Definitions

Question 1

Define Infinite Regress

Answer 1

The belief that causes are infinitely dependent on dependent causes; it is impossible to arrive at a first principle or first cause.

Question 2

Define Irreducible Complexity

Answer 2

“A single system composed of well-matched, interacting parts all of which are necessary for the system to function. If any one part were removed then the whole system would no longer function.” Michael Behe

Question 3

Define Intelligent Design

Answer 3

A scientific theory of origins that infers that life was purposefully designed by a superior intelligence.

Question 4

Define Darwinism

Answer 4

Fully naturalistic evolution that is merely a combination of time plus matter plus chance without direction by any purposeful intelligence.

Question 5

Define Atheistic Evolution

Answer 5

Macro Evolution, which is merely a combination of time plus matter plus chance without direction by any purposeful intelligence.

Question 6

Define Theistic Evolution

Answer 6

The theory that God used Macro Evolution to create and diversify life.

Question 7

Define Progressive Creationism

Answer 7

Theory that supposed that while life was evolving, God intervened at retain stages to create things that the evolutionary process could not accomplish on its own.

Question 8

Define Macro Evolution

Answer 8

Evolutionary changes that require large jumps, such as one species becoming another. More theoretical and less substantiated than Micro Evolution.

Question 9

Define Micro Evolution

Answer 9

Evolutionary changes that require only small jumps, such as adaptations within species. Factually substantiated.

Question 10

Define Exclusivism

Answer 10

The belief that one religion is true.

Question 11

Define Culture

Answer 11

“Culture is an effort to find a coherent set of answer to the existential situations that confront all of us in the passage of our lives” - Daniel Belle

Question 12

Define Inclusivism

Answer 12

The belief that many religions may be true.

Question 13

Define Pluralization

Answer 13

The process within a culture where a number of world-views are available to its members, but no one world-view is dominant.

Question 14

Define Pluralism

Answer 14

The belief that all (or most) religions are true. Truth is treated as relative.

Question 15

Define Privatization

Answer 15

“The process that compels individuals to restrict all their spiritual and religious beliefs and keep them to themselves.” - Ravi Zacharias

Question 16

Define Secularization

Answer 16

“The process by which religious ideas, institutions, and interpretations have lost their social significance. In a secularized society, while our religious beliefs may still be held privately, the social significance is lost.” - Ravi Zacharias