Could people have a properly basic belief that God does not exist so that they do not need any other arguments or evidence for that belief in order to be justified in holding it? A recent conversation reminded me of what is now a rather old argument in relation to the question of belief in God (old in terms of twentieth century arguments anyway). Essentially, the issue was … [Read more...]
The Problem of Evil: Is it a problem? Part 2 of 3
Part 1 Is it a problem? Evil is certainly a challenge for anyone, including Christians, to answer sufficiently. However, we can show that it potentially fits within the Christian worldview, and I believe it fits well (especially compared to other worldviews). In other words, it is a challenge, but I don’t think it is ultimately a problem. Remember, while you as a Christian … [Read more...]
The Problem of Evil: Whose problem is it? Part 1 of 3
The ‘problem of evil’ in Christian apologetics is and has been one of the top apologetic issues throughout history. Many have pointed to the attacks on 9/11 (September 11, 2001) as a turning point in our generation concerning this issue. The ‘New Atheists’ (Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, etc.) began writing their – soon to be popular – books not long after this event. For the … [Read more...]
Dualistic Versus Holistic Logic?
While on Facebook recently, I came across a picture that claimed to be outlining the differences between "Linear Thinking" (also known as "dualistic logic") and "Systems Thinking (aka "holistic logic"). It was presented from the perspective of approaches to teaching. The overall message of this particular Facebook page was that our educational systems should take a holistic … [Read more...]
"No, Jesus is not the Messiah!": Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus
Introduction … [Read more...]
Is Consistency Important?
In my posts and in my discussions about worldviews, I stress consistency. When I say "consistency," I'm talking about the beliefs within a worldview being logically compatible with each other and beliefs being compatible with the adherents' behaviors (see the Psychology Class Series). One of the "worldview tests" that Kenneth Samples discusses in his book on worldviews, A World … [Read more...]
Three Reasons Why Jesus is Qualified to be called the “Messiah”
Introduction Over the years I have been asked why Jewish people don’t think Jesus is the Messiah. From my own experience, when I have talked to Jewish people about the possibility of Jesus being the Messiah, there is a wide range of thought. For some Jewish people a personal Messiah is irrelevant. For others, it is said that in every generation there is a potential messiah or … [Read more...]
Confessions of a functional atheist
One of the accusations against Christians is that we have a psychological need to believe a fantasy. In other words, the atheist thinks that we make up a belief in God to provide comfort against the unknown. Our belief in God is like whistling as we pass through the graveyard. It doesn't provide any real benefit but it makes us feel better. Honesty requires that I get … [Read more...]
Is Naturalism Rational? The Self-Defeating Epistemology Behind Evolutionary Theories of Cognition (Part 1)
This is Part 1 in a 3 part series on evolutionary theories of cognition. This part discusses C.S. Lewis' Argument from Reason. Part 2 will examine Alvin Plantinga's Argument from Proper Function and part 3 will cover Plantinga's Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism. No matter how contentious an intellectual debate may appear, both parties agree on at least one thing. They … [Read more...]
Understanding the Meaning of "Faith"
Introduction. The other day I was involved in a conversation with a group of men at a Men's Breakfast at our church. One of the discussions we were working over was the meaning of this word, "faith." The definition of faith is very much misunderstood by Christians and maligned by skeptics, depending on which side of the conversation one finds themselves. Allow me explain what … [Read more...]