A preview if the lesson coming up this Thursday...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Lesson 3 - Anthropology: Key Scripture References
Scripture References
Lesson 3 – Anthropology: Who is Man?
Gal 5: 16-17 Gen 1:27 Rom 5:12 Gen 6:5
Rev 20:15 Heb 9:27 Rev 5:9 Rom 7:14-20
Rom 6:12 Rom 8:5-14 1 Cor 15:42
Rom 8:13 Col 3:5-10 Rom 7:24-25
Glossary of Terms for Lesson 3 - Anthropology
It was recommended to me that I should include a glossary of terms to help people become familar with some of the words Dr. Tackett is using (like "pernicious" for example).
In the future I will try to have these up on the blog before the next lesson but for now I have to play a little catch-up. Here are the key terms from Lesson 3 - Anthropology (enjoy!).
Lesson 3 – Anthropology: Who is Man?
In the future I will try to have these up on the blog before the next lesson but for now I have to play a little catch-up. Here are the key terms from Lesson 3 - Anthropology (enjoy!).
Key Terms
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) : psychologist who developed the theory of Hierarchy of Human
Needs in 1943 (portrayed as a pyramid shaped structure that illustrates human needs, where self actualization
is the top of the pyramid). Not surprisingly, there is no clinical evidence to support
his theory.
Anthropology: the study of mankind, its nature, behavior, origin, physical, social, and cultural
development.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987): influential American psychologist who, along with Abraham Maslow,
was the founder of the humanistic approach to psychology. Popularized the idea that "evil is not
inherent in human nature" (i.e., people are basically good by nature).
Dualistic: Biblical view of man that he is comprised of both natural and supernatural elements,
both flesh and spirit.
Imago Dei: Created in the image of God. Biblical perspective of man that we bear the divine
image of God as his created beings (see Genesis 1:26). Though created in God's image, man is
fallen by nature and in need of redemption.
Imago Goo: Del's way of expressing the humanistic perspective of man that maintains human
beings are simply random products of the stuff in the box. Views man as monistic, good by
nature, and in need of self-actualization.
Monistic: Humanistic and naturalistic view of man that man is simply material, made of one
substance, and has no spiritual dimension. Man was not created but has evolved and is a product
of chance. In religion monism is the view that all reality is one, such as in certain forms of
Hinduism.
Self-actualization: Humanistic psychology theory that advocates getting in touch with one's
inner-desires in order to help develop or achieve one's full potential.
States of man: May be referred to as "modes" of man. The different states through which man
has passed or in which he currently exists: innocence, fallen, redeemed, and death (hell or
glorified).
Recommended Reading for Lesson 3 - Anthropology
Here is a list of the recommended reading resources for lesson three if anyone wants to explore this topic in more detail :)
Lesson 3 – Anthropology: Who is Man?
Recommended Reading
Please note that not everything in these suggested resources should be considered endorsed by
Focus on the Family. Nevertheless, Dr. Tackett has found this material helpful. Scripture should
be your first and primary resource.
1) C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1980)
2) J.I. Packer, Knowing Man (Westchester, IL: Cornerstone Books, 1978)
3) Francis A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981)
4) A.W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian (Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications, 1964)
Lesson 3 - Anthropology Questions
Good day everyone!
I have to tell you that I am having a blast going on this tour with everyone! It is so encouraging to see people responding to the Word of God and forming closer relationships with each other. Praise God for what He is doing through this!
As promised here are the complete set of questions for our third tour through the world of Anthropology. I have included Dr. Tackett's suggested answers but again I encourage you to think and pray these through for yourselves and see what God would have you see.
Opening Question:
A. What were some of the things that stood out for you on the tour? Here are some of the key items: Primary doctrine; cosmic battle within; states of man; Maslow and self actualization; problem of evil; depravity of man. [Add your own]
B. What was particularly interesting or striking to you and why?
C. Ask if there were other items that they saw that stood out to you?
Let's discuss the truth claim that man is basically good. Do you see any evidence that our culture has bought this notion? What is that evidence? Do you think we live in a culture of "blame"? If so, how is that linked to the notion that man is basically good? (See next)What about "victim mentality"? Is that related? If so, how? (If I am basically good, then anything bad that happens to me must be caused by someone or something outside of me. I will always find someone or something to blame for my troubles or situation.)
Consider Maslow's position that man must self-actualize by getting in touch their inner desires and bring them out. What are the consequences of this? Why would it give rise to a hostility toward Christianity? (Biblical Christianity holds to a transcendent absolute moral truth that would stand against someone doing whatever they well please. This thwarts "self-actualization" and the highest need and achievement of man.)
Let's revisit the Carl Rogers' statement: "I do not find that evil is inherent in human nature." What are the implications of this view of man in relation to what man really needs? What does it do to the biblical concept that man needs a Savior? (It means that man has no need of a spiritual Savior. He may need a physical savior, such as the civil government, but not a spiritual One.)
Why do Christians so often feel "stumped" when non-believers point to the existence of evil in the world? According to this discussion, what is the ultimate source of evil? (Without oversimplifying the problem, it is important to state that Christians struggle with this issue largely because they do not know the Word of God. On the whole, the Bible makes it clear that responsibility for the problem of evil lies not at God's doorstep, but at our own. Evil flows directly from man's decision to reject the truth of God and embrace a lie.)
How does your worldview influence your definition of evil? (Carried to its logical conclusion, the cosmic cube or closed-box view of the world actually renders the concept of evil meaningless. If "the stuff in the box" is all there is, there can be no basis for value judgments such as "good" and "bad." Everything simply is what it is. This is why Dr. Tackett suggests that it can be telling to ask non-believers, "Why does evil bother you?")
What are the major differences between the Bible's view of man and autonomous man's view of himself? (Scripture represents man as having existed in several different "modes" or "states," all of which continue to play a role in his present nature and identity: created innocent; fallen through rebellion and disobedience; dead in trespasses and sins; redeemed by grace through faith; glorified by identification with Christ. Contemporary man, on the other hand, sees himself as "basically good," but capable of being "corrupted" by the pressure of "social institutions." In other words, following Jean-Jacques Rousseau, he views himself as just another aspect of "the stuff in the box," which is best off when left to follow its own "natural" inclinations.)
How might a person's understanding of human nature and the meaning of human life determine his or her behavior or lifestyle? Given the basic distinctions between biblical and man-centered anthropology, how would we expect a believer's behavior to differ from that of a non-believer? (This question brings us back to the connection between "faith" and "action." Our behavior is determined by our concept of truth. Those who believe that man is happiest when he seeks to "actualize" himself without regard to any external standard of right and wrong will behave accordingly. Christians, on the other hand, ought to act as if they consider themselves accountable to a higher authority.)
How do differing views of mankind play into the social struggles and conflicts we see in our culture today? (According to Dr. Tackett, a vast amount of the social unrest and activism we see around us today is attributable to the human impulse to throw off the "chains" of the higher authority of God. There is potential here for a lively discussion of the possible connections between man's quest for independence and issues such as feminism, gay rights, cohabitation, and relativistic morals.)
I have to tell you that I am having a blast going on this tour with everyone! It is so encouraging to see people responding to the Word of God and forming closer relationships with each other. Praise God for what He is doing through this!
As promised here are the complete set of questions for our third tour through the world of Anthropology. I have included Dr. Tackett's suggested answers but again I encourage you to think and pray these through for yourselves and see what God would have you see.
Opening Question:
B. What was particularly interesting or striking to you and why?
C. Ask if there were other items that they saw that stood out to you?
Why do Christians so often feel "stumped" when non-believers point to the existence of evil in the world? According to this discussion, what is the ultimate source of evil? (Without oversimplifying the problem, it is important to state that Christians struggle with this issue largely because they do not know the Word of God. On the whole, the Bible makes it clear that responsibility for the problem of evil lies not at God's doorstep, but at our own. Evil flows directly from man's decision to reject the truth of God and embrace a lie.)
How might a person's understanding of human nature and the meaning of human life determine his or her behavior or lifestyle? Given the basic distinctions between biblical and man-centered anthropology, how would we expect a believer's behavior to differ from that of a non-believer? (This question brings us back to the connection between "faith" and "action." Our behavior is determined by our concept of truth. Those who believe that man is happiest when he seeks to "actualize" himself without regard to any external standard of right and wrong will behave accordingly. Christians, on the other hand, ought to act as if they consider themselves accountable to a higher authority.)
How do differing views of mankind play into the social struggles and conflicts we see in our culture today? (According to Dr. Tackett, a vast amount of the social unrest and activism we see around us today is attributable to the human impulse to throw off the "chains" of the higher authority of God. There is potential here for a lively discussion of the possible connections between man's quest for independence and issues such as feminism, gay rights, cohabitation, and relativistic morals.)
Friday, February 10, 2012
PREVIEW OF LESSON 3
Here is a preview of next weeks lesson (without the technical difficulties I experienced last time :)
Truth Project Lesson 2 Recommended Reading
For those of you who wish to look deeper into this study and the concepts explored the creators of the Truth Project have recommended the following resources:
- Gordon Clark, Thales to Dewey: A History of Philosophy (Boston MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1957
- John Jefferson Davis, Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 1993)
- John S. and Paul D Feinberg, Ethics for a Brave New World (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1993)
- Francis A. Schaeffer, He Is There and He Is Not Silent (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1972)
- James W. Sire, Naming the Elephant (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004)
- R. C. Sproul, The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped our World (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2000)
Lesson Two - Questions
For anyone who may not have had a chance to join us last Wednesday or for anyone who might be interested in reviewing the questions from last lesson for more personal study and reflection, have a look at the questions from last week as well as some of the answers (answers are from information taken from the official Truth Project website).
1. Opening Question:
A. What did you see on the tour? Here are some of the key items: Taken captive by lies; Barna's study; gently instructing opponents; seeing them as captives; hollow and deceptive philosophy; assumptive language; "the cosmos is all that is"; made of "star stuff"; the cosmic cube; true philosophy and true religion arriving at the same principle; worldview presuppositions; universals and particulars; spiritual naturalism; naturalistic philosophy implications; personal vs formal worldview; conforming to the world; metamorphosis. [Add your own]
B. What was particularly striking to you? Why?.
2. Why are so many people – even those who argue adamantly for the "cosmic cube" perspective – so obviously uncomfortable with life "inside the box"? How do they attempt to deal with this difficulty?(Though estranged from God, man still bears the imprint of His image. Somewhere deep down inside, he feels the need of the transcendent; he senses the reality of the "God-shaped vacuum" in his heart that only the Creator can fill. Ecclesiates 3:11 states, "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men." Those who are unwilling to look outside "the cosmic cube" for the fulfillment of this need try to find ways to "bring God inside" by identifying Him in some way or other with "the stuff in the box." This is the source of spiritual naturalism, paganism, pantheism, and panentheism.)
3. What do we mean by universals and particulars? How are they related? What bearing do they have on our quest for answers to the "Big Questions" of life? (Universals are broad, over-arching, all-inclusive truths. They are in effect the answers to the Big Questions – e.g., "Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? What are reason and logic? What do we really know and how do we know that we know it?" The particulars are the specific details of life and the physical world as we observe them. The particulars are like beads on a string or threads in a tapestry; the universals are the pattern or plan by which the beads or threads are organized into a meaningful whole. Universals lend significance to the particulars; but knowledge of the particulars will not necessarily lead us to an understanding of the universals.
4. Dr. Tackett asserts, "You won't find the answers to the Big Questions inside the box." Why not? (We define the particulars as "the stuff inside the box." As indicated above, particulars by themselves can never lead us to universals; there is no pattern in a pile of beads or threads. To perceive the pattern, we must look to an overarching plan that only exists outside the box.)
5. What, according to Dr. R. C. Sproul, is the distinction between morality and ethics? How has confusion on this point precipitated a crisis in ethics in the modern world? (Morality is simply a description of what is – the customs that govern the behaviour of a given group of people. Ethics concerns itself with what ought to be – how the same group of people should behave as measured against some higher standard of right and wrong. Mankind, by rejecting this higher standard (the universals) has confounded the two, thus creating what Sproul refers to as statistical ethics, a system that basically asserts that what is normal is right, and that behaviour can only be judged against the background of "survey data" or popular consent.
6. How does the biblical worldview stand opposed to the "cosmic cube" worldview? (Stated simply, the biblical worldview leaves the lid of the box open, allowing for divine intervention. The biblical worldview concludes that God is at work in the daily lives of men.)
7. Is it possible for a Christian to be deceived and "taken captive" by the empty philosophies of the world? If you have been deceived, how do you know? How? (The warnings we are given in Scripture – passages like Romans 12:1, 2 and Colossians 2:8 – indicate that Christians can very easily be taken captive to lies if they do not remain vigilant and conversant with the truth. The best way to guard against this danger is to examine ourselves constantly against the standard of God's Word. We need to examine our lives and see if our actions and behaviours reflect the beliefs we claim to hold.)
1. Opening Question:
B. What was particularly striking to you? Why?.
2. Why are so many people – even those who argue adamantly for the "cosmic cube" perspective – so obviously uncomfortable with life "inside the box"? How do they attempt to deal with this difficulty?(Though estranged from God, man still bears the imprint of His image. Somewhere deep down inside, he feels the need of the transcendent; he senses the reality of the "God-shaped vacuum" in his heart that only the Creator can fill. Ecclesiates 3:11 states, "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men." Those who are unwilling to look outside "the cosmic cube" for the fulfillment of this need try to find ways to "bring God inside" by identifying Him in some way or other with "the stuff in the box." This is the source of spiritual naturalism, paganism, pantheism, and panentheism.)
4. Dr. Tackett asserts, "You won't find the answers to the Big Questions inside the box." Why not? (We define the particulars as "the stuff inside the box." As indicated above, particulars by themselves can never lead us to universals; there is no pattern in a pile of beads or threads. To perceive the pattern, we must look to an overarching plan that only exists outside the box.)
6. How does the biblical worldview stand opposed to the "cosmic cube" worldview? (Stated simply, the biblical worldview leaves the lid of the box open, allowing for divine intervention. The biblical worldview concludes that God is at work in the daily lives of men.)
7. Is it possible for a Christian to be deceived and "taken captive" by the empty philosophies of the world? If you have been deceived, how do you know? How? (The warnings we are given in Scripture – passages like Romans 12:1, 2 and Colossians 2:8 – indicate that Christians can very easily be taken captive to lies if they do not remain vigilant and conversant with the truth. The best way to guard against this danger is to examine ourselves constantly against the standard of God's Word. We need to examine our lives and see if our actions and behaviours reflect the beliefs we claim to hold.)
Truth Project Lesson 2 Follow Up - Scripture
Hello everyone,
I hope that you are all having a great week. I have been meaning to get these up since Wednesday and apologize for the delay in getting them out. They are the Scripture verses referenced in the video last Wednesday. Have a look, read them over and meditate (I mean thinking about them) on them and how they relate to what we all learned about philosophy and ethics. I am looking forward to seeing all of you next week and have a great weekend!
I hope that you are all having a great week. I have been meaning to get these up since Wednesday and apologize for the delay in getting them out. They are the Scripture verses referenced in the video last Wednesday. Have a look, read them over and meditate (I mean thinking about them) on them and how they relate to what we all learned about philosophy and ethics. I am looking forward to seeing all of you next week and have a great weekend!
You may look up these verses at Bible Gateway.*
| 2 Tim 2:24-26 | Col 2:8 | Rom 12:2 | Mark 9:2 |
| 2Cor 3:18 All the best! Adam and LeeAnn |
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Welcome To Riverwood's Truth Project Blog
Hello everyone:
Welcome to the Riverwood Truth Project Blog! We have set this up as a way for you to continue your discussions about what you are learning as we explore God's Truths through our journey in the Truth Project. My prayer for all of you is that you use this space as a way to discuss and share your thoughts and opinions about what we are learning with each other. I also pray for all of you that God perform miracles in your lives as He uses His Word to transform you through the renewing of your minds by His Word.
I look forward to reading all of your entries and all the best to everyone.
Best regards,
Adam
Welcome to the Riverwood Truth Project Blog! We have set this up as a way for you to continue your discussions about what you are learning as we explore God's Truths through our journey in the Truth Project. My prayer for all of you is that you use this space as a way to discuss and share your thoughts and opinions about what we are learning with each other. I also pray for all of you that God perform miracles in your lives as He uses His Word to transform you through the renewing of your minds by His Word.
I look forward to reading all of your entries and all the best to everyone.
Best regards,
Adam
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