Apologetics (Defense of the Faith) is Our Duty

How do we know about G-d?

Romans 1:20
"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

Notice that nature doesn't reveal everything about G-d, only that He has eternal power and a Divine nature.

So how then do we learn more about G-d beyond these attributes?  Only by that which He reveals.  So where has He revealed Himself?  The only document that purports to give a complete an accurate record of this revelation is the Bible.

So how do we know that the Bible is an authentic and reliable document?

"C. Sanders, in Introduction to Research in English Literary History, lists and explains the three basic principles of historiography.  These are the bibliographical test, the internal evidence test, and the external evidence test," pg. 33 of The New Evidence by Josh McDowell.

In short, the Bible must be evaluated according to the methods by which we evaluate all ancient literature.  And there is overwhelming evidence.

However, there are additional indicia of reliability for the Tanak.  "The Old Testament has been shown to be reliable in at least three [additional] ways:  (1) textual transmission (the accuracy of the copying process down through history); (2) the confirmation of the Old Testament by hard evidence uncovered through archeology, and (3) documentary evidence also uncovered through archeology," pg. 69 ibid.

How do we know that the Bible's claims are true (e.g. the claim to be the inspired word of G-d)?

First, we would have to ascertain how G-d's communications were different from man's communications.  If we assume that G-d is perfect then logically His communications would have to be perfect.  Thus, proving Divine Inspiration involves demonstrating that the Bible is reasonably free from errors of any kind:

"Inerrancy means that when all the facts are known, the Scriptures in their original autographs, properly interpreted, will be shown to be wholly true in everything they affirm, whether this has to do with doctrine or morality or with the social, physical, or life sciences," pg. 338 ibid.

Who carries the burden of proof?

We do.  Because Peter (the Apostle) writes:  "Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

However, we bear this burden as a community.  I'd recommend keeping a list of works on Apologetics of the Faith so that you can offer those to individuals requiring more substantial proof.

Here's a link to a list of popular works on Apologetics:  link.