Edge of Evolution Interview - Michael Behe MP3 Audio

An interview with biochemist Michael Behe about his book The Edge of Evolution.

Full MP3 Audio here. [12 minutes]

Lots of other evolution audio resources here.
(Judge for yourself the quality of these resources, as they are many and varied.)

Enjoy.

Greg Koukl's Tactics Blog Tour

Greg Koukl's Tactics Blog Tour begins next week, with a special stop here at Apologetics 315. Greg will be answering questions at each blog along the tour, as well as answering your follow-up questions in the comments. Be sure to follow him during his tour:

Mon. 2/16 Challies
Mon. 2/16 STR Facebook group page
Tues. 2/17 Apologetics 315
Tues. 2/17 Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Wed. 2/18 Truthbomb Apologetics
Wed. 2/18 Apologetics.com
Thurs. 2/19 Zondervan Koinonia
Thurs. 2/19 The Crux
Fri. 2/20 Stand to Reason

Be sure to visit here on Tuesday when Greg stops by for the day.

Analysis and Response to Zeitgeist

Alwaysbeready.com has a nice piece online: Analysis & Response to Zeitgeist, where you'll find some of the claims in the video followed by helpful responses and quotations by scholars, historians, world religion experts, Christian apologists and others as well as links to in-depth articles and books that offer a much more thorough refutation of many of the errors in the first part of the film.

Enjoy.

Sunday Quote: Pascal on Bible Prophecy

"Prophecies. If a single man had written a book foretelling the time and manner of Jesus' coming and Jesus had come in conformity with these prophecies, this would carry infinite weight. But there is much more here. There is a succession of men over a period of 4,000 years, coming consistently and invariably one after the other, to foretell the same coming; there is an entire people proclaiming it, existing for 4,000 years to testify in a body to the certainty they feel about it, from which they cannot be deflected by whatever threats and persecutions they may suffer. This is of a quite different order of importance."

- Blaise Pascal, (Pensees, 332)

Book Review: Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland

Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland can be described as masterful. At over 600 pages, this volume is obviously not intended for light reading, but for serious, in-depth study. Craig and Moreland are precise, detailed, and thorough in this comprehensive introduction to philosophy. It should be noted that this book, although an introduction to philosophy, might not be the best first book one reads in the subject. A less cumbersome introduction to philosophy for the beginner may be Geisler and Feinberg’s Introduction to Philosophy.

The authors introduce this book with a methodical presentation of logic and argumentation, which includes symbolic and modal logic. Formal and informal fallacies are described and the foundation is laid for the tools of philosophy and clear thinking. What follows is a philosophy textbook in five sections: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics, and philosophy of religion.

In reviewing a book of this size, this reviewer will only offer reflections on particular elements of personal interest in each of the five sections. In Part II: Epistemology, of note would be Craig and Moreland’s presentation and critique of skepticism, as well as a chapter on religious epistemology. The authors offer a number of helpful points regarding the presumption of atheism and an overview of Plantinga’s reformed epistemology.

In Part III: Metaphysics, the authors cover general ontology, dualism, free will vs. determinism, and personal identity and life after death. Of note here is the excellent chapter on dualism and physicalism, with very detailed critiques.

In Part IV: Philosophy of Science, the authors present a number of helpful chapters, including scientific methodology, the integration of science and theology, and philosophy of time and space. This section is very interesting, as some of these elements, particularly the chapter on the philosophy of space and time, are not normally covered in a Christian philosophy textbook. Many will find the chapter regarding the integration of science and theology helpful in light of the common misconceptions in this area.

The next section dealing with ethics covers the general scope of the topic from a Christian point of view. This section, while being thorough, was fairly short. One item of interest would be the included strategies for defending the existence of moral absolutes.

Finally, in Part VI: Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology, Craig and Moreland conclude by covering arguments for the existence of God, the coherence of theism, the problem of evil, creation and miracles, and Christian doctrines such as the trinity, the incarnation, and Christian particularism. In the chapters on the existence of God, the authors stick to the presentation of four main arguments: the cosmological, teleological, axiological, and ontological arguments. It is not their goal here to provide a historical overview of the arguments, or to present every version of each. Instead, they offer the strongest forms of each of these arguments in use widely today.

In summary, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview is a phenomenal book that provides a comprehensive resource for the serious student. It may be difficult to find a superior work in Christian philosophy.

Featured Resource: The Theology Program

A rich and helpful treasure of resources are available from Reclaiming the Mind ministries, including The Theology Program on iTunes.

Click here to go to the Theology Program in iTunes for a total of 60 audio files on the following topics:
Introduction to Theology, Bibliology & Hermeneutics, Trinitarianism, Humanity & Sin, Soteriology, and Ecclesiology & Eschatology.

45 more audio files in electives courses are here.

Enjoy.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis MP3

The full MP3 reading of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis can be downloaded here. This classic is definitely a must-read... or must-listen.

Mere Christianity Full Mp3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

The Mind and the Heart MP3 Audio

This concise, 3-minute audio clip demonstrates some very good insights about how important it is to develop the Christian mind. In addition, it sheds light on why some leave the faith.

3-minute MP3 Audio here.
Source: the theology program, lecture 1.
Enjoy.

History of the English Bible - Daniel Wallace MP3 Audio

New Testament scholar Daniel Wallace presents four lectures in a series on the History of the English Bible, which is found at BiblicalTraining.org. Now you have to go right to biblicaltraining.org to get the audio. They do not allow direct linking to their audio files.
• From Wycliffe to King James
• The Reign of the King James
• From the KJV to the RV
• Why So Many Versions?

Enjoy.

Gnosticism: Past & Present MP3 Audio

Nick Needham gives a church history talk on the topic of Gnosticism: Past & Present, in which he discusses the roots of Gnosticism and what form it takes in our present day. Although the audio quality is not the best, it is a helpful listen. Original audio here, with some other church history lectures.

Download MP3 Audio here. Enjoy.

Sunday Quote: William Lane Craig on the Ultimate Apologetic

"More often than not, it is what you are rather than what you say that will bring an unbeliever to Christ. This, then, is the ultimate apologetic. For the ultimate apologetic is: your life."

- William Lane Craig

Book Review: Philosophy of Religion by Norman Geisler and Winfried Corduan

Philosophy of Religion by Norman Geisler and Winfried Corduan is a very helpful text providing a thorough treatment of philosophy of religion. The book is broken into four sections: 1) God and experience; 2) God and Reason; 3) God and Language; and 4) God and Evil. The authors write in a readable style and provide a good outline of thought throughout each section. The goal of the book is to give the reader a comprehensive overview of the rational, philosophical foundations of religious experience and they key issues that philosophy of religion addresses.

In section one Geisler and Corduan explore the nature of religious experience and its connection with the idea of the Transcendent. They aim toward the goal of showing how one might test the reality of religious experiences: “There is no reason to doubt that people have religious experiences. What is subject to question is the basis in reality for such experiences.”1 Clearly, the goal of the authors is to not only explore the nature of religious experiences, but to define the criterion by which one may discern true experience from false experience, as well as outline the rational arguments and implications for true religious experience:

…the denial of the reality of the Transcendent entails the assertion that not only some people have been deceived about the reality of God but that indeed all religious persons who have ever lived have been completely deceived into believing there is a God when there really is not. For if even one religious person is right about the reality of the Transcendent, then there really is a Transcendent.2

Section two delves into all of the classical arguments for the existence of God. This section alone could be worth the price of the book, as the authors lay out the full presentation and full critique of each argument in detail, from their weakest forms to their strongest. Geisler and Corduan are up-front with their own views on the validity (or lack of validity) of each argument, as they seek to show the strengths and weaknesses. It should be noted that the authors are looking for the ideal argument to be as unassailable as possible. They show the honest shortcomings of certain teleological arguments, the ontological argument, and weak areas of the cosmological arguments. This is not to say that the arguments have no usefulness; instead the authors provide their own reworking of the strongest possible arguments for God's existence.

Section three covers the traditional discussion of religious language: how do we define God and how can we speak meaningfully of Him? How is religious language used? Equivocal, univocal, and analogical language are all thoroughly outlined, as well as positive and negative religious language.

The authors conclude with an extremely thorough treatment of the problem of evil. This is divided into four sections. First, they define the problem of evil in its various and strongest forms. Next, the metaphysical problem of evil is discussed. Third, the moral problem of evil is covered. And finally, the physical problem of evil is addressed. This multi-faceted approach gives proper appreciation to the various aspects of the issue and provides a final, plausible answer to the problem of evil based upon the previous content. For those looking for a solid source for working through the problem of evil, Geisler and Corduan present an excellent resource. Philosophy of Religion can be highly recommended, like other books by Geisler, as a standard text.

1 Norman Geisler and Winfried Corduan, Philosophy of Religion (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998), p. 63.
2 Ibid., p. 76.

William Lane Craig - Does God Exist MP3 Audio

William Lane Craig debates: Does God Exist? on the Michael Coren Show.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Youtube video: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Enjoy.

Are All Religions Created Equal? Doug Groothuis MP3 Audio

Christian philosopher Doug Groothuis presents a very good lecture on the logical analysis of differing religions and how to test their truth claims.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Original media at Veritas.

Enjoy.

Gary Habermas vs. Arif Ahmed Debate MP3 Audio

Dr. Gary Habermas and atheist philosopher Dr. Arif Ahmed debate at Cambridge University: Did Jesus Rise Bodily from the Dead? A good debate. Video can be found here (although in parts).

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

The Historical Jesus - Gary Habermas MP3 Audio

New Testament scholar Dr. Gary Habermas speaks on the John Ankerberg show about The Search for the Historical Jesus. Very good bit of audio.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

Bart Ehrman vs. James White Debate MP3 Audio

Bart Ehrman debates James White on Did the Bible Misquote Jesus? This an interesting debate between two excellent scholars who come to two very different conclusions. Full MP3 audio can be purchased here. If you have been looking forward to the debate, this is well worth the $6. CDs are also available.

White's post-debate report of the debate is HERE, which is a good listen. Here is part 2 of White's review of the debate.

Transcript of the debate in PDF here.

Enjoy.

Sunday Quote: Francis Schaeffer on Apologetics

"The purpose of apologetics is not just to win an argument or a discussion, but that people with whom we are in contact may become Christians and then live under the Lordship of Christ in the whole spectrum of life."

- Francis Schaeffer

Book Review: Introduction to Philosophy by Norman Geisler and Paul Feinberg

Introduction to Philosophy by Norman Geisler and Paul Feinberg is an excellent work that introduces the student to the broad subject of philosophy from a Christian perspective. Although providing a wide overview, the authors effectively retain a good depth in the subject matter throughout, providing plenty of detail and explanation.

The book is broken into five parts: first, an introduction to philosophy; second, epistemology; third, the nature of reality; next, the subject of God; and fifth, ethics. In providing a good introduction to the subject, Geisler and Feinberg offer a concise definition of philosophy: “Philosophy is, then, the critical analysis of fundamental concepts of human inquiry, and the normative discussion of how human thought and action ought to function, as well as the description of the nature of reality.”1

The authors detail the disciplines within philosophy, discuss the methods and models used in philosophy, and the tools used in thinking. These include an introduction to logic and detailed critiques of each methodology discussed. They note that for the Christian, no philosophical methodology can eliminate the possibility of divine revelation. Also, the authors present the challenge of Christian philosophy:

“Without a thorough knowledge of philosophy the Christian is at the mercy of the non-Christian in the intellectual arena. The challenge, then, is for the Christian to ‘out-think’ the non-Christian in both building a system of truth and in tearing down systems of error.”2

Part Two’s discussion of knowledge is an overview of epistemology. Can we know? Is certainty possible? How are beliefs justified? Within this section is a thorough critique of skepticism. Also of note is a discussion of the various kinds of certainty. This is helpful in clarifying the question of how on can “know” anything.

Part Three discusses the nature of reality and metaphysics. Particularly helpful in this section would be the detailed overview of the theories of truth. Part Four covers “What is the Ultimate” – a two-part section dealing first with the relationship between faith and reason, followed by a portion devoted to what is meant by God and the existence of God. The problem of evil is briefly addressed. The relationship between faith and reason neatly addresses the positive elements of each of the five views: revelation only, reason only, reason over revelation, revelation over reason, and reason and revelation. The portion devoted to arguments for the existence of God is introductory and sufficient, but by no means comprehensive. For a more comprehensive discussion of the various arguments for the existence of God, this reviewer recommends Geisler and Corduan’s Philosophy of Religion.

The final section covers ethics; what is good or right. Right is defined, the method by which we know right and wrong is discussed, and moral duties are explored. Again, this section, although introductory, does seem to manage a good depth in the subject by thoroughly illustrating the competing philosophies among ethicists. Moral dilemmas are also surveyed here.

Introduction to Philosophy by Geisler and Feinberg is worthy to be used as an introductory text for the philosophy and apologetics student. Its thorough overview and helpful end-of-chapter summaries make it a fine starting point and good reference work.

1 Norman Geisler and Paul Feinberg, Introduction to Philosophy (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1980), p. 17.
2 Ibid., p. 73.

Featured Website: Apologetics Directory

Apologetics Directory is part of Southern Evangelical Seminary's Apologetics Gateway and seems to be in the very early stages of development. However, this might be a site to bookmark and explore, as it contains a growing number of links to apologetics resources. Check it out here. If you are an apologetics website or blog, I am sure they would add a link to their directory if you contact them.

Why Don't I Feel My Faith MP3 Audio by Ravi Zacharias

When you've pursued all the learning, read all the books, made all the intellectual commitments to faith, you expect that somehow there will be an evoking of the emotion that will conform to what it is you claim to believe in your mind or intellect. But in truth, that feeling is often not there, or has temporarily lapsed. In a culture that operates so much by emotion, how do we take both our knowledge and our emotions and unify them into a framework of morality and information?

Full MP3 Audio here.

Original audio files at RZIM. More resources here.

Enjoy.