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WHERE DO WE TURN FOR THE REASONS WE
USE IN OUR DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL? |
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Reason This
approach uses rational arguments to prove God existence. Once this has been established it agues for
Christ and the truthfulness of scripture. This
approach is often called Classical as it typically uses traditional proofs,
such as the cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments, for the
existence of God. These arguments
appeal to reason and not scripture. |
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These
approaches are adapted from Faith Has Its Reasons: An Integrative Approach to
Defending Christianity by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman (Colorado Springs,
Colorado: NavPress, 2001) |
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Evidence This
approach presents the factual information that demonstrates the historical
validity of scripture. The historical
information in scripture is then used to prove Christ’s identity based on the
resurrection and other facts from the past.
The
evidential approach uses many lines of reasoning to make a case for
faith. Some examples of evidence that
can be used are the historical record of the resurrection, the fulfillment of
prophecy, scientific information. |
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Authority of God and Scripture This
approach begins with the truths proclaimed in scripture. All other world views are irrational. The existence of the God of the Bible is
the foundation of all knowledge. Often this
approach is referred to a presuppositional.
It stress that everyone has a set of foundational beliefs
(presuppositions) that they cannot prove.
Bible Christian presuppositions are the only which are consistent and
rational. The use of
a presuppositional approach will often put us on the offensive. |
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Personal Experience of Christ This
approach hold the position that people come to saving faith by experiencing
Jesus Christ. Scripture presents the
story of Christ’s life and the Sprit will use this to bring the unbeliever to
faith. At times
this approach is referred to as fideist or existential. The appeal is more to reasons of the heart
than to any type of argument or evidence.
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