Objections to Christianity Answered
prepared by Daniel and Jennie Keeran, Victoria, Canada
The Tree of Life Enter the Way www.box.com/lovegod
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Copyright 2016 Daniel and Jennie Keeran. All rights reserved. While any or all of this document may be distributed without alteration, no part may altered to misrepresent the values and beliefs of the authors.
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Dedicated to all who seek to know
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Objections to Christianity Answered prepared by Daniel and Jennie Keeran, Victoria, BC, Canada Instructions for use in groups: 1. distribute one numbered card (with a question and an answer) to each member 2. have one member read only the question out loud 3. invite group members to give their answers that the member in #2 writes on the back of the card 4. lastly, the member in #2 reads the printed answer for further reflection and discussion
1. You can be a good person without following any religion. Christian values have informed western culture to establish social norms and civil order, and so one’s conscience can be influenced to include social and culturally approved behaviour, defining what is a “good person.” Some behaviours are valued or devalued (considered right or wrong) based only upon divine declaration, e.g. sexual conduct such as bestiality, incest, and homosexuality, are believed to be wrong. Only Christianity teaches to “love your enemies,” and human value is itself established by the Judeo-Christian belief that humans are created in the image of God and therefore everyone possesses equal dignity and worth. Worship of the Creator is defined as “good” activity only by divine declaration. 2. I think you can follow any particular religion and be a good person. Different religions are very different in their values, morals, goals and beliefs. What one religion considers a “good person” is very different than another. For Buddhism, a “good person” tries to detach themselves even from relationships, e.g. Buddha left his wife and child to pursue enlightenment. Hinduism teaches people are reborn into their caste depending upon their good or bad behaviour in a previous life. Islam teaches that a good husband can beat his wife and kill the unbeliever and the 6
apostate. Christianity teaches family responsibility and that everyone is made in God’s image so that everyone has equal dignity and worth. 3. The only important thing is to love and be happy. Love and happiness are subjective terms. There is no foundational bases to determine varying levels of happiness and love without an objective standard. For example, “It makes me feel good to take advantage of others.” Love and happiness as defined by God are consistently explained and related in the Bible. Without an objective standard, there is no standard. 4. There’s too much evidence that the Biblical creation story is a myth and that the theory of evolution is true. The days of creation correspond to accepted scientific eras for the development of the earth. In January of 1987, in Nature magazine, findings were presented that clearly showed that all current human DNA originated from one specific woman. These findings have not surprisingly been controversial. The theory of evolution makes no claims about how things came to be, not why. Stephen Jay Gould, notable evolutionist, said he saw no contradiction between evolution and theism, and Darwin himself was not an atheist. 5. I simply can’t accept that a book that has been around for 2,000 years would have no major errors. * The Dead Sea Scrolls, dating from 263 BC – 1AD (using carbon dating methods) contains every book of the Old Testament except Esther, and is practically identical to the Scriptures we have today. * A miniature scroll containing Numbers 6:24-26, from the 6th century BC is also identical to the Bible today. * The scribal discrepancies that have been found do not alter any biblical message or point of doctrine- they are insignificant errors in spelling and word alterations like “Christ Jesus” instead of “Jesus Christ.” * The transmission time between the events and the earliest 7
manuscripts is very small. The earliest manuscript is dated 110 AD and is identical to the Bible we have today. * There are thousands of manuscripts from 300 AD to 1,000 AD and over 24,000 ancient manuscripts translated into Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Gothic, Ethiopic & other languages – all confirming the Scriptures we have today. 6. Christianity is responsible for much suffering such as the Inquisition and Crusades. Not all who identify as Christians follow the teachings of Jesus. Jesus said “Love your enemies.” Although much evil has been committed in the name of Christianity, this has no bearing on the validity of the original teaching. Fanatics and criminals who perpetuate their crimes are not a function of religion. Fanatics and criminals would be present without religion. Churches sometimes attract “psychopaths” – (people who seek domination and do not have empathy) and use well-meaning groups of people to execute their criminal schemes. It would be advisable for church leaders to be screened for this psychopathy as they are often drawn to positions of power. Christianity, as taught by Jesus Christ, is nonviolent. See more here https://www.academia.edu/10920830/Concordance_of_New_Testament _Words_on_Pacifism_and_Nonviolence
7. There is no scientific evidence that God exists. In 1964, American astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, earned the Nobel Prize for their accidental discovery of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation. It was a landmark test that confirmed the universe had a beginning. Since nothing finite can cause itself, the logical step is that the universe was caused by something other than itself - God who is eternal, without beginning or end. The Big Bang theory says the universe, including time and space and matter, had a beginning. The cause of that beginning was therefore other than time or space, something supernatural.
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8. Morality is relative and subjective. There is no absolute truth. If morality is relative and subjective, like a democratic process, without absolutes, but based on people in specific circumstances, that concept of morality would logically condone Nazi tortures and the billions murders committed by the strong against the weak. The existence of God and the Bible provides the foundation for principles that support healthy human life and social organization. 9. If you love someone, it follows that you should have sex with them. In this day and age the reality is that sex can kill. Having sex with someone poses abundant physical and emotional risks. The Bible’s guidelines to restrict sex only to married people (one man + one woman) practically results in a healthier community. Once you remove Biblical sexual parameters, there is no logical reason to prohibit group marriages, incestuous marriages or marriage with animals. Sexual intimacy without commitment, contributes to the inability to form a meaningful relationship, psychological instability, loneliness, and other mental distress. 10. Christians waste their mental and physical time and energy instead of helping the world and others or enjoying their own lives. * Christians are mandated by the Bible to help others – especially the poor. * At the same time, the benefit of this teaching provides meaning, purpose and hope to their lives—which itself is testimony to the validity of God and the Scriptures. * The Bible instructs Christians to recognize and acknowledge that everything in their environment is a gift from God, which optimizes the enjoyment of all things in their lives.
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11. If God is all-loving and all-powerful why is there so much suffering in the world? * This is undoubtedly the most difficult question. Why do the wicked prosper? Why can’t God root out all the evil if He is allpowerful and all good? 3 considerations: a. If God did root out all the evil, there would be no people left, as we all do evil. b. If God did overrule our evil actions we would become puppets. c. Most of the suffering is inflicted by people – war, drunk driving, lying, cheating, greed etc. which would not exist if people lived by the divine teachings. * Although we can’t fully understand the problem of suffering, the Bible offers grace, comfort and strength so that in suffering we may live with hope, dignity and purpose. Jesus, God’s Son, experienced intense suffering on the cross, so we can be sure that He understands and cares about our suffering. 12. I don’t know enough to form an opinion. I’ve never thought about it. In today’s world the question about whether to believe in God or not is not about proof – it’s about why someone should invest their time and energy in a religion. What’s in it for me? Does it work? Why should I believe someone else’s version of reality? Don’t all faiths have an equally legitimate claim to truth? Are these questions even important? If the Bible is true, and there really is a heaven and hell and we are suppose to do and believe very specific things, and if we don’t, we could spend an eternity, very uncomfortably, then, just like taking out an insurance policy, doesn’t it make sense to at least invest the time into investigation to see if what the Bible claims is true?—the investigation is free and the payoff could be big. 13. I have my own religion and I don’t talk about it. Not talking about religion does not affect the reality of truth or 10
the existence of God. If you have discovered some religion that has helped you, why would you not want to share it and help others with your conclusions? Rational examination can only strengthen faith if it is true. 14. Christianity is too judgmental. * While it’s true that some people who call themselves “Christians” become mean-spirited and judgmental, it does not follow that Christianity teaches them to be so. * Christians are mandated to talk about their faith with gentleness and respect-- 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” * We don’t have to agree with others to love and respect them. Christians are instructed to love everyone – their enemies AND people who don’t agree with them. * It’s not necessary for people who don’t agree, to hold animosity toward each other. Just because they disagree about morality, religious ideas or belief in God, does not necessarily imply that they should dislike each other. * There are 2 kinds of judgment: 1) judgment affirming that a proposition is incorrect or a behavior is wrong and 2) being judgmental without grace or concern for others and without respect. * a person can care about the other while rejecting the different choices they make. 15. Churches are filled with hypocrites and unfriendly people. * The Biblical mandate is for Christians to be honest and loving. Hypocrites will be held ultimately responsible for their behaviours. Churches are plagued with the same power struggles and human foibles as any other organization made up of humans. * Any ideology, including Christianity and atheism can’t be confirmed or refuted based solely on the behaviours and 11
mistakes or failures of its adherents. The issue is the values and beliefs of the document they believe is true. 16. The Bible is filled with violence and slavery. * The violence in the Old Testament was a result of God’s direct command, directly with the people involved – under the old covenant, which no longer exists. The New Testament, since the death and resurrection of Jesus, clearly articulates “love your enemies” which excludes abuse of any kind. * The New Testament contains a specific story of a real life slave. In the book of Philemon (fie-lee-mon), the master was instructed by Paul the apostle, to accept the runaway slave, Onesimus, back into his household, not as a slave, but as a brother. 17. The church is filled with sexual abusers. * The incidence of sexual abuse is abominable and is condemned in Scripture. Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. * Those who cover it up are just as guilty * In the Catholic church, there exists a systemic problem: having celibate men, sitting in small cubicles, in close proximity, while they listen to the sexual confession of others. 18. People who follow Jesus (who died) and used blood sacrifices are in a death cult. * 1 Corinthians 1:18 says “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…” * Christians do not worship death, but rather spend their lives with the hope of eternal life. The story of Jesus’ resurrection is unparalleled among other faiths or ancient stories. A radical New Testament scholar alleges there were several other dying and rising gods, but David Aune, specialist in comparative Near Eastern literature at Notre Dame, concludes: “No parallel to [the resurrection traditions] is found in Graeco-Roman biography.” 12
All the alleged resurrection stories are filled with unrealistic details with no basis in historical or archaeological fact. 19. The Bible was written long after the original documents. The first book of the Bible was Galatians, penned by the apostle Paul in 45 AD – only fifteen years after Christ. When Paul wrote Galatians, the events of the book of Acts were still very much in progress. He was recording as an eyewitness. Scholars believe that the documents were completed by the year 69AD- this is far too short a time for myth and legend to have crept into the text. 20. How do we know the Bible we use today, is the same as the original writings? Although we don’t have the original autographs of the New Testament (or of Plato or Homer or any other ancient work) we can be very confident that we have the authentic text accurately transmitted. Our earliest text fragment is from the gospel of Mark dating from 80-90 A.D, and a fragment of the gospel of John dates to 110 AD in papyrus P52, currently in Manchester, England that may well be a first generation copy. A portion of the book of John reads virtually the same as the Bible today. There are over 5600 ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament in libraries, museums, churches & monasteries around the world. The gap between other ancient document originals and their copies, like those from Homer, Plato, & Aristotle are hundreds of years. The gap between the earliest copies of the New Testament and the originals are only 30 years. There are 24,970 ancient manuscripts that strongly support the New Testament we have today. Even if every Bible and ancient manuscript were burned today, we would have the entire New Testament (except eleven verses) because of the 80,000 times it was quoted in commentaries and letters from that period.
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21. Are the historical details in Scripture supported by other sources? There are over 80 personal names and 50 cities contained in archaeological artifacts and inscriptions discovered in the Bible lands. The seal ring of Baruch ben Neriah, named in Jeremiah 36:4 as the scribe of Jeremiah, was discovered. The Cyrus Cylinder from the Babylonian exile records the return of foreigners (Jews) to their lands and the building of their temples as recorded in Ezra 1:1. For numerous examples see https://www.academia.edu/459326/BIBLICAL_ARCHAEOLOG Y_DISCOVERIES_AN_ALPHABETICAL_DIRECTORY 22. Can we be sure that the New Testament was written in the first century? The original New Testament was written in a specific kind of Greek called Koine Greek. There are about 500 words in the New Testament that do not appear in classical Greek. It was a vocabulary that could not have been invented two or three centuries later. When these papyri were pulled from the ancient sands, the fragments of the New Testament matched the style and vocabulary of the existing Scriptures, confirming the authenticity and date. In 2012. a fragment carbon-dated to 8090 A.D., is from the gospel of Mark and was discovered in a mummy mask in Egypt. 23. Sunday morning is my only time off and so I want that time to relax. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.� Luke 5:16 so He does understand our need for downtime. We all make choices about how we spend our time-- Some things have short term benefits 14
and others have long term benefits. Spending time fulfilling Biblical teachings, is something with eternal rewards. 24. The only reason a person is Christian is because of where and in what family they were born. I identify as a _____________ because I was born that way. We all have a personal identity, in large part based on our family of origin. This is normal human behaviour. However the incidence of people rejecting their family of origin faith is common. Some religions make it more difficult to consider another faith e.g. Muslims who convert are mandated to be killed. But the reality is that we do have the option to choose. 25. I don’t like all the rules in Christianity. The guidelines of the Bible were intended to help us be happy and healthy. Rules do prevent us from always doing exactly what we want, but they also keep us safe and healthy. 26. The Bible is too complicated. The Bible was written so that anyone can understand it. The key ingredient is that the reader must be sincerely seeking the truth and open to understanding. Acts 17:32 “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on the subject.” 27. I’m just not interested. I don’t care. I’m not able to do more than I’m already doing. We all have 24 hours in a day. What we spend our time on is our choice. Interest in a subject is not based on time, but rather on priorities. If someone had evidence of life after death would you be interested in knowing about it? There are answers and the truth is out there. I am available when you want to discuss it. My email is___________.
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28. The Bible says homosexuality is wrong so it can’t be true. Just because something is widely accepted by the majority does not verify its accuracy or validity. Based on the preponderance of evidence, the Bible shows itself to be inspired by a force outside the universe so that the pronouncements it makes are not based on human wisdom, but God’s wisdom. 29. The Bible doesn’t condemn homosexuality although Christians do. The Bible categorically condemns homosexual behaviour, not homosexuals. It says that those who engage in it cannot enter the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality…” Romans 1:21-27 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ….For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one 16
another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” 30. I can’t believe in a God that tortures people for an eternity for things they did on earth. If God is real and if the Bible is true then we must accept what it says about the afterlife. This includes study about what the Bible says about hell. Luke 16:22-24 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades (place of the dead), where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ ” It’s important to remember that just because we don’t believe something does not mean that it is not true or doesn’t exist. If the afterlife could possibly result in eternal punishment, it makes sense that this claim suggests a priority for careful contemplation. If there is no ultimate accountability after death, one can be clever and powerful enough to commit heinous acts with impunity. 31. If I am not all-knowing, then there is no all-knowing being. If you struggle with this question, you might need to consider whether you have a problem with arrogance. 32. I can’t believe that people who have not heard about Jesus would be lost forever. After considering the preponderance of evidence about the qualities of God revealed in all aspects of the Bible, Christians trust that God will be fair and merciful to everyone in the final judgment. Here is a prayer that expresses that sentiment: “Lord grant mercy to all who, through no fault of their own, are 17
unable to fully believe and obey all you have revealed.” We all have fallen short and need God’s mercy to be saved. 33. I don’t believe because of my life experience. Life experiences, especially negative ones, often skew a person’s ability to assess the truth about God. If a person has a positive relationship with someone who believes or doesn’t believe – it profoundly affects their perspective. For example, I loved my Grandmother so much and she was an atheist, so she must be right. 34. I don’t believe that anyone has the right to tell me what I can and can’t do (including God). If it can be concluded, using logic and the preponderance of evidence that God did create the universe and inspire the Word of God, then He does have the right to tell us what to do. It makes logical sense that we should let our intellect overcome our personal, emotional desire for pride and need for control. His love for us is evidenced by His actions, thus meriting our trust. 35. I believe that morality is dependent on the person and circumstances (situational ethics) Everyone agrees that eating live babies is wrong which means there are absolutes. When morality is dependent on the circumstances it means we accept a paradigm that opens the door for circumstances like Nazi Germany when it was accepted by the majority of the leadership to kill and torture. 36. I don’t believe in the existence of evil, sin or the devil, so I don’t believe in God. The Bible defines good, evil, sin and Satan. If the Bible is unreliable then the parameters of right and wrong are also true. Just because we don’t believe in something does not validate its reliability or truth. 18
37. Jesus’ popularity is explained by the Jewish expectation/hope for a rescuer (Messiah) from Roman occupation. The Messiah was foretold in detail in numerous instances written many centuries before their fulfillment in the life of Christ. The Messianic hope is of divine origin. For numerous instances of foretelling of the Messiah, see https://www.academia.edu/8756112/Evidences_of_the_Supern atural 38. All religions teach basically the same thing. Religions very widely in what they teach. The Qur’an authorizes holy wars, polygamy, concubines and wife beating. Hinduism has lusting gods and goddesses, a caste system that discriminates against the poor and that all suffering is the result of evil actions in previous lives (blame the victim). Buddhists teach that suffering is unreal and that we should live a life of detachment. Buddha abandoned his wife and child. Christianity is very different in that they teach that we should love our neighbours as ourselves and is the only major religion that has a resurrected God and the teaching to love your enemies. 39. There’s no proof that Jesus lived, died, or was resurrected. a. The death and resurrection of Christ was prophesied by Isaiah 53 and by David in Psalms 22. The details of the resurrection are documented in six independent biblical sources as well as two non Biblical sources: 1 Clement 96 A.D. and Polycarp 110 A.D. b. If the resurrection did not happen then it means that Jesus and all the writers of the New Testament were either lying, crazy or -------telling the truth. c. “That he was crucified is as sure as anything historical can ever be” – from John Dominic Crossan, a skeptical scholar. d. Jesus’ execution was referred to in several extrabiblical 19
sources such as Josephus, Tacitus, Lucian, Talmud and Mara Bar-Serapion. The existence of those named in the death narrative of Jesus, has been confirmed by archaeology: an inscription of Pontius Pilate was discovered in Cesarea Philippi, and the family crypt of Caiaphas was discovered in Jerusalem. 40. Is there any evidence of Jesus’ life outside of Scripture? Anti-Christian Roman historians, Tacitus and Mara Bar Serapion, mention the execution of Christ. Thallus and Phlegon were Greek historians who mention the hours of darkness that occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. 41. Jesus is just another prophet. Mohammed is more recent and therefore more up to date and true. Mohammed taught to kill your enemies as well as anyone who leaves Islam. Jesus taught to love your enemies and to be gentle with those who oppose the message about Christ. 42. The prophecies about Jesus were written after His life. *The prophecies about Jesus in Isaiah 53, are found in the most complete scroll of the Dead Sea scrolls. Pieces of the scroll have been carbon-14 dated at least four times, giving date ranges between 335-324 BC and 202-107 BC. * The prophecies about Jesus include, among many others: a. his birth would be in Bethlehem, b. betrayal by his friend for 30 pieces of silver and suicide of the betrayer, c. the manner of his death including piercing of his hands and feet, d. parting of his garments, e. words of the mockers at his crucifixion, f. his burial in a rich man’s tomb and his resurrection.
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43. The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Jesus were written to make the prophecies come true. The detailed prophecies are too numerous and varied for their fulfillment to have been invented. To review these, visit https://www.academia.edu/8756112/Evidences_of_the_Supern atural 44. Isn’t God in everything and consequently, everything is in God? Therefore every person is god? In a sense, everything is a result of the action of God. The God of the Bible appears to be described as an individual person or Trinity (Father, Son & Spirit) separate from the created universe and described as having self awareness as well as emotions and will. Individual human beings pray to God as one who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. 45. Isn’t God just part of our life source or force which is in all things? God is not synonymous with the created universe but is separate and the source and creator of the universe. 46. I believe in Karma – we all get what we deserve, based on how we have treated people in the past. The idea of Karma makes children responsible for their lives of suffering because of things they did in a previous life which is a “blame the victim” philosophy. 47. I believe that God is a nice warm feeling or sense of awe like one has while watching a sunset or walking in the forest. God provides good gifts to human beings and so a distinction is made between the giver with the gift and only the gift that brings nice warm feelings. 21
48. Why should we worship a Christian God rather than any other idols? The Christian God has communicated His existence through several lines of evidence including: historical/archaeological, Messianic prophecies, medical/ biological evidences, linguistic evidence, oceanographic/ geographic, cosmological/astronomical, the practical teaching of Jesus. 49. Why can’t I be spiritual and not follow any organized religion or system of belief? True spirituality is defined by the divine declaration through the words of God made known by people who were guided by the Holy Spirit. Other organized religions teach contradictory ideas: * love your enemies vs. kill your enemies * put others before yourself vs. detach yourself from others * there is one life followed by final judgment vs. one lives many lives and there is no final judgment * there is one God vs. there are many gods vs. there is no god * God is a creator God vs. each person is god * being part of a spiritual community vs. being spiritual by oneself alone. 50. Did God create the universe then step back and watch without intervention? The promise of scripture is that God hears and answers prayer. The Bible teaches: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16). 51. I don’t see any evidence of anything outside the material world. Some things are accepted as real but are not material: love, justice, compassion, music, thoughts, happiness, emotions.
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52. Faith contradicts science and reason. Faith says the cause of the universe is other than the universe. Science, with the big bang theory, says the cause of the universe is other than the universe. These are not contradictory statements. Faith says that the order of the appearance of life forms was plants, followed by animals, which the same thing science says with the theory of evolution. Science talks about “how” things work, while faith talks about “why”. These are not contradictory. Although he did not believe in a personal caring God, in the year of his death in 1955, the universally admired scientist Albert Einstein clarified his formerly ambiguous views: "My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God" (Calaprice, ed., The Quotable Einstein, pp.195-6). 53. Christians do not give you time to come to their god on your own. They constantly shove their beliefs and the Bible down your throat, and if you are still questioning, they have to constantly remind you that hell is near. It is a Christian's right, and some say even obligation, to express faith in God and to believe there will be hell for many after death. Christians are also taught to be gentle and respectful toward others which includes valuing the boundaries of others who say they do not want to discuss Christian beliefs, e.g., saying: "I value your boundaries, and I am available to talk about faith when you are ready." However, it is sometimes perceived that a Christian is shoving their beliefs down others throat simply because they express their Christian values and beliefs. If everyone is entitled to their beliefs, it follows that Christians should be afforded the right to 23
express their beliefs too, without being accused that they are forcing their beliefs on others. 54. The idea of God is invented by human societies and for the purpose of maintaining social order. Certainly the values and beliefs of faith contribute to social order: prohibiting theft, assault, perjury, and more. There is science to show that the desire to believe in God and to worship God, is hard-wired into human genes (see God Gene, Dean Hamer). Every human civilization has produced artifacts indicating worship of a deity. 55. The teachings of Jesus are not relevant for today. The practical teachings of Jesus can be grouped into three categories as having relevance to psychological well-being, social teachings, and peace and nonviolence. Examples of these teachings are given below, with brief comments on their relevance for today. From the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew: chapters 5-7) ch5- Psychological Well-Being 3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.� Relevance: The values and qualities of Jesus’ followers contribute to harmonious and compassionate relationships.
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ch5- Social Teachings 13 “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven....” 20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Relevance: Humanitarian acts should be done to glorify God rather than self. ch5- Peace and Nonviolence 21-25 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” Relevance: Avoiding anger and name-calling, is central to conflict resolution; seek peace in relationships and settle matters out of court to avoid maximum consequences. ch5- Psychological Well-Being 27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
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Relevance: This is an important key sexual management principle to prevent sex addiction, prevalent today e.g. through internet pornography. 31-32 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Relevance: This principle supports family security and integrity especially important for healthy child development. ch5- Social Teaching 33-37 “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all...All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’....” Relevance: Personal honesty is fundamental to basic trust essential to personal, professional, and business relationships in society. ch5- Peace and Nonviolence 38-41 “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” 43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Relevance: The teaching of nonviolence and nonretaliation in personal relationships is key to a harmonious family and community and central to resolving conflict. ch6- Social Teaching 1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them... But when you give to the needy, 26
do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” Relevance: This concept promotes a selfless sincere motive in generosity, and in prayer vs.5-8, and in fasting vs.16-18. 9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: ...And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors....” Relevance: This basic principle is the foundation of personal lending: forgive the debts of those who cannot pay you back. ch6- Peace and Nonviolence 14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Relevance: Forgiving others is highly valued. ch6- Social Teaching 19-24 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Relevance: Value service to God by caring for the poor; build wealth for serving others rather than self. ch6- Psychological Well-Being 25-34 “ ...do not worry about your life.... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Relevance: A key remedy for anxiety is to live each day at a time; live in the present. Plan for tomorrow but don’t worry about it.
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ch7- Peace and Nonviolence 1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (John 8:7 “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her [adulterous woman”). Relevance: Judgment of others will result in judgment in return; be nonjudgmental and reduce conflict. ch7- Social Teachings 7-12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (See also Luke 10:27 – “Love your neighbour as yourself”; Matthew 25:31-46 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me... as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.)” Relevance: Reaching out to those in trouble is service to God. See more here https://www.academia.edu/15261375/Psychological_and_Socia l_Teachings_of_Jesus
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About the Authors Daniel and Jennie Keeran reside in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and welcome all comments, questions, and additional suggestions emailed to collegemhc@gmail.com We invite the reader to learn more about how to become a Christian at www.box.com/lovegod
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