How do you know you’re getting the truth about a claim (via an advertisement, the news, an author, or a podcaster) unless you examine the claims for yourself?
Regarding the prominent assertions made about our beginning, design/purpose, brokenness, and salvation, why wouldn’t we research these — by examining the various major worldviews who claim to represent reality?
This is not only wise, but responsible as well.
And given that misrepresentations of truth happen daily, why wouldn’t we evaluate these claims for ourselves by going to the source texts firsthand?
One example of why we need to study the Bible for ourselves (alongside a pastor) is that the title of “pastor” does not always equate to fidelity to the Scriptures. Inspirational, in these instances, is often the goal instead of teaching what is inspired (2 Tim 3). Take this 2022 Barna research:
“A new nationwide survey of America’s Christian pastors shows that a majority of pastors lack a biblical worldview. In fact, just slightly more than a third (37%) possess a biblical worldview and the majority—62%—hold a hybrid worldview known as Syncretism.” [1]
How do you know you’re getting accurate information unless you read it for yourself?
Another reason why it’s important to examine the source materials firsthand is so we are able to witness how various worldviews represent history. For example, the Quran teaches that Jesus was not crucified, but both Bible and early non-Christian historians, testify that he was indeed crucified. All could be wrong, but they cannot all be right.
“but test everything; hold fast what is good”
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“for God gave us a spirit not offear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Christian parents should never be afraid when their child reads about other worldviews, because parents should always encourage the pursuit of truth. In fact, study those worldviews by reading their source texts together. And because Christianity is actually true (can be examined historically and represents reality), we can rejoice when our children are seeking! Examine the claims well!
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.’” John 14:6-7
Hold Fast Apologetics 