Apologetics Session 6

Genesis 3:1-7, Psalm 14:1-3, and Romans 1:18-23

What is atheism? Atheism, at its root, is a denial of the existence of God, gods, or goddesses (ultimately all supernatural)

“Humanist theology, start to finish, is based on the denial of God and the supernatural.”—David A. Noebel

This denial is absolutely key to understanding atheism (and, by extension, Marxism and humanism). We cannot properly grasp atheism without understanding this truth.

Atheism and the Universe

For example, when considering creation, an atheism has no other explanation than the big bang. Following the initial thesis (a denial of supernatural), it makes perfect sense.

To their understanding, the improbability of the universe coming from nothing is more likely than the probability of the existence of God (Dawkins, The God Delusion, 114)

Atheism and Morality

Since atheists deny the supernatural, they also deny any authority to which human beings can appeal. They look to themselves to determine what is right and wrong.

Dawkins offers four reasons morality exists within Darwinian views (i.e., atheism): kinaltruism, reciprocal altruism, altruistic giving (displaying dominance or superiority), and conspicuous giving (displaying authenticity).

The Humanist Manifesto III provides a brief treatment of their views of life. At the end of the Manifesto III, the collective writes, “The responsibility of our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.” (Gen. 3:4-5)

Atheism and Education

(Dawkins, 309-374)

Noebel’s book, Chapter 1 “The Battle for Hearts and Minds,” documents the slow and methodical

Answering Atheism

Arguments from creation, morals, ethics, and Scripture—it must be remembered that their denial of the Truth of Scripture will be denied at the outset—so what do we do?

Remember 2 Timothy 2:22-26

*Avoid evil at all times

*Avoid unnecessary arguments

*Always be gentle

*Always aim to teach and persuade in patience

*Aim to persuade prayerfully, knowing that God is ultimately responsible for their salvation

*Always remember that they are not the enemy—they are the mission

Worship Music

We want to use music that reflects accurate theology with heartfelt worship.

Hymn 633- Unitarian (Julia Ward Howe)

Martin Luther- 8 hated Jewish People

Robert Robinson- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (15) left the faith

Horatio Gates- It is Well With My Soul (410) had questionable theology on eternal punishment and the Holy Spirit

Bethel Music- Bill Johnson seems to embrace the kenosis theory (meaning Christ laid aside His deity)

Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry (ironically shut down with the COVID-19 pandemic)

Reckless Love “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God”

Hill Song (health and prosperity, “We believe that God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and blessed lives in order to help others more effectively.”)

A few qualifying issues:

Music should be based upon and saturated with Scripture and biblical doctrine

Music should never contradict the Bible in any fashion (lyrics, bad theology, or even bad connections)

Be like the Bereans- Acts 17:11