Norman Geisler Quotes

Powerful Norman Geisler for Daily Growth

About Norman Geisler

Norman Lewis Geisler (b. February 8, 1932) is an American evangelical Christian philosopher, apologist, and theologian. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Geisler grew up in a modest family with strong religious beliefs. His early years were influenced by his Pentecostal roots and the teachings of Billy Graham, whom he would later meet and engage in debate. Geisler's academic journey began at Wheaton College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. He then pursued a Master's in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Northwestern University. His doctoral dissertation focused on the philosophical implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1963, Geisler joined the faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he would spend most of his career. He is best known for his work in Christian apologetics, a field he helped to popularize through books like "Christian Apologetics" (1976), which has become a standard textbook in the discipline. Geisler's works often address topics such as the philosophy of religion, theism and atheism, ethics, and the reliability of Scripture. Some of his most influential books include "The Battle for God" (co-authored with Hank Hanegraaff), "Systematic Theology: Volume 1 - Prolegomena & Volume 2 - General Revelation" (co-authored with William E. Nix), and "Answers to Tough Questions" (co-authored with Ronald Brooks). Throughout his career, Geisler has engaged in numerous debates with prominent figures from various religious and philosophical backgrounds. His influence extends beyond academia, reaching millions through radio and television programs, and he continues to write and speak extensively on topics related to Christian apologetics and theology.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Faith is a choice, but not any choice; it is a reasoned and intelligent trust in and commitment to the person and promises of God."

This quote emphasizes that faith is an active, deliberate decision, but it's not just blind belief or random commitment. Instead, it's a rational and thoughtful trust in God based on understanding and acceptance of His character and promises. In essence, faith involves the intellect as well as the heart, as individuals make a reasoned and intelligent choice to commit to God.

"Atheism is no answer to the problem of evil because atheism offers no explanation for good."

In this quote, Norman Geisler suggests that atheism does not provide a satisfactory response to the problem of evil in the world. He argues that the idea of a God who allows evil to exist serves as an explanation for the existence of good, as it implies a moral order where free will and choice can lead to both beneficial and detrimental outcomes. By contrast, atheism does not offer any inherent explanation for why there is good in the world, since it denies the existence of a divine entity who could instill moral principles or guide ethical actions. Essentially, Geisler is implying that atheism lacks a coherent response to the question of where good comes from, making it an inadequate solution to the problem of evil in the world.

"Biblical inerrancy does not mean that every jot and tittle in Scripture was written by the original human authors, or that the Bible is a collection of error-free books."

This quote by Norman Geisler clarifies that biblical inerrancy doesn't necessitate the belief that every single letter (jot) and punctuation mark (tittle) within Scripture was directly authored by the original human writers. Instead, it refers to the view that the Bible is without error or fault in its original manuscripts as it pertains to matters of faith and practice. The Bible may include various literary styles and human contributions, but its overall message remains accurate and reliable for spiritual guidance.

"Evidence never proves anything; it makes it more or less probable."

This quote by Norman Geisler suggests that while evidence can increase or decrease the likelihood of a proposition being true, it doesn't definitively prove anything with absolute certainty. Evidence provides support for an argument but cannot guarantee its truth beyond reasonable doubt. It invites us to maintain an open mind and acknowledge that there may always be room for further investigation and evaluation in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

"Every worldview has implications for how we should live our lives, and Christianity provides the best guidance for living."

This quote implies that every set of beliefs (worldviews) influences our lifestyle choices and actions. Christianity, according to Norman Geisler, is unique in providing the most effective and beneficial guidance for daily life among these worldviews. In essence, he suggests that Christianity is not only a system of beliefs but also a practical guide for ethical decision-making and moral living.

Pluralism is denied logically; inclusivism is denied scripturally, and that leaves us with exclusivism... you have to know that Jesus died and believe in it in order to be saved.

- Norman Geisler

Saved, Died, Pluralism, Logically

Even Martin Luther and John Calvin believed that the Roman Catholic church, up to the Council of Trent, was basically orthodox - a true church with sound fundamental doctrines as well as significant error.

- Norman Geisler

Church, Roman, Martin Luther, Luther

For some, the belief in a Young Earth seems to be based on a kind of intuition or faith in what they believe an omnipotent God should do. It reasons that if God is all powerful, then certainly He would not have taken millions of years to make the earth.

- Norman Geisler

Young, Some, Reasons, Omnipotent

The age of the Earth is a hotly debated issue among evangelicals. Old Earthers believe, like most scientists, that the universe is billions of years old. Young Earthers measure the age of the universe in terms of thousands of years.

- Norman Geisler

Like, Billions, Issue, Thousands Of Years

Evangelicals have largely misinterpreted Aquinas, and they have placed on him views that he did not hold.

- Norman Geisler

Him, Placed, Largely, Evangelicals

Aquinas is worth reading. He has stood the test of time. And even where he errs, you can learn more from the errors of a great mind than you can learn from the truths of a small mind. You can see a whole lot farther standing on the shoulders of giants.

- Norman Geisler

Small, Shoulders, Farther, Giants

Only Jesus has prophecies made hundreds of years in advance made literally true. Only He did miracles; only His immediate followers claimed He died and rose from the dead, so in comparison, He comes out superior to other great religious leaders.

- Norman Geisler

Other, Religious, Claimed, Religious Leaders

Jesus is the only way because the Bible says it to be true. Why? Because only He can bridge the gap between God and man; there's no other way.

- Norman Geisler

Bible, Be True, Other, Bridge

I can't tell you how Aquinas has enriched and changed my life, my thought. He has helped me to be a better evangelical, a better servant of Christ, and to better defend the faith that was delivered, once for all, to the saints.

- Norman Geisler

My Life, Thought, Tell, Evangelical

All views can't be true because all views are opposite; this is the logical aspect. For example, Islam says we are good in nature; Christianity says we are born in sin. Islam says God is a man; Christianity says He is more than a man, He is God. All truths can't be the same.

- Norman Geisler

Good, Christianity, Truths, Views

One should never tie his faith to how old the earth is.

- Norman Geisler

Never, How, His, Tie

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