A few weeks ago following a worship service, I had an opportunity to speak with a potential member for our Ratio Christi club at the University of Mary Washington. The conversation moved from discussing Ratio Christ toward a discussion concerning her spiritual beliefs and convictions. Talk about a divine appointment. She was at church for the first time in a long time, and … [Read more...]
Investigating young-Earth evidences (for those who reject Christianity as young-Earth)
This document is copyright 1999 and 2000 Matthew S. Tiscareno. Full permission is given to reproduce or distribute this document, or to rearrange/reformat it for other media, as long as credit is given and no words are added or deleted from the text. Is there really scientific evidence for a young earth? For the past several decades, the question of the age of the Earth has … [Read more...]
Friedrich Nietzsche was NOT a Nihilist
It would be an appropriate evaluation of Nietzsche to state that his mere calling for the übermenschis a teleological claim. To call for redemption of something and to set a standard model is a purposeful and meaningful proclamation. The desire appears to be motivated by the very thing Nietzsche is often accused of, nihilism. Nietzsche was in despair over the implications of … [Read more...]
The Nativity Defended
The Nativity and, in particular, the virgin birth has increasingly come under attack from liberal scholarship in recent years. Those committed to a naturalistic worldview dismiss the virgin birth of Jesus as fanciful. Some have even questioned whether Jesus was born in Bethlehem and whether Mary and Joseph’s venture to this town was prompted by the Roman census as recorded by … [Read more...]
Fallacy Friday: The Fallacy of False Cause & Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
This week I will look at the fallacy of false cause and in particular the post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy. These fallacies occur when one conflates the fact that two things occur at the same time or in close succession with the conclusion that one caused the other. Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc This neat little clip from the West Wing gives a good example: … [Read more...]
Existentialism, The Knowledge of God, and The Task of Theology
The knowledge of God, it is claimed, comes to us as a gift, and to indicate its distinctiveness by the word ‘revelation’ is simply to remain true to the phenomenological analysis of belief in God, for such belief testifies that it arises through God’s making himself known to us, rather than through our attaining to the knowledge of him.Of what kind is the knowledge of God, … [Read more...]
The Deity of Christ and why this Matters
In the official Watchtower publication, Should You Believe in the Trinity, Jehovah’s Witnesses proclaim that: Jesus had an existence in heaven before coming to the earth…the Bible plainly states that in his pre-human existence, Jesus was a created spirit being, just as the angels were spirit beings created by God. … [Read more...]
A Reponse to Phil Snider: Highlighting A Secular Response
When something goes "viral", it's a good idea to pay attention. Here's the newest viral sensation: a Missouri pastor, speaking at a city council meeting, opens up his speech by taking a stance against gay marriage - or so everyone thought. In a stunning turn of events, he closes the speech by saying that his speech up until that point consisted of quotes from preachers gone by … [Read more...]
As A Christian, Should I Celebrate Halloween?
In one week kids will dress up as their favorite heroes and go from door to door asking the same question: "Trick or treat?" Some people gladly dispense candy to add to the kids' collections. Some people see it as an opportunity to provide tracts explaining the occult origins of this holiday, and encourage the reader to come to Christ. Others completely shun the day and explain … [Read more...]
Reason #1 Christianity is Unique: It is Verifiable
Is there anything that makes the Christian worldview unique? Are there features of Christianity that set it apart from the world's religions? (1 of 5) There are many features of Christianity that set it apart as absolutely unique and one of a kind in all of the world's beliefs systems. One of the interesting features of the Christian worldview is that it can be tested through … [Read more...]