This one is a keeper! Atheist Daniel Barker (right) debated Christian Douglas Wilson (left) August 8, 1997. It's really, really good! I rea
lly enjoyed it. The question under debate was "Does the Triune God Exists?" I thought the most interesting thing about the debate was seeing atheism being argued against from a reformed position. While neither the doctrines of grace, predestination, nor Calvinism was mentioned but you can still see the reformed position very ably defended. For example when Barker asked about the origin of evil, Wilson admitted that God allows the presence of evil. I wish I could see a video of this, because I would have loved to have seen Barker's face. I'm reminded of how Walter Martin once dealt with this question. He pointed out that if God did not allow the existence of evil for a time, none of us would be here because he would have to destroy all of us. How many of you are glad that God chose to do things his way instead of our way? I am!I heard about this debate on Jame White's webcast when he started going over the debate and making great comments. Here is the original debate.
| barkerwilson1.mp3 |
| barkerwilson2.mp3 |
The recordings do not include audience questions but I found it really interesting to hear Barker's surprise in Wilson's admitting that God allows evil. I wish Wilson had been able to talk more about the existence of evil and how if God unilaterally destroyed all evil He would by definition obliterate every human being who exists, has ever existed, and will exist. I do prefer that God chooses to show his mercy towards all of us, but that also means that also see his wrath.
| barkerwilson3.mp3 |
The third part is Doug Wilson's thoughts about the debate and some of the decisions why he did things the way he did them.It was really interesting. James White's insightful commentary can be found on the following links at his website
Dividing Line 3/3/09
Dividing Ling 3/5/09
Dividing Line 3/11/09
I just finished listening to James White's comments and it was awesome all around.
ReplyDeleteGreat elucidation of Dan Barker's presuppositions, lack of biblical knowledge, and cheap debater's tricks.
One thing that was not specifically pointed out, but which Kyle Butt did mention during his 2-12-09 debate with Barker, is that even when he knows that during Q&A time his opponent will only have like 2 min. to answer he will, for example, throw out numerous self-servingly partial biblical references knowing full well that there is no way that his opponents could possible answer them all, or even a couple, in the time allotted.
aDios,
Mariano
Mariano, I think you are right. It is a cheap debating tactic. A rather pathetic attempt to trick people into thinking that he was really making valid points. I sure hope God allows Dan Barker to really and truly get saved because it almost seems like God has turned him over to himself. I never want to be in that position!
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoyed this debate, and if you can get ahold of it, I think you would really like Paul Manata's debate with Dan Barker.
ReplyDeleteI have a mp3 copy, but I think you can find it on youtbue in several parts.