Thursday, June 30, 2022

A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality



In this featured video, Tim Stratton of Free Thinking Ministries shares his perspective on homosexuality.

One of the arguments he shares is as follows:

1. God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:24; Romans 4:24; Galatians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:21).

2. The resurrection is God's stamp of approval on the teachings of Jesus (the Law of Christ).

3. Jesus taught that we ought to follow His teachings (John 14:15; 23).

4. Jesus taught the heterosexual model of marriage (Mark 10:6-8).

5. The resurrected and omniscient Jesus chose Paul to continue His teachings (Acts 9).

6. Paul was clear that those who choose to practice homosexuality (among other sins) will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10).

7. Therefore, the Law of Christ is clear that homosexual acts are against God's will, and morally wrong (sin). 

Stratton shares a second argument in the video as well.  

To learn more about Tim and his ministry, go here.

To hear our Apologetics315 Podcast interview with Tim, check out the link below in the "Related Posts."

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Apologist Interview: "The Free Thinking Theist" Tim Stratton

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Apologetics315 Podcast: Why Believe? with Neil Shenvi

 

Brian Auten and I recently had the opportunity to chat with Christian thinker Neil Shenvi about his new book Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity.  

We talked about how Neil became a Christian, arguments for the existence of God and why the gospel is actually an argument for the truth of Christianity (and more).  

This was a very enjoyable discussion and we (Brian and I) highly recommend Why Believe? to both believer and non-believer.  You can get your copy here.


You can listen to our discussion here.

Enjoy!

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Related Posts

Book Preview - Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity by Neil Shenvi

Neil Shenvi on Non-Christian Corroboration for the Gospels

Professor Stephen Prothero on the Uniqueness of Christianity

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Video Dialogue: Four Views on Apologetics


Brian Auten and I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jonathan McLatchie yesterday about his objections to presuppositional apologetics for a forthcoming episode of the Apologetics315 Podcast.  During the interview, Dr. McLatchie mentioned a passed dialogue he participated in on apologetic methodology.  I remembered watching it and wanted to feature it here.  The representatives for each view are as follows:

Pre-Suppositionalism - Dr. James White

Evidentialism - Dr. Jonathan McLatchie

Classical Apologetics - Dr. Richard Howe

Reformed Epistemology - Dr. Randal Rauser 

This is a very informative dialogue and a great introduction to the varying apologetic methods.  

Enjoy!

Courage and Godspeed,

Monday, June 27, 2022

4 Key Scriptural Commitments that Must Shape a Christian's Political Thinking

Politics is a difficult arena for the follower of Christ to navigate.  In his forthcoming book, A Rebel's Manifesto (You can find a preview here), author and teacher Sean McDowell offers four key scriptural commitments that should shape a Christian's political thinking. 

They are as follows:

1. The stranger is my neighbor.  Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to indicate that we have a duty to treat our neighbors lovingly (see Luke 10:29-37) and Jesus expanded the definition of who our neighbors are to include people who are not like us and even our enemies.

2. Regardless of race, sex, or age, every human life must be protected, as all humans have been made in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27).

3. Care for the poor and marginalized is crucial, as God cares for the poor (see Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 140:12; Proverbs 14:31).

4. We must seek justice.  Scripture calls both individuals and the state to act justly (see Micah 6:8; Psalm 72).1

In typical Sean McDowell fashion, he is able to simplify a challenging topic.  I hope you find these commitments instructive when making decisions about what policies to advocate for and what political leaders to support. 

Let us "major on the majors" when it comes to politics in a manner that honors Him who commanded us to love thy neighbor. 

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Footnote:
1. Sean McDowell, A Rebel's Manifesto, p. 70.


Related Posts

Book Preview: A Rebel's Manifesto by Sean McDowell

Article: Is the New Testament Reliable? by Sean McDowell

Book Preview- So the Next Generation Will Know by Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Friday, June 24, 2022

Resources for Discussing Your Pro-Life Convictions

 

Today is a historic day.  The Supreme Court has overturned Roe vs. Wade.  Thus, returning the decision about abortion to each individual state.  And although I see this as a day to rejoice, there are others who believe otherwise.  Some pro-abortion choice advocates have called for a "Night of Rage" across America.  Pregnancy centers, abortion clinics and churches across the country are increasing security as pro-choice demonstrators begin hitting the streets.  Pray for our country.  

Needless to say, the topic of abortion is going to be a hot topic for many days to come.  So I wanted to offer some helpful resources that will serve to equip you to discuss this heated topic in a winsome, informed and compassionate manner.  These resources are also ideal for sharing online.


Stay informed.  Stay reasonable.  Stay compassionate.  Be bold.
Chad

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Convincing Communication: Summarize Visually


 In Chapter Four of J. Warner Wallace's book Forensic Faith, he provides five principles for convincing communication:

1.  Pick a jury insightfully

2.  Instruct your jury evidentially

3.  Make an opening statement enthusiastically

4.  Present the evidence powerfully 

5.  Make a closing argument persuasively


Part of the fifth principle includes summarizing your evidence visually.  

I employed this principle recently while attempting to illustrate the connection between two passages in the New Testament on the topic of faith.  

I used Ephesians 6:16 where faith is symbolized by a shield that can be used to extinguish the arrows of the evil one-

 Ephesians 6:16 (CSB)

In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.


 When considering what makes up the "shield of faith," I believe you can find this in 2 Peter 1:3-7.  Verses 8-12 explain the impact and importance of maintaining your shield-

2 Peter 1:3-12 (CSB)

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

12 Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.

As Wallace points out in Forensic Faith1, you do not have to be a trained illustrator to create a simple diagram to help someone understand what is being presented.  In my illustration below, I was able to draw a simple sketch that consists of multiple layers that make up the qualities needed to supplement one's faith or shield.  At the center, I strategically placed the quality of love, which is the most important of all (see 1 Corinthians 13:13).




God Bless,

1- Forensic Faith, pg. 191

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Article: Is the New Testament Reliable? by Sean McDowell

In this featured article, Sean McDowell offers 4 reasons why we can trust that the New Testament is reliable.  They are as follows:
  • Manuscript Authority
  • Early Dating
  • Embarrassing Accounts
  • Eyewitness Testimony
You can check it out here

To learn more about Sean McDowell and his work, go here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Monday, June 20, 2022

Professor Stephen Prothero on the Uniqueness of Christianity

"While it may seem to be an act of generosity to state that Confucians and Buddhists and Muslims and Jews can also be saved, this statement is actually an act of obfuscation.  Only Christians seek salvation.

A sports analogy may be in order here.  Which of the following - baseball, basketball, tennis, or golf - is best at scoring runs?  The answer of course is baseball, because runs is a term foreign to basketball, tennis, and golf alike.  Different sports have different goals...To criticize a basketball team for failing to score runs is not to besmirch them.  It is simply to misunderstand the game of basketball...Just as hitting home runs is the monopoly of one sport, salvation is the monopoly of one religion.  If you see sin as the human predicament and salvation as the solution, then it makes sense to come to Christ."1

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Footnote:
1. Stephen Prothero, God Is Not One, p. 22-23; as quoted by Neil Shenvi in Why Believe?, p. 188.


Related Posts

Book Preview - Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity by Neil Shenvi

The Clearest Statements in the Bible about Jesus Being the Only Way to Salvation

Do All Religions Lead to God?

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Happy Father's Day!


Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

What is Abortion?

 

The Pro-Life Organization Live Action has recently released a series of 4 videos demonstrating what actually happens during various abortion procedures.  The idea behind the videos is simple.  Many people who are pro-abortion choice are not familiar with what actually happens during an abortion procedure.  And once most see these procedures, they change their position on abortion.  The videos feature doctors explaining each procedure with 3D animation.  This is an excellent tool to get informed and to inform others.  And if you are pro-abortion choice, make sure you understanding what you are advocating for.  



The videos are as follows:

D & E Abortion

Suction D & C Abortion 

Abortion Pills

Induction 

Each video page also features various questions about the procedure and answers.

To learn more about Live Action, go here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Related Posts

Is Abortion Right When Pregnancy Presents Risks to the Mother's Life?

A Brief Defense of the Pro-Life Position

Debate Video: The Abortion Debate- Dr. Willie Parker vs. Dr. Mike Adams

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Eli Ayala Interviews Brian Auten of Apologetics315


In this interview, Eli Ayala of Revealed Apologetics interviews Brian Auten of Apologetics315.  They discuss what they have learned from interviewing various scholars, apologists, theologians and philosophers.  There is much to be learned here. 

Enjoy!

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Related Posts

Video Interview: Christian Apologetics - Optional?

An Interview with Brian Auten of Apologetics315

Brian Auten of Apologetics315 on Apologetics and the Church

Monday, June 13, 2022

Neil Shenvi on Non-Christian Corroboration for the Gospels

"Exclusively from non-Christian sources like Josephus, Tacitus and Pliny the Younger, we learn the following: There was a Jewish man named Jesus who lived in first-century Judea.  He had a brother named James.  He was called the Christ or Messiah by his followers.  He did some kind of seemingly miraculous deeds.  He was brought to the Roman authorities by the Jewish religious leaders and was crucified under Pontius Pilate.  The movement he founded was first checked by his execution but later reemerged and spread as far as Rome.  The early Christians chanted to Jesus 'as if to God' and refused to worship other gods, even on pain of death.  They met regularly, shared a communal meal, and pledged to live moral lives.

In other words, we would have a very rough outline of Jesus' life and the early Christian movement entirely from non-Christian authors.  The same confirmation is available for many other public figures who play a role in the New Testament narratives.  A recent article from the Biblical Archaeology Review documented a list of twenty-three political figures mentioned in the New Testament whose existence has been confirmed by archaeological finds, such as inscriptions or coins, or by non-Christian writers like Josephus or Tacitus.  These figures include Augustus, Tiberias, Herod the Great, Salome, Philip the Tetrarch and Pontius Pilate, all of whom are mentioned in the Gospels in the appropriate geographical and political contexts.  To them, we could add a handful of nonpolitical religious figures such as Annas, Caiaphas and John the Baptist, whose existence is similarly confirmed by non-Christian writers.

This corroboration of the historicity of Jesus's life and the Gospels' historical setting by non-Christian authors shows that comparisons to fairy tales or myths are inappropriate.  The tale of Hansel and Gretel takes place 'once upon a time,' not 'in Bavaria during the reign of Rudolph I.'  It seems impossible to argue that Jesus was a fictional creation like Grendel or Sisyphus and yet still found his way into the works of numerous non-Christian historians."

Shenvi argues for the Gospels more in-depth in his new book Why Believe?  Get your copy here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Footnote:
1. Neil Shenvi, Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity, p. 35-36.

Related Posts and Links

Book Preview - Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity by Neil Shenvi

Ancient Evidence for Jesus from Non-Christian Sources by Michael Gleghorn

Why Should We Believe that Christianity is True? by Neil Shenvi

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Friday, June 10, 2022

Jesus and the Golden Rule

 Recently, popular counter apologist Paulogia tweeted the following:


This is, of course, a reference to Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of Matthew:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (7:12; NIV).

This tweet echoes sentiments I have seen expressed by skeptics in the past about the golden rule.  For some reason, they find it significant that ideas similar to Jesus' teaching can be found, prior to His birth, in Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Greek Philosophy.  However, from a Christian Worldview perspective, this should come as no surprise.  Nor, should it trouble followers of Christ.

First, Christians believe that all properly functioning people are aware of certain moral truths and that these truths are not created by humankind, but discovered by humankind through our innate moral sense and our moral experience.  Thus, it should come as no surprise that other philosophies and religions taught a similar idea to the golden rule prior to Jesus because they all experienced the same moral world. 

Second, this idea is entirely consistent with scripture.  In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells us that all people have "the law written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them" (2:15).  So it would seem that these other philosophies and religions teaching a similar moral truth would support that idea that all people have this divine law written on their hearts.1

Third, it would be wrong to conclude that Jesus' teaching was no more significant than the comparable teachings found in these other worldviews.  As the NET Bible Study Notes highlight:

Jesus’ teaching as reflected in the phrase treat others as you would want them to treat you, known generally as the Golden Rule, is not completely unique in the ancient world, but here it is stated in its most emphatic, selfless form.”

Finally, it should be noted that not only did Jesus teach the most emphatic and selfless form of golden rule2, but Jesus' teachings went beyond mere empathy.  Consider Jesus' famous parable of the good samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.3  Recall in the parable that it was the Samaritan, who at that time would have been despised by the Jews, that went beyond simply feeling empathy for the man, and paid for the victim's lodging and care.  And Jesus told His audience, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

So, in summary:

1. On a Christian worldview, it is not surprising that people who lived in different times and at different places discovered the same moral truth.

2. The fact that other philosophies and religions taught a similar moral truth before the time of Jesus is consistent with the biblical teaching that all people have the moral law written on their hearts.

3. While the golden rule was not entirely unique in the ancient world, Jesus taught the most empathic and selfless form of it.

4. Jesus' teachings as a whole go beyond mere empathy and call us to show mercy to those who are suffering.  

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Related Links


Footnotes:
1. Further, it would seem consistent with the idea that objective moral truths exist.  
2. I should be noted here that I believe empathy for one another is exactly what one would expect on theism, but it would surprising on naturalism.  
3. I owe this insight to my Apologetics315 Podcast co-host Brian Auten.  

Wednesday, June 08, 2022

Video - Would the Multiverse Reveal God? A Conversation with Dr. Stephen Meyer


In this featured video, Sean McDowell interviews Dr. Stephen Meyer about the possibility of a multi-verse and what implications it would have for design.

You can learn more about Sean McDowell here.   

You can learn more about Dr. Meyer's work here.  

Both are very highly recommended! 

What did you think of the discussion?  Do you believe in a multiverse?  Please feel free to share in the comments below!

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Related Posts

Book Preview: Return of the God Hypothesis by Dr. Stephen C. Meyer

Apologetics 315 Podcast 021 – Return of the God Hypothesis with Stephen C. Meyer

Book Preview: A Rebel's Manifesto by Sean McDowell

Tuesday, June 07, 2022

Book Preview - Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity by Neil Shenvi

 

About the Author

Neil Shenvi (PhD, University of California, Berkeley) has worked as a research scientist at Yale University and Duke University and has published over thirty peer-reviewed papers. He is married to Christina and currently homeschools their four children.

You can learn more about Neil Shenvi here.

About the Book

For centuries, skeptics have disputed the claims of Christianity—such as belief in an eternal God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ—arguing that they simply cannot be accepted by reasonable individuals. Furthermore, efforts to demonstrate the evidence and rational basis for Christianity through apologetics are often deemed too simplistic to be taken seriously in intellectual circles.


Apologist and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi engages some of the best contemporary arguments against Christianity, presenting compelling evidence for the identity of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, his death and resurrection, the existence of God, and the unique message of the gospel. Why Believe? calls readers from all backgrounds not only to accept Christianity as true, but also to entrust their lives to Christ and worship him alone.

- Accessible without Being Simplistic: Ideal for intellectuals and academics, as well as high school and college students
- Well-Researched: Interacts with skeptical arguments against Christianity and God’s existence
- Biblical: Grounded in Scripture and centered on the claims of the gospel

Notable Recommendations

“I love this book in terms of both content and tone. Neil Shenvi has thought deeply about these issues and provides a reasoned case for Christianity. He also responds to some of the most common objections with clarity and precision. I hope Why Believe? gets the wide readership it deserves.”

Sean McDowell, Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola University; author, Evidence That Demands a Verdict

“Shenvi’s interaction with critics of Christianity is instructive for those of us supporting Christian faith. This is a worthy book for your apologetical library and a great resource for moving forward in a society that constantly challenges us.”

George Yancey, Professor of Sociology, Baylor University

“Neil is one of our generation’s most engaging and forward thinkers. His insights are forged not in sterile halls of academia but through vibrant discussions with students, thinkers, and leaders in today’s halls of influence. This is an excellent resource for thorough, sound answers to today’s most difficult questions, not yesterday’s. I’ve had the privilege of serving as Neil’s pastor now for nearly a decade, and I can attest that he not only teaches the truth of the gospel but lives out its grace.”

J. D. Greear, Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; author, Just Ask and What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?

You can order you copy here.  You can learn more about Shenvi's work here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Related Posts

Are All Christians Dumb?


Quote: John Stott on the New Generation of Christian Thinkers

Video: Is Christianity Credible? by William Lane Craig

Sunday, June 05, 2022

Friday, June 03, 2022

Apologetics315 has Re-launched!


If you haven't heard, Apologetics315 has officially re-launched as a video hosting site.  They will now be featuring videos from such notable apologists as David Wood, Mike Licona and Ted Wright and more!

You can check it out here!

You can also learn more about the Apologetics315 Podcast here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Related Posts

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Thursday, June 02, 2022

Prepping Your Kids for Pride Month by Amy Davison


 In October 2021, Brian Auten and I interviewed "Mama Bear" Hillary Morgan Ferrer about her book, Mama Bears Guide to Sexuality.  You can find that interview here.

In this featured post, Mama Bear Amy Davison offers some practically ways to equip your children to think about and discuss Pride Month.  

She writes:


"For the past month, our local stores have been gradually stocking gear for the next holiday: Pride Month. Rainbows have become the pumpkin spice of late spring. Your toddler can now rock a trans rights tee-shirt. Even Mittens the cat can have an oh-so-fabulous scratchpad to boast their owner’s pride. Cuz nothin’ says equality like commercialism.

The influx of over-priced swag might catch some parents off guard. But we here at Mama Bear know that this can be a great teaching moment to discern truth before the parades assemble. So, let’s take a quick look at the top slogans you and your children are going to see during Pride Month."

The slogans that Davison considers include:

Wednesday, June 01, 2022

Apologetics315 Podcast - Five Arguments Christians Should Know


 Today’s Show Notes:

Episode 076 – Five Arguments Christians Should Know

Don’t forget to fill out the PODCAST SURVEY for a chance to win a prize!

In this episode Brian Auten & I discuss what we think are five arguments every Christian should know. When in conversation, what are some useful arguments to keep handy that are simple, easy to use, and effective?

Covered in this podcast:

• Cosmological Arguments
• Design Arguments
• Moral Arguments
• Resurrection Arguments
• New Testament Arguments
• Argument Against Religious Pluralism

What arguments do you think are helpful for Christians to know?

Suggested Resources:

On Guard
 by William Lane Craig

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler

The Morals of the Story by David Baggett and Marybeth Baggett

The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Habermas & Licona

Can We Trust the Gospels? By Peter J. Williams

The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? By F.F. Bruce
https://a315.co/3wWFwyK

Record your questions here. (Or Email them to us here.)

We appreciate your feedback.

Subscribe in iTunes here.
Subscribe on Spreaker here.
Subscribe with RSS Feed here.

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad


Related Posts

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Apologetics315 Podcast: Too Good To Be False with Tom Gilson

Apologetics315 Podcast Interviews