On Guard Flashcards

Question

Who are the so-called 'New Atheists' mentioned in the text?

Answer 1

* Sam Harris * Richard Dawkins * Christopher Hitchens

Answer 2

[goofy curiosities].

Answer 3

Because the gospel is always heard against the backdrop of the culture.

Answer 4

It leads to Christianity being dismissed as mere superstition.

Answer 5

It's hard for the gospel to get a fair hearing.

Answer 6

The student asked, 'What are you doing here?' indicating surprise at a Christian philosopher.

Answer 7

To provide solid evidence for beliefs and good answers to objections.

Answer 8

An environment in which Christian belief is seen as reasonable.

Answer 9

[supernatural].

Answer 10

The view that something is relative rather than absolute.

Answer 11

Being rich is relative; one may be rich compared to some cultures but not others.

Answer 12

Three benefits: increased confidence in sharing faith, helps maintain faith during doubt, and promotes deeper understanding of beliefs.

Answer 13

It makes you more confident in sharing your faith with others.

Answer 14

Forty percent.

Answer 15

Lack of answers to questions about their faith.

Answer 16

Training in the defense of Christianity's truth.

Answer 17

Because they lack preparation and training in apologetics.

Answer 18

Explain to their children why they believe as they do.

Answer 19

It can help bring them back from the brink of abandoning their faith.

Answer 20

Questions about the existence and nature of God, the origin of the universe, and moral values.

Answer 21

interesting.

Answer 22

It enables one to provide reasons for their beliefs rather than just personal opinions.

Answer 23

Superficiality and fixation on celebrities and entertainment.

Answer 24

You will become more thoughtful and well-rounded.

Answer 25

Many people believe that apologetics is ineffective in winning unbelievers to Christ.

Answer 26

We should expect that most unbelievers will remain unconvinced by our apologetic arguments.

Answer 27

They may have false expectations about the number of people who will respond positively to the gospel.

Answer 28

The cumulative effect is unknown, as arguments may plant seeds that grow over time.

Answer 29

Every person is precious to God and has the potential for significant influence.

Answer 30

Engineers, people in medicine, and lawyers.

Answer 31

Lee Strobel has noted numerous people coming to Christ through his books.

Answer 32

Many students have indicated decisions for Christ after such presentations.

Answer 33

C. S. Lewis

Answer 34

He lost his Muslim faith, became an atheist, and then came to believe in God through apologetic works.

Answer 35

He became one of the most influential Christian apologists of his generation.

Answer 36

Combining apologetics with a gospel presentation and personal testimony.

Answer 37

More than one hundred million copies.

Answer 38

He must lead a double life due to the risk of being killed for his beliefs.

Answer 39

A form of argument that proves a statement by demonstrating that its opposite is absurd.

Answer 40

Significance, why something matters.

Answer 41

Good and evil, right and wrong.

Answer 42

A goal, a reason for something.

Answer 43

Objective is real or true independent of opinion; subjective is a matter of personal opinion.

Answer 44

Water is H2O.

Answer 45

Vanilla tastes better than chocolate.

Answer 46

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Answer 47

You can prove something to be true by showing its opposite is false.

Answer 48

It didn't work, leading people to believe the opposite must be true.

Answer 49

They take God for granted and do not consider the implications of His non-existence.

Answer 50

They argue that life is absurd if God does not exist.

Answer 51

They are ultimately human illusions; life is objectively meaningless, valueless, and purposeless.

Answer 52

objectively meaningless.

Answer 53

They may not experience life as dull and meaningless, but their beliefs are subjective illusions.

Answer 54

Meaning that is not merely a human illusion but has a foundation in existence.

Answer 55

Whether God exists is the most important question a person can ask.

Answer 56

Both man and the universe are inevitably doomed to death ## Footnote This leads to a life that is ultimately meaningless.

Answer 57

The awareness that one will cease to exist and die ## Footnote This thought can be overwhelming and threatening.

Answer 58

Several hours or several years make no difference once you have lost eternity.

Answer 59

The universe will expand, grow colder, and all matter will collapse into dead stars and black holes.

Answer 60

It is doomed to destruction, with no hope for escape.

Answer 61

Life itself becomes absurd and without ultimate significance, value, or purpose.

Answer 62

influenced

Answer 63

Because he ends in nothing, he is nothing.

Answer 64

It does not provide ultimate significance.

Answer 65

He realizes that mere existence without purpose is a curse.

Answer 66

It makes no ultimate difference whether you live as a Stalin or as a Mother Teresa.

Answer 67

There is no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, only indifference.

Answer 68

They become subjective and culturally relative.

Answer 69

We are here to no purpose.

Answer 70

They have the same fate; all go to the same place.

Answer 71

'Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.'

Answer 72

They exist to no purpose since they are products of chance.

Answer 73

Without God, there is despair.

Answer 74

They laughed and taunted him

Answer 75

Killing God

Answer 76

Drinking up the sea and wiping away the entire horizon

Answer 77

Are we not straying as through an infinite nothing?

Answer 78

It has become colder and is filled with night

Answer 79

Lanterns must be lit

Answer 80

The implications of atheism

Answer 81

An age of nihilism

Answer 82

How shall we, the murderers of all murderers, comfort ourselves?

Answer 83

The tremendous event of God's death

Answer 84

Dashes his lantern to the ground

Answer 85

It will lead to a deeper understanding of meaning and value in life

Answer 86

It is impossible to live consistently and happily; if you live consistently, you will not be happy; if you live happily, it is only because you are not consistent.

Answer 87

Francis Schaeffer

Answer 88

The finite world without God, where life is absurd.

Answer 89

Meaning, value, and purpose.

Answer 90

He argues against suicide and for promoting human brotherhood.

Answer 91

He inconsistently holds both to the absurdity of life and the ethics of human love and brotherhood.

Answer 92

The view that there are no values is incompatible with affirming the values of love and brotherhood.

Answer 93

He could not live as though ethical values were simply a matter of personal taste.

Answer 94

All things are permitted.

Answer 95

The Holocaust

Answer 96

The necessity of living beyond good and evil.

Answer 97

He condemns actions as immoral while asserting there is no good or evil.

Answer 98

By making up some purpose or by not carrying their view to its logical conclusions.

Answer 99

That it is just a tiny part of an overwhelmingly hostile universe.

Answer 100

An evaluation of a situation.

Answer 101

None; they have no objective significance.

Answer 102

The atheistic worldview is insufficient to maintain a happy and consistent life.

Answer 103

We shall find ourselves profoundly unhappy.

Answer 104

We deceive ourselves by means of some 'Noble Lie' into thinking that we and the universe still have value.

Answer 105

Intellectual and moral relativism is profoundly the case.

Answer 106

The madhouse option and the totalitarian option.

Answer 107

A lie that deceives us, tricks us, and compels us beyond self-interest.

Answer 108

Self-deception.

Answer 109

It asserts that God exists and life does not end at the grave.

Answer 110

* God * Immortality

Answer 111

If God does not exist, then life is futile; if God does exist, then life is meaningful.

Answer 112

A rational person ought to choose to believe in God.

Answer 113

We have nothing to lose and infinity to gain.

Answer 114

To encourage the reader to think about the question of God's existence and its profound consequences.

Answer 115

privatized.

Answer 116

All human life as well as every individual life will eventually be destroyed.

Answer 117

Life itself has no objective meaning, value, or purpose.

Answer 118

Without immortality your life has no ultimate significance and makes no difference to the world's outcome.

Answer 119

There is no broader framework within which man's life can be seen to matter.

Answer 120

Without immortality there is no moral accountability, and your moral choices become inconsequential.

Answer 121

Moral values are just delusions ingrained into us by evolution and social conditioning.

Answer 122

Extinction in death.

Answer 123

There is no purpose for which you came into this world.

Answer 124

No, it is impossible.

Answer 125

It is only by inconsistently affirming meaning, value, and purpose for our lives.

Answer 126

We shall be profoundly unhappy and even in despair.

Answer 127

God exists and life does not end at the grave.

Answer 128

God and immortality.

Answer 129

It supplies a framework within which one can live consistently and happily.

Answer 130

It challenges the worldview of modern man.

Answer 131

A German philosopher, mathematician, and logician who invented differential and integral calculus independently around the same time as Isaac Newton.

Answer 132

Defending himself against accusations that he had stolen Newton's ideas.

Answer 133

Why is there something rather than nothing?

Answer 134

The explanation for why anything exists is found in God.

Answer 135

* Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence. * If the universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God. * The universe exists.

Answer 136

The explanation of the universe's existence is God.

Answer 137

Either premise 1 or premise 2.

Answer 138

Keokuk, Iowa.

Answer 139

Catching various pets such as frogs, toads, snakes, and birds.

Answer 140

Why does anything at all exist?

Answer 141

It suggests a foundational belief in a Creator in relation to the existence of all things.

Answer 142

Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence.

Answer 143

If God exists, then God must have an explanation of His existence, which implies a greater being, which is impossible.

Answer 144

Believers say God exists inexplicably; atheists say the universe exists inexplicably.

Answer 145

* Things that exist necessarily * Things that are produced by some external cause.

Answer 146

Things that exist by a necessity of their own nature and cannot fail to exist.

Answer 147

Things that can fail to exist and need an external cause to explain their existence.

Answer 148

Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence, either in the necessity of its own nature or in an external cause.

Answer 149

The necessity of His own nature.

Answer 150

Increasing the size of an object does not remove the need for an explanation of its existence.

Answer 151

The error of exempting the universe from the rule that everything has an explanation.

Answer 152

Modern cosmology is devoted to the search for an explanation of the universe's existence.

Answer 153

The taxicab fallacy.

Answer 154

The study of the large-scale structure and development of the universe.

Answer 155

It assumes that if there were no universe, there would be nothing.

Answer 156

A prior state of affairs, which is God and His will.

Answer 157

If the universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God.

Answer 158

Two statements are logically equivalent if it is impossible for one to be true and the other false.

Answer 159

A statement of the form 'If P, then Q' is logically equivalent to 'If not-Q, then not-P.'

Answer 160

If atheism is true, the universe has no explanation of its existence.

Answer 161

The response implies that if the universe has an explanation, then atheism is not true.

Answer 162

Abstract objects are causally effete or impotent, whereas concrete objects can cause effects in the world.

Answer 163

* Mathematical entities (numbers, sets, functions) * Propositions * Properties * Fictional characters * Musical and literary works

Answer 164

A nonphysical, immaterial being beyond space and time.

Answer 165

* An abstract object * An unembodied mind

Answer 166

Beyond the realm of our world.

Answer 167

The existence of a necessary, uncaused, timeless, spaceless, immaterial, personal Creator of the universe.

Answer 168

The universe exists by a necessity of its own nature.

Answer 169

None of the things in the universe seems to exist necessarily; they could all fail to exist.

Answer 170

They are the basic units of matter that cannot be further broken down.

Answer 171

similarity

Answer 172

difference

Answer 173

A universe made up of different particles would be a different universe.

Answer 174

God is the explanation of the existence of the universe.

Answer 175

* Uncaused * Unembodied Mind * Transcends the universe * Exists necessarily

Answer 176

Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence, either in the necessity of its own nature or in an external cause.

Answer 177

It illustrates the self-evident principle that everything has an explanation for its existence.

Answer 178

The universe is an exception to this principle.

Answer 179

The taxicab fallacy.

Answer 180

It is impossible for the universe to have an explanation.

Answer 181

It assumes the universe is all there is, which begs the question in favor of atheism.

Answer 182

If the universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God.

Answer 183

If God does not exist, the universe has no explanation.

Answer 184

The universe does not exist necessarily, since different elementary particles could have existed.

Answer 185

This being must be an unembodied, transcendent Mind.

Answer 186

Therefore, the universe has an explanation of its existence.

Answer 187

Therefore, the explanation of the existence of the universe is God.

Answer 188

Why did the universe begin? ## Footnote This question reflects a longstanding philosophical and theological inquiry.

Answer 189

The idea of a beginningless universe. ## Footnote The author found it inconceivable to think of an infinite past.

Answer 190

Matter was necessary and uncreated, therefore eternal. ## Footnote They thought God introduced order into the cosmos but did not create the universe itself.

Answer 191

Hebrew writers held that the universe was created by God at some point in the past. ## Footnote This is reflected in Genesis 1:1.

Answer 192

It lasted over a thousand years and ended inconclusively in the thought of Immanuel Kant. ## Footnote Kant argued that there are rationally compelling arguments for both sides.

Answer 193

A twelfth-century Muslim theologian from Persia. ## Footnote He was influential in critiquing Greek philosophy's influence on Islamic thought.

Answer 194

He believed it was impossible to live by the ethics of his religion while supporting corrupt rulers. ## Footnote He sought a simpler life.

Answer 195

The Incoherence of the Philosophers. ## Footnote This book addresses the denial of God's creation of the universe by some philosophers.

Answer 196

The universe must have a beginning and therefore a cause. ## Footnote He argues against the notion of a beginningless universe.

Answer 197

1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause. 2. The universe began to exist. 3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

Answer 198

False. ## Footnote He argued that the universe must have a beginning.

Answer 199

They must regard either premise 1 or premise 2 as false.

Answer 200

If the premises are true, the conclusion necessarily follows. ## Footnote This makes his argument logically airtight.

Answer 201

Whatever begins to exist has a cause

Answer 202

It would mean coming into being from nothing, which is logically implausible

Answer 203

A magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat

Answer 204

'Nothing comes from nothing; nothing ever could.'

Answer 205

Ancient Christian philosophers like John Philoponus of Alexandria

Answer 206

It was absorbed by Islam, mediated by Jews, and championed by St. Bonaventura in Christian West

Answer 207

Metaphysics

Answer 208

* Nature of existence * Nature of time and space * Relation of mind and body * Reality of abstract objects * Existence of God

Answer 209

They often use metaphors that can be misleading and inaccurate

Answer 210

'Nothing' in physics is not just empty space; it is the absence of anything whatsoever

Answer 211

Dismissing the causal principle for the universe while accepting it for everything else

Answer 212

They argue that it applies to everything except the universe itself

Answer 213

It is constantly verified and never falsified

Answer 214

Atheism is philosophically bankrupt

Answer 215

[Jews and especially Muslims]

Answer 216

Premise 1 is more plausibly true than false

Answer 217

It reveals a misunderstanding of the premise

Answer 218

It is clearly true and foundational to the argument

Answer 219

The universe began to exist.

Answer 220

The claim that the universe began to exist.

Answer 221

An actually infinite number of things cannot exist.

Answer 222

Potential infinity is an ideal limit never reached, while actual infinity is a complete collection greater than any finite number.

Answer 223

Dividing a finite distance in half endlessly.

Answer 224

It leads to various absurdities.

Answer 225

The universe cannot be beginningless; it must have begun to exist.

Answer 226

Modern mathematics has shown that actually infinite sets can exist.

Answer 227

Such mathematical entities may not reflect real existence.

Answer 228

Hilbert's Hotel.

Answer 229

Guests are moved to make a new room available.

Answer 230

Current guests are moved to even-numbered rooms, freeing all odd-numbered rooms.

Answer 231

An infinite number checks out, but the number of guests remains infinite.

Answer 232

Subtracting identical quantities from identical quantities results in nonidentical outcomes.

Answer 233

The number of past events must be finite.

Answer 234

potentially

Answer 235

Georg Cantor.

Answer 236

Bipolar disorder.

Answer 237

It showcases the absurdity of assuming an actually infinite number of things can exist.

Answer 238

The hotel remains as full as before despite an infinite number of departures.

Answer 239

The fallacy of confusing a property of a part with a property of the whole ## Footnote An example is that every part of an elephant may be light, but that doesn't mean the whole elephant is light.

Answer 240

You can't pass through an infinite number of elements one at a time.

Answer 241

By comparing past events to a series of dominoes falling one after another.

Answer 242

No matter how high you count, there's always an infinity of numbers left to count.

Answer 243

From every past point, we can reach the present.

Answer 244

It commits the fallacy of composition.

Answer 245

If both have been orbiting from eternity past, they would have completed the same number of orbits, which is absurd.

Answer 246

If he has been counting for an infinite amount of time, he should have already finished.

Answer 247

It can't be actually infinite; it must have had a beginning.

Answer 248

They provide support for the premise that the universe began to exist.

Answer 249

Multiverse ## Footnote The multiverse concept suggests that our observable universe is just one bubble in a larger expanse.

Answer 250

Borde-Guth-Vilenkin theorem ## Footnote This theorem indicates that even if a multiverse exists, it cannot be eternal in the past and must have had a beginning.

Answer 251

The expansion of the universe ## Footnote This evidence aligns with the second premise of the kalam cosmological argument.

Answer 252

Alexander Friedman and Georges Lemaitre ## Footnote Their models challenged the static universe assumption held by Einstein.

Answer 253

The redshift in the light from distant galaxies ## Footnote Hubble found that galaxies are moving away from us, indicating an expanding universe.

Answer 254

A balloon with buttons glued to its surface ## Footnote As the balloon expands, the buttons (representing galaxies) move farther apart, illustrating the expansion of space.

Answer 255

The initial expansion of the universe ## Footnote The name can be misleading as it suggests an explosion into empty space, which is not the case.

Answer 256

The distance between any two points shrinks to zero ## Footnote This indicates the boundary of space and time, marking the beginning of both.

Answer 257

Simultaneously with time ## Footnote Augustine believed that God created both space and time together, which aligns with modern cosmological views.

Answer 258

A cone ## Footnote The cone has a boundary point in the past, indicating that past time is finite and had a beginning.

Answer 259

Any universe that has been expanding cannot be infinite in the past ## Footnote This theorem confirms that the universe must have a past space-time boundary.

Answer 260

They are generally unworkable ## Footnote Models that avoid the absolute beginning have repeatedly failed to provide a viable explanation.

Answer 261

Reluctance to accept the idea of a cosmic genesis ## Footnote The Big Bang model initially seemed to align with the Judeo-Christian idea of a universe with a beginning.

Answer 262

* The redshift of light from distant galaxies * The abundance of light elements like helium * Cosmic background microwave radiation ## Footnote These pieces of evidence support the idea that the universe began from a hot, dense state.

Answer 263

An absolute beginning of the universe ## Footnote This prediction has been supported over decades of observational astronomy.

Answer 264

A state in which all forces are in balance and there is no change.

Answer 265

The point at which temperature and pressure are the same everywhere in the universe.

Answer 266

Unless energy is fed into a system, that system will become increasingly disorderly.

Answer 267

The gas will spread itself evenly throughout the bottle.

Answer 268

A state of equilibrium where the universe becomes a featureless soup with no life possible.

Answer 269

Because the universe is still in a state of disequilibrium, where energy is available to be used.

Answer 270

Rudolf Clausius.

Answer 271

* First law: Energy in a physical system can be neither created nor destroyed. * Second law: A closed system will tend toward increasing disorder (entropy) until it reaches equilibrium. * Third law: As a system approaches absolute zero, its entropy approaches a certain minimum value.

Answer 272

The universe is in a state of overall equilibrium, with isolated pockets of disequilibrium arising by chance.

Answer 273

It suggests we should observe a smaller region of order, which is vastly more probable than the large, sustained fluctuation needed to create our universe.

Answer 274

It will never actually arrive at equilibrium; matter and energy will spread out but the universe will become increasingly cold and dark.

Answer 275

Gravity will pull everything together in a catastrophic big crunch, leading to a black hole.

Answer 276

If the universe has existed for infinite time, why is it not currently in a state of equilibrium?

Answer 277

Matter and energy were put into the universe as an initial condition, following the second law of thermodynamics since then.

Answer 278

Entropy accumulates from cycle to cycle, leading to the conclusion of a first cycle and the origin of the universe.

Answer 279

The second law applies only to the bubbles, not to the whole multiverse.

Answer 280

Theories that black holes could be entrances to wormholes that spawn independent 'baby universes.'

Answer 281

The second law of thermodynamics applies, and it contradicts subatomic physics regarding information in black holes.

Answer 282

He admitted that 'There is no baby universe branching off.'

Answer 283

The truth of the second premise of the kalam cosmological argument.

Answer 284

Philosophical and scientific evidence ## Footnote This conclusion is based on the premise that whatever begins to exist has a cause.

Answer 285

The universe itself ## Footnote Dennett claims that the universe created itself, which is considered logically incoherent.

Answer 286

A transcendent cause beyond the universe ## Footnote This cause must be uncaused and cannot be an infinite series of causes.

Answer 287

* Transcends space and time * Immaterial and nonphysical * Unimaginably powerful * A personal being

Answer 288

To explain how a timeless cause can produce a temporal effect with a beginning ## Footnote This addresses the issue of causation in the context of the universe's creation.

Answer 289

True ## Footnote This principle relates to the relationship between cause and effect, as illustrated by the example of water freezing.

Answer 290

Why isn't the universe permanently there as well if its cause is timeless?

Answer 291

The cause of the universe is a personal being with freedom of the will ## Footnote This allows the act of creation to be spontaneous and independent of prior conditions.

Answer 292

God is changeless and timeless without the universe, and enters into time when He creates the universe.

Answer 293

The existence of a beginningless, uncaused, timeless, spaceless, changeless, immaterial, enormously powerful Personal Creator of the universe.

Answer 294

He questioned why theologians are not familiar with the kalam argument.

Answer 295

Whatever begins to exist has a cause ## Footnote This premise asserts that something cannot come from nothing.

Answer 296

Physics gives examples of things coming from nothing ## Footnote This challenges the assertion that everything must have a cause.

Answer 297

The universe began to exist ## Footnote This premise argues against the existence of an actually infinite number of past events.

Answer 298

Mathematics establishes only a universe of discourse ## Footnote It is argued that mathematics does not prove the existence of an actual infinite.

Answer 299

True ## Footnote This statement acknowledges that infinity can be mathematically defined.

Answer 300

Your absurd situations are what we should expect if an actual infinite exists ## Footnote This implies that the existence of actual infinities leads to contradictions.

Answer 301

Fallacy of composition ## Footnote This fallacy occurs when one assumes that what is true of parts is also true of the whole.

Answer 302

It suggests nonstandard models of the origin of the universe exist ## Footnote These models may also predict a beginning.

Answer 303

Therefore, the universe has a cause ## Footnote This conclusion follows logically from the first two premises.

Answer 304

The universe caused itself ## Footnote This claim implies that the universe existed before it came to exist.

Answer 305

Uncaused, timeless, spaceless, immaterial, powerful Personal Creator ## Footnote This description characterizes the nature of the proposed cause.

Answer 306

The order that pervades the cosmos and the constant revolution of stars and planets ## Footnote This order was especially awe-inspiring to them.

Answer 307

* The argument from the existence of the soul * The argument from the order of the motion of the stars and all things under the dominion of the Mind ## Footnote These arguments were used by Plato to refute atheism.

Answer 308

It was a school founded by Plato around 387 BC that flourished for nine hundred years, focusing on the search for truth through rational inquiry ## Footnote The Academy drew thinkers and students to explore profound questions.

Answer 309

An eighteen-year-old pupil who studied there until Plato's death ## Footnote Aristotle was significantly influenced by the teachings at the Academy.

Answer 310

Divine intelligence ## Footnote He believed that the beauty and order of the cosmos indicated a higher power.

Answer 311

That there exist gods and that the marvelous works are the handiwork of the gods ## Footnote This reflects Aristotle's belief in a divine creator based on the observation of the universe.

Answer 312

There must be a First Uncaused Cause, which is God ## Footnote This being is described as living, intelligent, immaterial, eternal, and most good.

Answer 313

God's invisible nature and eternal power can be perceived in the things that have been made ## Footnote This verse supports the idea that design in the universe points to a creator.

Answer 314

The universe must have a complex and delicate balance of initial conditions to permit intelligent life ## Footnote This challenges the previous assumption that life would evolve given enough time and luck.

Answer 315

The delicate balance of initial conditions necessary for the existence of intelligent life ## Footnote This concept highlights the complexity and delicacy of the universe.

Answer 316

Constants of nature and arbitrary physical quantities

Answer 317

The force of gravity

Answer 318

Unchanging quantities like the force of gravity, electromagnetic force, and weak force

Answer 319

The amount of thermodynamic disorder (entropy) in the early universe

Answer 320

The extraordinarily narrow range of values for constants and quantities that allow for life

Answer 321

The range of life-permitting values for constants and quantities is extremely narrow

Answer 322

It would have prevented a life-permitting universe

Answer 323

One part in 10^120

Answer 324

One chance out of 10^123

Answer 325

Firing a bullet toward a one-inch target twenty billion light-years away

Answer 326

It is scientifically well established and unlikely to disappear with the advance of science

Answer 327

It refers to the property of organisms to take in food, extract energy, grow, adapt, and reproduce. ## Footnote This definition encompasses all forms of life, not just current ones.

Answer 328

The constants and quantities of the universe must be unbelievably fine-tuned. ## Footnote Without fine-tuning, matter and chemistry would not exist.

Answer 329

False ## Footnote It focuses on universes governed by the same laws of nature but with different values of constants.

Answer 330

The improbability of a randomly chosen universe being life-permitting. ## Footnote A solitary fly represents the rare occurrence of a life-permitting universe among many non-permitting ones.

Answer 331

1. The fine-tuning is due to either physical necessity, chance, or design. 2. It is not due to physical necessity or chance. 3. Therefore, it is due to design.

Answer 332

* Physical necessity * Chance * Design ## Footnote Each of these explanations considers different origins for the constants and quantities.

Answer 333

The fine-tuning of the universe is due to either physical necessity, chance, or design.

Answer 334

The fine-tuning is not due to physical necessity or chance.

Answer 335

It shows that the evolution of intelligent life depends on the design of the initial cosmic conditions, circumventing the issue of biological evolution. ## Footnote This highlights the improbability of explaining complex life without a Designer.

Answer 336

[physical necessity]

Answer 337

[designed]

Answer 338

The universe has to be life-permitting; life-prohibiting universes are physically impossible. ## Footnote This view suggests that the constants and quantities must have specific values to allow for life.

Answer 339

It seems implausible to claim that a life-prohibiting universe is a physical impossibility. ## Footnote Critics argue that constants are not determined by the laws of nature and could theoretically be different.

Answer 340

A theory that aims to unify the four basic forces of nature into a single force. ## Footnote It includes gravity, the weak force, the strong force, and electromagnetism.

Answer 341

M-theory requires eleven dimensions but does not explain why this specific number exists. ## Footnote Additionally, M-theory does not uniquely predict a life-permitting universe.

Answer 342

A range of possible universes consistent with M-theory, not a list of actual existing universes. ## Footnote It describes the various configurations that are theoretically possible.

Answer 343

No, evidence indicates that life-prohibiting universes are more likely than life-permitting ones. ## Footnote This undermines the argument for design based on physical necessity.

Answer 344

The fine-tuning could be due to chance, suggesting it is an accident that constants are life-permitting. ## Footnote This perspective implies that we simply got lucky.

Answer 345

The improbability of a life-permitting universe existing by mere chance is so remote that it becomes unreasonable. ## Footnote This highlights the difficulty of accepting chance as a sufficient explanation.

Answer 346

By representing our universe as a red dot on paper amidst a sea of blue dots (life-prohibiting universes). ## Footnote This visual metaphor shows that life-prohibiting universes vastly outnumber life-permitting ones.

Answer 347

life-permitting

Answer 348

False ## Footnote M-theory allows for many possible universes, most of which are life-prohibiting.

Answer 349

You create new universes represented as dots, showing a predominance of life-prohibiting universes. ## Footnote This illustrates the improbability of finding life-permitting universes among the possibilities.

Answer 350

The analogy illustrates the misunderstanding of the argument for design versus chance. ## Footnote The analogy compares the improbability of winning a lottery to the existence of a life-permitting universe.

Answer 351

The argument for design seeks to explain why a life-permitting universe exists. ## Footnote This contrasts with the misconception that it explains why a particular universe exists.

Answer 352

The corrected analogy involves billions of white ping-pong balls and one black ping-pong ball, focusing on the odds of selecting a life-permitting ball. ## Footnote The focus is on the improbability of selecting the black ball, which represents a life-permitting universe.

Answer 353

It would suggest that the lottery was rigged to allow for a life-permitting outcome. ## Footnote This highlights the improbability of obtaining a life-permitting universe when overwhelmingly more outcomes are life-prohibiting.

Answer 354

The Anthropic Principle states that we can observe only those values of fundamental constants that are compatible with our existence. ## Footnote This principle is used to argue that no explanation is needed for a life-permitting universe.

Answer 355

It fails to address the need for an explanation of why a life-permitting universe exists despite the fact that we can only observe such a universe. ## Footnote Just because we exist in a life-permitting universe does not eliminate the improbability of its existence.

Answer 356

The scenario involves being shot at by a hundred marksmen at point-blank range and surviving. ## Footnote This analogy emphasizes the improbability of surviving and the need for an explanation.

Answer 357

One should conclude that the marksmen must have missed on purpose or that the situation was engineered. ## Footnote This conclusion parallels the need to explain the existence of a life-permitting universe.

Answer 358

fantastically improbable.

Answer 359

It suggests that the outcome is not due to chance but rather manipulation. ## Footnote This reinforces the idea that a life-permitting universe should raise questions about its existence.

Answer 360

The need for an explanation of fine-tuning ## Footnote The Anthropic Principle suggests that the universe's parameters must allow for the existence of observers, but does not explain why those parameters are set as they are.

Answer 361

One member of a world ensemble or 'multiverse' ## Footnote The many worlds hypothesis posits an infinite number of universes with varying fundamental constants.

Answer 362

The multiverse itself may involve fine-tuning ## Footnote If the mechanism generating many worlds is itself fine-tuned, it raises the same fine-tuning problem it seeks to resolve.

Answer 363

It must not be fine-tuned itself ## Footnote If the mechanism is fine-tuned, it creates a new fine-tuning problem.

Answer 364

It is unclear whether the physics of the multiverse involves fine-tuning ## Footnote For example, the existence of eleven dimensions in M-theory remains unexplained.

Answer 365

There is an infinite number of unobservable universes ## Footnote This belief is required to explain the existence of a life-permitting universe like ours by chance.

Answer 366

It reflects the reluctance to accept design due to its speculative nature ## Footnote Scientists may prefer the many worlds hypothesis over design, suggesting a compulsion to avoid admitting design.

Answer 367

The Borde-Guth-Vilenkin theorem ## Footnote This theorem indicates that even a multiverse must have a beginning, implying a finite number of universes.

Answer 368

The odds of observing a finely tuned universe are vastly lower than observing a smaller region of order ## Footnote Roger Penrose highlighted that the probability of our universe's initial conditions existing by chance is astronomically low.

Answer 369

The invasion of Boltzmann brains ## Footnote This concept suggests that a random fluctuation could create a single brain with illusory perceptions of a larger universe.

Answer 370

One would have to believe they are the only existence, with everything else being an illusion ## Footnote This leads to a rational challenge against the many worlds hypothesis.

Answer 371

That God created and ordered the multiverse ## Footnote This would imply that the worlds within the multiverse are not randomly ordered.

Answer 372

It collapses ## Footnote The inability of both physical necessity and chance to explain fine-tuning strengthens the case for design.

Answer 373

1. Explanation of complex design in the universe is a challenge. 2. The temptation to attribute design to an actual designer exists. 3. This leads to the problem of who designed the designer. 4. Darwinian evolution by natural selection is the best explanation. 5. No equivalent explanation exists for physics. 6. We should hope for a powerful explanation in physics.

Answer 374

God almost certainly does not exist.

Answer 375

The conclusion does not logically follow from the previous statements.

Answer 376

1. Cosmological argument. 2. Moral argument. 3. Religious experience. 4. Divine revelation.

Answer 377

The belief that only natural explanations should be considered.

Answer 378

Because a designer is defined as supernatural.

Answer 379

You don't need to explain the explanation to recognize it as the best.

Answer 380

Archaeologists discovering artifacts and inferring they are not chance results.

Answer 381

Dawkins assumes the divine Designer is as complex as the universe.

Answer 382

1. Explanatory power. 2. Explanatory scope.

Answer 383

God is a remarkably simple entity.

Answer 384

A mind's ideas with the simplicity of the mind itself.

Answer 385

Postulating a divine mind represents an advance in simplicity.

Answer 386

Stephen Hawking.

Answer 387

Richard Dawkins.

Answer 388

philosophical depth

Answer 389

The faith of a naturalist.

Answer 390

The question explores the nature of moral values and whether they are objective or subjective.

Answer 391

* Social convention * Personal preference * Evolution * God

Answer 392

A professor of moral philosophy at Cambridge University who argued that morality supports the existence of God.

Answer 393

He argues that it is as real and independent as the natural order.

Answer 394

Both are assumed to exist based on our experiences.

Answer 395

* If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist. * Objective moral values and duties do exist. * Therefore, God exists.

Answer 396

They insist that objective moral values do exist.

Answer 397

If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist.

Answer 398

* Values: whether something is good or bad * Duties: whether something is right or wrong

Answer 399

The worth of a person or action, whether it is good or bad.

Answer 400

Our obligation to act in a certain way, whether that action is right or wrong.

Answer 401

* Objective: independent of people's opinions * Subjective: dependent on people's opinions

Answer 402

The Holocaust was objectively wrong, regardless of the beliefs of the Nazis.

Answer 403

It means they are good or bad regardless of people's opinions.

Answer 404

They depend on individual or cultural opinions.

Answer 405

False: It is simple and many people believe both premises.

Answer 406

They may struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the implications of relativism.

Answer 407

God, who is the highest Good. ## Footnote This view posits that moral values are grounded in a divine authority.

Answer 408

Naturalism. ## Footnote Naturalism asserts that only things described by our best scientific theories exist.

Answer 409

Because science is morally neutral and moral values cannot be found in a test tube. ## Footnote This implies that moral values are illusions created by human beings.

Answer 410

By-products of biological evolution and social conditioning. ## Footnote This view suggests that behaviors are shaped by survival advantages.

Answer 411

A morality that functions well in the perpetuation of our species. ## Footnote This term implies a collective moral understanding among species.

Answer 412

A prejudice or attitude of bias in favor of one's own species. ## Footnote Coined by Richard D. Ryder, it highlights bias against other species.

Answer 413

They are just apelike creatures with delusions of moral grandeur. ## Footnote This suggests a diminished view of human moral significance without a divine basis.

Answer 414

God's commandments, such as the Ten Commandments. ## Footnote These commandments are seen as the source of objective moral duties.

Answer 415

Because human beings are viewed as just animals with no moral obligations. ## Footnote This perspective challenges the idea of inherent moral duties.

Answer 416

A lion killing a zebra and a shark copulating with a female. ## Footnote These actions are described as natural occurrences without moral implications.

Answer 417

They may become taboo due to social and biological factors, but this does not prove they are truly wrong. ## Footnote This raises questions about the objective nature of moral laws.

Answer 418

There is no objective moral law that we must obey. ## Footnote This conclusion emphasizes the need for a divine source of morality.

Answer 419

illusions of human beings.

Answer 420

That it implies all atheists are bad people. ## Footnote This misunderstanding leads to perceptions of judgmentalism and intolerance.

Answer 421

Belief in God is not necessary for objective morality; God's existence is necessary. ## Footnote This clarifies that morality can exist independently of belief.

Answer 422

If God does not exist, do objective moral values and duties exist?

Answer 423

Goodness without God Is Good Enough.

Answer 424

He argued that many nonbelievers live moral lives, suggesting God is not essential. ## Footnote This argument does not address the claim that morality is an illusion without God.

Answer 425

Is something good because God wills it, or does God will something because it is good?

Answer 426

It becomes arbitrary; God could will anything as good.

Answer 427

Moral values exist independently of God.

Answer 428

God wills something because He is good.

Answer 429

God's nature is the standard of goodness, and His commandments express that nature.

Answer 430

Moral values are not independent of God; they are defined by God's character.

Answer 431

It illustrates a false premise, similar to asking about a square circle.

Answer 432

God's nature.

Answer 433

God's will.

Answer 434

Atheistic moral platonism holds that objective moral values exist but are not grounded in God.

Answer 435

The Euthyphro dilemma questions whether moral values are arbitrary if grounded in God.

Answer 436

* Robert Adams * William Alston * Philip Quinn

Answer 437

It is unintelligible to say that moral values like justice exist without any foundation.

Answer 438

It provides no basis for why individuals have moral obligations to act in certain ways.

Answer 439

It's improbable that an evolutionary process would produce creatures corresponding to abstract moral values.

Answer 440

Humanism states that man is the measure of all things and that moral duties promote human flourishing.

Answer 441

Its arbitrariness in deciding why human flourishing is more valuable than the flourishing of other species.

Answer 442

They claim that moral properties like goodness and badness attach necessarily to certain natural states.

Answer 443

There is no clear reason to believe that moral properties would attach to natural states without a moral framework.

Answer 444

God is presented as the natural stopping point for objective moral values and duties.

Answer 445

Theism is not characterized by arbitrariness and implausibility, as it grounds moral values in God.

Answer 446

moral lawgiver

Answer 447

Objective moral values and duties exist. ## Footnote This premise is foundational to the argument for the existence of God.

Answer 448

Professors, particularly philosophy professors, are more apt to believe in objective moral values than students. ## Footnote This suggests a correlation between educational level and belief in objective morality.

Answer 449

Philosophers see no more reason to distrust moral experience than sensory experience. ## Footnote This implies that moral experiences can be trusted to reveal objective values.

Answer 450

* Sexual abuse * Rape * Torture * Child abuse ## Footnote Such actions are viewed as moral abominations.

Answer 451

Presenting moral atrocities often convinces people that objective moral values do exist. ## Footnote Examples include practices like suttee and historical events like the Crusades.

Answer 452

The genetic fallacy. ## Footnote This fallacy invalidates a belief based on how it was formed rather than its truth.

Answer 453

Moral beliefs are shaped by evolution and social conditioning. ## Footnote This raises questions about the truth and justification of those beliefs.

Answer 454

It assumes atheism is true, which undermines the objectivity of moral beliefs. ## Footnote If God exists, He may guide the evolution of our moral beliefs.

Answer 455

Even Gentiles know God's law instinctively, as it is written in their hearts. ## Footnote This indicates an inherent understanding of morality in humans.

Answer 456

God exists. ## Footnote This conclusion complements other arguments for God's existence, such as cosmological and design arguments.

Answer 457

It addresses daily questions of morality that people face in their lives. ## Footnote This makes the moral argument relevant and impactful.

Answer 458

God. ## Footnote This statement emphasizes the connection between morality and the divine.

Answer 459

God exists.

Answer 460

God does not exist.

Answer 461

God may or may not exist.

Answer 462

Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.

Answer 463

There isn't any evidence for God's existence.

Answer 464

Present at least four good arguments that show God exists.

Answer 465

That's no evidence that God exists!

Answer 466

Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Answer 467

They have no evidence of God's absence.

Answer 468

As the absence of belief in God.

Answer 469

It is not a true viewpoint or position.

Answer 470

Even babies and animals like cats.

Answer 471

Some evidence or arguments for their position.

Answer 472

They often repeat their claims without engaging with specific arguments.

Answer 473

universal.

Answer 474

A few arguments for the existence of God.

Answer 475

A deeper emotional rejection of God.

Answer 476

The problem of suffering ## Footnote This argument highlights the extent of suffering in the world, questioning the existence of a benevolent God.

Answer 477

* The earthquake in Mexico City * The mudslide in Colombia ## Footnote These incidents illustrate the emotional weight of suffering and the difficulty in reconciling it with the belief in God.

Answer 478

Heartbreak and questioning God's allowance of such suffering ## Footnote The author expressed confusion about why God would permit such torturous deaths.

Answer 479

* The intellectual problem of suffering * The emotional problem of suffering ## Footnote It's important to differentiate between the philosophical implications of suffering and the personal emotional reactions to it.

Answer 480

Whether it's plausible for God and suffering to coexist ## Footnote This question addresses the logical compatibility of a benevolent deity with the existence of suffering.

Answer 481

People's dislike of a God who would permit suffering ## Footnote This reflects the personal and emotional rejection of belief in God due to the existence of suffering.

Answer 482

False ## Footnote The emotional response to suffering often requires a more personal and empathetic approach than philosophical arguments provide.

Answer 483

It is mainly an emotional problem, not an intellectual one ## Footnote Many people reject the idea of God due to personal feelings about suffering rather than logical refutation.

Answer 484

atheism ## Footnote Many argue that the existence of suffering contradicts the existence of a benevolent God.

Answer 485

Examining the intellectual problem in detail ## Footnote Understanding the philosophical arguments can help clarify the distinction between emotional and intellectual responses to suffering.

Answer 486

The atheist ## Footnote The atheist must provide an argument leading to the conclusion that God does not exist.

Answer 487

* Logical version * Evidential version

Answer 488

It is logically impossible for God and suffering to coexist.

Answer 489

It is highly improbable that God and suffering coexist.

Answer 490

* An all-loving, all-powerful God exists * Suffering exists

Answer 491

* If God is all-powerful, He can create any world that He wants * If God is all-loving, He prefers a world without suffering

Answer 492

The ability to choose between action A or not-A in the same circumstances.

Answer 493

Absence of causal determination of a person's choice apart from the person's own causal activity.

Answer 494

It does not account for the possibility of free will.

Answer 495

Making someone do something freely.

Answer 496

God prefers a world without suffering.

Answer 497

To bring about a greater good.

Answer 498

God could not have created another world with as much good as, but less suffering than, this world, and God has good reasons for permitting the suffering that exists.

Answer 499

It has failed to prove that the coexistence of God and suffering is impossible.

Answer 500

The claim that the suffering in the world renders it improbable that God exists.

Answer 501

It suggests that God could not have good reasons for permitting suffering.

Answer 502

Its conclusion is more modest, stating that it's improbable that God exists.

Answer 503

We are not in a position to say that it's improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting suffering.

Answer 504

Limitations in space and time, intelligence, and insight.

Answer 505

God sees the end of history from its beginning and providentially orders history.

Answer 506

It may be seen as justly permitted by God within His wider framework.

Answer 507

Small disturbances can have extraordinary effects on large-scale systems.

Answer 508

A split-second decision leads to two diverging paths in a woman's life.

Answer 509

She is suddenly killed in an accident.

Answer 510

A life of hardship and suffering that turns out to be the truly good life.

Answer 511

We are simply in no position to judge that God has no good reason for permitting suffering.

Answer 512

The Allied victory at D-day.

Answer 513

We have no idea of the ultimate outcome of our actions.

Answer 514

Utilitarianism.

Answer 515

pointless and unnecessary.

Answer 516

Finite, limited observers cannot confidently speculate about God's reasons for suffering.

Answer 517

Probabilities are always relative to some background information. ## Footnote For example, the probability of a college student drinking beer changes based on the specific college's drinking culture.

Answer 518

Improbable relative to what? ## Footnote This question seeks to understand the background information being considered.

Answer 519

1. If God does not exist, objective moral values do not exist. 2. Evil exists. 3. Therefore, objective moral values exist (some things are evil!). 4. Therefore, God exists.

Answer 520

Suffering calls into question God's existence, but it actually proves God's existence because suffering is not really bad without God. ## Footnote The argument states that moral judgments about suffering imply the existence of God.

Answer 521

They assume that there are no good arguments for the existence of God. ## Footnote This leads to the perspective that suffering makes atheism more probable.

Answer 522

Yes, but this improbability can be outweighed by the arguments for God's existence. ## Footnote The text suggests that while suffering might seem to challenge belief in God, there are strong arguments that support God's existence.

Answer 523

[background information]

Answer 524

True ## Footnote The argument highlights how evil prompts questions about God's existence.

Answer 525

The knowledge of God ## Footnote This view contrasts with the idea that happiness is the ultimate goal of life.

Answer 526

Rebellion against God and His purpose ## Footnote This rebellion results in moral guilt and spiritual alienation from God.

Answer 527

No, it extends into eternal life ## Footnote Life on Earth is seen as a preparation for eternal existence with God.

Answer 528

The knowledge of God ## Footnote This knowledge is deemed the fulfillment of human existence.

Answer 529

False ## Footnote Such teachings are criticized for being unrealistic and misleading.

Answer 530

Deeper knowledge of God ## Footnote Suffering can foster dependency and trust in God.

Answer 531

kingdom of God ## Footnote This purpose shapes the understanding of suffering and life events.

Answer 532

They prepare for an eternal weight of glory ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the transient nature of earthly suffering.

Answer 533

Suffering can lead to significant growth in the church ## Footnote Historical examples include China, El Salvador, and Ethiopia.

Answer 534

It heightens our moral responsibility before God ## Footnote This is linked to the belief in free will and the consequences of sin.

Answer 535

reward ## Footnote The ultimate reward is believed to be in the afterlife for those who endure suffering.

Answer 536

It does not disprove God's existence ## Footnote The existence of suffering is compatible with a Christian understanding of God.

Answer 537

True ## Footnote The argument is that if the Christian doctrines are true, suffering does not negate God's existence.

Answer 538

It is seen as a slight momentary affliction compared to eternal joy ## Footnote This perspective helps believers endure present hardships.

Answer 539

It is often a byproduct of human sin and moral failure ## Footnote The fallen state of humanity contributes to the existence of suffering.

Answer 540

fulfillment ## Footnote This knowledge surpasses any suffering experienced in life.

Answer 541

It refers to the inability to fully comprehend the anguish and doubt surrounding suffering. ## Footnote The emotional problem of suffering often overshadows intellectual considerations.

Answer 542

To respect people's opinions and help them recognize the true emotional nature of their problem. ## Footnote Many individuals perceive their suffering as an intellectual issue.

Answer 543

Being there as a loving friend and sympathetic listener. ## Footnote Sometimes, counsel may be needed, but presence is often more impactful.

Answer 544

It portrays God as a loving Father who shares our sufferings and hurts with us. ## Footnote This contrasts with the view of God as a distant Creator.

Answer 545

He bore the punishment for the sins of the whole world, an incomprehensible suffering. ## Footnote This suffering was voluntary and motivated by love.

Answer 546

Strength and courage to bear one's own cross. ## Footnote Reflecting on Christ's suffering can provide perspective on our own trials.

Answer 547

incommensurable

Answer 548

She was bedridden, blind, nearly deaf, and alone for twenty-five years. ## Footnote Mabel's physical suffering was profound, yet her spirit remained strong.

Answer 549

She asked if she could give it to someone else, saying, 'This is from Jesus.' ## Footnote This illustrates her focus on giving and connection despite her suffering.

Answer 550

'I think about my Jesus.' ## Footnote This highlights her deep faith and focus on God amid her suffering.

Answer 551

She possessed incredible power despite her physical limitations. ## Footnote This power stemmed from her faith and perspective on life.

Answer 552

God is the final answer, redeeming us from evil and leading us to everlasting joy. ## Footnote This joy is defined as fellowship with God.

Answer 553

They claimed that the divine Christ in the gospels is a myth and that Jesus never claimed to be divine.

Answer 554

To look at evidence that supports the radical personal claims and resurrection of Jesus.

Answer 555

An event without context is inherently ambiguous, especially for alleged miracles.

Answer 556

They are the primary sources for knowing what Jesus said and did since He left no writings.

Answer 557

Records of Jesus' followers, similar to how we know about Socrates through Plato.

Answer 558

That examining the New Testament is reasoning in a circle or begging the question.

Answer 559

A couple of centuries after the first century.

Answer 560

They chose the earliest sources closest to Jesus and the original disciples.

Answer 561

Gospels forged under the apostles' names, appearing in the second half of the second century.

Answer 562

* They begin with the author's scholarly credentials * They claim to offer new interpretations * They rely on sources outside the Bible * They present provocative claims * They imply traditional beliefs need revision

Answer 563

They provide insight into various competing movements influenced by pagan gnostic philosophy.

Answer 564

The belief in Jesus' divinity and His resurrection as literal historical events.

Answer 565

* Julius Caesar * Alexander the Great

Answer 566

They believe it would provide a more objective understanding of Jesus.

Answer 567

They are based on later, secondary writings that lack historical credibility.

Answer 568

Should we assume that the gospels are reliable unless proven unreliable, or vice versa?

Answer 569

They assume that the gospels are guilty until proven innocent.

Answer 570

There was insufficient time for legendary influences to erase the core historical facts.

Answer 571

The gap between the evidence and the original events.

Answer 572

Most of the primary sources were written within 60 years of Jesus' crucifixion.

Answer 573

The gospels concern actual historical individuals, events, and places.

Answer 574

* Pontius Pilate * Joseph Caiaphas * John the Baptist

Answer 575

It was highly developed and reliable.

Answer 576

The ability to memorize and retain large tracts of oral tradition.

Answer 577

The child's game of 'telephone'.

Answer 578

* The presence of eyewitnesses * The supervision of the apostles

Answer 579

Oral history.

Answer 580

They have a proven track record of reliability.

Answer 581

Discrepancies are the exception, not the norm.

Answer 582

[reliable]

Answer 583

Herodotus ## Footnote Herodotus was a Greek writer from the fifth century BC known for his work Istoriai.

Answer 584

'Inquiries' or 'Researches' ## Footnote The term 'Istoriai' is the title of Herodotus's work, which is generally referred to as The Histories.

Answer 585

The war between the Greeks and Persians ## Footnote Herodotus collected historical information about the Greco-Persian war.

Answer 586

He included stories that are more colorful than credible ## Footnote There is uncertainty about the reliability of his accounts and whether he visited all the places he described.

Answer 587

It is too short for legendary influences to erase core historical facts ## Footnote This point is argued by A. N. Sherwin-White.

Answer 588

The gospels were written down and circulated during the first generation after the events ## Footnote Eyewitnesses were still alive at the time of the gospels' composition.

Answer 589

Luke ## Footnote Luke also authored the Acts of the Apostles.

Answer 590

He writes an orderly account based on eyewitness information ## Footnote Luke emphasizes his thorough investigation and reliance on eyewitness accounts.

Answer 591

The birth narratives, the account of Jesus as a boy, Jesus' rejection in Nazareth, the account of women who traveled with Jesus ## Footnote Specific examples include Luke 1:5—2:40, Luke 2:41-52, Luke 4:14-30, and Luke 8:1-3.

Answer 592

The confirmation of historicity is overwhelming ## Footnote Sherwin-White argues that attempts to reject the historicity of Acts are absurd.

Answer 593

Luke is considered a historian of the first rank ## Footnote Sir William Ramsey described Luke among the greatest historians.

Answer 594

False ## Footnote The text suggests we should assume the historical reliability of the gospels unless proven otherwise.

Answer 595

rate ## Footnote Historians can assess how quickly legends accumulate based on Herodotus's accounts.

Answer 596

The story of Jesus' suffering and death ## Footnote The passion story is a significant narrative in the gospels.

Answer 597

They provide early information about Jesus' life and resurrection appearances ## Footnote Some of Paul's letters were dated within five years after Jesus' death.

Answer 598

To enable scholars to affirm that some events in the gospels are historical

Answer 599

Increases the probability that the recorded incident is historical

Answer 600

* Historical fit * Independent, early sources * Embarrassment

Answer 601

The incident fits in with known historical facts of the time and place

Answer 602

Multiple sources near the time of the incident that don't rely on each other

Answer 603

The incident is awkward or counterproductive for the early Christian church

Answer 604

The incident is unlike earlier Jewish ideas and/or unlike later Christian ideas

Answer 605

Traces of Hebrew or Aramaic language appearing in the story

Answer 606

The incident fits in with facts already established about Jesus

Answer 607

No, they can only be used to establish historicity

Answer 608

It leaves one in a position of neutrality regarding its historicity

Answer 609

No, they apply to specific incidents, not to a whole book

Answer 610

By using the criteria of authenticity independently of other events

Answer 611

The attribution of divinity to Jesus by contemporaries soon after His death

Answer 612

The belief in one God, making claims of divinity for a human blasphemous

Answer 613

Self-descriptions that provide insight into His self-understanding

Answer 614

That Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah or the Son of God

Answer 615

The balance of scholarly opinion may have tipped in favor of the authenticity of His claims

Answer 616

* Claims to be the Messiah * Claims to be the unique Son of God * Claims to be the Son of Man

Answer 617

The hope is for a Messiah or Anointed One sent from God, particularly a descendant of King David who would become king over Israel and the nations. ## Footnote This Messiah is envisioned as both a warrior king and a spiritual shepherd.

Answer 618

'Christos' means Messiah. ## Footnote Early Christians used this title so closely with Jesus that it became a proper name: 'Jesus Christ.'

Answer 619

They identified themselves as 'Christians,' indicating their belief that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Answer 620

No, Jesus did not explicitly claim to be the Messiah in a way that reestablished David's throne. ## Footnote His crucifixion and the belief in His resurrection alone would not have led His followers to see Him as the Messiah.

Answer 621

Peter answered Jesus' question by saying, 'You are the Messiah,' indicating a recognition of Jesus' messianic identity. ## Footnote This is recorded in Mark 8:27-30.

Answer 622

The criteria of embarrassment, historical fit, and coherence with other authentic material. ## Footnote Peter's acknowledgment is also confirmed in John 6:69.

Answer 623

It illustrates Jesus' self-consciousness of being the Messiah. ## Footnote John asked Jesus if He was 'the one who is to come,' which aligns with messianic expectations.

Answer 624

He fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. ## Footnote This act is a dramatic assertion of His messianic status.

Answer 625

Jesus was accused of claiming to destroy the temple and rebuild it, asserting His authority in the holiest precincts of Judaism. ## Footnote This is tied to prophecies about the Messiah in Jewish literature.

Answer 626

The charge was that He claimed to be 'The King of the Jews.' ## Footnote This title was not used for Jesus by the early church, supporting its authenticity.

Answer 627

The overlapping of independent sources, historical fit, dissimilarity, and other criteria indicate that Jesus saw Himself as the Jewish Messiah.

Answer 628

Christians

Answer 629

It refers to the anticipated Messiah as prophesied by John the Baptist.

Answer 630

His actions caused a disruption in commercial activities, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's authority. ## Footnote This aligns with Zechariah's prophecy regarding the temple.

Answer 631

It is a principle used to assess the historicity of events, suggesting that if a detail is potentially embarrassing, it is likely true.

Answer 632

Pseudepigrapha ## Footnote These writings provide insight into Jewish religious life and thinking.

Answer 633

Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs: second century BC ## Footnote Other examples include 1 Enoch, Psalms of Solomon, 4 Ezra, and 2 Baruch.

Answer 634

A human figure ## Footnote However, some pre-Christian Jewish documents portray the Messiah as an exalted figure.

Answer 635

The Lord Messiah who will strike the earth with the word of his mouth forever ## Footnote He is described as free from sin and will not weaken.

Answer 636

Mighty God ## Footnote This reflects the divine aspect attributed to the Messiah.

Answer 637

The Son of Man who has come after John the Baptist ## Footnote This indicates His divine-human aspect.

Answer 638

Israel ## Footnote The owner represents God, the tenants are the Jewish religious leaders, and the son is Jesus.

Answer 639

He is the exclusive Son of God ## Footnote This indicates His unique authority to reveal God the Father.

Answer 640

True ## Footnote This claim emphasizes His unique sonship and distinguishes Him from divine knowledge.

Answer 641

Jewish kings were referred to as God's sons ## Footnote A righteous man could also be characterized as having God as his father.

Answer 642

promised Messiah ## Footnote This reflects His unique role compared to other prophets.

Answer 643

As God's Son who is mortal ## Footnote This indicates that the Messiah will die after a certain period.

Answer 644

It sets Him apart from all prophets and indicates exclusive knowledge of the Father ## Footnote This claim has a higher level of proximity to the Father than any human or angelic being.

Answer 645

It is not foreign to first-century Judaism ## Footnote This is supported by passages in Colossians and Hebrews.

Answer 646

The Son of Man ## Footnote This title is found over eighty times in the gospels.

Answer 647

Once, in Acts 7:56 ## Footnote This indicates that the title was not a later addition in Christian tradition.

Answer 648

It directs attention to the divine-human figure prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14.

Answer 649

It describes a figure like a son of man who receives dominion and glory from God.

Answer 650

Jesus referred to Himself as 'the Son of Man,' not 'a son of man.'

Answer 651

They describe a preexistent Son of Man who will depose kings and sit upon the throne of glory.

Answer 652

False ## Footnote This interpretation is considered invalid as it contradicts authentic sayings of Jesus.

Answer 653

He put Himself in God's place and did not expect another to judge the world.

Answer 654

The Messiah, the Son of God, and the coming Son of Man.

Answer 655

It shows the blending of diverse claims that exceed any single title taken out of context.

Answer 656

It has receded as insight into first-century Palestinian Judaism has increased.

Answer 657

They express what Jesus implicitly conveyed through His teaching and behavior.

Answer 658

revelation

Answer 659

The coming of the kingdom of God ## Footnote Jesus' ministry included miraculous healings and exorcisms as signs of this kingdom.

Answer 660

They will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel ## Footnote Reference: Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:28-30.

Answer 661

Jesus Himself.

Answer 662

He saw Himself as Israel's royal Messiah.

Answer 663

By equating His authority with that of the divine law and adjusting the law on His own authority.

Answer 664

He did not quote other teachers but stated, 'But I say to you...' ## Footnote This astonished the crowds as He taught with authority.

Answer 665

'Truly, I say to you.'

Answer 666

He believed He had the power to cast out demons.

Answer 667

That the kingdom of God had come to them ## Footnote Reference: Luke 11:20.

Answer 668

He assumed the prerogative to forgive sins, which is a divine authority.

Answer 669

By inviting outcasts like prostitutes and tax collectors into fellowship with Him.

Answer 670

They will determine how God judges them on judgment day ## Footnote Reference: Luke 12:8-9.

Answer 671

He thought of Himself as the promised Messiah and God's only Son.

Answer 672

His radical personal claims and activities, including His trial and crucifixion.

Answer 673

He did not pray for miracles but performed them in His own name.

Answer 674

That Jesus did perform miracles with historical corroboration.

Answer 675

They were signs of the inbreaking of the kingdom of God.

Answer 676

He claimed that people's eternal destiny hinged on their belief in Him.

Answer 677

miracle worker.

Answer 678

Did Jesus rise from the dead? ## Footnote This question is explored with historical evidence.

Answer 679

Pinchas Lapide ## Footnote A Canadian Jewish scholar who taught in Tel Aviv.

Answer 680

The best explanation of the evidence is that God raised Jesus from the dead. ## Footnote This conclusion surprised the author.

Answer 681

* Jesus' empty tomb * Jesus' appearances alive after His death * The origin of the disciples' belief in His resurrection

Answer 682

God raised Jesus from the dead. ## Footnote This hypothesis serves as the best explanation for the evidence.

Answer 683

It is God's vindication of Jesus' radical personal claims. ## Footnote Jesus was condemned as a blasphemer.

Answer 684

The reversal of death, restoration to bodily immortality. ## Footnote It does not mean life after death in a disembodied form.

Answer 685

The historical reliability of the story of Jesus' burial. ## Footnote If Jesus was buried, the tomb's location was known, making it likely to be empty.

Answer 686

It would have been un-Jewish and implausible. ## Footnote The belief would not have flourished in Jerusalem.

Answer 687

They would have exposed the resurrection claim by pointing to the tomb. ## Footnote This indicates their concern about the early Christian movement.

Answer 688

Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea. ## Footnote This fact is supported by multiple independent sources.

Answer 689

It quotes an early Christian tradition mentioning Jesus' burial. ## Footnote This tradition dates back to within five years after Jesus' death.

Answer 690

At least five independent sources. ## Footnote These include Mark, Matthew, Luke, John, and early sermons in Acts.

Answer 691

He was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin who buried Jesus. ## Footnote His actions are unlikely to be a Christian invention due to the hostility towards the Sanhedrin.

Answer 692

True. ## Footnote This statement is attributed to John A. T. Robinson.

Answer 693

It is independently reported in very early sources.

Answer 694

It likely ended with the women's discovery of the empty tomb.

Answer 695

They form a smooth, continuous narrative.

Answer 696

The empty tomb.

Answer 697

It likely refers to the day the women discovered the tomb empty.

Answer 698

Six independent accounts.

Answer 699

Theological motifs and embellishments.

Answer 700

They are often embellished with dramatic and theological elements.

Answer 701

Women were not regarded as credible witnesses.

Answer 702

A reflection of the patriarchal society of first-century Judaism.

Answer 703

They indicated women were viewed as second-class citizens.

Answer 704

It suggests they actually discovered the empty tomb, as it would be unlikely for a legend to portray them as such.

Answer 705

witnessed or described

Answer 706

It contrasts with the tomb of David, implying Jesus' tomb was empty.

Answer 707

It likely reflects an authentic tradition rather than a later invention.

Answer 708

The empty tomb ## Footnote The Jewish authorities did not deny the empty tomb but claimed the disciples stole the body.

Answer 709

The guard told chief priests the disciples stole Jesus' body ## Footnote This story has been spread among the Jews to this day (Matt. 28:11-15).

Answer 710

75 percent ## Footnote This finding is based on a survey of over 2,200 publications on the resurrection.

Answer 711

* Pinchas Lapide * Geza Vermes

Answer 712

Jesus appeared to several individuals after his resurrection ## Footnote This includes appearances to Cephas, the Twelve, and over five hundred brethren.

Answer 713

It guarantees that the resurrection appearances occurred.

Answer 714

Peter ## Footnote The appearance to Peter is supported by both Paul and Luke.

Answer 715

It is the best-attested resurrection appearance of Jesus.

Answer 716

He mentions that most were still alive to be questioned.

Answer 717

James did not believe in Jesus during His lifetime but became a believer after the resurrection.

Answer 718

He became a Christian missionary after initially persecuting Christians.

Answer 719

Multiple, independent reports of Jesus' resurrection appearances.

Answer 720

The appearance to Peter.

Answer 721

Jerusalem, then Galilee, then Jerusalem again.

Answer 722

It is historically certain that Peter and the disciples had experiences of seeing Jesus as the risen Christ.

Answer 723

'Natural' or 'soul-ish' ## Footnote It derives from the word 'psyche,' meaning 'soul.'

Answer 724

'Pneumatikos' ## Footnote This term indicates being led by the Spirit.

Answer 725

* Mortal vs. Immortal * Dishonorable vs. Glorious * Weak vs. Powerful * Natural vs. Spiritual

Answer 726

Dominated by or pertaining to human nature ## Footnote It does not mean made out of soul.

Answer 727

Dominated by or oriented toward the Spirit ## Footnote It does not mean made out of spirit.

Answer 728

A vision is purely in the mind; an appearance occurs in the external world.

Answer 729

As an appearance of Jesus ## Footnote It involved external manifestations experienced by companions.

Answer 730

They were all physical, bodily appearances.

Answer 731

It was universal and foundational for the faith.

Answer 732

The mysterious factor that initiated the belief in Jesus' resurrection.

Answer 733

* The tomb was found empty by women followers * Various individuals and groups saw appearances of Jesus alive * The origin of Christianity hinges on the belief in Jesus' resurrection

Answer 734

The empty tomb, postmortem appearances, and belief in resurrection are well-established facts.

Answer 735

A triumphant figure who would not be executed as a criminal.

Answer 736

A disaster for their faith in Him as the Messiah.

Answer 737

It reinstated Him as the Messiah.

Answer 738

* Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem * He was buried by Joseph of Arimathea * The tomb was found empty by female followers * Jesus appeared alive to the disciples

Answer 739

False ## Footnote Historians expect inconsistencies and do not dismiss sources based on them.

Answer 740

They view such appearances as miracles that are hard to accept.

Answer 741

The best explanation will have greater explanatory scope than other explanations.

Answer 742

It will make the evidence more probable.

Answer 743

It will fit better with true background beliefs.

Answer 744

It won't require adopting as many new beliefs that have no independent evidence.

Answer 745

It won't conflict with as many accepted beliefs.

Answer 746

It will meet conditions 1-5 so much better than the others that there's little chance that one of the other explanations will do better.

Answer 747

Conspiracy Hypothesis.

Answer 748

It meets this condition pretty well, explaining the empty tomb, postmortem appearances, and the origin of the disciples' belief.

Answer 749

It fails to explain why the disciples would fabricate a story about women finding the tomb empty.

Answer 750

It weakly explains the origin of the disciples' belief in Jesus' resurrection.

Answer 751

It is anachronistic to suppose first-century Jews intended to hoax Jesus' resurrection.

Answer 752

They thought He was talking about the resurrection at the end of the world.

Answer 753

Resurrection occurs after the end of the world and is of all the righteous dead.

Answer 754

[contrived]

Answer 755

The parallels are false and do not provide a causal connection.

Answer 756

Jews found seasonal deities abhorrent and there are no traces of cults of dying and rising gods in first-century Israel.

Answer 757

There was no belief in the resurrection of an isolated individual, especially of the Messiah.

Answer 758

No scholar would defend the conspiracy hypothesis today.

Answer 759

The raising up of a dead man in the space-time universe to glory and immortality.

Answer 760

The taking of someone bodily out of this world into heaven.

Answer 761

The return of a dead man to mortal life.

Answer 762

Second Kings 2:1-12.

Answer 763

John 11:1-44.

Answer 764

The claim that Jesus was not completely dead when taken down from the cross and revived in the tomb.

Answer 765

It fails to explain the empty tomb.

Answer 766

A half-dead man would not elicit the belief that he was the risen Lord.

Answer 767

Joseph Klausner in 1922.

Answer 768

That Joseph of Arimathea temporarily placed Jesus' body in his tomb before moving it to a common graveyard.

Answer 769

It has narrow explanatory scope and does not explain postmortem appearances.

Answer 770

The idea that the resurrection appearances were merely hallucinations experienced by the disciples.

Answer 771

Gerd Lüdemann.

Answer 772

It does not explain the empty tomb.

Answer 773

It does not account for their belief in Jesus' resurrection.

Answer 774

The diversity of the appearances to various individuals and groups.

Answer 775

It relies on disputed theories of depth psychology.

Answer 776

The ability of a hypothesis to adequately explain the evidence.

Answer 777

Digging up the bones of the deceased a year later and placing them in an ossuary.

Answer 778

Assumption is taking someone to heaven, while resurrection is raising a dead man in the space-time universe.

Answer 779

The range of phenomena a hypothesis can explain.

Answer 780

Roman executioners could be relied upon to ensure that their victims were dead.

Answer 781

It is a critical piece of evidence that needs to be explained by any viable hypothesis.

Answer 782

Paul aims to align his experience with the objectivity and reality of the apostles' experiences, rather than reducing their experiences to mere visions. ## Footnote This emphasizes the validity of the apostles' encounters with Christ.

Answer 783

The hallucination hypothesis is implausible due to its psychoanalysis of the witnesses and its reduction of their experiences to visionary experiences. ## Footnote This highlights the complexity of the witnesses' experiences and challenges simplistic explanations.

Answer 784

Lüdemann's version is criticized for being contrived and making several assumptions about the disciples' behavior and experiences. ## Footnote These assumptions include the idea that the disciples fled to Galilee after Jesus' arrest and that Peter's guilt led to hallucinations.

Answer 785

* Jesus was laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea * Jesus' tomb was discovered empty by women * Psychoanalysis of historical figures is not feasible * Paul was content with his life under the Jewish law * The New Testament distinguishes between mere visions and resurrection appearances ## Footnote These beliefs challenge the validity of the hallucination hypothesis.

Answer 786

True ## Footnote Despite its critiques, the hallucination hypothesis remains a viable option in discussions about resurrection.

Answer 787

It struggles to account for the objective nature of the resurrection appearances as described in the New Testament. ## Footnote This indicates a significant gap in the hypothesis's explanatory power.

Answer 788

[visionary experiences] ## Footnote This reduction undermines the unique claims of the resurrection.

Answer 789

It must be consistent with accepted historical beliefs about the resurrection events. ## Footnote This condition is crucial for its acceptance among scholars.

Answer 790

God raised Jesus from the dead ## Footnote This hypothesis is evaluated against various criteria.

Answer 791

The ability to explain all three main facts: the empty tomb, resurrection appearances, and the origin of the disciples' faith ## Footnote Rival hypotheses like hallucination or displaced body explain only one of these.

Answer 792

It convincingly accounts for the evidence, making it probable that the tomb is empty, the disciples saw Jesus alive, and they believed in His resurrection ## Footnote Other theories like conspiracy or apparent death do not account for this evidence effectively.

Answer 793

It grows exponentially due to Jesus' unparalleled life and radical personal claims, alongside evidence for God's existence ## Footnote If one believes in God, the resurrection hypothesis becomes more plausible compared to naturalistic explanations.

Answer 794

It refers to how many new suppositions a hypothesis must make that are not implied by existing knowledge ## Footnote The resurrection hypothesis requires only one new supposition: that God exists.

Answer 795

Some scholars argue it introduces an air of artificiality by appealing to God as an explanation ## Footnote However, the hypothesis is not considered excessively contrived when placed in the context of Jesus' life.

Answer 796

'Dead men do not rise' does not disconfirm it, as it can coexist with the belief that God raised Jesus from the dead ## Footnote This contrasts with rival theories that are disconfirmed by accepted beliefs.

Answer 797

That God raised Jesus from the dead ## Footnote This conclusion is supported by the historical reliability of the evidence.

Answer 798

A group of His women followers ## Footnote This event is significant for its historical reliability and early reporting.

Answer 799

Its ability to convincingly account for the evidence and facts at hand ## Footnote This is a key criterion for assessing the strength of a hypothesis.

Answer 800

The disciples came to sincerely believe in Jesus' resurrection despite predispositions to the contrary ## Footnote This includes cultural and religious expectations of the time.

Answer 801

physical, bodily appearances ## Footnote This is supported by multiple independent reports in the gospel accounts.

Answer 802

It guarantees that appearances of Jesus after His resurrection occurred ## Footnote This list contributes to the evidence for the resurrection.

Answer 803

* Conspiracy theory * Apparent death theory * Hallucination theory ## Footnote These theories fail to adequately explain the evidence when assessed by standard criteria.

Answer 804

Only one religion is a means of salvation.

Answer 805

Many religions are means of salvation.

Answer 806

There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Answer 807

It has become politically incorrect to claim that God has revealed Himself decisively in Jesus.

Answer 808

They were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise.

Answer 809

They are made known through the created order around us, so that all men are without excuse.

Answer 810

His moral law.

Answer 811

All men are under the power of sin.

Answer 812

No one can redeem himself by means of righteous living.

Answer 813

Jesus Christ has died for the sins of mankind.

Answer 814

There is no salvation apart from Christ.

Answer 815

A young mother arrested for refusing to acknowledge other gods besides Christ, sentenced to be torn to pieces by wild animals.

Answer 816

It was seen as scandalous and led to persecution of early Christians.

Answer 817

The Expansion of Europe from about 1450 until 1750.

Answer 818

Much of the world's population lay outside the bounds of Christianity.

Answer 819

They questioned the fate of those who had not heard of Christ, suggesting it was cruel to condemn them.

Answer 820

The influx of immigrants and advances in telecommunications.

Answer 821

Religious pluralism—the view that there are many roads to God.

Answer 822

The implication that pluralism is true and questioning the validity of Christian particularism.

Answer 823

Dante Alighieri

Answer 824

The punishment for the sin is the sin itself

Answer 825

Encased chest-high in ice, with batlike wings flapping

Answer 826

His will to be equal to God on his own terms

Answer 827

Argument ad Hominem

Answer 828

Invalidate a position by attacking the character of those who hold it

Answer 829

No, the truth of a position is independent of the moral character of those who believe it

Answer 830

Invalidating a position by criticizing the way a person came to hold that position

Answer 831

It doesn't relate to the truth of beliefs

Answer 832

The fate of unbelievers outside of one's own religious tradition

Answer 833

They are consigned to hell

Answer 834

He found it inconceivable that such good people should be on their way to hell

Answer 835

God desires all men to be saved

Answer 836

2 Peter 3:9

Answer 837

People send themselves by rejecting God's offer of salvation

Answer 838

It is unjust for the punishment not to fit the crime

Answer 839

The continuation of sinning in hell leads to infinite punishment

Answer 840

It is a sin of infinite gravity and proportion

Answer 841

They are judged based on the light of God's general revelation

Answer 842

God's existence and power revealed in nature

Answer 843

General revelation is more widely available and less detailed than special revelation

Answer 844

Why didn't God bring the gospel to those who would accept it?

Answer 845

Walking Bear, a North American Indian before Christian missionaries

Answer 846

Hell is self-perpetuating due to continued rejection of God

Answer 847

General revelation is more general in availability and information, while special revelation is specific to certain people at certain times. ## Footnote General revelation includes God's existence and power revealed in nature, whereas special revelation includes God's Word and Jesus Christ.

Answer 848

God's existence and power, and His fundamental moral law. ## Footnote This moral law is instinctively grasped by persons everywhere at all times.

Answer 849

Through His Word and supremely through Jesus Christ. ## Footnote Special revelation is directed towards specific individuals at certain points in history.

Answer 850

How will God judge those who have not known His special revelation despite experiencing general revelation? ## Footnote This raises concerns about justice and fairness in salvation.

Answer 851

His salvation or damnation seems to be the result of bad luck due to historical and geographical circumstances. ## Footnote This challenges the notion of an all-loving God allowing eternal destiny to hinge on such accidents.

Answer 852

Why did God create a world in which many would not believe the gospel and be lost? ## Footnote This question addresses the nature of God's free act of creation.

Answer 853

Why didn't God create a world where everyone freely believes the gospel and is saved? ## Footnote This suggests an exploration of free will and divine omnipotence.

Answer 854

This is a significant concern that needs to be addressed in Christian theology. ## Footnote It raises theological implications about God's nature and the problem of evil.

Answer 855

It is impossible for God to be all-powerful and all-loving while some people never hear the gospel and are lost.

Answer 856

1. God is all-powerful and all-loving. 2. Some people never hear the gospel and are lost.

Answer 857

3. If God is all-powerful, He can create a world in which everybody hears the gospel and is freely saved. 4. If God is all-loving, He prefers a world in which everybody hears the gospel and is freely saved.

Answer 858

There is no guarantee that in a world where everyone hears the gospel, everyone would freely accept it.

Answer 859

God may prefer a more populous world, even if it includes some people who are lost.

Answer 860

The doctrine that God orders events in history so that His purposes are achieved while respecting human freedom.

Answer 861

God has created a world that has an optimal balance between saved and lost.

Answer 862

do hear it.

Answer 863

They would not have believed it even if they had heard it.

Answer 864

It may not be feasible for God to create such a world due to human free will.

Answer 865

The happiness of those who embrace God's love should not be precluded by those who reject it.

Answer 866

Pluralists haven't shown any logical inconsistency; Christian particularism is logically coherent.

Answer 867

It is the duty of Christians to proclaim the gospel, trusting that God has ordered things so that those who would accept it will hear it.

Answer 868

God has determined the times and places where people live so they might seek Him.

Answer 869

It is improbable that those who never hear the gospel would have believed it even if they had heard it.

Answer 870

Review the material, memorize the arguments, and share the message of Christ with others.