A few days ago I retweeted this: If your theology doesn't make you love people more, it's wrong. — Tullian Tchividjian (@PastorTullian) March 7, 2014 For my friends who are involved in Christian apologetics, I would rephrase this to say that "if your apologetic doesn't make you love people more, it's wrong." There are two reasons that I say this. The first reason is that love … [Read more...]
How to Defend a Defense of the Faith (with Scripture)
Defending a Defense of the Faith Isn't apologetics just for seminary students, pastors and stuffy professor-types? Somehow, many Christians have gotten the idea that apologetics is just a hobby for Christian intellectuals or people who are into debate. Maybe you know students at your church who've sat though an apologetics presentation going, "This might be great for a bunch … [Read more...]
The Difference Between Believing the Gospels and Trusting the Gospel
I leaned over and said, “I think it may be true.” “What may be true?” asked Susie. “Christianity,” I responded. “The more I look at the Gospels, the more I think they look like real eyewitness accounts.” I spent months examining the claims of the Gospels, evaluating them with the template I typically apply to eyewitnesses in my criminal investigations. At the end of my … [Read more...]
Gnosticism 2.0 – Knowing that one knows God
Normally on this blog I focus on issues that should be of interest to skeptics, people who are not convinced that God exists or that Christianity is a belief system to be taken seriously. Today I’d like to instead discuss Christianity directly. Lately as I’ve read the Bible some interesting themes have popped out, particularly in the book entitled 1 John. To those who are … [Read more...]
What Is The Biggest Obstacle To The Apologetics Movement?
Image credit:www.genwhymovement.com Right now is a great time to be an apologist. We are living in a period of time where apologetics is booming, both in academic and everyday life. It's never been easier to get your hands on material that can strengthen your faith and empower your evangelism, and the time to utilize these resources has never been more urgent. With the rise … [Read more...]
7 Tips on Engaging Skeptics Like Paul Did in Athens [Part 1]
Cultural Engagement Tips My studies at Dallas Theological Seminary have challenged me to think about practical lessons we can learn from Paul’s engagement in Acts 17. I recently had a conversation about this passage with my mentor, Dr. Darrell Bock, and I’ve discovered some cultural engagement tips that every defender of the faith should know. … [Read more...]
Answering Critics with Grace and Logic
I know that when I find certain pieces of content online, it is a lot more fun to skip the article and go right to the comments. Sure, the article may have valuable pieces of information, but the comments seem to be where people really get down to the heart of the issue. Ideally, journalists are objective. Ideally, they present the facts and let you form your own opinion based … [Read more...]
The Legitimate Use of Thomas Aquinas in Apologetics
Much has been said of the 13th-century philosopher, Thomas Aquinas, from both secular as well as religious critics alike. For instance, Bertrand Russell once wrote with respect to Aquinas that he “cannot. . . feel that [Aquinas] deserves to be put on a level with the best philosophers either of Greece or of modern times” [1]. This is due to Aquinas’ apparent prior commitment to … [Read more...]
Apologetics and Missions Go Hand in Hand?
Recently, in response to my blog, "What is Christianity without Apologetics and Missions?", I was asked why I believe churches are not able to connect apologetics and missions. My initial thought was how could churches not connect apologetics and missions and fulfill their purpose as the bride of Christ? Let me explain. … [Read more...]
Dusting Off the Feet
You're doing the hard work of learning the evidence for the truth of Christianity and how to employ logical argumentation. A skeptical family member/friend/acquaintance approaches you with challenges against the faith, challenges you happen to be very familiar with. So, you respectfully point out the flaws in their logic and/or the factual errors of their claims. Rather than … [Read more...]