Argument from the Influence of the Bible
·
Theissen: The Koran, the Book of Mormon, Science
and Health, the Zend Avesta, the Classics of Confucius have all had a
tremendous influence in the world. But
there is a vast difference in the kind of influence they have exerted when
compared with that of the Bible. The
former have led to a low view of God and sin, even to the ignoring of it. They have produced a Stoical indifference
toward life and have merely resulted in a view of morals and conduct.
·
The Bible, on the contrary, has produced the
highest results in all walks of life. It
has led to the highest type of creations in the fields of art, architecture,
literature and music. Think of the great
paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Dutch masters;
envision the great cathedrals and sanctuaries of Europe and America; remind
yourself of the great Christian writings of the early fathers...the great
hymns, anthems, cantatas, and oratorios of the church...the fundamental laws of
the so-called civilized countries...the great social reforms...as the freeing
of the slaves and the recognition of the rights of women...the regenerating
effect on millions of individual lives...Where is there a book in all the world
that even remotely compares with it in its beneficent influence upon
mankind?
·
A. H. Strong (Systematic Theology): the
historical results of the propagation of Scripture...
o
The rapid progress of the gospel shows its
divine origin.
§
Especially considering the obstacles to the
progress: skepticism, prejudice and hatred, persecutions.
§
Especially considering the natural insufficiency
of the means used to secure this progress: generally unlearned men belonging to
a despised nation promoting a message about a Jew who had died an ignominious
death
§
Especially considering it excited natural
repugnance, by humbling men's pride, striking at the root of their sins, and
demanding a life of labor and self-sacrifice.
§
Especially considering it allowed no rival,
declaring itself to be the universal and only religion.
o
Scripture's effect on mankind shows its divine
origin.
§
On civilizations in general: importance of the
individual, law of mutual love, sacredness of human life, sanctity of the home,
monogamy, equality of the sexes.
§
On individual character: moral transformations,
self-denying labors for human welfare, inspiration of hope in times of sorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment