single point so small that itarrive at a single point so small that it’’s essentially nothing s essentially nothing [less than a [less than a

pinhead].pinhead].

So basically, if you go back far enough in time, there was nothiSo basically, if you go back far enough in time, there was nothing, and then ng, and then

BANG, the universe exploded into beingBANG, the universe exploded into being…… and has been expanding ever and has been expanding ever

since!since!



A. A. (Afterglow Radiation)(Afterglow Radiation)

Also called Cosmic Background Radiation, this afterglow is Also called Cosmic Background Radiation, this afterglow is lightlight and and heatheat from from

the initial explosion many call the initial explosion many call ‘‘the Big Bangthe Big Bang’’..

In 1948, three scientists predicted this afterglow would exist iIn 1948, three scientists predicted this afterglow would exist if the universe f the universe

really did begin with a really did begin with a ‘‘Big BangBig Bang’’, but it was only discovered in 1965 by , but it was only discovered in 1965 by

accident.accident.

This discovery basically put a final end to the Steady State TheThis discovery basically put a final end to the Steady State Theory ory –– the belief the belief

that the universe had no beginning and keeps creating new matterthat the universe had no beginning and keeps creating new matter as it as it

expands.expands.



R. R. (Ripples in Background Radiation)(Ripples in Background Radiation)

Slight variations (ripples) in the temperature of the backgroundSlight variations (ripples) in the temperature of the background radiation were radiation were

predicted and discovered by the satellite COBE.predicted and discovered by the satellite COBE.

These ripples allowed for matter to gather and form galaxies by These ripples allowed for matter to gather and form galaxies by a gravitational a gravitational

pull.pull.

The explosion and expansion of the universe is so precise The explosion and expansion of the universe is so precise (to 1 in 100,000)(to 1 in 100,000) that that

with any slight variation, either galaxies wouldnwith any slight variation, either galaxies wouldn’’t form or the universe t form or the universe

would collapse.would collapse.



S. S. (Second Law of Thermodynamics)(Second Law of Thermodynamics)

According to the Second Law, the universe is slowly running out According to the Second Law, the universe is slowly running out of of usable usable

energyenergy, which means that one day it, which means that one day it’’ll completely run out. ll completely run out.

Therefore, if we know all usable energy will all run out somedayTherefore, if we know all usable energy will all run out someday, it must, it must’’ve had ve had

a beginning since otherwise, it woulda beginning since otherwise, it would’’ve run out by now. ve run out by now.

If the universe had If the universe had ‘‘no beginningno beginning’’, then it would need an infinite supply of , then it would need an infinite supply of

energy to support it. It doesnenergy to support it. It doesn’’t. t. (just like your car can(just like your car can’’t run forever on a limited t run forever on a limited

supply of gas)supply of gas)



DecayDecay

Radioactive elements are known to decay over time and change intRadioactive elements are known to decay over time and change into other o other

elements elements ((egeg, , uraniumuranium radioactively decays and changes to radioactively decays and changes to leadlead).).

Therefore, if the universe had no beginning, then all the uraniuTherefore, if the universe had no beginning, then all the uranium wouldm would’’ve ve

decayed into lead by now and there would be no uranium left. Thdecayed into lead by now and there would be no uranium left. That hasnat hasn’’t t

happened.happened.

2. DESIGN – The Teleological Argument for GOD


1. Every design had a designer.

2. The Universe has a highly complex design.

3. Therefore, the Universe had a Designer.


Proof forProof for DESIGN DESIGN of Universeof Universe::

G. G. (Gravity)(Gravity)

L. L. (Level of Carbon Dioxide)(Level of Carbon Dioxide)

A. A. (Atmospheric Transparency)(Atmospheric Transparency)

M. M. (Moon(Moon--Earth Gravity)Earth Gravity)

O. O. (Oxygen Level)(Oxygen Level)



G. G. (Gravity)(Gravity)

The force of Gravity in our universe helps life to exist on eartThe force of Gravity in our universe helps life to exist on earth more than just h more than just

keeping things grounded on our planet.keeping things grounded on our planet.

If the If the gravitational forcegravitational force were altered by .000000000000000000000000000 were altered by .000000000000000000000000000

00000000001 percent, the sun would not be able to exist.00000000001 percent, the sun would not be able to exist.

If the sun didnIf the sun didn’’t exist, it naturally follows that neither would we.t exist, it naturally follows that neither would we.



L. L. (Level of Carbon Dioxide)(Level of Carbon Dioxide)

If the COIf the CO22 level on earth were higher, we would all burn up (greenhouse eflevel on earth were higher, we would all burn up (greenhouse effect). fect).

The extra COThe extra CO22 in the atmosphere would prevent the earthin the atmosphere would prevent the earth’’s heat from s heat from

escaping. escaping.

If the level was lower, weIf the level was lower, we’’d all suffocate (photosynthesis). The lower level of d all suffocate (photosynthesis). The lower level of

COCO2 2 would not allow plants to produce enough Oxygen for us to breatwould not allow plants to produce enough Oxygen for us to breathe.he.



A. A. (Atmospheric Transparency)(Atmospheric Transparency)

If the atmosphere were less transparent, not enough of the sunIf the atmosphere were less transparent, not enough of the sun’’s radiation s radiation

would reach the earth. As we all know, we need the sun for lifewould reach the earth. As we all know, we need the sun for life to survive. to survive.

If the atmosphere were more transparent, far too much of the sunIf the atmosphere were more transparent, far too much of the sun’’s radiation s radiation

would pass through and make life impossible.would pass through and make life impossible.



M. M. (Moon(Moon--Earth Interaction)Earth Interaction)

If the gravitational interaction between the earth and moon wereIf the gravitational interaction between the earth and moon were greater, it greater, it

would severely affect the oceans, atmosphere and rotational periwould severely affect the oceans, atmosphere and rotational period of the od of the

earth. earth.

If the gravitational interaction between the earth and moon wereIf the gravitational interaction between the earth and moon were less, it would less, it would

cause changes to the orbits of both the earth and the moon.cause changes to the orbits of both the earth and the moon.

If the moonIf the moon’’s gravity changed, it would either cause the oceans to stagnate,s gravity changed, it would either cause the oceans to stagnate, or or

to spill over onto the continents.to spill over onto the continents.



O. O. (Oxygen Level)(Oxygen Level)

If the Oxygen level on earth were 4% more, fires would suddenly If the Oxygen level on earth were 4% more, fires would suddenly erupt erupt

everywhere and threaten human life.everywhere and threaten human life.

If the Oxygen level on earth were 6% less, we would all suffocatIf the Oxygen level on earth were 6% less, we would all suffocate because of a e because of a

lack of oxygen to breathe.lack of oxygen to breathe.



There are 122 total known There are 122 total known AAnthropicnthropic ConstantsConstants that make life on earth that make life on earth possible.possible.

-- Distance of SunDistance of Sun ‘‘therethere’’s one chance in 1x10s one chance in 1x10138138

that the that the

-- Centrifugal ForceCentrifugal Force universe could exist apart from a universe could exist apart from a Designer.Designer.’’

-- Speed of LightSpeed of Light -- Astrophysicist Hugh Astrophysicist Hugh RossRoss

-- Water Vapor LevelsWater Vapor Levels

-- JupiterJupiter’’s Orbits Orbit (there are 1x 1070 atoms in the entire universe!)

-- Thickness of EarthThickness of Earth’’s Crusts Crust

-- Time of EarthTime of Earth’’s Rotations Rotation

3. ETHICS – The Moral Argument for GOD


1. Every law has a law giver.

2. There is a Moral Law inside all humans.

3. Therefore, there is a Moral Law Giver.


Proof for theProof for the EXISTENCE EXISTENCE of a Moral Lawof a Moral Law::

J. J. (Justice)(Justice)

E. E. (Excuses)(Excuses)

R. R. (Reaction)(Reaction)

U. U. (Undeniable)(Undeniable)

S. S. (Standard)(Standard)



J. J. (Justice)(Justice)

If there were no Moral Law, we wouldnIf there were no Moral Law, we wouldn’’t have any sense of justice or injustice. t have any sense of justice or injustice.

e.g., people everywhere in the world agree that killing innocente.g., people everywhere in the world agree that killing innocent people is people is

unjustunjust..

Those same people will agree that punishing such a murderer Those same people will agree that punishing such a murderer isis justjust. That is, . That is,

itit’’s not just a matter of personal opinion, but of an s not just a matter of personal opinion, but of an absoluteabsolute standard of standard of

justice.justice.

Even the struggle we have of why a good God allows evil and suffEven the struggle we have of why a good God allows evil and suffering in this ering in this

world proves that we have a sense of justice engraved (Moral Lawworld proves that we have a sense of justice engraved (Moral Law) on our ) on our



E. E. (Excuses)(Excuses)

If there were no Moral Law, people wouldnIf there were no Moral Law, people wouldn’’t need to make excuses for their t need to make excuses for their behavior. Why make excuses if no behavior is actually ever wronbehavior. Why make excuses if no behavior is actually ever wrong or g or immoral? immoral?

If we make plans, but break them If we make plans, but break them –– we give an excuse. If we bump into we give an excuse. If we bump into someone, we someone, we

give an excuse. By doing so, we agree that a certain behagive an excuse. By doing so, we agree that a certain behavior is expected vior is expected of us.of us.

Even the plea for Even the plea for ‘‘tolerancetolerance’’ is a subtle admission of an action being wrong. No is a subtle admission of an action being wrong. No one pleads for people to be tolerant of kind, lawone pleads for people to be tolerant of kind, law--abiding citizens. abiding citizens.



R. R. (Reaction)(Reaction)

If there were no Moral Law, then people If there were no Moral Law, then people (who don’t believe in a moral law)

wouldnwouldn’’t react with strong disapproval when you treat them unfairly or t react with strong disapproval when you treat them unfairly or

unjustly? unjustly?

Terrorists may call their actions Terrorists may call their actions ‘‘goodgood’’, but they will change their minds quickly , but they will change their minds quickly

if their if their ownown family, country and home are destroyed by terrorism.family, country and home are destroyed by terrorism.

The Moral Law may not be obvious by the way people The Moral Law may not be obvious by the way people actact, but it certainly , but it certainly

becomes obvious when you watch how people becomes obvious when you watch how people reactreact (to mistreatment).(to mistreatment).



U. U. (Undeniable)(Undeniable)

If there were no Moral Law, then those who deny a moral law woulIf there were no Moral Law, then those who deny a moral law would never insist d never insist

that that theythey have rights or that have rights or that theirtheir life has value? life has value?

The only way a person can ever say that anything is wrong is if The only way a person can ever say that anything is wrong is if they feel they they feel they

have some idea of whathave some idea of what’’s right. Thats right. That’’s admitting a moral law.s admitting a moral law.

If there is no God and matter is all there is, then why is any aIf there is no God and matter is all there is, then why is any action wrong? ction wrong?

Why is it there is no one who will deny that crimes against themWhy is it there is no one who will deny that crimes against them are are

wrong?wrong?



S. S. (Standard)(Standard)

If there were no Moral Law, then we would never judge between twIf there were no Moral Law, then we would never judge between two peopleo people’’s s

ideas of ideas of ‘‘right and wrongright and wrong’’ and say who is actually and say who is actually ‘‘rightright’’? ?

To say one countryTo say one country’’s government or legal system is more corrupt than s government or legal system is more corrupt than

anotheranother’’s, yous, you’’re actually appealing to a higher Moral Law that is the re actually appealing to a higher Moral Law that is the

standard of both.standard of both.

As soon as you say that one personAs soon as you say that one person’’s view of morality is better than the next s view of morality is better than the next

person, you are admitting a standard to which they both are accoperson, you are admitting a standard to which they both are accountable?untable?

4. BIBLE – The Prophetic Argument for GOD


1. No human knows the future.

2. The Bible contains accurate prophecies.

3. Therefore, the Bible is not from a human.

4. BIBLE – The Prophetic Argument for GOD

Proof for Proof for PROPHECIES PROPHECIES in the Biblein the Bible::BIBLE: (25% is prophetic) - fate of nations, messiah’s 1st, 2nd coming, etc.

1] Joshua 6:26 – he who rebuilds Jericho > firstborn will die, then youngest(I Kings 16:34 - 500 yrs. later – Hiel rebuilt Jericho, his firstborn died, then youngest)

2] I Kings 13:2 – a king of Judah named Josiah will burn bones of illegitimate priests on altar(II Kings 23:15-20 - 300 yrs. later – a king of Judah, named Josiah, burned priests’ bones

on altar)

3] Ezekiel 26 - Tyre will be defeated by many nations, stones thrown into sea, city never be the same(250 yrs. later – After Babylon, Greece destroyed city, using stones to build a bridge to island city)

4] Isaiah 14,44,45 – defeat of Babylon, Cyrus’ decree, Rebuilding of Jerusalem and Temple(100 yrs. later – Babylon is defeated by Persia, Cyrus’ decree for Jews to rebuild J’lem)

5] Jeremiah 25 – Judah will be captured by Babylon, Israel will be desolate 70 yrs.(almost 100 yrs. later, Jews return to Israel after captivity and land being desolate 70 yrs.)

6] Daniel 9 – from the decree to rebuild J’lem, 483 yrs will pass until the Messiah is ‘cut off’

(483 yrs. after the decree, Jesus the Messiah is crucified at Calvary outside Jerusalem.)

7] OLD TESTAMENT – at least 73 prophecies of Messiah’s 1st Coming!(at least 430+ yrs. later, all of them fulfilled exactly)

Robert Jastrow (American Astronomer, Physicist) – This is

curiously emotional language for discussion of some mathematical formulas.

I suppose that the idea of a beginning in time annoyed Einstein because of

its theological implications.’

Richard Dawkins (British Biologist) – ‘Biology is the study of

complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a

purpose.’ ‘Biologists must constantly keep in mind that what they see was

not designed, but evolved.’

Biology Professor – ‘Well, Ron, what you say is true and makes a

lot of sense. But I’m going to continue to teach Darwinism anyway.’ ‘It’s

because Darwinism is morally comfortable.’ ‘I mean, if Darwinism is true – if

there is no God and we all evolved from slimy green algae – then I can sleep

with whomever I want. In Darwinism, there’s no moral accountability.’

The BIBLE and Atheism

Romans 1:19,20 - For what can be known about Godabout God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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.

Psalm 14:1 – ‘The foolfool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’

- Not the ignorant, but the ‘foolfool’!

1. He is a foolfool because he knows the universe has a Cause, but he denies it.

2. He is a foolfool because he knows the universe has a Designer, but he denies it.

3. He is a foolfool because he knows there’s a Judge, but he denies it.

4. He is a foolfool because he chooses temporal pleasure instead of eternalpleasure.

Documents

Atheism - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/whitestonecommunitychurch... · 2011-05-25 · HISTORY Since CREATION - people refuse to believe in God. 1500s – the term ‘Atheism’