Page 142 - Apologetics Student Textbook (3 Credits)

Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to challenge our own presuppositions. We need to ask
ourselves if our presuppositions are supported by the actual evidence that we can observe, and if not,
we need to be able to challenge our assumptions and be willing to modify or change them completely.
And you will find that the older a person gets, and the longer they have held their presuppositions, the
more difficult change can be.

Such is the case when sharing your faith with a person steeped in a cult. You may show them verses
clearly in opposition to their beliefs, yet they will argue against the clear evidence. If you encounter a
staunch evolutionist, he will look at the very same evidence you see, yet explain it away as false
evidence. With such people you can reason with them until you are “blue in the face” but they will not
change their mind. Even if you demonstrate that their presupposition is totally unsound, they will insist
on holding to them. For such people, you need to present the truth to them and then pray that God will
enlighten their minds through the power of the Holy Spirit. You will also need to live in such a way that
your opinion on the matter makes a difference in your life style (James 2:18).

Dealing with Presuppositions

Most people’s presuppositions are not unique with them. They have absorbed the beliefs taught them.
But knowing what they believe is extremely important when discussing issues of faith and God. The
Bible says that the Word of God penetrates the mind and heart in a way you cannot.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to
the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of
the heart.

In dealing with people who reject God or have false presuppositions, the first place to start is to
establish the reliability of the Bible. If they can trust the Word of God, then you can present Scripture to
them that challenge their assumptions.

Stephen Meyer: God and the Origin of the Universe

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