Exploring Truth and the Existence of God

 

Summary

In this engaging dialogue, we explore the profound question of whether truth is absolute or relative, and how we can know the existence of God. The discussion is framed as a mock debate between myself, taking on the role of the Devil's advocate, and Dr. John Gerstner, a respected Christian apologist. The debate begins with the assertion that truth is relative, influenced by personal perception and experience. I argue that truth is conditioned by individual belief and meaning, suggesting that what is true for one person may not be true for another. Dr. Gerstner counters this by affirming the objectivity of truth, particularly in the context of God's existence.

Dr. Gerstner challenges the notion that truth is merely subjective, emphasizing that truth must be understood as an objective reality, independent of personal feelings. He argues that the existence of God is not just a matter of personal belief but can be known through rational inquiry and evidence. The conversation delves into philosophical arguments, particularly the cosmological argument, which posits that the existence of the universe points to a Creator. I raise objections based on the critiques of philosophers like Kant, questioning whether we can truly know anything about a metaphysical being beyond our sensory perception.

Throughout the debate, Dr. Gerstner maintains that the universe itself is a testament to God's existence, suggesting that the complexity and order of creation reveal the nature of a divine Creator. He argues that while our understanding may be limited, it is possible to know God through the evidence of creation and rational thought. The dialogue concludes with an acknowledgment of the need for further exploration of these profound questions, setting the stage for continued discussion on the nature of truth and the existence of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Nature of Truth: Truth is not merely a subjective experience but an objective reality that exists independently of personal perception. While individual experiences may influence our understanding, truth itself remains constant and unchanging. This challenges the modern notion that truth is relative and highlights the importance of seeking objective truth in our spiritual journey. [05:59]

- The Existence of God: The existence of God is not solely a matter of personal belief but can be known through rational inquiry and evidence. The universe, with its complexity and order, serves as a testament to a divine Creator. This understanding invites us to explore the evidence of creation and engage in thoughtful reflection on the nature of God. [19:26]

- Rational Inquiry and Faith: Faith and reason are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other in the pursuit of truth. Rational inquiry provides a foundation for understanding the existence of God, while faith offers a deeper, personal connection to the divine. This balance encourages a holistic approach to spiritual growth and understanding. [21:02]

- The Limitations of Human Understanding: While we can know certain truths about God through creation and reason, our understanding is inherently limited. This humility in acknowledging our limitations invites us to rely on faith and trust in God's revelation, recognizing that some aspects of the divine may remain beyond our comprehension. [17:09]

- The Importance of Dialogue: Engaging in thoughtful dialogue about profound questions of truth and existence can deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith. By exploring different perspectives and challenging assumptions, we can grow in our knowledge of God and develop a more robust and informed faith. [26:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - The Role of Defenders of the Faith
- [00:56] - Historical Defenders of the Faith
- [01:27] - Introduction to the Debate
- [02:08] - The Concept of Mock Debates
- [02:43] - The Influence of Relativity on Truth
- [03:58] - Truth and Relativity
- [05:07] - Personal Perception of Truth
- [06:32] - Affirmation and Denial of God's Existence
- [07:31] - Relevance of God in Personal Life
- [09:39] - Existential View of Truth
- [12:16] - Objective Propositions and God's Existence
- [14:04] - Can We Know God Exists?
- [17:09] - Kant's Critique of Knowing God
- [19:26] - Cosmological Argument for God's Existence
- [21:02] - Rational Inquiry and the Existence of God
- [23:32] - The Question of Causality
- [25:00] - Infinite Series of Finite Causes
- [26:18] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
3. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Dr. Gerstner define truth in the context of the debate, and what is his stance on its objectivity? [03:58]

2. What philosophical argument does Dr. Gerstner use to support the existence of God, and how does he describe its significance? [19:26]

3. How does the Devil's advocate challenge the notion of knowing God, and what philosophical critique does he reference? [17:09]

4. What role does personal perception play in the Devil's advocate's argument about the nature of truth? [05:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that truth is an objective reality, and how does this challenge modern perceptions of truth? [05:59]

2. How does the cosmological argument presented in the sermon relate to the biblical passage in Romans 1:20 about understanding God through creation? [19:26]

3. What does the dialogue suggest about the relationship between faith and reason in understanding the existence of God? [21:02]

4. How does the sermon address the limitations of human understanding in knowing God, and what role does faith play in this context? [17:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the concept of absolute truth. How did you resolve this struggle, and what role did your faith play in it? [05:59]

2. Consider the complexity and order of the universe. How does this influence your belief in a divine Creator, and what evidence of God’s existence do you see in the world around you? [19:26]

3. How can you balance rational inquiry and faith in your spiritual journey? Identify a specific area where you can apply both reason and faith to deepen your understanding of God. [21:02]

4. In what ways do you acknowledge the limitations of your understanding of God? How can you cultivate a sense of humility and reliance on faith in your spiritual life? [17:09]

5. Think of a recent conversation where you discussed profound questions of truth and existence. How did this dialogue impact your faith, and what steps can you take to engage in more meaningful discussions about God? [26:18]

6. How do you perceive the role of personal experience in shaping your understanding of truth? Reflect on a personal experience that challenged or affirmed your beliefs. [05:07]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you can seek objective truth. What steps will you take to pursue this truth, and how can your faith guide you in this pursuit? [05:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Truth as an Objective Reality
Truth is not merely a subjective experience but an objective reality that exists independently of personal perception. While individual experiences may influence our understanding, truth itself remains constant and unchanging. This challenges the modern notion that truth is relative and highlights the importance of seeking objective truth in our spiritual journey. [05:59]

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a belief you hold that might be influenced by personal experience. How can you seek out objective truth in this area today?


Day 2: Evidence of God in Creation
The existence of God is not solely a matter of personal belief but can be known through rational inquiry and evidence. The universe, with its complexity and order, serves as a testament to a divine Creator. This understanding invites us to explore the evidence of creation and engage in thoughtful reflection on the nature of God. [19:26]

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to observe the natural world around you. What aspects of creation point you to the existence of a Creator?


Day 3: Harmony of Faith and Reason
Faith and reason are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other in the pursuit of truth. Rational inquiry provides a foundation for understanding the existence of God, while faith offers a deeper, personal connection to the divine. This balance encourages a holistic approach to spiritual growth and understanding. [21:02]

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to balance faith and reason. How can you begin to integrate both in your spiritual journey today?


Day 4: Embracing Our Limitations
While we can know certain truths about God through creation and reason, our understanding is inherently limited. This humility in acknowledging our limitations invites us to rely on faith and trust in God's revelation, recognizing that some aspects of the divine may remain beyond our comprehension. [17:09]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand God's ways. How can you practice trusting in His wisdom despite your limited understanding?


Day 5: The Power of Dialogue
Engaging in thoughtful dialogue about profound questions of truth and existence can deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith. By exploring different perspectives and challenging assumptions, we can grow in our knowledge of God and develop a more robust and informed faith. [26:18]

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone with whom you can have a meaningful conversation about faith. How can you initiate a dialogue that challenges and enriches both of your spiritual journeys?

Quotes


SPROUL: We are about to begin a series of unrehearsed debates between myself and my colleague, Dr. John Gerstner. Now, it’s important to note at the outset that these debates are properly speaking ‘mock debates.’ That means that in one sense they’re insincere inasmuch as the positions I will be espousing will be positions that I myself do not believe or adhere to. My ignominious role in this exercise is to serve as the ‘Devil’s advocate.’ [00:01:47]

GERSTNER: You’re quite correct when you say that we Christians say there is a God. Now, first of all that’s a proposition, which I maintain is a true proposition. Now, you are hostile to it, but I take it you’re not hostile to a definition of the term. You understand the same as I understand what that proposition means. Would you agree with me on that? [00:06:03]

GERSTNER: It’s a meaningful proposition to which I give an affirmative response, and the rational thing for rational people to do at a point like this is to ask what’s the reason I affirm it and what’s the reason you deny it. Do you want to take the initiative or do you want me to? [00:07:06]

GERSTNER: You’re saying it’s irrelevant. Now that is an irrelevant – that is a non-rational proposition I would say, because if this being does exist, and I’m assuming the dictionary definition of the term just as you, He is the author of your being, and for you to stand there and say that is irrelevant to me doesn’t sound like a very brilliant observation. [00:07:41]

SPROUL: I have an existential view of truth. And for me as an existentialist, see, truth is an experience. It’s an encounter. It’s feeling more than rational propositions. And you want to insist that truth is some kind of objective, rational system. [00:09:57]

GERSTNER: You’re giving a very fine statement, a cosmological argument. Now, why don't you make a critique of it while you're at it? [00:19:32]

SPROUL: Let me ask you, how does – how can we get through this massive leap from looking at this podium or the blackboard to – GERSTNER: You use all these pejorative terms. SPROUL: Well, we are moving to a very high degree here. GERSTNER: Moving and leaping on two different things here. [00:19:42]

SPROUL: Alright, what I want to know is how, Dr. Gerstner, you can reason from this created realm to this invisible Creator? GERSTNER: OK. I’ve already told you, and you’ve mocked it out, but I’ll say it again, and I’ll ask you – you don’t have to take this mock debate so seriously as that to give mock arguments, you know, that you will actually address what I say rather than make authoritative statements Emanuel Kant thought differently. [00:20:20]

SPROUL: I’m just trying to identify the argument as the cosmological argument. Now, I would say with Kant my ally that what it requires to move, whether it’s a gentle step, progression up a ladder, – GERSTNER: Rationally move. We’re talking sense now. [00:20:47]

SPROUL: Or, we’ll jump up in the air here, whatever it is, Dr. Gerstner, we are moving. You grant that? GERSTNER: We’re not leaping. SPROUL: From this sphere, OK -- but we are moving from this sphere to some metaphysical sphere. Now, it would seem to me, Dr. Gerstner, that in order to do that, we would have to make some assumptions, which I think, with Kant, such as – [00:21:02]

SPROUL: I’m trying to give it to you. That the assumption that we’re making that I would regard as gratuitous, as a leap, – GERSTNER: Go ahead, now, I know what Emanuel Kant and R.C. Sproul the Devil’s advocate knows – SPROUL: Here's the leap, is -- GERSTNER: One little argument, please. [00:21:28]

SPROUL: -- that the assumption here, Dr. Gerstner, is that the law of causality which we'll use in our scientific inquiry of this world -- GERSTNER: That's true. SPROUL: – would apply to this other world equally. GERSTNER: That is not necessarily true. [00:21:41]

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Transcript
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