[This post is a work in progress as part of the CAA Catechism.] [Add the title only in the title field, not in the body of the post.] Summary in 400 words or less: Contrary to popular belief, there is an abundance of geographical, archaeological, and historical evidence of Biblical events. The following are only a few of many examples. Genesis 6-11: The Sumerian King List … [Read more...]
The Resurrection of Jesus and the Cognitive Dissonance Hypothesis
Introduction Cognitive Dissonance is all the rage these days. In other words, more and more skeptics are trying to postulate that the birth of the Jesus movement is the result of cognitive dissonance. As N.T Wright says: “One theory which would go against this conclusion [that the rise of Christianity is best explained by Jesus' bodily resurrection] was very popular a few … [Read more...]
When was Jesus born?
The question of Jesus’ birth date has long been scrutinized in relation to Herod’s death and Luke’s census. This article draws heavily on the research done by Andrew E. Steinmann as it relates to Herod’s death, and the governor of Syria, which coincides with the astrological phenomenon seen by the Wise Men, as well as the in-depth study by Glen Miller of A Christian Thinktank … [Read more...]
Did the concept of monotheism socially evolve?
This post gives a glimpse of “Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson, who is recognized for his anthropological and linguistic work among the Sawi people of Irian Jaya. Edward B. Tyler’s theory that monotheism evolved has been refuted for a long time. The theory goes like this: Belief in the soul emerged from pondering dreams, etc.; spiritism/animism emerged when they … [Read more...]
A Look at the Carrier/Goodacre Debate: How Did Paul Receive the Gospel?
Clearing Up A Supposed Contradiction Between Galatians 1:11-12, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 Introduction Recently I was looking at some of the exchange of a debate between skeptic Richard Carrier and Marc Goodacre. Carrier said that one of the first places to start looking at the evidence for Jesus is Paul’s Letters. After all, they are the earliest documents we have for the … [Read more...]
Ancient Non-Christian Historical Evidence for Jesus of Nazareth Part 2- Thallus & Pliny
Is there any historical reference to the darkness and earthquake that happened during the Crucifixion of Jesus? Did the Roman Emperors ever have correspondence concerning Christ? Part 1 In today's video, we will be looking at what two interesting Roman citizens, Thallus (Roman Historian, 52 AD) and also Pliny the Younger (Roman Governor, 112 AD), had to say concerning the … [Read more...]
Art of Reason – ancient earthquakes
The inability to understand what makes a good argument, and the inability to critique arguments is one of the key ingredients in miscommunication and the tendency to become argumentative. As described previously, good arguments help keep the tempers down. In order to develop a sense for logical glitches it helps to examine bad arguments to see where they go wrong. This is … [Read more...]
Ancient Non-Christian Historical Evidence for Jesus – FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS, 1st century AD
"What does the Jewish Historian, Flavius Josephus, have to say about Jesus?" Well that's precisely what this new video will seek to demonstrate. One of the most famous and important non-Christian historical references to Christ, comes from the Jewish Historian, Flavius Josephus (1st century AD). What are the 10 solid historical facts he can tell us about Jesus? Watch and … [Read more...]
Christmas Science
In an article from scienceblogs.com, the writer opens with this statement: “If there's one universal trait among humans, it seems to be an unquenchable thirst for certainty.” We want to know what is provable beyond a shadow of doubt. Where would you guess that most of us think that type of certainty is found? The realm of science! How is it that Science supposes gives us … [Read more...]
A Look at Messianic Prophecy
Introduction Anyone who has studied evidential apologetics will see that many apologists have laid a great emphasis on messianic prophecy as one of the keys to demonstrating Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. One thing that is left out of these discussions is that when it comes to prophecy, it is not always predictive. The Greek word for fulfill is πληρόω (pleroo) – which has a much … [Read more...]