A power point for a titled What is Truth? A talk about Postmodernism, Naturalism and the Christian World View, given by Dr. John Oakes at Rutgers University 11/20-09.

1. Ethical Answers in an Unethical World
What is Truth?
John Oakes, PhD
Nov. 20, 2009
Rutgers U. Is Anything True Anymore?

2. You are Invited!
2010 International Christian Evidence
Conference
Concordia University Irvine, CA
June 12-14, 2010
Evolution: Four Views

3. Also…
Apologetics Research Society Presents
January 2010
Certificate Program in Christian Apologetics
Classes on DVD
For information: joakes01@san.rr.com

4. Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”
Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”

5. The Problem as I See ItThe Problem as I See It
 The Secularization of CultureThe Secularization of Culture
 The Loss of MoralityThe Loss of Morality
 The Loss of GodThe Loss of God
 The Loss of the Intellectual High Ground atThe Loss of the Intellectual High Ground at
the University to Non-Believers.the University to Non-Believers.

6. The Culprits: The Leading Philosophies of OurThe Culprits: The Leading Philosophies of Our
DayDay
 Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism
 Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth
Delos B. McKown:
“Christianity is scientifically unsupported
and probably insupportable, philosophically
suspect at best and disreputable at worst, and
historically fraudulent.”

7. World ViewWorld View
 The perspective one uses to process andThe perspective one uses to process and
interpret information received about theinterpret information received about the
world.world.
 James W. Sire “A world view is a set ofJames W. Sire “A world view is a set of
presuppositions (ie. assumptions) whichpresuppositions (ie. assumptions) which
we hold about the basic makeup of ourwe hold about the basic makeup of our
world.”world.”
James W. Sire,James W. Sire, TheUniverse Next DoorTheUniverse Next Door

8. What Makes for a “Good” World ViewWhat Makes for a “Good” World View
1.1. It is “true”It is “true”
2. It successfully answers the important2. It successfully answers the important
questions humans askquestions humans ask
3. Those who ascribe to it are better human3. Those who ascribe to it are better human
beings for having taken this as their worldbeings for having taken this as their world
view.view.

9. Questions That Need an AnswerQuestions That Need an Answer
1.1. What is the prime reality? (What is theWhat is the prime reality? (What is the
nature of God?)nature of God?)
2. What am I?2. What am I?
3. What happens to a person at death?3. What happens to a person at death?
4. Why is it possible for us to know anything4. Why is it possible for us to know anything
at all?at all?
5. How do we know what is right and wrong?5. How do we know what is right and wrong?
6. What is my purpose in life?6. What is my purpose in life?
7. What is the nature of my relationship, with7. What is the nature of my relationship, with
the “prime reality?”the “prime reality?”

10. Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism
 The belief that the only reliable or validThe belief that the only reliable or valid
instrument to deciding the truth or eveninstrument to deciding the truth or even
the value of any proposition is thethe value of any proposition is the
scientific method.scientific method.
 No basis for ethics or morality, noNo basis for ethics or morality, no
supernatural, no God, no truth (exceptsupernatural, no God, no truth (except
that found by science), no consciousness,that found by science), no consciousness,
no “I.” Justice is a figment of ourno “I.” Justice is a figment of our
imagination.imagination.

11. Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins
 In the universe of blind physical forces andIn the universe of blind physical forces and
genetic replication, some people are going togenetic replication, some people are going to
get hurt and other people are going to getget hurt and other people are going to get
lucky: and you won’t find any rhyme or reasonlucky: and you won’t find any rhyme or reason
to it, nor any justice. The universe weto it, nor any justice. The universe we
observe has precisely the properties we shouldobserve has precisely the properties we should
expect if there is at the bottom, no design, noexpect if there is at the bottom, no design, no
purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing butpurpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but
blind, pitiless indifference. DNA neither knowsblind, pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows
nor cares. DNA just is, and we dance to itsnor cares. DNA just is, and we dance to its
music.music.

12. Thomas HuxleyThomas Huxley
 We are as much the product of blind forces as isWe are as much the product of blind forces as is
the falling of a stone to earth, or the ebb and flowthe falling of a stone to earth, or the ebb and flow
of the tides. We have just happened, and manof the tides. We have just happened, and man
was made flesh by a long series of singularlywas made flesh by a long series of singularly
beneficial accidents.beneficial accidents.
 A Question for Huxley: If you believe inA Question for Huxley: If you believe in
scientism, then in what sense is itscientism, then in what sense is it beneficialbeneficial thatthat
we exist?we exist?

13. Postmodernism: The Loss of TruthPostmodernism: The Loss of Truth
 Truth, if such a thing exists, is theTruth, if such a thing exists, is the
property of culture. There is no absoluteproperty of culture. There is no absolute
truth. All truth is relative. It is created bytruth. All truth is relative. It is created by
societies. There is no ultimate moralsocieties. There is no ultimate moral
authority or moral absolute.authority or moral absolute.

14. Roger BaconRoger Bacon (1214-1292)(1214-1292)
Bacon’s advice:
To study Natural Philosophy, use;
“External experience, aided by
instruments, and made precise by
mathematics.”
A (ridiculously) Brief History of Science:

15. Predictions Based on Christian Theology:
1. The universe will follow a single, unchanging
set of laws.
2. The universe will be understandable to
human beings.
3. The universe will be describable by
mathematics.
4. The universe will be designed so that we can
observe it
- (“The Priveleged Planet” Gonzalez and Richards)

16. Assumptions of ScienceAssumptions of Science
 There exists a single, unchanging set ofThere exists a single, unchanging set of
laws which govern all events in thelaws which govern all events in the
physical universe.physical universe.
 The Human mind are able to understandThe Human mind are able to understand
the workings of the physical universe.the workings of the physical universe.
 The laws which govern the universe areThe laws which govern the universe are
describable by mathematics.describable by mathematics.

17. Basic Assumptions ofBasic Assumptions of
ScienceScience
 Assumptions are accepted without proofAssumptions are accepted without proof
 Form the basis of all scientific thinkingForm the basis of all scientific thinking
 In other words, the basic assumptions ofIn other words, the basic assumptions of
science are acceptedscience are accepted on faithon faith..

18. Galileo
“For the Holy
Scripture and the
phenomenon of nature
proceed alike from the
divine Word, the former as
the dictate of the Holy
Spirit and the latter as the
observant executor of
God’s commands.”

19. Isaac Newton
1642-17
The Universal Law of
Gravity.
The Mechanical
Universe
Is God the “Primary
Mover?”

20. 1818thth
Century SkepticismCentury Skepticism
 If the Universe works like aIf the Universe works like a
machine, why invoke God?machine, why invoke God?
 Voltaire: Religious SkepticismVoltaire: Religious Skepticism
 David Hume “ExtraordinaryDavid Hume “Extraordinary
claims require extraordinaryclaims require extraordinary
proof.”proof.”
 Can we really know anythingCan we really know anything
absolutely?absolutely?
David Hume
1711-1776

21. 1919thth
Century Materialism/NaturalismCentury Materialism/Naturalism
 Pierre-Simone LaPierre-Simone La
Place 1749-1827Place 1749-1827
About God:About God:
““I have no need ofI have no need of
that hypothesis”that hypothesis”

22. The 20The 20thth
CenturyCentury
 Science appears triumphantScience appears triumphant
 Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality.Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality. Eugenics.Eugenics.
 Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?
 WWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses itsWWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses its
luster. Humans are not getting better and better.luster. Humans are not getting better and better.
 Scientific Materialism cannot answer our deepestScientific Materialism cannot answer our deepest
questions. Scientism is hubris.questions. Scientism is hubris.
 Enter, Postmodernism!Enter, Postmodernism!

23. A Response to Naturalism/Materialism/ScientismA Response to Naturalism/Materialism/Scientism
 It is a faith/religious belief based on circularIt is a faith/religious belief based on circular
reasoning.reasoning.
 It cannot answer the questions humanIt cannot answer the questions human
beings care about.beings care about.
 It is patently and demonstrably false.It is patently and demonstrably false.
 As a world view it is does not tend to makeAs a world view it is does not tend to make
its followers “better.” If fact it is downrightits followers “better.” If fact it is downright
dangerous.dangerous.

24. ScientificScientific MaterialismMaterialism
 Only that which can be observed andOnly that which can be observed and
measured through the technique ofmeasured through the technique of ScientificScientific
MethodMethod is real, and everything else is unreal.is real, and everything else is unreal.

25. MaterialismMaterialism
 ““We exist as material beings in a material world, allWe exist as material beings in a material world, all
of whose phenomena are the consequences ofof whose phenomena are the consequences of
material relations among material entities." In a word,material relations among material entities." In a word,
the public needs to accept materialism, which meansthe public needs to accept materialism, which means
that they must put God in the trash can of historythat they must put God in the trash can of history
where such myths belong.”where such myths belong.”
Richard LewontinRichard Lewontin
Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997 New York Review of BooksNew York Review of Books,,

26. Circular ReasoningCircular Reasoning
Unprovable assumptions of science.Unprovable assumptions of science.
The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.
The universe is observable and understandable.The universe is observable and understandable.
The universe is governed by mathematically preciseThe universe is governed by mathematically precise
laws.laws.
None of these assumptions can be proved byNone of these assumptions can be proved by
experiment. Inexperiment. In
a sense, science is not scientific.a sense, science is not scientific.

27. Questions Science Can AnswerQuestions Science Can Answer
 When?When?
 What?What?
 Where?Where?
 How many?How many?
 By what means?By what means?

28. Questions Science Cannot Answer:Questions Science Cannot Answer:
(That Christianity Does Answer)(That Christianity Does Answer)
– Why am I here?Why am I here?
– Is that the right thing to do?Is that the right thing to do?
– How valuable am I?How valuable am I?
– Does God exist? Does God actDoes God exist? Does God act
(theism)?(theism)?
– Will that God respond if I pray?Will that God respond if I pray?
– Do supernatural events (miracles)Do supernatural events (miracles)
happen?happen?

29. Materialism is Patently FalseMaterialism is Patently False
If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;
 ““I” do not exist. Consciousness is just randomI” do not exist. Consciousness is just random
moving around of chemicals.moving around of chemicals.
 No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.
 Belief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunateBelief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunate
accidental result of brain evolution.accidental result of brain evolution.
 Life has no value. Human beings have no value.Life has no value. Human beings have no value.
What is value?What is value?
 Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)

30. If the Materialist is right, then…If the Materialist is right, then…
 Religious thought is absolute nonsense.Religious thought is absolute nonsense.
Prayer is chemical moving around in yourPrayer is chemical moving around in your
brain.brain.
 Art, Literature, Music have no intrinsicArt, Literature, Music have no intrinsic
value.value.
 Justice is a meaningless word.Justice is a meaningless word.
 Human rights have no basis.Human rights have no basis.
 Etc….Etc….

31. Scientism is Patently False Because….Scientism is Patently False Because….
 The universe was created.The universe was created.
 Life was created.Life was created.
 The Anthropic Principle. The universe isThe Anthropic Principle. The universe is
ridiculously well fine-tuned for us to exist.ridiculously well fine-tuned for us to exist.
 No one in their right mind can deny theNo one in their right mind can deny the
existence of right and wrongexistence of right and wrong
 The Bible is inspired by God.The Bible is inspired by God.

32. Naturalism does not tend to make its believersNaturalism does not tend to make its believers
better people. Dangerous?better people. Dangerous?
If the naturalist is right then:If the naturalist is right then:
 Good and evil are meaningless ideas.Good and evil are meaningless ideas.
 Our purpose, if it exists at all, is to pass onOur purpose, if it exists at all, is to pass on
our DNA.our DNA.
 Any kind of sexual behavior is as right asAny kind of sexual behavior is as right as
any other. Stealing is probably good.any other. Stealing is probably good.
 There is nothing inherently evil aboutThere is nothing inherently evil about
genocide.genocide.
 Racism, slavery etc can be defended.Racism, slavery etc can be defended.

33. If the Materialist is Right Then…If the Materialist is Right Then…
 Violence selfishness greed are acceptable behavior.Violence selfishness greed are acceptable behavior.
 Justice is a meaningless construct.Justice is a meaningless construct.
 The words “ought and should” are meaningless.The words “ought and should” are meaningless.
 There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.
 Consider the only societies in human historyConsider the only societies in human history
controlled by atheists. French Revolution, USSR,controlled by atheists. French Revolution, USSR,
Communist China, Khmer Rouge, North Korea….Communist China, Khmer Rouge, North Korea….
 Is this where human beings want to head?Is this where human beings want to head?

34. No wonder intellectuals (over)reacted
With the result being postmodernism!
Now, let us discuss postmodernism.

35. Postmodernism/Cultural RelativismPostmodernism/Cultural Relativism
 Positive ContributionsPositive Contributions
– Importance of groups and relationships betweenImportance of groups and relationships between
groups.groups.
– Gives honor to culture, beauty, wonder,Gives honor to culture, beauty, wonder,
imagination.imagination.
– More accurate description of history (including theMore accurate description of history (including the
history of science).history of science).
– The Western mindset is not the only valid one.The Western mindset is not the only valid one.
 ProblemsProblems
– Very confusing.Very confusing.
– No world view is preferred.No world view is preferred.
– The idea of truth, for all practical purposes,The idea of truth, for all practical purposes,
disappearsdisappears..

36. Postmodernism: Cultural RelativismPostmodernism: Cultural Relativism
 Reality is a social construction.Reality is a social construction.
 Truth: It is true for you, but it is notTruth: It is true for you, but it is not
true for me.true for me.
 Meaning, if it exists, lies in aMeaning, if it exists, lies in a
community of believers.community of believers.
 Self is a construction of our society.Self is a construction of our society.
 No rational way to discover which isNo rational way to discover which is
the best world view.the best world view.

37. Theories of TruthTheories of Truth
 Correspondence Theory of Truth: ACorrespondence Theory of Truth: A
statement is true if reality corresponds tostatement is true if reality corresponds to
that which is predicted by the statement.that which is predicted by the statement.
 Relativism (postmodernism): A claim isRelativism (postmodernism): A claim is
made true for those who accept it by thatmade true for those who accept it by that
very act (of accepting it).very act (of accepting it).
 Truth is either discovered or created.Truth is either discovered or created.
 Truth is either absolute or relative.Truth is either absolute or relative.

38. If The Postmodernists are Right Then…If The Postmodernists are Right Then…
 Reality is a social construction.Reality is a social construction.
 Language creates reality.Language creates reality.
 ““It is true for you, but it is not true for me.”It is true for you, but it is not true for me.”
 Truth is found in an accepted narrative.Truth is found in an accepted narrative.
 No universal trans-cultural standard of truth orNo universal trans-cultural standard of truth or
value.value.
 No authorial prerogative. The truth of a text isNo authorial prerogative. The truth of a text is
determined by the culture reading the text.determined by the culture reading the text.
 There is no such thing as the book of Romans.There is no such thing as the book of Romans.
– Methodist Romans, Lutheran Romans, Buddhist Romans,Methodist Romans, Lutheran Romans, Buddhist Romans,
Atheist Romans.Atheist Romans.

39. Can You Accept This???Can You Accept This???
 Consciousness is social, not individual. Self is aConsciousness is social, not individual. Self is a
construction (mother, British, grad student…)construction (mother, British, grad student…)
 No rational way to decide which is the best orNo rational way to decide which is the best or
true world view.true world view.
 All truth is relative. All truth is cultural.All truth is relative. All truth is cultural.
 Individual has no authority to determine what isIndividual has no authority to determine what is
true.true.

40. Problems With PostmodernismProblems With Postmodernism
 Self-refuting.Self-refuting.
– If nothing is true, then postmodernism is not true.If nothing is true, then postmodernism is not true.
– Its authors insist on authorial privilege.Its authors insist on authorial privilege.
 I do not care what they say,I do not care what they say, some things aresome things are
just truejust true..
 Either God is real or he is not. Even if I cannotEither God is real or he is not. Even if I cannot
prove it one way or another.prove it one way or another.
 If you culture told you it was safe to jump off aIf you culture told you it was safe to jump off a
cliff, would you jump?cliff, would you jump?

41. Scientism is Bogus, But Science is NotScientism is Bogus, But Science is Not
 The naturally convincing explanation of theThe naturally convincing explanation of the
success of science is that it is gaining a tighteningsuccess of science is that it is gaining a tightening
grasp of an actual reality. The goal of scientificgrasp of an actual reality. The goal of scientific
endeavor is to gain an understanding of theendeavor is to gain an understanding of the
structure of the physical world. The conclusionsstructure of the physical world. The conclusions
are always tentative, but they are dictated byare always tentative, but they are dictated by thethe
way things actually are.way things actually are.

42. What is Wrong With Postmodernism?What is Wrong With Postmodernism?
 It does not agree with reality—with theIt does not agree with reality—with the
world as it is. Our understanding of truthworld as it is. Our understanding of truth
may be relative, but truth is not.may be relative, but truth is not.
 It can be dangerous.It can be dangerous.
– Which is better, the Nazi culture orWhich is better, the Nazi culture or
Christianity? On what basis?Christianity? On what basis?
– Sin is a cultural creation. Why prefer oneSin is a cultural creation. Why prefer one
moral system to another?moral system to another?
– Why listen to reformers like Jesus Christ orWhy listen to reformers like Jesus Christ or
Siddhartha Buddha? By definition, our cultureSiddhartha Buddha? By definition, our culture
is always right!is always right!

43. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
1.1. The physical world is: (Genesis 1)The physical world is: (Genesis 1)
a. real b. created and c. essentially good.a. real b. created and c. essentially good.
2. There exists a parallel unseen spiritual reality which is not2. There exists a parallel unseen spiritual reality which is not
limited to or defined by the physical reality.limited to or defined by the physical reality.
3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the
God who is revealed and who reveals himself in the Bible.God who is revealed and who reveals himself in the Bible.
4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature,4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature,
but the spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.but the spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.
5. Although the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such5. Although the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such
evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beingsevil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings
and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to “sin”and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to “sin”
(defined as transgressing the will of God).(defined as transgressing the will of God).
6. There is a definite right and wrong for human behavior6. There is a definite right and wrong for human behavior
which is determined by God.which is determined by God.

44. Christian Theology Answers the Big QuestionsChristian Theology Answers the Big Questions
 How did I get here?How did I get here?
 Why am I here?Why am I here?
 Where am I going?Where am I going?
 Why are human beings able to comprehend theWhy are human beings able to comprehend the
universe?universe?
 Why is there pain and suffering and evil in theWhy is there pain and suffering and evil in the
world?world?

45. Christianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems ofChristianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems of
Human BeingsHuman Beings
 The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death ofThe Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of
Jesus)Jesus)
– Romans 7:24,25Romans 7:24,25
 The Problem of Suffering (compassion)The Problem of Suffering (compassion)
– Matthew 9:35-36Matthew 9:35-36
 The Problem of DeathThe Problem of Death
– 1 Corinthians 15:54-561 Corinthians 15:54-56

46. The Christian World View Has Given Us:The Christian World View Has Given Us:
 ScienceScience
 Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)
 Civil RightsCivil Rights
 Women’s RightsWomen’s Rights
 Christian groups do a majority of all benevolentChristian groups do a majority of all benevolent
work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)

47. So, What is Truth?So, What is Truth?
 John 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life.John 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life.
no one comes to the Father, except by me.no one comes to the Father, except by me.
 Why are Postmodernism, Scientism, Animism,Why are Postmodernism, Scientism, Animism,
Polytheism, Pantheism, Dualism and every otherPolytheism, Pantheism, Dualism and every other
ism wrong?ism wrong?
 Genesis Chapter OneGenesis Chapter One
 Because Jesus is truth.Because Jesus is truth.
Two Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he isTwo Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he is
not…..not…..

48. How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?
 Fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah.Fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah.
 John 6:48 I am the bread of life.John 6:48 I am the bread of life.
 John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life.John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life.
 John 2:19 Destroy this temple and I will raise itJohn 2:19 Destroy this temple and I will raise it
in three days. Jesus was resurrected from thein three days. Jesus was resurrected from the
dead.dead.