rf_audiocast-2010-09-06-51320.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
William Lane Craig's Questions for Stephen Hawking (MP3)
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)
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?!?
Answering Muslims: Burn the Quran Day is CANCELLED... Because Ground Zero Mosque is Being Moved?!?
Sola Scriptura and Unity Debate
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
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
Verses demonstrating God's prevenient grace
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Observing the Torah
I got an e-mail recently in which Dr. Laura Schlesinger was chided for being against homosexuality because of the laws stated in Leviticus 18:22. The fundamental understanding is that because we don't follow the other laws given through Moses, we shouldn't be concerned over homosexuality. My comments are going to be in red and my overall response is that many of the laws given in the Old Testament were to the Jewish people in a theocratic context. Many of them were designed to make the people of Israel different and set apart in contrast to their neighboring peoples. This isn't true of all of the laws. What is true of all the laws is that we get insight as to what God considers good and bad. You also get the sense that our idea of what is moral and right does not match completely what God says is right. None of us think the things we do or condone are wrong. This is why we need an outside standard. The thing is about Homosexuality, God said it was an abomination. The Bible also says that lying is something God hates. Don't do either. In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative.
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination .... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
Isrealites 4 thousand years ago could own slaves purchased from neighboring nations not us. America did not follow this command, they stole their slave or saw nothing wrong with buying stolen property. No where in the Torah were they told that slaves should be treated as property or less than human.
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
Funny how this verse is taken out of context. Exodus 21:7-8 says
Notice there isn't a commandment or prescription that you should sell your daughter as a servant/slave. This is in context of selling you daughter to pay a debt not just because you are greedy. This command is that the lady must be allowed to return to her family and not sold to foreigners if the one who gets her doesn't want her anymore.
7 "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as menservants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her.
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
The command is referring to husbands/wives not women you pass on the street. If you have been married any length of time, you can tell when your wife is on your period.
4 When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
No. In ancient Israel you would not just build an altar and sacrifice anywhere! Besides that's the reason for the holy perfume that was only supposed to be used in the Tablenacle/Temple. Besides if you aren't a Levite what would you be doing making a sacrifice?! Worse, we have Jesus why do you even need to do this?!!!
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
Are you Jew living in a theocratic context 3-4 thousand years ago? No? Then don't worry about it.
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
Eating Shellfish was about ritual not lifestyle. There is no degree of abomination.
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
Again out of context. The passage should be read in the context of verses 17-20. God was referring to who could serve in the temple. Should a crippled or handicapped person be a fireman? Nope. If you weren't physically capable to be a priest you should be doing the job.
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
If they are Jews living in Theocratic Israel, then yes.
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
They didn't play football in theocratic Israel and footballs aren't really made of pig skin.
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
Again we know that if you plant different crops too close together you mess up your field...so then your uncle would be ignorant. Some people are allergic to polyester. And given that your uncle is uncouth, it does not follow that they should die. Makes me wonder about a family if its okay to sleep with their in-laws.
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
God's Word is indeed eternal and unchanging. We do however.
Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia
(It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian)
Dr. Kauffman obviously is trying to make the point that the Bible is full of outdated laws and rules that don't apply today and homosexuality shouldn't either. However he misrepresents and distorts what the Bible says. Sorry, she may be inconsiderate and racist (see other posts on Dr. Laura) but she's right on this point.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Iron Sharpens Iron: David F. Wells: The Courage to be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World (Encore Presentation)
David F. Wells, Ph.D., the Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will address the theme of his book: "The Courage to be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World".
Iron Sharpens Iron: David F. Wells: The Courage to be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World (Encore Presentation)
Arguing Doesn’t Do Any Good? Sure It Does! | Clay Jones
Of course, what’s at stake here is significant. Would the devil like anything more than when someone challenged the truth of historic Christianity, we just sat silent while quoting to ourselves the maxim “people shouldn’t argue”?Arguing Doesn’t Do Any Good? Sure It Does! | Clay Jones
1 Pet. 3:15: “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.”
THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Atheistic fairy tales...
THE APOLOGETIC FRONT: Atheistic fairy tales...
Apologetics 315: Terminology Tuesday: Argument from Prophecy
Apologetics 315: Terminology Tuesday: Argument from Prophecy
History of the Bible: How The Bible Came To Us
Here is a great article about by Paul Ringer in which he summarizes what is known about how the Bible is written and how it was transmitted down to us through the centuries to English. For further studying and information, I can't recommend The King James Only Controversy by James White highly enough. If you like material like this, you will love his book.
History of the Bible: How The Bible Came To Us
Monday, September 6, 2010
Politics in "Black Panther" Animated Series
I think the reason why the Black Panther animated series will not be broadcasted in the United States is because it is "too controversial". Mustn't let black children think about history and culture and how empires were built in Africa and North America.You may or may not be aware of the Black Panther animated series that was supposed to be on BET in 2009 from a collaboration between Marvel Animation and BET. IT didn't happen but the show was shown in Australia (no idea why?) in 2010. What happened was that the shows were supposed to be available on iTunes. However it was pulled from there as well. So why ? Why won't they just broadcast it on TV or make it available over the Internet or DVD? I think the answer may be found in the clip below. Recall that the Black Panther is king over a fictional sovereign nation, Wakanda. This clip sets up a flashback of what happened to his father who was assassinated to gain power of Wakanda. The scene shows the Black Panther's father, King T'Chaka, interacting with other nations at an international economic summit.Watch Politics in "Black Panther" in Animation | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Look at what T'Chaka says about the greed and acts of the western patterns. This is true. I think that stance against racism is unavoidable. It wasn't just that Wakanda was disliked they were hated because of their technology, ethics, and the fact that they are black. In real life we see this same reaction. Recall, the 2008 Presidential Election? People did not know how to relate to Obama, because like T'Chaka, he didn't meet the ideas of what a Black man should be like in their minds. I think that the telling the storjavascript:void(0)y in fiction also bring up what really happened in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and even today. The metaphor could be extended to black celebrities and how they become embroiled in scandals with white women. There is a lot there that could lead to much discussion and debate. But it seems like the powers that be in control over what get distributed is not ready for such discussions initiated by black artists like Denys Cowan, and Reggie Hudlin. It's sad to me. I've seen the whole series and anyone who hasn't is really missing something. For all I know, maybe Disney pulled the plug. I've been looking for an official announcement and have not found one yet explaining the situation.
Parchment and Pen » What Bible Should I Own (Dan Wallace)
Dan Wallace is one of the Textual Critics and scholars working in Biblical studies today. Brian Auten tweeted an awesome post Dr. Wallace wrote about which English translation is the best one to use.Parchment and Pen » What Bible Should I Own (Dan Wallace)
Debunking Christianity: Why Should I Rent a Comedy When The Bible is a Joke?
The other thing that was lost in the video was the fact that the Trinity was misrepresented. Jesus is Yahweh. But that does not mean God the Father and Jesus are the same person. They are not. God is one being eternally self-existing in three persons! "Being" and "person" are not the same thing. This is confusing for us because in most experiences one being is one person. IF that is not the case..there are problems. There is no disconnect or conflict between Jesus and the Law at all. Oh, and God the Father ain't got a body. The reason why the Jews wanted to kill Jesus (okay one of the reasons) was because Jesus applied the Name Yahweh to himself - the same name given as self-identification from the burning bush to Moses.
14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am ". This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " - Exodus 3:14Yahweh means "He is" or "I AM".
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" - John 8:58
Debunking Christianity: Why Should I Rent a Comedy When The Bible is a Joke?
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Bible and Mathematics
Dr. Mariottini has posted a video that got my attention. It suggests that if you take Genesis 1:1 perform a calculation on it, you will get the number PI and if you perform the same calculation on John 1:1 you get the base of the exponential function (e). I found this very interesting because PI and e show up in almost every calculation that is remotely interesting. The video he posted is actually of a set of two videos. Both videos are posted below:
Even if the videos are correct. I'd like to know how did they come up with the formula to get Pi and e, Here is some information to help you if you wanna try the calculation yourself.
Here is the equation:
The Greek Alphabet and the numerical conversion for each letter.
The Hebrew Alphabet and the numerical conversion for each letter.
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Bible and Mathematics
Even if the videos are correct. I'd like to know how did they come up with the formula to get Pi and e, Here is some information to help you if you wanna try the calculation yourself.
Here is the equation:
The Greek Alphabet and the numerical conversion for each letter.
The Hebrew Alphabet and the numerical conversion for each letter.
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament: The Bible and Mathematics
Who Made God?
Who Made God?
Virtual Library of Christian Philosophy - Alvin Plantinga
Virtual Library of Christian Philosophy - Alvin Plantinga
Islam and Christianity A Common Word
Islam and Christianity A Common Word
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