Part One: The Thesis;
The rejection of truth claims made by individuals and or groups is serious by no short order. What we do in rejecting truth claims; is to reject ones identity and their worldview. By doing so, many are left feeling less in regards of their self worth and their implicit meaning in this life. I have seen first hand venomous tongues lashed out of many representing; philosophies, worldviews, religious groups, all to basically to say; I am right and you are wrong. This is commonly the perception of Christianity, and unfortunately it is often warranted.
At the center of this is; the unrelenting idea that we cannot all be right. Even saying that; we cannot all be right, is a truth claim that subjected to its own idea; it is a redundant statement. A perception of this world reveals that there are truths that cannot be denied without consequence.
Many groups may make truth claims that are in an agreement with one another and all may be wrong on that one point. That is not the problem; the problem is when we make statements that are of a contradictory nature with one another.
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This is the case for many differing worldviews; we agree on some issues or doctrines, but we disagree on others.
Unfortunately, what we disagree on is what actually defines us as different. What I want to focus on is the implications of our disagreement in regards to truth. When we disagree, we all cannot be right, one may be right while the other is wrong, and both may be wrong. The world in which we live is maintained by rules; laws that are undeniable, we, therefore; live in a world on a razors edge. The implications of truth in reality define whether or not we exist in a world of laws. I argue that the implications of Christianity in regard to truth are exclusively right in what contradicts other worldviews, and is inclusively right with worldviews whom agree on various points. I do realize that is a bold statement but it is one that is made by all who deny any worldview on account of it disagreeing with their own. I would also like to consider the implications of a right worldview based on truth.
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Part two; An argument against the truth claims of Christianity.
I asked a friend from my adolescence that I presumed to not be a Christian, to write me in regards to why he is not a Christian. I thank Facebook networking site, which has allowed us to connect after a decade of not corresponding. It is interesting how we as individuals are both far removed (as far as I can tell) from what we remembered one another as. He wrote back to me in conversational form with a few points in question in regard to the validity of the Christian faith (attached at end of paper). I will like wise engage in a conversational format, to fit the tone of the friendly argument (I will site some sources for academic integrity). I do contest that if we are to be effective in overcoming these issues we should be able to interact with people without out-sourcing our brains. Michael Ransdem coined a term; conversational apologetics, I like that.
The issues brought up by Ned are not irrelevant, but challenges that Christianity needs to and should address. I will summarize as best I can in two issues that Ned has brought to light in regards to his rejection to the truth claims of Christianity: One; The rejection of the Christian Bible
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as truth, and secondly; the hypocrisy of those whom claim to be followers of Christ.
Ned is now a teacher in California; I am now a pastor in Montana. I would bet that neither one of us would have guessed that we would be where we are. We both come from the same geological region, I would also dare to say that socially he was from a middle-class background, and mine a lower middle-class. He was an alter boy in the Roman Catholic Church (my condolences) as a youth. He has therefore since renounced Christianity for multiple reasons.
My religious experience as a youth was not structured; it was more sporadic to say the least. My earliest memories were of a old backwoods preacher at a church in Hamersville, Ohio screaming, sweating, extremely upset about something, dropping the N** word occasionally, and just really scaring the hell out of me and everyone else in the church. My dad thought he was called to preach and did so occasionally at local churches. I thought it odd how he treated my mom and me, as everyone else thought he was the greatest thing since Billy Graham. After my mom left him, we didn’t have any consistency in regards to a commitment to a particular church.
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I basically grew up a hedonist (even though I didn’t know what I was generalized as at the time), just doing whatever felt good for the
moment. I did once have a youth pastor lead me through the sinner’s prayer and I was baptized thereafter. I really didn’t mean it; I was just manipulated to do it. The guy took interest in me afterwards and sort of tried to take me under his wing. Since I didn’t have a father figure in my life my mom was all for it. A few months later he was convicted for molesting little boys. I hated religion (and still do) from that moment on. Not only was I a hedonist, I was an atheist as well.
Obviously that has changed.
Ned brought up (not formally, but subjectively) two issues that the proponents of Christianity have struggled with. I have touched briefly during my introduction to one of the subjects at hand on the issue of; hypocrisy.
Exhibit A;
Hypocrisy has made its self at home among the church since its conception. I am disgusted by what I read in the news, disgracing acts done by so-called leaders of the church.
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The worst times in church history were during the times that the church had more power and sway in world politics. The countless that have been killed for “heresy”, the greed, lust for power, are things that many have chosen to give a blind eye to for the right price. From my own experience I have seen many calling others to repent of sins of the same sort that the one who was calling was committing or doing worse themselves. In the presence of many “Christians” I have felt uncomfortable, I remember when I was converted we took our children to church as a family and the looks our unruly children would receive would make an alligator cry. The list could go on and on in regards to the dreadful atrocities that have been committed in the name of Christ. I would also add honestly that the hypocrisy that I see in others, I continue to see manifest in my own life.
Exhibit B
Christian Scripture as truth has always come into question for its validity ever since it was taken from the Latin into German, and eventually translated to 3,168 languages (at least portions, the full canon of Scripture has only been translated into 457 different languages).
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I am not trying to play devils advocate, but to agree with the certain aspects of the argument that needs to be addressed. With that being said; I will struggle with this more than the former. The reason is that the biggest issue with Scripture is not Scripture, but with people. Scripture is often maligned and twisted to meet whatever agenda, or need that may arise. I will say that there is not any work of literature in history that has been taken out of context more than the Christian Bible. The failure of Scripture is in the one whom interprets it. As Ned contended; Christians have tried to adapt other myths to fit into Scripture to remain relevant to the culture, a recent example of this; the theory of macroevolution being used by God in creation, as accepted by the Roman Catholics, and some more liberal Protestants.
It is also reasonable to think God contradictory in regards to the relation of the Old and New Testament. It is not uncommon to see God portrayed in the Old Testament as tyrannical, racist, vengeful, as opposed to a God of love, peace, and mercy as portrayed in the New Testament. The canon of Scripture has been debated within the church for the past 2,000 years, and at the same time the church tries to teach absolute truth. So the new skepticism is really an ongoing skepticism.
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Part 3; The other side of the argument.
C.S. Lewis once wrote; that he became the most reluctant convert to Christianity. That was until I came along. My mom bought me a copy of Lewis’ autobiography; Surprised by Joy. She knew I was struggling, I married young, had a child young, and I didn’t like it. I was on a path to destroy three lives, the book sat on my shelf for a year. After contemplating suicide one night I thought about reading my Bible. I hated it and thru it across the room, I noticed the book that my mom had bought me just sitting there. I picked it up and noticed an inscription on the front cover; “I know you love to read, and this book is one I think you will enjoy. Love, mom.” I sat up that night and read that entire book.
I was an existentialist, really influenced by Nietzsche, even though I didn’t know whom he was. I defined myself, I was the means and the end, and anything that prevented me from obtaining happiness must be removed. I was my own deity. Sometime after that; God subjected me to His world, it was a Damascus road experience but without all the experience (I know, doesn’t make sense). I wasn’t seeking, God was. I didn’t want a God, it wasn’t anything in me, but it was something outside of me that made me a Christian. .8
Exhibit A;
Hypocrisy has been a word mostly used in conjunction with Christianity. I would not get much argument with that statement from many skeptics. Why? The reason is; that many that claim to be Christian do not practice what Christianity teaches.
Hypocrisy; if used right is a tool that is of much good use. If Christians are hypocrites it means two things; first it does not take away the truth of the teachings of Christ, because one is contradicting the truth by their actions, so we therefore affirm the sound teaching of Christianity, and secondly; if someone doesn’t look, smell, or act like a Christian, they probably aren’t a Christian. James wrote; But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man that looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” - James 1:22-24.
In the U.S. Christianity has been socially accepted, and many people believe they are Christian by birthright. Statistically; roughly 83% of people in the U.S. when surveyed will say that they are Christian (ABC poll). 9.
Does that mean that those whom fall into that category define what a Christian is when they contradict the teachings of Christ? Do those who profess Christ as Lord define the truth when they don’t live it out? Are those whom commit atrocities in the name of Christ really Christian, if their actions are contrary to the Gospel? If they are not Christian than who is to blame? The individual is. This transcends all religious beliefs; we are responsible for our own actions. Christianity doesn’t commit acts of injustice, people do. Some may say that Christianity influenced them to do it. No it didn’t, not if their actions are contrary to what is commanded. All evil that is manifested comes from the desire of man to be existential. To carve out his existence by what ever means necessary. Enter the Caesars of Rome, the tyrannical leaders of Marxist Russia, Communist China, post Nietzsche Germany. All humanist philosophy, share one trait; they are commonly detrimental to human advancement, because in advancing a few many are destroyed. I do not need to go into detail. Of course many have done horrible things in the name of Christ, but that is not what Christ taught. Many have done horrible things denying an authoritative God.
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By doing these horrible things, denying God in the process; they are living out their worldview to the mark. Since 1973 there have been over 46 million legal abortions done in the U.S. alone. The sanctity of life has been degraded in this country not because of a Christian persuasion, but because of a secular hedonistic worldview that is practiced. Here are the stats1 based on a 1.3 million murder year that is average:
| Gestational Age | Percentage | Yearly Total |
| Less than 9 weeks | 57.9% | 752,700 |
| 9-10 weeks | 20.3% | 263,900 |
| 11-12 weeks | 10.2% | 132,600 |
| 13-15 weeks | 6.2% | 80,600 |
| 16-20 weeks | 4.3% | 55,900 |
| 21+ weeks | 1.5% | 19,500 |
That is the difference between Christianity and any other worldview.
To add in passing, there is not a perfect Christian, and their actions are not always in sync with what Christ taught. True Christians will admit to wrongdoing and repent of it (ask for forgiveness, and turn from the wrong action). The life of a Christian is like a seed germinating; we live in a decaying body being tended to life. A thought to consider; we talk about the consequences of worldview but never the benefit.
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1.prolife action .org
Exhibit B; The validity of Christian Scripture.
Ned wrote; Yet the lack of evidence supporting the Bible is the most glaring reason I am not a Christian. I will take the liberty of saying that this statement includes other references that were made in light of denying the truth claim of scripture. First is the Christian God contradictory? How is He contradictory? Often we consider the Old and New Testament and think that God is speaking from both sides of His proverbial mouth. That is because we come to the Bible with a pretext, and typically take it out of context. Jesus spoke of hell and judgment more than anyone, God in the Old Testament showed mercy to gentiles, and many undeserving people throughout history.
Before the incarnation of Christ, God made a promise to Israel; that from that nation the whole world would be blessed. Through the line of Judah would come the Messiah, Israel was and will be the only theocracy in the history of the world. By whatever means necessary God protected His promise to the world. Understanding the anthropomorphic implications that we have attested to so far; men are evil and corrupt by nature, only the Bible of all literature attests that fact that has been proven over and over by our perception of mankind.
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“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” –Romans 3:11-13.
We also must realize that the God of the Old Testament is the same as the New.
Oral tradition and example was the common practice in conveying information 6,000 years ago just as it is today. I drive on the right side of the road because I have been told to do it orally, and for 16 years I witnessed it being done (obviously this is contingent upon your location). It is written somewhere in a law book to drive on the right side, I already knew it to be so because it was orally passed down from my parents. The Bible commands parents to pass down His word, and if it is His word, and if He is God, through his chosen vessel of blessing (Israel) he has preserved it. Jesus came through the preserved line of Judah, he affirmed the Old Testament by his life fulfilling prophecy (over 300) and by quoting the Old Testament. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament books by quoting out
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of at least 27 of them. In the epistles the apostles quoted the Old Testament 209 times.
Since the 2nd century Christians have had the best resources in regards to ancient manuscripts as opposed to any world religion. Could you name any ancient manuscript that has historical figures in it, and also claims to be directed by God? The characters that we find in the Bible are not fictional, but are attested to blemishes and all. Rahab a prostitute mentioned from the book of Joshua is a direct line to the genealogy of Christ. If this was all borrowed, some one would have cleaned that up a while ago. The Bible never focus on mythical characters, like many books of that era, but on regular guys like you and me. That was extremely uncommon for any books throughout ancient civilization. Hinduism and Buddhism rely on legends that need no grounding in history, many religions deny history, but Christianity embraces it. There are countless artifacts and extra biblical texts that affirm Biblical accounts.
Those whom followed Christ and had a direct link to him physically have acted out the truth claims to the extreme. All of the apostles but John were martyred for their devotion to Christ.
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Christianity didn’t grow from myths centuries after Christ’s ascension, but the next day.
Louis Markos wrote the following; “…the most common critique of the Bible is, simply, that it is full of contradictions. This critique, I have found, is usually made by people who cannot think of one offhand but who “know” the critique is true. As it turns out, when these contradictions are actually listed, they turn out to be few in number, and most can be resolved either by some help from history or archaeology or by a more careful reading of the text.”2
Like wise there may have been influences to Christianity throughout the years, but the core doctrines of the orthodox faith have remained the same. We should also consider the brightest minds in the world have beat against the Bible and have not yet been able to crack it. It remains the number one selling book in the world regardless. One last thought; the Bible was written over a course of two thousand years, 66 books, aprox.37 authors, no contradictions within the context in which it was written. Is there anything else in the known world even close? The Bible claims to be God’s revelation to humanity, and it demands to be our absolute truth.
2 Apologetics for the 21st Century 14.
Conclusion;
There is much more that can be said about the topics that we have just barely touched on during this conversation. One thing that I have hoped to accomplish is that you would realize that Christianity is a tough nut to crack. I would also argue in closing that it is more consistent than any other worldview that man could embrace. Christianity is not a religion it is redemption from religion. Religion is man-centered, Christianity in its pure teachings are God centered. I do agree that self-serving individuals have corrupted it countless times, but it remains true regardless. Knowing Christ is knowing freedom, knowing freedom is knowing truth.
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” –Jesus (John 8:31-32)
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. –C.S. Lewis
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