The MLK that's never quoted - BlackScienceFictionSociety

Image via Wikipedia

Of course, these remarks from Martin Luther King Jr are almost never quoted because he sounds like Malcom X and the Black Panthers - pointing out that racism is so pervasive that its in the dictionary and that we need to love ourselves as black people...not more than we love white people and other people but we must realize that we are just as good as everyone else and not less than them because we are black and they are not.  I know I have never heard these remarks from MLK until today.

The MLK that's never quoted - BlackScienceFictionSociety

YouTube - Debate: God - Delusion or Truth? Muslim vs. Atheist

I often wonder if Muslims ever debate Atheists. Looks like they do! I disagree with Islam on many things but I've got to admit that Islam is closer to reality than Atheism

The Big Debate: God - Delusion or Truth?

The Debaters:

Rick Lewis is the founder and editor of Philosophy Now, and thereby one of the main initiators of the popular philosophy movement in the English speaking world http://www.philosophynow.org

Hamza Andreas Tzortzis is a senior researcher and lecturer for iERA. He has participated in debates both at home and internationally with leading academics and intellectuals. Hamza delivers lectures across the world to articulate and shed indispensable light on Islam and its way of life http://www.hamzatzortzis.blogspot.com

YouTube - Debate: God - Delusion or Truth? Muslim vs. Atheist

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: The words of a very consistent Atheist

There is a great quote from Paul Myers, professor at the University of Minnesota, on the purpose of life:

First, there is no moral law: the universe is a nasty, heartless place where most things wouldn't mind killing you if you let them. No one is compelled to be nice; you or anyone could go on a murder spree, and all that is stopping you is your self-interest (it is very destructive to your personal bliss to knock down your social support system) and the self-interest of others, who would try to stop you. There is nothing 'out there' that imposes morality on you, other than local, temporary conditions, a lot of social enculturation, and probably a bit of genetic hardwiring that you've inherited from ancestors who lived under similar conditions.

I got this from Mike Felker's blog and had to comment. I disagree with Myers, but like Mike observed at least Myers is consistent and is honest about where is atheism leads. The scary part to me is that this doesn't bother Myer, or at least it doesn't seem to. People like Hitchens and Dan Barker are unwilling to accept that Myers is accurately describing the conclusion their worldview inevitably leads.

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: The words of a very consistent Atheist

ghettoManga: Quotable

"What is it in France they say? 'America contributed three things to culture: jazz, musical comedy and comic books.'"
-Neal Adams
legendary comicbook
artist (Batman)

 

Thanks, Samax!!!!!

ghettoManga: Quotable

Truthbomb Apologetics: Featured Podcast: Reasonable Faith- The Hitchens Debate

Here is a quote from Truthbomb Apologetics. It's Dr. William Lane Craig making comments on his  podcasts about his debate with Christopher Hitchens from last April.

In this new podcast from Reasonable Faith, Dr. William Lane Craig reflects back on his April 4th, 2009 debate with atheist Christopher Hitchens on the topic of "Does God Exist?"

Thanks, Chad!

Truthbomb Apologetics: Featured Podcast: Reasonable Faith- The Hitchens Debate

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Fate of the Lost Tribes of Israel

Dr. Claude Mariottini has posted a great article about the "Lost 10 Tribes of Israel". It stands as a summary of his own posts on the subject as well as point to an article by Arnold Ages. I'm planning to review more of this material but Mariottini quoted the following and it bugged me a little bit.

"Conquered and deported nations do not generally blend in and become supporters of the regime or empire that carted them off from their native lands."

I have never tried to come up with hard numbers but it seems to me that tactic of conquering and redistribution of the vanquished peoples seems historically successful. The Jews maintaining the cultural,ethnic, and religious identity in the context of being a minority group seems to be an exception not the rule. I mean for African-Americans - the descendants of conquered, enslaved, and deported people - have almost no conscious ties to our ancestry. In other words the method still works and the societies that suffer the loss almost never seem to recover.

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Fate of the Lost Tribes of Israel

Iron Sharpens Iron: James R. White: King James Only Gone Wild!: A Response to the Scheduled Bible & Book Burning in North Carolina

Tomorrow there will be a book burning in which Bibles and books by Christians who are not King James Only will be burned! James White was on Iron Sharpens Iron this week to discuss such cults. You can go to the link hear the program and see the response made by the pastor running the book burning when asked to defend his position on the air.

Iron Sharpens Iron: James R. White: King James Only Gone Wild!: A Response to the Scheduled Bible & Book Burning in North Carolina

Debunking "EvilBible.com": Murder in the Bible

Image via Wikipedia

 Here is a great post responding to ideas on EvilBible.com regarding to "murder" in the Bible. Consider the author of the material on EvilBible.com refuted - utterly!

Debunking "EvilBible.com": Murder in the Bible

Christian Apologetics - Life and Doctrine: Trinity : is Jesus Identified as God?

is Mariano's part 2 on the Trinity. This time he focuses on scriptures that show Jesus is God. He even gives quotes from the first century by non-Christians that show that the first Christians believed and taught Jesus' deity.

Christian Apologetics - Life and Doctrine: Trinity : is Jesus Identified as God?

Rediscovering the Historical Jesus MP3 Audio by William Lane Craig - Apologetics 315

Apologetics 315 has posted a great lecture from William Lane Craig about the historical Jesus. Dr. Craig lectures on the claims of the Jesus' Seminar. He ends up talking about the reliability of the gospels and what we really know of Jesus. This is a great lecture. As a bonus,Dr. Craig gives his reasons why he believes the resurrection and discusses the gnostic gospels in quite some detail!

Rediscovering the Historical Jesus MP3 Audio by William Lane Craig - Apologetics 315

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Secret Gospel of Mark

Image via Wikipedia

I heard of a "Secret Gospel of Mark" before this awesome post by Dr. Claude Mariottini.  I heard of "Biblical scholar Morton Smith" and his discovery. The account I heard also says that no one else has seen this Gospel but him. It's also interesting to me that it seems to contain thing that to any modern mind could be construed as gnostic at best and painting Jesus as a homosexual as worst. I'm excited about this post because it gives access to a fuller article on this. I can't wait to read it. 

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Secret Gospel of Mark

YouTube - Toledo Ohio Bar Shoot out

Image via Wikipedia

Image via CrunchBase

I originally saw this video on CNN, I believe this where they got it from. I'm not sure even what to say about this.






YouTube - Toledo Ohio Bar Shoot out

Shared via AddThis

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Luther's (~)Calvinism, a Follow Up

Image via Wikipedia

Yesterday, I wrote a post about James Swan's interview on Iron Sharpens Iron. He was kind enough to add follow-up comments on his own blog! Check him out!

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Luther's (~)Calvinism, a Follow Up

Atheism is Dead: Adolf Hitler Was a Christian! Was Adolf Hitler a Christian?, part 2 & 3

Image via Wikipedia

 Here is the second part of Mariano's post on his blog. It is excellent because he actually tackles the question of what we know about what Hitler's relationship to the Catholic church. I think he shows Hitler was catholic in name only and did not live his life as a Christian. I realize that some people think that this is beating a dead horse and in some ways that is true. There is no leg to stand on to say that Hitler was a Christian. However this does not stop dishonest proponents of atheist from trying to prop up that dead horse. As long as they keep trying to argue that Hitler was a Christian, posts like the ones Mariano writes will be needed!


Atheism is Dead: Adolf Hitler Was a Christian! Was Adolf Hitler a Christian?, part 2

Adolf Hitler Was a Christian! Was Adolf Hitler a Christian?, part 3

Librarians Refuse to Lend 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' to 11-Year-Old, Call It 'Porn'

Image via Wikipedia

I just read an article about librarians being fired over not allowing an 11 year-old girl checkout The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel.

Here's how a local news station, WTVQ, described the incident:

Beth Bovaire worked at Jessamine County Public Library up until a month ago. She and Sharon Cook worked as librarians- the two were fired last month when they say they didn't allow a child check out a book from the league of extraordinary gentleman series.

"My friend Sharon had brought it to me on Wednesday, and she said 'look at this book it's filthy and it's on hold for an 11 year old girl,' and I said well okay, lets take it off hold."

The Jessamine County Library director says it's against their policy to speak about employee terminations but he did give me a copy of their policy and it clearly states the responsibilities of the child's reading must lye with the parents and not with the library.

The women say the books contain lewd pictures of men and women in sexual situations that are inappropriate for children.

I think it may be because of my age, but I see nothing pornographic about the book. It is no more risque than anything rated PG-13 today. Believe me, Alan Moore has written far kinkier stuff (Watchmen)! I think that this is an example of censorship in ignorance. The story for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
is about all the greatest adventure and fantasy characters of late 19th century British Literature teaming up to save the world as a superhero team! I think it's a brilliant premise. I mean to name a few: Captain Nemo (20,0000 Leagues Under The Sea), Alan Quartermain, Dr Jekell, the Invisible Man, Dorian Gray, and other characters teaming up is exciting! Don't these "educators" want young people exposed to these characters. This could help inspire young people to seek out the original stories!



Librarians Refuse to Lend 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' to 11-Year-Old, Call It 'Porn'

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Thus saith Colbert...

Image via Wikipedia

I realize that Colbert is mocking conservative news talk shows. But this is very funny. He points out that both sides of the debate of whether or not it is lawful for a cross to be memorializing dead veterans of WWI on federal land. Atheistic Liberals are silly because the cross has been there for 70 years so why should any anyone be offended now. Justice Scalia's defense for keeping it is silly because now saying that the cross is just a symbol for the dead, robs it of any significance and is offensive.

Bonus: Colbert recites nearly the whole Apostolic Creed!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30
The Word - Symbol-Minded
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Religion

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Thus saith Colbert...

Hank Hanegraaff - Discerning Myths That Abound

Here is a great article by Hank Hanegraaff in which he describes many of the quesetions facing our society. Give it read. I like what he has to say.

Hank Hanegraaff - Discerning Myths That Abound

Shared via AddThis

Iron Sharpens Iron Interview: Did Martin Luther Believe in the Reformed Tulip?

This was a great interview of apologist James Swan. The discussion revolves around the question did Martin Luther would agree with the Reformed "TULIP" doctrine. I really enjoyed it.  Sawn talked about Luther's book Bondage of the Will, which I also read. It is the only full work of Luthor's that I have personally read. Five hundred years ago, Luther buried much of debate of human free will.  I agreed with Swan about how he see the book. The one one thing is that i would not say that Luther was paradoxical in that book  I thought he was clear. No one can come to God on their own and God chooses who will be saved but none of us can even guess at how He does that. Luther also sad that by all rights we all deserve hell. No one is righteous on their own no matter what we do. I agree. It's the way of Jesus or no way.

It was interesting to hear someone  else's take on if Martin Luther were around today would he be a Five-Point Calvinist?  Note: TULIP is an acronym.for each of the 5 points. From the research I have done, here is my take.

"T" stands for "Total Depravity" which means that no man, woman, or child is without sin and are unable to live a life perfectly pleasing God on our own. Ig there is only one "petal" on this tulip that we can be sure Luther agreed with this would be it.

"U" stands for "Unconditional election" which means that God choose who will be saved on the basis of his will not ours. Keep in mind that the point is that without this act of God we would all be going to hell anyway. I agree with Swan. I think Luther would be all over this one too.

"L" stands for "Limited Atonement" which means that Jesus' atoning sacrifice was for the elect - those God foreknew and fore-ordained  for salvation. This is one "petal" that I myself struggle with. Most Calvinist seem to look at this one as safe-guarding us from the conclusion that Jesus died for sinner who are never redeemed.  I see their point. Dr. James White does a good job arguing this point. However we do have a scripture 1 John 2:1,2  that says:

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

I don't really know what to make of all of it yet, however Martin Luther didn't seem to embrace this one either. I agree with Sawn. I saw nothing in Bondage of the Will to lead me to conclude that Luther would agree with the big "L"  but he would not say that a person missed being in the elect because they chose not to be elect. I mean you can't elect yourself to anything. Why would salvation be different? Luther basically said that we should not try to figure out why this person gets saved and that one person gets passed over...just preach the Gospel to everyone.

"I" means "irresistible grace" it means that God saves us by his grace and no one can resist it.  I agree with this. Because Jesus said no one can snatch his chosen out of the Father's hand.  Surely we can't climb out either. John 10:27-29:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.

I could not tell if Luther agreed with this or not. So i'll just accept Swan's reasoning until i read more of Luther's work.

"P" means "perseverance of the saints" sometimes referred to "eternal security". All it means is that none of the elect are ever lost.  I agree. Philippians 1:4-7

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.

I also don't know what Luther thought about this because Bondage of the Will does not go into much detail on what Luther thought on this one. I think that Swan's conclusion was reasonable however.

Iron Sharpens Iron Interview: Did Martin Luther Believe in the Reformed Tulip?

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: A Debate with a Mormon Apologist: Did God ever Sin?

Image by ilmungo via Flickr

 Here is a great resource for understanding what Mormons believe. I have heard and read in their own materials that mormons believe what Mike posted. I don't see any way that he misrepresented what they believe:

From what I know about Mormon theology, they believe that God was once a man who lived on another planet who eventually progressed to Godhood. From a Christian perspective, this brings about some serious questions and implications such as, "Did God ever Sin?" Here, a Mormon apologist is confronted with the issue:

This debate is interesting. It's frightening to me what Mormons believe. He actually admit that Mormons (the men) will become gods themselves, worshiped by their own spirit-children, and that God could have been a sinner before He became god. Scary and totally unbiblical. The Mormon further says that God made the earth from pre-existing materials. No way does it mesh with the Bible.

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: A Debate with a Mormon Apologist: Did God ever Sin?

Playin' Around with Providence

Here is the lecture on "Middle Knowledge" Dr. White gave at a conference last Friday., October 23 2009. It is very good and I'm convinced that middle Knowledge does not explain how God runs reality.










Playin' Around with Providence: Part1

Is There A connection Between Jesus and Zeus?

Image via Wikipedia

I really enjoy the History Channel series known as Clash of the Gods. In the series myths are explored and evaluated and the historical underpinnings are examined. Although it's not explicitly stated the "clash" is between the mythological god who is the subject of episode versus Christianity I say this because each episode does seem to try to suggest that Christian doctrine and theology is based on pagan myths and legends. This no different of the Zeus episode. Although the parallel is stated, it's not discussed. Let us discuss it now.

Zeus is said to have been born and his father tries to kill him. His father ate all his children because he was afraid that one of them would supplant him. His mother saved Zeus by tricking the father, Chronos, to eat a huge rock instead of the Baby. A full treatment is given in the following link: Jesus And Zeus May Not Be So Different After All - The Striking Parallels between the Christian Nativity Story and the Pagan Birth of Zeus

Where Christ was born in a manger in a cave, Zeus was also born in a cave. Where Christ was surrounded by animals that gave him warmth when he was born, Zeus was brought sustenance by the she-goat Amalthea. Where Christ was hidden from King Herod, Zeus was also hidden, this time from his father Cronus, who ate his other children whole.

Furthermore, Christians believe that Christ was crucified, died and was resurrected. The myths of Crete in Greece have it that the Cretan-born Zeus died in the autumn of each year and was reborn again in spring.

I find it shocking that Jesus' nativity would ever be compared to Zeus' birth. Baby Jesus being attended by animals is not even in the Bible. That idea was added later. Also to equate the flavor of the Zeus legend that has him dying and being reborn cyclically, sounds a lot more like Odin than the way Zeus was known all over Greece. It just doesn't hold up.

Let's compare Jesus and Zeus' character. Zeus was vengeful, womanizer and a serial rapist. In no way is Jesus anything like him. But a lot of men are like him. Zeus threw thunderbolts, but the Bible tells us Jesus controlled all of the power of a storm - not just Thunder and lighting. The interesting thing is from my research I have found that in the ancient world that only a god could control the weather. Jesus spoke and the weather obeyed. The Bible is clearly saying the Jesus can do things that Zeus was never said to do. In the myths, Zeus is said to dispense justice to men and the other Olympian gods. Jesus, as we see Him in the Bible, dispenses Justice and Mercy. Jesus also directly helps people - he heals the infirm, and he even raises the dead. Zeus never sacrifices himself for anything or anyone...he is selfish and self-centered. He is the complete opposite of Jesus. I see no way that if Jesus was made up that the archetype on which He is based is anything like Zeus. Jesus was a real person who actually lived and there is no such evidence for Zeus' existence.

I saw an internet question that caused a lot of insults against Jesus. The question asked who is more powerful: Jesus or Zeus? I was amazed at the answers people gave.They showed that they knew nothing of Jesus. One was that Zeus beat the tar out of monsters and the Titans, and then He asked what did Jesus ever do. I have an answer. Jesus beat death. Jesus conquered sin. Through Jesus we have victory over sin and reconciled back to God! That's more than anything Zeus has done. That is what Jesus did for me. A better question is what has Zeus done for you?

Today on the Dividing Line: A Review and Refutation of Middle Knowledge

Image via Wikipedia

On last Thursday's Dividing Line pod cast, James White gave a sneak preview of the lecture he will give on the nature of God's sovereign will with an emphasis on refuting "Middle Knowledge" also known as Molinism (proposed by the guy on right,. originally). Now, I've posted on this subject before, but Dr. White did such an awesome job of defining it and explaining why it's Biblically untenable as a preview to the conference he lectured at last Friday, the I had to post a link to it. He directly challenged the public view of William Lane Craig. I admire WLC, but he is wrong on this middle knowledge thing. I would like to see a debate between these two on this subject.

Today on the Dividing Line: A Review and Refutation of Middle Knowledge

Christian Apologetics - Life and Doctrine: Trinity : Is the Father Identified as God?

Mariano continues his series on the Trinity. In this installment, he summarize the scriptural passages that show the Father is named God throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Christian Apologetics - Life and Doctrine: Trinity : Is the Father Identified as God?

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Books of the Old Testament

Image via Wikipedia

Dr. Mariottini does a great job in summarizing the structure of the Bible and how we got our English Translation. Check this out

Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Books of the Old Testament

Atheism is Dead: Science & Faith: Friends or Foes?

 Mariano announced on his blog that there will be a great conference on October 23 and 24  this year. I'm hoping that those of us who can't be there will be able to hear mp3 and watch video from the conference. If anyone find this information I sure hope they will share it. It seems interesting. Science and faith are compatible and not mutually exclusive.
Atheism is Dead: Science & Faith: Friends or Foes?

onegoodmove: Richard Dawkins - Bill Maher

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

I saw Richard Dawkins' appearance on Real Time, and I'm offended. They seemed to be just going back and forth bragging that they are not Christians. It was bothersome to me that there was no rebuttal and no interaction with any other viewpoint.

Richard Dawkins on Real Time with Bill Maher (10-2-09)
Uploaded by Xrunner17. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

onegoodmove: Richard Dawkins - Bill Maher

Posted using ShareThis