Everyone thinks they know something. Many also strive to be reasonable, logical, or rational. But is that even possible? Why trust one’s mind when it comes to reason, logic, and rationality? As a Christian, I believe that “God is a knower, and indeed the supreme knower… We human beings, therefore, being created in his image, can also know much about our world, ourselves, … [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...]
Paul – Apostle or Fraud (Part 5)
We’re continuing an investigation into whether Paul was a true apostle of Jesus Christ or a fraud. A surprising number of people who call themselves Christians believe Paul was a fraud. They say that doesn’t affect their faith in Christ at all and even makes it stronger because they are following Christ and not “Paul.” Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament, so people … [Read more...]
Book Review: "Five Views on Apologetics"
Apologetics, as a discipline, is meant to help unbelievers overcome obstacles to faith in the Gospel and to help strengthen believers in their faith. However, when it comes to how exactly to go about that, you are bound to get caught up in debates about methodologies and hear phrases like "evidentialism" and "presuppositionalism" and "classical apologetics". What do these … [Read more...]
Presuppositions of Science
Often I am told that science should be the ultimate arbitrator of truth. While it would be nice if this were true it just does not hold up under scrutiny. Science would need to be the final authority on all matters and while that might be a nice thought, it can't stand under its own weight. We should believe only what can be scientifically proven. But is such a statement … [Read more...]
Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin: Honor, Idealism, and the Monsters Within
“When writers tell a story about monsters, we’re usually using them as a vehicle in order to tell a story about our own world.” - Jonathan Maberry The horror genre is becoming increasingly cerebral, at least in terms of how zombies are being used (World War Z, Warm Bodies, and The Walking Dead). Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin series is a welcome addition to the list. He uses … [Read more...]
The New-er Atheists: Two movements battle for heart and mind
The term ‘New Atheist’ is beginning to get a bit old already. It is still relatively new, chronologically, at least in relation to centuries of classical atheists. The movement seems to have arisen, or at least gained popularity, after the events of 9/11 (2001) in the USA. It was characterized by a shift towards the use of rhetoric, emotion, fear, and embodied very ‘religious’ … [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...]
Book Plunge: Atheist Delusions
Psalm 11:3 “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Indeed. What can the righteous do? When picking up Hart’s book, one might expect a lengthy reply to various new atheist arguments and criticisms of their approach. One will certainly find that, but not where one would expect. It will be in the first section of the book and the last section. The … [Read more...]
Who needs answers when nobody's askin'?
By Maryann Spikes. This is written to those of you who consider yourselves Christians but think you don't need answers to tough questions because you don't ask them and nobody asks them of you. I am thinking a lot about this and I'd love to hear if you think I am fully understanding where you are at. I want to know why no one is asking you questions, and here are my … [Read more...]