6 Questions Atheists Want Religious People To Answer

Introduction: Scripture Reading- I Peter 3:8-15

Text: I Peter 3:8-22 [Part 3 & 4]
15 Questions Atheists want Religious People to Answer

By: Krystal Smith (Stapler Confessions) [Next 3 Questions]

II Tim. 2:1-26 Be a good soldier

Discussion: Part 3 (AM)

Do You Believe in Evolution?
1. Yes, but only the type of evolution that can be observed in nature, microevolution through changes in the DNA.
2. Many people in the religious world look at the word evolution as a dirty word of sorts. Evolution simply means a change over time, but the question is what kind of change?
3. What does the world tell us about evolution? Scientific method: 1) Make an observation, 2) Ask a question or state a purpose based on observation, 3) Do research and take notes, sometimes this includes or requires more observations, 4) Form or develop a hypothesis, 5) Design an experiment to test the hypothesis, 6) Form a conclusion [Scientific Method is not a ridged set of steps or rules; you may have to go back to any of the first 4 steps and rethink things before you move on from here.], 7) Report your results so that other scientists can repeat the test and see if they get repeatable results.
  1. Science begins with the Big Bang “hypothesis” [This word is a stretch, but we explain]. We discussed this idea in enough detail last time but without this and a whole lot of time (4 billion years), the evolution that is presented by scientists would not be possible.
  2. Hypothesis is a testable question or purpose for an experiment. Theory is a hypothesis that has been tested repeatedly with repeatable results.
  3. The evolution that scientists present is also just a hypothesis and not a theory [again a stretch based on the definition]. Science tells us that all life began with a sludge, they refer to as primordial ooze. After a surge of energy to the ooze, they say a strike of lightning, then randomly RNA came together to make amino acids and these amino acids came together to form proteins. This is how the first bacteria, known as Archaebacteria or ancient bacteria, still existing today first evolved. Darwin from a study of finches in the Galapagos Islands, presented the idea of what is now quoted as “survival of the fittest.” In his book, he describes this as meaning the species that is most fit in a particular environment. The overall theory he proposed here, he called “Natural Selection.” An example that he gave would be, [Fire in a wood with white and black moths.] Scientists today would tell us that these genes randomly appeared and that the white moth would had to have evolved into the black moth, based on how they interpret Natural Selection and survival of the fittest. The white moth was not fit and based on their definition should cease to exist. However, the white moth persists, why? Because in all the moths there was white DNA and black DNA. The moths expressing the black color are more likely to survive so those genes and the white genes will still be passed on. When the environment changes again, then the white moths will thrive and the black moth population will lower for a bit. In nature, there are no intermediate species or “the missing link” between two species because different species can’t even reproduce. For example, a horse and a donkey are two different species. One would say well they can make a mule, so they can reproduce. The problem is that the mule is naturally sterile meaning it cannot reproduce. All hybrid species like this are sterile. We can’t observe the type of evolution scientist teach in the world today. A bacteria evolving into a fish, a fish evolving into a dinosaur, dinosaurs into apes, and apes into people. The ironic thing is, that scientists today will say that we are in an evolutionary standstill. Meaning nothing is evolving today, even though they will try to push it in the textbooks and on documentaries. If it can’t be observed, then it can’t be tested.
4. What does God and His world tell us about evolution or the nature of God’s creation?
  1. According to a careful examination of the genealogies and evidence presented in the Bible, the earth is actually a little over 6,000 years old. Again, the only way for evolution to work, for scientists that is, is to add lots of time, but the problem is that ii still can’t be observed the way they explain it.
  2. From creation, God has told us that everything reproduces after its own kind. Meaning a lion will always be a lion and a tiger will always be a tiger because they are different kinds or species. If you plant an apple seed, only an apple tree will grow, not a pear or orange tree. This is also what can be observed in nature today and has always been.
    1. Gen. 1:11-25, 6:20, 7:14; Lev. 11:14-29; Deut. 14:13-15 [Read]
    2. Unnatural occurrences [against nature]- Homosexuality (sexual desire or act after those of the same sex; homo meaning same). Many people like to say that God was only condemning male homosexuality because of where we get the word sodomy, the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, Paul clears this up in Rom. 1:24-28 [Read] (no possible way for natural reproduction; even in a lab, they still have to use God’s materials in the right way to repeat the existence of life; i.e. a sperm fertilizing an egg)
Why Have So Many Wars Have Been Fought in the Name of Religion?
1. In the world, “religious wars” are fought because of the lusts, cares, and desires of man. God does not authorize such violence today. Heb. 10:30-39 [Read]; Matt. 5:38-48 “turn the other cheek.” (This does not mean we can’t defend ourselves or family in a life-threatening situation, but not with the attitude of vengeance. This is another lesson.) The religious world has been persecuted over the years for what they believe, and some groups have sought vengeance rather than turning the other cheek. The crusades would never have been commanded or authorized by God. 1) They were seeking land and riches and 2) They were seeking vengeance for religious persecution, 3) Some of it was just hatred and racism and had nothing to do with religion at all. They didn’t really know much about Muslims in the middle east, but they referred to them as Moors in a racist and discriminatory way. Many claim that they were fighting against and trying to rid the world of a false religion, but they had other motives.
2. In the OT, God authorized and commanded war for a specific reason. Deut. 20:10-18 [Read]; study the context
  1. First he commanded that they Israelites give the cities a chance to become tributaries [mas mees-a tax in the form of forced labor]
  2. If they refused that and wanted to make war with the Israelites, then they were commanded to utterly destroy them; women, children, beasts, trees that weren’t good for food, etc. The reason was so that they wouldn’t teach them their rebellious ways in worshiping false gods. The Bible tells us that the Israelites did not fully or completely obey and that is why we see them go into idolatry or false worship themselves.
  3. God did not intend for wars and fighting to continue forever, because his plan for the redemption of all mankind was from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden.
  4. This is simply a case of man wanting to serve his own will rather than God’s will.
Do You Believe People Can Still Be Moral Without Religion?
1. I answered this a couple of weeks ago when I kicked off this series as an invitation on Wednesday night. My answer would be yes and no depending on how it is explained.
2. Yes, because we can observe that people who have never read the Bible or don’t believe in God can still be good moral people. We are not born evil or sinful, contrary to the incorrect interpretation of the NIV.
  1. Psalms 51:5 NIV “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” ERV “I was born to do wrong, a sinner before I left my mother’s womb.”
  2. Psalms 51:5 KJV, ASV, RV, Greek Septuagint, etc. “Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
  3. Hebrew and Keil & Delitzsch “David here confesses his hereditary sin as the root of his actual sin. The declaration moves backwards from his birth to conception, it consequently penetrates even to the most remote point of life's beginning. חֹולָֽלְתִּי stands instead of נֹולָֽדְתִּי, perhaps (although elsewhere, i.e., in Psa_90:2, the idea of painfulness is kept entirely in the background) with reference to the decree, “with pain shalt thou bring forth children,” Gen_3:16 (Kurtz); instead of הָֽרְתָה אֹתִי, with still more definite reference to that which precedes conception, the expression is יֶֽחֱמַתְנִי (for יֵֽחֲמַתְנִי, following the same interchange of vowel as in Gen_30:39; Jdg_5:28). The choice of the verb decides the question whether by עָוֹן and חֵטְא is meant the guilt and sin of the child or of the parents. יִחַם (to burn with desire) has reference to that, in coition, which partakes of the animal, and may well awaken modest sensibilities in man, without עיון and חטא on that account characterizing birth and conception itself as sin; the meaning is merely, that his parents were sinful human begins, and that this sinful state (habitus) has operated upon his birth and even his conception, and from this point has passed over to him. What is thereby expressed is not so much any self-exculpation, as on the contrary a self-accusation which glances back to the ultimate ground of natural corruption. He is sinful מִלֵּדָה וּמֵהֵרָיֹון (Psa_58:4; Gen_8:21), is טָמֵא מִטָּמֵא, an unclean one springing from an unclean (Job_14:4), flesh born of flesh. That man from his first beginning onwards, and that this beginning itself, is stained with sin; that the proneness to sin with its guilt [the guilt of sin is not inherited, only the consequences of sin (- added by P. King] and its corruption is propagated from parents to their children; and that consequently in the single actual sin the sin-pervaded nature of man, inasmuch as he allows himself to be determined by it and himself resolves in accordance with it, become outwardly manifest-therefore the fact of hereditary sin is here more distinctly expressed than in any other passage in the Old Testament, since the Old Testament conception, according to its special character, which always fastens upon the phenomenal, outward side rather than penetrates to the secret roots of a matter, is directed almost entirely to the outward manifestation only of sin, and leaves its natural foundation, its issue in relation to primeval history, and its demonic background undisclosed. The הֵן in Psa_51:7 is followed by a correlative second הֵן in Psa_51:8 (cf. Isa_55:4., Isa_54:15.).”
  4. Ezekiel 18 “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (2 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 2)
3. No; God’s Word, the Bible, has been spread everywhere throughout the world. This was even true in Bible times. The Israelites would teach other nations and Christians spread the gospel to every part of the known world at that time.
  1. Even if someone is Atheist (does not believe in a god, let allow THE God) or Agnostic (not sure if they believe or not), someone before them got morals from the teachings of God’s Word and these Atheists or Agnostics learned good morals from the influence, teachings, or observations of others.
  2. As we have already determined, no one is born a sinner or evil; we have to learn evil and learn the difference between right and wrong. Even Atheists who don’t believe in God.

Part 3 Conclusion:

Evolution, the way scientists today explain it, is wrong.
Religious wars, after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, have been fought based on the lusts and desires of man and not after the authority or command of God.
All can be moral or good people because of the teachings of God’s Word throughout the world.
1. It is not good enough to simply be a good moral person, we must believe and obey God’s Word.
Invitation

Introduction: Scripture Reading- I Peter 3:8-15

Text: I Peter 3:8-22 [Part 3 & 4]
15 Questions Atheists want Religious People to Answer

By: Krystal Smith (Stapler Confessions) [Last 3 Questions]

II Tim. 2:1-26 Be a good soldier

Discussion: Part 4 (PM)

Do You Think Believing in an Afterlife Affects the Way You Behave in This Life?
1. Yes, 100%.
  1. Paul or Saul always believed in God’ Word and believed there was an afterlife. He lived his live in 100% confidence that he was doing the will of God, even when he was persecuting Christians. He believed they were something that was contrary or against God’s Word and they had to be put down. After he obeyed the gospel, he still believed in an after, Jesus just had to take him aside and teach him the way more perfect or thoroughly.
  2. I personally, I’ve never met any, but I personally believe that some Buddhist and Hindu monks have more faith and moral conviction in their afterlife than most people in the United States who claim to be Christians. I’m sure they sin morally, and they are definitely sinning against God by not being obedient to His Word, but they have secluded themselves from the rest of the world and have dedicated their lives to living morally and upright.
  3. Most people in the U.S. only claim to believe in God, because if they truly believed in God, then they would believe when He says there will be a Judgment Day and there will be a heaven and hell and be obedient to Him and His Word.
2. God truly is a just and loving God, because he gives all mankind a hope of heaven or hope of eternal salvation. This is God’s grace offered to all.
  1. Titus 2:10-15
  2. Col. 1:1-5, 15-29
  3. Titus 1:1-5
3. The problem is that most people don’t accept God’s grace or hope of eternal salvation because they choose not to be obedient to His will.
  1. Just like “atheists” not admitting that they really don’t believe in evolution simply because they are worried about losing jobs and prestige in the scientific community, they also will not admit that they believe in an afterlife. They don’t believe in God, but they believe there is something more than just dust when we die. If they really believed in God, then they would obey His Word and His will, but many have refused.
Do You Believe in Fate?
1. Fate means the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. – (Oxford Languages definition)
  1. The idea comes from Greek and Roman mythology with a group of three sisters called the Fates. They were goddesses that control the birth, life, and death of every person. Individuals could not have any control of their life, because the Fates were in control.
  2. The word “fate” is not found in the KJV of the Bible. Even the idea of fate is not found in the Bible. I do not believe in fate. However, I do believe in providence.
2. Providence means the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power. – (Oxford Languages definition)
  1. The word “providence” is only found once in the KJV in Acts 24:2 and it is referring to Felix, the governor over the Jews, as Tertullus was accusing Paul of being a disturber of the peace and profaning the temple.
  2. The Greek word for “providence” (pronoyah) means forethought, this is, provident care and supply: - providence, provision. -Strong’s Concordance
  3. Although, the only place in the KJV uses the word in reference to a man, the idea is taught all throughout the Bible. This is different from “fate”, because with fate, there is absolutely no control, but providence [through the bounds of nature and not supernaturally or miraculously] still leaves room for free will of the individual to accept God’s care and provision or to reject it.
3. A great example of God’s providence is found in the book of Esther. Again, the word is not mentioned, but the idea or thought of God’s care and provision is seen throughout the book. Nothing was done supernaturally or miraculously, everyone was free to choose and make their own decisions.
  1. I Cor. 10:1-33 [vs. 11-13]
    1. The Israelites rejected God’s providence and, in their case, miraculous care. They were able to see the miracles of God and his providence firsthand and still gave in to temptation and sinned against God.
    2. Paul is warning Christians that we too have a choice to obey or disobey God’s will when He provides us an escape from temptations, so we don’t sin against him.
    3. In other words, the individual has complete control over his/her life and, through obedience to God’s will, where he/she ends up on Judgment Day. (Providence, not fate.)
Why Does Evil Exist?
1. In a round about way, we have already answered this question from answering previous questions. The short answer is because of Satan’s temptations and man giving in to that temptation to sin against God.
2. Gen. 3:1-24 [vs. 1-13]
  1. The serpent or snake was cunning, and Satan used this characteristic to manipulate the serpent or disguise himself as the serpent to deceive and tempt Adam and Eve.
  2. Eve did not run off with a piece of fruit from the tree to give to her husband, Adam. Notice vs. 6 “…and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.” The Hebrew word for with is eem and in no way suggests that he was somewhere else but rather right beside her and heard every word the serpent or Satan said.
  3. Notice too, when God comes to talk with them, who he calls on first, Adam (vs. 9). Adam was the husband, the head of the house, the religious provider for the family, and he failed by not saying anything against Satan. He stood by and allowed the sin to take place.
  4. Now let’s look at Satan’s word change here that was simple enough to convince Adam and Eve to give in to the temptation, “…ye shall not surely die.” He convinced them to believe that God’s meaning for the word “die” was a physical death right then and there. It did mean physical death, but it was more meant as a spiritual death or separation from God. [Rom. 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
    1. Adam again is being used as the ultimate blame for sin entering the world because he failed in his responsibility to himself and his wife.
    2. Death entered to world because of Adam’s sin and the consequence, not the quilt, of that sin is passed on to all men. Why, because all have sinned and therefore, death, sin, evil still remain in the world today.
  5. Notice how Eve/Adam was tempted, [vs. 6 “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” He saw or believed in the same lie she did.]
    1. I John 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
      1. Lust of the flesh: she saw that it was good for food or to rid one of hunger
      2. Lust of the eyes: she saw that it was pleasant to the eyes [tah-av-aw: a longing or delight, dainty, desire, greedily, lust, pleasant- Stong’s]
      3. Pride of Life: she saw that it was a desire to make one wise [Provb. 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction…”]
    2. The world…the prince of this world…the father of all lies
      1. John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11 [John 8:23-27; 31-47]

Part 4 Conclusion:

True belief in an afterlife should affect the way people live their lives. If they truly believed in heaven and hell as it is taught in the scriptures, then they would obey God.
Fate is not a concept found in God’s Word, but providence is. Providence still leaves room for man to choose to obey or reject God’s will, where fate teaches that man has no control.
Evil exists in the world today because Satan told a lie to tempt Adam and Eve and they gave in to that temptation to sin against God. The consequence of that sin, physical and spiritual death, still exist today because sin still exists today.
Invitation: How will you respond to God’s word and will for you in the “afterlife.” [2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” This includes non-Christians and Christians alike. If you have any sin in your life, then you must repent. God will keep his promise, but we have to do our part and be obedient to his will. This is why Christ died (Heb. 5:9); let’s not let his death be in vain, but rather prepare for the judgment. He invites you today to follow after him and not sin. Whom will you serve?]