Chapter 1: Can Truth Be Known?
In this chapter, the authors Norman Geisler and Frank Turek argue that truth is objective and can be known through evidence and reasoning. They use the example of a detective solving a murder case to illustrate their point. The detective gathers evidence, examines it, and comes to a conclusion based on the evidence. Similarly, we can use evidence and logical reasoning to come to the truth about the existence of God.
Chapter 2: The Road Runner Tactic
Using the classic cartoon character Road Runner as an analogy, Geisler and Turek discuss the concept of logical fallacies and how they are often used in arguments against the existence of God. They explain that just because someone can find flaws in an argument for God's existence, it does not automatically mean that God does not exist. The key is to look at the evidence and arguments as a whole, rather than focusing on minor flaws.
Chapter 3: What's the Big Question?
In this chapter, the authors examine the meaning of life and the ultimate questions of existence. They argue that if there is no God, then life has no ultimate meaning or purpose. They also discuss the idea of morality and how it points to the existence of a moral lawgiver. To illustrate this, Geisler and Turek use the example of a chess game. Chess has rules that govern how the pieces can move, and these rules reflect a purpose and design. Similarly, morality points to a higher purpose and design in the universe.
Chapter 4: The Outsider Test for Faith
Geisler and Turek introduce the "outsider test for faith" in this chapter, which is a method for evaluating beliefs from an objective standpoint, as an outsider would. They argue that many people reject Christianity without truly examining the evidence for it. They use the example of examining the claims of Christianity compared to other world religions to demonstrate the validity of the outsider test for faith.
Chapter 5: The Cosmological Argument
This chapter presents one of the classic arguments for the existence of God, the cosmological argument. It states that everything that exists must have a cause, and since the universe exists, it must have a cause. The authors use the analogy of a row of dominoes to demonstrate this argument. They explain that just as each domino has a cause for its motion, the universe must have a cause for its existence.
Chapter 6: The Teleological Argument
The teleological argument, also known as the argument from design, is the focus of this chapter. Geisler and Turek use the example of a watch to illustrate this argument. A watch has intricate design and complexity, which points to an intelligent designer. They argue that the complexity and design in the universe also points to an intelligent designer – God.
Chapter 7: The Moral Argument
The authors turn to the idea of morality in this chapter and use it as evidence for the existence of God. They explain that without a moral lawgiver, there can be no objective moral values or duties. To illustrate this, they use the example of a student who cheats on an exam. The student knows that cheating is wrong because there is a standard of right and wrong that exists outside of himself. This standard points to the existence of a moral lawgiver, God.
Chapter 8: The Resurrection of Jesus
Geisler and Turek focus on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus in this chapter. They explain that the historical accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection are supported by multiple sources and are historically reliable. They use the example of a court case to demonstrate how historical evidence is used to determine the truth of an event. Based on the evidence, they argue that the resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact and serves as proof of his deity.
Chapter 9: The Reliability of the New Testament
In this chapter, the authors address the common objection that the New Testament is not historically reliable. They look at the evidence for the reliability of the New Testament, including the number of manuscripts and the early dating of the documents. They also use the example of a game of telephone to illustrate how oral traditions can be passed down accurately over time.
Overall, Geisler and Turek's book presents a logical and compelling argument for the existence of God. Through various analogies and examples, they show that truth can be known and that the evidence points towards the existence of a creator. Their use of real-life examples makes their arguments relatable and easy to understand, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the evidence for the existence of God.
