Comparing Christianity is an easy discussion for a missionary kid formerly based in a continent dominated by Muslims. Having seen firsthand the similarities and differences between Christianity, Islam, non-belief, and the rest, I have looked forward to this discussion since beginning the Monday Q&As.
Because this is the last Q&A from Stoa Apologetics, I will be answering all 14 questions, regardless of relevancy and wordcount. As always, the answers are taken from as close a Biblical standpoint as possible, and constructive discussion is always welcome. You can find the entire Q&A worksheet here.
Worldview is a difficult topic to discuss, given the fact that the subject changes based on the person. Because everyone has a different worldview, it can become difficult to even speak on the subject, let alone have a decent discussion on the topic.
Christian worldview, on the other hand, is a unifying topic that needs to be discussed more often. Identifying weak worldview and working to grow stronger, Biblically-grounded worldview should be a lifelong goal for every Christian.
With that, we turn our attention on today’s Monday Q&A: Christian Worldview Application. As always, I will be choosing to answer 12 of the 14 questions presented in Stoa Apologetics’ worksheet, found here. Let’s dive in.
In our past three Q&A’s, we have discussed three highly important topics: the character of God, foundations of Christianity, and Scripture. Yet so far, none of these topics have been as important as the one to be discussed today.
God and man. Deus et Hominum. Theós kai ánthropos.
Scripture. The key component to Christianity at its core. The cornerstone of our beliefs. Without Scripture, we have no belief, no Faith, no arguments, and no understanding of God and His existence. The defense of Scripture is so important that it has become a large tenant to Apologetics. Without it, Christianity fails.
Because of its importance, I have spent much time learning the historical and logical accuracy of the Scriptures. Because of this, I put much stock in the quality of response to the questions-to-be. While this may be the easiest Q&A so far, it will also be the most important. Read carefully.
Hey, and welcome back to another Monday Q&A! Today’s topic is “The Foundations of Christianity”, the second and last discussion here. Last week, we talked mostly about the depravity and utter sinfulness of man, but this week, our focus turns to Jesus and His effect upon man and sin.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!
8: What does the term “fall of man” mean and why is it important?
The term “fall of man” refers to the introduction of sin into the world. Described at the very beginning of the Bible, the Fall took place soon after the creation of the first man (Adam) and woman (Eve). The two lived in paradise and in perfect harmony with God, cherishing Him and fully submitting to His commandment- to not eat of “The tree of the knowledge of good and evil”, located in the middle of their Garden home.
Eventually, a fallen angel named Lucifer took on the shape of a serpent/snake and tempted Adam and Eve to break God’s commandment and eat the fruit. Lead by Adam, Eve took and ate the fruit, sinning for the first time in history and introducing sin into the very bloodstream of humanity.
Since then, man has been born in a fallen state, unable to not sin. We bear Adam’s curse and punishment for his failure, a punishment only removed by Jesus and His sacrifice.
We’re back again with another Monday Q&A, continuing to delve into the deep and difficult realm of apologetics. This week, my topic is the foundations of Christianity, an interesting and unique focus when compared to last week’s topic.
Last Monday, we talked about the character of God, finishing the 14 questions within that section of the Q&A. The first 7 questions involved the actual character of God, including his sovereignty (role as king) and triune nature (three in one). Then, last week, we wrapped it all up with a dive into the evidence for God’s existence, a fun and intriguing discussing that left me eagerly anticipating the responses in the comment section.
Now, to begin the second of our six apologetics sections, involving the very foundations of Christianity. These are simple (but common) questions usually asked by unbelievers and new believers alike. Answering them should prove quite interesting.
We’re back again, continuing our series on the character of God. To cap it off, I am answering the last 7 questions from Stoa Apologetics’ worksheet questions on the character and being of God.
In last week’s post, I answered the first seven, mainly talking about the importance of God’s power and how it plays out into our lives. Today, the questions begin to extend further into the realm of Jesus’ existence and the proof found therein. Hang tight; it may be a bumpy ride.
Apologetics is a key aspect of the Christian faith. A Christian without the ability to defend his faith is a knight without his armor, susceptible to attacks from the enemy.
Because of the important place Apologetics holds within the Christian faith, it must be understood that to neglect the subject is to, in some ways, neglect your own faith, since the two are tied together. A strong understanding of Theology, logic, church history, and scriptural authority will lead to a firm grounding in apologetics. Indeed, many Christian apologists have demonstrated absolute mastery over these subjects, including men like Ravi Zacharias and Josh McDowell.
So, in understanding of the importance of Apologetics, I have undertaken a new series: an apologetics Q&A, to be written every Monday for the next eight weeks. These questions are taken from an apologetics worksheet, written by Stoa Apologetics and shared with me by my good friend and brother Tiegan Anderson, creator of the up-and-coming YouTube channel “AndBros“.
Today’s topic is the character of God, and all 14 questions (today and next Monday) will relate to that subject alone. Today, I will be answering the first 7 questions, and next week, I will finish the topic by answering the final 7.
Finally, keep in mind that these are written from a non-denominational point of view. If you disagree with the theological answers, please understand that differences of opinion within theology are common and acceptable, so an angry comment in the comment section over a topic such as the triune God would not be greatly appreciated.
Alright, without any further ado, let’s get into the questions.
Elisha McFarland 