Big Questions

Question 1

How do I know the Bible is true? (manuscripts)

Answer 1

Number of ancient manuscripts (handwritten copies). With ancient literature, one of the most typical ways to determine the accuracy and reliability of a piece of literature is by figuring out the # of ancient manuscripts that exist (more manuscripts that say the same thing = less chance for error, manipulation).

• Bible has over 5800 ancient Greek manuscripts, and over 10,000 ancient Latin manuscripts. WAY more than any other secular piece of literature from the time that we accept as true (EXAMPLE: ). SO if you disregard the writings of the NT, you have to disregard all ancient pieces of literature as well.
• Plato’s work on Socrates Tetralogies: 7 copies, but no one is doubting Socrates’ existence.
• Thucydides’ (most well known ancient greek historian, documented about the Peloponnesian war) History of the Peloponnesian war (war between Greeks: Spartans and Athens around 400 BC): 20 copies.

Question 2

How do I know the Bible is true? (written too early to be legends)

Answer 2

The gospels were circulating at most 40-60 years after Jesus’ death: w/in the lifetimes of hundreds who had been present at the events of his ministry. Eyewitnesses named in these accounts who people would have had access to. His supporters AND opponents were still alive - no way the spread would have kept going if none of it was true, 100s of opponents could say, “yeah that didn’t actually happen, that’s fabricated, etc.” and the spread would have STOPPED, Christianity never would have gotten off the ground.

Question 3

How do I know the Bible is true? (counterproductive material)

Answer 3

Let’s say the 2 of us want to make up our own religion. We want to fabricate something to gain political power and influence but none of it is actually true.

• Wouldn’t make myself (disciples) look stupid. Disciples are CONSTANTLY portrayed as petty, jealous, slow-witted, Peter denied Jesus 3x - why include all of this about the church’s prominent leaders if it was false!)
• Wouldn’t have WOMEN be the first to see Jesus after he was raised from the grave. In this society, women were assigned such low status that their testimony was not admissible evidence in court (if you were making it up, would have male pillars in the community present as eyewitnesses).
• Wouldn’t be MARTYRED for it (would give it up at that point, okay okay don’t chop my head off, we just made all of this up)
• Wouldn’t have Jesus say on the cross: my God, my God why have you forsaken me? or asking in the Garden of Gethsemane if this cup could pass? Would have been really confusing for early converts.

Question 4

How do I know the Bible is true? (archaeological evidence)

Answer 4

• Romans 16:23 - Paul sends a greeting from Erastus, a convert who he notes is the treasurer of Corinth. In 1929, archaeologists found stone dated around AD 50 with the name Erastus and notes him as a public official of Corinth.
• The gospels are full of historical places, monuments, etc. Much of the gospel of John has had its hx info confirmed by archaeological evidence:
• Wells and pools mentioned in John 4-9 have been discovered.
• Discovered a coin minted in honor of Pilate’s rule, governor of Judea who had Jesus put to death, confirms John 18.
• John 19:13 notes a specific pavement location called “The Stone Pavement” where Jesus was tried, this has been discovered.
• Burial grounds of Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest at the time, were discovered in 1990 and confirm John 18:24.
• Nearly EVERY CITY in the book of ACTS has been discovered.
• Recently found bon-box of a man crucified in 1st century Palestine, nails had been driven into his ankles like Christ’s. Before thought, skeptics thought Romans only used ropes to affix the legs of people crucified.

Question 5

Isn’t the Bible full of errors?

Answer 5

Process referred to as textual criticism, where the thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible are compared. Scholars can recover 97-99% of the original content of the NT with certainty. About 40 verses that we can’t be sure on, and these verses contain NO BASIS for any essential doctrine of the Christian faith.

Question 6

How do I know the Bible is true? (non-Christian writings)

Answer 6

For example, Tacticus (one of the most famous ancient Roman historians) mentions Jesus and Christianity in a writing.

Question 7

How could a good God allow suffering? (Logic)

Answer 7

Just because you can’t see or imagine a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn’t mean there can’t be one. Putting enormous faith in your own cognitive faculties-if our minds can’t find good answers for suffering, there can’t be any. Blind faith.

Question 8

How could a good God allow suffering? (Experience)

Answer 8

Many people admit that most of what they really needed for success in life cake to them through their most difficult and painful experiences. Wouldn’t trade insight, character, growth for anything.

Question 9

A good God can’t exist because there’s evil in the world

Answer 9

Actually evidence for God-what is an atheist comparing the universe to when he calls it unjust? If you are SURE that this natural world is unjust and filled with evil, you are assuming the reality of some extra-natural (supernatural) standard by which to make your judgment. A secular worldview has no place for moral “ought nots.” Natural selection says the strong devour the weak