Apologetics Semester Exam
A few (three) statements that characterize individual relativism are:
"No one can tell me how to live my life." "I am my own authority." "That may be right for you, but it isn't for me."
According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" the task of apologetics is:
"Preparing the listener to be more able to receive the truth of God's Word in the presentation of the saving gospel of Christ."
Relativists deny the existence of absolute truth and live by the mantra, "What's (1)________ for you may not be (2)________ for me, and what's (3)________ for you may not be (4)________ for me." Choose the correct words to fill in each of the four blanks.
(1) true; (2) true; (3) false; (4) false
What are the three questions that you can ask that will help identify hidden assumptions?
"Are there any hidden premises being used?" "What point are you trying to make?" "Why do you believe your point is valid?"
Upon having doubts about whether Jesus is the Son of God, John the Baptist asks a difficult question and then seeks an answer. When he seeks an answer, Jesus gives him an answer. After all of this takes place, what does Jesus say about John the Baptist?
"No greater man than John the Baptist has ever been born of a woman."
What are the six commitments that a Christian must carry out in order to effectively engage the culture?
Commitment to prayer. Commitment to live the Bible by relying on the Holy Spirit. Commitment to evangelism and discipleship. Commitment to build relationships. Commitment to study the Bible. Commitment to study the culture.
What is thematic unity in reference to the Old Testament?
Common themes that run throughout the Old Testament.
What are the earliest manuscripts of the Old Testament that have been found to date?
Dead Sea Scrolls
According to atheists, what happens when you die?
Death is the end of your existence.
Atheists believe that right and wrong are relative to the individual. What is the flaw in this belief?
Everyone believes something different; therefore, there is no such thing as right and wrong.
External evidence is evidence:
from outside the Bible.
Choose the word below that fills in the blank in the following sentence. The Council of ________ (teaching house of rabbis) in 90 A.D. affirmed the Hebrew Old Testament to be Scripture (same OT we use today as Christians).
Jamnia
What is the greatest proof that Jesus is God?
Jesus rising from the dead
The English Old Testament has the same books as the Hebrew Bible, although they are arranged differently. Unlike the English Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible is arranged into three main sections. What are these three sections?
Law Prophets Writings
How can you avoid being "taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit"?
Learn how to separate truths from untruths.
In his final moments on earth, what did Jesus tell his followers to do? (see Matthew 28:18-20)
Make disciples.
"And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."
Mark 13:11
How many miracles did Jesus perform during his ministry?
Over 30
According to finite godists, the source of morality cannot be known for sure and, therefore, humans determine right from wrong. What is the flaw in this belief?
Everyone believes something different; therefore, there is no such thing as right and wrong. For example, one person might say murder is right while another says it's wrong.
50 / 50 pts Choose ten answers that could complete the following statement. If relativism were true, then there would be no:
Fairness Accountability Good or evil Justice Praise Meaningful moral conversations Blame Tolerance Right or wrong Moral improvement
Match each fallacy on the left with the correct definition on the right.
False dilemma Reducing the options you consider to just two. Overgeneralizing Generalizing from too few examples. Non sequitur Drawing a conclusion that does not logically follow the premises. Appeal to the popular Appealing to the emotions of a crowd; also, appealing to a person to go along with the crowd. Circular argument Implicitly using your conclusion as a premise.
Where does panentheism not line up with what we know about God's existence? (Hint: You should choose three answers.)
God is not non-contingent (his existence depends on something else). God is not moral. God is not transcendent (above all).
According to deists, what happens when you die?
God rewards good people and punishes bad people.
Regarding its relationship to truth, the Bible is:
God's revelation of truth to mankind.
On the Day of Atonement, what was the first goat used for?
Had sins of the people confessed over it and was slaughtered as a substitute sacrifice.
On the Day of Atonement, what was the second goat used for?
Had the sins of the people confessed over it and was sent away into the wilderness.
According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" there are three things that the practice of apologetics does. What are these three things?
Helps provide the right to speak the gospel to the crowd. Adds credibility to the speaker. Quiets the objectors.
Peter did preach a sermon on the Day of Pentecost, but the reason for the three thousand conversions should be attributed to the...
Holy Spirit.
When considering the objections to an argument, what question should you ask yourself?
How am I going to defend it?
When constructing the premises to an argument, what question should you ask yourself?
How am I going to prove it?
According to pantheists, what happens when you die?
Humans are reincarnated into a new life.
How many Old Testament prophecies did Jesus fulfill?
Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus.
What do agnostics believe about God?
That we can't be sure whether or not he exists.
What is truth?
That which corresponds to reality.
According to the video in the lesson, what are the two reasons why apologetics is more important now than ever before?
People are more confused than ever before. Because there are more bad ideas in our world than ever before.
According to the article, what is the clearest biblical argument against pantheism?
The countless commands against idolatry.
In the wheat and chaff analogy, chaff is a metaphor for what?
People who are consumed by falsehood.
In the wheat and chaff analogy, wheat is a metaphor for what?
People who live according to truth.
Paul was "appointed for the defense of the gospel."
Philippians 1:16
"The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel."
Phillipians 1:16
"It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel."
Phillipians 1:7
What two practical tips were given to help when choosing a conclusion?
Place the word "therefore" at the beginning of your conclusion. Make sure the conclusion logically flows from your premises
Assertions
Point being made (conclusion).
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Paul states that all humans can know that God exists through what has been made.
Romans 1:20
"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
Romans 8:9
The historicity of the Assyrian king, Sargon (Isaiah 20:1), was called into question for a number of years. What did archaeologists discover in Iraq that confirmed his existence as a historical figure?
Sargon's palace
Choose five possible authorities, mentioned in this lesson, that individuals might appeal to in order to get across their point.
Science Informed professionals Personal experience God Media
What is a worldview?
The invisible lens through which one views the world.
What practical tip was given to help when considering the objections?
Think of counterexamples.
What are the four things that truth does?
Truth gives us a solid foundation to stand upon. Truth explains reality. Truth shows us what is right. Truth corrects us when we are wrong.
What is the definition of societal relativism?
Truth is relative to the individual within the society that he/she lives.
According to Dr. Norman Geisler in the lesson video, what is truth? (Choose three answers.)
Truth is that which matches its object. Truth is that which corresponds to reality Truth is telling it like it is.
Jeremiah 7:28
Truth perishes in the nation that does not obey God's voice.
"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
1 Corinthians 12:13
Paul appeals to eyewitness testimony as proof of Jesus' resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
"This is my defense to those who would examine me."
1 Corinthians 9:3
"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."
1 Peter 3:15
What is the most well-known verse in the field of apologetics?
1 Peter 3:15
Which New Testament verse is most commonly associated with Christian apologetics?
1 Peter 3:15
Five Worldview Influences
1) Parental Training 2) Media 3) Friends/Peers 4) Education 5) Religion
The Old Testament was written over a period of approximately _______ years.
1,100
Judges 17:6
When there was no king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Match the worldview questions on the left with the correct summary of each on the right.
Where did you come from? Question about origin. What is your purpose in life? Question about meaning. What do you believe about right and wrong? Question about morality. What happens when you die? Question about destiny.
How many books are in the English Old Testament? How many authors?
39 books; around 30 authors
Consider the objections (consider whether the walls will hold the roof).
3rd
Modern Old Testament translations closely resemble the text of the Dead Sea Scrolls. To what percentage do modern OT translations resemble the text of the Dead Sea Scrolls? Where are the differences found?
95% - differences in spelling and grammar
How similar is the modern Old Testament to the Dead Sea Scrolls? What are the main differences?
95% - spelling and grammar
What is a fallacy?
A flaw in reasoning.
What is a "truth claim"? (Choose two answers below.)
A hypothesis that hasn't yet been verified by logic, evidence and experience. A statement that a particular person or belief system holds to be true.
What time period was the Old Testament written over?
About 1,100 years
Paul finds common ground with his audience, argues based on facts that could be investigated, and states that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity.
Acts 17:22-34
"Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."
Acts 22:1
"I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him."
Acts 25:16
If a Christian isn't able to provide a well thought-out response when asked a difficult question about his/her faith, what is likely to happen?
All of the other answers are correct
How can you be sure that an authority is informed? Choose all correct answers.
See if the authority is up-to-date with current trends and studies. See if the authority has conducted any related research studies. See if the authority has published any related books or articles.
and [ Select ] evidence are the two types of evidence that can be studied to help a person determine whether or not the Bible is reliable.
Answer 1: Internal Answer 2: external
According to the article, deists picture God as the great " clockmaker " who created the clock , wound it up, and let it go.
Answer 1: clockmaker Answer 2: clock
According to the video about polytheism, in polytheism there are many finite (limited) gods that rule over different realms/areas (sun god, moon god, god of the ocean, god of the harvest, and others.).
Answer 1: finite (limited) Answer 2: gods
"Arguing means to give [ Select ] for or against something with the purpose of [ Select ] someone's opinion about what is ______ or what should be done in a particular situation."
Answer 1: reasons Answer 2: changing Answer 3: true
The Old Testament was written over a period of approximately 1,100 years, from about 1500 - 400 B.C.
Answer 1:1500 Answer 2:400
After the initial discovery was made in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy, archaeologists uncovered over [ Select ] ["2,500", "1,900", "9,000", "900"] manuscripts in [ Select ] ["4", "39", "21", "11"] different caves, some which dated as far back as 200 B.C. These manuscripts came to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Answer 1:900 Answer 2:11 Answer 3:200
________make unbelievers think; __________ changes their hearts and minds."
Answer 1:Apologetics Answer 2:the Spirit
___________ apologetics involves knowing what questions those who oppose Christianity might ask and how to _________them.
Answer 1:Defensive Answer 2:answer
"The author of logic is______. Logic is______ and_______thinking."
Answer 1:God Answer 2:direct Answer 3:clear
According to Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than men ."
Answer 1:God Answer 2:men
_________ apologetics involves going on the _________ by seeking out those who oppose Christianity.
Answer 1:Offensive Answer 2:attack
Paul understands that his responsibility, and the responsibility of his fellow believers, is to "destroy arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Answer 1:arguments Answer 2:opinions
"Lots of times individuals make______and disguise them as_____
Answer 1:assertions Answer 2:arguments
Complete the following statement from the video: "Faulty [ Select ] will invariably lead to faulty [ Select ]
Answer 1:assumptions Answer 2:conclusions
A worldview plays a major role in what a person believes and, subsequently, how a person acts ( lives his or her life).
Answer 1:believes Answer 2:acts Answer 3:lives
The apostle Paul, in the 1st century A.D., stated that the Old Testament had been " [ Select ] ["sought", "breathed", "written", "head"] out by [ Select ] ["humans", "angels", "God", "man"] ."
Answer 1:breathed Answer 2:God
"Arguments are either correct or incorrect . They are never a matter of ' opinion .'"
Answer 1:correct Answer 2:incorrect Answer 3:opinion
"You can't _________truth without _________ it." For example, if someone says, "I don't think truth is telling it like it is," you could respond by asking, "Did you just tell it like it is?" Of course, the answer to this question is, "Yes, they did tell it like it is." Simply put, their statement disproves itself.
Answer 1:deny Answer 2:affirming
"Arguing doesn't have to involve [ Select ] or the usage of [ Select ] words."
Answer 1:fighting Answer 2:angry
"Fallacies are flaws in reasoning ."
Answer 1:flaws Answer 2:reasoning
Romans 2:14-16 suggests that the objective moral law comes from the ultimate Lawgiver, who is God, and that he has written this law onto the [ Select ] [ and into the [ Select ] of every human being that has ever lived.
Answer 1:heart Answer 2:conscience
When humans argue over right and wrong, they appeal to a [ Select ] moral law that they assume everyone is [ Select ] of, [ Select ] to, and cannot change .
Answer 1:higher Answer 2:aware Answer 3:holds Answer 4:change
What is the difference between "objectivity" and "subjectivity"? Objectivity is [ Select ] of people's opinions whereas subjectivity is [ Select ] on people's opinions.
Answer 1:independent Answer 2:dependent
Judges 17:6 says, "In those days there was no [ Select ] in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own [ Select ]
Answer 1:king Answer 2:right Answer 3:eyes
"Greeks used the term 'disciple' for one who studied the [ Select ] and (Select)t , as well as the [ Select ] of a teacher."
Answer 1:life Answer 2:conduct Answer 3:teaching
Why do Christians not celebrate the Day of Atonement annually?
Because Jesus atoned for the sins of the world once and for all.
Unlike Jews, why do Christians not celebrate the Passover?
Because Jesus is the Passover Lamb; you can celebrate him every day.
Why is a worldview important?
Because it affects every area of a person's life.
Why is it that the objective moral law that exists cannot be the product of humans?
Because it would be as different as everything else humans have invented.
Why isn't God the source of morality within polytheism?
Because there are so many gods, and each one can potentially have different morals.
What is one of the keys (mentioned in this lesson) to identifying what authority a person is appealing to?
Being informed of different types of authorities beforehand.
According to this lesson, if the argument the person is making seems unclear, there are two questions that you should ask to help you determine what argument is actually being presented. What are these two questions?
Why do you believe your point is valid? What point are you trying to make?
Who first used the watchmaker argument in an effort to prove that all things are the product of a designer, including the universe?
William Paley
Christians must be prepared at all times to present a compelling case for the claims of Christianity. According to 1 Peter 3:15, how should this case be presented?
With gentleness and respect.
What happens when you learn how to separate truths from untruths? (Choose the answer that best answers this question.)
You can begin living according to Christ, who is the truth.
Agnostics believe that you can't know anything for sure. What is the flaw in this belief?
You have to know something for sure to know that you can't know something for sure, which is a contradiction.
According to panentheists, what happens when you die?
You live forever in God's cosmic memory; it can either be a good or bad memory depending on how you lived your life.
Some pantheists believe that your very existence is an illusion. What is the flaw in this belief?
You must exist to say that you don't exist, which is a contradiction.
Nahum prophesied that the Assyrian capital, Nineveh, would be destroyed by who or what?
fire
The history of the Greek word apologia can be traced back to:
first-century courts of law
According to the world's view of truth, truth...(choose all applicable answers)
Changes frequently. Is relative. Is constructed by man's ideas. Is unknowable.
According to the article, "Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church" by the Barna Group, what are the six reasons young Christians leave church after age fifteen?
Churches come across as antagonistic to science. The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt. They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity. Churches seem overprotective. Young Christians' church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental. Teens' and twentysomethings' experience of Christianity is shallow.
According to the notes, the word ________ presents a better picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
zealot
According to polytheists, who determines right from wrong?
humans
Problem 2: Fill in the blank in the following sentence: "There is no such thing as an ________ law."
immoral
Finite godists believe that God is:
imperfect finite (limited) impotent (not all-powerful) not the source of morality
According to the article, deism is the view that God exists, but that he is not directly ________ with the world.
involved
Apologetics can be both...
offensive and defensive
What type of apologetics is 2 Corinthians 10:5 associated with? Second Corinthians 10:5 commands Christians to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."
offensive apologetics
According to the video, finite godists believe that God is limited in both his power and goodness .
power goodness
"Jesus never calls anyone to make an illogical decision about his or her eternity. Rather, throughout the four Gospels, Jesus appeals to __________and presents compelling _________for what he taught to every sincere seeker."
reason evidence
Problem 3: Fill in the blank in the following sentence: "Those who have tried to ________ corrupt societies are actually criminals of the worst kind."
reform
Individual relativism is the belief that individuals determine what is...
right
Everyone appeals to some sort of authority in order to "________ it."
settle
Problem 1: Fill in the blank in the following sentences: "There is more than one ________ in our world. How are we to know which one we should obey?"
society
What do arguments rise and fall on? In other words, what makes them or breaks them?
the premises
Regarding his relationship to truth, God is:
the standard of truth. the embodiment of truth. the source of truth.
After archaeologists conducted a number of digs in the mid-1900s in Jericho, they found four key things that verified the historical events of the Joshua 6 account of the destruction of this city. What are these four key things?
the walls were leveled the city was burned the siege was short the city was once strongly fortified
The central idea of individual relativism is: One person's view of ________ is no truer or better than another person's view of ________; therefore, one person cannot look down upon another person. (Same word fills both blanks.)
truth
Choose the list of words below (in order) that fill in the missing blanks in the following sentence: "A person's view of _______ influences their _______, and their _______ influence their _______."
truth, beliefs, beliefs, actions
What is the definition of "apologetics"?
well-reasoned reply
Apologetics is not...(choose all correct answers)
winning an argument at all costs apologizing for your faith relying solely upon your faith
In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are commanded to be prepared to make a defense for their Christian beliefs at all times. According to this verse, what are the two ways that Christians should go about doing this?
with gentleness with respect
A person's __________plays a major role in how he or she views truth.
worldview
What would happen if the 23-degree axial tilt of the earth were altered?
Temperatures on earth would be too extreme for life.
What were the six apologetic tactics that Jesus used in his ministry?
Testimony Miracles Prophecy Discourse Parables Reason
What is ancient testimony in regards to the Old Testament?
Testimony from outside the Old Testament that affirms it to be Scripture.
What do atheists believe about God?
That he doesn't exist.
What is the most important question that a person could ever ask?
What is truth?
Authorities
What or whom does the person appeal to in order to "settle it"?
Argument
"Everything that begins to exist has a cause. The universe began to exist. Therefore, the universe has a cause."
How should a Christian respond to the statement, "We can't know anything for sure"?
"How do you know that for sure?"
How should you respond to the following statement? "You can't know anything for sure."
"How do you know that you can't know anything for sure?"
What are some common responses that Christians give when they are confronted with difficult questions?
"If we knew the answer to every question then we wouldn't need God, right?" "His (God's) ways are higher than our ways." "I don't know the answer to that question, but I just have to have faith in God." "Even if I don't understand, I just have to trust in Jesus."
How should you respond to the following statement? "There are no absolutes."
"Is that absolutely true?"
Argument
"The Bible has contradictions and unbelievable stories. Therefore, it is a book of myths."
Assertion
"The Bible is a book of myths."
Assertion
"The universe has a cause."
The authors of the Old Testament books believed what they were writing was, indeed, from God. A particular phrase was used over 400 times from Genesis to Malachi to prove this. What was this phrase?
"Thus says the Lord"
How should you respond to the following statement? "Who are you to say?"
"Who are you to say, 'Who are you to say?'"
How should you respond to the following statement? "You shouldn't force your morality on me."
"Why not?"
The stone found in Tel Dan had what phrase engraved on it?
"house of David"
The video lists eight reasons why we can conclude that Jesus is the Passover Lamb (fulfillment of the Passover). Identify seven of these reasons below.
1. Passover lamb had to be male; Jesus was male .2. Passover lamb offered up annually; Jesus was offered up once and for all. 3. Passover lamb had to be the firstborn; Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. 4. Passover lamb had to be without blemish; Jesus was without blemish. 5. Passover lamb was offered up right outside the city; Jesus was offered up right outside the city. 6. Passover lamb had to be from God; Jesus was from God. 7. Passover lamb was offered up around 3pm; Jesus was offered up around 3pm (crucifixion). 8. Passover lamb could have no bones broken; Jesus had no bones broken when he died on the cross.
How many billion stars are there in the Milky Way galaxy? What is the average distance between each star?
100 billion; 30 trillion miles
About how many years came between these two events: 1) Isaiah's prophecy about God opening up the gate to Babylon for Cyrus, and 2) Cyrus and his army entering Babylon and conquering it?
150 years
Choose the conclusion (choose your roof).
1st
One responsibility of Christians is to "destroy arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God."
2 Corinthians 10:5
"For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter."
2 Corinthians 7:11
"At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!"
2 Timothy 4:16
If the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere were any higher, fires would continually erupt; if it were any lower, humans would suffocate. What percentage of the atmosphere does oxygen make up?
21%
How many Old Testament books did Jesus quote from? While walking on the road to Emmaus alongside two men, what did Jesus say every Old Testament book was about?
24; himself
Construct the premises (construct your walls).
2nd
About how many authors are there for the 39 Old Testament books?
30
According to the article, "Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church" by the Barna Group, what percentage of young Christians leave the church after age fifteen?
59%
What is the definition of an assumption?
A statement that is assumed to be true.
Romans 1:20 says, "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." Because of what has been ________(effect), all humans have the ability to perceive that there is a divine _____________(cause).
Answer 1:made Answer 2:Maker
The popular phrase, "Christians are in the world but not of the world," should be revised to say, "Christians are not [ Select ] the world but [ Select ] into it."
Answer 1:of Answer 2:sent
According to the article, panentheism is essentially a combination of theism and pantheism .
Answer 1:theism Answer 2:pantheism
"Christians are to keep themselves [ Select ] ["unstained", "removed", "away", "separate"] from the culture, not [ Select ] ["change", "call", "remove", "correct"] themselves from it."
Answer 1:unstained Answer 2:remove
An individual's view of truth shapes everything about them.
Answer 1:view Answer 2:truth
For a number of years, skeptical historians doubted whether Nehemiah rebuilt the walls in Jerusalem after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. In 2007, archaeologists confirmed the historicity of this event when they uncovered the very thing that Nehemiah actually rebuilt.
Answer 1:walls Answer 2:Jerusalem
When attempting to understand how arguments work, think of a house. The premises are like the_______whereas the conclusion is like the_____
Answer 1:walls Answer 2:roof
A watch implies a __________. Likewise, an intricately designed universe requires a ______ .
Answer 1:watchmaker Answer 2:Designer
The principle of cause and effect is a philosophical concept that seeks to explain the relation between an event (cause) and a second event (effect). Perhaps the simplest way to define this philosophical concept is: An effect explains ________has happened whereas a cause explains __________ it has happened.
Answer 1:what Answer 2:why
"Apologetics involves knowing [ Select ] you believe [ Select ] you believe."
Answer 1:why Answer 2:what
Fill in the blanks in the following verse: "I do not ask that you take them out of the [ Select ] , but that you keep them from the [ Select ] one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [ Select ] them in the truth ; your word is (select). As you sent me into the world, so I have [ Select ] them into the world" (John 17:15-18).
Answer 1:world Answer 2:evil Answer 3:Sanctify Answer 4:truth Answer 5:sent
Identify the hidden assumption in the following statement: "If God existed, then I should be able to see him."
Anything that a person cannot see must not exist.
According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" what is the relationship between apologetics and evangelism?
Apologetics prepares the listener for the gospel message whereas evangelism is the presentation of the gospel message.
Match each fallacy on the left with the correct definition on the right.
Appeal to pity Appealing to pity as an argument for special treatment. Appeal to force Appeal to violence. Appeal to tradition Assuming that something must be true because it has always been done a particular way. Appeal to ignorance Arguing that a claim is true just because it has not shown to be false. Ad hominem Attacking the person rather than the argument he/she is presenting.
What is likely the most effective strategy to use when it comes to uncovering hidden assumptions?
Ask lots of questions.
What are the "three A's" of critical thinking?
Assumptions Arguments Authorities
What are the five key elements of assumptions?
Assumptions are usually not stated verbally. Assumptions are statements that are assumed to be true. Assumptions are present within all arguments. Assumptions are what's being "smuggled" in. Assumptions can be either good or bad.
What are the first three steps that Dr. Bobby Conway suggests that individuals should take to get involved in apologetics?
Build relationships with unbelievers. Look for ways to share the gospel with unbelievers. Find answers to questions that unbelievers have.
Matthew 7:24-27
Build your house (life) upon the rock (absolute truth) or else it will collapse when the storms come.
Matthew 7:24-27
Build your house (life) upon the rock (truth) or else it will collapse when the storms come.
How can you prove that an objective moral law does, in fact, exist?
By examining the most basic laws of every country throughout the world.
According to Jesus in John 18:28-40, how can we know the truth?
By listening to his (Jesus') voice.
How could each Israelite family avoid the tenth plague while in Egypt?
By placing the blood of an unblemished animal above the doorpost to their house.
What is the single most important intellectual skill you could ever master?
Critical thinking
What eight practical tips were given to help when constructing the premises?
Cross-check sources. Start with reliable premises Use more than one example. Cite your sources. Be concrete, clear, and concise. List your premises in logical order. Use the internet with caution. Appeal to authorities.
How does deism fit with what we have learned about God's existence?
Deists believe that God isn't personal or engaged. Therefore, deism is an errant worldview.
Agnostics believe that right and wrong are relative to the individual. What is the flaw in this belief?
Everyone believes something different; therefore, there is no such thing as right and wrong.
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:13-14
When they were found, the Dead Sea Scrolls contained verses from every book of the Old Testament except for one. Which book is this?
Esther
What are the three primary reasons Christians should be trained in apologetics? In other words, what are the three things that apologetics do?
Evangelize unbelievers Engage culture Equip believers
More specifically, what does an individual's worldview impact?
Every answer listed.
Identify four common themes that run throughout the Old Testament books.
Every book points to Jesus. God desires to bless his people. Sins must be atoned for. God uses those who aren't necessarily qualified.
Panentheists, like the worldviews you have already studied, believe that right and wrong are relative to the individual. In other words, they believe that something might be right in one person's eyes while wrong in another person's eyes. What is the flaw in this belief?
Everyone believes something different; therefore, there is no such thing as right and wrong. For example, one person might say murder is right while another says it's wrong.
Pantheists believe that right and wrong are merely illusions. Ultimately, it's up to humans to decide how they will live their lives. What is the flaw in this belief?
Everyone believes something different; therefore, there is no such thing as right and wrong. For example, one person might say murder is right while another says it's wrong.
Who has a worldview?
Everyone.
What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state?
Everything tends towards disorder, including the universe.
What is the first premise in the cause and effect argument for God's existence?
Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
Of the two premises in the cause and effect argument for God's existence, skeptics are most likely to challenge the second premise. What five points (all from science) back the second premise up (The universe began to exist)?
Expanding universe Radiation echo Second Law of Thermodynamics Galaxy seeds Einstein's theory of General Relativity
In 200-300 words, explain how you could use apologetics within your own life. Focus on the four places discussed in this lesson.
Fluff this; 4 topics: Family, Church, School, Job.
Arguments
Give supporting reasons (premises) for point being made (conclusion).
According to the video What is Pantheism, "Pantheism means all is ________, and ________ is all." (Hint: Both blanks should be filled in with the same word.)
God
Within the monotheistic view, who is the source of morality?
God
What does Isaiah 40:25-26 say?
God created all the stars and knows each by name.
What do monotheists say about the beginning of the universe?
God created all things from nothing; he has always existed.
What do deists believe about the universe's beginning?
God created all things. Before anything existed, God existed.
In what two languages was the Old Testament originally written?
Hebrew Aramaic
In 100-150 words, explain the importance of having a proper worldview.
Having a proper worldview is incredibly important as it directly influences a person's actions. This means it is critical that you have a correct worldview and not a flawed one. Not only is this important to one's self, but it will also affect those around a person. If you are in a position of influence, or in any kind of position where people look up to you, it is vital that you set a good example for them to follow. This is especially important when it comes to children, more specifically your own if you have them. Teaching them a proper worldview in life is very important to their growth and success later on.
Throughout his sermon in Acts 2, Peter presents three pieces of evidence in order to convince his listeners that Jesus is God. What are the three pieces of evidence that Peter appeals to?
He appeals to eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection as proof that he was God. He appeals to the miracles of Jesus as proof that he was from God. He appeals to fulfilled prophecy as proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
During Paul's sermon in Greece to the people at Mars Hill, he used the following apologetic tactics:
He found common ground with his audience. He stated that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity. He argued based on facts that could be investigated.
Identifying hidden assumptions in arguments can be difficult at times. What five tips were mentioned that might help you in this task?
Identify the reasons (premises) that the person gives to prove the main point. Look for hidden reasons (premises). Listen very carefully. Ask lots of questions. Identify the main point (conclusion) that the person is trying to make.
The Massoretes also had strict guidelines relating to how they copied the Old Testament Scriptures. Identify three of these guidelines below.
If a copy did not agree exactly with the original, it was destroyed. They knew the number of times each letter of the alphabet appeared in each book. Counted number of words and letters in each book and also calculated the middle word and middle letter.
The Talmudists had strict guidelines relating to how they copied the Old Testament Scriptures. Identify six of these guidelines below.
If a king addressed the copyist while he was writing the name of God, he was to ignore the king. The copyist could not have facial hair of any kind. Nothing, not even a part of a letter, could be written from memory. Each line had to be 30 letters long. The copyist had to wear specific clothes and follow certain rules about bathing. bes could be worn while copying. Each page of the codex must have the same number of columns (48 lines long each).
Match the verses on the right with the corresponding statements on the left.
If we abide in God's Word, then we will know the truth and it will set us free. John 8:31-32 Like the Bereans, we should search for truth daily. Acts 17:10-11 Jesus is full of truth. John 1:14 Jesus is the Truth. John 14:6 If what we believe to be true doesn't affect the way we live our lives, then we do not really believe it. 1 John 1:5-10 We should rely upon God when making decisions and he will direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 The person who places his trust in humans is like a shrub in the desert that withers away, but the person who places his trust in God is like a tree planted by water that flourishes. Jeremiah 17:5-9 When we are unsure about a looming decision, we should ask God for direction and he will give it to us. James 1:5 We must speak the truth in a loving way. Ephesians 4:15 We should make disciples by teaching the truth of the gospel people all over the world. Matthew 28:18-20 We should be witnesses to the truth to the uttermost parts of the earth. Acts 1:8
According to the Word's definition of truth, truth:
Is absolute. Is knowable. Endures forever. Is universal. Never changes.
What should you ask someone who makes the statement: "Absolute truth doesn't exist"?
Is that absolutely true?
What two questions should you ask yourself when seeking to determine whether or not an authority is consistent?
Is the authority consistent or are contradictions present? Is the authority trustworthy?
When an individual appeals to an authority, you should ask yourself the following five questions:
Is the authority credible? Is the authority informed? Do all equal authorities agree? Is the authority impartial? What authority is being appealed to?
Arguments
Is the person's argument valid or invalid?
According to this lesson, there are three primary questions that should be asked to help you better analyze an argument. What are these three questions?
Is there any evidence to support the premises, or are they merely assumptions? Does the argument contain fallacies? What argument is being presented?
What are the three questions that we can ask to help determine whether or not something is true?
Is there evidence for it? Does it work in real life? Does it make sense?
How does agnosticism fit with what we have learned about God's existence?
It doesn't fit at all. Agnosticism is an errant worldview.
How does atheism fit with what we have learned about God's existence?
It doesn't fit at all. Atheism is an errant worldview.
How does finite godism fit with what we have learned about God's existence?
It doesn't fit at all. Finite godism is an errant worldview.
How does pantheism fit with what we know about God?
It doesn't fit at all. Pantheism is an errant worldview.
How does polytheism fit with what we have learned about God's existence?
It doesn't fit at all. Polytheism is an errant worldview.
Why is it so important to be able to identify fallacies within arguments?
It gives you the upper hand.
What are the two ways that being trained in the area of apologetics equips believers to carry out the disciple-making task of Matthew 28:18-20?
It helps you keep the faith throughout seasons of doubt and difficulty. Knowing why you believe something pays huge dividends when you are attempting to share what you believe with others.
What does the Prologue to Ecclestiacus state about the Old Testament?
It is to be divided into three parts; these are the same parts the Hebrew Bible is divided into.
At the time of Jesus, Jews were using the same Old Testament that we use today as Christians. What first century Jewish historian helped us to make this connection?
Josephus
If we can determine that the Old Testament is reliable, what are the only two options left on our list of possible true world religions? Remember, only one world religion can be true since each has exclusive claims (claims that are unique to each world religion).
Judaism Christianity
What three world religions are monotheistic (believe in only one God)?
Judaism Islam Christianity
Although the writers of the Old Testament books came from various walks of life, choose four different occupations below that Old Testament writers held.
Judge Prophet King Leader
John 3:19-21
Light (Truth) exposes evil works and affirms good works.
Jesus affirmed the three sections of the Hebrew Bible as Scripture in which New Testament verse?
Luke 24:44
"________ is now the world's main means of communication."
Multimedia
What are the two qualifications that an individual must have before using apologetics?
Must be Spirit-filled. Must be saved.
Why is it important to identify hidden assumptions?
Oftentimes hidden assumptions cannot support the conclusion.
According to the notes, who is a great example in Scripture of a "zealot"?
Paul
You have just been introduced to the design argument for God's existence. What does Premise 1 state? Premise 2? What about the conclusion?
Premise 1 Every design has a designer. Premise 2 The universe is designed. Conclusion The universe has a Designer.
Match the moral argument premises and conclusion on the left with the correct statements on the right.
Premise 1 Objective moral laws imply a moral lawgiver. Premise 2 There is an objective moral law. Conclusion There is a Moral Lawgiver.
What did Peter say about Old Testament prophets/prophecy in 2 Peter 1:21?
Prophecy came from God.
Match each fallacy on the left with the correct definition on the right.
Red herring Introducing an irrelevant or secondary subject and thereby diverting attention from the main subject. Fallacy of division Assuming that what is true of the part is true of the whole. Straw man Making a very weak argument so that no one will agree with its conclusion. Fallacy of equivocation Using the same term in an argument in different places, although the word has different meanings. Cause and effect Assuming that the effect is related to the cause because the events occur together.
When it comes to how truth is viewed, there are two main camps in which nearly all people reside. What are these two camps? (Choose the two answers below.)
Relative truth Absolute truth
Correctly identify the eight problems with individual relativism.
Relativists can't complain about being mistreated. Relativists can't make the claim, "That's not fair." Relativists can't improve upon their morality. Relativists can't hold meaningful discussions about morality. Relativists can't place blame or accept prais Relativists can't say, "You're wrong!" Relativists can't call something "good" or "bad." Relativists can't say, "You need to stop being intolerant of other views!"
What is individual relativism?
Right and wrong are determined by individuals.
Match each fallacy on the left with the correct definition on the right
Slippery slope A small first step leads to a string of related events that ultimately culminate in a major event. Guilt by association Rejecting an argument or claim because the person proposing it likes someone whom is disliked by another. Poisoning the well Presenting negative information about a person before he/she speaks so as to discredit the person's argument. Genetic fallacy Attempting to endorse or disqualify a claim because of the origin or irrelevant history of the claim. Special pleading (double standard) Applying a standard to another that is different from a standard applied to oneself.
What is the difference between societal relativism and individual relativism, especially since societies consist of individuals?
Societal relativism determines right and wrong by what the majority says; individual relativism determines right and wrong by what each person says.
What does the scientific Law of Causality state?
Something cannot come from nothing.
What is the definition of relative truth?
Something that is not necessarily true for all people, in all places, and at all times.
What is the definition of absolute truth?
Something that is true for all people, in all places, and at all times.
What two prophecies does Jeremiah make in Jeremiah 25:11-12?
The Israelites would endure Babylonian captivity for 70 years. Babylon would be punished/destroyed.
What happens if you discover the cited authority is impartial and unbiased?
The argument is strengthened.
What happens if you discover that the cited authority is biased and partial?
The argument is weakened and begins to collapse.
What happens when a person cites a particular authority to back up the point he is trying to make, but after doing some research yourself, you discover that not all equal authorities agree?
The argument is weakened and begins to collapse.
When seeking to determine whether or not an authority is credible, the two things that you should check are:
The authority's credentials and consistency.
When the ancient city of Nineveh was discovered in the mid-1800s by archaeologists, what did they find?
The city was destroyed by fire, just like the Bible stated.
Matthew 7:13-14
The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction; the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.
What is the second premise in the cause and effect argument for God's existence?
The universe began to exist.
What is the conclusion of the cause and effect argument for God's existence?
The universe has a cause.
How do panentheists explain the origin of the universe?
The universe is eternal.
What is the most foundational reason why Christian's life turned out so differently than Skeptic's life?
Their view of truth was different.
What is the main belief of polytheism?
There are many gods.
According to atheists, what is the purpose of life?
There is no real purpose, although humans sometimes try to give it purpose.
What do agnostics say the purpose of life is?
There is no real purpose, although humans sometimes try to give it purpose.
According to the articles on monotheism, monotheism is the belief that...
There is one God in all places at all times.
Who is perhaps the most famous founding father of the United States of America that believed in deism?
Thomas Jefferson
What are the three problems with societal relativism?
Those who have tried to reform corrupt societies are criminals. There is no such thing as an immoral law. There is more than one society in the world; how does an individual know which one to obey?
What are the five ways that truth is revealed by God?
Through creation In the conscience. In the person of Jesus Christ. By the Holy Spirit. Through the Word of God.
According to John 18:28-40, what is the reason that Jesus came into the world?
To bear witness to the truth.
Why is the primary reason that Jesus used apologetics?
To defend his claims to be the Son of God.
What is the significance of being able to prove that the Passover and the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament find fulfillment in Jesus Christ in the New Testament?
We come closer to being able to conclude that Christianity is true.
What are the six response to truth as discussed in this lesson?
We should continually seek truth. We should allow truth to determine the way we live our lives. We should boldly proclaim truth. We should rely upon truth when making decisions. We should cherish truth above all else. We should confront those who are living in opposition to truth.
When choosing the conclusion to an argument, what question should you ask yourself?
What am I trying to prove?
Review: The five questions that you should ask yourself to help determine whether or not a particular authority strengthens or weakens an argument are:
What authority is being appealed to? Is the authority credible? Is the authority impartial? Is the authority informed? Do all equal authorities agree?
What are the four worldview questions?
What happens when you die? What is your purpose in life? Where did you come from? What do you believe about right and wrong?
When seeking to determine whether or not an authority's credentials are credible, what four questions should you ask yourself?
What is the authority's current position? In what field is the authority an expert, if any? What is the authority's educational background? Is the authority respected by others in their field?
Assumptions
What is the person smuggling into the conversation, usually without stating it?
When you give an argument, you will inevitably make certain assumptions. That being said, assumptions should be made with caution. What are four things that you can do to make sure your assumptions do not discredit the argument you are trying to make?
You must test the assumptions to see if they are valid. You should try to use assumptions that your audience is going to agree with. You must be aware of the assumptions you are making. You must be prepared to defend your assumptions if someone inquires about them.
If taken to its logical end, relativism leads to ________.
anarchy
The English word "apologetics" comes from which Greek word?
apologia
A building, much like the Empire State Building, requires an ________. Similarly, a designed universe requires a Designer.
architect
You find yourself listening to an argument about the intelligence of various dog breeds, when the person making the argument states, "According to the Animal Planet, the German Shepherd is the smartest dog on earth." After doing a bit of research yourself, you find that the American Kennel Club says the Border Collie is the smartest dog. Because not all equal authorities agree, the argument in favor of the German Shepherd being the smartest dog:
begins to collapse.
If truth cannot be known, then the truth claims of all religions ________ ________ ________.
cannot be investigated.
Choose four answers to complete the following statement. According to individual relativists, truth...
changes frequently. is unknowable. is constructed by man's ideas. is different for every person.
Internal evidence is evidence:
contained within the pages of the Bible.
What is societal relativism also referred to as?
cultural relativism
"Christians are just as much a part of their __________ as anyone else."
culture
What type of apologetics is Philippians 1:7 and 1 Peter 3:15 associated with? Philippians 1:7 says, "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." First Peter 3:15 states, "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."
defensive apologetics
Truth cannot be invented; it must be ________.
discovered
A worldview is the invisible [ Select ] through which one views the [ Select ] .
lens world
A simple rule of thumb to follow in arguments is this: If anyone gets angry, the Christian ________.
loses
Based on our study of the seven main worldviews, which one best fits with what we know about God?
monotheism
From birth until the age of eighteen, individuals learn from their _____ . Thus, ______ training is one of the most significant worldview influences.
parents parental
