[Mulberry]

http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/b_proof.shtml

Starting the Foundation
Proving whether something is true or not is called apologetics. This word is derived from the Greek word “apologia,” which means “to defend.” The entire Clarifying Christianity site is filled with apologetics—proofs and explanations for many Christian-related issues. The focus of this page is the proof supporting the accuracy of the Bible. After all, if the Bible is not true or if it is filled with errors, Christianity would only be a “blind faith”—something people believe without any evidence to support it.

However, Christianity is not a blind faith. It is the only religion that can prove itself, and a main source of that proof is the Bible. Although it is becoming less common, there are still people who tell others that they follow Christianity “because it feels right” (or use wording like that). This is unfortunate, since there is a lot of evidence supporting Christianity. The existence of all that evidence is one reason we started this site. We want people to learn about the solid evidence that supports their faith, and have a place that collected that evidence so they can show it to others.

By the way, if you would like some reference materials that are a little more portable than a computer with an Internet connection, a book we recommend is Know Why You Believe by Paul Little. This book is available in larger bookstores and most Christian bookstores. Also, the Tucson Community Church recorded a seminar called “Knowing The Facts Behind The Faith.” It is available on DVD and VHS video (NTSC format). If you are interested in purchasing a copy, you can get one directly from the church that produces them at the Tucson Community Church website. They also handle international orders.

The Proof of Science
There is a great deal of scientific evidence that supports the Bible. Enough that we have a separate page to discuss this proof alone. If you would like to see our science page, click on this sentence.

The Proof of Prophecy
One of the strongest arguments for the accuracy of the Bible is its 100% accuracy in predicting the future. These future predictions are called “prophecies.” The Old Testament was written between approximately 1450 BC and 430 BC. During that time, many predictions of the future were recorded in the Bible by God’s prophets. Of the events that were to have taken place by now, every one happened just the way they predicted it would. No other “sacred writing” has such perfectly accurate predictions of the future.

One Type—The Messianic Prophecies
Of these prophecies, the most striking examples are the predictions about an “anointed one” (“Messiah” in Hebrew) who was to arrive in the future. About 4 BC, a miraculous event occurred—a boy named Jesus was born to a virgin named Mary. You can read His story in the book of Luke. Starting at age 30, Jesus fulfilled more and more of these prophecies written about the Messiah. His fulfillment of these prophecies was very spectacular: Jesus gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, cured those who had leprosy, gave the deaf hearing, and raised people from the dead! These miracles and others were done many times in front of thousands of witnesses for three years. About 30 AD, Jesus was crucified (a prophecy) and died (a prophecy). Three days later he rose from the dead (another prophecy), after which He was seen by over 500 witnesses. Since these prophecies were written down at least 400 years before they happened, there is no doubt that the Bible’s writers were inspired supernaturally—by God. To examine these prophecies yourself, click on the link below.

The Messianic Prophecies

A Second Type—Fulfilled Prophecy Dealing With Nations
There are many prophecies that can be proven through archaeology, especially prophecy dealing with entire nations. Typically, when God declared judgment on a nation, He would send a prophet to announce to the citizens why He was judging them and what He was going to do to them if they continued their evil behavior. On occasion, God would also tell the citizens how He would reward them if they started doing what was right. The book of Jonah records a case where the Assyrians stopped doing what was evil as a result of Jonah’s short prophecy. This is what God wanted, and God did not punish them as a result of their change of heart. However, most often the people would jeer at God’s prophet and continue their bad behavior—later becoming recipients of the exact punishment that God threatened.

Like other prophecy recorded in the Bible, these predictions support the supernatural inspiration of the Bible. The prophecies recorded in the Bible came true in such a detailed way that they could not have been predicted by chance. Further, archaeologists have evidence that these prophecies were written down many years before they were fulfilled, proving that they were not falsified documents claiming to be prophecies that came true. (The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls stopped the majority of that talk.) Although an entire web site could be filled with this information, we will provide one example—the foretelling of the destruction of Edom and its capital city of Petra.

Click here for an example of fulfilled prophecy dealing with nations

The Proof of Textual Evidence
Both the Old and New Testaments are strongly supported by manuscript evidence (the evidence of early hand written copies). The famous Dead Sea Scrolls are one example of the Old Testament evidence. These documents came from the “library” of a settlement founded at Qumran before 150 B.C. and abandoned about 68 A.D. Some of the manuscript copies were made during that period, and some were written earlier (third century BC) and brought to the settlement. Ignoring spelling-oriented (orthographic) changes and similar small differences, the Dead Sea Scrolls match the Hebrew text behind today’s Old Testament, in spite of the passage of over 2,000 years (where one would expect errors to creep in).

Over 20,000 known manuscripts document the New Testament text. This makes the New Testament the most reliable document of antiquity (a document written before the printing press). These manuscripts vary in size from a part of a page to an entire Bible (Old and New Testaments). The earliest New Testament manuscripts date from the second century (100-199) AD These manuscript copies were written in different languages by people of different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. In spite of all those differences between them, the New Testament texts all agree. (That is, those differences that we do observe between these hand written documents are occasional changes in the spelling of names or isolated cases of missing or changed words. Still, since we have so many copies, it is obvious to anyone but the hardened skeptic can that they all represent the same text.)

Note: Those minor differences that do exist between the Old and New Testament manuscripts are interesting for academic reasons. They are the topic of a future “in depth” Clarifying Christianity page. (It is currently about 10,000 words long and still under construction—stay tuned.)

The Proof of People Living at the Time of Christ
Special proof exists for the New Testament, since Christians were strongly persecuted by both the Jews and the Roman government. If the New Testament writings were false, these two groups would have produced a great deal of evidence to stop the growth of this “sect.” None exists. Further, the New Testament writings (before they were assembled into the “book” we call the New Testament) circulated during the lifetimes of thousands of people who had actually seen Jesus’ miracles and other historic events. No one ever refuted the New Testament writings as “fairy tales.”

The Proof of Historians
Secular history supports the Bible. For example, in The Antiquities of the Jews, book 18, chapter 3, paragraph 3 the famous historian Flavius Josephus writes:

“Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works—a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”

In 115 AD, P. Cornelius Tacitus wrote the following passage that refers to Jesus (called “Christus,” which means “The Messiah”) in book 15, chapter 44 of The Annals:

“Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.”

[workingtoohard]

Originally Posted by Mulberry

The Proof of Prophecy
One of the strongest arguments for the accuracy of the Bible is its 100% accuracy in predicting the future. These future predictions are called “prophecies.”

Originally Posted by Mulberry

One Type—The Messianic Prophecies
Of these prophecies, the most striking examples are the predictions about an “anointed one” (“Messiah” in Hebrew) who was to arrive in the future .... Since these prophecies were written down at least 400 years before they happened, there is no doubt that the Bible’s writers were inspired supernaturally—by God. To examine these prophecies yourself, click on the link below.

umm.. theres an issue in the first "proof" already.. where the proof that the "anointed one" exists? you cant make a claim without proving the underlying.

[UncleBeng]

Bible? I think it is a sensitive issue, we have to respect those believers, anyway, do you know that Quran the almost the same as the bible except for the new testi.

[squiggle]

Guys. Watch this lol:

You Tube

You Tube

Ya. I believe with the bible & etc. If not, nobody will waste their time writing it.

Predictions can't be always true. Fate lies on us humans.

[UncleBeng]

That's threatening.

[workingtoohard]

Originally Posted by UncleBeng

Bible? I think it is a sensitive issue, we have to respect those believers, anyway, do you know that Quran the almost the same as the bible except for the new testi.

that is why this "mature" section was created to facilitate logical mature discussions on sensitive issues which would have otherwise attract massive flamage in a normal section.

Originally Posted by squiggle

Guys. Watch this lol:

funny. but not for here. read the mature forum rules.

[Jodar]

Originally Posted by workingtoohard

umm.. theres an issue in the first "proof" already.. where the proof that the "anointed one" exists? you cant make a claim without proving the underlying.

Jesus was here.

Jesus traveled to quite a number of places preaching. If he didn't exist, the locals of the areas where he supposedly visited would've questioned the fact when the gospel was preached by the apostles, won't they? Let me draw an analogy: If 5 years later, some preacher comes to Singapore and say "Jesus came to Singapore in year 2000, gathered thousands of people together and then performed miracles". You'd immediately question that comment.

Similarly,

#1 According to biblical accounts, Jesus existed and visited many places preaching.
#2 According to biblical accounts, such preaches usually had a large congregation.
#3 If Jesus did not exist, then the locals (especially the Christians), when they heard the gospel story from the apostles, would have cried fowl and questioned the "blasphemous" story.

Nobody did, hence Jesus was real.

Anyway, such equally large congregations would have contained people who witnessed his works. Similarly, nobody questioned them - thus, what Jesus did was real.

Remember, at that time, people were persecuting Christians. If Jesus did not perform the miracles the bible said he did, then non-believers in the congregations, if any, could have easily proclaimed that he was blasphemous. Even the believers would've doubted his origin. Yet, nobody did.

Anyway, religious issues should not be discussed in the Mature section. The discussion of faith and religion should be barred from the Matured section. Issues like "Preachers earning lots of money" etc can be brought up, but people should be mindful not to question others' religion.

Yes, discussions on such issues are good, but it may lead to inter-religion debates, which can be healthy but often unhealthy. If normal debates can lead to fists thrown, inter-religion debates will be costly.

[PECTOPAH]

Originally Posted by squiggle

Guys. Watch this lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urlTBBKTO68

Ya. I believe with the bible & etc. If not, nobody will waste their time writing it.

Predictions can't be always true. Fate lies on us humans.

vid was made by a non believer so why u quote this vid?

anyway wrong section

[love_replica]

if you are a christian; you will believe - of course, utilising your logic - that the bible is true. that is that.
if you aren't christian, you won't believe the bible is true - also due to your logical reasoning.

i do not see any point in trying to prove the bible is false here. won't you end up provoking others? you can always take it that religion is a guide for people. if you don't believe in a certain religion, there is no need to destroy another's faith in it - intentionally or unintentionally. if you dislike what they do, but it doesn't hurt you, it won't hurt you to keep mum either, no?

i do not see any point in trying to prove the bible is not not true here either. if you are christian, and you believe the bible is true; why would you ever feel the need to prove that to others?
if you are not careful, ppl may form the misconception that you implying your religion is superior to theirs.
hmm if you're just being curious about your own religion, you could discuss this within your church for instance, instead of "displaying" your argument to people of other religions. remember; this is sgclub, not sgchristianclub.

we all know when people start to form arguments about the genuineness of a certain religion, drama and conflict are bound to enter the picture.
if the legislature wasn't so strict in singapore, debates like this could even spark off riots, no...?
and to my knowledge: in most religions peace is encouraged while aggravating others is not. i humbly request to be corrected if i am wrong about this.

in colloquial terms: don't be kpo and kaciao other people.

[Mulberry]

Originally Posted by workingtoohard

umm.. theres an issue in the first "proof" already.. where the proof that the "anointed one" exists? you cant make a claim without proving the underlying.

Yeah and I think, you've got to "feels" it right. I always believe in my own feeling what is right to listen, I felt maybe perhaps God is in each of us? =D There he'll give a kind of sense what is right and wrong(the angel & devil that is fighting in your brain)

Well afterall, it's still all a myth, some people loves to exaggerate things so I believe some of the parts are not totally true.. I still can't convinced myself with these hand written thing, it could be some story that people tell esp the new testi. But from the part where a book told that there will be someone whom will be born and preach the words from God in certain years later(referring to Jesus), it's something that is quite convincing cause a book foretold the person's birth and preaching the word of God. o_o

Mulberry added 27 Minutes and 27 Seconds later...

Originally Posted by UncleBeng

Bible? I think it is a sensitive issue, we have to respect those believers, anyway, do you know that Quran the almost the same as the bible except for the new testi.

yeah it is very sensitive, there's always a yes and a no towards religion thing.. and there is no ending for arguementative unto this issues.. If you believe, you buy it, if you don't then the best is to leave it blank =p

[soxite]

Belief is something we choose. There is not point arguing if the Bible is true or not unless it is a valid question for one just exploring and not poking any religion. If the question is pose to look at the different aspects whether the Bible is true or not, it would be a fair question. In the end, I guess all of us will have to decide what we choose to believe. The same question can be applied to any religious book. However, as this can be sensitive, we should be open in debate but not offend anyone. By the way, I think this topic could have dealt in another forum, right?

[Mulberry]

Originally Posted by soxite

Belief is something we choose. There is not point arguing if the Bible is true or not unless it is a valid question for one just exploring and not poking any religion. If the question is pose to look at the different aspects whether the Bible is true or not, it would be a fair question. In the end, I guess all of us will have to decide what we choose to believe. The same question can be applied to any religious book. However, as this can be sensitive, we should be open in debate but not offend anyone. By the way, I think this topic could have dealt in another forum, right?

yeah it it an open issue not poking to anyone and or other religion. The purpose i posted it here is because this is meant for "mature" people if you know what i mean

[Jodar]

Originally Posted by Mulberry

yeah it it an open issue not poking to anyone and or other religion. The purpose i posted it here is because this is meant for "mature" people if you know what i mean

Posted for mature people yet poster is not matured in her choice of words. If I got the police over, you'd get at least a warning with that particular comment of yours. But that is unnecessary, for now.

[Senator1]

if u believe its true than it will be true

[eeden]

Personally,I find it rather hard to believe certain issues dictated in the Bible,but the Bible is indeed a good read,given that it teaches us various moral values that schools do not teach.To me,the Bible is as good as a matured version of Aesop's Fables,whether or not the events that took place are for real.

[ILFM]

who actually wrote the bible?

[bishop99]

I wont doubt the bible being true. it's been around and maybe modified and edited too.
however. its been done for a reason. be it good or bad. we wouldnt know.
at least for starts. it was as best of a chronicle of our history regardless.

[Mushfiquejk]

Originally Posted by bishop99

I wont doubt the bible being true. it's been around and maybe modified and edited too.
however. its been done for a reason. be it good or bad. we wouldnt know.
at least for starts. it was as best of a chronicle of our history regardless.

If it has beeen modified, how can u trust it anymore? Bible has lots of contradictions becuz of this..

[soxite]

Originally Posted by Mulberry

yeah it it an open issue not poking to anyone and or other religion. The purpose i posted it here is because this is meant for "mature" people if you know what i mean

Ha ha ... "matured" people? Sorry, must be 'cause I am old (matured) so can't get you ... ke ke ...

Well, there are certain contradictions or seem contradictions in the Bible but deeper look might not be contradiction at all. Interestingly, everyone spoke the Bible as one book when in reality it is made up of many books and each has its own character depending on the writer.

The beauty of it from a secular point of view is that the books somehow are in the same chain of thoughts given that they were written over many centuries. In addition, some contradictions are possible due to the fact that human element is involved but there are some contradictions that are minor and doesn't seem to conflict with the general theme.

Even if no one believes the Bible is true, some statements in there can be good advice for general living.

Oh, by the way, I think if we view the Bible in English, there will be contradictions. Given any translation to English, regardless which religious book, there will be a lost of meaning and words or there will be words that exist in the original language but not in English. English is 80% borrowed words. A good example is the word 'love' in English. There is only one love but in Greek, there are at least four. I think I like the idea of the four types of love ... I can always express the right one to my friends ... ke ke

Imagine in English when I as a guy says I love you to another guy? I'll give the wrong signal when I mean brotherly love (Philia in Greek).

So much for some textual critique.

[Banao]

Does it matter if the content is historically accurate or not?
Like all religion where there is faith, there is belief.

I don't think you can argue against faith.