Twelve Points that Show Christianity is True PT 1 - Truth Copyright by Norman Geisler 2010

Twelve Points that Twelve Points that Show Christianity is True Show Christianity is True

PT 1 - TruthPT 1 - Truth

Copyright by Norman Geisler 2010Copyright by Norman Geisler 2010

Reason Demands It

Socrates:

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

We add:

“The unexamined faith is not worth believing.”

A Faith not Worth Having

Cult Leader Marshall ApplewhiteCult Leader Marshall Applewhite

39 Dead Cult Members!39 Dead Cult Members!

19971997

A Faith not Worth HavingA Faith not Worth Having

1993-74 Killed in Waco1993-74 Killed in Waco



Jim Jones People’s Temple

914 Dead914 Dead

A Faith not Worth HavingA Faith not Worth Having

Another Faith not Worth HavingAnother Faith not Worth Having

Dead!Dead!

1 Peter 3:15:1 Peter 3:15: But in your hearts set But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to prepared to give an answergive an answer to to everyone who asks you to give the everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. reason for the hope that you have.

The Bible Commands ItThe Bible Commands It

2 Corinthians 10:5:2 Corinthians 10:5: We demolish We demolish arguments and every pretension arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the that sets itself up against the knowledge of God….knowledge of God….

We Should Destroy We Should Destroy Arguments Against GodArguments Against God

Paul Defended the GospelPaul Defended the GospelPaul Defended the GospelPaul Defended the GospelPhil 1:7: It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Phil 1:7: It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

We Should Test the We Should Test the SpiritsSpirits

We Should Test the We Should Test the SpiritsSpirits

1 John 4:1: 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, believe “Beloved, believe not every spirit but test the not every spirit but test the spirits to see whether the are spirits to see whether the are of God, for many false of God, for many false prophets have gone out into prophets have gone out into the world.”the world.”

1 John 4:1: 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, believe “Beloved, believe not every spirit but test the not every spirit but test the spirits to see whether the are spirits to see whether the are of God, for many false of God, for many false prophets have gone out into prophets have gone out into the world.”the world.”

Jude Urged that We Jude Urged that We Contend for the FaithContend for the FaithJude Urged that We Jude Urged that We Contend for the FaithContend for the Faith

Jude 3: “Dear friends,…I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

Twelve Points that Show Christianity is TrueTwelve Points that Show Christianity is True1. 1. Truth about reality is knowable.Truth about reality is knowable.2. The opposite of true is false.2. The opposite of true is false.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by:8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by: a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself;a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself; b. His sinless and miraculous life;b. His sinless and miraculous life; c. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrectionc. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrection9. Therefore, Jesus is God.9. Therefore, Jesus is God.10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and 12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and

anything opposed to it is false).anything opposed to it is false).

The Outline:The Outline:The Outline:The Outline:

I. What is Truth?I. What is Truth?

II.II. Can Truth be Known?Can Truth be Known?

III.III. Is Truth Absolute?Is Truth Absolute?




I. What is Truth?I. What is Truth?I. What is Truth?I. What is Truth?

What is Truth?What is Truth?

Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is


Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is


Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is-Corresponds to the facts-Corresponds to the facts


Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is-Corresponds to the facts-Corresponds to the facts


Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is-Corresponds to the facts-Corresponds to the facts-Matches its object-Matches its object


Truth is what:Truth is what:-Tells it like it is-Tells it like it is-Corresponds to the facts-Corresponds to the facts-Matches its object-Matches its object

A true statement matches its A true statement matches its objectobject

““This object is a table.”This object is a table.”

What is False?What is False?

False is what does False is what does not:not: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is


False is what does False is what does not:not: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is


False is what does False is what does notnot:: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is

-Correspond to the facts-Correspond to the facts


False is what does False is what does notnot:: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is

-Correspond to the facts-Correspond to the facts


False is what does False is what does not:not: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is -Correspond to the facts-Correspond to the facts

-Match its object -Match its object


False is what does False is what does not:not: -Tell it like it is-Tell it like it is -Correspond to the facts-Correspond to the facts

-Match its object -Match its object

How Do We Know?How Do We Know?Because iBecause it is Self-defeating to Deny Itt is Self-defeating to Deny It

How Do We Know?How Do We Know?Because iBecause it is Self-defeating to Deny Itt is Self-defeating to Deny It

““I can’t speak a word in I can’t speak a word in English.”English.”

““I can’t speak a word in I can’t speak a word in English.”English.”

Isn’t that in English?”Isn’t that in English?”

Isn’t that in English?”Isn’t that in English?”

““Truth is not telling like it Truth is not telling like it is!”is!”

““Truth is not telling like it Truth is not telling like it is!”is!”

Truth is Telling it like it isTruth is Telling it like it is

““Isn’t Isn’t that that telling it like it telling it like it is?”is?”

““Isn’t Isn’t that that telling it like it telling it like it is?”is?”



II.II. Can Truth be Known?Can Truth be Known?I. What is Truth?I. What is Truth?


Opponents on TruthOpponents on TruthOpponents on TruthOpponents on Truth

• RelativismRelativism——denies absolute truthdenies absolute truth• AgnosticismAgnosticism——denies all truthdenies all truth• SkepticismSkepticism——doubts all truthdoubts all truth• Post-ModernismPost-Modernism——affirms no truthaffirms no truth• PluralismPluralism——affirms affirms

opposite`truths’ opposite`truths’

• RelativismRelativism——denies absolute truthdenies absolute truth• AgnosticismAgnosticism——denies all truthdenies all truth• SkepticismSkepticism——doubts all truthdoubts all truth• Post-ModernismPost-Modernism——affirms no truthaffirms no truth• PluralismPluralism——affirms affirms

opposite`truths’ opposite`truths’

Agnosticism: Truth about Agnosticism: Truth about reality is Unknowablereality is Unknowable

Agnosticism: Truth about Agnosticism: Truth about reality is Unknowablereality is Unknowable

• He affirmed we kan’t He affirmed we kan’t know truth about know truth about reality.reality.

• We can only know We can only know appearance, not reality.appearance, not reality.

• We can’t know the We can’t know the thing thing in itselfin itself,, only the only the thing thing to us.to us.

• We must remain We must remain agnostic about reality.agnostic about reality.

• He affirmed we kan’t He affirmed we kan’t know truth about know truth about reality.reality.

• We can only know We can only know appearance, not reality.appearance, not reality.

• We can’t know the We can’t know the thing thing in itselfin itself,, only the only the thing thing to us.to us.

• We must remain We must remain agnostic about reality.agnostic about reality. Emmanuel KantEmmanuel Kant

““No one knows the No one knows the truth!”truth!”

““No one knows the No one knows the truth!”truth!”

Can We Know the Truth?Can We Know the Truth?Can We Know the Truth?Can We Know the Truth?

““Then how do you know Then how do you know thatthat is true?” is true?”

““Then how do you know Then how do you know thatthat is true?” is true?”

A Response to A Response to AgnosticismAgnosticism

A Response to A Response to AgnosticismAgnosticism

•Agnosticism Fails Agnosticism Fails becausebecause::

• It is self-defeating (by It is self-defeating (by claiming to know the truth claiming to know the truth about reality that we cannot about reality that we cannot know any truth about reality).know any truth about reality).

•Agnosticism Fails Agnosticism Fails becausebecause::

• It is self-defeating (by It is self-defeating (by claiming to know the truth claiming to know the truth about reality that we cannot about reality that we cannot know any truth about reality).know any truth about reality).

Skepticism: Doubt all Skepticism: Doubt all TruthTruth

Skepticism: Doubt all Skepticism: Doubt all TruthTruth

• We should doubt We should doubt everything about everything about reality.reality.

• We can only know We can only know sense data.sense data.

• We should suspend We should suspend judgment on all judgment on all truth claims about truth claims about reality.reality.

• We should doubt We should doubt everything about everything about reality.reality.

• We can only know We can only know sense data.sense data.

• We should suspend We should suspend judgment on all judgment on all truth claims about truth claims about reality.reality.

David HumeDavid Hume

A Response to A Response to SkepticismSkepticism

A Response to A Response to SkepticismSkepticism

•Skepticism Fails Because:Skepticism Fails Because:• Either it is self-defeating (by Either it is self-defeating (by

claiming we should doubt claiming we should doubt everything including skepticism).everything including skepticism).

• Or, it begs the question by Or, it begs the question by claiming skepticism is the only claiming skepticism is the only view that should view that should not be not be doubted.doubted.

•Skepticism Fails Because:Skepticism Fails Because:• Either it is self-defeating (by Either it is self-defeating (by

claiming we should doubt claiming we should doubt everything including skepticism).everything including skepticism).

• Or, it begs the question by Or, it begs the question by claiming skepticism is the only claiming skepticism is the only view that should view that should not be not be doubted.doubted.

Post-Modernism: Make no Post-Modernism: Make no Truth ClaimsTruth Claims

Post-Modernism: Make no Post-Modernism: Make no Truth ClaimsTruth Claims

– We must We must deconstruct all deconstruct all truth claims.truth claims.

– We can reconstruct We can reconstruct as many views as as many views as possible.possible.

– No reconstruction is No reconstruction is objectively true; it objectively true; it is merely new.is merely new.

– We must We must deconstruct all deconstruct all truth claims.truth claims.

– We can reconstruct We can reconstruct as many views as as many views as possible.possible.

– No reconstruction is No reconstruction is objectively true; it objectively true; it is merely new.is merely new.

Jacque DerridaJacque Derrida

A Response to Post-A Response to Post-ModernismModernism

A Response to Post-A Response to Post-ModernismModernism

• Post-Modernism Fails Because:Post-Modernism Fails Because:

Either it claims to be true (and is Either it claims to be true (and is thereby self-defeating).thereby self-defeating).

• Or else it makes no truth claim (and is Or else it makes no truth claim (and is not even in the “ball game” of not even in the “ball game” of truth.truth.

• Ignoring the truth does not make it Ignoring the truth does not make it go away!go away!

• Post-Modernism Fails Because:Post-Modernism Fails Because:

Either it claims to be true (and is Either it claims to be true (and is thereby self-defeating).thereby self-defeating).

• Or else it makes no truth claim (and is Or else it makes no truth claim (and is not even in the “ball game” of not even in the “ball game” of truth.truth.

• Ignoring the truth does not make it Ignoring the truth does not make it go away!go away!

Ignoring Truth is FatalIgnoring Truth is FatalIgnoring Truth is FatalIgnoring Truth is Fatal

Truth ExpressTruth Express








Relativism:Relativism: All Truth is All Truth is RelativeRelative

Relativism:Relativism: All Truth is All Truth is RelativeRelative

• Reality has no Reality has no unchanging forms.unchanging forms.

• All truth is in All truth is in process and is process and is never final.never final.

• All truth is relative All truth is relative and and changing.changing.

• Reality has no Reality has no unchanging forms.unchanging forms.

• All truth is in All truth is in process and is process and is never final.never final.

• All truth is relative All truth is relative and and changing.changing.

Alfred North Whitehead Alfred North Whitehead

A Response to A Response to RelativismRelativism

A Response to A Response to RelativismRelativism

Relativism fails to deny absolutism Relativism fails to deny absolutism because:because:

• It either affirms that relativism is It either affirms that relativism is absolutely true (which is self-absolutely true (which is self-defeating).defeating).

• Or else its claim that is just another Or else its claim that is just another relative statement (and hence is relative statement (and hence is unsuccessful).unsuccessful).

Relativism fails to deny absolutism Relativism fails to deny absolutism because:because:

• It either affirms that relativism is It either affirms that relativism is absolutely true (which is self-absolutely true (which is self-defeating).defeating).

• Or else its claim that is just another Or else its claim that is just another relative statement (and hence is relative statement (and hence is unsuccessful).unsuccessful).

““There is no absolute There is no absolute truth!”truth!”

““There is no absolute There is no absolute truth!”truth!”

IS Truth Absolute?IS Truth Absolute?IS Truth Absolute?IS Truth Absolute?

““Is Is thatthat absolutelyabsolutely true?” true?”

““Is Is thatthat absolutelyabsolutely true?” true?”

Is Truth Absolute?Is Truth Absolute?Is Truth Absolute?Is Truth Absolute?

““It’s true for you but not It’s true for you but not for me!”for me!”

““It’s true for you but not It’s true for you but not for me!”for me!”

““Is Is thatthat just true for you just true for you but not for me?”but not for me?”

““Is Is thatthat just true for you just true for you but not for me?”but not for me?”

We Demand Absolute Truth in--We Demand Absolute Truth in--

•Safety•Money•Medicine•Relationships•Court Proceedings

•Safety•Money•Medicine•Relationships•Court Proceedings

So everyone really believes in absolute truth

So everyone really believes in absolute truth

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/yearinreview/field.reports/business/stock.market.jpg

Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?

A.A. Objection:Objection:

Truth changes. What is true Truth changes. What is true today may be false today may be false tomorrow.tomorrow.

The progress of science is The progress of science is proof that truth is constantly proof that truth is constantly changing.changing.

A.A. Objection:Objection:

Truth changes. What is true Truth changes. What is true today may be false today may be false tomorrow.tomorrow.

The progress of science is The progress of science is proof that truth is constantly proof that truth is constantly changing.changing.

Earlier Truth--The Earth is Flat.Later Truth--The Earth is RoundEarlier Truth--The Earth is Flat.Later Truth--The Earth is Round

Does Truth Change? Does Truth Change?

The Earth is RoundThe Earth is Round The Earth is not Round The Earth is not Round

http://www.school.gr/world.htm




Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?Does Truth Change?

B.B. Response:Response:

Truth does not change. The Truth does not change. The earth was always round.earth was always round.

Those who believed it was flat Those who believed it was flat were in error, not truth.were in error, not truth.

B.B. Response:Response:

Truth does not change. The Truth does not change. The earth was always round.earth was always round.

Those who believed it was flat Those who believed it was flat were in error, not truth.were in error, not truth.

Absolute Truth is Absolute Truth is too Narrowtoo Narrow


A. Objection: A. Objection: Belief in absolute Belief in absolute truth is a narrow view.truth is a narrow view.

B. Response:B. Response:

Truth is by its very Truth is by its very naturenature narrow. narrow.

“ “I am here” and not anywhere else.I am here” and not anywhere else.

“ “4+4=8” and ONLY 8! 4+4=8” and ONLY 8! (not 7, 9, 10, (not 7, 9, 10, etc.)etc.)

This is narrow, but it’s TRUE!This is narrow, but it’s TRUE!

A. Objection: A. Objection: Belief in absolute Belief in absolute truth is a narrow view.truth is a narrow view.


Truth is by its very Truth is by its very naturenature narrow. narrow.

“ “I am here” and not anywhere else.I am here” and not anywhere else.

“ “4+4=8” and ONLY 8! 4+4=8” and ONLY 8! (not 7, 9, 10, (not 7, 9, 10, etc.)etc.)

This is narrow, but it’s TRUE!This is narrow, but it’s TRUE!




““Atheism is true” is narrow since it Atheism is true” is narrow since it excludes all opposing views.excludes all opposing views.

““Skepticism is true” is narrow too.Skepticism is true” is narrow too.

““Pluralism is true” is also narrow.Pluralism is true” is also narrow.

All truth claims are narrow and All truth claims are narrow and exclusive!exclusive!


““Atheism is true” is narrow since it Atheism is true” is narrow since it excludes all opposing views.excludes all opposing views.

““Skepticism is true” is narrow too.Skepticism is true” is narrow too.

““Pluralism is true” is also narrow.Pluralism is true” is also narrow.

All truth claims are narrow and All truth claims are narrow and exclusive!exclusive!

Definition of Definition of Relative TruthRelative TruthDefinition of Definition of

Relative TruthRelative TruthRelative Truth is:Relative Truth is:Something true only:Something true only:

For SOME For SOME peoplepeople,,

Or in SOME Or in SOME placesplaces, ,

Or at SOME Or at SOME times.times.

Relative Truth is:Relative Truth is:Something true only:Something true only:

For SOME For SOME peoplepeople,,

Or in SOME Or in SOME placesplaces, ,

Or at SOME Or at SOME times.times.

Definition of Definition of Absolute TruthAbsolute TruthDefinition of Definition of

Absolute TruthAbsolute TruthAbsolute Truth is:Absolute Truth is:Something trueSomething true

For ALL peopleFor ALL people

in ALL placesin ALL places

and at ALL timesand at ALL times

Absolute Truth is:Absolute Truth is:Something trueSomething true

For ALL peopleFor ALL people

in ALL placesin ALL places

and at ALL timesand at ALL times

A Defense of Absolute A Defense of Absolute Truth Truth

A Defense of Absolute A Defense of Absolute Truth Truth

• Whatever is true, is true for all Whatever is true, is true for all people, in all places, and at all people, in all places, and at all

times!times!

• Whatever is true, is true for all Whatever is true, is true for all people, in all places, and at all people, in all places, and at all

times!times!

It is True for All PeopleIt is True for All PeopleIt is True for All PeopleIt is True for All People

That “The man on the left That “The man on the left is cold, and the man on is cold, and the man on the right is hot” is true the right is hot” is true

for everyone, for everyone, everywhere.everywhere.

That “The man on the left That “The man on the left is cold, and the man on is cold, and the man on the right is hot” is true the right is hot” is true

for everyone, for everyone, everywhere.everywhere.

It is True at All TimesIt is True at All TimesIt is True at All TimesIt is True at All Times

Did the sun once Did the sun once revolve revolve

around around

the earth?the earth?

No!No! Truth Truth didn’tdidn’t change; change; our our view did!view did!

Did the sun once Did the sun once revolve revolve

around around

the earth?the earth?

No!No! Truth Truth didn’tdidn’t change; change; our our view did!view did!

It is True in All PlacesIt is True in All PlacesIt is True in All PlacesIt is True in All Places

““It is cold at the It is cold at the North Pole and hot North Pole and hot in Egypt”in Egypt” is true is true

everywhereeverywhere

Different Different geographical geographical

conditions do not conditions do not change the truth.change the truth.

““It is cold at the It is cold at the North Pole and hot North Pole and hot in Egypt”in Egypt” is true is true

everywhereeverywhere

Different Different geographical geographical

conditions do not conditions do not change the truth.change the truth.

Serious Problems with Serious Problems with RelativismRelativism

Serious Problems with Serious Problems with RelativismRelativism

Like an old apple, Like an old apple, relativism may relativism may

looklook good on the good on the surface, but it is surface, but it is

rottenrotten at the core! at the core!

Like an old apple, Like an old apple, relativism may relativism may

looklook good on the good on the surface, but it is surface, but it is

rottenrotten at the core! at the core!

Serious Problems Serious Problems with Relativismwith Relativism

Serious Problems Serious Problems with Relativismwith Relativism

•They can’t be absolutely They can’t be absolutely

certain of relativism.certain of relativism.

•They can’t be absolutely They can’t be absolutely

certain of relativism.certain of relativism.

They can’t be They can’t be absolutely certain of absolutely certain of

relativismrelativism

They can’t be They can’t be absolutely certain of absolutely certain of

relativismrelativismRelativists believe that relativism is Relativists believe that relativism is

true for EVERYONE.true for EVERYONE.

But if relativism is true for But if relativism is true for EVERYONE, then it is no longer a EVERYONE, then it is no longer a RELATIVE truth, but an ABSOLUTE RELATIVE truth, but an ABSOLUTE truth.truth.

Relativism is self-defeating.Relativism is self-defeating.

Relativists believe that relativism is Relativists believe that relativism is true for EVERYONE.true for EVERYONE.

But if relativism is true for But if relativism is true for EVERYONE, then it is no longer a EVERYONE, then it is no longer a RELATIVE truth, but an ABSOLUTE RELATIVE truth, but an ABSOLUTE truth.truth.

Relativism is self-defeating.Relativism is self-defeating.

The world would be The world would be full of contradictionsfull of contradictionsThe world would be The world would be

full of contradictionsfull of contradictions

If something is true If something is true for me but false for for me but false for you, then opposite you, then opposite conditions exist.conditions exist.

If something is true If something is true for me but false for for me but false for you, then opposite you, then opposite conditions exist.conditions exist.

But, THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE!But, THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE!But, THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE!But, THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE!

No one would ever be No one would ever be wrong about wrong about

anythinganything

No one would ever be No one would ever be wrong about wrong about

anythinganythingIf truth is always relative, then I can

never be wrong. If someone claims I’m wrong, then I can just say, it’s wrong

for THEM not for ME.

If truth is always relative, then I can never be wrong. If someone claims I’m

wrong, then I can just say, it’s wrong for THEM not for ME.

No one would ever No one would ever learn anythinglearn anything

No one would ever No one would ever learn anythinglearn anything

If we can never be wrong, then we can

never learn anything, for

learning involves moving from not knowing truth to knowing truth.

If we can never be wrong, then we can

never learn anything, for

learning involves moving from not knowing truth to knowing truth.

Relative Relative ComparisonsComparisons

Relative Relative ComparisonsComparisons

• Objection:Objection:““Wilt is taller than Willie” is Wilt is taller than Willie” is

alleged to be a relative truth. alleged to be a relative truth.

Other example are warmer and Other example are warmer and colder, better or worse.colder, better or worse.

• Objection:Objection:““Wilt is taller than Willie” is Wilt is taller than Willie” is

alleged to be a relative truth. alleged to be a relative truth.

Other example are warmer and Other example are warmer and colder, better or worse.colder, better or worse.

• Response:Response:That “Wilt Chamberlain That “Wilt Chamberlain

is taller here than is taller here than Willie Shoemaker” Willie Shoemaker” will always be true will always be true everywhere, all the everywhere, all the time, and in all time, and in all places. places.

The same thing is true The same thing is true of all other of all other comparisons.comparisons.

• Response:Response:That “Wilt Chamberlain That “Wilt Chamberlain

is taller here than is taller here than Willie Shoemaker” Willie Shoemaker” will always be true will always be true everywhere, all the everywhere, all the time, and in all time, and in all places. places.

The same thing is true The same thing is true of all other of all other comparisons.comparisons.

Relative ComparisonsRelative ComparisonsRelative ComparisonsRelative Comparisons

Except the one with its

eyes open to the truth!

Except the one with its

eyes open to the truth!

And the absolute truth is: This is an elephant!

And the absolute truth is: This is an elephant!

No! They are All WrongNo! They are All Wrong

All Religions Can’t Be All Religions Can’t Be True: They Teach True: They Teach

OppositesOpposites

All Religions Can’t Be All Religions Can’t Be True: They Teach True: They Teach

OppositesOpposites

Islam with Christianity Islam with Christianity

Let’s contrast:Let’s contrast:

““Opposites can both be Opposites can both be true.”true.”

““Opposites can both be Opposites can both be true.”true.”

Opposites Can’t Both be TrueOpposites Can’t Both be TrueOpposites Can’t Both be TrueOpposites Can’t Both be True

Is the opposite of that Is the opposite of that true?”true?”

Is the opposite of that Is the opposite of that true?”true?”

Avicenna on Denying Avicenna on Denying the Law of Non-the Law of Non-ContradictionContradiction

““Anyone who denies Anyone who denies the law of non-the law of non-contradiction should contradiction should be beaten and burned be beaten and burned until he admits that until he admits that to be beaten is not to be beaten is not the same as not to be the same as not to be beaten, and to be beaten, and to be burned is not the burned is not the same as not to be same as not to be burned.”burned.”

““Anyone who denies Anyone who denies the law of non-the law of non-contradiction should contradiction should be beaten and burned be beaten and burned until he admits that until he admits that to be beaten is not to be beaten is not the same as not to be the same as not to be beaten, and to be beaten, and to be burned is not the burned is not the same as not to be same as not to be burned.”burned.”

Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense.

Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense.

The Opposite of True is False(The Law of Non-Contradiction)

The Opposite of True is False(The Law of Non-Contradiction)

The Earth is RoundThe Earth is Round The Earth is not Round The Earth is not Round



ISLAM GOD: Only one person

CHRISTIANITYGOD: 3 persons in one God

JESUS: Merely a man, not God.

DEATH OF CHRIST: He didn’t die or rise again

SALVATION: By faith and good works which outweigh bad ones

JESUS: More than a man; He was also God.

DEATH OF CHRIST: He died and rose again in same body

SALVATION: Not by good works but as a free gift to all who believe

BIBLE: Corrupted BIBLE: Not corrupted

1. 1. All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the

pluralist claim that “Every religion is true” is an exclusive claim since it excludes its opposite.)

1. 1. All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the

pluralist claim that “Every religion is true” is an exclusive claim since it excludes its opposite.)

The Truth About TruthThe Truth About Truth

• 2. Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independently of

anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.)

• 2. Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independently of

anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.)


3. 3. Beliefs can not change a fact, no matter how sincerely they are held.

(I can sincerely believe the world is flat but that only makes me

sincerely wrong.)



sincerely wrong.)




sincerely wrong.)



sincerely wrong.)


4. 4. Truth is trans-cultural (2+2=4 here, there, and everywhere).

4. 4. Truth is trans-cultural (2+2=4 here, there, and everywhere).

5. 6. Being raised in a given culture doesn’t make their beliefs true.




a) Being raised a Nazi doesn’t make Nazism true.






b) Being raised a racist does make racism true.



b) Being raised a racist does make racism true.



7. One’s Attitude Doesn’t Change the Truth7. One’s Attitude Doesn’t Change the Truth




a) A bad attitude about truth does not a) A bad attitude about truth does not make it an error.make it an error.






b) A good attitude about error does not b) A good attitude about error does not make it true.make it true.



b) A good attitude about error does not b) A good attitude about error does not make it true.make it true.

1. 8 Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible.




2. 9. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be

true.


2. 9. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be

true.


1. 10. Truth is determined by facts, not by beliefs.

2. 11. Truth does not change; only our understanding of it does.

1. 10. Truth is determined by facts, not by beliefs.

2. 11. Truth does not change; only our understanding of it does.


1. Can all religions be true? No, they teach opposites! And opposites can’t both be true.

2. Can one religion be true: Yes, if we take off our blinders and see which religion corresponds to reality.

1. Can all religions be true? No, they teach opposites! And opposites can’t both be true.

2. Can one religion be true: Yes, if we take off our blinders and see which religion corresponds to reality.

SummarySummary

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Twelve Points that Show Christianity is True PT 1 - Truth Copyright by Norman Geisler 2010