Apologist Interview: Edgar Andrews

Today's interview is with scientist Edgar Andrews, Emeritus Professor of Materials at the University of London and author of Who Made God: Searching for a Theory of Everything. He talks about his career as a scientist, his debate with Richard Dawkins in 1986, the relationship between faith and science, his reason for writing Who Made God, his hypothetical approach to the God question, his critique of Victor Stenger's hypothesis, advice for apologists, communicating to "the man on the street" and more.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (50 min)

Edgar Andrews website here. Book here; review here.

Enjoy.

Sunday Quote: Avery Dulles on Apologetics

“In pressing the case for their discipline, apologists should keep in mind that it is neither necessary nor sufficient for salutary acts of faith. It is not necessary, for we all know people who have strong faith without having ever read a word of apologetics. It is not sufficient, because faith is a grace-given submission to the Word of God, not a conclusion from human arguments. Apologetics has a more modest task. It seeks to show why it is reasonable, with the help of grace, to accept God’s word as it comes to us through Scripture and the Church. Reflective believers can be troubled by serious temptations against faith unless they find reasons for believing. Converts, in particular, will normally deliberate for some time about the reasons for embracing the faith. … there are sufficient signs to make the assent of faith objectively justifiable. The task of apologetics is to discover these signs and organize them in such a way as to be persuasive to particular audiences. The arguments can never prove the truth of Christianity beyond all possibility of doubt, but they can show that it is reasonable to believe and that the arguments against Christianity are not decisive. God’s grace will do the rest.”

- Avery Dulles

[HT: Tawapologetics]

(Dulles, Avery Cardinal. A History of Apologetics. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Ignatius, 2004, p. 367)

Apologetics Toolkit: Nuggets from Proverbs 18

Today's post will take a few moments to reflect on some verses found in the 18th chapter of Proverbs. (Check out Biblia.com for a nice new online Bible interface here). The particular verses highlighted below bring to mind important conversational principles that seem to apply to apologetics, evangelism, and personal interaction.

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (08/20 - 08/27)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Biblia.com - Great New Online Bible
• FREE book for people in Britain
• Joshua and the Genocide of the Canaanites
• Is Christianity True? FREE eBook
• Resources on The Problem of Evil
• Jesus Wasn’t a Real Person? That’s Dumb
• Currently Reading: Five Views on Apologetics
• The Resurrection Challenge video: win some books
• Six Worldviews That Rule the Universe
• All Head and No Heart (Video) by Greg Koukl
• William Lane Craig answers some personal questions (MP3)
• William Lane Craig on Being Open to the Truth
• Top Ten Myths about Homosexuality
• Ten Questions with Win Corduan
• 2010 God and Culture Conference on Apologetics
• Evolutionary psychology: Evolutionary psychologists on the evolution of crying
• Also Reading: Is God Just a Human Invention? +Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists by Jonathan Morrow and Sean McDowell

Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.

Or just add this feed to your RSS reader

William Lane Craig vs. Yusuf Ismail Debate: Identifying Jesus Is He Man or both Man and God? MP3 Audio

This is William Lane Craig's 2010 debate with Yusuf Ismail held in Cape Town, South Africa on the topic: Identifying Jesus: Is He Man or both Man and God? The debate is lively; you can read WLC's comments about it in his newsletter here. The videos are on Youtube here. But for those who like audio, see below. Also added to the WLC Audio debate feed.

Debate MP3 Audio here. (2hr)

Enjoy.

Is Christianity True? FREE eBook

In April 2010, Apologetics 315 produced an essay series on the topic Is Christianity True? This was a series of 23 essays contributed by various apologetics bloggers from across the web. See the table of contents here. A podcast was also created with audio each of each essay. Now, the ebook version is available for download. Download below:

Is Christianity True? eBook
[ Kindle Version | Mobi | ePub | PDF ]

Please share with friends.
Enjoy.

Why We Trust the Bible MP3 Audio by Darrell Bock

The Apologetics Review blog posted this audio (here) by Dr. Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary on the topic: “Why We Trust the Bible.” Bock's lecture covers these topics:
• Historical Criteria applied to the Gospels to test authenticity
• The Jesus Seminar – goals and outcomes
• Evaluating the Extra-Biblical attestation to Jesus (Joseph, Suetonius and Tacitus – special attention to Josephus)
• The Crucifixion story and its historicity

Visit Apologetics Review to get the Powerpoint slides in PDF.

Full MP3 Audio here. (72 min)

Enjoy.

Apologist Interview: Matthew Flannagan

Today's interview is with Matthew Flannagan, philosopher and blogger at MandM.org.nz. Matt talks about how he got into philosophy of religion, his blog posts on the Genocide of the Canaanites, his recent debate on morality with Raymond Bradley, morality, the benefit of public debate, and more.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here (33 min) 

Enjoy.

(see also Matthew's contribution to the Is Christianity True? Essay Series)

Sunday Quote: Pascal on Christianity

"Men despise religion; they hate it and fear it is true. To remedy this, we must begin by showing that religion is not contrary to reason; that it is venerable, to inspire respect for it; then we must make it lovable, to make good men hope it is true; finally, we must prove it is true. Venerable, because it has perfect knowledge of man; lovable because it promises the true good."

- Blaise Pascal in Pensées (187)

Book Review: Who Made God? Searching for a Theory of Everything by Edgar Andrews

You might think that Who Made God? Searching for a Theory of Everything by Edgar Andrews is a “just another” popular-level response to the new atheism. But you’d be wrong. While it is a popular-level book, it is anything but a typical response. British scientist Edgar Andrews (who himself debated Dawkins in 1986) takes a unique and extremely readable approach that not only critiques the likes of Richard Dawkins and Victor Stenger, but also makes a case for Christianity from a scientific perspective. He makes his case with reason and logic, all while weaving it together with clever wit, interesting analogies, and a unique style. The result is a book with a great deal of scientific depth, while remaining completely accessible to both the expert and the man on the street. This review will highlight some of the apologetic angles that Andrews takes.

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (08/13 - 08/20)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.

• 2010 EPS Apologetics Conference

• JP Moreland's Updated Website 

• JP Moreland on The Historical Accuracy of Christ (MP3) 

• Apologetics315 Monthly Newsletter: Signup 

• Ken Samples talks about Practice Makes Perfect (MP3) 

• Alan Shlemon defends the unborn in debate 

• Michael Behe & Stephen Barr debate intelligent design 

• Richard Swinburne interviewed by Centre for Public Christianity (MP3)

• Currently Reading: Faith Has Its Reasons by Boa & Bowman 

• Find Apologetics 315 on FriendFeed

Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.

Or just add this feed to your RSS reader

Apologetics315 Monthly Newsletter: Signup

Want additional resources, commentary, and helpful apologetics tools? Want to be kept in the loop with what's going on behind the scenes with Apologetics315? Sign up for Apologetics315's monthly newsletter to hear from me, Brian Auten, on what I think you might find useful in the area of apologetics. Among other things, I'll be sharing:
• Commentary on apologetics issues
• Q&A from readers
• What projects are in the works
• Additional resources and audio, and...
• A monthly book giveaway to a lucky subscriber

Interested? Sign up below. Opt out any time. Thanks!

Join the Apologetics315 Email Newsletter

* indicates required

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Close

7 Apologetics Books for Giving Away

No, these are not being given away today. These are seven (okay, technically ten) books that are great for giving to others as gifts for evangelistic/apologetic purposes. In no particular order:

Who Made God? In Search for a Theory of Everything by Edgar Andrews
Extremely readable and suitable for everyone from layman to advanced. Looks at the God hypothesis from a scientific perspective. Fun, witty, and thorough, with various short critiques of Dawkins and Stenger. Highly recommended.

The God Question: Searching for a Life of Meaning by J.P. Moreland
Moreland takes a holistic approach as he looks at "the God question" as it relates to all of life. Appeals to the reader to assess classical Christianity as he presents a case for God's existence, the identity of Christ, and the life impact of becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Choosing Your Faith: In a World of Spiritual Options by Mark Mittelberg
An approachable look at how one should evaluate the truth of Christianity as it stacks up against other worldviews. An epistemology and philosophy of religion book in disguise; readable, relevant, and friendly.

Welcome to College: A Christ-Followers Guide for the Journey by Jonathan Morrow
For the high schooler and/or high school graduate, this great resource addresses all the tough questions and issues facing young people at a key time of transition to college and university. Morrow tackles the crucial subjects that should not be ignored. Something like this should be required reading in teenage years.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
A true classic that has influenced millions, C.S. Lewis's masterpiece apologetics work is still just as relevant as ever. All apologists should read it and recommend it to others.

Five Sacred Crossings by Craig Hazen
A unique novel that is not only a page-turner, but a comparative religions sort of apologetics book that shows Christianity is true. Story-telling with a message; a good gift book.

The Case for Christ | Case for Faith | Case for a Creator | Case for the Real Jesus by Lee Strobel
All of the great "Case for" books are suitable for both the beginner apologist or for those with questions. Strobel's journalistic investigation into Christianity and the Creator pulls from the best academic minds while keeping the reader engaged. All of these are ideal for giving to others.

For more apologetics books, see the directory here.
What books do you recommend as good for reaching others?

The Top Ten Same Sex Marriage False “Facts” by Frank Turek

Apologist Frank Turek (blog | books | interview | resources) has posted an article entitled "The Top Ten Same Sex Marriage False 'Facts'" Worth reading in light of the issues surrounding California's Prop 8. Turek also talks about this article in his recent radio broadcast. For a fuller treatment, check out Frank's book: Correct, Not Politically Correct; How Same-Sex Marriage Hurts Everyone.

Article HERE. MP3 Audio here.

Edit: Frank Turek also speaks on the subject on this episode of Issues, Etc.

Enjoy.

Apologist Interview: Chris Shannon

Today's interview is with Chris Shannon, leader of the Reasonable Faith chapter in Dallas, and the director of Dr. William Lane Craig's Reasonable Faith Chapter initiative. He talks about the Reasonable Faith chapters, getting apologetics into the local church, strategies for small group initiatives, and tips for getting started.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (37 min)

Enjoy.

Find a chapter in your area here. Learn more about starting your own group here. See also Apologetics 315's Apologetics Group Directory to connect with others in your area.

For more interviews, subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.

Sunday Quote: Hastings Rashdall on Moral Law

"On a non-theistic view of the Universe...the moral law cannot well be thought of as having any actual existence. The objective validity of the moral law can indeed be and no doubt is asserted, believed in and acted upon without reference to any theological creed; but it cannot be defended or fully justified without the presupposition of Theism."

- Hastings Rashdall 

[HT:RkBall]

What was last year's post? See here.

Book Review: Science and Its Limits by Del Ratzsch

Science and Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective by Del Ratzsch is a useful and concise philosophy of science primer from a Christian point of view. The text is a brief 170 pages and is easy to read, yet covers the subject well. The author takes the reader on a journey through a brief history of science, exploring its definition, various conceptions and approaches to science, and then discusses what science can and cannot tell us about the world. The book concludes with a few chapters dealing with Christianity as it relates to scientific pursuits. This review will provide a brief overview of the content.

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (08/06 - 08/13)

Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.

• Can We Trust the New Testament Texts? 

• Jay Richards on "Money, Greed & God" (MP3) 

• The Facts of Life: The First 12 Weeks 

• Butterflies and Flashlights 

• Who really wrote the Book of Mormon?

• Conference: Loving God with All Your Mind 

• Apologetics events: San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Baltimore

• Find Apologetics 315 on FriendFeed

Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.

Or just add this feed to your RSS reader

What Would Jesus Say to a Relativist? MP3 Audio by Douglas Groothuis

In this lecture, philosopher Douglas Groothuis tackles the problem of relativism, answering it by pointing out its flaws and ultimate failure. Another good resource on relativism to add to the bunch. See also Groothuis' blog here, and recent interview here. Originally found here.

Full MP3 Audio here (45 min)

Enjoy.

What was last year's post? See here.

New Apologetics Journal: Hope's Reason

Hope's Reason is a newly formed apologetics journal. The vision for this journal is to bridge the gap between scholarship and the local church. Scholars have done much work in the areas of apologetics but their research has often gone unnoticed by the local church.  This journal seeks to provide scholarly treatments of important apologetic issues, not just for other scholars, but for pastors, educated laypeople, students and even honest seekers looking for answers.

Check it out here at Hope's Reason. For info on submissions, go here.

Enjoy.

Library of Historical Apologetics: Featured Website

Check out the new Library of Historical Apologetics. Their mission is to be the world’s leading resource for lay apologists, pastors, students, and scholars seeking historical apologetics materials for self-study, church classes, sermon preparation, and research. Their growing digital collection contains references to about 3,000 items with a focus on works in English from the 17th through the early 20th centuries.

Visit Library of Historical Apologetics here.

Enjoy.

[HT: Eye on Apologetics]

Matthew Flannagan vs. Raymond Bradley Debate: Is God the Source of Morality? MP3 Audio

In this debate, Matthew Flannagan and Raymond Bradley face off on the topic: "Is God the Source of Morality: Is it rational to ground right and wrong in commands issued by God?" Flannagan's opening statements can be found here. Bradley's opening statement can be here. More can be found at the MandM blog. Video should be forthcoming.

Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (2hr)

Enjoy.

[HT: Thinking Matters]

Apologist Interview: Douglas Geivett

Today's interview is with Douglas Geivett. He is Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology and Biola University. Doug's blog is here. He talks about his background and influences in philosophy and apologetics, his motivation in his field of study, his co-authored book In Defense of Miracles, arguing from miracles to God, the difference between background beliefs and background evidence, direct experience of miracles, assessing miracle claims from other religions, the role of a defense of miracles in one's apologetic, advice to Christian apologists, and more.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (51 min)

Doug Geivett's books include:
• In Defense of Miracles: A Comprehensive Case for God’s Action in Human History, co-edited with Gary Habermas
• Evil and the Evidence for God, with an Afterword by John Hick
• Contemporary Perspectives on Religious Epistemology, co-edited with Brendan Sweetman
• Faith, Film, and Philosophy: Big Ideas on the Big Screen, co-edited with James Spiegel

• Full book listing here.

Other resources by Doug Geivett:
• “If God, Why Evil?” Presentation Slides
• The Resurrection of Christ MP3 Audio
• Problems of Evil MP3 Audio
• Geivett's debate with John Shook
• Faith, Film & Philosophy home page.

Enjoy.

Sunday Quote: Charles Darwin on Doubt

"With me, the horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man's mind, which has been developed from the mind of the lower animals, are of any value or at all trustworthy. Would any one trust in the convictions of a monkey's mind, if there are any convictions in such a mind?"

- Charles Darwin, Letter to W. Graham  July 3, 1881

[HT:RkBall]