Written by my sister, for a class project….

Epistemology (Truth) – Beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge

We can know truth through the Bible. It is the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom. Science and people are unreliable; they have been proven so. But science and humanity may be used to investigate the world around us and believed if what they conclude is not contradicted in the Bible. All theories must be tested against the Word of God. For example the law of gravity can be tested against the Bible, and since there is no conflict it can be true. God’s Word is the only thing that is trustworthy. The truths in the Bible are non-negotiable.

Metaphysics (Reality) – Beliefs about what exists and the nature of being

Ultimate reality is not that which we can see, the material, but reality is the spiritual world, where angels, demons, God, and men’s souls interact. The physical world was created by God. Therefore, He is the Ruler of it. God has complete power to do whatever He wishes. The physical world is temporary place that we dwell. It is neither good nor evil but can be used for either. It is neutral ground, where the war is waged between God and Satan. The physical world also bears the curse of God. While the world was perfect when God created it, Man sinned and God caused the world to instantly be swallowed by the destructive power of sin. God also allowed the world to be slowly destroyed further by mans sins.

Anthropology (Man) – Beliefs about the nature and purpose of man

Man is a part of God’s creation. But we are unique in that we were created in God’s image for His glory. We have soul, an eternal part of us. God interacts with man on this level. Through the Bible, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, we can have a relationship with God. This relationship is possible because of Jesus Christ’s death upon the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. If we accept His payment personally, we are brought into a redemptive relationship with our Creator.

When we die, we leave the physical and enter the spiritual. Based on belief in God, some people will go to heaven to be with God, while others will go to hell, a place of eternal torment.

Ethics/Axiology (Right and Wrong) – Beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong

A good person is the person who is saved by grace through faith, which produces good works. Good works are those things that Christ has called His people to live. The only way we can become good people is by having enough faith and belief in God so that our actions change. We are not necessarily to live how Jesus lived, but to live what Jesus commanded. We are to live in such a way as to please God. As with all truth, we can find rules for morals in the Bible. The Bible is the source from which we judge right and wrong, good and bad.

Some of the most important things in life are knowing God and spending time loving people. While discussing theology is necessary, it is important that the discussions are pertinent to living real life. It must have relevance and practicality. Relationships are important as well. Relationships with Christian friends are important because they encourage us in the walk of life with Christ. Spouses help us to better understand the Church’s relationship with Christ, and children to better understand God’s love for us.

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