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What If I'm Wrong?

Over my life time I have heard many excuses as to why people choose one religion over another, or "decide" not to choose at all. Some say that because there is no way to be certain which religion is true that none of them can be true. And some atheists have "challenged" me with the question "What if I'm wrong in following the Bible and it is all wrong?" I laugh whenever I hear that question posed to a Christian. Of course I've considered that question! I have everything to gain and nothing to loose. Many times on this blog I have posted material to show that belief in the existence of God and that the revelations of the Bible are not only reasonable but inescapable. Setting that aside for a moment, let's take a look at a few of the major religions of the world and check to see if I am really missing anything by being a Christian. Following is the logic I use to explain my position.


What if I'm Wrong and...

Mormons are right
Mormonism is a "works" based religion. You work your way into heaven. And although doctrinally there a lot of major conflicts with historic, Biblical Christianity, there are a great many rituals and things that have no outside validation. This is why I'm certain that it's not true. The Book of Mormon has documented errors that have no reconciliation with the history.

Check out this video on Mormon Theology


Jehovah Witnesses are right
As far as a code of morality is concerned Christians and Jehovah Witnesses have much in common. The problems come up when discuss the nature of God and who Jesus truly is. However, ignoring that, then I'll just not be part of 144000 in heaven and will be on the new earth. I discount Jehovah Witness because the nature of God and the identity of Jesus are non-negotiable and must be defended.

Hear what Dr Walter Martin said about witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses

Witnessing to JW -...

Hindus are right
When I die, I will be reincarnated into a new human body. Can you really think of any better way to build up good Karma than to live the life the God of the Bible requires of us? But again, Hinduism must be discounted because it directly contradicts the Bible. They both can't be right. The Bible cannot be disproved and re-incarnation cannot be proven. I'll take my chances with the Bible.

Check out what Dr. Walter Martin said about re-incrnation

Walter Martin - Th...

Muslims are right
It depends on what Islamic sect you talk to when it comes down to what Muslims believe Allah will do Jews and Christians. The liberals seem to think that Allah will accept Jews and Christians and the Fundamentalists seem to think we are hell bound. Considering classic Christian doctrines are misrepresented and mangled almost beyond recognition in the Koran, I seriously doubt the Koran is true. Anyone who truly understands Islam and Christianity knows that there is no consensus. There can be no real reconciliation beyond live-and-let-live. They are so diametrically opposed that they both can't be right. My logic is that if Muhammad could have misunderstood the Trinitarian doctrine to think that it's God the Father, God the Son, and Mary. Not to mention the flagrant changes in the Old Testament narratives, or the part where Jesus speaks from the crib as a baby (from a late 2nd or 3rd gnostic source) or the numerous other contradictions with the Old and New Testaments, then I can't conclude that Christianity and Islam are compatible. Here is the kicker: The Koran says that Jesus was not crucified...while every historical evidence we have says that he was! Taking all of this together, leads me to the conclusion that I must discount Islam.

Look at this debate where William Lane Craig debates with a Muslim about the Resurretion


Atheists are right
If atheists are right then life has no meaning or purpose. There is nothing objective on which to base morality on. Meaningless existence. There is nothing to but oblivion and non-existence after we die. Let me grant, for a second, that atheism may be right. What does that mean for me as a Christian: nothing! No heaven or hell. But I get to live a moral life and leave the world in a better place than it was before I first got here. I'd argue that without God it's impossible to leave this world with such an epitaph. On the other hand if Christianity is true and Atheisim is false as I believe, then the atheist looses out on Heaven and being perfected. Imagine...finally to be complete and exactly what God purposed you to be without a single hindrance. To be able to see God as He truly is. Atheists has nothing to gain and everything to loose.

Video: D'Souza debates Dan Barker

Transformers Go Hollywood

Okay, I know I am showing my age with this one. But it is hilarious! You have to have been a child during the 1980's to appreciate this fully, but it's funny.



I don't like the way Optimus Prime is portrayed because he comes off as an absolute arrogant jerk who has let success in Hollywood go to his head. That being said...it was still funny. On top of that seeing Leader-1 from the Gobots waiting tables and trying to push a script like a has-been actor....was sooo funny!

Paul Maier - Jesus Really Existed

I recently came across a great interview with Paul Maier who is a Historian and an expert on First Century Roman Empire History. He has studied the early history of Christianity and is a recognized expert. He lays out his case for why we can faithfully believe that Jesus not only lived, but that He did the things the Bible says He did. It's awesome. I always enjoy him. I want to get his book In The Fullness of Time where he goes into greater detail.I really would like to see a debate between him and Bart Ehrman. In this interview Maier mentioned that he had debated Dan Barker, but I can't find that debate. If you know where I can score a copy please leave a comment as to where I can get it.

Apologetics-DidJes...

D'Souza vs Barker: Christianity Vs Atheism

I found this really cool debate at Apologetic 315.

Dinesh D'Souza is awesome. He always manages to come across as not just scholarly but very very articulate. He's a great spokesman for Jesus. He also manages to not seem condescending or mean to his opponent. No matter what stupid thing they say...case in point: Dan Barker!

Video:


Audio

dsouza-barker-deba...

Evangelist Temple's Pastor and Wife Appreciation 2009

We held our 15th Annual Appreciation for Pastor Frederick J. Stewart and his wife Melody Stewart! We held one service on Friday night March 13, 2009 at 7 pm and another service at March 15, 2009 at 4 pm. Both services were awesome. The children of the church sang "This Little Light of Mine" on Friday night. Here is a clip:



On Sunday, our speaker was Pastor Alfred Smith of Resurrection Power Evangelistic Center. Here is what I could get recorded:



Pastor Alfred Smith really preached a real good message. The main point I got was that we must do all we can to honor everyone...even if they have not done anything per se to deserve honor. We need to obey God. He says we need honor other people in each every relationship we find ourselves in. We need to pray and ask God to teach us how to honor other people. You have to see this sermon. I'm going to be doing a new series of blog entries where I post some of the sermons I have the honor of hearing.

Licona vs Barker Debate

A debate between Mike Licona and Dan Barker on April 14, 2003 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Very interesting! I found out about this debate from Apologetics 315. They're debating the Resurrection.

Video


Audio

debate-barker.mp3

I can't believe that Barker argued the way he did! I am amazed how silly he sounds. I've got to admit that he's playing fast and loose. I don't think agree with all his timelines and stuff but I will skip those. There is one part of his presentation that I have to write about. He claims that early Christians did not believe that Jesus was resurrected spiritually from the dead. I think he's wrong because he tries to use the information from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 to say that Paul did not see Jesus' resurrection as physical. But in verses 12-34, Paul is making it clear that he believes that one day all believers will one day be raised bodily from the dead like our Lord and Master. Mike Licona answered his claims really well! I loved how he defended Peter by pointing out that yes, Peter denied Christ but Barker denied Christ and has yet to repent. Barker seems like the bigger liar.

Here are the verses I cited.

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
"Let us eat and drink,for tomorrow we die." Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Bart Ehrman vs Mike Licona Debate

A debate between Bart Ehrman and Mike Licona at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on February 28, 2008. Source The Debate Topic was: Can Historians Prove that Jesus Rose from the Dead? Licona argued "Yes" and Ehrman argued "No". I found out about this resource from Apologetics 315.

Here is the video:


Here is the audio:

licona-ehrman_deba...

Licona did a great job, especially given that he was loosing his voice. I think it takes a lot of courage to face the media darling of those who attack Christianity like Bart Ehrman. I've got to say that Ehrman's argument boiled down to the idea that Historians can't say for sure that Jesus was raised for the dead. He argues that Licona's three facts that show the Resurrection did happen.

1. Jesus was crucified.
2. People saw Jesus alive after the resurrection.
3. Paul's conversion because he saw Jesus after the resurrection.

Ehrman did his best to assert that History can't substantiate miracles because miracles are not probable. The problem is that history can't say that miracles have never happened. I think Ehrman dodged the question. He says that because history cannot prove miracles, it can say nothing about whether or not Jesus was resurrected from dead. He discounts the gospels as being reliable. He also does not believe that all 11 disciples were martyred. He did not have time to go into why he believes that. This explain why Ehrman rolled his eyes when James White said something about martyrs. I want to know why Ehrman has concluded that Jesus was not resurrected if he does not think history can say one way or another? I'd like to know why he thought that.

Ehrman tried to discount Licona's last 2 points by saying the disciples only saw Jesus because they really wanted to see him..alive...because they loved him so much. But Licona's right. They weren't expecting Jesus to show up. They thought their movement was over! And Paul...did Paul love Jesus before he saw Jesus? No Way! I think Licona won this.

I think another debate that would be useful to listen to on the resurrection can be found on two of my previous posts on William Lane Craig vs Bart Ehrman: video and audio.

Vote for Makayla!

Vote for Makayla at the following website!

https://www.greatamericanphotocontest.com/voter1/index_e.aspx?referid=EmailFriends&p=1184881&x=.jpg

Thanks!

Makayla Dancing in the Car 2008

I have definitely realized that children really watch everything we do. A few month ago, Makayla, was allowed to sit in the front seat of the car while we were parked. She is never allowed to be there alone. I wanted to see what she would do. Well, at first she did what she sees me do. Then she stood up and danced.

I'm a WII and I'm a PS3

This is funny!

Makayla Dancing At Home

Here is a video of my daughter Makayla dancing to one of her favorite songs. Funny thing is how I found out about how she liked that song. One Saturday, we were watching a bunch of DVDs. Then I happen to put the movie Sicko into the DVD player and this song was playing during the main menu! Makayla would not let me change it. She cried and through a fit if I picked up the remote. "No, Daddy, I want to dance!" is all she would say. So, I relented and let her dance. Funny thing is, I still haven't seen Sicko. Looks like I'll have to watch it when she sleeps. Not that I can't make her obey, just not worth the fight, especially given the way she light ups when she dances.

Nerd + Free Time = Awesome

Okay, I realize that many may think that I'm a nerd for being impressed by this, but you got to admit matching the elements with fictional characters has got to be a great way to remember them!



Nerd Free Time = Awesome

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Compare to current periodic table


Here is a great online interactive periodic table!

Douglas Wilson vs Dan Barker Debate

This one is a keeper! Atheist Daniel Barker (right) debated Christian Douglas Wilson (left) August 8, 1997. It's really, really good! I really enjoyed it. The question under debate was "Does the Triune God Exists?" I thought the most interesting thing about the debate was seeing atheism being argued against from a reformed position. While neither the doctrines of grace, predestination, nor Calvinism was mentioned but you can still see the reformed position very ably defended. For example when Barker asked about the origin of evil, Wilson admitted that God allows the presence of evil. I wish I could see a video of this, because I would have loved to have seen Barker's face. I'm reminded of how Walter Martin once dealt with this question. He pointed out that if God did not allow the existence of evil for a time, none of us would be here because he would have to destroy all of us. How many of you are glad that God chose to do things his way instead of our way? I am!

I heard about this debate on Jame White's webcast when he started going over the debate and making great comments. Here is the original debate.

Dan Barker vs Doug Wilson debate "Does the Triune God Exist?" Part 1

barkerwilson1.mp3

Dan Barker vs Doug Wilson debate "Does the Triune God Exist?" Part 2

barkerwilson2.mp3

The recordings do not include audience questions but I found it really interesting to hear Barker's surprise in Wilson's admitting that God allows evil. I wish Wilson had been able to talk more about the existence of evil and how if God unilaterally destroyed all evil He would by definition obliterate every human being who exists, has ever existed, and will exist. I do prefer that God chooses to show his mercy towards all of us, but that also means that also see his wrath.

Dan Barker vs Doug Wilson debate "Does the Triune God Exist?" Part 3

barkerwilson3.mp3

The third part is Doug Wilson's thoughts about the debate and some of the decisions why he did things the way he did them.It was really interesting. James White's insightful commentary can be found on the following links at his website

Dividing Line 3/3/09
Dividing Ling 3/5/09
Dividing Line 3/11/09

New SNL Skit: "Rock Obama"

I thought that this was hilarious! Don't make Barack Angry. You would not like him when he is angry.

Ehrman vs Craig Update Post

Here is the video of the debate...I posted the audio and transcript at the following link.

On March 28, 2009, Dr. Craig, Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California, and Dr. Ehrman, James A. Gray Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, debated the status of the Christian claim to Jesus' resurrection from the perspective of historical data. The debate was sponsored by the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture and the Campus Christian Fellowship.

Juneteenth 2008

I just found this on the internet. I took my family to the Juneteenth celebration last year. While we were there, Makayla was dancing to the music and a few people noticed, including a photographer from the Vallejo Times-Herald. He interviewed Mitsouky and I briefly and took Makayla's picture. I thought that they were going to run it in the newspaper, but instead they posted it on their website coverage of the event. Makayla had a great time! Here is the link: http://extras.timesheraldonline.com/galleries/2008/062208a/pages/Juneteenth%2002.html

New Wolverine Trailer

May 2 can't come early enough! Here is another trailer for Wolverine.

Keeping Cool During A Debate

I've been able to recently listen to a few good debates with William Lane Craig defending the existence of God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ against atheists who disagree. I enjoy him, but I don't think I agree with his views of free-will and how human free-will fits in with destiny and salvation. Also he seems to agree that the creation accounts can coincide with prevailing ideas of some scientists - namely that the earth is several billion years-old. I have different theories. In no area that I disagree with him is it a salvation issue that could lead someone to hell...that is why I like listening to him. I also like how he remain unflappable and undisturbed no matter how stupid the other people speak. Here is an example:

Humorous Parodies

I came across a very clever parody. I laughed a long time. I'm sure it's a joke because it's Watchmen animated series intro with the look and feel of TMNT, Cops, and the Extreme Ghostbusters shows of the eighties....cheesy theme music included...and I have never seen it. If it had aired in the United States I would know about it! Take a look it is very funny!