Is God a Moral Monster? Paul Copan on Faith, Reason, Evil, and the Case for Christianity

By Legacy • 1h 2m •

In this episode of the Reformark Media Show, we sit down with Dr. Paul Copan, Christian philosopher, theologian, apologist, and author of Is God a Moral Monster? Dr. Copan has spent decades helping Christians respond thoughtfully and compassionately to the toughest objections raised against Christianity. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how faith and reason work together, why moral relativism ultimately collapses under its own weight, and how believers can engage skeptics without arrogance or fear. We discuss: Why apologetics is about listening, not just winning arguments How to think clearly about God’s morality in the Old Testament Why relativism is unlivable in everyday life How Christianity uniquely addresses the problem of evil and suffering Why hope is impossible in an atheistic worldview How to have gospel conversations with humility and patience Identity, sexuality, and why Christ must remain central How pastors can equip their churches for evangelism and apologetics This episode is thoughtful, pastoral, and deeply encouraging. Especially for Christians wrestling with doubt or seeking to engage others faithfully in a skeptical culture. Chapters: 01:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:01 – Who Is Paul Copan? Background & Ministry 01:04 – What Drew Him to Apologetics 01:06 – Encouragement for Believers Wrestling with Doubt 01:10 – Faith and Reason in a Skeptical Culture 01:20 – God’s Morality in the Old Testament 01:22 – What Is Moral Relativism? 01:24 – Why Relativism Is Unlivable 01:27 – Responding Humbly to “That’s True for You” 01:30 – The Self-Contradiction of Relativism 01:31 – The Problem of Evil Defined 01:33 – Why Atheism Cannot Sustain Hope 01:36 – Apologetics Without Arrogance 01:39 – Asking Better Questions in Evangelism 01:42 – How to Move Toward Gospel Conversations 01:45 – Equipping the Church for Apologetics 01:48 – Everyday Questions Christians Should Be Ready For 01:52 – Identity, Sexuality, and Following Christ 01:58 – Why Chris

## Key Takeaways

* **Apologetics is a Humble Listening Art:** Dr. Copan emphasizes that effective apologetics isn't about winning arguments but about engaging skeptics with empathy, understanding their questions, and humbly presenting the truth of Christianity. * **Navigating God's Morality in the Old Testament:** The discussion provides thoughtful approaches to understanding seemingly difficult passages concerning God's actions in the Old Testament, reframing them within their historical and theological context. * **Moral Relativism's Inconsistencies:** The episode critically examines moral relativism, demonstrating why it is ultimately an unlivable and self-contradictory worldview that fails to provide a consistent basis for ethics. * **Christianity Offers Unique Hope Amidst Suffering:** Dr. Copan highlights how the Christian worldview uniquely addresses the problem of evil and suffering, offering a profound sense of hope and meaning that is unavailable in atheistic frameworks. * **Integrating Faith and Reason:** The conversation consistently underscores the harmonious relationship between faith and reason, showing how they can work together to provide a robust defense of Christian truth in a skeptical world. * **Equipping the Church for Evangelism:** Practical advice is given on how pastors and church leaders can empower their congregations to confidently and compassionately engage in gospel conversations and address common objections to Christianity.

In a world increasingly questioning the foundations of faith, the Reformark Media Show brings a powerful and timely conversation with Dr. Paul Copan, a distinguished Christian philosopher, theologian, and apologist. Renowned for his seminal work, "Is God a Moral Monster?", Dr. Copan brings decades of rigorous thought and compassionate engagement to the forefront. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for both seasoned believers and those grappling with doubts, offering clear insights into some of Christianity's most challenging questions. From the intricate dance of faith and reason to the profound problem of evil, Dr. Copan guides listeners through a robust defense of the Christian worldview, all while advocating for an approach rooted in humility and listening.

Understanding God's Morality in the Old Testament

One of the most frequent objections leveled against Christianity today revolves around the depiction of God's morality in the Old Testament. Critics often point to passages that seem to portray God in a harsh or "monstrous" light, leading many to question His character and the very foundations of biblical ethics.

Dr. Copan, with his extensive expertise, carefully unpacks these difficult texts, offering a nuanced perspective that moves beyond simplistic interpretations. He encourages listeners to:

* **Consider Historical and Cultural Context:** Understanding the ancient Near Eastern context in which these narratives were written is crucial. Many actions and directives that seem jarring to modern sensibilities were understood differently within their original cultural framework. * **Recognize God's Progressive Revelation:** The Bible reveals God's character and moral law progressively. While certain practices were tolerated or commanded in earlier stages, the fullness of God's moral perfection is revealed supremely in Christ. * **Distinguish Between Immediate Commands and Eternal Principles:** Not every command given in the Old Testament is a universal, timeless moral principle. Some were specific to a particular people, time, and circumstance, designed to achieve specific redemptive purposes.

By adopting a thoughtful, contextual approach, believers can move beyond superficial criticisms and gain a deeper appreciation for the coherence and justice of God's actions throughout salvation history. This section is particularly helpful for those wrestling with doubt due to these challenging biblical passages.

The Collapse of Moral Relativism

In an age where personal truth reigns supreme, moral relativism – the belief that moral truths are relative to individuals or cultures – has gained significant traction. The popular phrase "That's true for you, but not for me" encapsulates this pervasive idea. However, Dr. Copan incisively demonstrates why moral relativism is ultimately an untenable and self-contradictory worldview.

Here are some key reasons why relativism collapses under its own weight:

* **It's Unlivable in Practice:** While people may profess moral relativism in theory, they rarely live consistently by it in daily life. When faced with genuine injustice, oppression, or suffering, most individuals instinctively appeal to universal moral standards, even if they deny their existence intellectually. * **Self-Contradiction:** Moral relativism often makes absolute claims, such as "There are no absolute truths." This statement itself is an absolute truth claim, creating a logical paradox. If all truth is relative, then the statement that "all truth is relative" cannot be absolutely true. * **Undermines Moral Discourse:** If there are no objective moral standards, then genuine moral debate and critique become impossible. All actions are simply "true for that person," rendering concepts like justice, fairness, and human rights meaningless. * **No Basis for Hope:** If all morality is subjective, there is no ultimate hope for overcoming evil or achieving a better world, as there is no objective standard by which to judge "better."

Dr. Copan encourages believers to gently expose these inconsistencies, not to "win" an argument, but to lovingly point skeptics towards a more coherent and livable moral framework found in the objective truth of God's character.

Offering Hope Amidst the Problem of Evil

The problem of evil and suffering is arguably the most common and potent objection to the existence of a good and all-powerful God. How can a loving God allow such immense pain and injustice in the world? Dr. Copan dedicates significant attention to this perennial question, demonstrating how Christianity provides a uniquely compelling and hopeful response.

While atheism struggles to provide any ultimate meaning or hope in the face of suffering (if life is merely a cosmic accident, then suffering is just an unfortunate reality with no ultimate purpose), Christianity offers a profoundly different narrative:

* **God Enters Suffering:** Unlike distant deities, the Christian God, in the person of Jesus Christ, actively entered into human suffering. He experienced pain, betrayal, and death, demonstrating profound empathy and solidarity with humanity. * **Redemptive Purpose:** While we may not always understand the specific reasons for suffering, the Christian worldview posits that God can work all things, even evil and suffering, for ultimate good and His glory. This doesn't diminish the pain, but it imbues it with potential redemptive purpose. * **Hope Beyond the Grave:** Christianity offers the promise of a future resurrection and a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more pain, suffering, or tears. This eschatological hope provides a vital perspective that suffering is not the final word. * **Growth and Character Formation:** Suffering, though painful, can often be a crucible for spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper reliance on God.

Dr. Copan masterfully articulates that while the problem of evil remains a profound mystery, the Christian response is not one of denial but of profound hope, purpose, and the unwavering assurance of a God who suffers with us and ultimately triumphs over all evil.

Equipping the Church for Gospel Conversations

Beyond intellectual arguments, Dr. Copan passionately emphasizes the practical outworking of apologetics in everyday life and within the church. He stresses that apologetics is not merely for academics but for every believer called to share their faith and engage a skeptical world. This section offers invaluable guidance for pastors and church members alike.

Key aspects of equipping the church include:

* **Cultivating a Culture of Listening:** Good evangelism and apologetics begin with genuinely listening to others' questions, doubts, and perspectives rather than immediately launching into prepared answers. * **Asking Incisive Questions:** Instead of just providing answers, believers should be taught how to ask thoughtful questions that help others explore their own presuppositions and inconsistencies in their worldview. * **Humility and Patience:** Engaging skeptics requires unwavering humility, recognizing that our role is to plant seeds and lovingly point to Christ, not to win arguments through intellectual might. Patience is key, as spiritual journeys often unfold over time. * **Making Christ Central:** Regardless of the specific objection or topic, all gospel conversations and apologetic endeavors must ultimately point back to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer and hope. * **Addressing Identity and Sexuality:** In contemporary culture, questions of identity and sexuality are central. Dr. Copan provides pastoral wisdom on how to approach these sensitive topics with grace, truth, and unwavering commitment to biblical principles, always pointing to Christ as the source of true identity.

This segment provides a strong call to action for the church to become centers of thoughtful, compassionate, and effective evangelism and apologetics, empowering believers to be a light in a questioning world.

Topics

#PaulCopan, #Apologetics, #ChristianPhilosophy, #IsGodAMoralMonster, #FaithAndReason, #ReformarkMedia, #LegacyMedia, #BiblicalTruth, #Christianity, #Theology, #ProblemOfEvil, #MoralRelativism, #ChristianApologetics, #GospelTruth, #ChristianLiving, #Evangelism, #FaithOverFear, #HopeInChrist, #ChristianPodcast, #ChristianInterview

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