Here is a helpful excerpt from Dr. Bahnsen's work on Van Til concerning the "believing" status of all people, and how the apologist is to address such in the work of evangelism or argumentation:
"Based on our previous observations about knowledge, we would analyze the concept of intellectually knowing God as believing certain propositions concerning God that are true and for which one has good evidence. Scripture teaches that nobody is ignorant of the living and true God. People lack neither information nor evidence. Everybody believes important things about God that are true and well supported. Thus, all men know that God exists, that he is almighty and all-knowing, that his holy character forbids theft and murder, that we will all be judged by him, etc. Accordingly, the apologist embarks on the wrong road altogether if he thinks his task requires, for instance, providing data and proofs about God to someone who does not possess such things and simply needs them cogently brought to his attention in order to become a believer. In a crucial sense, all men already are "believers" - even "unbelievers" who will not respond properly by openly professing and living obediently in accordance with the knowledge they have of God. In the end, the work of the apologist is not simply an intellectual mission (akin to a scientist trying to convince colleges about his new research conclusions), but embodies as well the work of morally convicting the non-Christian for not owning up to the truth that he already knows and cannot escape. The apologist is not simply challenging the unbeliever's reasoning, but in the process also (inherently) challenging the unbeliever's controlling personal attitudes, intellectual behavior, and lifestyle."
As I have said at other times, if you don't own this book, get it. If you do own it and have not read it, read it. It is worth its weight.
No comments:
Post a Comment