Working in apologetics is not something that should be done carelessly. While no one can claim to be the perfect apologist, it is important that as we approach these discussions, we come to the table with a strategy for engagement. I do not know if any of you are chess players like I am, but as I was thinking about the way that we help those around us understand the rationality … [Read more...]
Does God Condone Slavery?
Many may be surprised to learn that in the Old Testament, God expressly forbids the slave trade, commanding that anyone who steals a man is to be put to death, whether he has sold the victim yet or not (Exodus 21:16). Naturally, this raises the question of why God had laws on slavery. It must be understood that there were different types of slavery in the ancient days. One was … [Read more...]
Are Atheists Smarter Than Christians?
Well, there has certainly been a lot of controversy over an undergraduate psychology assignment given at The Ohio State University. A student anonymously submitted the following question to the people at Campus Reform which was actually on his homework assignment. Theo has an IQ of 100 and Aine has an IQ of 125. Which of the following statements would you expect to be … [Read more...]
A Clear Look at History Cracks the "Josephus Mirror Code"
Earlier this month, I started a series of responses to another blog author posting a note on our Ratio Christi at Germanna Community college Facebook page. The comment was a promo for his book entitled, The Josephus Mirror Code and the author is Paul Amatucci.[1] His note was a multi leveled attack on the authenticity and the historicity of the life of Jesus and the gospel … [Read more...]
Culture and Biblical Literacy
Hollywood is beginning to realize that there are incredible financial benefits for making Christian movies. It isn’t rocket science. A large part of our population at least identifies as Christian, and you know that when you produce a Christian movie, churches and youth groups everywhere will be renting out movie theaters to bring everyone to the show. As a business, you have … [Read more...]
Breaking Down the 'We're all Atheists' Objection
Introduction Several months ago, I went to a local "religious freedom" rally here in Fredericksburg. The rally was commemorating Thomas Jefferson's Religious Freedom amendment, with a parade from downtown to the Religious Freedom monument and included a host of speakers. The keynote speaker was William J. Murray, the son of the late Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Marching in the parade … [Read more...]
What Is Faith Really?
I have been interested in reading the reaction to the debate between Dr. Tim McGrew and Dr. Peter Boghossian. I listened to the debate, and one thing struck me as particularly odd. There was a lot of time spent from the side of Dr. Boghossian discussing what he believes the majority of Christians in the 21st century mean when they refer to faith. However, I don’t believe that … [Read more...]
Is Believing in Absolute Truth Narrow-Minded or Intolerant?
Introduction The objection of Christians being intolerant or narrow-minded is one of the more popular charges thrown down when discussing some of the moral issues of our day. Christians in many cases, are painted with broad strokes to be the "horse with blinders on its eyes, limiting its vision of the world; or that of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand, completely … [Read more...]
Three Essentials for College Student Apologists
Two days ago, I graduated from Amarillo College. It took me four years, but I finally reached a halfway point in my goal to get a B.A. in Mass Communication and a Masters in Apologetics. Over the past four years I've had some considerable ups and downs, but one constant that has been ever present is my love for apologetics and apologetics-related campus ministry. Looking back … [Read more...]
The Problem with Nazareth
We just got over the hysteria of the release of Noah, and now it appears that there is a controversial television series on the way. According to this article from the Christian Post, FOX is preparing to release a series entitled Nazareth. I understand that some people thought that Noah was a great conversation starter while others were irritated by it, but I am sincerely … [Read more...]