Class Wrap-Up

Hello, everyone!

I have been looking through the content of our class over the past year and am realizing the need to complete a wrap-up of everything we've covered.  In short, the wrap-up should include explanations of the following statement.

• Is the “Prime Reality” (that from which everything derives it's being) most likely a mind? 
• Philosophical Arguments
• Cosmological Argument 
• Teleological Argument (Anthropic Principle)
• Teleological Argument (Design of Life)
• Moral Argument

A complete apologetic answer will include the following.

1. Arguments which both support your view, as well as refute the opposing view.
2. An explanation of the arguments raised against your view, as well as an acknowledgement of the arguments which support the opposition.

 I think we will have time to complete a review of one more debate.  We will use the remaining time on the content above.

God bless you all!  See you tonight!

Ricky 

The God Delusion Debate

Hello, All! 

This Thursday night we will begin our analysis of "The God Delusion Debate" between Doctor John Lennox (Professor of Philosophy and Mathematics at the University of Oxford (Christian)) and Professor Richard Dawkins (Evolutionary Biologist at Oxford (Athiest)). We will watch the various sections of the debate and discuss the content through a group discussion time. We will also use the debate handout provided by Fixed Point Foundation. I have provided a link in case you do not have a copy. http://www.fixed-point.org/media/phocadownload/GDD_discussionguide.pdf

God Bless! See you Thursday night!

Ricky

Believing in the Un-Seen

I had an interesting teaching moment with my daughter today.  In her science lesson she was asked to imagine being invisible.  She was then asked to go throughout the house and open all the doors.  She was then asked, "Do you think anyone will know that a force was at work opening the doors even though they could not see you doing it?"  My daughter, who is 7, promptly replied, "Yes."  I then asked how they would know?  Again, promptly, she stated, "Because they see the open doors.  They could see what you did."

I just couldn't pass up the opportunity!  We took the next 15 minutes or so talking about "cause" and "effect".  On paper I first drew a bee and then a person.  I then showed the person getting stung by the bee.  I asked, "What was the cause of the person saying "Ouch!""  She said, "The bee." I then asked "What was the effect?"  Correctly, she said "The sting and pain."

I then asked here about the cause of the computer on our table.  She said that someone made it.  But I pointed out that she wasn't aware of exactly who.  How could you know fore sure?  I then took it one step further and asked, "What invented the computer, the hands that put it together, or the mind that came up with the idea?"  She rightly assessed "The mind."

I then asked her to look out the window at the house next door.  I asked "What built that house?"  She answered, "Builders." I replied, "Let's be more specific.  What invented the house?"  Again she replied "A mind."  I then said "One last question.  What is the effect you see?"  She stated, "The house."  "How do you know?" I asked.  "Because it wouldn't be there!  Duh!"  Slightly astonished, I asked, "So what you're telling me is that I can believe in the existence of something I can not see simply by observing it's effect?"  To which she simply said, "Yep!"

Despite the "Duh" issue I had to address I was quite impressed.  A 7 year old child has more common sense than many adults.

See you all tonight!

Ricky

Part 3 - "The Moral Landscape" Debate

I hope to see everyone again tonight for part 3 of "The Moral Landscape" debate. Northwest Campus High School Room (7 - 8:45pm)

What Is THE Correct Foundation for Morals and Duties; God or Man?

Hello, everyone. I know it's been a couple weeks, but I've been swamped with the duties of life. I hope you are all doing well.

This Thursday night we will begin an analysis of the debate between William Lane Craig and Sam Harris on the foundation of morality. In preparation I would encourage each of us to attempt to clearly define the terms "good" and "evil". It's not as easy as it may seem as dictionary definitions don't exactly do justice to the Christian's perception or understanding of terms.

With that in mind I will take the time at the beginning of our study to outline the essential points and arguments being given in support of each particular worldview. I will also provide a copy of the transcript of the debate to help us as we navigate through all the intellectual jargon.

God bless you all! See you Thursday night!

Craig/Atkins Debate & Moral Necessity of God

In case it hasn't occurred to anyone we have begun to transcend the arguments for God's existence based on strict observation of pure scientific discoveries and have now entered the realm of philosophy and logic.  Tomorrow night we will attempt to complete our analysis of the Craig/Atkins debate. It will entail a high-level overview of a number of questions. While some of the questions below are purely scientific in nature, many of them appeal to the realm of philosophy and logic; of which pure science can not account.  

1. If a “God” does not play into the account for anything, then why does the atheist assert atheism rather than agnosticism? 
2. For what is the scientific method unable to account? (I.e. what can it not explain?)
3. On the atheist view, what are the possible explanations for testimonies about miracles; whether pertaining to Christ or modern medical exceptions?
4. Are the resurrection accounts impossible to refute? If so, why can one be a confident believer?
5. Why, if theism is correct, doesn’t logic command the adherence of the academic community? Why is there so much skepticism?
6. What is the principle of “simplicity” in logical argumentation?
7. Why is “God” required in order to believe in objective moral values?
8. If miracles were important to demonstrate the deity of Christ, why does he not still perform them?
9. On the basis of atheism, what is the foundation to expect uniformity of physical laws which are required to perform science?
10. If objective moral values exist, why can Christians not agree on them?
11. On atheism, how can we be objective on any issue?
12. Why do Christians believe Christianity to be the only true faith?
13. Isn’t it a leap of reason to install a “God” as the cause for the universe? Couldn’t there be any number of possible causes? 
14. On atheism, there are no objective moral values. If so, then is there such a thing as ultimate justice?

Beginning next week (or the week after that) we will study the argument for God's existence based on ethics and objective moral values.  This will be a fascinating part of our study together.  I have updated the "Homework" document on our blog with the research questions for that study.  Feel free to prepare them before we begin.


God bless you all!
Ricky

What is the evidence for/against the existence of God? (A debate)

Hey, everyone. Starting tomorrow night we will begin the next phase of our study by analyzing our first debate. It is between William Lane Craig (Christian Phylosopher, Theologian and Apologist) and Dr. Peter Atkins (Scientific Athiest). The debate is titled, "What is the evidence for/against the existence of God?" So you're aware, we've spent the last 6 months educating ourselves on the logical, phylosophical and scientific subject matter you will hear presented. As a result, I'm confident you will not struggle too much with the content. Instead, I expect you will be INCREDIBLY encouraged in the foundation of your Christian faith. I strongly encourage you to bring your junior high to college age students. I guarantee most, if not all, of them have never witnessed something like this before. See you all tomorrow night at 7pm.

Bibliography Link From RZIM (Ravi Zacharias Ministries)

I received this link today on an email update from RZIM. I wanted to pass it along for those who would like to find dependable resources for our study.

http://www.rzim.org/resources/read/bibliographies.aspx

God bless you all!

Ricky

Oh, The Depth of the Wisdom and Knowledge of the Creator

Hello, everyone!

Last week we viewed lesson 5 of "Does God Exist?"  It was a great study, but I got the impression a number of us were a bit lost, and maybe even a bit frustrated with the content.  Let me assure you that you are not alone!  For the past 3 to 4 months we have put in a lot of time learning the terms and concepts associated with the cosmological subject matter.  (Which, by the way, I think we have done a fairly good job with even though we aren't scientists.)  It has been challenging, but also very rewarding.  And for some of us it has even provided a few opportunities to give good reasons for our belief in a creator to someone who does not believe the same.

But now, we must turn and begin a new aspect of our study.  And while some of the terms will overlap, many will not.  And compared to the cosmological subject matter (which is visible to each of us), the subject of the biological cell is almost as foreign as the deepest parts of the ocean.  That is what I think I saw last week during class.

That said, let me encourage you to continue persevering.  There aren't many churches which encourage their people to deliberately engage their minds and challenge themselves in what they believe.  But Calvary has, and you have risen to the occasion.  And for what it's worth, I commend you!

God bless you all!  I'll see you tomorrow night.

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Cambrian Explosion and Beyond

Hello, everyone!

Well, we had a few weeks off.  I hope everyone had a relaxing time away.

Last week we continued our assessment of evolutionary theory by analyzing the arguments given in the 2nd hour of the PBS Evolution series.  For what it's worth coming from me, I must say I was extremely impressed by your ability to determine both the weaknesses and assumptive language given by PBS in support of the theory.  I think we have already discovered as a class that the theory is far from capable of supplying and intellectually satisfying explanation for the complexity of life and structure we see around us.  Now the question moves to complexity we see within us.  What, if anything, can really account for our own exquisite design?

To begin answering that question we will soon begin our look at the arguments and explanations for and against the complexity found within every living cell.  And soon we will begin to discover exactly how a materialistic worldview impacts real life.

Side-note: While the information provided by the video's is good, it does not allow for extensive explanations.  Therefore, I encourage you to read your books, look up the definitions for the terms, and do some minimal research for the questions I've provided.

God bless you all!  I commend you for your faithfulness and diligence to see this through!

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Embryology, Finches and Beaks, Tree of Life

Hello, everyone.

Tomorrow night we will continue our analysis of Darwinian evolutionary theory by taking a critical look at several of the evidences given to support it; namely, Haeckel's Embryo's, the Galapagos finches, and the concept depicted by the Tree of Life. We will not be watching the complete Icon's of Evolution video at this time, but will pull the pertinent clips from each. Again, we are not concerened at this point with the cultural significance of evolutionary theory, but are simply focused on the evidence given for and against the theory.

Haeckel's embryo's were not discussed in the PBS series yet, but we are including it since it was discussed in our assigned reading.

God bless you all! I'm looking forward to tomorrow night.

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Cosmological Summary and Evolution Study

Hello, everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog in a couple weeks.

Here is what we have observed thus far.

Faith and Reason

1. Faith and reason go hand-in-hand.
2. Everyone lives according to a worldview/life philosophy.
3. Our worldview influences how we interpret scientific evidence.
4. Every worldview includes both evidence and faith.
5. Evidence is that which is objectively obtained; meaning it is knowable by everyone.
6. Faith is that which is required to compensate for the unknown within our worldview.
7. The amount of faith required to be confident of what we hope for is directly proportionate to the amount of truth we know based on the sutdy of the evidence supporting the object of our faith.
8. The question we must ask is, "How much faith is required in each worldview to account for what is unknown?"

The universe had a beginning.

• Multiple hypothesis have been offered to explain the origin of the universe, but only Theism and Deism has the explanatory power to support it.

The universe is "just right" to support intelligent life.

• More than 30 known laws of physics and multiple cosmological and planetary geological cycles are set perfectly to allow for intelligent forms of life.
• The odds are extremely small that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe.

Thus far, I find it easier and most logical to place my faith in that which has the most evidence; namely, a transcendent being who has created all things.

We are now headed in a new direction in our class.  To make sure we remain intellectually honest with the subject at hand we are turning to an analysis of Darwinian evolutionary theory.   We will be using the 2001 PBS Evolution series in conjuntion with an opposing viewpoint provided by Discovery Institute (DI) and Institute for Creation Research (ICR).  As Proverbs 18:17 says; "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him."  That is what we will be doing.  We will observe the evidences laid out by the PBS series for evolutionary theory.  We will then allow those with the DI and ICR to cross-examine those evidences.  You must then make a determination which, if either, are accurate.

After doing our analysis of evolution we will then begin an exciting study into the information within the cell.  By the way, I've got a great video clip from the ASU Origins conference for next week.  It speaks directly to the nature of DNA and its implications on Darwin's "Tree of Life", the foundation of evolutionary theory.

I don't know about you, but I'm having a lot of fun!

God bless you all.

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

How do you strengthen your faith? (03/07/11)

So, how do you strengthen your faith?  Do you immerse yourself in biblical study?  Do you surround yourself with other believers who will encourage you?  Do you pray and ask God for more faith?  Certainly we can nod in agreement that all of these things strengthen our faith.  But I would suggest that one thing that is generally missing, not only in this short litany of faith-building exercises, but in the body-of Christ overall, is just that, the “exercise” of our faith.  Faith is strengthened when it is exercised.  How is that done?  I would like to suggest that we exercise our faith in the same way we exercise our body.  In order to strengthen it, we challenge it to do things it normally does not do.  We stress the muscles and cardio system to enable them to gain the capacity to do more than they are currently capable of doing.  In the moment, the strengthening process is stressful, and can even be painful.  But the process causes the body to move outside its normal comfort zone for a time, thus extending and enlarging the comfort zone in which it can operate.  The same is true when we exercise faith.  In the context of the Worldview Study class, exercise means enduring the stress of moving beyond our comfort zone by exploring new ideas and encountering new arguments that require us to test the limits of our core beliefs; thus expanding the depth and breadth of our faith.  Just as with physical exercise, this is most profitable when done in a controlled environment where there are others to challenge, encourage, and support us; as well as to assure us of our spiritual safety.  Exploring concepts outside our comfort zone which challenge our beliefs and convictions will strengthen those beliefs and convictions if, and only if, they have honest integrity.  Shrinking from the challenge of considering other concepts and points of view inevitably leaves us weaker in our faith and unable to enjoy our freedom in Christ.  We must also understand that those new ideas and concepts do not only come from outside the church, but from within.   Allow me to help you understand what I mean.

In Acts 15 we read the account of how the “new idea” that Gentiles should not have to endure circumcision in order to be included in the kingdom of God was debated among the leaders of the early church.  These early followers of Jesus were exercising their faith and stretching their understanding of both the recorded scriptures and the teaching of Jesus.   The apostle Paul spoke of “new” ideas to the believers in 1 Corinthians 10.  There he highlights the thought that some are made to stumble when they see other believers eating meat offered to idols.  Paul’s instruction is interesting.  He brings this new idea of liberty in Christ and says in verse 23 “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”  He ends his argument with an appeal for restraint in liberty for the sake of the “weaker” brother who cannot tolerate the complete freedom from the law that Christ affords the believer.  Who has the stronger faith?  Paul is clear in saying the one who can enjoy greater freedom from the law is the one who is stronger.  This freedom from the law was a “new idea” for those who grew up in Judaic tradition and believed Jesus was the Messiah.  Paul’s instruction to give preference to the “weaker” brother is simply an expression of love by not causing them to stumble.  He calls on the “stronger” brother to exercise his freedom “not to eat” in order to safeguard the “weaker” brother’s faith.  Paul’s clear understanding is that embracing the “new” idea of freedom from the law is what he would like all believers to do.

As you continue the adventure of establishing your World-View, and how it dictates the way you live, I want to encourage you not to fear exercising your faith.  Exploring new ideas and stressing your “faith muscles” will enable you to operate with greater strength and freedom in your faith.  You are in a safe environment where, while you exercise your faith, you can be confident that you have the support and encouragement of other believers.  At the same time, you must be a Berean in the tradition of Acts 17:11.  You must examine all ideas, both old and new, to determine if they square with scripture; “…test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”  But do not fear the examination.  The Scripture is your firm foundation.  The New Testament tradition is not to restrict the exploration of new ideas out of fear, but rather to exercise our freedom in Christ to test all of them, holding to that which is profitable and edifying, and rejecting that which is not.  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

May God bless you all!

Pastor Brad <><

What is Faith - 03/02/11

The next two posts will center on the topic of Christian faith.  The first will focus on the definition of Christian faith.  The next one will be provided by Pastor Brad and will focus on how Christian faith is strengthened.


What is Faith?

Hebrews 11 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Note that it does not say faith is blind or that faith is belief in the unseen.  Instead, it tells us that faith is the assurance of what is unseen and the confidence in what we hope for.  The implication of this passage is that Christian faith in the unknown, or unseen, should be reasonable, resting in the confidence and assurance of what is known. (i.e. evidence)  For example, faith in Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection should not be blind, as though there is no evidence for it.  Instead, it should rest in the many objective evidences available to all men; namely, prophetic fulfillment, historical accounts and eye-witness reports.  Having not seen Jesus ourselves, our assurance and confidence in the person of Jesus is increased by the study of the supporting evidences, which adds to our assurance that He is who the Bible says He is.

It is also important to note that we exercise this principle in every day life.  For example, barring any major event, I am very confident my house is not going to fall on top of me and my family tomorrow.  Why?  Because I understand the principles of construction and know that they were applied when my home was built.  As a result, I have great faith that my home will continue to stand for years to come. 

Likewise, we should also recognize that every worldview includes a faith component.  But, if what we believe is true, then Christianity’s distinguishing factor, as compared to all other world view systems, would be the amount of evidence supporting its truth claims. (i.e. special revelation (The Bible), general revelation (creation), scientific evidence, historical evidence, literary evidence, archeological evidence, eye witness accounts, etc…)  True Christian faith would therefore not be blind, but based on a reasonable examination of the evidence; thus, it is not based on what is unknown but on that which is known.     

In summary, the amount of faith required to be confident of what we hope for is directly proportionate to the amount of truth we know based on the study of the evidence supporting the object of our faith.  The question to be asked is, “How much faith is required in your world-view system to account for the unknown.”  Based on my own study thus far in the area of science, I submit that Christianity is by far the most reasonable world view in which to place my faith as demonstrated by the amount of evidence available to support its truth claims.  Thus, I reasonably place my faith in the God of Christianity.  However, I do not want you to take my word for it.  You must do your own assessment and make your own determination.

God bless you all!

Ricky

worldviewstudy@gmail.com

TrueU Part 3 - In the Beginning (2/24/11)

Hello, everyone!

Tomorrow night we will continue our look at the cosmological arguments for the existence of a creator.  We will begin to compare and contrast multiple theories on how/why our universe began to exist at all.  Obviously, as Christians, we believe we know the cause.  But a naturalistic culture which limits the possible explanations to only that which can be scientifically tested is limited in their possibilities of a causal explanation.  As we continue I believe you will begin to understand they are simply unable, or unwilling, to accept anything which transcends what exists within our universe, leaving them no other option but to posit insufficient theories in hopes of justifying a life without their loving Father.

But just like the analogy we shared in class about "...going to their playing field and playing with their ball...", we will continue to encourage and prepare ourselves, becoming better equiped to communicate with our culture.  Keep in mind, that is exactly what God did for us.  And remember, He has not set a bar for us to jump over; He established the model we are to follow!

Philipians 2:5-8

"...have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

God bless you all!  I'm looking forward to seeing you all again tomorrow night.

Ricky Chapman

worldviewstudy@gmail.com

P.S. - Special thanks to all of you who have helped me prepare for this week's lesson.  A number of you helped me a lot by defining terms, writing chapter questions for our assigned reading, and recommending good websites and research material.  Thank you so much!!!

TrueU Part 2 - The Finite Universe (2/17/11)

Tonight's lesson will focus on the overwhelming consensus within the scientific community that our universe had a beginning.  Up until the last century it was widely accepted that the universe we inhabit was eternal; which accommodates the world-view of materialistic science.  However, confronted with the discovery of the expanding universe, even Einstein admitted the necessity for a beginning of time; which, by the way, was a view held since the writing of the earliest books of the Bible.

Today we face a scientific community which, according to their own presupposed notions, is looking for a naturalistic explanation for how our universe came into existence.  I believe the question we should be asking ourselves is, "What are the motivations of those who seek to explain away our finite universe?"  The question should not only be focused at those who hold a materialistic world-view, but also at those who believe we are here by the notion and intention of a personal creator.

Our class is going to become very exciting from this point forward.  We are going to begin considering matters that are generally foreign to the Christian community, but which I believe lend substantial support to those who wish to communicate with a lost culture.

God bless you all!  I encourage you to not only persevere, but to invite others to join us in our study!

"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."  1 Timothy 4:16

Ricky

TrueU Part 1 - Faith and Reason (2/10/11)

Tomorrow night we begin the TrueU video series.  The TrueU series is a "pre-qual" to Truth Project produced by Focus on the Family.  For those of you who completed the Truth Project, you may be aware that it was produced with two baseline assumptions.  The first is that an honest review of science demonstrates the necessity of a transcendant creator.  The second is that the Bible is reliable.  This series was produced in order to help people, Christians and non-Christians alike, consider some of the most convincing scientific evidences which point to God's existence.  It is a very good resource, and I believe you will enjoy it greatly, even if you do not believe in God.

(By the way, TrueU has just announced the release of their next series on the reliability of the Bible.  That is very good news to me since it is our next destination sometime early next year.)

So you are aware, we will have more time for discussion and fellowship over the next few weeks since each of these video sessions are only about 30 minutes long.  It's my hope, like last week, that we will continue to have great discussion on our subject matter.  That said, I would like to encourage each of us to keep in mind Paul's encouragement to the church in Corinth; "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal."..."Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth...." Please keep in mind there is no guarantee that every person in our class believes in God.  And even those who do may not necessarily be very confident in the subject matter we are discussing.  Therefore, I encourage you all to be patient and very kind in all you say.  If God is God, then He is more than able to manage our questions and uncertainties.

I have updated the various documents for tomorrow's class.  Unfortunately, the documents are changing slightly as we go along since this is our first time through this subject matter.  Thank you for your patience.

God bless you all!  See you tomorrow night.

Ricky Chapman
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Faith and Reason 3 (2/3/11)

Tomorrow night we will finish the John Lennox and Alister McGrath interview conducted by Larry Taunton of Fixed-Point Foundation.  The purpose of our first 3 classes has been to more fully open our eyes to the reality that the Christian faith, unlike what we see today, should not be blind.  Instead, God would have us approach the discovery and study of His creation (natural Theology) through the scientific process as an aspect of discovering and knowing Him more intimately.

Another part of tonight's class will be a short discussion of the Intelligent Design (ID) movement, and those who support it's assertions; both old-earth and young-earth creationists.  And while there are theological implications to both view points, our purpose for the next few months will be to recognize and analyze their common conclusions.  We will return somewhere towards the end of our class to conduct a more full analysis of the problems associated with the differing biblical interpretations of the creation account.  In the meantime, I encourage you to do your own study on this issue as it is a very important topic.

NOTE:  The content under the "Key Documents" section on the left side of our blog has been updated for tomorrow's class.  Please feel free to download and review them.

I look forward to seeing you all there tomorrow night.

God bless you all!

Ricky Chapman

worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Faith and Reason 2 (1/27/11)

Tonight, we will continue our look at the concept of faith and reason.  Are these two things opposed to each other, or should they work hand-in-hand?  We will look at the first half of a video published by Fixed-Point Foundation on the subject.  I encourage you to visit the Fixed-Point.org website for more information on the organization.  We will be drawing from a number of their resources over the course of our study together.

Downloads for tonight's class are available below.

• Lesson 2 PPT
• Video Notes
• Key Terms and Concepts
• News Article

If anyone would like to help with coffee, I will arrive at the Northwest campus by 6 PM.

I look forward to seeing all of you.

Ricky Chapman
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Faith and Reason 1 (012011)

Our first class will focus on administrative tasks and laying the first foundational stone in our exploration of the scientific evidence for God's existence. I have included a link below to my class notes, PowerPoint presentation and "Further Study" assignment for next week. 

Over the next several weeks, we will be looking at the concept of ‘FAITH and REASON’. 
1.        Can these two work together? 
2.        Should they work together? 
3.        What would God have us know? 
4.        How will we be changed by it? 
5.        How will we live differently based on the answer? 

As this will be a group effort, I eagerly invite your comments and questions.  I assure you that if you have a question, other's have the same one.

Click HERE to download the "Further Study" assignment from tonight's lesson. 
Click HERE to download my notes for tonight's presentation. 

Click HERE to download the PowerPoint presentation.
Click HERE to download a blank copy of the video notes sheet.

God bless you all! 
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Class Introduction

Hello, Worldview Studies class!


Click HERE to download a copy of the class outline. (HTML)

The first edition of our Biblical worldview study will be focused on the scientific evidences for a Creator.  We will expound in much greater detail the material covered in lesson 5 of the Truth Project.  Below is a synopsis of this year’s class.

The objectives of this class are to;

1. Come to know our Heavenly Father more intimately through the study of His creation.
2. Fellowship with one another.
3. Engage in scientific reasoning, becoming more convinced of His existence by the preponderance of evidence.
4. Equip participants with the resources required to engage our culture through reasonable, evidenced-based faith.
5. Enable participants to make a scientific, conversational case for the existence of a Creator.

In no particular order, the resources being drawn upon include Focus on the Family’s ‘True U’, Lee Strobel’s ‘Case for a Creator’, several Illustra Media videos including ‘Darwin’s Dilemma’, ‘Unlocking the Mystery of Life’, ‘Icons of Evolution’, and ‘The Privileged Planet’,  all referenced, recommended and used by Focus on the Family.  Additional video content, including podcasts being drawn from include ‘Is Faith Delusional’ by Ravi Zacharias and John Lennox, ‘Expelled’ and at least 3 debates between Christian apologists and members of the architects of ‘New Atheism.’  As part of the recommended reading for the course we will be drawing upon the Bible and some written content from Christian and non-Christian authors.  In some cases we will even be reading and viewing content from anti-Christian scientists in an effort to provide the class with a perspective on what is happening in the scientific community in regard to the concepts of creation and intelligent design vs. evolution by means of natural selection.

We will be referencing Big Bang Cosmology in this course as it is covered in great detail in many of the resources.  The important distinction to be made is that the scientific community, Christian and non-Christian alike, are coming to the conclusion that a ‘big-bang’ occurred, meaning that evidence supports that the universe came into existence at a single, finite point in the earth’s history.  The disagreement center’s on the ‘cause’ of this event.  We, as believers, know God is the cause; and I’m confident those who complete the class will become even more confident in that fact as well.  As a side note, the matter of evolution vs. 6-day creation will come during the latter half of the course when we begin a deeper look at molecular biology.

Lastly, and once we have been solidified in our faith by the discovery of the evidences in God’s general revelation, we will be confronted with best reasoning and arguments available from the most current atheistic scientists and philosophers of our day.  We will hear exactly, in their words, the reasoning and explanation of the evidences they put forward for their own worldview.  I firmly believe we will emerge from this course incredibly confident, unafraid and empathetic toward those who refuse to believe in God’s existence despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary; thus becoming more culturally relevant and prepared to preserve it by God’s mercy and grace.

Start Date and Time:  Thursday night, January 20^th 7-8:45pm

Room: Prayer Room

Child Care:  Child care will be provided for nursery through 4 years.

Book Cost:  At this time, we will ask that you purchase Lee Strobel’s book, “The Case for a Creator”.  It will be available for $13.00.  The bookstore will be open for you to purchase the book on Thursday night.  You do not need to buy it if you already have a copy, but please bring it with you.

Homework:  For those who wish to dig deeper, which I strongly encourage, I will provide more detailed study and research assignments.  Obviously, they are not required (as you will not be receiving a grade), but completing them will only serve to make you more fluent in the terminology and concepts; which is one objective of the class.

I look forward to seeing you there!

May God richly bless you!

Ricky and April Chapman

rickc@calvaryphx.com

worldviewstudy@gmail.com

My hope is that we will use this blog as a resource to maintain effective dialogue. So please post comments at any time.