skepticism. skepticism: “1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all knowledge must always be...

SKEPTICISMSKEPTICISM

Skepticism:Skepticism:

““1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all 1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all knowledge must always be in question and knowledge must always be in question and that inquiry must be a process of doubting.that inquiry must be a process of doubting.

2. a skeptical or doubting attitude or state of 2. a skeptical or doubting attitude or state of mind.mind.

3. doubt or disbelief with regard to the 3. doubt or disbelief with regard to the doctrines of Christianity.” (doctrines of Christianity.” (Webster’s New Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Universal Unabridged Dictionary, p. 1700)p. 1700)

Skepticism:Skepticism:

““1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all 1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all knowledge must always be in question and knowledge must always be in question and that inquiry must be a process of doubting.that inquiry must be a process of doubting.

2. a skeptical or doubting attitude or state of 2. a skeptical or doubting attitude or state of mind.mind.

3. doubt or disbelief with regard to the 3. doubt or disbelief with regard to the doctrines of Christianity.” (doctrines of Christianity.” (Webster’s New Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Universal Unabridged Dictionary, p. 1700)p. 1700)

Skeptic:Skeptic:

““1. a member of any of the ancient Greek 1. a member of any of the ancient Greek philosophical schools which denied the philosophical schools which denied the possibility of real knowledge of any kind.possibility of real knowledge of any kind.

2. a person who believes in or practices 2. a person who believes in or practices philosophical skepticism.philosophical skepticism.

3. a person who habitually doubts, 3. a person who habitually doubts, questions, or suspends judgement upon questions, or suspends judgement upon matters generally accepted.matters generally accepted.

4. a person who doubts religious doctrines, 4. a person who doubts religious doctrines, especially those of Christianity.” (especially those of Christianity.” (Webster,Webster, p. 1700)p. 1700)

““1. a member of any of the ancient Greek 1. a member of any of the ancient Greek philosophical schools which denied the philosophical schools which denied the possibility of real knowledge of any kind.possibility of real knowledge of any kind.

2. a person who believes in or practices 2. a person who believes in or practices philosophical skepticism.philosophical skepticism.

3. a person who habitually doubts, 3. a person who habitually doubts, questions, or suspends judgement upon questions, or suspends judgement upon matters generally accepted.matters generally accepted.

4. a person who doubts religious doctrines, 4. a person who doubts religious doctrines, especially those of Christianity.” (especially those of Christianity.” (Webster,Webster, p. 1700)p. 1700)

Examples of skepticismExamples of skepticism

Skeptics have tried to explain away the Skeptics have tried to explain away the miraculous in Bible accounts of --miraculous in Bible accounts of --Skeptics have tried to explain away the Skeptics have tried to explain away the miraculous in Bible accounts of --miraculous in Bible accounts of --

• The parting of the Red SeaThe parting of the Red Sea

• The long day of The long day of Josh. 10:12Josh. 10:12

• Jonah in the belly of the fishJonah in the belly of the fish

• The miracles of Christ and his disciplesThe miracles of Christ and his disciples

• The resurrection of Christ, etc.The resurrection of Christ, etc.

• The parting of the Red SeaThe parting of the Red Sea

• The long day of The long day of Josh. 10:12Josh. 10:12

• Jonah in the belly of the fishJonah in the belly of the fish

• The miracles of Christ and his disciplesThe miracles of Christ and his disciples

• The resurrection of Christ, etc.The resurrection of Christ, etc.

SKEPTICISMSKEPTICISMI. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS BEHIND I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS BEHIND SKEPTICISM?SKEPTICISM?I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS BEHIND I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS BEHIND SKEPTICISM?SKEPTICISM?

A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34 A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34

““1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all 1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all knowledge must always be in question and knowledge must always be in question and that inquiry must be a process of that inquiry must be a process of doubtingdoubting..2. a skeptical or 2. a skeptical or doubtingdoubting attitude or state of attitude or state of mind.mind.3. 3. doubtdoubt or disbelief with regard to the or disbelief with regard to the doctrines of Christianity.” (doctrines of Christianity.” (Webster’s New Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Universal Unabridged Dictionary, p. 1700)p. 1700)

““1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all 1. the philosophical doctrine that truth of all knowledge must always be in question and knowledge must always be in question and that inquiry must be a process of that inquiry must be a process of doubtingdoubting..2. a skeptical or 2. a skeptical or doubtingdoubting attitude or state of attitude or state of mind.mind.3. 3. doubtdoubt or disbelief with regard to the or disbelief with regard to the doctrines of Christianity.” (doctrines of Christianity.” (Webster’s New Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Universal Unabridged Dictionary, p. 1700)p. 1700)

““In the 1940s, designers of the early mainframe In the 1940s, designers of the early mainframe computer insisted that there would never be a computer insisted that there would never be a market for the device among consumers, because market for the device among consumers, because computers were too large and complicated to be computers were too large and complicated to be operated by the average person. They predicted operated by the average person. They predicted that 5 or 10 computers easily could meet the that 5 or 10 computers easily could meet the country ’s needs for the foreseeable future. It took country ’s needs for the foreseeable future. It took young visionaries like Steve Jobs, Steve Woz- young visionaries like Steve Jobs, Steve Woz- niak, and Bill Gates to see beyond this and make niak, and Bill Gates to see beyond this and make the changes that have put personal computers in the changes that have put personal computers in virtually every home and office.” (Christine Cos- virtually every home and office.” (Christine Cos- grove and Phyllis Orrick, “The Future that Never grove and Phyllis Orrick, “The Future that Never Was,” Was,” TR NewsTR News, 235, Nov.-Dec. 2004, http://trb.org/ , 235, Nov.-Dec. 2004, http://trb.org/ publications/trnews/trnews235future.pdf)publications/trnews/trnews235future.pdf)

““In the 1940s, designers of the early mainframe In the 1940s, designers of the early mainframe computer insisted that there would never be a computer insisted that there would never be a market for the device among consumers, because market for the device among consumers, because computers were too large and complicated to be computers were too large and complicated to be operated by the average person. They predicted operated by the average person. They predicted that 5 or 10 computers easily could meet the that 5 or 10 computers easily could meet the country ’s needs for the foreseeable future. It took country ’s needs for the foreseeable future. It took young visionaries like Steve Jobs, Steve Woz- young visionaries like Steve Jobs, Steve Woz- niak, and Bill Gates to see beyond this and make niak, and Bill Gates to see beyond this and make the changes that have put personal computers in the changes that have put personal computers in virtually every home and office.” (Christine Cos- virtually every home and office.” (Christine Cos- grove and Phyllis Orrick, “The Future that Never grove and Phyllis Orrick, “The Future that Never Was,” Was,” TR NewsTR News, 235, Nov.-Dec. 2004, http://trb.org/ , 235, Nov.-Dec. 2004, http://trb.org/ publications/trnews/trnews235future.pdf)publications/trnews/trnews235future.pdf)


A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34 A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34

LAWS HOLD THE PLANETS IN ORBITLAWS HOLD THE PLANETS IN ORBITLAWS HOLD THE PLANETS IN ORBITLAWS HOLD THE PLANETS IN ORBIT

LAW EVIDENCES A LAWGIVERLAW EVIDENCES A LAWGIVERLAW EVIDENCES A LAWGIVERLAW EVIDENCES A LAWGIVER

A LAWGIVER MUST BE EXISTINGA LAWGIVER MUST BE EXISTINGA LAWGIVER MUST BE EXISTINGA LAWGIVER MUST BE EXISTING

Some Comments on the Creation:

"Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance. The motions of the planets require a divine arm to impress them." (Isaac Newton)

Some Comments on the Creation:

"Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance. The motions of the planets require a divine arm to impress them." (Isaac Newton)

"A pair of pliers, a chain saw or even a missile guidance system doesn't approach the lowliest parasitic worm in internal complexities. The human-made world is not nearly as intricate as the natural world." (Science Digest, April, 1981, p.18, via W.Jackson, Christian Courier, v. 17, #1, p. 3)

"A pair of pliers, a chain saw or even a missile guidance system doesn't approach the lowliest parasitic worm in internal complexities. The human-made world is not nearly as intricate as the natural world." (Science Digest, April, 1981, p.18, via W.Jackson, Christian Courier, v. 17, #1, p. 3)


A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34; Rom. 1:20 A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34; Rom. 1:20 B. B. Moral doubtMoral doubt, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7 B. B. Moral doubtMoral doubt, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7

Lust: “to set one’s heart upon, to have a “to set one’s heart upon, to have a desire for, long for; to lust after, covet” desire for, long for; to lust after, covet” ((Thayer,Thayer, p. 238) p. 238)

Lust: “to set one’s heart upon, to have a “to set one’s heart upon, to have a desire for, long for; to lust after, covet” desire for, long for; to lust after, covet” ((Thayer,Thayer, p. 238) p. 238)


A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34; Rom. 1:20 A. Intellectual doubt, Ex. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:35; Rom. 11:33-34; Rom. 1:20

B. B. Moral doubtMoral doubt, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7 B. B. Moral doubtMoral doubt, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7, 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7

C. C. Doubt based on prideDoubt based on pride, Ps. 10:4,11,13; 2 Kgs. , Ps. 10:4,11,13; 2 Kgs. 5:11-125:11-12 C. C. Doubt based on prideDoubt based on pride, Ps. 10:4,11,13; 2 Kgs. , Ps. 10:4,11,13; 2 Kgs. 5:11-125:11-12

D. D. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). (2 Tim. 3:7). D. D. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). (2 Tim. 3:7).

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses

““Ever learning, and never able to come Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7)(2 Tim. 3:7)““Ever learning, and never able to come Ever learning, and never able to come

to the knowledge of the truth” to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7)(2 Tim. 3:7)

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and Gomorrah



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe Hittites

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe Hittites



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargon

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargon



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzar

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzar



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of David

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of David



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of DavidPolitarchsPolitarchs

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of DavidPolitarchsPolitarchs



The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of DavidPolitarchs Politarchs The Gospel of JohnThe Gospel of John

The Writings of Moses The Writings of Moses Sodom and GomorrahSodom and GomorrahThe HittitesThe HittitesSargonSargonBelshazzarBelshazzarThe House of DavidThe House of DavidPolitarchs Politarchs The Gospel of JohnThe Gospel of John



The Skeptic’s Approach:The Skeptic’s Approach: “When an “When an inscription follows a known structure or inscription follows a known structure or linguistic usage, it is said to be a forgery; linguistic usage, it is said to be a forgery; when it deviates from the know structure when it deviates from the know structure or linguistic usage, by the same token, it or linguistic usage, by the same token, it is said to be forgery. When an inscrip- is said to be forgery. When an inscription parallels a Biblical passage, it is said tion parallels a Biblical passage, it is said to be forgery; when it deviates, the forger to be forgery; when it deviates, the forger is said to have made an error, thus is said to have made an error, thus unmasking his forgery. Either way, it’s a unmasking his forgery. Either way, it’s a forgery.” (Hershel Shanks, forgery.” (Hershel Shanks, Biblical Biblical Archaeology Review,Archaeology Review, vol. 30, #5, pp. 10- vol. 30, #5, pp. 10-11) 11) 2 Thes. 3:22 Thes. 3:2

The Skeptic’s Approach:The Skeptic’s Approach: “When an “When an inscription follows a known structure or inscription follows a known structure or linguistic usage, it is said to be a forgery; linguistic usage, it is said to be a forgery; when it deviates from the know structure when it deviates from the know structure or linguistic usage, by the same token, it or linguistic usage, by the same token, it is said to be forgery. When an inscrip- is said to be forgery. When an inscription parallels a Biblical passage, it is said tion parallels a Biblical passage, it is said to be forgery; when it deviates, the forger to be forgery; when it deviates, the forger is said to have made an error, thus is said to have made an error, thus unmasking his forgery. Either way, it’s a unmasking his forgery. Either way, it’s a forgery.” (Hershel Shanks, forgery.” (Hershel Shanks, Biblical Biblical Archaeology Review,Archaeology Review, vol. 30, #5, pp. 10- vol. 30, #5, pp. 10-11) 11) 2 Thes. 3:22 Thes. 3:2






II. THE “FAITH” OF MANY SKEPTICSII. THE “FAITH” OF MANY SKEPTICSII. THE “FAITH” OF MANY SKEPTICSII. THE “FAITH” OF MANY SKEPTICS



A. A. That life came from non-lifeThat life came from non-life B. B. In uniformitarianismIn uniformitarianism C. C. In higher criticism of the BibleIn higher criticism of the Bible D. D. In human authority in religionIn human authority in religion

A. A. That life came from non-lifeThat life came from non-life B. B. In uniformitarianismIn uniformitarianism C. C. In higher criticism of the BibleIn higher criticism of the Bible D. D. In human authority in religionIn human authority in religion

““The miracles are divided into the following The miracles are divided into the following classes: exorcisms, cures of diseases, nature classes: exorcisms, cures of diseases, nature miracles. The last-named are the most difficult to miracles. The last-named are the most difficult to explain, and the modernist sometimes finds that explain, and the modernist sometimes finds that ‘it is necessary to question the literal accuracy of ‘it is necessary to question the literal accuracy of the narrative.’ But we ask, if ‘the literal accuracy,’ the narrative.’ But we ask, if ‘the literal accuracy,’ or as it is also stated, ‘the historicity of these or as it is also stated, ‘the historicity of these narratives,’ is ‘questioned,’ which means narratives,’ is ‘questioned,’ which means denieddenied, , what have we left? Only what the questioner may what have we left? Only what the questioner may offer us. What the inspired writer recorded is offer us. What the inspired writer recorded is taken from us, what the ‘modern mind’ thinks is taken from us, what the ‘modern mind’ thinks is substituted.” (R.C.H. Lenski, substituted.” (R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel,St. Matthew’s Gospel, p. 381, emphasis in p. 381, emphasis in original)original)

““The miracles are divided into the following The miracles are divided into the following classes: exorcisms, cures of diseases, nature classes: exorcisms, cures of diseases, nature miracles. The last-named are the most difficult to miracles. The last-named are the most difficult to explain, and the modernist sometimes finds that explain, and the modernist sometimes finds that ‘it is necessary to question the literal accuracy of ‘it is necessary to question the literal accuracy of the narrative.’ But we ask, if ‘the literal accuracy,’ the narrative.’ But we ask, if ‘the literal accuracy,’ or as it is also stated, ‘the historicity of these or as it is also stated, ‘the historicity of these narratives,’ is ‘questioned,’ which means narratives,’ is ‘questioned,’ which means denieddenied, , what have we left? Only what the questioner may what have we left? Only what the questioner may offer us. What the inspired writer recorded is offer us. What the inspired writer recorded is taken from us, what the ‘modern mind’ thinks is taken from us, what the ‘modern mind’ thinks is substituted.” (R.C.H. Lenski, substituted.” (R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel,St. Matthew’s Gospel, p. 381, emphasis in p. 381, emphasis in original)original)



A. A. That life came from non-lifeThat life came from non-life B. B. In uniformitarianismIn uniformitarianism C. C. In higher criticism of the BibleIn higher criticism of the Bible D. D. In human authority in religionIn human authority in religion, , Matt. 28:18; Eph. Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-231:22-23




III. OUR REACTION TO SKEPTICISMIII. OUR REACTION TO SKEPTICISMIII. OUR REACTION TO SKEPTICISMIII. OUR REACTION TO SKEPTICISM

A. A. Arm ourselves with evidencesArm ourselves with evidences, Rom. 1:20; Ps. , Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:119:1 B. B. “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing unto himunto him,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15;,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 2 Cor. 10:3-5 C. C. Recognizing when I’ve said enoughRecognizing when I’ve said enough

A. A. Arm ourselves with evidencesArm ourselves with evidences, Rom. 1:20; Ps. , Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:119:1 B. B. “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing unto himunto him,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15;,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 2 Cor. 10:3-5 C. C. Recognizing when I’ve said enoughRecognizing when I’ve said enough

Recognizing when I have said enough:Recognizing when I have said enough:Recognizing when I have said enough:Recognizing when I have said enough:

• When inquirer asks foolish, pointless When inquirer asks foolish, pointless questionsquestions, 2 Tim. 2:23, 2 Tim. 2:23

• When the inquirer is not interested in my When the inquirer is not interested in my well-beingwell-being, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 2 Tim. 3:1-5

• When he has nothing of a constructive or When he has nothing of a constructive or positive nature to offerpositive nature to offer, Lk. 11:53-54, Lk. 11:53-54

• When his past fruits show it is pointless When his past fruits show it is pointless to answer himto answer him, Matt. 7:6, Matt. 7:6

• When inquirer asks foolish, pointless When inquirer asks foolish, pointless questionsquestions, 2 Tim. 2:23, 2 Tim. 2:23

• When the inquirer is not interested in my When the inquirer is not interested in my well-beingwell-being, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 2 Tim. 3:1-5

• When he has nothing of a constructive or When he has nothing of a constructive or positive nature to offerpositive nature to offer, Lk. 11:53-54, Lk. 11:53-54

• When his past fruits show it is pointless When his past fruits show it is pointless to answer himto answer him, Matt. 7:6, Matt. 7:6




A. A. Arm ourselves with evidencesArm ourselves with evidences, Rom. 1:20; Ps. , Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:119:1 B. B. “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing “Without faith it impossible to be well-pleasing unto himunto him,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15;,” Heb. 11:6; 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 2 Cor. 10:3-5 C. C. Recognizing when I’ve said enough.Recognizing when I’ve said enough. D. D. Maintain faith in the midst of doubtMaintain faith in the midst of doubt, Acts 27:20-, Acts 27:20-25; Rom. 4:18; Matt. 7:13,1425; Rom. 4:18; Matt. 7:13,14


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