I tend to not argue from statistics because you can make it say whatever you want. Given the way you spin it you can make something seem likely or not so likely. Deane Galbraith tries to debunk Dr Tim McGrew and Dr Lydia McGrew on a paper they did in which they argued that from a statistics point of view Jesus' Resurrection was very probable. He tries but in my opinion fails. For me the Resurrection isn't about probabilities. Either it happened or it did not. I believe it did. End of story. There is enough historical evidence and personal experience with the resurrected Jesus to insure that it makes sense to base your life around the fact of Jesus. I did also find an interview Dr. Lydia McGrew did regarding Philosophy, Apologetics, and this paper. The link to it follow.
Lydia on The Probability of Christianity
Jamin Hubner has started a series on Fitzgerald's book Nailed: Ten Christian Myths that show Jesus never existed at all. I enjoy Hubner's blog essays and articles very much! This particular essay does a great job in beginning to defend the historicity of Jesus. Well worth reading the article.
David Wood has posted a summary of six mistaken assumptions people make about Islam. He writes:
The conclusions we reach reflect the assumptions we make. Start with false assumptions and you reach false conclusions. Start with suicidal assumptions and you reach suicidal conclusions. We don’t have to make these mistakes ourselves; our leaders are making them on our behalf. We and our children will suffer the consequences.
Islam has a foothold in our country. If you want to prevent that becoming a stranglehold by means of the “peace process” described in 5 above, you need to join the Resistance.
Dr Mariottini has posted another great article regarding Biblical minimalism and competing opinions.
People who are not familiar with the maximalist/minimalist controversy should read Shtull-Trauring’s article. In addition, those who are not familiar with the archeological argument put forth by both groups to support their respective views will learn much from this article. It is a long article, but here is an opportunity for people to educate themselves about the issues that divide archeologists, biblical scholars, and even Christians.
What are the odds that on the same day Dr. Claude Mariottini would post an article on Biblical Minimalism as John Loftus would post a comment from a Harry McCall that attempts to prove that Moses did not write the Pentateuch? It is amazing. Mariottini's article was in my RSS feed before Loftus' post. It's like getting the antidote before the poison shows up.
Dr. Mariottini defined Biblical Minimalism as follows:
Biblical minimalists have a very low concept of the Bible. Those who hold a minimalist view of the Bible believe that the Bible was written in the Persian period and that the facts contained in the Bible cannot be used to write an authoritative history of Biblical Israel.
Dr. Mariottini goes on to explain why scholarship is moving away from that view. Juxtaposed with McCall' statement it becomes obvious that Mariottini's post addresses McCall's concerns in a general fashion. McCall is quoted as writing:
The belief that either Moses wrote the Pentateuch or that it predates the Deuteronomistic History (Deuteronomy – II Kings) is unfounded by the Biblical facts themselves:
(Yet it is clear that Jesus thought Moses gave Israel the Law: “Did not Moses give you the Law,…” John 7: 19). Thus, if the modern critical view of the Bible is correct, then Jesus himself is subject to error.)
Point A: Why do latter books of the Bible totally ignore early Mosaic Laws - such as when Elijah is commanded by God to eat what unclean ravens brought (1 Kings 17:6) - especially when the Law clearly forbids eating that which has been torn by beasts?
1. "You shall be holy men to Me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh torn to pieces in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs." Exodus 22: 31
2. "Also the fat of an animal which dies and the fat of an animal torn by beasts may be put to any other use, but you must certainly not eat it." Lev. 7: 24
3. "He shall not eat an animal which dies or is torn by beasts, becoming unclean by it; I am the LORD." Lev 22: 8)
Some more Biblcial proofs of the LATE creation of the “Mosaic Law” (Pentateuch) is listed below:
Point B: Why did Samuel hesitate to anoint a king over Israel (1 Samuel 8) when Samuel already had Deuteronomy 17: 15?
Point C: Why did Elijah build an altar to Yahweh away from the legitimate central sanctuary?
Point D: Why can Hezekiah quote no “Mosaic Law” for his reform, whereas Josiah does (2 Chronicles 31 to 2 Kings 23)?
Point E: Why does Deuteronomy permit Levites to come to the altar where as Leviticus does not? Link.
Again while, Mariottini does not address points A-E, he does talk about why we should think of the Pentateuch as authoritative regarding the Biblical history of Biblical Israel - which McCall denies. This discussion does not depend on whether or not you believe Moses wrote the Pentateuch in his own hand or if was passed from Moses by oral tradition. The bottom line is that Jesus in various places in the Old Testament testified that the Law came from Moses and many times appealed to it as binding and authoritative. This is a point worth contending on. I will be giving a more detailed response to McCall's 5 points because they deserve some added space and time to wrestle with. I would highly suggest that anyone interested in this issue should read Dr. Mariottini's article closely at the following link.
James Swan posted an article on a Graphic Novel based on the life of Martin Luther. I like such books. The thing I'm sadden about is that people look down on such things as being just for children and no real value as a viable medium for telling important stories. I'd like to read this very much and I like the promotional video.
Dr Tim McGrew was recently interviewed by Dr Mike Licona on his work on studying the history of Apologetics. I loved the interview. Not only did we learn more about Dr. McGrew's amazing family but how important it is not to forget the work of previous apologists and scholars. It reminds me of how valuable the older works of scientist and engineers in their own work and not just what modern writers say what they discovered. For example, reading Einstien's papers on relativity or Enrico Fermi's book on thermodynamics is way cooler than just reading about them in a current textbook.
McGrew shows that some of the most famous and useful literature from previous centuries have been forgotten and makes me wonder if today's great works might be forgotten in 100 years.
Here is a video Dr. James White posted before I started my blog. It is a response to Dr. Bart Ehrman's book God's Problem, in which Ehrman lays out how the existence of evil and suffering lead to him becoming an agnostic. It is a great response.
John Lofus posted the following quote and then commented on it.
How many people have claimed to have finally debunked God? Way too many, This has been going on for centuries and someone is always popping up claiming to “Finally debunk God,
If God wasn’t real then why did it take over 2000 years to “Finally Debunk” Christianity? I call this “The Finally Debunk Crew”
The reason dimwit, is because Christianity is like a chameleon, ever changing in response to its culture, our criticisms, and science. The Christianities of yesteryear have been debunked. That's why you hold to the one you do today. And your type of Christianity will be replaced slowly into the future as well.
I wonder if a person makes a poor argument, does that equate to that person being "dimwit"? If that is the case, then what does that say about Loftus himself whom routinely makes poor arguments. This is a case in point: who says that Biblical Christianity has been "debunked at any time? And what exactly has been proven wrong? How does Loftus prove this "evolution" of theology? He can't. No one can. If he's referring to the Gnostics and other fringe groups it's not a good analogy. They can't be substantiated in the Bible. If they can't be substantiated in the Bible refuting them is not just easy but also does not refute Christianity.
Image via WikipediaI really like Adam Sessler. I really enjoy his comments on culture, movies, and video games. Given the many events of the past week I couldn't pass up the chance to hear his opinion.
John Loftus has posted a link to the following article on his blog by Dr. Hector Avalos regarding Harold Camping's prophesied date for Jesus'Second Coming and the Rapture of the church as May 21, 2011. Loftus and Dr. Avalos are atheists but in this case they agree with scripture that Harold Camping is a false prophet. Jesus said
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. - Matt 24:36-44
This isn't the first time Camping has made false prophesies of the end of the world. He said the same thing about 1994 and 2000. We just need to heed what Jesus said.
Mike Felker has posted a really good article on Daniel 4:34-35 and what it says about Sovereignty of God.
“But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Daniel 4:34–35)
I completely agree with Mike because if you believe the rest of scripture, what other conclusion is possible. God certainly showed Nebuchadnezzar who was in charge. Personally, I'd rather learn from his experience instead of experiencing that lesson first hand.
Who say President Obama has failed to deliver all of his campaign promises? I seem to remember he promised his administration promising get Osama Bin Laden - either dead or alive. May 1, 2011 it's been announced that the US military has done exactly that - killing Bin Laden with very few casualties. Definitely a win for the Presidential administration. It was Obama's call, given the information he had, whether or not take the risk of sending elite troops to kill Bin Laden. Here is Obama's speech
This is not just about avenging the thousands who died September 11, 2001. Make no mistake, given another chance Bin Laden would have attacked the United States again and we had to get him so that no one else thinks they can attack the United States with impunity. Also given the past week in American politics, this is even sweeter. Donald Trump and the tea baggers and some Republicans have been criticizing and calling Obama's abilities and character into question - not just his policies. They forced the President of the United States to provide a Birth certificate!? And then insinuated that he only got the opportunities he's had because of affirmative action and didn't deserve them. They went as far as demanding he provide this transcripts and grades! Why? Because he is African American and they are doing all they can to discredit him. Given all of this, I was really impressed with Obama's speech Saturday night at the White House Correspondence Dinner. I watched the look on his face. It was a look of victory and triumph and I though that it was because he was finally able to respond to those morons and put them in their place. He pawned Trump in public and he told the truth!! It was priceless. I see now it was even better than that. Obama already knew at that point that Osama Bin Laden was dead and they had the body (If I understand the timeline correctly) or he already knew the operation was on its way. He just sat back and let them ignorantly say what ever they wanted and Sunday night came the whammy. It could not be any better.
I knew Obama was a good politician, but I had no idea how much of a poker face he has. I would had been sprung this on Trump a lot sooner. Some people have said that Obama is the worse President ever. I disagree. I mean you have to give the man some props for this one. He certainly isn't the worse and I don't agree with everything he does or says, but I wouldn't agree completely with any President. C'mon, lets try to be fair. A lot of Americans are celebrating...and I'm just waiting to see what the Republicans are going to say about this. I know it's early but some candidates for memes are already making it around the internet!
Dr. James White recently posted the following graphic showing a picture from 1984 publication from the Jehovah Witness' Watch Tower society. Back in 1914 they said Jesus would return and Armageddon would take place. Obviously, it never happened. The Jehovah Witness organization survived the failed prophecy by spiritualizing Jesus'second coming and saying Jesus returned spiritually but the Judgment would still come in the lifetime of the generation still alive in 1914. They published a picture of people who were still alive in 1984 and claimed that Judgment would come before the generation from 1914 all die. This picture shows that as of today, all these people are dead. It amazes me that people are still trying to figure out when the World ends despite Jesus saying:
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, 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. - Matthew 24:35-37
After a week of really being attacked by Donald Trump and other stupid Republicans. But he did it in a humorous way. I thought it was awesome. I was glad to see Obama hit back at his critics. Look at the link at the end of this post to look at the article.
If you are a Christian and you believe the Bible is truth then the answer is an emphatic YES. The people recently killed by tornadoes? God’s doing. The people killed by Hurricane Katrina? God’s doing.
I agree the Bible is clear. God is responsible. He did it. He does it. He will do it again. I would say Gerencser is incorrect of course we can complain and ask God "Why?". Job Did. David did. Several Psalmists did. Habakkuk did. Jeremiah did. Jesus' disciples did. I live on several earthquake fault lines in California. It's only a matter of time before our time comes for a major disaster! It is not a question of possibility. It is a certainty. When it happens it will probably be worse than New Zealand's and Japan's disasters this year. I only hope that God will choose to be merciful although we don't deserve it. We deserve it less than New Zealand and Japan. We are not better than they by any stretch of imagination. So what answer does God give for this problem? It's not that God does not answer. The problem is we don't like the answer because God tells us we are asking the wrong question. God expects us to repent and to trust that He knows what is best for us and everyone - including those who die in Natural Disasters.
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” - Luke 13:1-9
The Facepalm is because we ask the wrong question and expect God to play by our rules and when He does not, people want to pretend He does not exist. I like the first comment made on Loftus' blog post.
2 hours ago 