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

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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

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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]

Book Review: The Future of Atheism - Alister McGrath & Daniel Dennett in Dialogue

The Future of Atheism: Alister McGrath & Daniel Dennett in Dialogue edited by Robert B. Stewart is a book composed mainly of content delivered at the 2007 Greer-Heard Point-Counterpoint Forum in Faith and Culture on the topic of “the Future of Atheism.” The focal point is the transcript of the dialogue between McGrath and Dennett at the forum, as well as papers presented by William Lane Craig, Evan Fales, Hugh McCann, and Keith Parsons. The contributors to the book offer the competing perspectives of Christian and atheistic positions. This purpose of this review is simply to offer a very brief synopsis so the prospective reader can decide for themselves whether or not to investigate further.

Weekly Apologetics Bonus Links (07/30 - 08/06)

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

• Free Tim Keller audiobook 

• Greg Koukl's Article on Same-sex Marriage 

• How Same-Sex Marriage Hurts Everyone (Turek book)

• Skepticism Needs Evidence Too 

• Bayside Apologetics Schedule August 2010 

• Hitchens' Presumption of Meaning 

• Evidential Value of Religious Experience 

• Healthy Relationships by William Lane Craig MP3 

• Summit Ministries Aug2010 Journal (pdf) 

• Apologetics Journal forming... 

• Presuppositional Apologetics on the Unbelievable Radio program (MP3)

• NY Times slaps ID foes PZ Myers and other ScienceBlog authors 

• New book announcement: William A. Dembski and Denyse O’Leary slam “Christian Darwinism”

• Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cell Research by Scott Klusendorf (MP3)

• Currently Reading: Who Made God? Searching for a Theory of Everything by Edgar Andrews (and it's good stuff)

• Find Apologetics 315 on FriendFeed

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D. A. Carson’s The God Who Is There MP3 Series

This found at the Gospel Coalition blog: D.A. Carson's "The God Who Is There" series simultaneously evangelizes non-Christians and edifies Christians by explaining the Bible’s storyline in a non-reductionistic way. The series is geared toward “seekers” and articulates Christianity in a way that causes hearers either to reject or embrace the gospel. It’s one thing to know the Bible’s storyline, but it’s another to know one’s role in God’s ongoing story of redemption. “The God Who Is There” engages people at the worldview-level.

Get all 14 MP3s in an RSS Feed Here, or right in iTunes here.
Each MP3 can be downloaded here (video preview links found at original post):

1. The God Who Made Everything | MP3
2. The God Who Does Not Wipe Out Rebels | MP3
3. The God Who Writes His Own Agreements | MP3
4. The God Who Legislates | MP3
5. The God Who Reigns | MP3
6. The God Who Is Unfathomably Wise | MP3
7. The God Who Becomes a Human Being | MP3
8. The God Who Grants New Birth | MP3
9. The God Who Loves | MP3
10. The God Who Dies—and Lives Again | MP3
11. The God Who Declares the Guilty Just | MP3
12. The God Who Gathers and Transforms His People | MP3
13. The God Who Is Very Angry | MP3
14. The God Who Triumphs | MP3

Enjoy.

[HT: Rob]

Alister McGrath on Atheist Fundamentalism MP3

Oxford professor Alister McGrath is interviewed on the Issues, Etc. radio program on the subject of Atheist Fundamentalism. Check out past episodes of Issues, Etc. here. More Alister McGrath stuff here.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

Ron Rhodes MP3 Apologetics Lectures

Calvary Santa Fe hosts a number of good apologetics MP3s on their site. Featured here are a number of lectures by apologist Ron Rhodes. Ron Rhodes' books include:
• Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses
• 5-Minute Apologetics for Today
• The Complete Guide to Bible Translations
• Conviction without Compromise (with Dr. Norman Geisler)
• Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses: Clear Explanations for the Difficult Passages

Check out his audio lectures:
• Where's the Discernment - MP3
• Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses, the Deity of Christ - MP3
• Interpretive Principles - MP3
• The Emergence of Mysticism in the Modern Church - MP3
• Reasoning From the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses - MP3
• Reasoning From the Scriptures with the Catholics - MP3
• The Truth Behind Ghosts, Mediums, and the Psychic Phenomenon - MP3
• Subjectivism, Emotionalism, Mysticism in the Modern Church - MP3
• Answering Jehovah's Witnesses: Doctrine of Christ - MP3
• Wrestling with the Problem of Evil - MP3
• Three Biggest Errors Cultists Make - MP3

Also added to the Ultimate Apologetics MP3 Audio page.

Enjoy.

Apologist Interview: Christopher Brooks

Today's interview is with Christopher Brooks, Senior pastor of Evangel Ministries in Detroit, Michigan. (blog here) He is also host of the Equipped for Life radio broadcast which airs daily on Salem Communications. (audio archives here) He talks about the relationship between evangelism and apologetics, advice to pastors who want to get apologetics into their church, practical methods of equipping the congregation, his experience with the Biola University Masters of Arts in Apologetics program, and the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here (30 min)

Enjoy.

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

Sunday Quote: Alister McGrath on Discovering Christianity

"At Oxford - to my surprise - I discovered Christianity. It was the intellectually most exhilarating and spiritually stimulating thing I could ever hope to describe - better than chemistry, a wonderful subject that I had thought to be the love of my life and my future career. I went on to gain a doctorate for research in molecular biophysics from Oxford, and found that immensely exciting and satisfying. But I knew I had found something better - like the pearl of great price that Jesus talks about in the Gospel, which is so beautiful and precious that it overshadows everything. It was intellectually satisfying, imaginatively engaging, and aesthetically exciting."

- Alister McGrath

Alister McGrath, The Future of Atheism: Alister McGrath & Daniel Dennett in Dialogue (London, England: Fortress Press, 2008), p. 27.