Presuppositions Of Christian Apologetics

[The editors of this project need to expand the "presuppositions of various groups" as these are too brief in some sections -- EditAll]

Similar to the foundations upon which buildings are built, presuppositions are the starting truths upon which different fields of knowledge and investigations are built.

In any field, whether science or theology, presuppositions are the basic and starting assumptions upon which the rest of the subject is built. At times presuppositions are axiomatic (self proven) in nature. No proof is needed for establishing axiomatic presuppositions. For example, if two rods A and B are equal in length to rod C, then A and B would be equal to each other also. However, in most cases these assumptions or presuppositions are so elementary and so basic that more elementary or more basic truths cannot be found for proving or disproving the suppositions. Therefore, arguments at this level should be addressed with great caution.

Opposing presuppositions must be analyzed, tested, or shown to be false to prove or disprove their
Many presuppositions will have to be tested in an indirect way through the "Consistency Test". Consistency tests are possible only after the subject is developed to a reasonable degree. Once a subject has been developed, presuppositions and the observed facts can be observed for congruency. Since the observed facts are established truths, any presuppositions conflicting with these facts are rejected. This is a powerful method for discrediting false philosophies that underlie many branches of science.

One good example of the Consistency Test can be used to test the Theory Of Evolution. Among the many presuppositions that are foundational to evolution, the role played by chance phenomena is the most important assumption. A "chance event" is an action that is completely random or unplanned. According to the chance-presupposition of Evolution, randomness and blind chance must produce a net INCREASE in the order and complexity seen in the Universe (when matter and energy interact with each other).

At the time when the Theory Of Evolution gained initial popularity, theoretical or experimental data to evaluate the chance-presupposition was nonexistent. Consequently the Theory of Evolution continued under the false belief that the assumption was scientifically true. "Chance" became so important for Evolution that even creative powers were attributed to randomness and blind chance. However, the study of chance phenomena has grown rapidly in the last century, and has now provided reliable data with which to evaluate the "chance" assumption. In the light of irrefutable evidence, today the presupposition about blind chance and evolution can be shown to be a gross error.

Developments in the Theory Of Probability, Information Sciences, Computer Technology, Thermodynamics, and the study of biological mutations have shown conclusively that the net result of randomness and blind chance is DECREASE and DESTRUCTION of order and NOT the other way round. This is a serious blow to the false theory of evolution. Analysis of presuppositions in the light of empirical observations furnishes a powerful tool to the Christian Apologist. One can powerfully refute false presuppositions using the "Consistency Test".

The analysis of presuppositions can help the apologist in another way. By using a set of accepted or established presuppositions the apologist can show why the opposing school of thought is in error. Just by establishing the fact that opposing positions are based upon a different set of presuppositions is sufficient in many cases to refute opposing positions.

Radical Christian scholars portraying themselves as Bible believing people can be refuted effectively by using accepted or established presuppositions. Non conservative Christians come in many shades of thought -- from neo evangelical to complete radicals. All differ from conservatives (fundamentalists) in interpretation of miracles, creation, and canonicity. Non conservative Christians try to impress upon Bible believing Christians that miracles in the Bible were not real, the Genesis creation account is only a non literal story, and that there is nothing unique with the canon of the Bible.

Since radical Christians use the same vocabulary as conservative Christians, many Bible believing believers do not recognize that conclusions reached by radical Christians are NOT based on research, but arise out of false presuppositions of randomness and blind chance. Radical Christians are mentally preconditioned by the presuppositions they hold and speak AGAINST the Bible when the presuppositions are not supported. They cannot be convinced against their will. They are not seekers of truth but proponents of bias. To refute arguments at a surface level is a losing battle. When false presuppositions are uncovered, the battle changes pace.

As long as one does not expose the radical presuppositions held by non-fundamentalists, the battle remains one sided. Opposition to the Bible is claimed on the basis of scientific investigations. When shown that the arguments brought against the Bible stem not from research but from "starting assumptions", the situation changes. For example, when a radical Christian denies the inspiration and infallibility of the scriptures, when he advocates evolution in place of creation, and when he tries to "demytholyze" supernatural events recorded in the scriptures, he claims research and science as reason for this attack. This is clear deception.

As long as the apologist focuses on conclusions, exposing the fallacy of their claims will be difficult. However, if false presuppositions are exposed, the situation changes. For example, it can easily be demonstrated that the radicals base arguments with at least the following assumptions:

1. The existence of a personal God is doubtful.
2. The Bible is an ordinary book, no different from any other ancient book.
3. All historical phenomena must be explained naturalistically, and therefore miracles and supernatural events are not possible.

Criticisms voiced by radicals are obviously based on the above presuppositions and are NOT a result of scholarly research. When a radical scholar starts with the above assumptions the scriptures are immediately questioned. Once this aspect is exposed, their conclusions can no longer be perceived as scholarly and the task of refuting radical arguments becomes easy. Radical bias can often be exposed by asking leading questions; e.g., "do you believe that miracles are possible", "do you believe that salvation is obtainable only by faith in Christ"? Through presupposition analysis the Christian apologist can learn to ask appropriate leading questions, and thus can diffuse the brashness and boldness with which many of radicals speak against the Bible and Christianity.

People who oppose the Christian faith often do not disclose their presuppositions since they know that revealing the bases for the radical beliefs will make their arguments vulnerable. Thus the best approach for rebutting radical beliefs is to know the major presuppositions of different groups in advance enabling the apologist to frame suitable leading questions to expose the assumptions of the opponents. With this in mind some of the major presuppositions of orthodox Christian faith and of prominent opposing views are listed below.

Major Pre-suppositions Of Some Groups Prominent Today

1-FUNDAMENTALISTS (Theological Conservatives): Fundamentalists are Christians who are devoted to the fundamentals of the Bible. Brethren, Fundamental Baptists, Independent Baptists, Presbyterians, and many Independents are among such groups. Fundamental (conservative) Christian presuppositions are:

Sola Scriptura: The Bible alone is the word of God, and is the source of all revelation, doctrine, and authority. Human experience or traditions have no authority in the above matters.

Sola Gratia: Grace alone is the basis of salvation. Grace is unmerited favor from God. No man however saintly can obtain salvation through his own meritorious works.

Sola Fide: Faith is the only means through which one can attain the free gift of salvation. Faith is a non-meritorious activity. Meritorious human works play no part in receiving the gift of salvation.

Solus Christus: Christ is the only Saviour and the only mediator between God and man. There is no other Saviour or mediator.

According to the tenets of fundamentalist Christianity, anyone denying any of the above tenets is a heretic. Church Fathers, Protestant Reformers, and the Fathers of the Brethren Assemblies hold all of the above tenets. The writers of Calvin School Textbooks are unashamedly committed to the above fundamentals. No theological compromise is willingly made. The actual presuppositions of the writers include additional points, and are mentioned at the end of this chapter.

Fundamentalists are also known by the titles CONSERVATIVES or ORTHODOX. ORTHODOX is used in a theological sense, rather than as a denominational title such as Eastern Orthodox .

2-EVANGELICALS: The word Evangelical is actually a synonym for Fundamentalist. At times "evangelical" implies a more liberal view. An Evangelical is a person who believes in the four presuppositions above, but may be more flexible and loose in applying them. Exactly how loose and flexible he is going to be depends upon his commitment. Francis Shaffer is an example of an Evangelical who rejected the presuppositions of strict conservatives. Since the title Evangelical is sometimes used in a loose way, Fundamentalist believers should avoid using this word whenever possible.

3-NEO EVANGELICALS: By the middle nineteen fifties even the looser variety of Evangelicals wanted the label "evangelical", but were not willing to accept the accuracy and reliability of Biblical narratives. Further, they were not willing to believe in the story of creation, the flood of Noah, and miracles. The term Neo (New) Evangelicals was used to identify this group. . Many seminaries in India labeled Evangelical are actually Neo Evangelical in theology.

Neo Evangelical presuppositions are:

A Fallible Bible
Theistic Evolution
Probability Of Salvation Without Christ
Doubt About Miracles Recorded In The Bible

4-RADICALS (Wrongly Termed, LIBERALS): A radical totally and completely rejects the orthodox or conservative position. Many Christians are radicals. Most prefer the less offensive and more pleasant-sounding title "liberal".

Most mainline churches have become theologically radical today. Priests are often more radical than lay people, and seminary professors tend to be more radical than priests. Radical presuppositions are:

A Rejection Of All Tenets Of Conservative Christianity
All Religions Eventually Lead To Salvation
Everyone Will Eventually Attain Heaven
The Bible Is Not The Sole Word Of God
The Bible Contains Plenty Of Errors And Primitive Ideas
The Record Of Creation Is A Myth, While Evolution Is Fact
Virgin Birth, Resurrection Of Christ, And Miracles Are Myths

5-NEO ORTHODOX: Neo Orthodoxy rose in protest to Radical theology. To distinguish from Orthodox or Conservative Christians the term Neo Orthodox was adopted. Neo Orthodox theology is neither new nor orthodox. Carl Barth is the most noted proponent of Neo Orthodoxy. Proponents of Neo Orthodoxy liberally use terms like heaven, hell, sin, salvation, revelation, Christ, and resurrection, but define the terms differently from conservative definitions. For example when a Neo Orthodox writer talks about the Word of God, he is not talking about the actual Biblical record; when he talks of Christ, he is not talking of the Jesus Christ of history! Differing meaning of terms creates deception. Neo Orthodox presuppositions are:

A Rejection Of All Fundamental Tenets Of Christianity
Possibility Of Salvation To All Without Christ

6-CHRISTIAN MYSTICS: Christian mystics seek one or more mystical encounters for spiritual joy and assurance. Christian mystics are found both among Roman Catholics and Protestants. Christian Mystic presuppositions are:

Rejection Of "Bible Alone"
Rejection Of Doctrine And Theology
Elevation Of Mystical Experience To The Level Of Revelation
Salvation Through Mystical Experience
Spiritual Joy Through Mystical Experience

7-CHRISTIAN CULTS: Many so-called Christian Cults claim to be the true Church. Since many Cultists are experts at beguiling unsuspecting believers, it is necessary to know the presuppositions with which they operate. Not every cult holds all of these presuppositions, but most cults accept most of the following:

Rejection Of Sola Scriptura And Elevation Of Their Own Books To The Level Of the Bible
Rejection Of Salvation By Grace Through Faith
Rejecting The Uniqueness Of Jesus Christ
Rejection Of Normal Hermeneutics
Claim That Only They Are True Children Of God
Rejection Of One Or More Of The Biblical Doctrines Related To Sin, Salvation, Grace, Justification, Hell, etc.

8-CHRISTIAN OCCULTISTS: Christian Occultists produce various miracles with the help of invisible spirit powers. They produce mass-healings, mass-hypnotism, mass-hysteria, and many other delusions. They also produce individual healings.

Rejection Of Sola Scriptura
They Believe That Occult Techniques Are Approved By God
They Believe That The Spirit Beings That Help Them Are From God
They Reject Most Of What the Bible Says About the Devil And His Angles
They Believe That Occult Phenomena Can Bring People Close To God

9-NON CHRISTIAN CULTS: Cults of non Christian origin often pretend to have close similarity or relationship with the Christian faith. The leaders frequently quote from the Bible. Yet they are not Christian. Their general presuppositions are:

Rejection Of Sola Scriptura
Rejection Of Salvation By Grace Through Faith
Rejection Of Jesus Christ As The Only Saviour
Rejection Of All Major Christian Doctrines

10-NEW AGE GROUPS: What was given birth by Alice Bailey of Lucipher Trust in the nineteen thirties has now become the New Age Movement. The movement uses Christian-sounding vocabulary, and has attracted Christian followers. However, there is nothing Christian in this movement. On the contrary, the founders of this movement have often said that total extinction of the Christian faith is an ultimate goal. General New Age presuppositions are:

Rejection Of Sola Scriptura
Rejection Of Salvation By Grace Through Faith
Rejection Of Jesus Christ As The Only Saviour
Rejection Of All Major Christian Doctrines
Salvation Through All Religions/Universalism

11-THE NEW PRAJAPATI MOVEMENT: This movement began with a Telegu tract titled 'Sacrifice', published in the nineteen thirties. The tract has now been translated into English and many major Indian languages. The Prajapati movement gained momentum in the late eighties and in the nineties primarily through the work of Mr. Koshy Abraham, Dr. Jospeh Padinjarekkera, and Arvindaksha Menon. Its general presuppositions are:

Outright Rejection Of Sola Scriptura
Rejection Of The Uniqueness Of Jesus Christ
Rejection Of All Major Christian Doctrines
Elevation Of Non Christian Scriptures To The Level Of the Bible

12-OCCULTIC CULTS: Occultic Cults are Satanic movements manifested in Satan Worship, Sorcery, and Demon-assisted healings. Many also manifest as personality-development movements. Their presuppositions are:

Rejection Of Sola Scriptura
Rejection Of Salvation By Grace Through Faith
Rejection Of Jesus Christ As The Only Saviour
Rejection Of All Major Christian Doctrines
Acceptance Of Lucipher As A Friend Of Mankind

13-SECULAR CULTS: Many secular groups have risen in the last five decades. Secular cults reject the idea of religion. Examples of secular cults include Marxism, secular humanism, and many others. Their beliefs are similar to that of Radical Christians. Though they claim to be "secular", many are occultic groups.

14-RATIONALIST GROUPS: The name 'rationalist' is a euphemism for 'atheist'. Rationalist groups became active worldwide in the twentieth century. They reject all belief in God, immortality, after-life, heaven, and hell. Rationalists also believe man is his own God, and is competent to make his own moral standards. Many Western rationalist groups openly encourage immorality, and publish pornographic books.

15-HUMANISTS: Secular humanists consider man as the supreme being in the Universe. Thus there is actually no difference between secular humanists and atheists. In fact the essence of their presuppositions and practices are identical. Many secular humanists do not accept this fact and use the name 'humanist' instead of 'rationalist' because they do not yet have the courage to declare who they actually are.

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Original article contributed by Dr. Johnson C. Philip & Dr. Saneesh Cherian. Revised by:

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