Article: Why is the New Testament Silent on Slavery- or is it? by Paul Copan

Philosopher Paul Copan, author of Is God a Moral Monster?, has recently released an essay entitled Why the New Testament is Silent on Slavery- or is it?

You can check it out here.

For more resources from Copan, go here.

Courage and Godspeed,

Chad

Conference: Reason, Relevance, and Religion- Looking at Christianity's Place in Today's Culture at Mt. Airy, Maryland

Fall 2011 MABC Apologetics Conference - Mount Airy, Maryland

When you boil it down, isn't Christianity really about blind faith and mystery? That's certainly what we hear the world saying through every vehicle of the media. But it turns out to be the furthest thing from the truth. In this fast-paced and stimulating conference, some of the leaders in Christian thinking and philosophy will demonstrate that Christianity is really all about KNOWLEDGE! As the Apostle John said, we can "KNOW the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). The very best scholarship and thinking in history, philosophy, science, and cultural studies point to the truth of the Christian worldview. This conference will help equip you to make your case for Christ in a hostile world.

Free Kick-Off

Apologetics and Evangelism in a Skeptical Age
Thursday, October 6 7:00 - 9:30 pm with Craig Hazen

Conference Sessions: October 7-8

Join us for cutting-edge plenary sessions on basic apologetics and communicating your ideas with impact. Plus a fantastic slate of break-out sessions just before the lunch break.

Is the Bible Intolerant with Brett Kunkle Friday, October 7 7:00 - 9:30 pm

Finding Christ in Culture with John Mark Reynolds Saturday, October 8 9:00 am - 11:20 pm

Evidence for the Resurrection with Gary Habermas Saturday, October 8 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Saturday Break Out Sessions: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Marvin Patrick:"Answering Jehovah's Witnesses"

Steve Schrader:"Answering Mormonism"

Nabeel Qureshi: "Answering Islam"

Greg Gannsle: "Why Christianity Makes Sense"

For more information, and to register, see here.

Mt. Airy always does an excellent job with their conferences. We hope to see each of you there!

Courage and Godspeed,

Chad

Human/Ape Common Ancestry- Follow the Evidence!

I am continually taken a back by the free ride skeptics and atheists are many times given when it comes to their often touted claim that genetic similarities between humans and apes demonstrate that Neo-Darwinism is surely true.

For example, in Christopher Hitchens' much published debate with philosopher/theologian William Lane Craig, Hitchens made a sweeping statement regarding the genetic similarties in humans and apes as if this is powerful evidence for Darwinian evolution. Is that truly the case?

You decide...

Checkout these articles and be bold enough to follow the evidence wherever it leads!

Is there perhaps an alternative point of view? If so, are you willing to consider it?

Courage and Godspeed,

Chad

The Four Functions of Apologetics by Kenneth Boa

As I was reading through an article this evening entitled What is Apologetics? by Kenneth Boa, I found these brief paragraphs helpful in addressing the often asked question, "What is the purpose of apologetics?"

Although Boa concedes that not everyone agrees that apologetics involves all four of these functions, I found them helpful in clarifying what one can aim to accomplish using apologetics.

Boa writes:

"The first function of apologetics may be called vindication or proof, and involves marshaling philosophical arguments as well as scientific and historical evidences for the Christian faith. The goal of this function is to develop a positive case for Christianity as a belief system that should be accepted. Philosophically, this means drawing out the logical implications of the Christian worldview so that they can be clearly seen and contrasted with alternate worldviews.

The second function is defense. This function is closest to the NT and early Christian use of the word apologia, defending Christianity against the plethora of attacks made against it in every generation by critics of varying belief systems. This function involves clarifying the Christian position in light of misunderstandings and misrepresentations; answering objections, criticisms, or questions from non-Christians; and in general clearing away intellectual difficulties that nonbelievers claim stand in the way of their coming to faith.

The third function is refutation of opposing beliefs. This function focuses on answering the arguments non-Christians give in support of their own beliefs. Most apologists agree that refutation cannot stand alone, since proving a non-Christian religion or philosophy to be false does not prove that Christianity is true. Nevertheless, it is an essential function of apologetics.

The fourth function is persuasion. By this we do not mean merely convincing people that Christianity is true, but persuading them to apply its truth to their life. This function focuses on bringing non-Christians to the point of commitment. The apologist's intent is not merely to win an intellectual argument, but to persuade people to commit their lives and eternal futures into the trust of the Son of God who died from them." [1]

Courage and Godspeed,

Chad

1. Kenneth D. Boa, What is Apologetics?, The Apologetics Study Bible, p. xxv.