Understanding Faith and Apologetics

These flashcards focus on key concepts related to faith, apologetics, and the historical reliability of the Gospels as discussed in the lecture notes.

Faith

Trust grounded in evidence and reason, involving commitment and confidence.

Pluralism

The belief that multiple conflicting truth claims can all be valid simultaneously.

Relativism

The belief that truth is relative to each individual or culture, with no absolute truth.

Apologia

A defense of one's beliefs; referenced in 1 Peter 3:15 calling Christians to be ready to defend their hope.

Logical Fallacies

Arguments that weaken apologetics, such as circular reasoning and appeal to ignorance.

Scientific Foreknowledge

Claim that the Bible contains scientific knowledge unknown at the time, which can be overstated.

Eyewitness Testimony

Evidence suggesting that the Gospels were written based on accounts from those who witnessed the events.

Manuscript Evidence

The New Testament has far more manuscripts, closer in time to the originals than other ancient texts.

Variants in Manuscripts

Differences in manuscripts that are mostly minor and do not affect core Christian doctrines.

Historical Evidence

References to Jesus by historians such as Josephus, Tacitus, and archaeological findings supporting NT reliability.

C.S. Lewis' Trilemma

The argument that Jesus must be either Liar, Lunatic, or Lord, challenging the rejection of Him as Lord.

Messianic Prophecy

Prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah that were fulfilled in Jesus, like being born of a virgin.

Empty Tomb

The circumstantial evidence for the resurrection, indicating that Jesus' body was not in the tomb.

Minimal Facts of the Resurrection

Key points supporting the resurrection of Jesus: His death, empty tomb, post-mortem appearances, and disciples' belief.

Swoon Theory

The theory that Jesus didn't really die, which contradicts medical evidence and witness accounts.

Stolen Body Theory

The claim that Jesus’ body was stolen by the disciples, deemed unlikely due to the risk of persecution.

Hallucination Theory

The argument that the resurrection appearances were hallucinations, which is unlikely with varied witnesses.

Threefold Testimony of God

The affirmation of Jesus' divine authority through miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and the resurrection.