Worldview Lecture (9/8)

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, scripture references, examples, and defense methodologies from the Worldview and Apologetics lecture notes.

What is the Greek root word for 'apologetics' and what does it mean?

The Greek root word is 'Apologia', which means to give a reason or defense.

What three core components define the concept of apologetics?

1) What we believe, 2) Why we believe it, and 3) Communicating it effectively.

What is the difference between offensive and defensive apologetics?

Offensive apologetics involves taking the initiative to make a case for the Christian worldview and challenge other belief systems. Defensive apologetics involves answering objections, answering questions, and defending biblical truth against challenges.

How does 1 Peter 3:8-16 define the who, when, what, how, and why of apologetics?

Who: all believers ('be ye all'); When: 'be ready always'; What: 'give an answer'; How: with 'meekness and fear'; Why: so that accusers 'may be ashamed' when they realize their worldview is incorrect.

What command does Jude 3-4 give regarding the Christian faith, and why?

Believers ('beloved') are commanded to 'earnestly' 'contend' for the faith because ungodly people teaching false doctrine have crept in secretly.

According to Titus 1:9-13, how are mature believer-leaders instructed to convince and rebuke false teachers?

They are to hold fast the faithful word and use 'sound doctrine' to exhort, convince, and rebuke sharply so that believers may be sound in the faith.

What four societal factors highlight the modern need for apologetics?

1) Biblical illiteracy, 2) Post-Christian thinking, 3) Open hostility to biblical truth, and 4) Opposing religions.

How do 1 Corinthians 3:4-9 and John 4:34-39 describe the process of evangelism?

Evangelism is described as a process or journey comparable to gardening; planting and watering seeds is the ongoing work, God provides the increase, and harvesting is the ultimate goal.

Why is unbelief characterized primarily as a heart problem rather than a head problem?

Unbelief is rarely an intellectual lack of evidence; people usually choose to reject the Bible due to the moral or spiritual condition of their heart.

How did Jesus respond to John the Baptist's doubt in Matthew 11 when John sent disciples from prison?

Jesus pointed them to observable facts and fulfilled prophecy from Isaiah 61 (blind see, lame walk, lepers cleansed, deaf hear, dead raised, poor receive the gospel) and commended John as the greatest born of women without rebuking him.

How did Jesus handle Thomas's demand for physical evidence in John 20?

Jesus invited Thomas to physically touch the nail prints in His hands and place his hand into His side, leading Thomas to declare 'My Lord, my God.'

Why was John's eyewitness account in 1 John 1:1-4 essential for his original audience?

John wrote around AD 80-90 to believers who had never seen Jesus personally, offering firsthand testimony of what he had heard, seen with his eyes, looked upon, and physically handled.

What description of faith did Richard Dawkins write in 'The God Delusion'?

Dawkins wrote that 'faith is one of the world's great evils comparable to the smallpox virus, but harder to eradicate.'

According to 1 Corinthians 1:18-29, how does human carnal wisdom compare to God's truth?

Human carnal wisdom views the preaching of the cross as foolishness, but God uses the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise and mighty.

What warning did Paul give Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2-4 regarding sound doctrine?

Paul warned that a time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, but would gather teachers who tell them what their 'itching ears' want to hear, turning away from truth to fables.

What key principle for Christian communication is commanded in Ephesians 4:15?

Believers are commanded to be 'speaking the truth in love.'

How does 1 Corinthians 13:6 distinguish true biblical love from accepting unbiblical behavior?

1 Corinthians 13:6 states that true love 'rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.' Biblical love never supports, accepts, or celebrates sin.

What two qualifications for love are stated in Philippians 1:9?

Philippians 1:9 states that Christian love must abound 'in knowledge and in all judgment.'