Of Christian Apologetics: Pre-Suppositions and Classification
Of Christian Apologetics: Pre-Suppositions and Classification
Of Christian Apologetics: Pre-Suppositions and Classification
Of Christian Apologetics
By Bishop Danilo O. Bantilan, Th.D
Introduction
Apologetics is a multi-faceted discipline. There are several approaches that may
Be used; and there are disagreements among apologists as to what methods are
The best. Some are quite critical of other approaches for a variety of reasons.
Here I will give a brief overview of the some of the major approaches, using the
Classification system of Five Views on Apologetics, edited by Steven B. Cowan. I
Recommend a reading of this book for a good overview of various methods. (I
Disagree with the authors about some specific matters, but the book presents a
Broad perspective on apologetic method.)
In a general sense, three of the methods can fall under a classification of
Evidentialism. This means that they are focused more upon the use of evidences
To make the case, and they generally agree on the relationship between faith and
Reason. You might notice that these methods are often eclectic; they cross-over.
These are given simply as a starting point for understanding the issues involved.
The Classical Method starts with natural theology in order to establish theism as
The proper worldview. Only after theism is established through natural theology
Do they move to historical evidences to show the truth of Jesus. In other words,
They first want to show that theism is true, and then demonstrate that the biblical view
Is the best view of theism (a two-step approach)? Examples of arguments from
Natural theology includes the Kalam Cosmological Argument (i.e., first cause).
Sometimes it is argued that this two-step approach is necessary as a foundation
For arguing historical evidences. The idea is that, without a theistic base, one
Could not show historically that miracles occurred.
The Evidentialist Method. If the classical method is seen as a two-step
Approach, this method is a one-step approach. Those who hold to this would
Disagree with the classical approach in the area of historical evidences. They do
Not think that one must begin with natural theology. They see miracles as
Historical, which, in turn are demonstrative of God and His activity in the world? In
Other words, miracles can be used as one sort of evidence for the existence of
God. By this method, they believe that they can demonstrate both the existence
Of God and the truth of biblical theism all in one step. If, for example, the
Resurrection of Jesus is historically valid, and then it would show that there is a God,
And that Jesus is true, all in one step. Those who hold to this would not
Necessarily deny the value of natural theology; they just don’t see it as the
Necessary first step that classical apologists do.
The Cumulative Case Method argues that the case for Christianity is not a strict
Formal argument (such as in natural theology or historical evidences), but is,
Instead, informal, like a lawyer would present a brief. The biblical view is the best
Explanation of all of the data taken together. In other words, it does not seek to
Rely upon one or two major arguments, but instead takes all of the evidence as a
Whole unit, and says that biblical theism best explains it all. The strength of this
Would be that even if one or two particulars can be explained away by skeptics
(e.g., the problem of evil), they must explain all of the evidence taken together.
All the elements of the argument stand or fall together, so that one need not rely
On one strict argument. This approach will utilize the arguments from natural
Theology and historical evidences, but is more concerned with everything taken
Together.
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The Presupposition Method. Presuppositionalism parts with the evidentialist
Methods above, generally rejecting traditional proofs for God’s existence. In this
View, believers and unbelievers do not have enough common ground between
Each other to allow the evidentialists to accomplish their goals. Due to sin, minds
Have become so corrupt that believers and unbelievers will not agree on the
Fundamentals needed for evidentialists to establish their position. Thus, one must
Presuppose Christianity as the beginning point in apologetics. All meaning and
Thought presupposes the existence of the God of Scripture. Presupposition lists
Try to demonstrate that unbelievers cannot argue, think, or live properly without
First presupposing the biblical God. Only biblical theism can make sense of the
World. Proof for this position is not seen as necessary. It is simply presupposed.
My problem with this is two-fold: 1) it inherently begs the question (assumes what
Needs proof), and 2) it contains some other assumptions which I reject. However,
There is truth to the fact that we all have presuppositions from which we argue. I
Hope to go into this more later.
These are the four major methods that have fought for supremacy. Another
"Method" is now on the track, known as reformed epistemology. This holds that
It is perfectly reasonable to believe many things without evidence. Belief in God
Does not require the support of evidence or argument in order for it to be rational.
Advocates would argue that God has given us an awareness of Himself that can
Be awakened in many ways (e.g., a sense of awe at nature). In this way, people
Can be taken with belief in God, not argued into belief.
Personal remarks. A short overview such as this can hardly do justice to the
positions described. This is meant as introductory, and interested readers are
encouraged to read the more detailed explanations and defenses of these
positions from their own proponents. The book mentioned at the beginning is a
Good starting point. I find myself agreeing with all of them at some points, and
Disagreeing with them (sometimes strongly) at other points. I do not think that
One must be pigeonholed into a particular classification to be an effective
Apologist. I lean toward the evidentialist positions. I make use of natural theology,
But do not think it is a necessary first step in all cases. I utilize the historical
Evidences (e.g., for the resurrection), and do think that the miraculous can be
Established on historical grounds, which, in turn, argues for God. But I also find a
Cumulative case helpful; and in one sense every evidentialist makes such a case.
I believe that these methods are all useful depending on the circumstances. I try
To start where people are (e.g., Paul in Acts 17 at Athens), and I will try to use
Valid arguments that address a person where he/she needs to be addressed.1
Chapter – 1
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by Author: Doy Moyer
Published on: May 15, 2000
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analyzed, tested, or shown to be false to prove or disprove their veracity. Some presuppositions do
not readily lend themselves to proof while other presuppositions, while other presuppositions may be
easily analyzed when more information becomes available. In such cases analysis will yield fruitful
results. For example, in the early stages of computer programming people thought that pure
mathematical computation could produce "artificial intelligence". After about half a century of
working with computers every computer expert today knows that this presupposition was totally
wrong. Many presuppositions will have to be tested in an indirect way through the "Consistency
Test". Consistency tests are possible only after the subject is developed to a reasonable degree. Once
a subject has been developed, presuppositions and the observed facts can be tested for congruency.
Since the observed facts are established truths, any presuppositions conflicting with these facts are
rejected. This is a powerful method for discrediting false philosophies that underlie many branches
of science. One good example of the Consistency Test can be used to test the Theory of Evolution.
Among the many presuppositions that are foundational to evolution, the role played by chance
phenomena is the most important assumption. A "chance event" is an action that is completely
random or unplanned. According to the chance-presupposition of Evolution, randomness and blind
chance must produce a net INCREASE in the order and complexity seen in the Universe (when
matter and energy interact with each other).At the time when the Theory Of Evolution gained initial
popularity, theoretical or experimental data to evaluate the chance-presupposition was nonexistent.
Consequently the Theory of Evolution continued under the false belief that the assumption was
scientifically true. "Chance" became so important for Evolution that even creative powers were
attributed to randomness and blind chance. However, the study of chance phenomena has grown
rapidly in the last century and has now provided reliable data with which to evaluate the "chance"
assumption. In the light of irrefutable evidence, today the presupposition about blind chance and
evolution can be shown to be a gross error.
Developments in the Theory of Probability, Information Sciences, Computer Technology,
Thermodynamics and the study of biological mutations have shown conclusively that the net result
of randomness and blind chance is DECREASE and DESTRUCTION of order and NOT the other
way round. This is a serious blow to the false theory of evolution. Analysis of presuppositions in the
light of empirical observations furnishes a powerful tool to the Christian Apologist. One can
powerfully refute false presuppositions using the "Consistency Test". The analysis of presuppositions
can help the apologist in another way. By using a set of accepted or established presuppositions the
apologist can show why the opposing school of thought is in error. Just by establishing the fact that
opposing positions are based upon a different set of presuppositions is sufficient in many cases to
refute opposing positions. Radical Christian scholars portraying themselves as Bible believing people
can be refuted effectively by using accepted or established presuppositions. Non conservative
Christians come in many shades of thought -- from neo evangelicals to complete radicals. All differ
from conservatives (fundamentalists) in interpretation of miracles, creation, and canonicity. Non
conservative Christians try to impress upon Bible believing Christians that miracles in the Bible were
not real, the Genesis creation account is only a non literal story, and that there is nothing unique with
the canon of the Bible.
Since radical Christians use the same vocabulary as conservative Christians, many Bible
Believing believers do not recognize that conclusions reached by radical Christians are NOT based
on research, but arise out of false presuppositions of randomness and blind chance. Radical
Christians are mentally preconditioned by the presuppositions they hold and speak AGAINST the
Bible when the presuppositions are not supported. They cannot be convinced against their will. They
are not seekers of truth but proponents of bias. To refute arguments at a surface level is a losing
battle. When false presuppositions are uncovered, the battle changes pace. As long as one does not
expose the radical presuppositions held by non-fundamentalists, the battle remains one sided.
Opposition to the Bible is claimed on the basis of scientific investigations. When shown that the
arguments brought against the Bible stem not from research but from "starting assumptions", the
situation changes. For example, when a radical Christian denies the inspiration and infallibility of the
scriptures, when he advocates evolution in place of creation, and when he tries to "demytholyze"
supernatural events recorded in the scriptures, he claims research and science as reason for this
attack. This is clear deception. As long as the apologist focuses on conclusions, exposing the fallacy
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of their claims will be difficult. However, if false presuppositions are exposed, the situation changes.
For example, it can easily be demonstrated that the radicals base arguments with at least the
following assumptions:
Criticisms voiced by radicals are obviously based on the above presuppositions and are NOT
a result of scholarly research. When a radical scholar starts with the above assumptions the scriptures
are immediately questioned. Once this aspect is exposed, their conclusions can no longer be
perceived as scholarly and the task of refuting radical arguments becomes easy. Radical bias can
often be exposed by asking leading questions; e.g., "do you believe that miracles are possible", "do
you believe that salvation is obtainable only by faith in Christ"? Through presupposition analysis the
Christian apologist can learn to ask appropriate leading questions, and thus can diffuse the brashness
and boldness with which many of radicals speak against the Bible and Christianity.
People who oppose the Christian faith often do not disclose their presuppositions since they know
that revealing the bases for the radical beliefs will make their arguments vulnerable. Thus the best
approach for rebutting radical beliefs is to know the major presuppositions of different groups in
advance enabling the apologist to frame suitable leading questions to expose the assumptions of the
opponents. With this in mind some of the major presuppositions of orthodox Christian faith and of
prominent opposing views are listed below. Major Pre-suppositions of Some Groups Prominent
Today
1-FUNDAMENTALISTS
2-EVANGELICALS:
The word Evangelical was actually a synonym for Fundamentalist. Today "evangelical"
implies a more liberal view. In the original sense, and Evangelical is a doctrinally conservative
Christians who believes all the doctrines in the ancient Nicene Creed, which stresses the centrality of
the resurrection, and the belief that salvation is through Jesus, alone. This is emphasized by the need
for a definite, adult commitment or conversion to faith in Christ. Evangelicals stress both doctrinal
absolutes and vigorous efforts to win others to belief. They believe in the four presuppositions above,
but may be more flexible and loose in applying them. Exactly how loose and flexible depends upon
their commitment and what type of doctrinal absolutes that define their commitments. There are two
primary groups of Evangelicals one being the Conservative
Evangelists that are defined by specific doctrines and the Born Again Christians which are defined
by personal, often vague, spiritual experiences and feelings.
Conservative Evangelicals are noted for their faith in their lives and believe they have a personal
responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians. They believe that
Satan exists; believe that eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; believe that
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and describe God as the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect
deity who created the universe and still rules it today.
While the Born again Christians believing that because they have made a personal commitment,
confessed their sins, and accepted Jesus Christ as savior that they will go to heaven. Because they are
generally upbeat about their beliefs they are always eager to have other join in their in their faith. It is
with the born again Christian evangelicals that most problems lay, in that they tend to be far more
liberal in acceptance of abortions and/or gay relationships. Keep in mind that many of those
confessing to be Born-again-Christians are in fact Conservative however; they have started miss
using the phrase "Born-again" as a title.
3-NEO EVANGELICALS:
By the middle nineteen fifties even the looser variety of Evangelicals wanted the label
“evangelical”, but was not willing to accept the accuracy and reliability of Biblical narratives.
Further, they were not willing to believe in the Biblical record of creation, the flood of Noah, and
miracles. The term Neo (New) Evangelicals was used to identify this group. Many seminaries
worldwide labeled 'Evangelical' are actually Neo Evangelical in theology, as is obvious from their
stand on evolution, creation and normative revelation. Neo-evangelical are theologically radical and
would be defined as one who has taken a "lower view" of Scripture, has developed a more open,
inclusivity spirit toward liberalism, and has become ecumenical in evangelism efforts.
Neo Evangelical presuppositions are:
• A complete toleration toward, questionable views of Scripture which has inevitability led to the
toleration of a wide diversity of theological viewpoints so much so that they tend to believe of a
probability of being saved without Christ. Neo Evangelical presuppositions are:
A Somewhat Fallible Bible Probable Theistic Evolution
Probability of Salvation without an Explicit Knowledge of Christ
Doubt about the Veracity of Miracles Recorded In the Bible
Other things to note are:
• They deny that the Scripture is complete through their attempts to Christianize pagan ideas and
systems founded upon personal beliefs and/or influences such as psychology/psychiatry,
numerology, astrology, personality theory, etc
• Over time in their desire to gain intellectual acceptability there has been a marked
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Subservience to scientism, which has led to a friendly attitude toward scientism almost to the point
of placing rationalistic (not 'rational') scholarship and scientism in the seat of final
Authority. This has led many of them to doubt the miracles recorded in the Bible.
• Neo-evangelicals view the gospel as the social gospel, which has two points individual and social,
thereby neglecting New Testament priorities. This means that the gospel tends to become watered
down to make it acceptable to the world.
• They prefer the kind of cooperative evangelism which emphasizes the unity of the church in
preference to truth and doctrinal purity, and try to align with groups that have been traditionally
subversive of Bible truth such as Roman Catholics.
• They criticize Christian Fundamentalist on issues related to their doctrinal emphasis and claim that
this emphasis has caused neglect of the social application of Christianity to the world. They tend to
call for preaching only a "positive message," as often expressed by the statement, "God called me to
win souls, not to criticize others."
• They have a tendency toward finding justifiable reasons for condoning and using that, which
evolves from carnality, sensuality, secularism, and worldliness especially in regards to music,
theatrics, emotionalist and psychological manipulations, promotionally, and general appearance.
• Desire to mix their Christian views and politics as one through Christian Activism.
• Unbiblical views regarding God's role for women.
• Because of their weak views on Scripture they have a tendency to shift from objective Biblical
doctrine to subjective experience which allows for the possible validity of apostolic sign-gifts for our
own day (prophecy, tongues, miracles of healing through special persons, etc.).
4-RADICALS
(Wrongly Termed, LIBERALS): When reviewing this section, you need to
Keep in mind that there are two forms of radicals: Christian radicals and the Extreme radicals.
Christian radical are actually divided into two forms of radicals, one that should be called liberals
that totally and completely reject the orthodox or conservative position of structured religious
organizations. These Christians are radicals of one form or another and tend to lean towards the
liberalism as seen in modern churches and their acceptances of same sex couples, homosexual priests
and bishops, and modern written Bibles that are less restrictive. The other form of Christian radicals
is more frequently considered the extreme religious right that tries to change government and the
lifestyles of others to their extremely self-righteous morality. Their form of "Christian" has become a
political code word to refer to only those who agree with their political agenda, shutting out
politically or theologically liberal Christians. It is amazing the degree to which the radical/religious
right has linked the term "Christian" not only to politically conservative doctrines like laissez-faire
capitalism, lower-taxes, and gun ownership, but also to patriotism.
The more conservative form of Christian radical is preferable to the Apologist rather than the liberal
form but this does not mean that an Apologist should ever advocate having the few extremist dictate
to the government or try changing the government to their form of
Christianity.
5-NEO ORTHODOX:
Began in the aftermath following World War I, with a rejection of
Protestant scholasticism and a denial of the Protestant liberal movement. To distinguish from
Orthodox or Conservative Christians the term Neo-Orthodox was adopted. Neo-Orthodox theology is
neither new nor orthodox. Carl Barth is the most noted proponent of Neo-Orthodoxy. In the
beginning, there was confusion with the movement due to the association of words. Many saw the
word Orthodoxy and associated it with the basic ideas of the Protestant Reformation and as a means
of proclaiming the truth of the gospel. The prefix Neo caused many to believe that anew philosophy
was (or would be) used to attain an accurate view of Scripture, which used in combination with
orthodoxy would provide a powerful witness to God's action in Christ for those of the new century.
Soon, however, it became clear that they use word from orthodox theology in a totally opposite and
radical sense, rendering them totally radical in theology.Neo-orthodox writers claim that both
traditional and liberal Protestantism have lost the insight and truth of the faith. During the nineteenth
century theologians had taken the paradoxes of faith, dissolved their tension, used rational, logical,
coherent explanations as a substitute, creating propositions, and thus
Had destroyed the living dynamic of the faith. Paradoxes of the faith for the neo-orthodox must
remain precisely that, and the dialectic method, which seeks to find the truth in the opposites of the
paradoxes, leads to a true dynamic faith. Proponents of Neo Orthodoxy liberally use terms like
heaven, hell, sin, salvation, revelation, Christ, and resurrection, but define the terms differently from
conservative definitions. For example when a Neo Orthodox writer talks about the Word of God, he
is not talking about the
Actual Biblical record; when he talks of Christ, he is not talking of the Jesus Christ of history!
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• A Rejection of All Fundamental Tenets of Christianity by their belief that the Word as Scripture
was not intended is seen as one. The Scripture contains the Word but is not the Word. The Word is
proclaimed and witnessed to, in and through the body of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible you have in your hands is not divine revelation. When it inspires a message in your mind,
that message is revelation.
• God's revelation about Himself is an act of grace to which humankind's response is to listen. This
revelation by God is presented in a threefold sense: Jesus as the word made flesh; Scripture, which
points to the word, made flesh; and the sermon, which is the vehicle for the proclamation of the
Word, made flesh.
• There is a possibility of Salvation to all without Christ: Due to humankind's sinful ways, there is
vast chasm between God and humanity. That humankind cannot bridge that chasm and all of
mankind’s efforts to follow religious doctrine, moral and ethical thoughts and actions are a waste of
time. The only possible way for the chasm to be crossed is by God, and this he has done in Christ.
The Neo Orthodox denies it.
• Their view of Scripture, "The Bible is God's Word so far as God lets it be his Word" (Barth,
Church Dogmatic, I / 2, 123), has been seen as a rejection of the infallible sola Scriptura of
conservative Protestantism.
• Neo-Orthodoxy relies on human reason and stress the reliability and validity of human reason to
critique revelation.
6-CHRISTIAN MYSTICS:
Christian mystics seek one or more mystical encounters for spiritual joy and assurance.
Christian mystics are found both among Roman Catholics and Protestants. They are concerned about
a spiritual transformation of the human person to achieve full realization of their human potential,
which was realized most perfectly in Jesus and is manifested in others through their association with
Him. Christian mystics are found among both Roman Catholics and Protestants.
Christian mystics strive to follow a three-way path in their quest of holiness. While the different
paths may have different names in the different Christian traditions, they can all be characterized as
purgative, illuminative, and punitive which corresponds to what is considered the whole person
body, mind, and spirit. Purgative: forms the foundation for Christian spirituality by way of
purification and this is where aspiring Christian mystics start and focuses on:
• Discipline, particularly in terms of the human body
• Prayers at designated times, either alone or with others, and in certain postures, often
Standing or kneeling.
• Disciplines of fasting and alms giving, which includes spiritual and corporal works of mercy such
as feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless.
Illuminative: has to do with the perceived activities of the Holy Spirit, which enlightens the mind,
give insights into truths not only explicit in Scripture and the rest of the Christian Tradition, but also
those implicit in nature. This does not mean in the scientific sense, but more in depth aspects of
natural happenings such as experience through the working of God.
Unitive: has to do with the experience of when you unite with God. It is difficult to describe this
experience because it varies from person to person. It is always associated with Divine
Love, the underlying theme being that God is known or experienced at least as much by the heart as
by the intellect since. A final aspect has to do with its communal nature; all members of this lifestyle
always lived in communion with the Church, the community of believers. This allows for the
practice of having spiritual director, confessor, or "soul friend" with which to discuss one's spiritual
progress. Do not confuse Christian Mystics with Christian Spirits as many do. Christian Mystic
presuppositions are:
Rejection of "Bible Alone"
Rejection of Doctrine and Theology
Elevation of Mystical Experience to the Level of Revelation
Salvation through Mystical Experience
Spiritual Joy through Mystical Experience
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7. Christian Spirits:
Christian Spirits is a deception that hides under the form of a
Christian worship. The church may include all the normal items such as: pulpit, pews, crucifix, and
organ. The service seems normal in their use of: Bible, Christian payers, and songs. However, the
change is that they also use trances and psychic readings an ancient practice to try communicating
with the dead, which makes it a sacrilege.
Spirits in any form is Condemned in the Bible, A man or a woman who is a medium or a
Wizard shall be put to death; they shall be stoned to death, their blood is upon them" (Leviticus20:6,
27)... and it is called "an abomination to the Lord" in Deut.18:12. Christian Spiritismpresuppositions
are:
• God: is an infinite spiritual intelligence, an impersonal power controlling the universe.
• Jesus: was a man, not God, and during His time on earth, He was a prophet or an advanced medium
who communicate with the spirit world.
• Jesus: is now a primary spirit that one communicates with in the spirit world.
• No Virgin Birth
• No redeeming cross: yet many will have a crucifix displayed above the pulpit.
• No resurrection
• No Second Coming
• Heaven and Hell do not exist, they are states of mind.
• People continue to live in the spirit world after their physical body dies.
• Rejection of Bible Alone: they also use their Spiritualistic Manual, Aquarium Gospel of Jesus the
Christ, and Oashpe
8-CHRISTIAN CULTS:
Originate from a group of churches that may call themselves
Christians, use the Bible as their Sacred Scripture, and may even have the name of Christ in the title
of their church. Many so-called Christian Cults claim to be the true Church. Since many Cultists are
experts at beguiling unsuspecting believers, it is necessary to know the
Presuppositions with which they operate.
Not every cult holds all of these presuppositions, but most cults accept most of the following:
Rejection of Sola Scriptura and Elevation of Their Own Books to the Level of the Bible
Rejection of Salvation by Grace through Faith
Rejecting the Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
Rejection of Normal Hermeneutics
Claim That Only They Are True Children of God
Rejection of One or More of the Biblical Doctrines Related To Sin, Salvation, Grace,
Justification, Hell, etc.
The following are a few of the Christian cults:
• Mormons: The Church of Jesus Christ of the of Latter-day Saints
• Jehovah's Witnesses
• Moonies: Unification of Christianity
• Christian Science Church
• Church of Scientology
• Children of God: Family of Love
• Worldwide Church of God, of Armstrong
• Spiritualism
• Church Universal and Triumphant
• Unitarianism/Universalism.
• Gnosticism/Neo-Gnosticism.
• Way International
• Holy Order of MANS
• Church of the Living God
Other Christian Cults:
• Central London Church of Christ
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• Rev. Ike Penitents: Snake Handlers
• Churches for Homosexuals: Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
• Branch Dravidians: "Waco", David Koresh
• People's Temple: Jim Jones, Jonestown
A sacrifice. However, the devotees of Prajapati make it something unusual, because, in Itareya
Brahmana, a cow is offered and not Prajapati.
The Silent Sufferer: Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice and suffered everything willingly.
Therefore, it is necessary to show that the Prajapati also did something like that which devotees of
Prajapati cannot.
Close to the Cross: There is no mention of any kind of cross in the Vedas, but it is necessary to bring
some kind of a cross into the Vedas in order to crucify the Prajapati. For this they use the tail of the
sacrificial cow being tied to the pole. But their mistake is the animal is tied to the pole, but Jesus was
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nailed to the cross. The pole, which is a god, has nothing to do with the cross. The Blood: The
devotees of Prajapati try to compare the shedding of blood by Christ as being the same as that of
Prajapati however their mistake is that while Christ shed blood there is no mention Prajapati
shedding blood so, it was necessary to find some blood somewhere. Blood was found in
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad where, man is compared to a tree. Man has hair on his headland the tree
has leaves instead. Both the tree and the man have skin as well. The sap of the tree is like the blood
of the man. When a tree is cut, sap oozes, just like the blood that flows from an injured man.
The Bones: The bones of Christ were not broken and the devotees of Prajapati discovered
Something in Itareya Brahmana. The cow sacrificed with the consent of its relatives had 26
Bones of this cow is taken from the body and put in a line thereby showing no broken bones.
The Man Alive: Christ rose on the 3rd day after the Crucifixion and the devotees of Prajapati try to
use the beliefs of Hindus to state that Prajapati returned to life after the sacrifice. The Flesh of the
Man: In the Last Supper Christ presented to his follower’s bread and wine thatrepresented the flesh
of his body and his blood to consume. However, in the Vedas, the god skilled but did not eat
Prajapati.
The Cloth of the Prajapati: Some of the devotees of Prajapati lie that that the clothes of the
Prajapati were divided among four priests, though none of them have ever said where such an
incident is mentioned. Even some of the Prajapati factions deny this characteristic, though the
biggest Pentecostal denomination in India had included Prajapati, along with this characteristic
(including others) in their Sunday School Text book! [They removed it after Pastor TS Balan,
aHindu-convert and reformist fought against it].
Nailed to the Cross: The devotees of the Prajapati know they cannot prove that Prajapati's
Hands and legs were nailed to the pole. However, they still preach and teach that the hands and legs
of the Prajapati were nailed to the cross and due to this reason the Prajapati is Christ.
Son of a Virgin: Some of the Christian servants of the Prajapati teach that their lord, the
Prajapati of the Vedas was the son of a virgin ... even though they do not say where this matteris
recorded in the Vedas or in other Hindu scriptures. In fact, there is nothing of this sort mentioned in
the Vedas. It seems that among the Prajapati-Christians, anybody who can quote some things from
the Bible is accepted as born again Christians and given a platform to teach and preach. Their
presuppositions are:
Outright Rejection of Sola ScripturaRejection of the Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
Rejection of all Major Christian Doctrines Elevation of Non Christian Scriptures to the Level of the
Bible
13-OCCULTIC CULTS:
Occultist Cults are satanic movements manifested in Satan Worship, Sorcery, and Demon-
assisted healings. Many have also manifested as personality-developmentmovements. Membership
in satanic sects, the participation in the rites introduced by them, the evocation of demonic entities,
the personal and sole cult of the devil, and the affirmation of ideas deriving from the area of
Satanism, have assumed an unexpected dimension in today's society. In countries where there is
religious freedom, satanic cults have flourished with unbridled speed. They are so diverse certain
groups are unknown even to those same people who frequent the satanic environment. However,
most are connected to one another either through a central person or group or virtual existence such
as the Internet web sites... Due to changes in society some will cease activity others continue their
activities just below the threshold of acceptance by society. All of them will undergo some type of
change over time due to enter rivalries or growth.
These groups will divide amongst themselves into individual trunks that will divide into limbs and
eventually into branches.
Well-known groups that are active include:
K Church of Satan
K Order of the Black Ram
K Worldwide Church of Satanic
Liberation
K Order Templi Satanis
K Ordo Sinistra Vivendi
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K Chiesa di Satana dl Filippo Scerba
Chiesa Luciferiana di Efrem Del Gatto
K Temple of Set
K Werewolf Order
K Church of War
K Order of the Nine Angels and Dark
Lily
K Bambini di Satana
K Impero Satanico della Luce degli
Inferi
K Seguaci del Maestro Loitan
The group Order Templi Satanis distributes volumes of satanic information through the use of
the Internet is actually makes them more dangerous to the Christian world because most of
their work is in a covert environment.
Satanic beliefs are as diverse as the groups they represent however most of them follow the
Following beliefs or presuppositions:
Satan liberates the believer from religious, moral, and cultural conditioning
Satanism is a religion of the flesh
Satanist must find happiness here and now
There is no heaven or hell to go to after death
Satan a real being prince of darkness and a friend of Mankind
It is possible to obtain favors from Satan through magical rituals
Satan is Lucifer, a positive figure opposed to God who is seen in a negative light
Rejection of Sola Scriptura
Rejection of Jesus Christ as the Only Savior
Rejection of Salvation by Grace through Faith
Rejection of All Major Christian Doctrines
Elevation of Non Christian Scriptures to the Level of the Bible
14-SECULAR CULTS:
Secular cults are not a new phenomenon they have been around as
Long as the Church started by Christ. However, since the end of World War 2, they have gained in
popularity and varieties. Due to the horrors of war and the lost of so much life, people began
questioning the Church and even God Himself, which left a wide-open spiritual wound that the
secular cults were eager to fill. Because of the mass destruction and seemingly overwhelming loss of
life, the secular cults were able to draw, erroneous conclusions, that there was no God and that
religion was a waste of time and energy, and the idea of orthodox Christianity and all belief systems
that posit a supernatural realm as just a delusional nonsense created to control the masses.
Their main point that they used repeatedly at the end of the war was "If there is a God,
Then why would He allow for so much destruction and loss of life and property?" and "Why would
He allow for genocides to be committed against the Jews?"
Think about it for a moment, you come back from a war to see everything you grew up
Knowing either destroyed or dead. You yourself, would have gone hungry, cold, and either killed to
survive or seen the death of so many others. Your mind and spirit is one very large open wound and
the ones that are trying to comfort you are the very same that are trying to lead you away from God.
Over time, your spirit begins to heal and maybe you have returned to God only to see another war
start and the old wounds reopen. Since the end of World War 2 (WW2), the world has seen multiple
wars in the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, etc.), revolutionary wars in China,
Viet Nam war, the massive killing fields of Cambodia, Korean War, and multiple genocidal wars in
various African nations. Since the out break of WW2 the loss of human life due to war has far
exceeded 150 million.
This has left more than ample room for Secular Cults to spin their web that God does not exist
however; they do fail in the end because they forget to point out the good humanitarian ideals and
deeds that have taken hold for the betterment of mankind. Because of the destruction, left by wars
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humanity has established many watch groups and peacekeeping forces to preventor at least stem the
flow of war. In addition, they fail because they preach that life is the here and now enjoy it now
because when it is over, it is over. This makes you wonder if it is truly over when you die then why
they are so concerned with the trying to tear down organized religion. Why do they waste their
precious time, since this is the only life they will ever have, when they could be living it to the
fullest? The fallacy with secular cults is that their actions do not coincide with their doctrine.
15-RATIONALIST GROUPS:
Hold to a philosophical belief that the truth is founded by
Reasoning and analysis of factual data and not on faith, or religious teachings. Although many
people will normally associate the rationalist movement or groups as atheist, it is not always the case.
Although rationalism is similar to humanism and atheism, it differs from both of these, in that:
Humanism: Rationalism is found in humanism however, rationalism does not need the
Strong ethical component found in humanism.
Atheism: Reject the belief in God for any or no reason at all and there is a requirement for
Rationalism. Keep in mind, although rationalism does reject any belief based on faith alone but it
does not deny or affirm atheism. However, most rationalists today believe that theism cannot be
rationalized therefore the correlation with atheism. However, some rationalists such as Deism state
reason rather than revelation or tradition, should be the basis of belief in God. Because deism
believes, reason is the essential element in all knowledge they reject both organized and revealed
religion. They rationalize that God does not interfere with humanity or the world because He made it
perfect from the beginning and to make changes would be to state that Heist not perfect.
Deism is the exception and not the norm when studying Rationalist Groups, in that they believe in a
God while the other rationalist groups reject all belief in God, immortality, after-life, heaven, and
hell. Many Western rationalist groups have been known to openly encourage immorality, and publish
pornographic books.
16-HUMANISTS:
When speaking in religious terms many of the words used will have multiple meanings and
humanists is just such a word. Therefore, before we speak on one area lets look at the various forms
of humanism:
Christian Humanism: Christian beliefs about the nature of God
Advocate people's fulfillment by personal effort Cultural Humanism:
Knowledge can be obtained through rational thought and experimentation
Roots in ancient Greece and Rome
Scientific method and underpinning of all sciences today
Literary Humanism:
Pursuit of the humanities
Modern Humanism:
Encompasses both Religious and Secular Humanism
Philosophical Humanism:
Centered upon the needs and interests of people
Renaissance Humanism:
Started at the end of the Middle Ages
Renewed an interest in classical studies
Promoted the concept that truth found through human effort
Religious Humanism: Similar to secular humanism
Practiced in a religious setting with fellowship and rituals
Associated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism and some groups affiliated with the
Unitarian Universalist Association. Secular Humanism:
Non-religiously based philosophy
Promotes humanity as the measure of all things
An in-depth look at the Humanist show that their beliefs and practices are:
They promote their roots to the philosophies of ancient Greece and regard Socrates as the
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First Humanist. They except knowledge through reasoning and/or hard evidence and not on faith the
belief that historical progress conflict between organized religion and secular society beliefs and
practices have gradually replaced with secular beliefs
Those religious groups’ promises of immortal salvation or fear of eternal damnation are both
Illusory and harmful Acceptance of democracy and rejection of both theocracy and secular
dictatorships as dangerous to individual freedoms
Combating bigotry, hatred, discrimination, intolerance and censorship
Support the separation of church and state Liberal beliefs about topics, like abortion, corporal
punishment of children, death penalty, enforced prayer in schools, homosexuality, physician assisted
suicide, etc.
For the purpose of this course, the concentration will be on the Secular Humanists a
Non-theistically based philosophy that promotes humanity as the measure of all things and
Considers man as the Supreme Being in the Universe. Essentially, there are no actual differences
between secular humanists and atheists. The facts show that the essence of their
Presuppositions and practices are identical. Many secular humanists do not accept this fact and use
the name 'humanist' instead of 'rationalist' because they do not yet have the courage to declare who
they actually are.
Generally speaking:
They do not believe in:
A personal God, a Goddess or a combination of Goddesses and Gods
Supernatural beings such as angels, demons, Satan, Holy Spirit, etc
Heaven or hell or life after death
The separation of a person into body, soul and spirit
Survival of an individual in any form after death
The existence of a deity, or they don't really care about the topic
The concept of a personal God, and regard humans as supreme
They do believe:
Excellent codes of behavior and morality can be created through reason
About human rights and equal opportunities for all
Humans created the Gods and Goddesses in their own image
There is no God in heaven to intervene and save us from a disaster
That full responsibility for the future of the world, its political systems, its ecology,
Etc. rests with human’s universe that was not created
In the theory of evolution and a universe that obeys natural laws
Rejection of divinely inspired ethical and moral codes in favor of codes derived by
reason from the human condition And they tend to be at the liberal end of the spectrum on such
controversial topics as abortion access; equal rights for gays, lesbians and bisexuals; same-sex
marriage, physician assisted suicide, separation of church and state, etc.
However, additional presuppositions describe their positions more fully. These are:
Inspiration: Each word of the Bible is recorded there by God's inspiration (verbal inspiration).This
inspiration extends not only to the words, but also to ideas and historical/scientific facts.
Inerrancy: The Bible is totally and completely free of moral, spiritual, historical, and scientific errors.
Infallibility: The Bible is infallible in all matters of doctrine, practice, morals, and every subjection
which it makes an authoritative pronouncement.
Canonicity: The 66 books of the Old and New Testament, and they alone, are the Word of God.
The Apocrypha are not part of the Bible.
Revelation: Christ and the Bible are the only divine revelations given to mankind through the Holy
Spirit. Mankind can know God only through Christ and the Bible.
The Biblical record makes no sense without the above presuppositions. The Bible demands that we
approach it with the above presuppositions in mind. Anything less would force a person to explain
away significant portions of Bible and theology.
Summary
Every apologist should know both his own presuppositions as well as the major presuppositions of
his opponents. Asking suitable leading questions to expose the anti-biblical presuppositions ozone’s
opponent is a powerful method to expose error. Only continuous study and analysis will
Help.
All doctrinal positions -- whether conservative or radical -- require adherence to
Certain minimum presuppositions. Calvin Research Group is unashamedly a
Conservative institution, and the minimum required presuppositions are:
Sola Scriptura (Bible Alone)
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
Chapter – 2
Apologetics.
BIBLE TEXT/LANGUAGE/CANON: The text, language, and canon of the Bible are favorite
targets for infidels outside and inside the church. Many times the questions raised can be answered
only by combining information gleaned from history, geography, linguistics, and even philology.
Thus its placement in this section.
Summary Christian Apologetics was a simple subject when opposition against Christianity was also
simple. However, in the last two centuries opposition has become highly sophisticated. Critics search
to find subjects with which to attack the Bible. Consequently the range and depth of opposing
arguments have also increased dramatically. In response, Christian Apologetics has also become an
advanced subject with numerous branches.
A student of Christian Apologetics should not confine study to the older Philosophical Apologetics
alone, but should try to master more tangible fields also. This is more difficult than studying
Philosophical Apologetics alone, but the results are rewarding.
Everyone who tries to use anything other than the Conservative Presuppositions is trying to
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Synthesize two opposites into one harmonious entity. However, opposites can be synthesized only at
the cost of truth, and that is an alarming possibility for any apologist.
In all Calvin Research Group School textbooks we take an unashamed stand in favor of truth, total
truth, and truth alone. There will be no attempt to mingle error with truth. Tens of Thousands of
Protestant Reformers have sacrificed their lives to defend the truth expressed in the following
statements:
Sola Scriptura (Bible Alone)
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be Glory)
We unashamedly stand with the Fathers of the Reformation. The above statements form the
Presuppositions upon which this book rests. Since presuppositions play a very important part in
apologetics, polemics, hermeneutics, and theology, another document is devoted to a discussion of
presuppositions of various groups of Christians as well as non-Christians.
Dr. Bishop Danilo O. Bantilan, Th.D., DRE, The founding President and overseer of Church of
Christ Brings Revival, International, Inc., and also he is the founding President of Asian Revival
College of Theology, Inc., located at 3f Elipe Building, Elipe Park Carmen Cagayan de Oro City
9000 Philippines. He is a professor of ARCT, locally and globally in the year 2008 at the present. He
was graduated in Bachelor of Theology Degree (B.Th) at Mindanao Bible College Cagayan de Oro
City, Master of Divinity (M.Div) Major in Church Planting, at Asian Theological Seminary Manila,
and he earned his Doctor of Theology (Th.D) Major in Christian Theology, at Newburgh Theological
Seminary in USA. Doctor of Religious Education, Trinity Graduate Study of Apologetics and
Theology. India. Authored of different articles and reference books such as theological and
devotional for teachers and students. Singer, musician, composer and a business man; he owned and
manage Oro’s Specialties delicacies in Cagayan de Oro City.
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