Friday, December 31, 2010

Radio Free Geneva on Today's Dividing Line

Yesterday, Dr White did another "Free Radio Geneva" edition on the Dividing Line you can find link at his blog post linked below. I like these programs because he honestly tries to interact with folk who disagree with him but won't interact with him. Well everyone has to deal with that, I suppose.

Radio Free Geneva on Today's Dividing Line

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Responding to Saint Brian the Godless

One who calls himself Saint Brian the Godless has been trying to help Ryan Anderson out trying to stand against one of my blog posts regarding Noah's ark and the flood. During the course of discussion, Saint Brian the Godless finally made this appeal against Christianity. Rather than just dash off a comment I decided to take a whole post truly dissect what he said because this is about what the Gospel truly is. Also I wanted to move away from the heat because in the midst of it I could respond in a mean, defensive way and I truly want this post to help others because I know there are many people who think the way he does. He said the following:

You were a child once, that did not know to believe in God. Then your parents taught you about God. They learned it from their parents, and so on, back two thousand years. It was always a lie. Right from the start. Yo cannot (WILL NOT) consider that, not ever. You've been taught so much FEAR and RESPECT and even LOVE for God, that you can't even consider the possibility that, at least as regards the Christian version of God, there is no such thing at all. Oh sure, maybe tere's some sort of deity, who am I to say... but it's EASY to see that whatever it may be it it exists, one thing it most certainly is NOT, is your God. Sorry. Too many contradictions. One thing even your God cannot do, is to contradict logic. A loving God, for instance, would never have created hell. Period. No, shut up, it's really PERIOD. Nor would he have bet with the devil and tortured Job, nor would he have done a thousand other things that the bible says that HE DID. The mere existence of the book of Leviticus, totally INVALIDATES your whole faith.
So, you're screwed here, believing in a total malicious, life-negating lie. Again, my condolences.

There are many things in this comment. Let's try to enumerate his points...seriously consider if he is making good points or not.None of these are new. I will list them and give a response to each one.

1. The only reason why I (or anyone) is a Christian is because of a tradition and upbringing

I was raised in a Christian househould, but not everyone who is a born-again Christian was raised in a Christian household or even in the Western world. Add to the fact that some are raised in just as a pious household as I and they turn their backs on God and you can see how this is really a fallacious and silly argument. Let me be clear I love God  because He has personally changed my mind and heart and saved me from my sins because of his grace and mercy and not because of anything good in me.

2, We never consider if Christianity is a lie.

Of course I've considered it and looked at other religions and thoughts people have but I can find nothing wrong or contradictory in the Bible and I have looked and searched. The reason why I know Jesus truly saved me from my sins is that He changed my life and sustains me. On top of that there really are evidences that support the Bible and anything that attempts to stand against it can easily be knocked down.

3. We accept the existence of God because of we have been taught fear and respect.

Again: I believe in God because he deserves my respect and loved me first. I thank my parents for modeling this life but if it wasn't for my own  relationship with my Creator it would mean precious little for me. When I stand before my Savior, I won't be judged by what parents did, didn't do, or taught me. I, like you, will only be judged by what we say and do.

4. If there is a god it's not the God of the Bible.

The Bible says that God is all-powerful and knows everything - who else fits the bill?

5. Too many contradictions.

Many folks make the claim that the Bible is full of contradictions but when they start to name them you can see that they really are misunderstandings or lies. 

6.  A loving God, for instance, would never have created hell. Period.

When people use this they define "love" as meaning that you can do whatever you want without retribution or punishment or discipline.One has to look no farther than my own generation to see that  raising children this way is not a good idea. This is not what love is. Good thing that God does not run the universe this way. I always wonder when people raise this objection do they know what God should do with those people who don't want to obey Him but instead do things their own way including hurting other people?  God has chosen to separate himself from them and quarantining them from those who will love Him.  What do you think should happen? I think that God is being just. If you reject God now, you wouldn't change your mind if you were in hell.

7.  Nor would he have bet with the devil and tortured Job,

Misunderstanding of what the Bible says. A "bet" means you don't know what the outcome is and God knew and was always in control. Job's life shows us that bad things can and do happen to good people.All this does is to try to argue from emotion without seriously considering what is being said. Look at Job's attitude. He thanked God for showing him more of  God himself. His relationship was deepened even thought he was not told why God allowed all He did to happen to Job. Suffering does indeed teach such lessons - like it or not.  Job's life demonstrates Romans 8:28-29


 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.- Romans 8:28-29

8,  Nor would he have done a thousand other things that the bible says that HE DID.

Notice the catch all statement here with no explanation or proof. or example. I would ask, what has God done that you have a problem with? Good thing God inspired Paul to answer this nearly 2000 years ago. 

 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?  - Romans 9:19-21

9. The mere existence of the book of Leviticus, totally INVALIDATES your whole faith.

Here is the question "how?".. Leviticus tells us a whole lot about the ancient sacrificial system.This system was symbolic and pointed to Jesus Christ. Leviticus totally does not invalidate my faith - Putting your faith in Christ fulfills and validate that system. Read Hebrews and here is another example:.


23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 

 I think it is plainly obvious that if God is truly who the Bible says God is and has done what God said  God has done, we should not just believe with our minds but love and trust God with our minds, bodies and souls.


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The Bible illustration blog: Guest Bible Artist Interview #8 - Sergio Cariello

I am very familiar with Sergio Cariello's work. The man is an artistic genius and I own several comic books he drew. I'm glad to find out he is a Christian and has lent his considerable talents to the Action Bible. I sure plan to get a copy. This is great interview and you learn a lot about him, art, and how God can use art to bring glory to Himself. I found some videos regarding the Action Bible to show what I am excited about.








The Bible illustration blog: Guest Bible Artist Interview #8
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I'm Not Sure I Believe in Limited Atonement!

And Here is why Dr. James White thinks we should:



I'm planning a fuller post working through this material but this is a good place to start.

I Believe in Limited Atonement!
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High Five of the Day #6 - Muslim Miscellaneous

Here is a great article written by Dr. James White. He points out some anti-Christian propaganda published this year in the UK by Muslims. It is real important to read the article and think about the points he is bringing up. On the left is a picture he included in his post.


Muslim Miscellaneous

Responses to Notable Skeptics - Apologetics 315

Brain Auten has posted a link to Chad's Truthbomb Apologetics blog.. Chad has a series of article and resources about how to answer notable skeptics including Dan Barker, Richard Carrier, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Bart Ehrman, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and more. Follow the link to Apologetcis 315 to get the link to Truthbomb Apologetics.

Responses to Notable Skeptics - Apologetics 315
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FacePalm of the Day #42 - Exegeting Genesis 10:25

I always thinks it's pretty sad when one atheist attempts to save the arguments of another. It's even more of a fail when they try to use scripture to do it. Case in point - Ryan Anderson attempted to rebut my response to Richard Dawkins trying to use geography to show that the Bible could not be correct about the story of Noah.  My point was that according to Genesis 10:25 we cannot say that the earth's geography looks the same today as it did during Noah's time.We don't know when the Flood took place or how the continents were arranged.

25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided ; and his brother's name was Joktan.  - Genesis 10:25
Ryan Anderson wrote the following:

Sure, given how the word פלג is used in Chronicles, Job and Psalms, and the references to "language" in Genesis 10:5, 20 and 31 it's pretty clear that the authors were laying the ground work for the more detailed narrative of the fall of Babel in the very next chapter and not talking about plate tectonics at all.

Here is the problem:Ryan may be right about   פלג being used only 4 places in the Old Testament but he neglected to point out  that in the KJV it has always been translated "divided" and refers to something being divided and the word does not appear in the Tower of Babel account! Implying that the earth being divided in Genesis 10:25 is referring to what happened in Babel is dishonest. But let's be fair and ask a question: is the word translated "earth" ever applied to people, languages, or cultures? The word is used 2504 times in the Old Testament.  Of those 2504 times, how many times has the KJV translated it as  "language"? ZERO!!! Why? Simple: The word does not mean "language".


On a positive note, I thank Ryan Anderson for a prime example of eisegesis and scripture twisting. When it comes down to evicence Atheists have to disprove the Bible -scripture twisting is the only "evidence" they have. Let me be clear, in order for Ryan Anderson's argument to work he has to show that Genesis 10:25 does not refer to the earth itself but instead refers to the language of people. Did it work? Nope.






Palag (Strong number - 06385)

'erets - (strong number - 0776)



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Truthbomb Apologetics: Article: Faith and Facts by Greg Koukl

I really appreciate Chad for posting the article by Greg Koukl in which he discusses what faith is and how it relates to science,  It really is worth reading!!

Truthbomb Apologetics: Article: Faith and Facts by Greg Koukl
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Racists Totally Freak Out Over Muslim 'Batman of Paris' - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews

Comics Alliance has posted an important article calling attention to morons who don't like the fact that the new Batman of Paris is a Muslim. In case you haven't heard, in the comics Batman has franchised himself - choosing and supports men and women all over the world to be Batman-like characters. Apparently the hoopla is that the protector of Parish should be a white man and not a descendant of Islamic immigrants. Real stupid. The article does a great job of explaining the story and why the detractors are stupid! I really hate racism.


Racists Totally Freak Out Over Muslim 'Batman of Paris' - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews
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Iron Sharpens Iron: James R. White: The Qur'anic Test of Muhammad as a Prophet

James White was a recent guest on Iron Sharpens Iron in which he discussed whether or not Muhammad was a prophet. Another great program and good summary of how Islam contrasts with Christianity.


Iron Sharpens Iron: James R. White: The Qur'anic Test of Muhammad as a Prophet
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Iron Sharpens Iron: Sam Shamoun: The Jesus of the Qur'an vs. the Jesus of the Bible

Very recently Sam Shamoun was interviewed on Iron Sharpens Iron. I thoroughly enjoyed listening him explain how Islam views Jesus vs how we see Him. Really interesting and I recommend listening becauseyou can understand Christianity better if you understand how other view the same topics.

Iron Sharpens Iron: Sam Shamoun: The Jesus of the Qur'an vs. the Jesus of the Bible
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Monday, December 27, 2010

FacePalm of the Day #41 -Debunking Christianity: Richard Dawkins Debunks Noah's Ark

John Loftus posted the following video from Richard Dawkins. Dr Dawkins attempts to refute the account of Noah. You can look at the video below





I don't really understand why Dawkins can't see his own presuppositions:
1. The Bible gives us rough information to pin down when the story of Noah happened. But it doesn't.
2. That the Flood story happened when the earth's continents look like they do today. How does he know that?

I'm not a young earth creationist and I don't believe the Bible was ever intended to give us the method of dating the flood or human creation. Dr. Dawkins thinks that the problem is that people literally read the Bible as True. What does the Bible actually say? Set side for a moment any question you might have about if it is true or not and think about what it says.

25 Two sons were born to Eber:
One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan. - Genesis 10:25



What does this mean? Given that this passage is after the flood, how was the earth divided.  I think everyone agrees that there was one continent and it split. When did this happen? Science allows us to have a good idea. The Bible tells us that the split after the flood.  If there was only one continent prior to the flood and that there were fewer animal types on the earth then, why couldn't they all not only reach the ark, but also fit. For example only the ancestors of all domesticated dogs was on the ark. All the marsupial species in Australia did not have to be on the ark - just a few. I think that Dawkins definitely failed here.

Debunking Christianity: Richard Dawkins Debunks Noah's Ark
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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Calvinistic Cartoons: The Owner

I completely agree with this statement. The truly humbling thing is the realization that I have never had to face nearly as much loss as Martin Luther did and truly have no right to complain!


Calvinistic Cartoons: The Owner

Friday, December 24, 2010

The atheist war on Christmas is in full swing | True Freethinker

Mariano wrote a great series of articles about the agendas of some atheists to stand against Christianity. They seem to hate God. I don't get how there good be such hatred against something that they claim does not exist. This is a great series well worth reading. One of the easiest ways to attack Christians is to attack Christmas.

The atheist war on Christmas is in full swing | True Freethinker
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FacePalm of the Day # 40 - Debunking Christianity: Consider This, God is the Ultimate Troll ;-)

John Loftus has posted a link to an article written by Robert Wabash. The article has an introduction to which a FacePalm is the only possible response.


The Judeo-Christian God is an epic troll. If you grew up Catholic, Protestant or at all Christian, then most of these iterations of this meme will hit home hard. These are all questions we've asked ourselves, our pastors and our parents that can be answered with the fact that the Judeo-Christian God, as a character, is a mean, troll-like, hypocritical butt-face. Enjoy the best of the "Advice God" meme, just in time for the holiday season.

The article fails so much. It doesn't define what a "troll" is at all. Instead it just god-hating and bashing at its worst. Scripture twisting and misrepresentation at it's best. I'm tempted to leave it here but I think it might be instructive to explain why it's twisting.scripture into a pretzel. I have the original post below:



Here are the arguments put forth.The authors the picture of God from Michealangelo's painting, puts what he thinks Christian claim on top, and the contradictory fact below.  Let's see if they hold any weight or based on stupid presuppositions. If Wabash thinks that these points prove that there is no god, I agree. The god he is discussing does not exist. He's not describing the same god in the Bible.

1.Help Actresses win awards. Do nothing about world hunger.
 Who said that God has done nothing against world hunger? Honestly, the people who are starving are starving out of politics and economics. If we really wanted to feed everyone we could literally feed most if not all of them if the people who had all the money and power would allow it.  God has given us what we need.

2. Wrath is a sin. Blow up cities to show who is boss.
 
Where does the Bible say anger is a sin? It doesn't.  And God has the right to judge any city or person and deal out punishment as He sees fit.

3. Bow before me. I need attention.

God doesn't need anything. Obviously, Wabash does not understand why God deserves worship.

4. Create Homosexuals. Ban Homosexuality.

God did not create anyone to be homosexuals. In addition, like any sin, God can save you from it.

5. No worshipping Idols. Hang crosses in your Home. 
 A crucifix is not an idol unless like any image it become more valuable than what it is supposed to represent. An idol is anything that you make more important in your life than God.

6. Omnipotent. Perfect. Jealous.
God is not jealous of anyone or anything. He is jealous for you not of you. It's the kind of jealousy a man should have for his wife (and vice versa). It's righteous and not sin to desire what is yours. Jealousy is bad when you desire something that belongs to someone else.

7. Create World for Human. 70% salt water.
If the earth did not have that much salt water, we would all die.

8. Make Old Testament Law.  Ignore some of it.
This point has been brought up many times and answered. Mariano Grinbank wrote an excellent response. Read it here.

9. MY Book was written by me. As much as Paris Hilton's was written by her.
 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  - 2 Peter 1:19-21

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.- 2 Timothy 3:15-16
10. Unconditional Love. With Conditions.
Love is never without conditions. For example: If you don't put yourself into a position to be loved, you cannot be loved. God's love is unconditional from the stand point that He first loved us! Being loved does not mean that you are exempt from the consequences of the decisions we make. When God protects us from those consequences that is just mercy and grace - not a right

11. Forbid the eating of Pork. Make Pork delicious.

Seriously?!! See number 8.

12. I made you that way. I hate you because of it.
No where does the Bible say that.  God didn't make us sinners. 

13. Create the Universe. Wait 14 Billion years to tell some people in the desert what to do. 

Who said that the were was anyone to talk to during the time.  WE don't really know how much time passed between God said "Let there be Light" and Adam drew his first breath. It could have been 10 Billion years.  You have no way to prove that assertion.

14. Tell how I created the universe. Conveniently leave out the the first 10 Billion years. 

See number 13.


15. Born in non-Christian country...DOOMED.

So...NO ONE...who became a Christian was ever born in an non-Christian country?!!! Now that is a stupid statement.

  24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.' - Acts 17:24-28


16.  At first you don't succeed,  Kill everyone. 

Who said God ever failed at any time?  I'd like to see proof of God attempting to do something and failing.

17. Evolution is not real. Unless they prove it, then it was plan. 

Evolution - and I mean common descent, not natural selection,  -  has not been proven. 

18. Know everything. Prevent nothing. 

 Again how do you know God prevented nothing? If God did prevent something you wouldn't know because it didn't happen.

19.  Create a plan for people to follow. Judge them.

He made us. He sustains us. God has every right judge us. 


20. AIDS is killing people world-wide. No condoms.

The Roman Catholic Church says no condoms. The Bible does not say that.  What God did tell us was every man should have his own husband and every wife her own husband. Let's be honest, if we followed this would we have so many aids cases if we gave up fornication and adultery?   Yes, it will mean that there will be a lot of people not having sex, but given the alternative, isn't God's way better? Yes, yes it is.

21.  Destroy Satan? Nah, we are cool now. 
 
If God destroyed Satan now, he would have to destroy me, you, and Robert Wabash - to be just. Instead, God has decided to save some of us instead of all of us getting what we deserve.

22. Thou shall not kill. Crusades.

The commandment was against murder not killing. And no where does the Bible call for anything like the crusades.


23. Demand Adam and Eve follow a rule that requires the understanding of right and wrong. Don't give Adam and Eve knowledge of right and wrong. 

Nope. All the rule required was obedience. They could have obeyed God and they chose not to 

24. Children eat apple. 4000 year-old grudge.

It wasn't an apple...Adam and Eve were not children....and it's not a grudge. God does not hate us. He hates sin. We are the ones who are needy. Not God.

25. Give humans impure thoughts. Forbid them from having impure thoughts. 

God does not give us impure thoughts. 


 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. - James 1:13-14

26. Do not covet your neighbor's ox . Lol...I don;'t know why, just don't, ok?

Excuse me. Maybe  Wabash does not know what "covet:" means. It mean to desire something that someone else has to the point that that is all you think about. This leads to theft and could even lead to hate and murder.

27. Create man with foreskin. Command him to cut it off.

God only demanded Jews not Gentiles to be circumcised.  It pointed to people's hearts being circumcised and not just their bodies. Go back and read number 8!

28. Kill each other. Over technicalities.

No where does the Bible command that.  People have done that but it's not God's fault but ours. 

29. Bored. Created the universe.

If Wabash does not know why God created the Universe, he should just admit it.  The Bible tells us He does everything out of the counsel of his own will  - for his own pleasure. He loved us so much that he went through all of this to make us.

30. Jews are my chosen people. The Holocaust

Really? Is the thought here that if the Jews were really a chosen people the Holocaust (1940-1945)  would not have happened?  What about 586 BC? 70 AD? Gee, it doesn't seem that being God's chosen doesn't mean nothing bad happens to you. Jew or Christian - that is the same.

31. I gave you free will.So use it exactly as I commanded you.

He gave it to us, God has every right to tell us how to use it. 

32. Accidentally make humans smart. They stop believing in me.

God doesn't do anything on accident. And who said that people don't believe in God are wise?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. - Psalm 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10


18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. - Romans 1:18-32

Debunking Christianity: Consider This, God is the Ultimate Troll ;-)
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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Digital December: Do You Really Own Your Digital Comics? - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews

Comics Alliance continues asking the hard questions regarding digital publishing and distribution. While the article is regard to comic books, the things discussed are applicable to all media distributed digitally. Well worth the time reading.

Digital December: Do You Really Own Your Digital Comics? - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews
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FacePalm of the Day #39 - Debunking Christianity: Thanks Again My Friends!

 It always amazes me when John Loftus makes silly statements as follows:
I just want to offer a shout out to the skeptics here who help in answering the personal attacks on me and the arguments of some utterly ignorant Christians. It means a lot to me, really. What buffoons some of them are. I have no clue what they hope to accomplish but they certainly view me as a threat, and of that they are right. It's just that I'm reading what they write and it's completely ignorant for the most part. I would've said that as a Christian professor when I was teaching apologetics. It's a shame that with a Bible in hand they think they can answer us, isn't it? They are unaware how ignorant they are. Is there anyone else out there who can reason with us? Oops, sorry, they're all ignorant.
It's shocking me that a person can be that blind to his own ignorance all the while claiming people who disagree with him are blind. Given how the Bible clearly talks about such people, it shouldn't cause a facepalm, but I can't help it. I keep hoping that Loftus will wake up and see that God has always been there and has intervened in his creation in countless ways and times. As of yet, it hasn't happened. I know God can do it however.  Until God does it, this scripture certainly applies:


 18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
   shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; 
   they do not know what makes them stumble.- Proverbs 4:18-19

Debunking Christianity: Thanks Again My Friends!
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

'Superman: Earth One': Different Clothes, Same Hero [Review] - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews

I loved this story. I think that the review in Comics Alliance was awesome. Superman: Earth One is a really good story. I liked it because J. Michael Straczynski and drawn by Shane Davis did a great job on tweaking the origin of Superman I don't want to give away the story but what I liked was the reason for Krypton's destruction was handled. I liked this review. G4 had a great review also.





'Superman: Earth One': Different Clothes, Same Hero [Review] - ComicsAlliance | Comics culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews
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Straight Talk On Why God Allows Evil « Psalm Trees

Here is a great article from Stephen Notham. In a single post he addresses the most common questions brought up concerning the Problem of Evil and Human Suffering. I think most Christians would agree with most of what he has written here. It's a really good Summary!!!

Straight Talk On Why God Allows Evil « Psalm Trees
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Assessing Mysticism by Doug Groothuis MP3 Audio - Apologetics 315

Brian Auten has posted a great audio sermon from Dr. Doug Groothuis. He "explores the area of mystical experiences and critiques non-dualism, Buddhism, and other non-Christian mysticism. He also examines the biblical view of religious experience in general, making the case that biblical mysticism is rooted in history, is personal, rational, moral, transcendent, transformative, and redemptive. He also includes a few helpful insights on the practice of yoga. " Definitely something to hear.

Assessing Mysticism by Doug Groothuis MP3 Audio - Apologetics 315
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Answering Muslims: Muslim Student Traumatized after Teacher Mentions Ham

I think that this is pretty extreme. One can't even speak of "ham" as in pork without "traumatizing" a Muslim? Amazing. Wonder why people don't worry about traumatizing Christians. Europe, Everybody!!!!

I don't know what's worse: giving in to others walking on egg shells for really silly reasons as to not offend others or  thinking that we are being the bigger person. We're not. It's one thing to go into a Muslim household then slaughter a pig, eat a pig, and force them to eat it. Or invading their country and force our sensibilities down their gullets and taking everything they have. Those would be wrong. It's not the same things as just saying "ham" in a public place in a Western Country, like Spain.







Answering Muslims: Muslim Student Traumatized after Teacher Mentions Ham
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

FacePalm of the Day #38 - Debunking Christianity: The Positivist Canard

John Loftus is at it again. I am dismayed every time I see John Loftus try to define "faith" and why it doesn't work. Every time there is chance to set the record straight about what the Bible says about "faith" or "pistas" it is never a waste of time. First, let's look at Loftus' most current fail:

Christian apologists keep crowing on about their criticisms of positivism as if that ends the matter. What best describes positivism:
Positivism refers to a set of epistemological perspectives and philosophies of science which hold that the scientific method is the best approach to uncovering the processes by which both physical and human events occur.Link
There is something to positivism these apologists have overlooked. We cannot offer a logical DEDUCTIVE proof that science is the only game in town. To criticize positivism as if it did is to knock down a straw man. Yes, the positivists did make sweeping statements so they fell prey to some criticisms. But what we really want to say is that it's very probable science is the only game in town. That cannot be refuted. And that is all we need to say. If they want to continue hanging their hats on what is "possible" time and again, have at it. That's the definition of faith. We will keep insisting on that which is probable not that which is possible.

No one really is born-again because they think that the claims the Bible make are at most "possibly true". That is not what faith is. If one "cannot offer logical deductive proof that science is the only game in town", then all John Loftus and other apostates have done is switch one ideology they thought was true with another "probable truth" for another. No wonder he misunderstands Biblical faith. He equates faith in the God with the faith he has in science. Moving the goal post to say that science is "probable the only game in town" is sad. Worse for his position it can be refuted easily. The only way it could be even likely to the only viable worldview if there was no example of anything being true that can't be scientifically observed or measured. And there are countless things. Simple example the mind and the brain are not the same thing, yet we all assume that the people come into contact with have minds and consciousness though no one really knows where such things emanate or rest within each person. The only canard I see here is the thought that faith is the antithesis of science and rational thought. So sad. So very sad.

Debunking Christianity: The Positivist Canard
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