#005 Podcast | God or Reason

In Chapter 5, we explore how different philosophies and worldviews attempt to understand God, truth, and the purpose of life. We examine Deism, Pantheism, Atheism, and Agnosticism, comparing each perspective with the biblical view of God revealed in Scripture. This chapter highlights the importance of understanding other beliefs while remaining firmly grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ. Through examples from history, philosophy, and the Bible, we learn how Christians can engage others with wisdom, compassion, gentleness, and respect while confidently sharing the hope found in Christ.

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Live from Las Vegas, yes, same city, where people lose sleep, money, and sometimes their luggage, it's kick-up ministry. But here you only win. Hope, truth, and the jackpot of God's word. And now, with no further ado, here is Roy Andrade.

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We've been on a journey together, haven't we? We've talked about monotheism, the belief in one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who revealed himself to Moses and then the Israelites out of Mizraim, which is the ancient Hebrew name for Egypt. We've also explored polytheism, the belief in many gods. Gods that I stated, if my memory serves me correctly, in chapter two, were man-made idols created by human hands. Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Rome built their civilizations around these false gods. Pharaohs were worshipped as divine. Babylonian kings claimed authority from the gods. The Romans believed their empire depended on the favor of many deities. Even Athens honored Athena as its patron goddess. But Israel stepped on a different path. The Israelites stood firm on the belief in one God who said in Exodus chapter 20, verse 3, You shall have no other gods before me. That truth echoed throughout history because more than 3,000 years have passed, yet billions still worship the God Israel proclaimed as the one true God. But there's another path people have taken throughout history. There are those who seek to understand God not through revelation or scripture, but through philosophy and reason. Today we call these the philosophical views of God. And it's important that we as Christians understand these perspectives because we live in a world where people think differently about faith and truth. Not only do people think differently, but in some parts of the world, even the freedom to explore religion, philosophy, or non-religious beliefs is heavily restricted. Nations such as North Korea, Iran, and Nicaragua have been criticized by international human rights organizations for limiting religious freedom and preventing people from openly sharing ideas, asking questions, and discussing different beliefs. Conversely, many countries are recognized for their strong commitment to religious freedom and the open exchange of philosophical ideas. Nations such as Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia have legal protections that allow people to practice their faith, change their beliefs, or explore philosophical questions without fear of imprisonment or death. As Christians, understanding these global dynamics is vital because Scripture encourages us to be aware and compassionate. In Hebrews chapter 13, verse 3, it reads, continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. And in 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 15, we're reminded always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. These passages encourage believers to remain mindful of those who suffer for their faith while engaging others with humility, compassion, and a thoughtful defense of the hope found in Christ. Speaking of philosophy, deism emerged strongly during the age of enlightenment. In the 17th and 18th centuries, deists believe that God created the universe but does not interfere with its ongoing operation. They often compare God to a divine watchmaker who carefully designed the world, set it in motion according to natural laws, and then stepped back. Deists do not believe in miracles or divine intervention. They believe that the universe operates on natural laws that can be discovered through science and reason. Sacred texts, religious rituals, and even prayer are viewed as unnecessary to know God. Instead, they believe morality, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and choosing to do what is right, comes from human reason, not divine command. One of the most well-known deists was Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, who famously took several copies of the New Testament in English, Greek, Latin, and Spanish, just kidding, and French, and physically cut and pasted together a version of the Gospels. His work is known today as the Jefferson Bible, officially titled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. In this unique version, Jefferson removed all miracles, references to Jesus' divinity, the resurrection, and anything supernatural. What he left behind was a moral biography of Jesus focused on teachings of love, forgiveness, humility, and justice. The original book still exists and is preserved at the Smithsonian Institution. Other famous deists include Benjamin Franklin, who believed in God as the creator and upheld the importance of moral living and virtue. However, Franklin openly doubted the divinity of Jesus Christ and rejected the doctrines of organized Christianity, preferring instead to emphasize reason and ethical conduct over religious dogma. Despite this, Franklin maintained deep respect for Jesus' moral teachings and even acknowledged Christ as the greatest moral teacher of all time. Another notable deist was Thomas Paine, whose influential work, The Age of Reason, harshly criticized institutionalized religion, including the Christian church, which he saw as corrupt and oppressive. Paine rejected the authority of the Bible as divine revelation and denied the supernatural elements of Christianity, such as the virgin birth and resurrection of Christ. Yet Paine firmly believed in the existence of one creator and promoted the idea that reason, rather than religious tradition, was the true path to understanding God. While individuals like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are often cited as examples of deist influence, the impact of deism on American political thought extended far beyond any single figure. The broader intellectual movement of the Enlightenment, from which many deist ideas emerged, profoundly shaped the founding ideals of the United States. Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke, whose writings heavily influenced the founding fathers, argued that all people possess natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, rights believed to be endowed by God rather than granted by kings or governments. These ideas became central to the political philosophy reflected in the Declaration of Independence and later influenced the constitutional framework of the United States. And if that sounds hard to believe, read the writings for yourself. The influence is written throughout the foundations of early American political thought. The concepts of limited government and the rule of law, both foundational principles of American democracy, were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals that emphasized human reason and natural law as guides for building just societies. Drawing from these principles, the framers established a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any single branch of government from gaining excessive power or exercising unchecked authority over the people. This structure reflected a broader rejection of absolute monarchy and centralized religious authority, both of which were viewed as threats to individual liberty and accountable government. In addition, figures like James Madison, often called the father of the Constitution, advocated fiercely for religious freedom and pluralism. His work on the Bill of Rights guaranteed that faith would be a personal matter, free from state control, embodying the deistic belief that a creator had given people reason and conscience to seek truth freely. While the American government was wisely designed to protect each person's right to believe or not to believe, as Christians, we know that true freedom goes beyond political rights. The living God of Scripture is not only the source of our liberty, but also our Redeemer, who invites every person into a personal relationship with Him through Christ. As 2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 17 tells us, now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Another philosophical view is pantheism, which teaches that God and the universe are inseparable, meaning everything in existence is considered divine. Rather than viewing God as a personal being separate from creation, pantheists see the divine reflected throughout nature and the cosmos itself. This idea was has influenced various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including writings of Baruch, Spinoza, and certain statements made by Albert Einstein regarding the order and beauty of the universe. In contrast, Christianity teaches that God is both transcendent, existing beyond creation and eminent, actively involved in it. At kickoff ministry, we worship a personal and living God who not only created the universe but also stepped into it to offer his love, guidance, and the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ to all people, regardless of appearance, background, nationality, physical condition, or level of understanding. Whether someone has tattoos, piercings, disabilities, wealth, struggles, advanced education, or none at all, the message remains the same. God's invitation is open to all. Then we come to atheism and agnosticism. Atheism is the atheism is the absence of belief in any God or divine being. While traces of atheistic thought can be found in ancient Greek and Indian philosophy, atheism gained prominence during the Enlightenment era when figures like Baron Dolbeck openly denied the existence of a creator. In more recent times, though, modern voices like biologist Richard Dawkins have advanced atheistic ideas, often arguing from a scientific and materialistic worldview that rejects the supernatural altogether. Atheists fully reject the idea of a personal God or divine creator. Agnosticism, by contrast, does not firmly deny God's existence, but claims it's impossible to know for sure whether God exists. The term was first coined in the 19th century by British scientist Thomas Huxley. Even Charles Darwin, though often labeled an atheist, more accurately described himself as agnostic, recognizing the limits of human knowledge on such matters. While both atheism and agnosticism either reject or question the existence of God, many who hold these views still search for meaning, purpose, and connection through human relationships, philosophy, or nature. As Christians, we approach this with both compassion and conviction, knowing that Scripture encourages us to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have, but to do so with gentleness and respect, as written in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 3, verse 15. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. At kickoff ministry, we believe that true purpose and ultimate truth are found in knowing the living God through Jesus Christ, who said in the book of John, chapter 14, verse 6, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I want everyone to know that Scripture gives us clear guidance on how to engage with those who think differently. The Apostle Paul sets a perfect example in the book of Acts, chapter 17, when Paul visited Athens. He stood among the philosophers at the Areopagus and addressed them with respect and understanding. He said, Man of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription to the unknown God. Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, him I proclaim to you. Paul didn't ridicule their beliefs or attack their practices. Instead, he recognized their sincere search for truth and did something smart. He used it as a bridge to point them toward the living God. While not everyone accepted his message, some did come to faith, showing that his approach succeeded in reaching at least part of his audience. As I mentioned earlier through the words of Peter in 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 15, always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect. That remains our calling today because we are surrounded by a world of different beliefs and philosophies. Some people will believe in many gods, some will believe in none at all, some will place their faith in idols manufactured through carved stone, cast metals, injection molding systems, automated assembly lines, or even modern 3D printing technology, while others will believe in a distant or impersonal force. Yet, as Christians, we stand firmly on the truth of Jesus Christ, not with hatred or arrogance, but with conviction and wisdom, while understanding the world around us. We are called to walk by faith, not by sight, just as Paul declares in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 7. We are living in a time when conversations about faith, truth, morality, and belief are becoming more visible, more debated, and often more divisive. At times, these discussions may bring understanding and unity, while at other times they may lead to criticism, disagreement, or even hostility toward Christian belief. Whether today, next week, next month, or generations from now, Christians will continue to face challenges in a world filled with competing philosophies, religions, traditions, and worldviews. That is why we must pray without ceasing. As Paul commands in First Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 17. We must remain deeply rooted in the Word of God while living and working alongside people who may think, believe, worship, and live differently from us. As Christians, we are called to stand firmly on the truth of Jesus Christ while still responding with wisdom, compassion, gentleness, and respect. And through it all, we must remain in peace and remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just as Hebrews chapter 13, verse 8 tells us, every prayer is unique, and everyone who prays will receive an answer in God's perfect timing, sometimes in days, weeks, months, or even years. But as believers, we hold to the truth that the ultimate answer has a name, and his name is Jesus. As Jesus Himself said in the book of John, chapter 8, verse 12, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. So let's go out into the world with confidence, compassion, and conviction, knowing that we are called to be a light for others in a world that is still searching for truth.