Apologetics: Back 2 School Edition

As the new school year approaches, a vital topic takes center stage: defending your Faith at school. From the bustling hallways of high schools to the esteemed lecture halls of universities, students embarking on their educational journeys are destined to encounter a myriad of questions and challenges to their Christian beliefs. These inquiries often stem from a place of genuine curiosity and a thirst for truth, while at times, they can emerge from a more adversarial stance, seeking to undermine the Christian worldview and make Christian beliefs seem silly and foolish.

Some of our readers may know that the topic of apologetics in school is close to my heart. It was an experience in school that led me to pursue Christian apologetics in the first place. In short, I attempted to defend my Faith using my subjective experience with God. Suffice it to say, it was not persuasive, and I ended up getting laughed at. In that case, my opponent was a bully who just wanted to mock my Christian beliefs. More on that HERE.

Irrespective of the motivations behind these challenges, the biblical call for Christians to stand ready to defend their Faith is resounding:

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

While those posing these challenges might not view the Bible as a source of authority, the scriptural command to provide a defense remains unchanged. In an environment where many different kinds of perspectives intersect, it's important to be able to offer a defense that extends beyond the realm of Scripture alone.

Thankfully, there is a vast array of arguments to support the Christian worldview that do not rely solely on the Bible. Significant historical, scientific, and philosophical arguments substantiate the authenticity of the Christian worldview. Just in time for the new school year, let's dive into the top 3 questions students are most likely to encounter and equip ourselves with answers that place us in a formidable and defensible position. Let's get started.

#1 - The Existence of God

Let's start right off with the most obvious one. Does God exist? This was the topic of my first foray into apologetics. And trust me from experience, "Because He lives in my heart," is not often a compelling answer (unless you know about Properly Basic Beliefs 😉, which I did not at the time).

Why is it obvious? Well, this question holds immense significance due to its profound implications for individuals, societies, and the broader understanding of reality as a whole. If God is real, so are miracles and objective moral values and duties. Humans have a purpose beyond themselves, and our existence doesn't end when our hearts stop beating. For that matter, humanity as a whole has a destiny that means something beyond the coming heat death of the universe (don't worry, that's not supposed to happen for around 1.7×10^106 years...we got time). The point is, if God exists, then it's a big deal for those who currently live as though He does not. It becomes our society's top priority to understand why He made us and what He expects from us, both individually as well as collectively.

The Question

This question can take many forms but many times follows a similar formula:

• "Why do you believe that God is real?"

• "How do you know that God exists?"

• "What proof do you have that God is real?"

Occasionally, the challenge is also presented in a statement:

• "With everything we know about science, we don't really need God to explain the universe."

• "If God was real, then there wouldn't be so much suffering in the world."

• "There's no proof of God's existence."

For many Christians, these types of questions can trigger an immediate defensiveness. But, it's important to remain calm and collected. Be passionate without being emotional, and try to see past the perceived tone or motive of the question to find the underlying search for truth. Take a deep breath, and then give your defense with reason, logic, and gentleness. Stay away from subjective, "I feel," or "I just know," type responses. Start with "I am convinced by," or "I find this compelling," language.

The Answer

There are many convincing arguments for the existence of God. When answering this question, it's important to focus on proving the existence of God in general. Not specifically the existence of the Christian God, that can come later. Keep the conversation focused on the reasons a Creator exists. Once you can convince someone that there is an intelligent Creator of the universe, then you can go to work demonstrating why the best explanation of that Creator is found in Christianity.

Argument from Design (Teleological Argument)

Humans seem to instinctively recognize design. Let's say, for example, while you were walking through a forest, you came across a watch on the ground. You pick this watch up and examine its inner workings. You observe a complex system made up of gears and springs. You see that the mainspring unit is under just the right amount of tension to drive a gear train that transmits just the right amount of force to calculate the swings of wheels attached to hands accurately, totaling in seconds, minutes, and hours. Now, upon looking at these inner workings, one would perceive that these parts were made specifically to function together in a very precise way. You wouldn't think that this watch just popped into existence while you weren't looking. You would understand that someone made it. It was designed.

Our universe is even more intricate and complex than a watch. Scientific observation has shown us that our universe exists in somewhat of a "Goldilocks zone." That's to say it's "just right" for the flourishing of human life.

For example, our universe is made up of tiny building blocks called atoms. Like glue to legos, atoms are put together by two primary types of "glue," the Strong and Weak Forces.

Strong Force: Think of the strong force as a super strong glue that holds the center of an atom together. This force is so strong that it keeps the particles inside the atom's center, called protons and neutrons, really close together. It's like these particles are having a big group hug because of the strong force. Without this strong force, the particles would fly apart, and atoms wouldn't be able to stick together, which means matter like you and me!

Weak Force: Now, imagine a force that's not as strong as the strong force, but it's still important. The weak force is like a special type of glue that can change one type of particle into another. It's responsible for some types of particles inside atoms turning into different particles. This force helps in processes like the sun's energy creation, which eventually reaches us as sunlight, giving us warmth and light.

Scientists have noticed something amazing about these forces and how they work together in the universe. If these forces were even a tiny bit different, things wouldn't work the same way, and human life as we know it would not be possible. Just like an antenna on an old tv, these forces need to be in just the right position to produce a clear and expected picture, any other position would cause static or an unexpected image. Similarly, if the strong force was a little stronger or weaker, atoms might not be stable, and we wouldn't have elements to build things, like our bodies or the planet. And if the weak force was different, the process that powers the sun and gives us light might not work properly.

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. You see, we are carbon-based lifeforms, and our universe is very carbon-rich. This is because of the important fusion processes that occur in stars called the "carbon-nitrogen-oxygen" cycle (CNO cycle). This cycle relies on the weak force to transform carbon into nitrogen and then back into carbon again, while also releasing energy in the process. This cycle not only powers the stars but also plays a crucial role in creating heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.

Here's where the fine-tuning comes into play - the balance between the strength of the weak force and the other fundamental forces of nature is essential for the efficiency of these fusion processes. If the weak force were significantly stronger or weaker, the CNO cycle might not work the same way. This could affect how stars produce and distribute elements like carbon.

If the weak force were too strong, the CNO cycle might produce too much nitrogen and not enough carbon, making it difficult for carbon-based life forms like us to exist. On the other hand, if the weak force were too weak, the cycle might not work efficiently enough to produce enough carbon, again affecting the possibility of carbon-based life.

The fact that our universe seems to have just the right balance of forces for stars to produce elements like carbon, which is crucial for life, is something that scientists find intriguing. It's another example of how the universe appears to be fine-tuned in a way that allows our kind of life to exist.

Objection

Someone familiar with this response may pose an objection involving the multiverse theory. They might argue that we live in a reality of infinite universes where we just happen to live in the one that has these "Goldilocks" qualities. The truth is, even if that is the case, they are still faced with the question of what/who caused the creation of these multiple universes.

If this argument interests you, I strongly recommend this book by Stephen Meyer. Let's move to the next question a Christian is likely to encounter in school.

#2 - The Problem of Evil

The Problem of Evil is a challenge that raises questions about how the existence of bad things like suffering, pain, and cruelty can exist in a world where there is also a belief in a good, all-powerful, and loving God. It's a puzzling issue because we might expect that a kind and powerful God would prevent these bad things from happening. People have explored different ways to understand and explain this challenge, trying to make sense of why bad things exist alongside the idea of a good and powerful God. Fortunately, the Christian worldview provides the best answer to this question.

The Question

• "If God is real, how comes He lets bad things happen?"

• "How can a loving God allow people to experience so much pain?"

• "If God exists, why didn't he stop Hitler, or 9/11, or hurricanes and earthquakes?

The Answer

These can be difficult questions. And, the truth is, even Christian theologians disagree on why/how exactly God allows suffering in the world. The point of this dialogue, and your answer, should be to demonstrate the logical compatibility of the existence of God and suffering in the world. Once again, we are not endeavoring to prove the Christian God outright in our defense, only that it's not really a logical problem for a good God and evil to exist in the same world. We seek to show that the existence of evil in the world does not disprove God's existence, and actually, once we lay this groundwork, we can then go on to show how the Christian worldview provides the best explanation of this perceived contradiction.

The Argument From Free Will

Imagine you have created a robot, and you want this robot to be able to make choices without you controlling it. You want it to choose good things, like sharing or being kind. But for it to truly choose good, it also has to have the option to make bad choices, like not sharing or being mean. That's what we call "free will," the freedom to make choices.

Now, when people use their free will to do bad things, it can lead to suffering and sadness. This is the first part of the problem. But think about it: if there was no possibility for bad choices, we wouldn't have real freedom, right? And without freedom, we wouldn't have true love, kindness, or meaningful actions.

This simple illustration shows how, even though God is good and desires that we also be good, He can still choose to create a world in which Humans can make free decisions that might create suffering for themselves or others. If He created a world where we could only choose to do good, then we would not have true freedom. By allowing us to make choices—some of which may lead to suffering—God grants us the gift of free will. This freedom is essential for our moral growth and development, enabling us to learn from our mistakes, make better choices, and ultimately become better people.

The Argument Of The Greater Good

One compelling way to approach the challenge of evil in the presence of a good and powerful God is by considering the notion that God allows suffering and hardship to bring about a greater good. This defense suggests that even though we might not always understand why bad things happen, these experiences can lead to positive outcomes that contribute to our personal growth, character development, and the betterment of the world.

As C.S. Lewis eloquently articulates in his book "The Problem of Pain," he suggests,

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

This insightful perspective highlights that sometimes, the experiences of pain and suffering serve as a way for God to get our attention, prompt us to reflect on our lives, and lead us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the divine.

Consider this: when we face challenges and overcome adversity, we often find ourselves growing stronger, both emotionally and morally. Just as athletes train to improve their skills, going through difficult times can help us develop virtues such as patience, compassion, courage, and resilience. These qualities not only shape our character but also enable us to connect with others who are experiencing similar hardships.

Furthermore, enduring suffering can lead us to appreciate the good things in life even more. If everything were easy all the time, we might take blessings for granted. Going through tough times teaches us to value and cherish the moments of joy and comfort that come our way.

Objection

The person you are conversing with might, in return, argue that the amount and intensity of suffering in the world often seem disproportionate to any potential greater goods that might result. The extent of pain experienced by individuals, especially innocent ones, raises questions about whether the scale of suffering can truly be justified by the idea of a greater good.

To that, we simply need to respond that humans cannot see the future. We are incapable of making a judgment call on whether past or present suffering will bring about the greater good. Our vision just does not extend that far. We might not comprehend the reasons for every instance of suffering, just as a child might not grasp the reasons behind a parent's decisions. Our limited perspective might prevent us from fully comprehending the complex tapestry of existence and the "long game" nature of God's ultimate plan.

Want more on this topic? Pick up "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis. Now, on the 3rd and final question for this article.

#3 - The Resurrection Of Jesus

Honestly, this one is my favorite. A lot of unbelievers assume that belief in the resurrection of Jesus is based solely on blind faith. They mistakenly believe that it's another one of those "because the Bible tells me so," deals. This false assumption will be a big opportunity for you. Further, the implications of Jesus' resurrection are profound. If He really rose from the dead, then the challenges to the existence of God are null and void. If Jesus rose from the dead, then God must exist. Miracles do happen, and everything that Jesus said about Himself and us is true. We go into detail on this topic in another article as well but we will also lay out some good talking points here.

The Question

• "How do you know that Jesus rose from the dead?"

• "What proof do you have of Jesus' resurrection?"

• "Is there evidence for Jesus' resurrection outside of the Bible?"

The Answer

As we defend the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, we need to be aware of a key element. Double standards. For some reason, skeptics want to hold the literary accounts of Jesus to an incredibly high burden of proof that they do not apply to accounts of, say, Tiberius Ceasar, Alexander the Great, or a multitude of other ancient figures. Sure, this is probably due to some bias brought on by the implications of Jesus' resurrection. However, it's still just intellectually dishonest. So, let's look at the merits of Jesus' resurrection and apply the same evidentiary bar that we apply to other ancient figures.

Historical Context

To comprehend the significance of the resurrection of Jesus, it's crucial to immerse ourselves in the historical context of that time. The Jewish population had a long history of waiting for a Messiah—a savior figure who would liberate them from oppression. Jesus' actions and claims were evaluated against these expectations, influencing how He was received.

Jesus actually did not fit the Jewish expectation of who the Messiah was going to be. Anyone manufacturing a story about Jesus would likely get much farther by conforming Him to the correct expectation of the Jewish leaders. In fact, it was His scandalous claims that led to His conviction and crucifixion. Turns out, claiming to be God was blasphemous and enough for the Jewish leaders to call for His execution. Crucifixion was a brutal form of execution used by the Roman Empire, and there is a consensus among historians that it was the method by which Jesus was executed. The time and place correlate well with the reason, nature, and format of Jesus' execution.

Jesus Really Died

One fundamental aspect of the resurrection narrative is the historical certainty of Jesus' death. Scholars and historical accounts, both within and outside of Christian sources, provide compelling evidence that Jesus truly (bodily) died on the cross.

The Romans were proficient executioners, and they had extensive experience in ensuring the death of those crucified. The process involved intense physical suffering that eventually led to death from asphyxiation, heart failure, or other complications. The eyewitness accounts of the crucifixion in John 19:34 also describe a Roman soldier running a spear through Jesus' side, probably up under the ribs into the heart, where "blood and water came out." This is a distinct detail that likely references pericardial effusion, a medical phenomenon in which there is a buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart and lungs which was certainly the result of the severe and prolonged torture.

Beyond the Gospel accounts, non-Christian sources also acknowledge Jesus' crucifixion. Roman historian Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus both refer to Jesus' execution in their writings. These external references provide corroborating evidence of the historical reality of Jesus' death.

Furthermore, even opponents of Christianity did not dispute the fact of Jesus' death. Instead, they sought to explain it away or suppress its implications. If Jesus' death were a fabrication, it would likely have been easier for opponents to disprove it.

The Empty Tomb / Eyewitness Testimonies

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for the resurrection is the discovery of the empty tomb. Historical accounts, including those found in the New Testament of the Bible, document that Jesus was buried in a tomb generously provided by Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. This tomb was later found empty, confirmed by multiple witnesses, including women who were among the first to make the discovery.

Eyewitness testimonies play a crucial role in all historical research, and the resurrection is no exception. The Gospels were distinct and separate ancient biographies, written by individuals who were either direct witnesses or who interviewed those who were, offering firsthand accounts of encounters with the risen Jesus. These testimonies, collected together in the New Testament, provide consistent and detailed descriptions of interactions with Jesus post-crucifixion. These accounts carry an authenticity and credibility that comes from being directly linked to the events they describe. Furthermore, they adhere very well to the genre of ancient biography. Even critical New Testament scholars agree that the authors of these accounts genuinely believed they saw and interacted with a bodily resurrected Jesus of Nazareth. More on that HERE.

Additionally, in the cultural context of the time, the inclusion of women as primary witnesses is significant. In the first-century Jewish culture, women's testimonies were often not considered credible. The fact that the Gospel accounts prominently feature women as the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Jesus adds to the historical credibility of the testimonies. It's unlikely that the Gospel writers would invent a narrative that might be seen as less credible in their societal context. At the time these reports were written, they would have been dead on arrival unless the witness testimony we highly compelling.

The Sudden And Sincere Transformation Of The Disciples

The change in the disciples' lives following Jesus' crucifixion is nothing short of remarkable. Before the resurrection, they were disheartened, confused, and fearful. However, their encounters with the risen Jesus completely transformed them. This dramatic and sudden shift in their attitudes, behaviors, and convictions demands an explanation beyond mere psychological change.

In fact, the transformation was so profound that the disciples were willing to endure persecution, suffering, and even death for their beliefs. This level of commitment is astonishing, especially considering their earlier cowardice and denial of Jesus. Their readiness to face martyrdom indicates a deep conviction that they had indeed witnessed something extraordinary.

The transformation wasn't limited to fervent believers. Even those who initially doubted, like James and Thomas, experienced a radical shift in their doubts and skepticism. Thomas, for instance, went from demanding physical proof to proclaiming Jesus as "My Lord and my God" after encountering the risen Jesus. This transformation underscores the impact of their experiences. Further, Saul was a zealous persecutor and executioner of Christians prior to an experience where he saw the resurrected Jesus.

Lastly, it's not like the disciples had much to gain from fabricating Jesus' resurrection. It was actually quite the opposite. It didn't make them rich. It didn't make them famous (at least not in their lifetime). Their commitment to their new beliefs brought them hardship, persecution, and, in many cases, torturous martyrdom. If they were perpetuating a lie, it's unlikely they would have endured such difficulties. Many people will die for a lie they think is the truth. Nobody will die for a lie they know is false.

Objection

Maybe the disciples hallucinated

Some people might reply that the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus could be attributed to hallucinations or visions experienced by the disciples. They argue that grief, psychological stress, and a strong desire to see Jesus could have influenced their perception. The problem with this is that we are not talking about one or two people. We are talking about hundreds of individuals that are claimed to have seen Jesus. Hallucinations are typically individual experiences. It's rare for multiple people to simultaneously and consistently have the same or similar hallucinations. The post-resurrection appearances involved different individuals and groups who reported seeing Jesus at various times and places, making it less likely that they all experienced the same hallucination.

Additionally, The Gospel accounts highlight the diversity of Jesus' appearances post-resurrection. He was seen indoors and outdoors, in various settings, and under different circumstances. This variability suggests that the experiences were not uniform hallucinations but rather distinct encounters.

The body was stolen!

I've heart this one a lot. The Gospel of Matthew records that a Roman guard was stationed at the tomb to prevent tampering. Roman guards were known for their discipline and severity in ensuring their duties were carried out. Overcoming a Roman guard detachment would have been a formidable task. And, if we know anything about the Roman army, they were effective. The tomb of Jesus was sealed with a large stone, further complicating any attempt to steal the body unnoticed. Moving such a stone would have required significant effort and would likely attract attention.

Also, opponents of Jesus, such as the Jewish religious leaders, had every motivation to produce a body when His disciples started claiming He rose from the dead. Jesus' resurrection completely undermined their position and tradition on who the Messiah was supposed to be.

You Can Do This!

As you step into this upcoming school year, remember that your faith is not confined to a church building or your personal moments of worship—it can be (and should be) a vibrant and logical aspect of your academic and everyday life! There's an incredible realm of reasons and evidence that support your belief in God, waiting to be explored, embraced, and shared.

In the halls of your schools and universities, you'll encounter questions and challenges to your faith. Embrace them as opportunities to dive deeper into the richness of your worldview. Dedicate some time to studying the strong foundation upon which your faith rests. Explore the wealth of historical, philosophical, and scientific evidence that offers compelling reasons for believing in God.

Equipping yourself with knowledge not only strengthens your own faith but also empowers you to confidently share your beliefs with others. When you understand the logical and rational basis of your faith, you become a powerful witness for Jesus. Your conviction, backed by reason, can inspire curiosity in others and open doors for meaningful conversations.

Remember, you don't need to be a theology expert to engage in discussions about your faith. A sincere willingness to learn and share your perspective can create a positive impact. As you engage in these conversations, listen attentively, respond respectfully, and trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Hebrews 13:20–21

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