Key Apologetic Questions for Parents 1. What is apologetics? 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 2. What key arguments are there for (and against) God's existence? Arguments For God's Existence The Cosmological Argument Argument: Everything that begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist; therefore, the universe has a cause. The Teleological Argument (Design Argument) Argument: The universe exhibits evidence of design, which implies a designer. The Moral Argument Argument: Objective moral values and duties exist and require a grounding in a moral lawgiver. The Ontological Argument Argument: The very concept of God implies His existence. The Argument from Consciousness Argument: Human consciousness and subjective experiences cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone. The Argument from Religious Experience Argument: Personal experiences of God provide evidence for His existence. The Argument from Miracles Argument: Miraculous events point to divine intervention. The Argument from Reason Argument: Rational thought and the reliability of our cognitive faculties point to a rational source. Arguments Against God's Existence The problem of evil Argument: The existence of evil and suffering in the world is incompatible with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient God. The problem of incoherence Argument: The concept of God is inherently contradictory or incoherent. The argument from non-belief (divine hiddenness) Argument: The lack of evidence or clear signs of God's existence is inconsistent with a God who desires belief and a relationship with humans. The argument from science Argument: Scientific explanations for the universe and life eliminate the need for a God. The argument from Occam's Razor Argument: The principle of Occam's Razor suggests that we should not multiply entities beyond necessity. The Euthyphro Dilemma Argument: Questions the basis of morality if God is its source. The argument from religious pluralism Argument: The diversity of religious beliefs and the conflicting claims among them challenge the notion of one true God. 3. What are the practical implications of an atheistic worldview? Let's define atheism for the purpose of this podcast. Atheism: the belief that a God (or gods) does not exist. Agnosticism: neither believes nor disbelieves that a God (or gods) exists. (Hernandez, Eric. The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing With Nonbelievers (pp. 38-39). GC2 Press. Kindle Edition. ) There are personal implications Removes meaning/purpose from life. Life becomes "survival of the fittest". No need for law enforcement - there is no morality. There are societal implications Secular Governance: In its purest form, atheism eliminates any need for governance or law enforcement. Education: Anything that you teach your children is fine. There is no right/wrong. Science will be worshiped. Social and Cultural Contributions: Society will become much more tribal in nature. Survival of the fittest takes on tremendous importance in a tribal setting. Human creativity is worshiped. Tribes will define key points of life (like what is right/wrong). But fighting will take place when there is disagreement on those key points. There will be an emphasis on social justice, equality, and the well-being of all people, advocating for causes like environmental protection, human rights, and social reform. There are ethical implications Atheists may base their ethical and moral decisions on secular philosophies such as humanism, consequentialism, or virtue ethics. Morality is often seen as a human construct derived from empathy, social cooperation, and rational consideration of the consequences of actions. 4. Why would a good God allow evil to exist? What is evil? Where did morality come from? God gave man free will. If no free will, then no good. If no good, then no evil. If no good and no evil, why are we talking about it? 5. Why would a good God allow suffering to exist? "What's God doing on a cross?" (John Lennox) "God has become part of human suffering." (John Lennox) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1ipY-4OXOM&list=PLsfMesoEDURkzS6EXzZdranYJKLf8WutE&index=87 Death is not the end "God is responsible for the fact of freedom. Humans are responsible for their acts of freedom." (Video: Is God Good?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfd_1UAjeIA&pp=ygULaXMgZ29kIGdvb2Q%3D