UNDERSTANDING THE FAITH
Published by Summit Ministries
P.O. Box 207
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
In cooperation with
David C Cook
4050 Lee Vance View
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.
David C Cook U.K., Kingsway Communications
Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 6NT, England
The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.
All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes,
no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form
without written permission from the publisher.
The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of David C Cook, nor do we vouch for their content.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved; Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers; NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV. Copyright 1973, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION and NIV are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica, Inc.
The author has added italics to Scripture quotations for emphasis.
LCCN 2015949921
ISBN 978-0-7814-1360-2
eISBN 978-1-4347-0969-1
2016 Summit Ministries
First Edition 2016
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
032916
Contents
Acknowledgments
Writing a book on theology and the Bible is tricky, to say the least. Im so grateful to our amazing Summit team for helping make it a life-shaping experience for so many people.
The Verdoorn family and many others gave sacrificially to help make it happen. Joey Amadee prepared a brilliant digital delivery system to significantly expand the books vibrancy and its reach. Jason Graham, David Knopp, Amanda Bridger, Tosha Payne, and many others on the Summit team took personal ownership, gave detailed feedback, and kept the project moving along.
Our curriculum team, including Karl Schaller and Roy Faletti, along with our management team headed by Jeff Wood, somehow arranged the schedule so I could research and write several hours a day for the better part of a year. Thank you.
A whos who of subject matter experts checked various chapters for their accuracy and logic. These include Dr. Doug Groothuis, Dr. Gary Phillips, Dr. Ken Turner, Dr. Gene Fant, Dr. Wayne House, Dr. David K. Naugle, Dr. Michael W. Goheen, Dr. Mike Licona, Tom Gilson, Dr. Gary Habermas, Casey Luskin, professor Nancy Pearcey, Dr. Frank Beckwith, Dr. Garrett J. DeWeese, and Dr. Paul Copan. Along with Heather Peterson, who edited Understanding the Faith . They knew just how to steer me in the right direction and give significant input with a light touch. Nevertheless, if any deficiencies remain, that responsibility lies solely with me.
From brainstorming sessions to discussions about how to handle tough theological topics, John Stonestreet was an indispensable support in this project. I could not have written the book without his insightful input, deft editing, and timely encouragement.
Finally, Im grateful for my familys support. May the words on these pages come alive in your minds and hearts as you seek to be a blessing to your generation.
Jeff Myers, PhD, President
Summit Ministries
Preface
How to Use the Understanding the Times Series
Noted Christian writer and teacher Del Tackett has said that the Understanding the Times (UTT) series needs to be the core in every high school, college, and seminary today. Colson Center president, John Stonestreet, has said that Understanding the Times should have a place in every Christians home library. Why is this series so important for Christian students and adults in all walks of life to use often in todays complex world?
- Understanding the Faith: A Survey of Christian Apologetics the first book in the series. Christians can use the UTT series to better understand theology and apologetics. The knowledge of a solid Christian worldview is a vital starting place for understanding God. And learning to defend the Christian worldview is critical for those who want to share their faith with an unbelieving world. Theology and apologetics arent just academic exercises for pastors and church leaders; they are worthy endeavors for every believer.
- Understanding the Times: A Survey of Competing Worldviews the second book in the series. Christians can use the UTT series to gain biblical worldview insight. Understanding the Times helps Christians understand the six major worldviews that drive todays major global events. When issues occur, UTT should be one of the books that Christians access to help them form a biblical response. Researchers have cited that only a minority of believers possess a proper biblical worldview. And the faithful would be well advised to know the precepts of the other five major worldviews at odds with Christianity.
- Understanding the Culture: A Survey of Social Challenges the third book in the series. Christians can use the UTT series to transform culture. Once a believer is steeped in biblical theology, apologetics, and worldview, he or she can communicate biblical truth to friends, loved ones, and associates. The gospel affirms the requirement for sharing Gods Word on timely topics, as well as developing strong relationships from which to influence and change cultural structures and values. UTT helps believers engage biblical faith in life areas where God has placed them today.
As a result, the UTT series is eminently useful for students, teachers, pastors, businesspeople, public leaders, and others who want their faith to make an impact on twenty-first-century society.
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
1. How to Figure Out Where Youre Going
Lets say you parachute into the middle of New York Citys Central Park. When you land, a mysterious stranger says to you, There is a five-thousand-dollar diamond necklace waiting for you at Tiffany & Co. Its yours, free, on one condition: you have to claim it in the next twenty minutes.
Even if you care nothing for diamond necklaces, this would get your attention. You could always sell it and keep the cash.
But what is Tiffany & Co., and how do I get there? you ask.
I cant tell you, says your anonymous source. Youll have to find out on your own.
Of course, you suspect a trick. After all, you just parachuted in. You know nothing about your would-be benefactor. But the necklace is worth a lot, so you have a strong incentive to check it out.
If you want the necklace, youre going to have to overcome your fear (and your embarrassment at dragging a parachute behind you) and start asking for directions.
Your heart begins pounding. You feel your pocketsmartphone must have fallen out during the jump. Youve never been in New York City before. The time limit creates a sense of urgencyif you just wandered around for a few hours, you might eventually find Tiffany & Co. But you dont have hours. You have twenty minutes.