See the Gods Fall: Four Rivals to Christianity
Overview
Why is traditional biblical refutation failing to convince those who reject traditional Christianity? Is there another way to reach people in New Age, secular humanism, Baha’ism, and Mormonism? Would it surprise you to know that these religions crumble under the weight of their own contradictory belief systems? This book provides philosophical criticism of four major alternative religious systems whose ideas have been received by a great number of people worldwide. Authors Francis J. Beckwith and Stephen E. Parrish define critical thinking and show how it can be helpful in an analysis of alternative religious systems. In doing so, they equip readers with tools to encounter members of other faiths, and define the classical Christian view of God.
Top Highlights
“One of the most striking points about modern humanism (in contrast to the ancient variety13) is its utopianism” (Page 140)
“Finally, humanists believe that mankind is autonomous. There is not a God to whom we must answer. The reason of each individual or of mankind in general is the ultimate authority.” (Page 145)
“Second, humanists believe that whatever exists in the universe is there because of a long process of evolution.” (Page 145)
“On this basis, humanists have often asserted that their views are neutral or unbiased. They are just presenting reality as it is. Christians, on the other hand, are depicted as biased, because of their theological commitments. This depiction has had a great effect on public discourse on religon and politics.” (Page 146)
“They believe that their God knows all that can be known, but that his knowledge is ever increasing. They believe this because they think that the future is unknowable, and thus God cannot know it before it happens. They do think that their God knows everything up to the present moment of time.” (Page 101)
Product Details
- Title: See the Gods Fall: Four Rivals to Christianity
- Authors: Francis J. Beckwith and Stephen E. Parrish
- Publisher: College Press
- Publication Date: 1997
- Pages: 311
About the Authors
Francis J. Beckwith is professor of philosophy and church-state studies, and codirector of the program in philosophical studies of religion in the Institute for Studies of Religion, at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is also a fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.
Stephen E. Parrish is Librarian and Assistant Professor in Philosophy at William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
