tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104449842012-01-28T07:09:51.372-08:00Observations, opinions, and stories from a Christian worldview. Visit us at www.PleaseConvinceMe.comJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088242179501817822noreply@blogger.comBlogger6091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-26594065101753814062012-01-26T23:26:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:46:38.393-08:00

My last post dealt with the belief, common among skeptics, that Christianity is simply a form of superstition. Modern “science-minded” people reject superstitions, and so religious belief holds no interest for them. Historic Christian doctrine is in fact much different, however; while some who claim to be Christian may indeed be superstitious, the faith itself is built not upon fanciful thinking

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-66291800586303825312012-01-24T15:12:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:52:17.911-08:00

Within walking distance of public high schools here in Utah are LDS Seminary buildings. Mormon teens are permitted to take an hour out of their regular school schedule to meet in these buildings to learn more about their religion. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the LDS Seminary program, a milestone the Mormon faithful are celebrating. As a former Mormon, I attended Seminary myself.

Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03650408379510438245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-37249775372712230002012-01-24T08:08:00.000-08:002012-01-24T10:09:27.233-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 240 In this podcast, Jim examines the popular viral video from Jefferson Bethke, “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus”. Did Jesus really come to abolish religion as Bethke claims? What can we learn from Bethke’s creative effort to help us become better communicators of the Gospel? Jim also discusses “theistic evolution”, information in DNA and the nature of science.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-41235620606263629302012-01-23T09:10:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:54:29.466-08:00

For those who are building their arsenal of evidence for the Bible, and more specifically for the authenticity of the New Testament, I'm sharing this video. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and I hope you will too.

Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03650408379510438245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-65359544231784316292012-01-22T19:50:00.000-08:002012-01-22T20:01:33.490-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-67090969304770792902012-01-19T22:35:00.000-08:002012-01-19T23:24:31.973-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-18758022062943494352012-01-16T15:45:00.000-08:002012-01-24T10:09:48.259-08:00

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus || Spoken Word  is the viral YouTube video (12,587,663 views at the time of this writing) by bball1989 (also known as Jefferson Bethke) that has been popping up all over the internet. It is the the most popular video on GodTube right now as well. It caught my attention because while many were posting this video in Facebook recently, it was being posted and "

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-82017429617694619932012-01-16T07:45:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:46:25.724-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 239 If DNA contains “information”, where did this information come from? What is “information” in the first place, and can it come from anything other than an intelligent source? Jim also answers listener email related to the nature of truth and the role of evidence and faith. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and archives.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-35578468992757538722012-01-15T21:16:00.001-08:002012-01-16T13:50:33.127-08:00

To the skeptic, most Christians – certainly most who appear willing to “defend” their faith – may seem a bit one-dimensional, perhaps in some cases fanatical. They seem so convinced of their views, regardless of how bizarre some of these views seem to the unbeliever. Many conclude, then, that the believer is simply biased in favor of what he wants to believe. He has accepted a “bill of goods”

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-71596677449980774632012-01-13T06:43:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:43:40.231-08:00

“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” If this passage from Psalms is correct, then many people today are fools, for they insist that God does not exist. But the ranks of non-believers include many scientifically minded and highly intelligent people, not the sort we would normally consider as foolish. So, what makes such a person a “fool,” and not merely someone with whom we

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-4625271694427347642012-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:29:01.709-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 238 In this episode, Jim reads a recent article from the Huffington Post that claims that the ID Movement is dead and should never have been embraced by Christians. Is ID legitimate “science”? What is the role between ID and “science”? Jim also answers listener email related to the trustworthy nature of the Gospel accounts, how to respond to skeptics and the authorship

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-72654791896939240492012-01-08T20:26:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:42:35.370-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-43740104864502451502012-01-05T21:18:00.001-08:002012-01-09T11:18:34.988-08:00

“Free will” occupies a central position in Christian theology. Without it, there would be no basis upon which a fair God could hold us accountable for our acts of rebellion against Him. But some Christians also hold a view that we are “predestined” before our births for either salvation or damnation. God is omniscient, after all, so how can it be that He does not already know everything we will

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-43277899043965633892012-01-04T07:10:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:11:45.759-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 237 Why would a loving God require a gruesome death on the cross? How could God do such a thing to an innocent man? In this podcast, Jim addresses these concerns from listeners and also addresses Genesis 3:15. Is this passage really a prediction of the coming Messiah? Jim also examines the role of Luke's Gospel and it's value alongside the eyewitness accounts of Mark,

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-1160393692071781472012-01-02T16:51:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:59:48.232-08:00

Happy New Year! Thanks to all our readers and commenters for making 2011 such a great year at the PleaseConvinceMe Blog. Looking back on the year, here are the top posts of 2011 based on pageviews and comments. 5. Sharing the number 5 spot are two great posts by Al. Al has done such a great job looking at the nature of God and debunking the misconceptions often claimed by skeptics regarding

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-61370710946285983252012-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:002012-01-01T21:01:04.441-08:00

This is the time of year for resolutions. There's something about new beginnings that prompt people to want to turn the page and leave behind the shortcomings or disappointments of the past. New Year's resolutions almost always fall into one of two categories: physical or mental. Gym memberships skyrocket this time of year as, another year older and a few pounds or more overweight, we think

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-50075924154025061532011-12-29T20:20:00.000-08:002011-12-29T20:20:00.718-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-44244991777437103002011-12-28T07:25:00.000-08:002011-12-28T19:29:42.603-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 236 In this episode, Jim discusses the importance of spiritual “falsifiability”, using the claims of Eckhart Tolle as an example. Can spiritual claims be evaluated evidentially? If so, can these claims also be falsified with evidence? Jim also evaluates the role of “selflessness” in relation to spiritual authority. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-81101557159192423212011-12-25T00:05:00.000-08:002011-12-25T00:05:02.043-08:00

Throughout the world this winter day, Christians from all walks of life and all nationalities, both young and old, are celebrating the miracle that unites them - the birth of the Savior. But to the growing number of atheists, this celebration makes little sense. Having accepted the materialist's view of reality, they have limited themselves to thinking that nature is all there is, or was,

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-17167153514392984132011-12-22T21:56:00.001-08:002011-12-22T23:24:37.312-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-37213328711941131002011-12-19T07:57:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:59:22.818-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 235 In this episode, Jim reads an articulate letter from a listener describing why so many non-believers are annoyed with Tim Tebow. Jim also discusses the death of Christopher Hitchens and responds to listener email related to the “falsifiability” of Christianity. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and archives.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-44574089711919944832011-12-18T22:38:00.001-08:002011-12-18T23:03:41.591-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-70773958173208975012011-12-15T21:53:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:58:26.797-08:00

My last post ruminated on the nature of “timeless truths” – such as the laws of geometry and of logic - and what worldview better explains the existence of such permanent concepts. I argued that the existence of eternal and unchanging ideas necessarily required an eternal and unchanging mind to ground them. A commenter disagreed, raising two interesting challenges. The first was whether my point

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-4961935848090277052011-12-13T07:36:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:40:07.245-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 234 In this episode, Jim interviews Jonathan Morrow, the author of Think Christianly, an important new book that will help us adopt and experience a life that is shaped and directed by our Christian Worldview. How should Christians engage the culture around them? What does our worldview have to say about the most important issues of life? Jonathan’s book will help you to

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-80680633263416542852011-12-11T21:55:00.000-08:002011-12-11T22:18:12.912-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-34032884334814857212011-12-09T02:53:00.001-08:002011-12-09T11:13:46.046-08:00

Persuading the skeptic that the Christian conception of God makes sense can prove daunting. The concept of God as a “perfect” being seems to stand in stark contrast with passages of the Bible that describe God as desiring – indeed, demanding - praise and worship. As one challenger put it, “You can say ‘he is a perfect being’ until the cows come home. It won't convince me. A perfect being doesn't

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-67841807143975315602011-12-06T07:29:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:11:37.513-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 233 Why do we celebrate the birthday of Jesus on December 25th? Was this date established by the early Church to capitalize on the popularity of pagan Roman celebrations that preceded it, or was the date assigned by early church leaders because it was nine months after the celebration of Jesus’ conception? Jim examines possible theories related to the dating of Christmas

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-77932283927231909932011-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:002011-12-05T06:37:11.248-08:00

Christianity is a rational faith system, based on evidence of certain historical events which give credence to a particular worldview. But not everyone is ready to use reason and the rules of logic in arriving at conclusions. In many such cases, it is emotion – not reason – that is setting preconditions on what decisions the skeptic is willing to reach. Some people reject Christianity, for

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-33964981867963455942011-12-01T22:38:00.000-08:002011-12-01T23:08:16.950-08:00

The modern skeptic often takes an aggressive stance against theism generally, and Christianity in particular. In recent posts, I have examined one such "attack" on God: the challenge that God cannot be considered a "loving" parent because He allowed his "children" to be subjected to temptation, knowing that many would succumb and end up in Hell. Though emotionally charged, the challenge

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-61922823640900850992011-11-28T07:17:00.000-08:002011-11-28T10:19:39.090-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 232 Can we trust the gospels if we don’t have an original copy until the 4th Century? How can we build a circumstantial case for the reliability of Christianity if we don’t have the original copies of any of the Gospels? Also, are Jehovah’s Witnesses properly quoting the Early Church Fathers when they argue that the Father’s did not believe in the Trinity? Check out the

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-33252397990369515702011-11-27T20:09:00.000-08:002011-11-27T22:20:04.413-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-51394583288405899682011-11-24T08:09:00.000-08:002011-11-24T23:03:02.406-08:00

My last post discussed an unusual twist on a familiar challenge to the "goodness" of God. Analogizing to a parent allowing hardened criminals into his home, the skeptic asked why God would allow Satan - the ultimate deceiver - to have access to His "children" in the Garden. The implicit emotional impact of an analogy such as this must be recognized, but the challenge nonetheless remains. How

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-44864729679069120392011-11-22T06:45:00.000-08:002011-11-22T09:47:53.723-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 231 Skeptics sometimes argue that an extraordinary claim (like the existence of God) requires extraordinary evidence. Is this true? In this episode of the PCM Podcast, we present an excerpt from Jim’s guest host appearance at Stand to Reason Radio. Jim talks with Al Serrato about the need for extraordinary evidence and they respond to a challenge offered by an atheist

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-68696452550458104452011-11-20T09:15:00.000-08:002011-11-20T17:25:44.139-08:00

A recent caller to Stand to Reason challenged Greg Koukl regarding God’s goodness. Why, he asked, did God allow Satan to have access to the Garden when he knew that the man and woman he had placed there would undergo, and succumb to, temptation? Employing a clever analogy, the caller argued that he might tell his children not to touch a candy jar, but he would never allow a criminal – a

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-72526139434617151162011-11-16T22:35:00.000-08:002011-11-17T23:15:48.873-08:00

Recent posts (here and here) considered the challenge of many secularists that "extraordinary claims" - like the resurrection and other miracles of Jesus - require "extraordinary proof." While this phrase makes for a catchy jingle, it demonstrates, I tried to show, an underlying bias on the part of the person who adheres to it.At one level, an extraordinary claim is simply one that is so out of

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-20115780426539928882011-11-14T13:45:00.000-08:002011-11-14T13:45:00.725-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 230 Is the Jehovah’s Witness worldview true? What are the basic and important claims of all worldviews? Does the character of the founder matter when trying to determine if a worldview is true? What can we learn about discerning truth from an examination of the claims of Jehovah’s Witnesses? In this podcast, Jim answers listener email and examines the process through

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-60758058535214474052011-11-13T08:48:00.000-08:002011-11-13T13:17:29.859-08:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-38692709855516023992011-11-11T06:45:00.000-08:002011-11-20T17:24:06.558-08:00

My last post discussed some of the problems with demanding "extraordinary" evidence before considering the possibility that an extraordinary event - like the Resurrection of Jesus - actually did occur. Setting artificial standards for evidence, I argued, does little to advance the goal of determining the truth. Skeptics often respond by insisting that nothing short of the miraculous will

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-52882043782176229902011-11-08T07:29:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:31:56.925-08:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 229 Joseph Smith changed his ideas about God as he grew older, starting as a monotheist, moving through “binitarian” monotheism and eventually dying as a polytheist. What does the nature of Smith’s theological evolution tell us about the truth claims of Mormonism? Also, Jim reads from a recent issue of Salvo and discusses the atheism that is prevalent on University

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-31340910916787605952011-11-06T19:44:00.000-08:002011-11-06T20:54:56.626-08:00

Many skeptics approach "the evidence" for Christianity with a closed mind. Hobbled by a number of presuppositions, they typically end up where they begin: convinced that God simply would not have made himself so difficult to detect. Many will back up their position with a challenge - because Christian claims are so "extraordinary," they say, only "extraordinary evidence" will be sufficient to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-24985536432415554812011-11-03T22:02:00.000-07:002011-11-03T23:27:19.865-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-82724931097383317142011-10-30T23:16:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:42:43.976-07:00

My last post dealt with the varying translations of the 6th Commandment. Does it prohibit “murder” as the newer texts indicate, or more generally “killing” as is listed in the King James version? I concluded that “murder” is what is meant and that Christians are not hypocrites when they accept some killing as justified, such as in the cases of self-defense, some forms of capital punishment and

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-17421209050720001132011-10-30T16:08:00.000-07:002011-10-30T16:08:45.870-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 228 Are the Gospels reliable enough to be considered as evidence? If they would not be admitted into court (under objections that they are “Hearsay” documents), do they really have any evidential value? In this episode, Jim examines the qualifications of the gospels, the nature of courtroom evidence, the requirements of history and the reliability of the New Testament

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-52310668847294502422011-10-27T22:06:00.000-07:002011-10-30T22:55:01.712-07:00

The 6th Commandment has been translated as both “thou shall not kill” (King James Version) and “thou shall not murder, in newer versions, such as the New American Standard. Skeptics delight in such apparent contradictions, contending that Christians are either hypocritical, for not following the command to not “kill,” or are engaging in “special pleading,” if they insist that “murder” is the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-15138718857866729082011-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:48:50.794-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 227 In this episode of the PCM Podcast, Jim looks at the birth narrative of Jesus and examines the historical objections that are leveled by skeptics. Jim also takes a look at some of the articles that have been written recently about Tim Tebow and examines why Christians are so interested in the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Check out the podcast homepage for

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-15147761932093037772011-10-23T08:44:00.001-07:002011-10-23T10:15:00.616-07:00

Cults have been much in the news of late. Christian pastors square off with defenders of particular sects, whose adherents resent the implications of that word. All the while, atheists look on with bemused satisfaction, thinking themselves above the fray, shaking their heads in condescension at all the bigoted people with their small-minded views about right thinking who don't realize just how

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-29374903078618747152011-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:002011-10-17T07:00:08.398-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 226 Have important ancient letters been removed from the New Testament Canon? If our current Bible is “smaller” than the Bible of the Church Fathers, how can we trust that we know the truth? Also, Jim addresses email related to Mormonism and his comments last week regarding to the use of the word, “cult”. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-27084751544317443702011-10-16T21:47:00.001-07:002011-10-16T22:28:21.113-07:00

For many skeptics, the idea that God could punish his "children" with eternal "torture" is just to much for them to accept. A non-believer with whom I once corresponded put it like this:"The notion that hell is a place of "just" punishment is meaningless. Parents punish their children so that they will learn not to repeat undesirable behavior. The jail system isn't even really interested in that

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-12598766558652842742011-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:11:16.287-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-58724483875172852142011-10-10T07:08:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:10:43.244-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 225 In this episode, Jim examines the recent comments of Pastor Robert Jeffress who recently described Mormonism as a “cult”. Has this word lost its meaning in our culture? Is there some other way to effectively share our concerns about the distinctions between Christianity and Mormonism? Also, Jim looks at the claim that Hitler was a Christian. Can this be supported

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-75476802139343166112011-10-06T23:41:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:13:03.836-07:00

Most non-believers will tell you that man is basically “good.” When he acts against that basic goodness, it’s the result of disease - such as alcoholism, drug addiction or some form of mental illness. These, in turn, stem from a failure of society to reach out and provide the right kind of assistance and services. If only we as a society could do more, spend more, provide more, we could

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-62513072589296885822011-10-04T07:14:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:18:06.667-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 224 In this episode of the PCM Podcast, Jim comments on Sean McDowell’s recent review of David Kinnaman’s book entitled, “You Lost Me”. Kinnaman identified six reasons why young people are walking away from Christianity and these six points provide a foundation for those of us who want to reach the next generation for Christ. Jim also comments on Dennis Prager’s recent

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-12568502724226887132011-10-02T16:59:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:39:20.815-07:00

Many skeptics believe that all religions are basically the same. If there is an afterlife, they surmise, all that will be required for admission is that you live a "good" life and be "sincere" about your beliefs. My last post offered reasons from the observation of nature that should cause the skeptic some, well, skepticism about this view that all who are "good" and "sincere" will find a place

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-50609574843851375092011-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:002011-09-29T12:19:15.860-07:00

"From the time Padina was 4 years old, she followed every rule of Islam in an attempt to grow closer to Allah. But Padina could never reach Allah. “I never felt peace,” she said. “I would cry for hours to Allah, saying, ‘I am so far from you. I can never go into your presence.’” She felt depressed and hopeless."According to VOTM ministry, Padina had already made plans to commit suicide when

Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03650408379510438245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-70258301262005774622011-09-26T07:51:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:53:29.893-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 223 Are we inconsistent as Christians when we argue for the sanctity of life and oppose abortion, yet support the death penalty? Jim answers this question and addresses listener email related to the presence of the miraculous in the gospels. Jim also offers a strategy for defending Christianity when non-believers equate it with Islam and accuse both religions of

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-71222006008357527302011-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:57:30.885-07:00

Most skeptics I know feel pretty confident that all religions "say basically the same thing." If there actually is a God, they're not particularly worried, because in their view, "being a good person" is really all that matters. As long as you are "sincere" in your beliefs, whether you're Muslim, Christian, Hindu or a member of your own individual religion, it will turn out fine in the end.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-59856309583685583372011-09-21T06:50:00.000-07:002011-09-21T14:10:59.072-07:00

Over the years I have tried to explain what Christians believe regarding the Trinity many times and many ways to LDS (as well as Muslims, atheists and often even to those who maybe grew up in the church but have incorrect or confused ideas regarding the Trinity). I will attempt to explain, as best I can, using the examples that have worked best to clearly communicate the ideas in my

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-77498832958283445392011-09-20T07:51:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:54:42.191-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 222 Jim answers listener email this week and reads an article about a local city’s effort to require a small group Bible study to obtain a permit prior to being able to meet in a home. Jim also addresses several atheist objections related to the morality of God, the relationship between faith and reason, and the reliability of the Bible. Check out the podcast

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-51130634362984602912011-09-19T21:29:00.000-07:002011-09-21T07:02:20.974-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-19485215490714675812011-09-15T22:26:00.000-07:002011-09-15T23:04:05.256-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-31198587682137546602011-09-13T07:38:00.000-07:002011-09-13T10:40:07.134-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 221 If Christianity is true and virtuous, how can someone like Adolph Hitler call himself a “Christian”? How can there be so many radical Christian militia groups? Do people like Hitler and groups like these demonstrate that Christianity is just another mistaken worldview? Jim answers these questions and listener email related to the supernatural nature of the Bible

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-70840944997589410802011-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:002011-09-10T21:36:33.098-07:00

In my last post, I made the comment that as limited beings, we could never fully know the mind of a perfect Creator. I said that because, I think, a proper sense of humility requires that we acknowledge our limitations. If we start off our study of theology with the presupposition that complete knowledge of God is somehow possible, we will in the end be disappointed. Complete knowledge is simply

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-60811325986389849752011-09-06T00:12:00.000-07:002011-09-06T00:25:49.763-07:00

Some of the most fascinating science fiction plots involve time travel. Our minds are naturally intrigued, and ultimately confused, by the concept of how and why things play out the way they do, and what, if anything, could be done to change the flow of history. If we could go back in time, could we alter our present by tinkering with the past, or would a new timeline in some parallel universe

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-81787103987564619312011-09-05T18:55:00.001-07:002011-09-05T18:55:26.483-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 220 If the Christian God is the one true God, why is all of Christianity divided into so many denominations? In this podcast, Jim examines the “Problem of Christian Denominationalism” and answers listener email related to the topic. In addition, Jim reads and discusses Timothy Williamson’s opinion piece in the New York Times, entitled “What is Naturalism?” Can an

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-51079268404924317622011-09-02T21:45:00.000-07:002011-09-02T22:13:32.332-07:00

I was discussing ultimate things with an atheist friend and the topic of eternal life arose. She seemed quite indifferent to the whole concept, so I tried to hone in with a specific question:"Do you desire eternal life? Do you feel something inside of you longing for life that is full and robust and filled with relationships, where you have time to do all the things you want, where your

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-55921117380303516722011-09-01T07:08:00.000-07:002011-09-01T23:09:38.387-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 219 In this podcast, Jim examines the challenge offered by Bill Keller in his New York Times Article, “Asking Candidates Tougher Questions About Faith”. Keller’s challenge to political candidates is also an important test for those of us who want to be good ambassadors for Jesus. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and archives.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-35626106196645008442011-08-27T21:16:00.000-07:002011-08-27T21:53:18.892-07:00

Talk to an atheist about faith, and you're likely to get an eye-roll. To most, faith is roughly synonymous with superstition, and not befitting of modern, science-oriented people. In fact, most skeptics will argue that faith is an obstacle to intellectual progress, a departure from reason into irrationality. Since the apologist’s goal is to introduce the skeptic to the Christian faith, we are

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-50297873559422146542011-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:002011-08-24T10:51:16.438-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 218 In this podcast, Jim further explores the issue of same sex marriage in response to recent news headlines. Is there a logical slippery slope that begins as we redefine marriage? Why can’t society define marriage any way it wants? Can culture provide us with transcendent moral laws? Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and archives.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-23734159499074264072011-08-21T22:22:00.001-07:002011-08-22T23:18:07.244-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-41675168004626112452011-08-19T14:25:00.000-07:002011-08-24T10:48:59.522-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 217 In this podcast, Jim answers listener email and talks about the hot topic issue of same sex marriage as related to politics and conservatism. Jim also discusses the fate of children who are too young to understand the Gospel, the appropriate age for baptism, and the possibility that the Resurrection of Jesus was simply a legend. Check out the podcast homepage for

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-41424447330211813962011-08-18T10:47:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:56:56.689-07:00

In November of 1841, Joseph Smith said "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book," (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461.) Interestingly, the Book of Mormon does not teach many of the things which separate Mormonism from

Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03650408379510438245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-925312861010921952011-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:002011-08-18T23:15:16.807-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-29601260125470600652011-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-14T16:10:46.746-07:00

On last week's podcast, Jim considered the challenge of an atheist regarding how a "loving" God could allow billions of unborn babies to die. The skeptic asserted that since the beginning of human history, God has allowed some 350 billion babies to die either before birth or shortly after. The Christian God, the argument goes, has taken no prudent or loving steps to protect unborn children nor

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-68560838687871628282011-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:002011-08-08T19:18:18.096-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 216 In this podcast, Jim responds to a variety of listener emails, including a response to the atheist objection that a loving God would never allow the premature death of 350 billion unborn humans. In addition, Jim talks a bit about Bayesian Inferences, the best questions to ask atheists, and how you can know when a decision is “beyond a reasonable doubt”. Check out

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-22505700192288149742011-08-07T08:23:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:26:45.439-07:00

Skeptics often challenge believers by claiming that the "evidence" for Christianity would never hold up in a courtroom. They contend it's hearsay; they can't cross-examine the witnesses, so the case would never even see the inside of a courtroom. For many unfamiliar with the legal system, this challenge seems solid. After all, why should we trust our eternity to a message that wouldn't pass

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-55964761718396668362011-08-02T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T21:00:00.227-07:00

In recent posts, we've been discussing the difficulties inherent in defining and recognizing the miraculous. The skeptic usually approaches the issue with the set presupposition that miracles, however defined, are not possible. What the believer concludes is a miracle is in fact the product of limited knowledge or ignorance. The skeptic's "god" - science - will someday show how the miracle we

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-52497206097321028172011-08-02T15:07:00.000-07:002011-08-02T15:07:08.456-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 215 In this podcast, Jim responds to listener email questioning the existence of a single moral absolute and the claim that moral absolutes are not described in the Bible. In addition, Jim responds to the assertion that the Early Church Fathers had a larger New Testament than we have today and the problem of miraculous embellishment in the Gospels. Finally, Jim responds

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-27910613504557908602011-07-30T11:45:00.001-07:002011-07-30T19:20:42.237-07:00

Seeking the best explanation for a set of circumstances is something we all do intuitively. It's called abductive reasoning. As Jim has pointed out on many of his podcasts, it's what detectives do in solving a crime: putting the pieces together so that a picture of what occurred emerges in sufficient detail to have confidence that it is true. Perfect knowledge is never required.As it relates to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-64110540906578434172011-07-26T20:59:00.000-07:002011-07-26T21:14:51.245-07:00

Presuppositions can have a profound impact on the beliefs that we hold. I was reminded of that recently while listening to a podcast from the UK called "Unbelievable." Jim mentioned it not long ago on one of his podcasts and I quickly became a big fan. The usual format is a debate between an atheist or agnostic and a believer. The podcast I was listening to was a discussion between

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-16569626541134870992011-07-23T12:13:00.000-07:002011-07-23T12:13:55.268-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 214 In this podcast, Jim responds listener email questioning the adequacy of circumstantial evidence. Can we really trust circumstantial evidence or must we also have direct evidence to determine the truth of a matter? How does this apply to defending the Christian Worldview? When do we know we have enough evidence to make a decision? Jim examines the Casey Anthony trial

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-82836578126590068302011-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:002011-07-23T12:10:09.830-07:00

A recent e-mailer asked whether Anselm's ontological argument could work in reverse - to prove the nonexistence of God. As many apologists know, St. Anselm of Cantebury is credited with first developing an argument that proves, from reason, that God must exist. You can see a summary of the argument here and here. The writer referenced an atheist's blog post which set forth the following

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-80487567867887771302011-07-19T17:14:00.002-07:002011-07-19T17:19:22.673-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 213 In this podcast, Jim responds to the claim that Christianity is simply a worldview that was designed to control people (a claim offered at a recent Q and A session). In addition, Jim responds to two emails from atheists and discusses the expectation of Christian transformation and the appropriateness of Christian tattoos. Check out the podcast homepage for

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-73363921818065104872011-07-18T23:28:00.001-07:002011-07-19T17:00:22.705-07:00

Atheists demonstrate an amazing “faith” in the power of science. They accuse believers of wishful thinking – or outright foolishness – when believers conclude that an intelligent being is the only reasonable inference to draw from the evidence that surrounds us. Unfortunately, this leads many skeptics to close their minds to proper reasoning, and ironically, leads them into the very error that

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-22194142083298158252011-07-14T20:41:00.000-07:002011-07-14T21:23:01.203-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-69569379039094059362011-07-11T19:45:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:48:03.872-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 212 In this podcast, Jim and Al discuss the recent Casey Anthony verdict and apply some of the basic principles of evidence to the discipline of Christian case making (apologetics). What can we learn from the trial and how can these lessons be applied to our own efforts to share the truth of the Christian Worldview? Check out the podcast homepage for subscription

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-53668105116127968712011-07-10T19:24:00.000-07:002011-07-10T21:08:48.988-07:00

Recently, a friend sent me a very thought-provoking article about raising kids. Entitled "How to Land Your Kid in Therapy," it dealt with "why the obsession with our kids' happiness may be dooming them to unhappy adulthoods." Many modern parents are attempting to create perfect childhoods for their offspring, and in so doing are creating a generation of narcissists who are suffering higher and

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-71641337082400260522011-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:002011-07-07T13:22:52.505-07:00

I have recently been in discussion with a friend of mine who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As the high-priced ad campaign for the church delights in proclaiming, “He’s a Mormon.” We have been talking for several years about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. Recently he said that through our discussions he had come to realize that we absolutely

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-26383784807696047762011-07-06T19:24:00.000-07:002011-07-06T22:03:53.002-07:00

To the secular mind, Christianity can appear to be a giant schoolyard bully, threatening eternal harm for anyone who breaks his rule. A comment to a recent post reflected this position, and helps to bring into focus the difficulty that believers can encounter in trying make their case:How do threats of eternal torment help support your case? OK, I know you hold out the alternative 'Heaven

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-73560445378704443472011-07-05T23:13:00.001-07:002011-07-05T23:15:33.633-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 211 In this podcast, Jim examines the cultural definition of tolerance and responds to the objection that Christians are intolerant and judgmental. Jim also responds to listener email related to presuppositional apologetics, Christian ‘hypocrisy’ and approaches to teaching apologetics in the Church. Check out the podcast homepage for subscription information and

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-21904039335100199662011-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:002011-07-04T07:46:10.631-07:00

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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-36183183357330715552011-06-30T18:55:00.000-07:002011-06-30T18:55:13.904-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to spend a week in Manti, Utah enjoying the beautiful San Pete Valley, catching up with old friends, helping some Christian churches with ministry and local outreach, but most importantly talking with Mormons about the truth of God’s word. Every summer, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints puts on an elaborate and free production detailing both the events

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-69434006975578529542011-06-29T19:15:00.000-07:002011-06-29T22:13:23.979-07:00

You hear a knock at your front door. You check your teeth in the living room mirror and hurry to see who has come to visit. To your utter amazement, there stands the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes representatives, balloons and flower in hands, to announce that you are the Grand Prize Winner of 1 Billion U.S. dollars (before taxes). Your chin drops to your knees, your eyes roll backward

Stacihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03650408379510438245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-38346154950947133022011-06-28T07:15:00.000-07:002011-06-28T10:18:52.557-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 210 In this podcast, Jim describes the power and reliability of circumstantial evidence in making a case for the Christian Worldview. Drawing on examples from his work as a Cold Case Detective, Jim explains the cumulative power of circumstantial evidence. He also answers listener email related to the archaeological evidence for the Exodus, the nature of human conception

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-10888718796619280282011-06-25T13:59:00.001-07:002011-06-28T10:14:18.220-07:00

Many new apologists get right to work trying to convince others of the truth of the Christian worldview. When they meet with limited "success," they often lose heart. A recent email to PCM expressed this view; the writer acknowledged that his inability to convince people that his faith was truth caused him to become discouraged. This discouragement often leads to doubt... and eventually to a

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-70769398817116450222011-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:002011-06-23T13:02:24.570-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 209 In this podcast, Jim examines Christian “hypocrisy” and the proper definition of Biblical forgiveness as he reflects on his experience in Cold Case murder trials. How are we to respond when people claim that Christians are hypocrites? Are Christians called to forgive those who have victimized them, even when the offenders are unrepentant? Check out the podcast

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-30636999713088877392011-06-19T19:50:00.000-07:002011-06-19T20:42:23.270-07:00

"Avast yer jabberin, ya bunch a bilge rats!"The voice sounded strange as it reached into the hallway. The speaker was apparently trying to make a point. “Yer division a booty must be... “ he paused to consider his words, “more equitable if ye be wanting to sail with me.” He had my attention. I was at a work conference in a hotel, wandering the halls during a break, when I happened across this

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-40696472471022495322011-06-14T23:00:00.000-07:002011-06-14T23:37:24.968-07:00

I've spent a lot of time sitting in the bleachers at little league baseball games. Apologetics and theology are usually not on the mind of most of my fellow specatators, but every so often an opportunity arises, if you're patient and attentive, and interested in being that "one dollar apologist" Jim talks about on his podcasts.Tonight was one such night. I was talking to a mom I've known for

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-73967912061433734272011-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:002011-06-13T14:32:56.397-07:00

PleaseConvinceMe Podcast 208 In this podcast, Jim celebrates the 4 year anniversary of the PleaseConvinceMe Podcast by airing an Atheist Roleplaying session conducted this week as part of a training session for a missions group heading to the UK Creation Fest in August. Jimmy sat in and posed as an atheist to help the students realize their need for apologetics training. Check out the podcast

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113362982452232662noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-81647683939659105392011-06-09T22:28:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:28:51.945-07:00

“Do Christians actually believe that it is a preferable state of affairs to have God bestow free will on those he creates, even though it always has and always will result in the atrocities and injustices of life, than for God to not give them free will and simply create humans who always treat their fellow man well?” This is the question author Vincent Bugliosi puts to believers on page 35 of

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10444984.post-61873441823594961742011-06-06T21:54:00.001-07:002011-06-06T22:05:26.840-07:00

In recent years, the Intelligent Design (ID) movement has cogently presented the argument that the incredible order in the universe must have an adequate cause. Just as any fine-tuned device was designed and manufactured for a purpose, so too does the evidence of fine-tuning in the universe point to a creator God. But not everyone accepts this argument. Famed prosecutor and author Vincent

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15557210578403555610noreply@blogger.com4