Saturday, July 09, 2011

Scientists of Faith

Roger Bacon (c. 1214-94)
Roger Bacon was a Franciscan monk who was important right at the beginning of the development of modern science. He believed it was very important to have an empirical (observed or based on experiment) basis for beliefs about the natural world. He contributed to the idea of 'laws of nature'. He studied mathematics, optics, the making of gunpowder, astronomy, and the anatomy of the eye and brain.

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
Johannes Kepler was an astronomer who formulated the laws of planetary motion that were based on the observations of Tycho Brahe. These are still used to calculate the approximate position of artificial satellites, the outer planets and smaller asteroids. He also did a lot of work in the field of optics and invented a new type of telescope which was used to confirm the discoveries of Galileo.

Galileo Galilee (1564-1642)
Galileo Galilee was one of the early supporters of a sun-centred (heliocentric) view of the solar system. He was censured and imprisoned by the church, but this was mostly because of the way he spoke to people in power. His imprisonment was house arrest, and he was never tortured (as Huxley would have had us believe). He never abandoned his faith and contributed to many areas of science including our understanding of the physics of motion and sound.

Michael Faraday (1791-1867)
Michael Faraday was a chemist and physicist and also an elder in his church. He established the basis for the electromagnetic field concept, electromagnetic induction, and established that electromagnetism could affect rays of light. He discovered benzene and invented the first working electric motors. Some people think he was the greatest experimenter in the history of science.

James Clerk Maxwell (1831-79)
James Clerk Maxwell was a physicist who formulated classical electromagnetic theory in ‘Maxwell’s equations’, which synthesized all of the previously unrelated work regarding electricity, magnetism and light into one coherent theory. He demonstrated that electricity and magnetism travel in waves at the speed of light. He also created a statistical way to understand the kinetic motion of gases and laid the foundation for special relativity. Many scientists think that he was as important as Einstein and Newton.

Gregor Mendel (1822-84)
Gregor Mendel was an Augustinian priest and is known as the ‘Father of Genetics’. He studied inherited traits in pea plants and discovered that inheritance follows certain laws. His work went largely unappreciated until the turn of the twentieth century.*

Are science and faith opposed to one another? Apparently not for these scientists.
[*Excerpt from Test of Faith: Science and Christianity Unpacked study guide, p.79]
Review of materials forthcoming.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (07/01 - 07/08)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• What Is Apologetics?
• The End of Morality?
• Can We Be Good Without God?
• A Brief History of Apologetics
• More Falsifications of Evolution
• A secular case for the pro-life view
• Can Science and Creationism Coexist?
• Are the New Testament Texts Reliable?
• How to Waste Your Theological Education
• A "Twelve Facts" resurrection logic puzzle
• Using the News for Apologetics and Evangelism
• Worldview: Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage
• Online Christian Writing Conference: August 18th
• Two more interviews on the historicity of Scripture
• 10 Reasons the New Testament Writers Told the Truth
• Looking forward to this book: Seven Days That Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis and Science

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Will Richard Dawkins Debate William Lane Craig?

William Lane Craig's UK Speaking Tour is coming in October 2011. This includes a debate with Polly Toynbee at Central Hall Westminster on Mon, 17 Oct at 7:30pm, the "Is God a Delusion?" Lecture at Sheldonian Theatre on Tues, 25 Oct from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and a debate on Does God Exist? with Peter Atkins at Manchester University on Wed, 26 Oct from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Register for these events at the Unbelievable page here, and get more info from BeThinking here. Here's a teaser video:

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Resources on Rob Bell & Hell

The purpose of this post is to provide helpful resources on the doctrine of hell - in particular, those that deal with issues raised by Rob Bell's Love Wins. If you would like to recommend audio, blog posts, or books, please contact Ap315 with your suggestions. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but a short list of good starting points for further review. Here are a few to get you started:

Discussions:
Rob Bell & Adrian Warnock on Unbelievable MP3
Martin Bashir Interview Video
Audio:
William Lane on Hell & Rob Bell MP3
Frank Turek on CrossExamined MP3
Michael Licona: "Is Jesus the Only Way?" MP3
Jonathan Morrow: "Is Hell for Real? How would you answer?" MP3
Douglas Groothuis (interview): MP3
Blog Articles:
Tim Challies review
CultureWatch review
Ben Witherington (chapter by chapter review)
part one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight
Further Index of Reviews (via Thinking Matters)
Books on Hell:
Hell Under Fire
Four Views on Hell

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

William Lane Craig vs. AC Grayling Debate: The Problem of Evil & The Existence of God

From the Unbelievable? Podcast Website: William Lane Craig and AC Grayling debate at the Oxford Union in 2005. Does the existence of evil and suffering in the world preclude the existence of the Christian God? William Lane Craig is Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology California. AC Grayling is the UK's most noted atheist Professor of philosophy. Click here to read more about Grayling's statement about not debating Craig, and subscribe to the podcast.

Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (2 hr)

Enjoy.

This debate has been added to the William Lane Craig Debate Audio podcast feed. Get it here.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Apologist Interview: David Wood

Today's interview is with David Wood, a former atheist who converted to Christianity after examining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. As well as being a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy, David directs Acts 17 Apologetics Ministries,  defending the Christian Faith against atheistic and Islamic objections. He talks about the Dearborn Arab Festival, the growth of Islam, the crucifixion of Jesus (Christian view compared to Islam), the usage of the word "Allah," Muslim arguments for the Qu'ran, the question of Jihad, assessing arguments in favor of Islam, inaccuracies in the Qu'ran, recommended resources on Islam, and more.

Find Acts 17 Apologetics here, as well as great resources at Answering-Islam.
Blog here: AnsweringMuslims.com.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (90 min)

Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Sunday Quote: Francis Schaeffer on Presuppositions

"People have presuppositions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these presuppositions than even they themselves may realize. By presuppositions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic world-view, the grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People's presuppositions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their presuppositions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for their decisions."1

- Francis Schaeffer

1. Schaeffer, Francis. How Then Should We Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1976).

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Biola Distance Certificate in Apologetics: Review 3 of 3

This is part three of a three part series (part 1 here, part 2 here) of reviews of the content of Biola University's Distance Learning Certificate Program in Apologetics. The goal of today's post is to assess the overall program and the certificate quiz and process.

Friday, July 01, 2011

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (06/24 - 07/01)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Is God an Exalted Man?
• How an Atheist Found God
• Is God a Moral Monster? a review
• Philosophy means “love of wisdom."
• Beyond Blind Faith by Paul Little
• Book Review: Defending Constantine
• Question and Answer with Lee Strobel
• Lessons from a Christian Philosopher (MP3)
• Advanced Optics during the Cambrian Period
• The Ontological Argument and the S5 Objection (vid)
• Was the New Testament Influenced by Pagan Religions?
• Michael Murray explains how to talk about religion in public
• Philosopher Doug Groothuis on the Cosmological Argument (vid)
• Composite Multilayered Fish Armor Provides Protection Design Ideas
• Dearborn Police Prevent Christians from Witnessing on Public Property
• Lee Strobel interviews Drew Dyck on young people leaving Christianity

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Six Summer Reading Selections

July is here. Time to do some fun reading on some smaller sized titles. Here are six selections for summer reading from Apologetics315. Read along if you like. By the way, congratulations to Ben H., the Kindle winner from the summer drawing. Enjoy!

With the subtitle: How Same-Sex Marriage Hurts Everyone. Seems timely and appropriate. Also a small and quick read. Makes a non-religious case against same-sex marriage. Also, Cisco didn't like it.

God and Stephen Hawking: Whose Design Is It Anyway?God and Stephen Hawking by John Lennox
Alister McGrath calls this "a brilliant response to Stephen Hawking's Grand Design." Discusses the multiverse, design, science and rationality. Already available in the UK.

The Philosophy of JesusThe Philosophy of Jesus by Peter Kreeft
This pocket-sized book looks at Jesus through the eyes of a philosopher and discusses Jesus' metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, anthropology, etc. And Kreeft is a great writer.

On Jesus (Wadsworth Philosophers)On Jesus by Douglas Groothuis
Right along the same lines of Kreeft's book, this title by Groothuis covers Jesus as a philosopher along the same topcis! Perhaps an interesting comparison. And you gotta love Groothuis.

God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?God Behaving Badly by David T. Lamb
As discussed in the author interview here, this book is a great first choice for looking into the tough questions raised by some Old Testament passages. Written in a very accessible style.

This one got put on hold on the reading list due to other projects -- time to knock it out. This book argues that certain needs, emotions, and desires have a legitimate place in drawing people into faith in God.

What's on your summer reading list?

Thursday, June 30, 2011

World Religions Index

Looking for info on the major world religions as well as some of the major cults? The single best starting place is the excellent World Religions Index, from LeaderU. Unlike other "all about" sites, this site has no advertising. You'll find clear, concise outlines of the major key beliefs of cults and world religions, and their comparisons with Biblical Christianity.

• Go to the Cults page
• Go to the World Religions page
• Read articles on world religions here.
• Read personal stories from those involved in these religions here.
• Go to the main index page here.

Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Person-Sensitive Apologetics MP3 Audio by Brian Auten

This audio makes the case that the content and conduct of Christian apologetics must be person-sensitive in two ways. First, it must be sensitive to the audience one is interacting with. Second, it must be sensitive to the person of Jesus Christ. Being person-sensitive entails adapting one’s content to the audience, being consistent in one’s conduct as a Christian, being mindful of the response of the individual, being informed by scripture and influenced by the Holy Spirit. Download the PDF Transcript. Feel free to adapt for your own use.
Full MP3 Audio here (20 min)

Enjoy.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Author Interview: David Lamb - God Behaving Badly

Today's interview is with David T. Lamb, associate professor of OT at Biblical Theological Seminary. He is  author of a newly released book God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament God Angry, Sexist, and Racist? He talks about his background in Old Testament studies, dealing with difficult passages in the OT, the angry God and the loving God, principles for reading OT passages for better understanding, responding to the claims that the Bible is sexist, racist, and violent, law versus grace in the Old Testament and the New, the importance of working through and discussing tough questions, using the OT to point people to Christ, and more. Check out the book here. David's blog is here.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (50 min)

Enjoy.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sunday Quote: F.F. Bruce on the New Testament Canon

“One thing must be emphatically stated. The New Testament books did not become authoritative for the Church because they were formally included in a canonical list; on the contrary, the Church included them in her canon because she already regarded them as divinely inspired, recognizing their innate worth and generally apostolic authority, direct or indirect.”

- F.F. Bruce (The New Testament Documents, p. 22)

Saturday, June 25, 2011

DVD Review: Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis: The Beauty and Design of ButterfliesMetamorphosis: The Beauty and Design of Butterflies is the latest DVD produced by Illustra Media. For those familiar with Illustra's growing family of documentaries, this DVD will fit in nicely with a collection that emphasizes the structures of design and intricacy found woven throughout nature's wonders. Metamorphosis takes an in-depth look at butterflies.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (06/17 - 06/24)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Common Sense Truth
• The Problem of Miracles
• Kindle 3G Summer Giveaway
• Big Religion Comparison Chart
• Ancient Texts Compared to the Bible
• Cisco Sinks to Dishonorable Low
• What Diversity and Inclusion Mean at Cisco
• Are Old Testament Laws Evil? (PDF)
• Atheists and Unicorns: Emotional Appeal
• Victor Stenger replies to “Who made God?”
• Lessons from the Life of Francis Schaeffer
• Butler: All of the evidence taken together
• Verses to Know When Witnessing to Mormons
• Letters to a Mormon Elder by James White
• Mary Jo Sharp: Jesus Never Existed? (vid)
• Ten Arguments for the Existence of God
• Praxman and Zeitgeistscheizer on Freedom
• Fatherhood and Atheism: Paul Vitz Interview MP3
• The Historic Alliance of Christianity and Science
• Check out "God and Pen" - Philosophy of Religion blog
• Does the Scientific Method Preclude the Existence of Miracles?
• Counterpoints: Richard Dawkins and Pastor Richard Wurmbrand
• Confident Christianity: Houston Student Apologetics Training Camp 2011
• Audio from J.P. Moreland’s “Love Your God With All Your Mind” lecture

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350+ Lectures on Science and Religion

The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion is an interdisciplinary research enterprise based at St Edmund's College, Cambridge. In addition to academic research, the Institute engages in the public understanding of science and religion by means of Courses, Conferences, Lectures, Seminars and the Media. The website also has a huge multimedia archive, with lectures on science/religion topics by such names as John Polkinghorne, Alister McGrath, Robin Collins and George Ellis. There is plenty of food for thought (and some you won't agree with). That being said, check out the multimedia archive for tons of audio, such as:
350+ More Science & Religion Lectures here.

Enjoy.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Top 16 Apologetics Podcasts Updated

One of the must-visit pages on Apologetics315 is The 16 Best Apologetics Podcasts. With so much content available to listen to, it's good to have a selection of "hand-picked" resources that consistently deliver quality material. Although tastes vary, this list may serve well as a starting point for those looking for podcasts to equip them to defend the faith. Since the last update of this list, many have stayed, some have moved, some have gone, and some have been added. Have a listen.

See The 16 Best Apologetics Podcasts.

Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Can Atheists Live Without God? by Norman Geisler MP3

In this audio from The Voice of Truth Podcast, Norman Geisler speaks on the subject: Can Atheists Live Without God? Geisler discusses what atheists say, what the Bible says, and what the evidence shows. He argues that atheists can't live without God logically, morally, psychologically, and religiously.

Interview with Norman Geisler here. Pick up I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist also.

Full MP3 Audio here. (55 min)
Enjoy

Monday, June 20, 2011

Apologist Interview: David Robertson

Today's interview is with Pastor David Robertson of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee, Scotland and Chairman of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity. He talks about his interaction with Richard Dawkins' God Delusion book, his open letters to Dawkins (and The Dawkins Letters book), his thoughts on persuasive evangelism, the goals of evangelistic conversation, the positive effect from the new atheism, how being a pastor overlaps with evangelism and apologetics, the problem with American apologetics, the importance of practical application, connecting with an audience, the top issues that always seem to come up, the state of the new atheism today, the influence of postmodernism, stopping calling yourself an apologist, our tone with others, the starting point for conversations, and more.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here (44 min)

Enjoy.
Apologies: the audio quality was substandard this week because of a technical glitch.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.

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