Iron Sharpens Iron: Jamin Hubner: The Atheist vs. Christian Debate on 'Is the New Testament Evil': One Christian's Analysis

I really enjoyed listening  to Hubner's comments on the debate. I wish i had been there but I guess i will just watch the video.

Iron Sharpens Iron: Jamin Hubner: The Atheist vs. Christian Debate on 'Is the New Testament Evil': One Christian's Analysis

Debunking Christianity: A Mind of Its Own: How Your Brain Distorts and Deceives

John Loftus wrote the following post:

In her book A Mind of Its Own: How Your Brain Distorts and Deceives, Cordelia Fine cautions us when it comes to the conclusions of our brains. I claim that believers ought to take special heed of this and become agnostics. Believers retort that my brain may be deceiving me too. Let me say two things in response:
One) Okay let's all agree with the scientific data and become agnostics. I'm game if you are, otherwise dispute the data. Two) I do not affirm any religious beliefs. I am a non-believer. I don't think the evidence is there to believe in a three headed eternally existing God who created this particular world and became one of us to die on a cross for our sins in one lone part of the ancient world who subsequently bodily resurrected from the grave but was only seen by a few handfuls of people, thereby leaving the rest of us to take their word on what they saw or spend an eternity in hell because we did not see this event for ourselves or believe their written testimony since we were born in a different time and place and were taught to believe differently based on our own upbringing. Again, I do not believe this. It does not represent an intelligent plan from a perfectly good, all powerful God. If our brains deceive us when it comes to important issues like this then it's best not to be gullible and to demand evidence, hard evidence, positive evidence before we'll believe, especially since there are so many other believers in this world who are certain they are right about such matters too. Since there are so many different people all certain they have the answers to existence I can look at them all and say that until one of them steps up to the plate and offers something more by way of evidence than the others do then I cannot believe in any of them, and that's what I do.

I want to say I agree with Loftus. There is no "evidence is there to believe in a three headed eternally existing God who created this particular world and became one of us to die on a cross for our sins in one lone part of the ancient world who subsequently bodily resurrected from the grave but was only seen by a few handfuls of people, thereby leaving the rest of us to take their word on what they saw or spend an eternity in hell because we did not see this event for ourselves or believe their written testimony since we were born in a different time and place and were taught to believe differently based on our own upbringing." Christians don't believe in a three-headed, eternally existing God. And we don't expect you to take their word on what they saw. You have no excuse you can know the resurrected Lord for yourself. This cuts through time and space and culture. No Christian is asking Loftus or anyone to believe the quote. Of course you should demand evidence and follow it. What the quote shows is a distinct misunderstand of what the nature of God is and what Christians believe. If you want to disagree with what the Bible says is fine...just stop misrepresenting what the Bible says. The Pictures on this blog post are accurate as to what God looks like.


Debunking Christianity: A Mind of Its Own: How Your Brain Distorts and Deceives

Answering Muslims: Nabeel Qureshi and Mufti Sulaiman Hashim: Who Is Jesus?

Nabeel debates Mufti Sulaiman on who Jesus is.








Answering Muslims: Nabeel Qureshi and Mufti Sulaiman Hashim: Who Is Jesus?

Quick Report from Santa Fe

Dr. White posted some cross examinations of his debates with Robert Sungenis from September 10th 2010.






Quick Report from Santa Fe

Debate: "The Bodily Assumption of Mary" Robert Sungenis vs. James White | True Freethinker

Wow, Mariano has been busy. He introduced the debates held in Santa Fe, New Mexico in which James White debated Robert Sungenis. This post I'm linking to gives links to both debates and Mariano's lecture on Rabbinic Judaism and The Baha'i Faith. Great stuff!!!!


Debate: "The Bodily Assumption of Mary" Robert Sungenis vs. James White | True Freethinker

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He Lives: I'm so glad I missed the Battle of Armageddon

David Heddle had a very interesting post on his blog where he explains the dispensational view that the Armageddon described in Revelations already happened and that the book was really written before 70 AD. The view is that the devastation Israel experienced is referring to the Romans destroying Israel as a nation in 70 AD. I'm not sure I agree. I know that isn't the way I've been taught to look at Revelations, but on the other extreme the "Left Behind" version has many, many problems. I don't quibble much on eschatology because in the final sense it's moot. Either you are saved and going to heaven or you are going to hell and nothing but Jesus can change the fact no matter who is right.

He Lives: I'm so glad I missed the Battle of Armageddon

He Lives: If we traded him for future considerations, I don't think we'll get much

I heard about this conference from David Heddle's blog. I agree Robert Sungenis is really crazy! A conference arguing that the earth is the center of the universe?! And people are willing to pay $50 to get in?!
I find it interesting that the tag line was that Galileo was wrong and the Church, as in Roman Catholic Church  - not the Bible - was right! In a time where it can  be clearly demonstrated that we are not in a geocentric solar system - let alone universe. No where does the Bible tells us everything revolves around the earth. It was a presupposition of the Roman Catholic Church and not remotely true,. It makes sense though because Robert Sungenis' ultimate authority is not truth or the Bible but the Roman Catholic Church - its tradition and papal edicts - no worry that there is contradictions and mistakes.
He Lives: If we traded him for future considerations, I don't think we'll get much

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Answering Muslims: Burqa Banned in France

Burqa are the ceremonial robes worn by Muslim women. France has moved to ban women from wearing burqas in public. I think it's wrong to tell women how they should dress. I do think that full burqas that restrict a woman's vision is dangerous. I mean I've heard that many women who dress that way believe they should be allowed to drive. I find it interesting that many of these women who live in Europe want to have all the rights that women there have yet wear full burqas when in Muslim countries they can wear full burqas but don't have the same rights and privileges as men.

Answering Muslims: Burqa Banned in France

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ID.Plus: Hawking, God and Philosophy

Here is a great blog that I'm going to begin following. I heard about it from one of Brian Auten's tweets. He has post several talks and resources from Dr. Peter Williams. They have been very useful! In this blog post Dr. Williams weighs in on the comments that have been made by Dr. Stephen Hawkings regarding the origins of the universe. I think it's counterproductive for scientists to look down on philosophers and vice versa. Its not possible to get a clear and accurate understanding of reality without science, philosophy, and theology together.


ID.Plus: Hawking, God and Philosophy

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Apologetics 315: Apologist Interview: Bruce Little

This week Bruce Little was interviewed by Brian Auten of Apologetics 315. I can't recommend the site or this series high enough. I've heard quite a few helpful talks and lecture of Bruce Little through this blog. I think the subject matter of Theodicy is great importance. I would love to know why when this subject shows up in the media or on the history channel why they never interview scholars like Dr. Little. You know....people who know what they are talking about! Take a listen to this interview

Apologetics 315: Apologist Interview: Bruce Little

Tawapologetics: Response to Common Sense Atheism's Response to 'Does God Exist?'

How do you know when you've made waves and caused people to think? I think one way to be able to tell is by how strong the backlash is. As you may remember last April, Brian Auten over at Apologetics 315 had a vision of about 23 bloggers coming together and writing essays giving the most convincing arguments they know of why Christianity is true. I was blessed to be one of the contributors. As it turns out that the series is still generating controversy given that there some thoughtful articles being published against it. Luke over at Common Sense Atheism is posting a series of articles to rebutt the essays published at Apologetics 315. He started with Tawa's essay Does God Exist? A Brief Blog Essay Bad idea. It's a very strong essay and well-done...however Luke does write an essay worthy of response with Tawa gives at the link below.
Tawapologetics: Response to Common Sense Atheism's Response to 'Does God Exist?'
I'm not sure if Luke plans to try to rebutt and answer all 23 essays, but if he does I'm sure that all the original contributors are more than able to stand by what they have written. This is going to be interesting.

Peregrinations: Church Fathers and Age of Creation

Here is a great blog post that I think gives a great answer to the charge that the Bible tells us the earth is only 6000 years old. I agree with the author. I don't think you can prove that the Bible says earth is 6000 years old without making a few untenable presuppositions.
1. "Yom" means six 24-hr days in Genesis 1
2. The geneologies completely list every single human from Adam to Abraham when we know that ancient Genealogies did not do that.
He makes the point that it really wasn't until the 17th century that people started saying the Bible teaches that the earth was 6000 yrs old. I have to ask "Why?" My Answer: People knew that was not what Bible was saying. So why then? I think many heresies and misinterpretations come from people desiring to have a new revelation that no one has had before and they'll even take ideas that can't be Biblically supported or outright contradict the Bible. The Blogger quotes Augustine and I think it's a great quote. It's a warning against holding a view of facts that can be shown not to line up with reality. I think in these cases we must take the opinion that the Bible is true, but we are wrong in how we understood what it affirms.

Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the other elements of this world... and his knowledge he holds to as being certain from reason and experience. Now, it is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel to hear a Christian, presumably giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation, in which people show up vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn. The shame is not so much that an ignorant individual is derided, but that people outside the household of faith think our sacred writers held such opinions, and, to the great loss of those for whose salvation we toil, the writers of our Scripture are criticized and rejected as unlearned men. If they find a Christian mistaken in a field which they themselves know well and hear him maintaining his foolish opinions about our books, how are they going to believe those books in matters concerning the resurrection of the dead, the hope of eternal life, and the kingdom of heaven, when they think their pages are full of falsehoods on facts which they themselves have learnt from experience and the light of reason? (from The Literal Meaning of Genesis)

Peregrinations: Church Fathers and Age of Creation

THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Another great presuppositional debate

I just heard of a great debate between two Christians and two atheists on Mike Felker's blog. The Christians were using the Presuppositional Apologetic method to argue the point that the Christian God does exist. I happen to like the Presuppositional approach because everytime I see it used effectively it points to and glorifies Christ. While the Evidential approach has its uses, this one method that I think is devastating to those who would deny God. However, I agree with Mike when he wrote:

For instance, if a skeptic argues, "How can you trust the Bible when all we have are copies of copies of copies of copies?" the presuppositionalist can remain consistent and still respond to the specific claim. Instead, presuppositionalists may respond with, "How can you talk about trusting the Bible when you have no rational basis for trusting your rationality?" I do not think this is always necessary.

It's important to use all the tools you have and sometimes an evidential approach is best. We must trust the leading of the Holy Spirit to know what approach to take.








THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Another great presuppositional debate

Nubia Filmworks - "Too Saved"

I recently watched a film that I thought was truly good. i was raised around church and so I'm familiar with the points the movie does a great job in pointing out. In fact i have heard of real-life stories of women who beg God to sve the man they love, and what happens when God does it. It often turns out that the woman gets much more than she thought and sometimes may not recognize the fact thatr God saves a person for his use not hers. The movies is funny and I have seen such situations play out in real life. It is much better than any Madea play/movie ever released and although Tyler Perry doesn't seem to be personally involved in this movie, I've got to admit that had it not been for his success this movie would have never been made. I got to admit...one can never be "too saved".


Nubia Filmworks - "Too Saved"

Apologetics 315: The Renaissance Christian MP3 Audio by Roger Morris of FaithInterface.com.au

Brian Auten posted a link to an article by Roger Morris about how to be a Renaissance Christian. He defines a "Renaissance Christian" as follows:

A believer in Christ who is part of the revival or rebirth of vigor and enthusiasm for intellectual and artistic pursuits within the body of believers and within the wider culture, characterised by renewed interest and learning in the areas of theology, philosophy, science, culture and the arts. A "Renaissance Christian" recognises the need for development of both the Christian mind and an authentic spiritual and devotional life. This involves intellectual engagement in the Christian faith and with the wider culture, but also proper attention to one's relationship with the triune God through the Holy Spirit.

He has some ideas worth exploring.

Apologetics 315: The Renaissance Christian MP3 Audio by Roger Morris of FaithInterface.com.au

Iron Sharpens Iron: TurretinFan: PART 2: The Debate on the Immaculate Conception & Sinlessness of Mary: One Protestant's Analysis

Unfortunately I can't find part 1 of this interview but I will be watching the debate on which the interview is based. The interview with TurretinFan is well worth listening to.

"TurretinFan" (a pseudonym used in order to separate his secular career from his apologetics ministry), a contributor to Dr. James R. White's blog on the Alpha & Omega Ministries web site (http://www.aomin.org/), returns to our program to address: "PART 2: The Debate on the Immaculate Conception & Sinlessness of Mary: One Protestant's Analysis".
On Saturday, August 28th, Christopher A. Ferrara, an attorney, widely published Catholic author and commentator, and founder, president and chief counsel of American Catholic Lawyer’s Association , participated in a live, public, moderated debate (over 3 hours in length) with Reformed Evangelical Christian apologist Dr. James R. White, co-founder & director of Alpha & Omega Ministries , on the theme: "The Immaculate Conception & Sinlessness of Mary".

Iron Sharpens Iron: TurretinFan: PART 2: The Debate on the Immaculate Conception & Sinlessness of Mary: One Protestant's Analysis

Apologetics 315: How to Get Apologetics in Your Church: Introduction

Here is a link to the introduction of the How to Get Apologetics in Your Church essay series. The introduction was written by Brian Auten. Take a look because it sets up the series extremely well.


Apologetics 315: How to Get Apologetics in Your Church: Introduction

Apologetics 315: How to Get Apologetics in Your Church: Podcast and eBook - Table of Contents

Brian Auten has started a new essay series and I am honored to be one of the contributors. Here is a link to the Table of Contents for the series.

During the month of September 2010, Apologetics 315 will feature a series of blog posts that respond to the question: "How can I get apologetics in my church?"
The goal of this project is a simple one: to share stories, experiences, and advice that will help Christians to start their own local apologetics initiatives. Whether you be a pastor, youth pastor, teacher, elder, or lay person, this series of short essays could hold the keys you need to get things started in your own local congregation.

Check these out.
Apologetics 315: How to Get Apologetics in Your Church: Podcast and eBook - Table of Contents

Argument for Design: Michael Behe

Dr. Michael Behe gives his case for design by irreducible complexity.


Argument for Design: Michael Behe

William Lane Craig's Questions for Stephen Hawking (MP3)

One of the big stories in the past week has been regarding Stephen Hawking trying to explain why have such an ordered universe without having to understand that God designed it. I was wondering what William Lan Craig thought about it and thanks to Brian Auten tweeting this link, I don't have to wonder.









rf_audiocast-2010-09-06-51320.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)

Answering Muslims: Should the Qur'an Be Burned? David Wood and Pastor Terry Jones Debate the Issue (with Calls from James White and Sam Shamoun)

If you want to make a statement to Muslims as a Christian and protest the idea of building a mosque at site of the World Trade Center, wouldn't you think that David Wood, James White, and Sam Shamoun should carry some wieght? i mean I don't think it should take a genius to realize that burning Qur'ans is a bad thing to do and insults a multitude of people on a fundamental basis, but these three expert witnesses to Muslims telling you it's a bad idea should really bring the point home. The man in the center of the controversy, Terry Jones, recently debated the issue with David Wood. And James White and Sam Shamoun both called in andf joined their voices against burning Qur'ans. I hope Pastor Jones listen. It's only September 9, it's still not too late for him to change his course. I think it's a bad idea because if the goal is to show all people the love of Christ, including Muslims, unnecessarily insulting Muslims is counterproductive.































Answering Muslims: Should the Qur'an Be Burned? David Wood and Pastor Terry Jones Debate the Issue (with Calls from James White and Sam Shamoun)

Answering Muslims: Burn the Quran Day is CANCELLED... Because Ground Zero Mosque is Being Moved?!?

Nabeel Qureshi has posted an article that "Burn A Qur'an Day" has been canceled! I hope this is true because this is a stupid...stupid idea!

Answering Muslims: Burn the Quran Day is CANCELLED... Because Ground Zero Mosque is Being Moved?!?

Sola Scriptura and Unity Debate

This was a great debate. TurretinFan and William Albrecht debate the idea that Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) has caused division in the church. TurretinFan said "No" and Albrecht says "Yes".

I think that TurretinFan did an awesome job and I don't agree with Albrecht that all differences between Protestant denominations are due to difference in Biblical interpretation. Albrecht did not answer the point regarding the differences in Roman Catholicism and why there are differences. It's not because of Sola Scriptura.

Sola Scriptura and Unity Debate

Should Intelligent Design Be Taught as Science? Michael Behe vs Stephen M. Barr

Here is a great debate: Michael Behe vs Stephen M. Barr over whether or not Intelligent Design should be taught as Science.


This is a great debate. I agreed with much of what Dr. Barr said, except that as scientist we don't have the luxury of just going after scientific fact without paying attention to philosophical ramification of those facts. You can't have one - and have a complete understanding of anything - without the other. Science is not reason. Science is based on reason and therefore philosophical presuppositions and biases are going to play a role in how facts are interpreted and conclusions drawn. Fortunately, Physics and Chemistry have dodged the problem of the meaning of it all because historically they are based more on th4e facts and the wonder of those fact than biology. I think it's because biological concepts such as Darwinism and genetics have always been applied to sociological sciences and policies from the start. People thought that if there was nothing or purpose behind why one species is favored for survival over another, why should people be exempt? If a person is smart or stronger why shouldn't that person have more right to exist than another?
These things don't seem to occur in Physics as much. I mean no one is talking about social physics. However meaning and purpose cannot be divorced from science. I mean just because you can build a weapon of mass destruction because you can does not mean you should. I'm noticing a trend in society, especially more in journalism and physics in which you don't just get the facts but you are also told how to interpret them and what to think...including in science text books. If we were going to stick to Dr. Barr's definition of science than he probably is right: Intelligent design should not be taught in schools...but then we should stop teaching that science point to atheism as well because it doesn't. This is not going to happen. Besides the universe shows all the reasonable signs for being designed. Barr is also right - it's dishonest to not agree that if there is an intelligent designer then you are talking about God and not just because the Bible says so. Because I am unabashedly saying God created the universe out of nothing. It's stupid to try to ex-God out of the laboratory. It's schizophrenic which is why I think that so many are deadset against intelligent design. It's easier to think that universe got here unguided because many of us want to be deluded enough to think that we are and should be unguided.  Think of the implication. If there is a God. We are all accountable to God.


Should Intelligent Design Be Taught as Science?

Brennon's Thoughts: Verses All Arminians Should Know Part 6

Brennon has posted a great list of scriptures that support Arminianism. I'm not certain that they support the Arminian position. Rather than try to responding to them all at once, I will break them down into several posts based on how the list is presented.This topic interests me because I really wanna know what the Bible says. Here is part 1 regarding the idea that Bible teaches that God gives us prevenient grace."Prevenient grace" means grace that is equally applied to the hearts and minds of everyone given that they have enough grace to   come to a decision to give their hearts to Christ.



Verses demonstrating God's prevenient grace

• Jeremiah 31:3

 ³ The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
       "I have loved you with an everlasting love;
       I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

I think this would work it the passage was directed to every human being. It wasn't. The context is to the people of God in general, to the people of Judah in particular.

• John 16:7-11

 ⁷But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt^[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; ¹⁰in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Again Jesus was not referring to all people at all times. 

• Romans 2:4 - It is God's grace that leads us to repentance.

⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

God's grace does lead us to repentance and this is a statement that can be applied to everyone. But the chapter is talking about general revelation not special revelation.

• Romans 10:14-17 - One must hear God's word to come to faith.

 ¹⁴How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
 ¹⁶But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" ¹⁷Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

I agree that God's word goes to all people. And its through that that some us are saved. But as the parable of sower Jesus gave sometimes that seed does not fall on good ground.

• Titus 2:11 - God's grace leads to repentance.

 ¹¹For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

The NIV says the grace appeared not given to all men. I believe the passage is referring to saving grace and if everyone was give that everyone would be saved.

Brennon's Thoughts: Verses All Arminians Should Know