Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson for teens on the Christian World View and the Christian answer to the most common hard questions which all human beings ask. Why is there evil? Why is there suffering? Why does God allow killing of nations in the Old Testament? Why did God make hell?

1. A Defense of Christian TheologyA Defense of Christian Theology
Las VegasLas Vegas
John Oakes, PhDJohn Oakes, PhD
9/8/129/8/12

2.  The most difficult questions:The most difficult questions:
 TrinityTrinity
 Problem of Evil, Problem of SufferingProblem of Evil, Problem of Suffering
 Violence for God in OTViolence for God in OT
 Problem of HellProblem of Hell
 One Possible Response:One Possible Response:
 That’s the way it is and if you don’t like itThat’s the way it is and if you don’t like it
tough for you!tough for you!

3. World ViewWorld View
 One's world view is theOne's world view is the
perspective one uses toperspective one uses to
process and interpretprocess and interpret
information received about theinformation received about the
world. world.
 James W. Sire put it this way,James W. Sire put it this way,
"A world view is a set of"A world view is a set of
presuppositions (ie.presuppositions (ie.
assumptions) which we holdassumptions) which we hold
about the basic makeup of ourabout the basic makeup of our
world." world."

James W. Sire,James W. Sire, The Universe NextThe Universe Next
DoorDoor (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)
A Jain World
View

4. The Bible and Other World ViewsThe Bible and Other World Views
 If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism,If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism,
polytheism, pantheism, dualism,polytheism, pantheism, dualism,
naturalism, deism, postmodernism andnaturalism, deism, postmodernism and
every other ism is false.every other ism is false.
 Conflicting world views cannot beConflicting world views cannot be
accommodated with one another.accommodated with one another.
Biblical theism is incompatible with allBiblical theism is incompatible with all
these other world views.these other world views.

5. A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined
A. It is true.A. It is true.
It is consistent with reality.It is consistent with reality.
It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.
It works.It works.
B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really wantB. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want
answered.answered.
What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)
What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?
What is my value as a human being?What is my value as a human being?
What happens to a person at death?What happens to a person at death?
How do we know what is right and wrong?How do we know what is right and wrong?
What is my purpose?What is my purpose?
What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"
C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people thanC. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than
they would otherwise have been if they held to competingthey would otherwise have been if they held to competing
alternative world views.alternative world views.

6. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex
nihilo) and c. essentially good.nihilo) and c. essentially good.
2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or
defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritualdefined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual
aspect to their nature.aspect to their nature.
3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God
who reveals himself in the Bible.who reveals himself in the Bible.
4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The
spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.
5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain
qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God isqualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is
holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

7. The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)
6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world
is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result ofis good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of
freedom of will given to created beings and theirfreedom of will given to created beings and their
subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”
7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who
choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged andchoose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and
separated from God for eternity.separated from God for eternity.
8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences
is provided by God through the atoning substitutionaryis provided by God through the atoning substitutionary
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

8. Christianity Offers Solutions to the BigChristianity Offers Solutions to the Big
Problems of Human BeingsProblems of Human Beings
 The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death ofThe Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of
Jesus)Jesus)
 Romans 7:24,25Romans 7:24,25
 The Problem of Suffering (compassion)The Problem of Suffering (compassion)
 Matthew 9:35-36Matthew 9:35-36
 The Problem of DeathThe Problem of Death
 1 Corinthians 15:54-561 Corinthians 15:54-56

9. Doctrine of the TrinityDoctrine of the Trinity
 Tertullian AD 160-Tertullian AD 160-
220220
 The Father and theThe Father and the
Son are different “notSon are different “not
in condition, but inin condition, but in
degree; not indegree; not in
substance, but insubstance, but in
form; not in power, butform; not in power, but
in aspect”in aspect”

10. Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of
Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of
one substance (homoousios, of the same substance,
consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father,
by whom all things were made.
Is this what we believe?

11. Chalcedon AD 451Chalcedon AD 451
““InIn agreement with the holy fathersagreement with the holy fathers we all unanimously teachwe all unanimously teach
that we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is onethat we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is one
and the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and theand the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and the
same perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, thesame perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, the
same of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with thesame of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the
Father in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us inFather in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us in
manhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of themanhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of the
Father before all ages as regards his Godhead and in theFather before all ages as regards his Godhead and in the
last days the same, for us and for our salvation, begottenlast days the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten
of the Virgin Mary, theof the Virgin Mary, the theotokostheotokos (as opposed to the(as opposed to the
Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, theChristotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the
mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and themother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the
same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in twosame Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in two
natures without confusion, without change, without division,natures without confusion, without change, without division,
without separation…without separation…

12. A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

13. InitiativeInitiative
Human approachHuman approach TruthTruth
GodGod GodGod
MankindMankind MankindMankind

14. Works Salvation: Man
reaches out to God.
Islam
Hinduism
Jaina
Sikkhism
Gnosticism
New Age
Buddhism?
Salvation by Grace:
God reaches out to man.
Judaism
Christianity

15. Apologetics and the TrinityApologetics and the Trinity
 Bottom line, the trinity is a mystery. We cannotBottom line, the trinity is a mystery. We cannot
defend it as a logical concept.defend it as a logical concept.
 The “apologetics” of the trinity is that GodThe “apologetics” of the trinity is that God
became a man so that he could reach out to usbecame a man so that he could reach out to us
—so that we could know Him.—so that we could know Him.

16. The Problem of Evil: What is it andThe Problem of Evil: What is it and
what is its cause?what is its cause?

17. Augustine on EvilAugustine on Evil
 When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it mustWhen accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it must
first be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else thanfirst be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else than
corruption, either of the measure, or the form or thecorruption, either of the measure, or the form or the
order, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which hasorder, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which has
been corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly whenbeen corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when
incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it isincorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it is
nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.
 Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, but theSin is not the striving after an evil nature, but the
desertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, notdesertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, not
the nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil tothe nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil to
use amiss that which is good.use amiss that which is good.

18. Augustine: Evil and Free WillAugustine: Evil and Free Will
 About Augustine: “Evil arises from theAbout Augustine: “Evil arises from the
corruption of a nature which is essentially good.corruption of a nature which is essentially good.
What is called evil is good corrupted; if it wereWhat is called evil is good corrupted; if it were
not corrupted it would be wholly good; but evennot corrupted it would be wholly good; but even
when it is corrupted, it is good in so far as itwhen it is corrupted, it is good in so far as it
remains a natural thing, and bad only in so farremains a natural thing, and bad only in so far
as it is corrupted.”as it is corrupted.”
 But…….But…….
 ““A man’s free will avails for nothing except toA man’s free will avails for nothing except to
sin.”sin.”

19. Ulrich Zwingli
1484-1531
Opposed baptismal
regeneration
Double Predestination
Reformed Theology
“Those individuals who end
up damned forever in hell are
also eternally determined by
God for that fate.”

20. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
Why? Because he loves us.Why? Because he loves us.
The result: We rebelled and brought evil into theThe result: We rebelled and brought evil into the
world. Is this God’s fault? What is the alternative?world. Is this God’s fault? What is the alternative?
 Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20
 Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15
 John 7:17John 7:17

21. Thomas Aquinas:
“God, therefore, is the first cause, who
moves causes both natural and voluntary.
And just as by moving natural causes He
does not prevent their actions from being
natural, so by moving voluntary causes He
does not deprive their actions of being
voluntary; but rather is He the cause of this
very thing in them, for He operates in each
thing according to his own nature.”
In other words, Aquinas believed in free will
and not a strict monergism.

22. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son

23. Apologetics and Evil: What are theApologetics and Evil: What are the
alternatives?alternatives?
 Dualism: Good and Evil in an unending more orDualism: Good and Evil in an unending more or
less equal balanceless equal balance
 Pantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil isPantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil is
being tied down to the physical—it is missingbeing tied down to the physical—it is missing
the god-likeness in you.the god-likeness in you.
 Naturalism: There is no evil.Naturalism: There is no evil.
 Postmodernism: Evil???Postmodernism: Evil???
 Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.

24. Christianity and the Problem of EvilChristianity and the Problem of Evil
 Evil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is theEvil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is the
product of God’s love. God loved us so muchproduct of God’s love. God loved us so much
that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.
We chose evil, and thus evil came into theWe chose evil, and thus evil came into the
world.world.
 Remember your alternatives:Remember your alternatives:
 Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.
 Deny evil existsDeny evil exists
 Physical creation is evil, but you are GodPhysical creation is evil, but you are God
 An unending battle/balance between good and evil.An unending battle/balance between good and evil.

25. Question #3 The Problem of SufferingQuestion #3 The Problem of Suffering
 Does answering the question of evil answer theDoes answering the question of evil answer the
question of suffering? Not quite.question of suffering? Not quite.
 Skeptic’s Challenge: If God is so powerful andSkeptic’s Challenge: If God is so powerful and
so loving, why is there suffering in the world?so loving, why is there suffering in the world?
 Causes of suffering:Causes of suffering:
 Sin/evilSin/evil
 Natural causesNatural causes
 God’s discipline on those he lovesGod’s discipline on those he loves

26. Causes of SufferingCauses of Suffering
 Free WillFree Will
 SinSin
 Natural DisastersNatural Disasters
 FoolishnessFoolishness

27. God’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin ProducesGod’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces
SufferingSuffering
 Exodus 20:5-6Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idolsYou shall not bow down to them (the idols
you have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord youryou have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your
God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sinGod, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin
of the fathersof the fathers to the third and fourth generationto the third and fourth generation ofof
those who hate me, but showing love to thousands whothose who hate me, but showing love to thousands who
love me and keep my commands.love me and keep my commands.
 God is love and God is just.God is love and God is just.
 Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20

28. Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?
 Job: Why did he suffer?Job: Why did he suffer?
 John 9John 9
 Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality?Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality?
No!No!

29. Causes of Suffering #3: Natural CausesCauses of Suffering #3: Natural Causes
 Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics
 WeatherWeather
 BacteriaBacteria
 These are all very good things.These are all very good things.

30. Question: Is Suffering Evil?Question: Is Suffering Evil?
 Psalm 30:5Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.
 John 9:1-3John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.
 Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for goodAll kinds of suffering can be used for good
(but be careful how you use this passage)(but be careful how you use this passage)
 Romans 5:3Romans 5:3,, James 1:2-3James 1:2-3 Suffering produces goodSuffering produces good
character. No pain, no gain.character. No pain, no gain.
 1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:121 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result. Suffering is the natural result
of doing good.of doing good.
 Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come toSuffering is how we come to
know Christ and to fill up his suffering.know Christ and to fill up his suffering.
 Through shared suffering is how we become close to oneThrough shared suffering is how we become close to one
another.another.

31. Suffering and Evil: The Apologetic ProblemSuffering and Evil: The Apologetic Problem
A SummaryA Summary
 Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice toMost suffering is the result of free will and our choice to
sin. It is because God loves us, not because he doessin. It is because God loves us, not because he does
not care or is not powerful enough to stop us fromnot care or is not powerful enough to stop us from
suffering.suffering.
 Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. AllPain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All
of these are gifts from a loving God.of these are gifts from a loving God.

32. The Christian Response to the Problem ofThe Christian Response to the Problem of
Suffering: Compassion!Suffering: Compassion!
 James 1:27 Pure religion…James 1:27 Pure religion…
 John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37
 Jeremiah 12:1Jeremiah 12:1
 Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. JesusHebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. Jesus
understandsunderstands
 Matthew 9:36-38 CompassionMatthew 9:36-38 Compassion

33. JulianJulian ““the apostate.the apostate.”” (332-363)(332-363)
““Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been speciallyAtheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been specially
advanced through the loving service rendered toadvanced through the loving service rendered to
strangers, and through their care for the burial ofstrangers, and through their care for the burial of
the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a singlethe dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single
Jew who is a beggar, and that the godlessJew who is a beggar, and that the godless
Galileans care not only for their own poor but forGalileans care not only for their own poor but for
ours as well; while those who belong to us lookours as well; while those who belong to us look
in vain for the help that we should render them.in vain for the help that we should render them.””

34. Question #4 Violence and Slavery in OTQuestion #4 Violence and Slavery in OT
 The critic of Christianity: The God of the Old TestamentThe critic of Christianity: The God of the Old Testament
is a sadistic, violent ethnic cleanser.is a sadistic, violent ethnic cleanser.
 1 Samuel 15:2-3 “This is what the Lord of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed1 Samuel 15:2-3 “This is what the Lord of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed
what the Amelekites did to the Israelites when they opposed themwhat the Amelekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them
along the way as they were coming out of Egypt. Now, go andalong the way as they were coming out of Egypt. Now, go and
attack the Amelekites, and completely destroy everything they have.attack the Amelekites, and completely destroy everything they have.
Do not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants,Do not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants,
oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
 This is pretty tough stuff!This is pretty tough stuff!

35. Response to the Question of Violence in theResponse to the Question of Violence in the
OTOT
 If you are not bothered by this on some level, I amIf you are not bothered by this on some level, I am
worried about you!worried about you!
 The argument assumes that physical death is bad/evil.The argument assumes that physical death is bad/evil.
This is a false assumption. Sin is evil but death is not.This is a false assumption. Sin is evil but death is not.
Death is a transition, hopefully, to something better.Death is a transition, hopefully, to something better.
 God has a perfect right to judge—not us.God has a perfect right to judge—not us.
 There is the issue of the religion of the Amelekites.There is the issue of the religion of the Amelekites.
Sacrificing of children in fire, worshipping gods by havingSacrificing of children in fire, worshipping gods by having
sex with a prostitute in the temple, etc.sex with a prostitute in the temple, etc.
 The situation for the children in this situation wasThe situation for the children in this situation was
hopeless.hopeless.

36. Violence in the OT (cont.)Violence in the OT (cont.)
 In the case of Amelek and other Canaanites, both God’sIn the case of Amelek and other Canaanites, both God’s
love and his justice demanded that something be done.love and his justice demanded that something be done.
 Either God was going to create a nation or he was not.Either God was going to create a nation or he was not.
If God is going to have a “people,” then such people mustIf God is going to have a “people,” then such people must
have a physical land and must have an army.have a physical land and must have an army.
 God’s plan is to choose a man, then a nation, through whomGod’s plan is to choose a man, then a nation, through whom
to send a savior. God’s plan to bless humanity throughto send a savior. God’s plan to bless humanity through
Jesus trumps all else.Jesus trumps all else.
 It is sinful to take the life of another in anger, out of greedIt is sinful to take the life of another in anger, out of greed
or selfishness, but it is not necessarily sinful to take a life inor selfishness, but it is not necessarily sinful to take a life in
war.war.
 Everything God did to Israel as a nation was to limit theirEverything God did to Israel as a nation was to limit their
ability to wage war.ability to wage war.
 No authority to establish an empire.No authority to establish an empire.
 No standing army.No standing army.
 No cruelty, no abuse, no rapeNo cruelty, no abuse, no rape

37. The Problem of Slavery in the OTThe Problem of Slavery in the OT
 First, let us acknowledge that, on some level, GodFirst, let us acknowledge that, on some level, God
legislating slavery is troubling.legislating slavery is troubling.
 God accommodated rather than approved slavery.God accommodated rather than approved slavery.
 All of God’s regulations with regard to slavery were to limitAll of God’s regulations with regard to slavery were to limit
it. (Eph 6:9)it. (Eph 6:9)
 Slaves could not be bought and sold.Slaves could not be bought and sold.
 Humane treatment. Deuteronomy 23:15, Leviticus 25:14Humane treatment. Deuteronomy 23:15, Leviticus 25:14
 All slaves were eventually given their freedom at the JubileeAll slaves were eventually given their freedom at the Jubilee
year.year.
 God is not concerned with physical slavery nearly so muchGod is not concerned with physical slavery nearly so much
as spiritual slavery.as spiritual slavery.
 Nevertheless, Paul asked Philemon to free his slaveNevertheless, Paul asked Philemon to free his slave
Onesimus in an inspired passage.Onesimus in an inspired passage.
 William Wilberforce. It was Christian influence which endedWilliam Wilberforce. It was Christian influence which ended
the slave trade world wide.the slave trade world wide.

38. The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell
 Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.
 Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found writtenRevelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written
in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is theRev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the
second death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented daysecond death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented day
and night for even and ever.and night for even and ever.
 Does God choose to send us to hell? No! We chooseDoes God choose to send us to hell? No! We choose
hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.
 Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heavenIs suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heaven
literally eternal?literally eternal?

39. Attributes of GodAttributes of God
 EternalEternal
 OmnipresentOmnipresent
 OmniscientOmniscient
 OmnipotentOmnipotent
 Righteous, HolyRighteous, Holy
 LoveLove
 JusticeJustice
God is not merely loving, he is loveGod is not merely loving, he is love
God, in his awesomeness is fully love and fullyGod, in his awesomeness is fully love and fully
justjust

40. Love and JusticeLove and Justice
 For God so loved the world…For God so loved the world…
 The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23
 The law of sin and death Rom 8:2The law of sin and death Rom 8:2
 We like God’s love, but we are not so fired upWe like God’s love, but we are not so fired up
about his justice.about his justice.
 When we reach heaven, we will understand andWhen we reach heaven, we will understand and
fully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’sfully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’s
justice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The eldersjustice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The elders
are thankful that God’s judgement has finallyare thankful that God’s judgement has finally
come. You are just, O God.come. You are just, O God.
 Psalm 94:1-3 David How long, O LordPsalm 94:1-3 David How long, O Lord

41. Here is the Good NewsHere is the Good News
 God’s love met God’s justice at the cross. AsGod’s love met God’s justice at the cross. As
far as we are concerned, love won.far as we are concerned, love won.
 Romans 3:21-26Romans 3:21-26