Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 2 of 14

Well over at the Atheism is Dead Blog, Mariano has published his part 2 of the article Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications. It is awesome. Everyone should read it!

Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 2 of 14

Scrutinizing Michelle Obama...Again

People are such nit-pickers!!!!

Embedded video from CNN Video

Easter Is Coming

Well it is that time of year again. Easter and Christmas is the time when critics of Christianity attacks Jesus with reckless abandon. Fortunate God has given us the antidote for our minds and amminition to fight with. Here is a two part video from the John Ankerberg Show where Dr Gary Habermas and Dr. Craig Evans answer the claims of the following:

1. Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code
2. Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus
3. Michael Bagent's The Jesus Papers
4. James Tabor's The Jesus Dynasty
5. the ancient gnostic Gospel of Judas.

What if Atheist Ruled The World?

I came across the following video. Some might say that it's just irreverent humor. I think that it must be commented upon because it's an apologetic for atheism. A group of young men act as fundamentalist Christians making some of the most ridiculous claims against evolution imaginable. The YouTube posts that it's based on real comments made by Christians. I have to admit that they have a point...some of the comments are stupid showing at best ignorance at worst...lies.





It amounts to "Christians" attacking a carachature of evolutionists and atheists. Their arguments are misrepresented. The producers are saying that Christians are too stupid to even understand what evolutionist believe let-alone argue against it. And they are saying that Christians think that anyone who does not believe the way we do are immoral and are bad parents. It's interesting how the producers of this video are arguing against a perceived stereotype against themselves with their own stereotypes of Bible-believing Christians. Truly pathetic.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!!!

I recently heard this humorus song. You may have heard it. Turns out that my daughter, Makayla loves it. Peanut Butter Jelly Time



Credits:

Created By: Ryan Etrata
Inspired By: Kevin Flynn

Song: Peanut Butter Jelly Time
By The Buckwheat Boys

Lyrics:

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
Peanut Butter Jelly Time!


Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?

Now, there he go!
There he go!
There he go!
There he go!

Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!


Now, where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?

Now, there he go!
There he go!
There he go!
There he go!

Now, peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!


Now, break it down and freeze!
Break it down and freeze!
Now, break it down and freeze!
Break it down and freeze!


Now, where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?

Now, there he go!
There he go!
There he go!
There he go!

Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!


Now, tic tac toe, Uh-huh!
Tic tac toe, Let's go!
Tic tac toe, You got it!
Tic tac toe, Let's ride!


Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?

Now, there he go!
There he go!
There he go!
There he go!

Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!

Do the peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly!
Peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat!


Now, freestyle,
freestyle, freestyle,
freestyle, freestyle,
Your style!

Freestyle,
freestyle, freestyle,
freestyle, freestyle,
Your style!


Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?
Where he at?

Now, there he go!
There he go!
There he go!
There he go!

Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 1 of 14

I'm gearing up for James White's debate against atheist Dan Barker. I am certain that it will be interesting and awesome. I want people to hear the Gospel out of the event. I'm sure that God will use Dr James White in such a mighty way that many people will hear the truth who would have not heard it.

I've been listening to a lot of debates recently in which Barker has ineptly defended atheism, (It's not all his fault, atheism has no defense.) and I have often thought about deconstructing one of his favorite arguments against Christianity: "Bible contradictions" - an oxymoron for sure but Barker thinks its a big gun. It's more like an annoyance. However one of my brothers in Christ, Mariano, has beat me to doing such a series on his blog. Find the link below:

Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 1 of 14

I heartily recommend everyone read his blog and this series of articles he's writing. It's awesome. The introduction is thoughtful and so well-written. One of the things I learned from reading his introduction is that Barker has a so-called "Bible Quiz" people can take, get a score and get his answers. I scored 38 out of 50. I'm so unimpressed and even offended at how her twisted the bible to make God look as "bad" as possible to the modern unregenerate American mind. He has personal hostility against God. Pathetic. One day, I may try to cover some of those problems he brings up here. In the mean time, get him, Mariano.

Pastor Stewart's Closing Remarks from 03-29-09

Here is a test of posting a part of our church service. It was taken on my cell phone. It's only a test, but the message given is far too important to be ignored


Audio

Pastor_Stewart_Clo...

Guess Who?

Who is this passage talking about:



He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Who is this? Who is the Passage Referring to? Moses Muhammad Jesus Krishna view results

Where is it? Is the above quoted from the Old Testament and New Testament? Old Testament New Testament view results

Mathematics and Theology - the Age of the Earth

Most science books who accept macro evolution teach that the earth is something like 4-5 Billion years old. Scientist typically arrive at this number using geologic dating of rocks and fossils on earth. Did you know that physics actually has a calculation that requires no more than simple algebra to arrive at a similar number for the age of the earth. The calculation depends on comparing on the relative concentration of Uranium isotopes in the earth's crust. The isotopes we used in my sophomore Physics class were U₂₃₈ and U₂₃₅. Both of these flavors or Uranium are radioactive. U₂₃₅ is used in simple nuclear weapons like the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. U₂₃₈ is used in our nuclear reactors. If we know about how many atoms of Uranium 235 and 238 are in the earth crust today and we know the half-life of both Isotopes then we should be able to figure out how old the earth is. The half-life of radioactive material is defined as the amount of time it takes for 1/2 of the material to decay into another kind of element. The equation we use to define the number of atoms (N) after time t, where is the half-life and N_i is the initial number of atoms:





So let's apply this idea for ration of U₂₃₅ to U₂₃₈. Remember that:


N_U235 is the number of U₂₃₅ atoms currently.
N_U238 is the number of U₂₃₈ atoms currently.
N_iU235 is the number of U₂₃₅ atoms initially.
N_iU238 is the number of U₂₃₈ atoms initially.
_U235 is the half-life of U₂₃₅ atoms. = years
_U238 is the half-life of U₂₃₈ atoms. = years




When I first got this problem in a problem set back in school I tripped out because they told me what the current ratio of U₂₃₅ to U₂₃₈ is: 0.0072516316. And I also had the numbers for the half-life. I knew I wanted to find t - the time it took for both isotopes to decay to the current ratio. So I tripped out. Got scared because I didn't know how much of each uranium isotope was in the earth's crust at the time the earth formed until I realized that I was supposed to assume that the earth had the same amount of each kind of Uranium in the beginning! what this means is that N_iU235 = 0.0072516316 N_iU238 and that means that you don't need to know the initial amounts of Uranium because those numbers cancel out - old algebra trick. When I plugged in all the numbers and solved the equation for t, I got 4 and half billion years back then.















Using the numbers I found off Wikipedia which slightly differ from the numbers I used in college and the scientific calculator add-on for Firefox I now get


years or years


4.18 Billion is close to 4.5 Billion (four-and-a-half) that I'm certain that I did the calculation accurately. Thank God!

A lot of people look at that and go...see the earth is as old as macro evolution shows that it should be. End of story. But this calculation depends on several assumptions that I never got proof that we should assume. I was just taught that the following assumptions were reasonable.

a. That the amounts of U₂₃₅ and U₂₃₈ were equal when the earth first formed. I mean other than it makes the math work out, I don't see why we need to assume that.
b. That half-life of U₂₃₅ and U₂₃₈ have always been constant. This one I'm willing to let them have as reasonable.
c. How did they determine that the ratio of U₂₃₅ to U₂₃₈ is 0.0072516316 in the earth's crust? How do we know it's the correct estimate?

I think that assumption "b" is reasonable, but "a" and "c" happen to seem convenient and I will need to do more research to really decide if they are reasonable. The best I can say is that it makes the math work out. When I was in school, I took their word for it and no proof was offered. Now, I think I would like to find out how they came up with their assumptions.

Mathematics and Theology - the Resurection

I remember often in my pre-college education, while sitting in mathematics courses, wondering what was the use of spending all that time wading through theoretical mathematics. Of course during college and through my professional career I have learned that theoretical mathematics becomes practical very quickly. Who knew? A good example is that it becomes useful even in the field of apologetics and there isn't any need to get real deeper than algebra. William Lane Craig argued for the resurrection of Jesus again Bart Ehrman very effectively using the probablistic calculus. You can read his argument in it's entirety on one of my previous posts and a you can watch the video here. I really like the argument he used.

Let X equal the probability that Jesus supernaturally was raised from the dead.
Let Y equal the probability that there are naturalistic explanations for what happened to explain the historical facts that although Jesus was crucified, that the tomb was empty 3 days later and people claimed to have seen him alive later, following religion based on His teachings and person.

The total probability that Christianity is correct can be mathematically represented as the following equation.

P(X,Y) = X /(X + Y)

Dr. William Lane Craig then pointed out that as Y becomes smaller and smaller, the probability function becomes closer and closer to being equal to 1. A probability of 1 means that its a certainty and most definitely true. Craig in the debate argued that the Biblical conclusion is most probable because it most adequately answers:

a. Why the Tomb was empty?
b. Why did Jesus' brothers and disciples start claiming Jesus was alive again and that He is God when before the Crucifixion and the aftermath his brothers didn't believe at all and his closest followers lost faith?

Ehrman tried to argue that there are other explanations without appealing to the idea that Jesus was supernaturally raised from the dead. He failed. Craig quoted the above mathematics from a leading mathematician, Richard Swineberg from Oxford University, and even more amazing gave the exact place for more research because X and Y can actually be numerically evaluated. The name of the book is The Resurrection of God Incarnate. If you plug in the numbers you get a number: 0.97; in math and physics a probability of 0.97 means more than likely. It means that it's a proven conclusion! Look at Ehrman's reaction. Research it for yourself!

Siku is back!

I have just heard that Siku has published a manga called Manga Jesus Volume 1. I have not read it yet, But I can't read it yet. I read the previous Manga Bible. I loved it. I wrote a post about it a long time ago: http://mmcelhaney.blogspot.com/2008/08/manga-bible-review.html and I can't wait to read the book. Here is a video from National Geographic.




Here is an interview from NPR

Another Reason To Get A PS3

I've found another reason why I should buy a PS3 as soon as God enables me to get one:
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

Athanatos - Apologetics Education

I have just found out about online Christian courses that are being offered at Athanatos in Apologetics. Some of the classes are being taught by world famous scholars such as Dr. Gary Habermas. Gary Habermas is an expert on explaining and resurrection the historicity of the Resurrection. There are many different classes being offered for free to about $30. On of Habermas' classes is The Problem of Pain and Suffering. He is perhaps one of the best people to teach this class. You see, Habermas was one of the scholars who was interviewed in Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ and he said that when he lost his wife to cancer, leaving him to care for their two young children alone, it was the truth of the Resurrection that carried her through her illness and he through the pain and suffering of loosing her.

Oops. I apologize. I forgot to define apologetics. It has nothing to do with apologizing but the woards are related. Apologetics comes from the word apologea in kione Greek. It means "make a defense". It's the same word translated "answer" used in 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

It's also the same word translated "excuse" used in Romans 1: 18-20

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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 men are without excuse

Therefore, Paul is saying that there is no defense - no reason - deny the existence of God.
One more point I've go to bring up is that the Greek word "athanatos" is a great name for an Apologetics class. It means "God-breathed". This is the word used by Paul to define what scripture is in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Proposition 8 "PSA"

Jimmy Kimmel's show aired a mock Public Service Announcement where Portia De Rossi apologizes for selfishly marrying Ellen.They make it sound as if gay marriage really does not not hurt anyone and unfortunately that is a lie. Here is the PSA.



Rather than rehash some of the points I've made in previous posts, I think James White's blog at his Alpha Omega Ministries provided the most succinct answers to this.

http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?amount=0&blogid=1&query=homosexual+marriage

Review Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ"

I've recently completed reading Lee Strobel's book: The Case For Christ. It is a great book. Today, Lee Strobel is a famous Christian evangelist and apologist but 30 years ago he was an atheist and a journalist covering criminal law cases in Chicago. He was completely anti-christian. What changed? His wife came to Christ and Strobel noticed her complete change in character and improvement to her own happiness and how she related to him and their children. He decided to apply his professional expertise to research the evidence for what Christians believe about Jesus and prove that it was all wrong. That it could not possible be true. He studied, interviewed scholars and historians, checked out all the evidence using all the 20th century knowledge and resources at his disposal for two years. In the end, he realized that he could not hold on to his atheism because the evidence would not support it. He then discussed how coming to Christ change him. He became a better man. A better husband. A better father.

Strobel wrote The Case For Christ to show the people the journey he took. He interviewed Phychologists, Archeologists, Theologians, Historians, Physiologists, Textual Critics, and scholars who could share any kind of insight as to any information on Jesus. He posed to them the same kinds of questions that unbelievers would ask and showed that there are great resonable answers. I'm glad I read the book because it helped clear up a few things for me. I have read that 1st Corinthians 15:3-11 could be dated 3-5 years from the resurrection but I had never heard anyone explain how until I read the argument on page 35. Let's look at the passage before I give the argument:

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

The passage clearly describes the gospel of the early church in a creedal statement.

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

We see that they believed that Jesus died for our sins, that He was bured, and then that He resurrected. In addition that people who were still alive at the time Paul wrote this letter saw the resurrected Christ. Dr. Craig Bloomberg dates the creed to with a couple of years of the crucifixion using the following argument. Many scholars agree that Jesus was crucified in 30 AD, placing Paul's conversion at 32 AD. This leads us to date Paul personally meeting the other apostles at about 35 AD. Sometime between 32 and 35 AD, Paul learned this creed. He didn't make it up. This what the church taught. This what the church teaches today (um should teach today.)

It's an excellent book and I think everyone should read it. If you already know Jesus, it will better help you give other people reasonable answers to their questions. If don't know Jesus, it will help you learn more about him. You have to do something with Him. You can't ignore Jesus or outright discount His claims. The evidence forces each one of us to decide was Jesus a liar? Was Jesus a lunatic? Or is Jesus Lord - worthy of your honor and worship? The evidence is conclusive: He's Lord. Go check it out for yourself. The Case for Christ is a great starting point!

Here is a video companion to the book:

Real Droids Are Available!

The only things missing from these robots is the movie versions' thrusters, artificial intelligence, and attitude!

Explore Mars With Google Earth

You can use Goggle Earth to explore Mars

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...