Is Good Friday a Myth? “Good Friday? What’s the difference between Good Friday and a fairytale?” Imagine a skeptical relative asked you this question at a family gathering. I know--Awkward. But really, what would you say? Something similar happened to me when I was a teenager. But what was odd about it was that this lady just threw out a challenge that seemed to come out of … [Read more...]
How 1 Peter 3:15 Teaches The Deity of Christ
It is a verse that all of us who are involved in apologetics have grown to love and cherish. 1 Peter 3:15 is the New Testament's mandate for being always ready to offer a rational defense for the Christian worldview. It is unfortunate, however, that we have come to be so familiar with this verse that we miss its full significance, for the text teaches far more than the need to … [Read more...]
How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions?
As a Christian, I have many unanswered questions. The more I study the Christian worldview, the larger my list seems to grow. While essential truths are easier to identify from scripture, there are many non-essential (and more ambiguous) features of Christianity. The unfathomable aspects of God’s nature typically leave us in awe and without adequate explanation. To make matters … [Read more...]
A Look at the Evidence for the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus
Introduction When it comes to the formation of the early Jesus movement, 1 Corinthians 15: 3-7 is a crucial element to the proclamation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In relation to early testimony, historian David Hacket Fisher says, “An historian must not merely provide good relevant evidence but the best relevant evidence. And the best relevant evidence, … [Read more...]
Jesus of Testimony
Greg Spencer of Roseburg, OR, was a police officer in narcotics enforcement in the 1990s. His work kept him immersed in a world of violence, death, and depravity on a regular basis. In addition he was a deputy medical examiner, which meant he had to view autopsies, often on bodies whose life had ended in a horrible death. He was dedicated to his work, but it turned him into a … [Read more...]
How the Bodily Resurrection of Christ Indicates a Historical Adam
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” I Corinthians 15:22 What exactly did the writer of the first three chapters of Genesis mean to communicate about the origin of mankind? Views vary drastically within Christendom about where Adam came from in the material sense and even whether or not he was a historical individual at all. The debate shows no signs … [Read more...]
Introduction to Islam – Part II – Religious Beliefs
The religious beliefs of Islam include the concept of God, their creed, the prophethood of Hazrat Mohammed, the uniqueness of the Quran and the worldview aspects of Islam. These and a few more topics are discussed briefly in this post. GOD : In Islam, God is called Allah. The word Allah means God. It is derived from Arabic. Islam is a monotheistic religion in the absolute … [Read more...]
Ask the Alliance: Did God murder his son?
:::Ask the Alliance #8::: Did God murder his son? Question submitted by Riovesil: Did God murder his son for us or did he give him up for us? Riovesil, thank you for your question. Here are some responses from The Christian Apologetics Alliance: Damoksta: This is such a great question - because any opportunity to discuss why Christ died on the cross is the bread and butter … [Read more...]
Christmas Notes, Part 3: Joseph’s Narrative
It is often truly remarked that our classic Christmas story—the one we celebrate in pageants every December and teach to our children—blends elements from two quite distinct narratives, one found in the first two chapters of Matthew and the other in the first two chapters of Luke. In both accounts, Jesus is born in Bethlehem to Joseph and Mary during the reign of Herod the … [Read more...]
Ancient and Modern Historiography: What Are The Gospels?
Introduction Over the years, I have had my share of discussions about the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). There is still an overall skepticism towards them that permeates the culture and college campuses. I have found that many skeptics have never stopped and asked the question, “What Are The Gospels?” What Are The Gospels? When we discuss the Gospels with others I … [Read more...]