Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Dr. Riddlebarger's Lecture, "B. B. Warfield on Arminians and Evangelicals"

Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield (1851-1921)Image via WikipediaJames Swan posted this awesome lecture by Dr. Riddlebarger on the how B.B. Warfield thought of Armianism and the differences between being a Reformed Christian and an American Evangelical.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Dr. Riddlebarger's Lecture, "B. B. Warfield on Arminians and Evangelicals"
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Jakes Blasts Franklin Graham for Obama Comments

Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...                                      Image via WikipediaOne complaint some white conservative commentators decry that when they criticize Barack Obama they get labeled as racist, stupid rednecks. Of course that's because they say stupid, racist rednecked things about a Obama. For example, trying to argue that Obama is a Muslim or not really born in America or that implying that all his accomplishments were because of affirmative action is just stupid and desperate. However when black people criticize Obama they are called "jealous" or "traitors".  However, although I respect President Obama, he is not the Messiah, he's just a man. Brilliant? Yes. Perfect? No. He is no less a Christian than any other American who hasn't been born-again and doesn't consider the Bible infallible. Does that make him a liar? No but it does mean he needs to get saved.


Look at the following speech where he definitely doesn't look at scripture the way born-again Christians look at the Bible.

Jakes Blasts Franklin Graham for Obama Comments
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Egyptian Female Protesters Forced To Take 'Virginity Tests': Report

Sounds like Lara Logan wasn't the only woman who suffered atrocious treatment on the day Egyptians were supposed to be celebrating freedom from a dictator. Some seem to want to trade one tyranny for another. Throw off the bonds of one prison for another: Sharia Law. Read the report at the following link.




Egyptian Female Protesters Forced To Take 'Virginity Tests': Report
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YouTube - Paris Thomas

There is a series of ads from the Mormons in an attempt to change the image of the Mormon church.





When I see black people in those ads it always amazes me. I wonder if they ever are told what the founder of the Mormon church, Joseph Smith, thought about black people. Here is a quick video explaining what Mormonism used to teach.



What Mormon Theology Is Really All About
Tags: What Mormon Theology Is Really All About


I know some atheists will look at this video and wonder how regular, historic Christianity is less racist? Some people who have been Christians may have been racist, but that does not mean that the Bible is racist or that it's institutionalized. Don't forget that Mormonism was his idea and we have no proof at all that he didn't just make it up. The Bible is an external text, written by multiple authors, spanning three continents and 1500 years, telling a cohesive story.

YouTube - Paris Thomas
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Norman Geisler vs. Paul Kurtz Debate MP3 Audio - Apologetics 315

Here is an awesome debate between Dr Norman Geisler and Dr Paul Kurtz.

An intense debate between Dr. Geisler and Humanist Paul Kurtz (co-author of Humanism Manifesto II). Includes debate on: What is the origin of the Universe? How did life begin on earth? Is Humanism a threat to academic freedom? Is Jesus Christ God? And, Is there a basis for morality?


Norman Geisler vs. Paul Kurtz Debate MP3 Audio - Apologetics 315
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Apologist Interview: Norman Geisler - Apologetics 315

Brian Auten has conducted a really great interview with Dr Norman Geisler. It wasn't just informative it was enjoyable.  Geisler answered a lot of great questions and gave great advice. IK can't recommend it enough.

Apologist Interview: Norman Geisler - Apologetics 315
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DC Comics to Relaunch All Titles at #1 with Same Day Digital Sales [UPDATED] - ComicsAlliance | Comic book culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews

Well, the big news that broke today in popular media is that DC Comics is going to reboot all of their characters this August. Some characters are going to be completely tossed, some tweaked, and others completely revamped - 52 titles - released in print and digitally simultaneously. The only title that there has been a picture released for is the new Justice League. Superman and Wonder Woman look different. Wonder Woman is in long pants. It's been a few years from since the last reboot, I guess it's time. I like the new line up for Justice League. I'm glad to see Aquaman and Cyborg. I'm also willing to bet the Flash is Barry Allen; Green Lantern is Hal Jordan, and Batman is Bruce Wayne. Yeah, it needs to be disambiguated.

DC Comics to Relaunch All Titles at #1 with Same Day Digital Sales [UPDATED] - ComicsAlliance | Comic book culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews
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THE INTERSECTION | MADNESS & REALITY: Dr. Cornel West Discusses Backlash From Obama Critique With Tavis Smiley [VIDEO]

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.





THE INTERSECTION | MADNESS & REALITY: Dr. Cornel West Discusses Backlash From Obama Critique With Tavis Smiley [VIDEO]

Monday, May 30, 2011

Debunking Christianity: What the Bible Says About Apostates Like Me

John Loftus posted the following on his blog:

There is an irreconcilable conflict between Jesus and Paul and Peter when it comes to how to view apostates that were once followers of Jesus. So argues former Pastor Bruce Gerencser.


There is quite a bit wrong with this article. It seems like Bruce Gerencser does not seem to know what faith he walked away from. I thought it might be instructive to respond paragraph by paragraph. My comments are in red.

There is an irreconcilable conflict between Jesus and Paul and Peter when it comes to how to view apostates that were once followers of Jesus

Interesting Premise. Let's see if he can substantiate such a bold assertion.

Progressive, liberal, kind-hearted Christians stress the two great laws emphasized by Jesus in Mark 12:28-33:
And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Love God and love your fellow man. All the laws of the Bible are summed up in these two commands, Love God and love your fellow man. If Christians truly embraced these two commands I suspect I would have very little to write about on this blog.

I don't think think that this is a "liberal" position at all. It is the truth of what Jesus taught and sums up not just his teaching but the whole of the Torah. I also agree that many Christians fall short of this ideal. In order for Bruce Gerencser to prove his point, he has to show that "love" does not mean showing error and pointing out falsehood.  He has to show that love does not mean holding others to a standard of  behavior, attitudes, and belief.  

Sadly most CHRISTians live in denial of the teachings of Christ. They are ensconced in the teaching of Paul and Peter, and they most often live lives in total denial of the teachings of the man they claim is their Lord and Savior.

So the crux of his argument is that Paul and Peter taught contradictory theology than Jesus. Again, let's see if he can prove this. 

This is clearly shown by their response to people like me. For some reason, an evangelical pastor turned atheist is such a threat to the Christian faith of some that I must be attacked and ridiculed at every opportunity. So sharp are their attacks that I had to implement comment moderation and limit abusive commenters to one comment. (my thinking is they get one chance to tell me what an awful man I am so they better make it count, kind of like an enema) Angry smile

So did Peter and Paul attack people for leaving Christianity? I don't think so. Bruce Gerencser at least does provide the relevant scriptures in his article. Peter and Paul were not as concerned about people like Gerencser and Loftus who have left and no longer call themselves Christians. The threat is from people like Harold Camping who claim to be Christians but teach totally contradictions and lies - deceiving themselves and others. Loftus and Gerencser are not false brothers in Christ. They are out in the open.


Where does this need to attack and ridicule come from? Is it just a reflection of their lack of civility, maturity or a lack of character? I am sure this explains some of their behavior but I think they really do believe the Bible gives them warrant to say the things they say.
 
It is the lack of civility, maturity, and lack of character. Things that all human beings should be working on. There seems to be a double standard. Atheists can be mean. Condescending. Insulting. And it's okay. But if A Christian shouldn't. Why? Instinctively we know the Bible is true and we, even Atheists, expect more from the God-fearing  than from the Godless.

What does the Bible say?
Peter writes in 2 Peter 2:1-22:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
How does Peter describe people like me?
  • A false teacher who brings upon himself swift destruction
  • A person who, with his words, manipulates people for material gain
  • A person who deserves the judgment and damnation of God
  • A person who is like the people God killed in the flood, the people God killed with fire and brimstone at Sodom and Gomorrah, and like the rebellious angels God cast out of heaven
  • Like a dog who eats its own vomit
  • Like a sow wallowing in the mud
  • Like Balaam
Let’s face it Peter describes people like me in such a way that many Christians conclude we are worthy of all the derision we receive.

Looking closely at Gerencser's bullet list summarizing the above 22 verses, I've got to ask: How does this describe the apostate? By definition a person who outright and publicly becomes an atheist or agnostic, cannot be a false prophet. Someone who stays in the church, pretending to be a brother and sister but instead is an enemy - either purposely or unwittingly. An apostate cannot be this kind of sinner because we all know they are no longer in the Church.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1-10
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.
Paul paints a lurid picture of apostates like me. Paul says my “folly” will be made manifest to all men and many Christians feel they have the gift of manifestation. Devil

This passage does not just refer to apostates...it refers to all sinners! Jannes and Jambres were Israelites who went against Moses, they paid for their sins. Again they weren't apostates in the same since that Loftus, Gerencser, and Bart Ehrman are apostates. They didn't come out and say "I don't believe in your God, Moses."  Jannes and Jambres challenged Moses leadership and spoke contrary to what God saying that they spoke for the God that delivered Israel up out of Egypt. Loftus, Gerencser, and Ehrman are not doing the same.


Paul writes in Romans 1:16-32:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
People like me are described as those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. We worship the creation rather than the creator. We refuse to acknowledge God and we give him no worship or thanks. Our foolish hearts are darkened and we are vain in our imaginations. Result? God gives us over to a reprobate mind.
According to the Bible I am a reprobate, a person beyond the grace of God., a person who has already secured a berth in hell.

Again, Paul is not just talking about Apostates but all those who  deny God by living their own way. The other thing Paul is not saying that all such people are beyond the grace of God. Not all atheists are given over. Some, God still saves them and replace their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. If one wants salvation, there is still a chance to get right and not be finally turned over to a reprobate mind. I've seen such people, but the majority of cases I see is that God gives multiple opportunities to avoid that state of mind. You just don't know when your last chance is.

In Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-29 Paul makes it clear that people like me have no hope of God ever extending grace to us again:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
apostasy_exitThese verses make it clear that apostates like me have no second chance. We have spit in the face of God, we have trampled under our feet the blood of Jesus, and we have spited the spirit of grace. We are enemies of God.

I wonder if Gerencser knows that a majority of scholars don't think Paul wrote Hebrews. Guess not. Well, it matters not because the question is has an apostate truly experienced enlightenment. The point of the passage is not that it's possible to fall away but why it's impossible to fall away. Jesus died once and for all. There are no take-backsies or oopsies! One passage that I think is missing from this discussion is 1 John 2:18.19

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

The Bible, if you look at all the passages together, you can't conclude Hebrews is saying that a believer can fall away. 

According to the Bible, since I am a unregenerate, unsaved person I have a deceitful, wicked heart. I am incapable of doing good and I am unable to love in the truest sense of the word. (because true love comes from God)

Not just apostates - EVERYONE!!!

I make no bones about my beliefs. I don’t believe there is a god. I don’t believe that Jesus was God nor do I believe he died on the cross for my sins and resurrected from the dead three days later. I totally reject the Christians concept of original sin. I also reject any notion that suggests the Bible is a divine book written by God, a book that every human being is obligated to obey. I am an atheist.

Fair enough. I think that defines an atheist. If Gerencser had ever been born again, he'll come back to God. Or hopefully, if he hadn't been born again, he can truly be set free and know God as he is and not who he thought God is.

At one time I believed the Bible was the inspired, inerrant Word of God. I believed that there was one God and that Jesus, the son of God, died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead three days later, thus vanquishing sin and death. I believed that Jesus was the way, truth, and life. As Paul said of himself, I at one time said of myself, I KNOW in whom I have believed…At one time, according to the book of 1 John, I had a know-so salvation.

So what happened? Jesus said in John 3 that we must born again. Head knowledge is not enough. Once one is born, can one become unborn? Nope....didn't think so.

Christian people who meet me, interact with me on Facebook, or trade emails with me are often faced with a dilemma. I am a nice guy who is kind and compassionate most of the time. I love my family and I love my neighbors. My “good” works stack up quite favorably with many of the super-saints that come to this blog to tell me what their God thinks of me. Ask the people who know me about my life and character. I have no doubt the report will be favorable. (I am not perfect to be sure but I am a better Christian than many of the Christians I know)

If Gerencser was a Christian then he would know it's not about your "good works" that makes you justified from your sins. None of us is perfect. None of us is worthy.

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. - Isaiah 64:6
 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.- Ephesians 2:8-10

But, the Bible says……….. I know some Christians want to see me in a good light, but doing so puts them in direct conflict with the Bible. Paul and Peter are not ambiguous on the matter. What’s it going to be?

Paul and Peter were right. And they did not contradict Jesus in the slightest. More on this at the end of this post

I fully understand why some Christians believe that I am a deadly enemy, an enemy they are commanded to wage war against. (Ephesians 6) Thousands of people read this blog and, in the minds of the warring faithful, I am an enemy of their eternal souls. They feel obligated to speak up for God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Christian faith. They feel they will be rewarded by God for standing up for the faith once delivered to the saints. Well done thou good and faith Servant. Enter in……

I don't consider apostates as enemies. Just more people to witness to in hopes that they really catch a hold of God for real and never depart again.Vocal ones like Loftus who have taken it upon themselves to attack that which they once confessed are often used to argue that Christianity is false because if it were true they wouldn't have left it. This doesn't hold up in practice or in the Bible.

Some Christians attempt to navigate a third way when dealing with people like me. They think I was hurt by the Church and that my apostasy is an emotional response to the hateful, nasty, mean-spiritedness that is all too common in Evangelical Christianity. In their minds I am still a Christian, one that has been wounded by the Church.

I think Gerencser is right. People do look at it that way. Of course that isn't what the Bible says. If he thinks the norm and common in Christianity is hateful, nasty, and mean-spiritedness, I'd like to know what churches you have been to, so I don't go there. That hasn't been my experience at all.

I readily admit there is an emotional component to my defection from Christianity. However, it is not the primary reason. The issue is, and remains so, that I do not believe the Bible is truth and I do not have the requisite faith to believe. I am the enemy of God.

So basically, Gerencser agrees with Paul in Romans 8:5-8

  5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

I am quite happy when a liberal minded, progressive Christian sincerely attempts to love me as their neighbor but I do understand WHY many Christians respond differently. The Bible is on their side. The liberal minded, progressive Christian has love, compassion, civility, and decency on their side. They are good people. But, if life is all about preparing to meet God, if it is allow about preparing for eternity, if it is all about keeping the commandments of God, then the Bible believers who eviscerate me and attempt to sodomize me with the words of the Bible clearly have God on their side.

I'm not happy with the way we sometimes upset God's message so that it can't be heard over how awful we are and how we treat others. I agree that life is "all about preparing to meet God, if it is all about preparing for eternity, if it is all about keeping the commandments of God". The thing is that without love, compassion, civility, and decency you can't prepare to meet God. At the same time you don't need to compromise truth. Yes, sinners are going to hell. The bad news is that we are sinners and worthy of death. The good news is that Jesus has paid your debt and if you accept Him and obey Him, you receive the righteousness he purchased for you with His own blood. 1 Peter 3:14-16 says:


14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I have to say that Gerencser failed to prove a fundamental point he attempted to raise that Jesus taught different than Peter and Paul regarding apostasy. Peter and Paul had strong words against those who twist and subvert scripture for their own selfish and evil ends! So did Jesus. Don't believe it. Look at what He said to the religious leaders of his day!


23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
   27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. - Matthew 23:26-28

And this is one of the nicest things Jesus said against them. This is one of the reasons why they hated Jesus so much. He told the truth about them and they weren't apostates. They were "wolves in sheep clothing."  God does not play about leading others astray while pretending to be following Him 


Debunking Christianity: What the Bible Says About Apostates Like Me
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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Evidences the Gospels were Based on Eyewitness Accounts - Apologetics 315

Brian Auten posted this great lecture by Dr Peter J Williams about what evidences do we have that point to the Gospels being based on eyewitness accounts. Follow the link to hear it.

Evidences the Gospels were Based on Eyewitness Accounts - Apologetics 315
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Answering Muslims: Anti-Christian Bigotry in Dearborn

DEARBORN, MI - APRIL 22:  A woman holds up a c...Image by Getty Images via @daylifeFor months now David Wood and others have been pointing to the changes in a society where Muslims become the majority. Islam is not just a religion, as we think of religion in West. It's political, social, economic - a way of life. We have also heard that in such a society Christians are persecuted. Could this happen in the United States. Of course. We know that Muslims are persecuted in most societies where they are the minority. The difference is that when Christians persecute anyone, they are acting in direct opposition to what the Bible says but when Muslims persecute non-Muslims they are following the Qur'an. David Wood posted the following video from a Christian who lives in Dearborn, Michigan which has Muslims as the majority.




Answering Muslims: Anti-Christian Bigotry in Dearborn
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Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Eavesdropping on Campingites

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 13: Osvaldo Colon walks the...Image by Getty Images via @daylifeJames Swan has posted some comments from Harold Camping's supporters for how his heresy mistake in predicting the Rapture has affected their own lives as well as people they know.


Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Eavesdropping on Campingites
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Iron Sharpens Iron: Mark Allison: Harold Camping Still Defiant

Dr Mark Allison was interviewed recently on Iron Sharpens Iron. He discussed Harold Camping's defiant and stubborn attitude. Follow the link to hear it.

Iron Sharpens Iron: Mark Allison: Harold Camping Still Defiant
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The Bible illustration blog: Drawing the Ark of the Covenant.

The Ark of the CovenantImage via WikipediaI really enjoy the Bible Illustration Blog! The latest post is about the theories and ideas around how the Ark of the Covenant actually looked! Did the cherubim on the lid use both wing to cover the mercy seat? Did the poles run parallel with the long side? Short side? These questions are asked and discussed. This is a wonderful job!!!!

The Bible illustration blog: Drawing the Ark of the Covenant.
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A Lesser-Known Heretic That You Should Know About

Jamin Hubner posted a blog article pointing out that although Harold Camping has been getting a lot of attention there are other heretical folks with a platform. Hubner explains the teachings of Pastor Joel Finck, who like Camping, thinks he is the only one who understands God. Hubner exposes Finck's mistaken theologies. Follow the link to read Hubner's post.

A Lesser-Known Heretic That You Should Know About
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Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Catholic Apologist Jimmy Akin is a "Semi-Calvinist"?

James Swan has written a very interesting article based on another article that criticizes Jimmy Akin's attempt to redefine Calvinism from a Roman Catholic perspective. Looking at it underscores how Calvinist theology and Roman Catholic theology differs.
I can't help but recall Geisler's Chosen But Free. It's true, Akin does indeed modify TULIP to be palatable for Romanism, as Geisler tried to make it palatable for Evangelical Arminians.

The article includes excerpts from Akin's attempt to Romanize the five doctrines of Grace known by the acronym TULIP. This is a great article for anyone who is interested in Calvinism and Roman Catholicism.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Catholic Apologist Jimmy Akin is a "Semi-Calvinist"?
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Answering Muslims: Who Was Muhammad?

Londonistan: How Britain is Creating a Terror ...Image via WikipediaDavid Wood has posted a great article summarizing who Muhammad is and and response to Islam's claims about him. This is a must-read!

Answering Muslims: Who Was Muhammad?
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Saturday, May 28, 2011

FacePalm of the Day #81 - Debunking Christianity: Harold Camping Step Aside, Jesus Was Wrong And Should Be Ignored Too

John Loftus pointed to the following video but he and many other often make this facepalm worthy accusations against Jesus. They claim that Jesus should be considered a false prophet because he promised his 2nd advent in the lifetime of his followers and it didn't happen. Still hasn't happened yet. Here is the video:





So why is this not a problem? Let's look at the scriptures and deal with three accounts being pointed towards.
28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it[d] is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. - Mark 13:28-31

32 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it[e] is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. - Matthew 24:32-34

29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:29-33

Many skeptics say we should try to read the Bible horizontally. Let's do that. The question is what does "generation" mean? The events Jesus is referring to can't mean his second advent given the verses that comes from directly after their proof texting.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
   35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” - Mark 13:32-37

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
   42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. - Matthew 24:36-44

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”  - Luke 21:34-36

So why would Jesus in one breath say "I'll be back in your lifetime." And then in the next breath say "no one knows the day or hour" and to live as though it  could be at any moment." Does that make sense? That is a major contradiction and there is no reason to add it. Even if you think that the Gospels are not inspired or written according to eyewitness testimony, you have to admit that it makes no sense for a single author to conflict himself so strikingly. It makes more sense to agree that Jesus was not saying the Judgment day was promised before Jesus' hearers died. Many scholars today actually look at these passages as referring to more than just Jesus' second coming but refers to the destruction of the 2nd Temple and Jerusalem in 70 AD. Some even think that the entire passage only refers to 70 AD. I'm not willing to go that far.

As for what Jesus meant by "generation", the word was translated from the Greek word "Genea". Genea can refer to the group of people living at the same time. However "race" or "that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family". Jesus clearly was not saying he would return before everyone who was listening him died.  He did promise that they would see their nation destroyed before that group who was listening to him all died out.

Recall what the disciples were asking Jesus. They asked him:

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” - Matthew 24:3
 
Was Jesus wrong? No he wasn't. He answered their question. I don't think it can be shown that those who heard Jesus heard what Loftus reads into Jesus' words now. I do think the Bible bears out that they did think Jesus was going to return in their lifetimes. Jesus told them to live as if He was going to return in their lifetimes. Just as we should today. However, Jesus did not set at a date. Neither should we.

Debunking Christianity: Harold Camping Step Aside, Jesus Was Wrong And Should Be Ignored Too
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Friday, May 27, 2011

Infographic: Casualties From The War On Terror, 9/11, And The… | The Angry Black Woman


Picture is worth many words.

Infographic: Casualties From The War On Terror, 9/11, And The… | The Angry Black Woman
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Iron Sharpens Iron: Kenneth R. Samples: Does Harold Camping Meet the Criteria for Being a Cult Leader?

Harold Camping in 2008                           Image via WikipediaRecently  Dr. Ken Samples was a guest on Iron Sharpens Iron. He discussed the question of whether or not we should consider Harold Camping a cult leader or not? He discussed how to recognize a cult. Very interesting discussion.

Iron Sharpens Iron: Kenneth R. Samples: Does Harold Camping Meet the Criteria for Being a Cult Leader?
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Hold the Doomsday Predictions, Please | Reflections

Dr Ken Samples has posted a good article about how Christians should think about eschatology and suggests some further reading. Give that Campinghas shouwn us how to butcher eschat0logy, an article like this is right on time.

Hold the Doomsday Predictions, Please | Reflections
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Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Now that Judgment Day Has Arrived, What Will Family Radio Play?

The end of the world!Image by Newbirth35 via FlickrI was wondering what Camping would be teaching now? A caller called into Open Forum and asked him. She got the following instructions..... I mean....this is what Family Radio is gonna do.

1. Stop witnessing
2. No more tracts (can't have written documentation, y'know)
3. Play comforting music.
4. Read your Bible.

Summary:
So 1988, the Church came under Judgment...he says.
Now the whole earth is under judgment and no one else who was saved before May the 21st can be saved. And you can't know if you were saved.

Conclusion:
More lies. No repentance. The Bible says no  such things.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Now that Judgment Day Has Arrived, What Will Family Radio Play?
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Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Fearful Teen Commits Suicide Due to Harold Camping's Judgment Day Prediction

Harold Camping in 2008                         Image via WikipediaI thought that some people could be pushed by Harold Camping's propaganda into extreme and dangerous acts of desperation. A 14 year-old girl in Russia committed suicide because she thought she missed the rapture. A young man from Florida drowned when he jumped into the reservoir in Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, CA. I'm sure that Harold Camping does not really think he is responsible for this or anyone. The Bible tells us that people who teach his word are responsible for we teach others. Even if our government does not hold Camping responsible, God does  Jesus said:.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! - Matthew 18:6-7


This is a great article. Here are some valuable resources about what is currently happening with this story.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Fearful Teen Commits Suicide Due to Harold Camping's Judgment Day Prediction
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