What sort of history are the Gospels? In this audio, biblical scholar Richard Bauckham presents this lecture on the topic of: The Gospels as Historical Biography. This talk was presented at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and video can be found here. You may also be interested in Bauckham's excellent book Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony.
Full MP3 Audio here. (70 min)
Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Gospels as Historical Biography by Richard Bauckham
Topics:
Gospels
,
History
,
Richard Bauckham
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Terminology Tuesday: Compatibilism
Compatibilism: In philosophy of action, the view that causal determinism is logically compatible with free will. The compatibilist who accepts both determinism and free will is called a soft determinist. Compatibilism usually defines free will as an action that is caused by the individual's own desires or wishes, rather than being coerced by some external power. The alternative possibilities that seem necessary for genuine free will are interpreted by compatibilists as hypothetical in character. For example, the individual who freely gave money to a charity could have refrained from giving money if the individual had wished to do so or if the situation had been different. Critics of compatibilism argue that genuine freedom requires an individual to have more than one possibility that is actually possible at the time of choosing, not merely possibilities that would be open if certain facts that do not obtain were to obtain.1
1. C.Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), p. 25.
1. C.Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), p. 25.
Topics:
apologetics
,
free will
,
terminology
Monday, February 27, 2012
Apologist Interview: Ravi Zacharias
Today's interview is with Ravi Zacharias, perhaps one of the greatest Christian apologists of our time. (Bio here.) He is author of over twenty books, and his most recent is Why Jesus: Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality. In this interview he talks his new book, the "new spirituality," secularism and spiritual hunger, how the media can make a lie seem like the truth, how we arrived at the new spirituality, Deepak Chopra and Oprah, avoiding the dangers of the new spirituality, reasons for hostility against Christianity, how people "reshape" Jesus, the most frequent misconceptions about Jesus, advice for Christian apologists, the hardest lesson to learn when defending the faith, planning devotions, pitfalls to guard against, the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and more.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here (30 min)
Books by Ravi Zacharias include:
• Why Jesus: Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality
• Can Man Live Without God?
• The Real Face of Atheism
• Has Christianity Failed You?
• Jesus Among Other Gods
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here (30 min)
Books by Ravi Zacharias include:
• Why Jesus: Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality
• Can Man Live Without God?
• The Real Face of Atheism
• Has Christianity Failed You?
• Jesus Among Other Gods
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Topics:
Apologist Interviews
,
Jesus Christ
,
Ravi Zacharias
Sunday, February 26, 2012
John Lennox on DNA and Design
"We have only to see a few letters of the alphabet spelling our name in the sand to recognize at once the work of an intelligent agent. How much more likely, then is the existence of an intelligent Creator behind human DNA, the colossal biological database that contains no fewer than 3.5 billion 'letters' - the longest 'word' yet discovered?”
- John Lennox
God and Stephen Hawking: Whose Design Is It Anyway?, p. 75.
- John Lennox
God and Stephen Hawking: Whose Design Is It Anyway?, p. 75.
Topics:
DNA
,
John Lennox
,
Quotes
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Book Review: Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, & Naturalism by Alvin Plantinga
Plantinga minces no words. The very first line of the book outlines his central claim: “there is superficial conflict but deep concord between science and theistic religion, and superficial concord and deep conflict between science and naturalism.”1
The first part of the book is dedicated to the superficial conflict between science and religious belief. The reason this alleged conflict is important is due, largely, to the success of the scientific enterprise. Because science has shown itself to be a reliable way to come to know the world, if religion is in direct conflict with science, then it would seem to discredit religion. Not only that, but, Plantinga argues, Christians should have a “particularly high regard” for science due to the foundations of the scientific enterprise on a study of the world.2
Topics:
Alvin Plantinga
,
Book Reviews
,
Philosophy of Religion
,
Science
Friday, February 24, 2012
Richard Dawkins vs Rowan Williams Debate Audio/Video
On February 23, 2012, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, and Professor Richard Dawkins participated in a "Dialogue Event" in the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford University on the topic of: “The Nature of Human Beings and the Question of their Ultimate Origin.” The discussion was moderated by Sir Anthony Kenny. Video of this debate/dialogue can be found at the event website here. More about the event here.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here (90 min)
Enjoy.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here (90 min)
Enjoy.
Topics:
Atheism
,
debate
,
Origins
,
Richard Dawkins
,
Theism
Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/17 - 02/24)
Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Is it Okay to Have Doubts?
• Ken Boa worldview picture
• Coalition For Marriage
• William Lane Craig comes to Denmark
• Craig S. Keener: Are Miracles Real?
• Craig Keener on Jesus’ Existence (video)
• Online Apologetics Conference on Facebook
• Reasons To Believe: Redesigned Website
• Devotion for a Philosopher/Apologist: Philippians 1-2
• Alvin Plantinga on the Social Character of Philosophy
• Mike Licona and Bart Ehrman debate the resurrection of Jesus
• Understanding The Trinity - article by Peter S. Williams
• William Lane Craig and the Meaning of Ad Hominem Attacks (video)
• Article: Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God? by Peter S. Williams
• Dealing with Primary Questions First and Secondary Questions Second
• One Long Bluff: A Review of Richard Dawkins' "The Greatest Show on Earth"
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
• Is it Okay to Have Doubts?
• Ken Boa worldview picture
• Coalition For Marriage
• William Lane Craig comes to Denmark
• Craig S. Keener: Are Miracles Real?
• Craig Keener on Jesus’ Existence (video)
• Online Apologetics Conference on Facebook
• Reasons To Believe: Redesigned Website
• Devotion for a Philosopher/Apologist: Philippians 1-2
• Alvin Plantinga on the Social Character of Philosophy
• Mike Licona and Bart Ehrman debate the resurrection of Jesus
• Understanding The Trinity - article by Peter S. Williams
• William Lane Craig and the Meaning of Ad Hominem Attacks (video)
• Article: Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God? by Peter S. Williams
• Dealing with Primary Questions First and Secondary Questions Second
• One Long Bluff: A Review of Richard Dawkins' "The Greatest Show on Earth"
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Bonus Links
Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch24
Today we continue with chapter twenty-four of Read Along with Apologetics315, a weekly chapter-by-chapter study through Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Christianity by Douglas Groothuis. Please leave a comment on your reading below. This is where you can interact with others reading the book, ask questions, or add your own thoughts. Series index here. Click below for the audio intro, chapter 24 study questions PDF, and summary:
Topics:
Read Along
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Online Apologetics Conference 2012
This year Athanatos Christian Ministries is hosting its third annual Online Apologetics Conference. The conference will be held on April 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2012. This year's theme is: Using Story to Defend, Promote, Explain, and Transmit the Faith. Learn how to apply apologetics through story.
On the 19th of April, a number of apologists will present guest lectures free of charge on a variety of apologetics topics. Use this link to find out more about the conference and the sessions. Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society will present the keynote on: “Finding the Right Word: Chesterton on the Writer’s Art.”
Find the Online Apologetics Conference on Facebook and Twitter.
Apologetics 315 is happy to sponsor this event. (For those who are interested, Brian Auten will be speaking on the 19th on the topic, "Avoiding Apologetics Pitfalls.")
Check it out.
On the 19th of April, a number of apologists will present guest lectures free of charge on a variety of apologetics topics. Use this link to find out more about the conference and the sessions. Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society will present the keynote on: “Finding the Right Word: Chesterton on the Writer’s Art.”
Find the Online Apologetics Conference on Facebook and Twitter.
Apologetics 315 is happy to sponsor this event. (For those who are interested, Brian Auten will be speaking on the 19th on the topic, "Avoiding Apologetics Pitfalls.")
Check it out.
Topics:
apologetics
,
conferences
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
How Should We Understand the Resurrection Narratives?
In May 2010, William Lane Craig and Michael Licona debated Sakkie Spangenberg and Hansie Wolmarans on the resurrection of Jesus at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The topic of the debate: How Should We Understand the Resurrection Narratives? Video of the debate can be found at Licona's Vimeo channel here. Audio below has been boosted to improve quality somewhat. Craig's debate recap here and here.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (1hr 21min)
Enjoy.
Check out the William Lane Craig audio debate feed here for more.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (1hr 21min)
Enjoy.
Check out the William Lane Craig audio debate feed here for more.
Topics:
debate
,
resurrection
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Terminology Tuesday: The Good
The Good: The most general term of ethical approval. The good is that which has positive value—for humans, that which is constitutive of, or conducive to, human flourishing. "Good" has both a moral sense, in which it is the opposite of evil, and a nonmoral sense, in which it is the opposite of that which is bad in any sense. Many ethical theories are grounded in a theory of the good, an example being that of the hedonist who identifies the good with pleasure. Theists typically hold that the good is in some way linked to God, who is supremely good. For Platonists, the Good is the supreme Form, the One from whom all being and value is derived, and Christian Platonists have naturally identified the Good with God.1
1. C.Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), p. 50.
1. C.Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), p. 50.
Topics:
apologetics
,
ethics
,
morality
,
terminology
Monday, February 20, 2012
Apologist Interview: Ken Boa
Today's interview is with Dr. Ken Boa, president of Reflections Ministries. He talks about his background and education, gifting or calling in the area of apologetics, possible imbalances in doing apologetic/theological studies, spiritual disciplines to be especially mindful of, the role of prayer and intercession in evangelism, advice for education for apologists, disciplines and skills for reading and retaining content, when to speed read and when not to speed read, the Great Books Series, how to make wise reading choices, guarding the reading of Scripture, advice for the budding apologist, dealing with discouragement and burnout, an integrative approach to doing apologetics, and more.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here (1 hr)
Books by Dr. Ken Boa include:
• 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists
• Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith
• Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation
• Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth
• Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here (1 hr)
Books by Dr. Ken Boa include:
• 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists
• Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith
• Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation
• Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth
• Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Topics:
Apologist Interviews
,
Ken Boa
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Craig Keener on Miracles
"It was Hume who first spoke of miracles as violations of nature. But Christians don't believe that the Legislator is subject to any of the laws of nature."
- Craig Keener, here.
- Craig Keener, here.
Topics:
Craig Keener
,
Miracles
,
Quotes
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Book Review: If God, Why Evil? by Norman Geisler
These facts are the motivation behind his writing of If God, Why Evil? The prolific author of more than 50 books begins his discussion by providing the three most basic views that people take on the subject: “Pantheism which affirms God and denies evil, atheism which affirms evil and denies God, and theism which affirms both God and evil” (12).
Topics:
Book Reviews
,
Norman Geisler
,
Problem of Evil
Friday, February 17, 2012
Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/10 - 02/17)
Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Mere Apologetics (review)
• What Is Evidence? - Tim McGrew
• She May Change Your Mind
• A Sunday Quote For Darwin Day
• Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
• Richard Dawkins's English Inquisition
• Dawkins forgets title of Darwin's book
• Ten Turning Points: God’s General Revelation
• Ten Turning Points: God’s Special Revelation
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 3: a Bold Apologist
• NT Wright on the Resurrection of Jesus (video)
• William Lane Craig on Objective Moral Values (video)
• 59 Confirmed or Historically Probable Facts in the Gospel of John
• Dr. Wallace: Earliest Manuscript of the New Testament Discovered?
• Talk Origins Full of Claims but Short on Real Evidence (audio)
• A List of Peer-Reviewed Articles on Intelligent Design
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
• Mere Apologetics (review)
• What Is Evidence? - Tim McGrew
• She May Change Your Mind
• A Sunday Quote For Darwin Day
• Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
• Richard Dawkins's English Inquisition
• Dawkins forgets title of Darwin's book
• Ten Turning Points: God’s General Revelation
• Ten Turning Points: God’s Special Revelation
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 3: a Bold Apologist
• NT Wright on the Resurrection of Jesus (video)
• William Lane Craig on Objective Moral Values (video)
• 59 Confirmed or Historically Probable Facts in the Gospel of John
• Dr. Wallace: Earliest Manuscript of the New Testament Discovered?
• Talk Origins Full of Claims but Short on Real Evidence (audio)
• A List of Peer-Reviewed Articles on Intelligent Design
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Bonus Links
Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch23
Today we continue with chapter twenty-three of Read Along with Apologetics315, a weekly chapter-by-chapter study through Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Christianity by Douglas Groothuis. Please leave a comment on your reading below. This is where you can interact with others reading the book, ask questions, or add your own thoughts. Series index here. Click below for the audio intro, chapter 23 study questions PDF, and summary:
Topics:
Read Along
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Debate: Daniel Wallace & Bart Ehrman 2012 Audio/Video
Here is a scholarly dialogue on the origins, the transmission, and the reliability of the New Testament. Do we have the original manuscripts? Can we trust the copies passed down to us? How accurate is our New Testament today? Daniel B. Wallace and Bart Ehrman discuss the topic: Is The Original New Testament Lost? Q&A follows the discussion. Video can be found on YouTube here. See also the great website The Ehrman Project for more great resources.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (2 hr)
Enjoy.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (2 hr)
Enjoy.
Topics:
Bart Ehrman
,
Daniel Wallace
,
debate
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Free Book Drawing: Why Jesus by Ravi Zacharias
Today Apologetics 315 will be giving away a copy of Ravi Zacharias' new book: Why Jesus?: Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality. From the press release: "Zacharias examines the impact of cultural figures such as Shirley Maclaine, authors James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy), Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code), books by Eckart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, the Dali Lama and Marianne Williamson, among others. Paying particular attention to the influence of Oprah Winfrey, Why Jesus? equips readers with facts dispelling New Age teachings and instead outlines why Christianity is the only true path."
Sound like something you want to read or give to a friend or family member?
Joel Won the Drawing! Congrats.
Sound like something you want to read or give to a friend or family member?
Joel Won the Drawing! Congrats.
Topics:
Free Stuff
,
Jesus Christ
,
Ravi Zacharias
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Terminology Tuesday: Grace
Grace (common, efficacious, prevenient): One of the central concepts of the Scriptures, grace speaks of God's loving actions toward creation and toward humankind in particular. Grace is the generous overflow of the love of God the Father toward the Son, Jesus Christ. This love is most clearly demonstrated to humans through God's selfless giving of Jesus to enable people to enter into a loving relationship with God as the Holy Spirit enables them. Common grace speaks of God's extension of favor to all people through providential care, regardless of whether or not they acknowledge and love God. Efficacious grace refers to the special application of grace to a person who comes by faith to Christ for salvation. It is the special act of God that brings about the true salvation of a person. Prevenient grace, though often thought to be synonymous with common grace, refers more specifically to the Wesleyan idea that God has enabled all people everywhere to respond favorably to the gospel if they so choose.1
1. Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), p. 56.
1. Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), p. 56.
Topics:
apologetics
,
terminology
,
theology
Monday, February 13, 2012
Apologist Interview: Holly Ordway on Literary Apologetics
Today's interview is with Holly Ordway. Holly is an academic, a poet, a Christian apologist and author of Not God’s Type: A Rational Academic Finds a Radical Faith. She is also director of ACM's Literary Apologetics Certificate program. She talks about literary apologetics, what it is and is not, excellence and creativity, what apologetics looks like through literature and the arts, developing and sharpening the skills of the literary apologist, the Literary Apologetics Certificate, and more. Visit Holly's blog: Hieropraxis.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (30 min)
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (30 min)
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Topics:
Apologist Interviews
,
Holly Ordway
,
Literary Apologetics
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Pinchas Lapide on the Miracle of the Resurrection
"If the defeated and depressed group of disciples overnight could change into a victorious movement of faith, based only on autosuggestion or self-deception—without a fundamental faith experience—then this would be a much greater miracle than the resurrection itself."
- Pinchas Lapide, The Resurrection of Jesus: A Jewish Perspective, p. 126.
- Pinchas Lapide, The Resurrection of Jesus: A Jewish Perspective, p. 126.
Topics:
Jesus Christ
,
Pinchas Lapide
,
resurrection
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Book Review: Can Man Live Without God? by Ravi Zacharias
Part 1: Antitheism Is Alive And Deadly
Chapter 1: Anguish in Affluence
Zacharias begins the book by setting a foundation for the reason behind the book and his philosophical method. He shows how a person's view of God influences that person's entire life- from what they believe about everything else to how they act. If they get their understanding of God incorrect, then their beliefs and actions will be antithetical to reality. He also shows that he believes philosophy takes place on three levels: through logic- and reason- based arm-chair theory, through the emotional artistic productions, and through everyday, practical, "dinner table" application. He appeals to each by using the first for raw argumentation, the second for illustration and examples, and the third for relevance to our lives. His goal is to appeal to all three levels throughout the book, so that the reader may be able to understand his argument at all the levels and be able to communicate it likewise to others at all three levels.
Topics:
Book Reviews
,
Ravi Zacharias
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/03 - 02/10)
Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• The End Of Infidelity eBook
• Win the Man, Not the Argument
• James 1:19-27 and the Apologist
• Junk DNA Isn’t Necessarily Junk
• Good Uses of Philosophy (MP3 by WLC)
• Ten Verses to Defend Your Faith
• Word of the Week Wednesday: Multiverse
• Literary Apologetics Certificate Program
• Visual Theology - The Books of the Bible
• Join a New Philosophical Network in Europe
• Thinking Matters Youth Conference, Auckland
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 2: Pioneering Physicist
• March 23-24 Apologetics Event in Northern California
• Do all religions lead to God? a lecture by Mike Licona
• Call for submissions to February 20's Philosophers' Carnival
• Captured on film: How plants learn of danger from other plants
• Is Eugenie Scott right? Are there no peer-reviewed papers supporting ID?
• Mike Licona explains the As, Bs, Cs, Ds and Es of New Testament reliability
• Greer-Heard Forum 2012 – A dialogue between Dr. Michael Shermer and Dr. Gary Habermas
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
• The End Of Infidelity eBook
• Win the Man, Not the Argument
• James 1:19-27 and the Apologist
• Junk DNA Isn’t Necessarily Junk
• Good Uses of Philosophy (MP3 by WLC)
• Ten Verses to Defend Your Faith
• Word of the Week Wednesday: Multiverse
• Literary Apologetics Certificate Program
• Visual Theology - The Books of the Bible
• Join a New Philosophical Network in Europe
• Thinking Matters Youth Conference, Auckland
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 2: Pioneering Physicist
• March 23-24 Apologetics Event in Northern California
• Do all religions lead to God? a lecture by Mike Licona
• Call for submissions to February 20's Philosophers' Carnival
• Captured on film: How plants learn of danger from other plants
• Is Eugenie Scott right? Are there no peer-reviewed papers supporting ID?
• Mike Licona explains the As, Bs, Cs, Ds and Es of New Testament reliability
• Greer-Heard Forum 2012 – A dialogue between Dr. Michael Shermer and Dr. Gary Habermas
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Bonus Links
Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch22
Today we continue with chapter twenty-two of Read Along with Apologetics315, a weekly chapter-by-chapter study through Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Christianity by Douglas Groothuis. Please leave a comment on your reading below. This is where you can interact with others reading the book, ask questions, or add your own thoughts. Series index here. Click below for the audio intro, chapter 22 study questions PDF, and summary:
Topics:
Read Along
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask Simulcast
Are we on the cusp of a golden era in the field of Christian apologetics? Two of the leading apologists of our day think so. (See Lee Strobel's article here.) In this audio interview provided by BreakPoint, John Stonestreet speaks with Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg about the centrality of Christian apologetics and how Christians can confidently answer the "tough questions." They also talk about their upcoming "Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask" Simulcast, which is a great way to introduce apologetics into your church. More info on the March 10, 2012 simulcast can be found here at the event page.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (25 min)
Enjoy.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here. (25 min)
Enjoy.
Topics:
apologetics
,
church
,
Craig Hazen
,
Douglas Groothuis
,
John Stonestreet
,
Lee Strobel
,
Mark Mittelberg
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Who Wrote the Gospels? Audio and Video by Tim McGrew
Full MP3 Audio here. (1hr 45min)
Video on YouTube here.
Enjoy.
Topics:
Gospels
,
History
,
New Testament
,
Tim McGrew
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Terminology Tuesday: Synoptic Gospels, Synoptic Problem
Synoptic Gospels, Synoptic Problem: The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark and Luke, which reflect many similarities to each other, in contrast to John's Gospel, which provides a quite different (albeit complementary) picture of Jesus. The synoptic problem centers around the literary relation and interdependence among the three Gospels based on their shared subject matter and frequent textual similarities.1
1. Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), p. 111.
1. Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki & Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), p. 111.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Gospels
,
terminology
Monday, February 06, 2012
Scholar Interview: Craig Keener
Today's interview is with Dr. Craig Keener, professor of the New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is especially known for his work as a New Testament scholar on Bible background. He is also author of Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts. He talks about his background and current work, how his newest book came about, defining miracles, unpacking Hume's objections against miracles, assessing miracle claims outside of Christianity, appealing to naturalistic explanations for miracles, the theological context of miracles, reasons to trust New Testament miracle claims, contemporary miracle claims from around the world, miracles in the west, verifiable and non-verifiable miracle claims, asking for "miracles on demand," miracles and naturalism, the place for miracles and an apologetic for Christianity, and more.
Full Interview MP3 Audio here (68 min)
Enjoy.
Subscribe to the Apologetics 315 Interviews podcast here or in iTunes.
Topics:
Apologist Interviews
,
Craig Keener
,
Miracles
Sunday, February 05, 2012
John Lennox on the Definition of Faith
"Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s the exact opposite. It’s a commitment based on evidence… It is irrational to reduce all faith to blind faith and then subject it to ridicule. That provides a very anti-intellectual and convenient way of avoiding intelligent discussion.”
- John Lennox
[HT: FaithInterface]
- John Lennox
[HT: FaithInterface]
Topics:
apologetics
,
Faith
,
John Lennox
,
Quotes
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Book Review: Imaginative Apologetics
Christian apologists are fighting on several fronts. The New Atheists are garnering plenty of press – and frustratingly so. Why are they being taken seriously when their arguments are, quite frankly, so weak much of the time? A distressingly large number of people are apathetic, or content to be “spiritual but not religious.” And then there are the challenges of postmodernism and pluralism within the church itself.
Apologists have a lot of work to do – and yet our encounters too often end up with both sides talking past each other.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cringed when a fellow Christian has confidently declared that “we just have to beat those atheists down!” See, I used to be one of those atheists, and the rhetorical beat-down just doesn’t work the way we think it ought to work, from the Christian perspective. When I was firmly in the “New Atheist” mode, I wouldn’t have listened to even the best Christian philosophical and historical arguments. It wasn’t until I had imaginatively engaged with the Christian faith through poetry and literature – when I had a sense of what it was that this “faith” thing might be, even though I didn’t understand it – that I was able to consider the apologetic arguments and ultimately find them convincing.
Apologists have a lot of work to do – and yet our encounters too often end up with both sides talking past each other.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cringed when a fellow Christian has confidently declared that “we just have to beat those atheists down!” See, I used to be one of those atheists, and the rhetorical beat-down just doesn’t work the way we think it ought to work, from the Christian perspective. When I was firmly in the “New Atheist” mode, I wouldn’t have listened to even the best Christian philosophical and historical arguments. It wasn’t until I had imaginatively engaged with the Christian faith through poetry and literature – when I had a sense of what it was that this “faith” thing might be, even though I didn’t understand it – that I was able to consider the apologetic arguments and ultimately find them convincing.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Book Reviews
,
Holly Ordway
Friday, February 03, 2012
Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (01/27 - 02/03)
Here are this week's recommended apologetics links. Enjoy.
• Joe Boot at Heritage
• Who Wrote the Gospels?
• Is John's gospel historical?
• The Modal Ontological Argument
• NPR Interviews Alvin Plantinga
• Francis Schaeffer, January 30, 1912-1984
• Why I Love Jesus But Reject Islam - video
• Free Audiobook: "Trusting God" by Jerry Bridges
• How to Answer 'Why Would God Allow Evil?'
• William Lane Craig Interviewed by TheBestSchools
• The Vision of Literary Apologetics by Holly Ordway
• What You Need to Know if You’re Called to Ministry
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 1: an Introduction to Blaise Pascal
• NT Wright Lectures on the Historicity of Jesus' Resurrection
• Free eBook: "Warranted Christian Belief," by Alvin Plantinga
• Interview: Apologist on Movement to Bring Apologetics Back to Church
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
• Joe Boot at Heritage
• Who Wrote the Gospels?
• Is John's gospel historical?
• The Modal Ontological Argument
• NPR Interviews Alvin Plantinga
• Francis Schaeffer, January 30, 1912-1984
• Why I Love Jesus But Reject Islam - video
• Free Audiobook: "Trusting God" by Jerry Bridges
• How to Answer 'Why Would God Allow Evil?'
• William Lane Craig Interviewed by TheBestSchools
• The Vision of Literary Apologetics by Holly Ordway
• What You Need to Know if You’re Called to Ministry
• Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 1: an Introduction to Blaise Pascal
• NT Wright Lectures on the Historicity of Jesus' Resurrection
• Free eBook: "Warranted Christian Belief," by Alvin Plantinga
• Interview: Apologist on Movement to Bring Apologetics Back to Church
• Shopping via Amazon? If you use this link, a bit of your purchase goes to fund Apologetics 315. Thanks for those of you using the link, as it helps Ap315 while we wait for our 501c3 approval.
Get these sorts of links and more by following on Twitter.
Or just add this feed to your RSS reader.
For daily post links, please follow on Facebook.
Topics:
apologetics
,
Bonus Links
Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch21
Today we continue with chapter twenty-one of Read Along with Apologetics315, a weekly chapter-by-chapter study through Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Christianity by Douglas Groothuis. Please leave a comment on your reading below. This is where you can interact with others reading the book, ask questions, or add your own thoughts. Series index here. Click below for the audio intro, chapter 21 study questions PDF, and summary:
Topics:
Read Along
Thursday, February 02, 2012
10 Reference Books for the Apologist
There are books that you read once, learn from, and never read again. There are books that you read once, they change your life, and you count them as your favorites. Then there are books that are worthy to sit on your shelf close by, because you use them regularly for reference tools. What? You have no reference books? Here are a few idea for suggested reference books for your apologetics library:
1. Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion
Any time you encounter a term or idea you are not familiar with, pick up this handy little reference. Yes, it does fit in your pocket. It's also useful simply to read from beginning to end if you are new to the subject of apologetics or philosophy of religion.
2. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics
This is a massive tome by Norman L. Geisler which is quite comprehensive in its scope. If there's an issue that has been encountered in apologetics, then it is probably going to be outlined pretty thoroughly here. Very useful for getting an overview of a topic, a key thinker, or an argument.
Any time you encounter a term or idea you are not familiar with, pick up this handy little reference. Yes, it does fit in your pocket. It's also useful simply to read from beginning to end if you are new to the subject of apologetics or philosophy of religion.
This is a massive tome by Norman L. Geisler which is quite comprehensive in its scope. If there's an issue that has been encountered in apologetics, then it is probably going to be outlined pretty thoroughly here. Very useful for getting an overview of a topic, a key thinker, or an argument.
Topics:
apologetics
,
book recommendations
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Debate: Craig Evans & Bart Ehrman 2012
On January 19 & 20, 2012, New Testament scholars Craig Evans and Bart Ehrman took part in two debate/dialogues on the topic: Does the New Testament present a reliable portrait of the Historical Jesus? Both videos are available on YouTube (night one and night two). The first night was at St. Mary’s University and the second night was at Acadia University. Audio of both debates can be downloaded using links below. Debates sponsored by ReligionSoup. (You may also want to check out their previous March 30th, 2010 debate on the topic: Does the New Testament Misquote Jesus?)
• Evans & Ehrman - January 19 Debate MP3 (2hr 16min)
• Evans & Ehrman - January 20 Debate MP3 (2hr)
Enjoy.
• Evans & Ehrman - January 19 Debate MP3 (2hr 16min)
• Evans & Ehrman - January 20 Debate MP3 (2hr)
Enjoy.
Topics:
Bart Ehrman
,
Craig Evans
,
debate
,
Jesus Christ
Blog Archive
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2012
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February
(34)
- The Gospels as Historical Biography by Richard Bau...
- Terminology Tuesday: Compatibilism
- Apologist Interview: Ravi Zacharias
- John Lennox on DNA and Design
- Book Review: Where the Conflict Really Lies: Scien...
- Richard Dawkins vs Rowan Williams Debate Audio/Video
- Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/17 - 02/24)
- Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch24
- Online Apologetics Conference 2012
- How Should We Understand the Resurrection Narratives?
- Terminology Tuesday: The Good
- Apologist Interview: Ken Boa
- Craig Keener on Miracles
- Book Review: If God, Why Evil? by Norman Geisler
- Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/10 - 02/17)
- Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch23
- Debate: Daniel Wallace & Bart Ehrman 2012 Audio/Video
- Free Book Drawing: Why Jesus by Ravi Zacharias
- Terminology Tuesday: Grace
- Apologist Interview: Holly Ordway on Literary Apol...
- Pinchas Lapide on the Miracle of the Resurrection
- Book Review: Can Man Live Without God? by Ravi Zac...
- Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (02/03 - 02/10)
- Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch22
- Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask Simulcast
- Who Wrote the Gospels? Audio and Video by Tim McGrew
- Terminology Tuesday: Synoptic Gospels, Synoptic Pr...
- Scholar Interview: Craig Keener
- John Lennox on the Definition of Faith
- Book Review: Imaginative Apologetics
- Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (01/27 - 02/03)
- Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch21
- 10 Reference Books for the Apologist
- Debate: Craig Evans & Bart Ehrman 2012
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