I just realized that the format I had planned on will not work, so I'll not use it; the content will be the same, just not ordered how I thought it would.
Ultimately, without believing in God, nothing makes sense. Why does logic exist? Why can we talk logically? If atoms just randomly bounced together to make my mind, why should I trust it? There is no coherent explanation for reality without God. An epistemology (theory of knowledge, i.e., how we know what we know) without God is absurd. The fact that someone would try to logically argue against God shows that they believe the universe has order, and there is no way to logically account for this order from the perspective that the universe is here by chance; if the universe is here by chance, then tomorrow the universe my not be here, or it could all turn green, or the logic might cease to be logic. As Van Til said, Atheism presupposes Theism. The Bible alone can account for reality.
"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 14:1a
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:18-21
Without believing in the Christian God, nothing makes sense. So there's obviously some "deity" out there somewhere, huh? But who's to say that Christian theism is right and other religions are wrong? God does. False faiths are man-made and, since they are wrong, will not be consistent. An internal analysis of non-Christian worldviews will prove that these worldviews collapse upon themselves. For example, the Koran says that Jesus was a prophet. The words of Jesus contradict the Koran. Christian theism is the only worldview that survives an internal analysis and makes sense of the world.
The verses from Romans quoted above don't just speak of people suppressing the knowledge of "some" deity, but of the true God who made heaven and earth.
See also Isaiah 44:13-28.
The Bible is the only true foundation for how we should live. How do we know what is right and wrong? Ultimately, an atheist has no basis to say murder is wrong. At best, he could say that most people think it is wrong. Even in this he is borrowing from the Christian perspective because he's assuming language can be intelligent. Really, if someone says something is right and wrong without basing it on the Bible they have no foundation to say it's right or wrong. God has created this world and He's given us directions for how we are to behave. The Bible says what's right, what's wrong, how we are to live, etc.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Things to Remember:
People often argue because of implications. For example, you could logically prove that without the existence of God the atheist has no foundation to believe that logic exists, but the unbeliever might be stubborn because of the implications of there being a God. If there is a God, the unbeliever will have to repent. They will have to radically change the way they see everything. They'll have to cease looking at themselves as the standard. They'll have to give up sin. Thus, someone may hold to a point because of the implications of changing.
God is sovereign. As stated, you can take any non-Christian worldview and show it to be internally inconsistent. Then you can contrast this with the Bible. However, it may seem like some people are blind. That's because they are. They are "dead in trespasses." It is the rich grace of God that raises people, not our arguments, though God may use us as a tool.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
God is loving, wise, and kind. For some reason Christians sometimes seem to have trouble with the fact that the Bible gives us the path for all of life. Maybe that's not stated well, but for some reason or another it seems they don't fully trust God or are nervous that He doesn't have the best in mind. Man is not wiser than God. God is awesome! He is loving, kind, gracious, all knowing, wise, powerful, just, etc. He created the whole universe, so why should we wonder if He knows how to run it? God created us to be able to fulfill His perfect will, so why should we be apprehensive about it? If He truly is loving (and He is) then let's trust Him. He certainly is worthy of it!
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Conclusion:
God's word is something we can trust; it is solid. In it God has revealed who He is, how creation began, why there is suffering, and much more. Most importantly, He has revealed how we can have a relationship with Him. The Creator of the universe has revealed Himself to us. How marvelous! How can we not want to know what He desires of us?
Where to Learn More:
- From God's word, the Holy Bible
- Van Til's Apologetic. This can be a hard book to read; be warned!
- Presuppositional Reasoning with False Faiths
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