No longer are questioners satisfied with evidence that Christianity is true. They also want to know if it’s relevant and, most importantly . . . if it’s good.

In Christianity Cross-Examined, Kenneth R. Samples boldly steps into the courtroom where Christianity is on trial. Going beyond merely presenting a systematic case for the Christian faith, Samples dives into specific accusations against it, from the conventional (If God created everything, then who created God?) to the controversial (Why doesn’t the Bible condemn slavery?). Does Christianity stand up under cross-examination? You be the judge.

Professor Samples is a philosopher, theologian, and senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, an organization that researches and communicates how the divinely inspired words of the Bible harmonize with reason and the facts of nature. He holds degrees in philosophy, social science, and an MA in theological studies. He is also the author of many numerous books listed below.

Christianity Cross-Examined (Kenneth Samples)

The Bible says Jesus was real. What other proof exists? (J. Warner Wallace)

Are Islam and Christianity essentially the same? Aren't they both part of the Abrahamic faiths? This conversation will help you approach the question "Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?"

Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of Solas, an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at Melbourne School of Theology and an Adjunct Faculty member at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He is a Christian academic and public speaker with a PhD in Islamic Studies. He frequently speaks and teaches throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, and the USA. He is the author of several books, including "An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an," "Heroes: Five leaders from whose lives we can learn," and "the Atheist Who Didn't Exist: the dreadful consequences of bad arguments." He has also contributed to the multi-author volume "Healthy Faith and the Coronavirus Crisis: Thriving in the COVID-19 pandemic."

The Profound Differences Between Christianity & Islam (Dr. Andy Bannister)

A supporter sent me the following message: "These missionaries come to my door the other day from World Mission Society Church of God, and they were talking about God the mother... Do you know anything about this group? Specifically, anything that might be helpful in a conversation with them, especially where their theology might differ from the Truth?" 

Pastor Mike Winger joins the show to help respond to this and other questions. What should we think about the long ending of Mark? We'll talk about that too!

"Mother God" Cult? Chat With Mike Winger On Cults, The Bible, And More!

Are you wrestling with intellectual doubts concerning the Christian faith? Do you hope to get answers to some of your most difficult questions? Today's show will cover the five biggest issues that are raised. Go to https://talkaboutdoubts.com/ to dig deeper and ask your questions.

Dr. Jonathan McLatchie holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and is a Christian writer, international speaker, debater, assistant professor at Sattler College, and a fellow of the Discovery Institute. He recently launched the incredible resource (https://talkaboutdoubts.com/) that we are discussing on the show today.

5 Issues Causing People To Walk Away From Christianity (Dr. Jonathan McLatchie)

Live your truth. Follow your heart. You only have one life to live. God just wants you to be happy. Love is love. These cultural statements flood our news feeds and sound so positive, but are they true? In order to Think Well we must discern the messages we see and compare them to biblical truth.

Alisa Childers joins me to discuss her new book, "Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed." This show will help you evaluate popular lies by looking at what Scripture has to say.

The Best Lies Sound The Most Beautiful (Alisa Childers)

What does it mean to be human? What is a person? Where did we come from? How can there be something that thinks, feels, or decides, anywhere, ever? "Who Are You, Really?: A Philosopher's Inquiry Into the Nature and Origin of Persons" answers these foundational questions and more! Join our conversation as we dig deep into what we are and how we came to be.

Joshua Rasmussen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Philosophy, and his area of expertise is analytic metaphysics, with a focus on basic categories of reality, such as objects, ideas, and necessary existence. He is the author of several books, including "Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth," "Necessary Existence," "How Reason Can Lead to God," and "Is God the Best Explanation of Things." He is also the founder of the Worldview Design YouTube channel, which helps people use reason to address the big questions of life.

An Accessible Account Of Personhood - Who Are You, Really? (Joshua Rasmussen)

Atheist Armin Navabi tackles Matt Slick's version of the transcendental argument for God (TAG) in chapter 14 of his book, "Why There Is No God." TAG is an attempt to demonstrate the existence of God using the Laws of Logic. These laws would include the Law of Identity, the Law of Non-Contradiction, and the Law of Excluded Middle. 

Armin believes that while the argument is structurally sound, it commits the fallacy of equivocation. He states, "The phenomena these laws refer to would continue to exist regardless of whether a deity or anyone else thought about them... Minds are necessary only to describe that phenomenon, not to make it true." Is TAG a good argument, or should it be discarded as a failed attempt to demonstrate that God exists? This will be the topic of today's show! As always, come join the show and bring your questions! Callers welcome at the end.

The Transcendental Argument for God's Existence (Atheist Book Response, Part 14)

Atheist Armin Navabi writes, "Life is, objectively, meaningless; given the size and scope of the universe and our tiny role within it, it's absurd to think that we might have any sort of cosmically vital role." At the same time, he also believes that "We have the ability to create meaning for our lives" by doing worthwhile goals, none of which require the existence of God. With that in mind, why do Christians say that life would be meaningless without God?

Armin addresses this question and attempts to show how meaning can be found without God in chapter 15 of his book, "Why There Is No God." Join the show as we discuss the Christian and Atheist approaches to the meaning of life. As always, there's a call-in portion at the end, so bring your questions!

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
4:23 Why Christians say that life without God would be absurd
17:55 Is the Christian purpose to worship and glorify God?
20:17 Is Christian purpose to enact laws that reflect a strict biblical interpretation?
21:47 Why is eternal purpose better than no purpose at all?
22:56 Armin's response to the absurdity of life without God
33:17 The Christian challenge to Armin's response
39:02 Can I say that owning a person or capital punishment is wrong?
41:49 Why does God use humans to spread his message?
43:55 1st Caller: How do things like meaning and purpose change our life?
1:08:20 1st Caller: Is morality objective?

The Absurdity of Life without God (Atheist Book Response, Part 15)

Have you heard either of these claims? "There are no atheists in foxholes," and "Only an atheist until the plane starts to fall." These claims are often given to show that atheists frequently find themselves pulled toward God during times of stress. Is this true? Can it be used as an argument for God?

Atheist Armin Navabi addresses this argument in chapter 18 of his book, "Why There Is No God." He writes, "The existence of 'deathbed conversions' and similar experiences does not prove the existence of God... The idea that fear could drive you toward the belief in God only goes to suggest that religious claims are commonly fear-based and not rooted in actual logic or evidence. Unintentionally, theists are essentially acknowledging that their claims are irrational."

Join the show as we walk through Armin's chapter and look at how to think about belief in times of desperation. I'll be taking your calls and responding to your questions as well!

You'll Believe When Desperate for God's Help (Atheist Book Response, Part 18)

"If you don't teach your children, the world will." Isn't this true? If we are not intentional about our own learning and our children for those who are parents, then our culture will disciple us unintentionally, often with greater effectiveness. 

TikTok is one of the major influences in the lives of students. So, today's show will examine a few TikTok videos about the Bible. While they appear compelling on the surface, each has a deep flaw. Join me as we learn to Think Well about different cultural challenges. Bring your questions! I'll be taking callers at the end.

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
2:42 Cultural Book Study Intro: What Do I Say When...?
8:21 Worldview Book Study Intro: Ethics and Moral Reasoning
10:24 Apologetics Book Study Intro: The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology
13:05 Is there a contradiction in Jesus's birth story?
22:43 Do people have biblical reasons for questioning the length of the creation days?
26:08 Does the Hebrew word "day" paired with a number or "evening and morning" always mean 24 hours?
32:51 Was Jesus a young earth creationist?
42:45 Is the "Word of God" the Bible or Jesus?
49:37 Does the Bible condemn sex outside of marriage?
1:00:19 Is the Bible a pro-life book?
1:07:15 In what way do a husband and wife become one flesh?
1:08:57 Why did God make laws that led to lots of immoral stoning?
1:10:57 Caller 1: Continued conversation on "one flesh" in marriage
1:16:58 Caller 1: Was Jesus's prayer for unity in John 17:21 answered?
1:22:07 Caller 1: Who decides what are the essential Christian doctrines?
1:26:44 Caller 1: What are subjective and objective truth claims?

Reacting to TikToks About the Bible- What They Got Right (and Wrong)

"Christianity alone provides the best solution for a coherent reason to value a human person and the necessary authority to confidently guarantee it... Can non-Christian systems arrive at a position of human dignity on their own that does not end up being arbitrary?"

Human dignity is at the heart of all political views, religious traditions, and cultural systems. For this reason, it matters whose concept of human dignity we adopt as part of our worldview. Today's conversation will look at the importance of human dignity, build a case for a biblical view of human dignity, and give you tools to have better conversations on the topic. Our conversation will be based on chapter 1 of Andrew and Christian Walker's book, "What Do I Say When...?" Bring your questions and join the show! I'll be taking your calls!

Whose Concept of Dignity Reigns Supreme? (Cultural Book Study Part 1)

We all believe it is important to be ethical people and make good moral decisions. Right? The problem is if we can ever come to a conclusion about what qualifies as a "moral decision."

C. Ben Mitchell writes, "If relativism is true, it also means that the search for enduring, universal moral norms is futile. But the fact that we live in a relativistic world also means that if relativism is not true, we need to know how to respond to a view that is so pervasive in our culture."

Join me as we engage in a moral discussion and try to find clarity in a morally confused culture. "Ethics and Moral Reasoning" by C. Ben Mitchell will be our primary text today. Bring your questions and join the show! I'll be taking your calls!

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
2:50 A look at upcoming shows and events
6:15 Intro to our series on reclaiming the Christian intellectual tradition
9:20 Living in a relativistic world
13:31 5 problems with moral relativism
22:45 Can you prove objective morality?
26:43 Do you believe in evolution?
27:05 Relative morality isn't the same as arbitrary morality
29:50 Is this the fallacy of extremes?
31:00 What side of the Euthyphro dilemma do you take?
33:35 A history of moral reasoning
45:52 Issues with Enlightenment Ethics
48:27 Views of Christian Ethics
51:20 An argument for objective morality
1:02:13 Something doesn't have to be objective to be important
1:03:42 How do I control hate in my heart for people who abuse children?
1:08:57 If homosexuality is morally wrong, why are some people born gay?
1:11:51 Caller - Do I read secular authors? 
1:14:04 Caller - Why does objective morality matter for our everyday lives?
1:23:14 Caller - Why is indentured servitude immoral?
1:25:37 Caller - How do atheists ground objective morality?
1:32:38 Closing

Engaging Our Morally Confused Culture (Worldview Study Part 1)

Who was Adam? Was he the result of a natural process (evolution) or a unique creation? Did he actually exist, or was he merely a literary figure? Hasn't science proven that an original two humans is impossible?

Dr. Fazale Rana, President and senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, joins me in making a biblical and scientific case for a historical Adam and Eve. When were Adam and Eve created? How does the biblical account line up with the scientific record? Are humans related to Neanderthals? These are just a few questions that we will address in today's show. We also will be taking your questions! So join the show, bring your questions, and consider the biblical account of human origins. 

Content Discussed
0:00 
4:12 How should we approach science and faith questions?
7:18 Does science or Scripture have the ultimate authority?
12:00 A biblical argument for a historical Adam and Eve
14:48 Why does this conversation matter?
20:19 What makes the Reason to Believe model scientifically testable? 
23:02 What scientific data could disprove core Christian doctrines?
26:30 Don't the biblical genealogies show that Adam and Eve existed 6,000 years ago?
31:04 When does the scientific evidence date for Adam and Eve?
37:32 Why do humans have Neanderthal DNA if humans didn't evolve from Neanderthals?
42:23 Where were Adam and Eve located?
44:40 Doesn't science show that there's too much genetic diversity in humans to come from a single pair?
49:40 Are secular scientists questioning the minimum population view?
51:35 Why don't we see Neanderthal DNA in humans of African descent?
52:56 Is there a scientific reason for why God created humans at that time?
55:25 Where did Cain get his wife if God didn't create other people?
58:38 Don't genetic similarities and endogenous retroviruses show that humans evolved?
1:04:28 Why do human embryos and some people have tails in a creation view?
1:06:07 Why is your biggest objection to evolution?
1:15:23 Why do so many scientists hold to evolution if it isn't true?
1:20:15 How did God create life?
1:25:00 Did Neanderthals bury their dead, use tools, make jewelry, and have religion?
1:28:38 If humans came from monkeys, then why don't we see 1/2-breed monkey people?
1:30:18 A look at future shows and events

A Scientifically Testable Creation Model for Adam & Eve (Dr. Fazale Rana)

The Bible is not the only source of knowledge about God. Christians believe that God has revealed himself through creation (Ps 19:1, Rom 1:19-20), which means we should be able to find evidence for God in nature. This approach, referred to as natural theology, develops a philosophy of God based on observations about our world. Today's show will attempt to "provide reasons for thinking that classical theism is more reasonable because it has a greater explanatory power than naturalism." We will be taking your pressing questions and strongest objections!

This is part 1 of our apologetics study as we work through "The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology." Dr. Charles Taliaferro (professor emeritus of philosophy at St. Olaf College). He also contributed to "Natural Theology: Five Views" from Baker Academic and authored "Evidence and Faith: Philosophy and Religion since the Seventeenth Century" from Cambridge University Press.

Why Theism Is More Reasonable Than Naturalism- Apologetics Study Part 1 (Dr. Charles Taliaferro)

When do the unborn become real people? Who has the authority to give and take life? When does life begin? There are many conversations between pro-life and pro-choice advocates. The arguments have been made, but it often feels like we are talking past each other. How can we have better conversations on issues that matter? What are the best ways to communicate the biblical teachings that relate to abortion?

Today's show will take a look at abortion as we walk through chapter 2 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." I've done a few shows on this topic (see below), so I aim to keep the teaching short and get to your calls and questions as soon as possible. Join me for an important conversation!

The Unborn Are No Less Human Than Born Children- Culture Book Study Part 2

What should we think about the most recent advances with artificial intelligence? Does it think and behave like humans do? Join the show as we look at a recent video about AI scheming and lying to developers. 

Is Artificial Intelligence Conscious?

How will thinking carefully about the relationship of faith and knowledge influence the way you think about and live out your Christian commitments? "The Great Tradition of Christian Thinking" by David Dockery and Timothy George give an understanding of how Christian faith has related to knowledge throughout the centuries. It then shows how we can apply and advance the tradition today. 

Come join the conversation and bring your questions! I will be taking calls after the teaching. The show is LIVE every Tuesday at 1:30 pm PT. 

Content Discussed:
0:00 Intro
2:33 A look at future shows
5:30 An into to the series on Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition
6:52 Have Christians given up on the cognitive focus? Knowledge & Faith
14:57 The role of Scripture in the Christian intellectual tradition
16:28 How challenges throughout church history led to intellectual growth
24:05 How everything fits into the Christian story
27:34 Necessary distinction between "the faith" and "my faith"
34:25 How do we practically apply the Christian intellectual tradition today?
41:08 Why don't Christians assert religious claims as facts?
42:37 Wasn't it Christians, not atheists, who separated faith from evidence?
44:35 Why didn't Jesus clearly write down Christian theology?
47:43 Caller: Panpsychism and why God allows suffering and pain, and how we know God is good
1:09:31 Caller: Does science look at evidence to find a conclusion, and religion starts with conclusions and looks for evidence?
1:14:49 Caller: Do atheists have faith? Do we have to have answers for everything?
1:22:31 Two reasons why you shouldn't say "Think for yourself!"

The Integration of Faith and Reason (Worldview Study Part 2)

"God created human beings to be sexual, therefore, sexuality is good under God's design," and "rightly-ordered sexuality brings God glory." So, how do we know when sexuality is rightly-ordered or disordered? How can sin distort our sexual desires? What was God's original design for human sexuality? Why is the Christian sexual ethic the only way for personal and cultural flourishing?

Today's show will take a look at sexuality as we walk through chapter 3 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." I've done a few shows on this topic (see below), so I aim to keep the teaching short and get to your calls and questions as soon as possible. Join me for an important conversation!

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
2:45 A look at future shows
7:57 Why does this topic matter?
12:44 The problem is when you impose your morality on others.
14:10 Sexuality is a good gift from God
20:01 Caller: Is the Christian ethic only to keep people in line with homosexuality and abortion? How do Christians care about the vulnerable?
41:26 Caller: Should there be any boundaries with sexuality? Is there a morality that guides our actions? Would Christian sexuality make the world better or worse?
1:16:06 God created human beings to be sexual, therefore, sexuality is good under God’s design.
1:18:58 God’s pattern for sexuality upholds the marriage of husband and wife as the exclusive grounds for sexual activity. What is the purpose of sexuality?
1:23:15 God’s pattern for sexuality is freeing and tied to human flourishing
1:26:55 Rightly-ordered sexuality brings God glory
1:29:23 The Gospel affirms the creational order for sexuality and marriage and offers a pathway for us to live lives of sexual holiness

The Christian Sexual Ethic: Personal & Cultural Flourishing

Does the Trinity have a counting problem? How can Jesus be both all-knowing in his divinity and not all-knowing in his humanity at the same time? Doesn't John 20:17 show that Jesus isn't God because he has a God? These are just some of the objections to the Trinity that I have received from TikTok livestreams.

Today's show will walk through some of the objections to the Trinity and show that the Trinity is logical and biblical. Live questions start at 48:15, and callers begin at 1:14:47

One God, Three Persons: Is the Trinity Logical?

Christians believe that God has personally, truthfully, and sufficiently revealed himself in the Bible. This should not be a blind following but is the result of the deep intellection tradition of biblical and theological studies. However, "pragmatism, consumerism, and an entertainment mentality have shifted the priorities of some churches away from our primary calling to devote ourselves to knowing God deeply through his Word."

Why does theology matter? "Knowledge without devotion is cold, dead orthodoxy. Devotion without knowledge is irrational instability... The study of theology is learning to think God's thoughts after him so that our minds and hearts and actions are conformed to his image."

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
5:05 Announcements and future shows
10:32 Why cover biblical and theological studies?
19:00 Attitudes for doing biblical and theological studies
27:15 Christian Assumptions or presuppositions when studying the Bible
35:29 CALLER: Cynical vs Critical, Bias, and the Authority of Scripture
49:01 Functional absolutes regarding Scripture
51:50 Jesus's view of the Bible: Internal evidence for the reliability of the Bible
54:46 Sub-Disciplines of biblical studies
1:01:25 The Interpretive method
1:06:02 The process of theological studies
1:07:45 Areas of study in theology
1:10:32 Essential vs peripheral doctrines
1:13:05 Using reason, experience, and tradition in doing theology
1:20:29 CALLER: Knowledge vs lived experience
1:34:36 CALLER: What happens to those who die with wrong information or don't know about God?
1:44:58 LIVE QUESTION: How does one make sure they aren't deceiving themselves with their bias and presuppositions?
1:47:26 CALLER: Will Christianity become an extinct religion in the next 100-200 years if it doesn't adapt to culture?

How to Read the Bible Without Blind Faith (or Cynicism) - Worldview Study Part 3

Wouldn't we all benefit from a better understanding of what it means to think well? If so, why don't we do it?

Alan Jacobs is the author of "How to Think." He serves as a Distinguished Professor of Humanities in the Honors Program at Baylor University and a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. He writes, "Relatively few people want to think. Thinking troubles us; thinking tires us. Thinking can force us out of familiar, comforting habits; thinking can complicate our lives; thinking can set us at odds, or at least complicate our relationships, with those we admire or live or follow. Who needs thinking?" Would you agree?

Alan Jacobs finishes his book by giving The Thinking Person's Checklist. This 12-point checklist is designed to help us think well, and have better conversations. This conversation will offer "hope that each of us can reclaim our mental lives from the impediments that plague us all. Because if we can learn to think together, maybe we can learn to live together, too." Join the conversation, learn to Think Well, and bring your questions so we can put this checklist into practice. Callers are welcome!


Content Discussed
0:00-7:52 Announcements, Merch Launch, and upcoming shows
7:53-54:09 The Thinking Person's Checklist 
54:10-1:28:30 CALLER
1:28:31-1:45:07 LIVE QUESTIONS

12 Steps to Break Free from Reactive Thinking

Andrew and Christian Walker write, "The logic of bodily sex differences helps explain the moral logic of biblical sexual ethics overall. The mandate for sexual relations in Scripture is tied to the design of the body... The end for which the body is organized--namely, reproduction--tells us what sexual actions are proper to the body and which actions are immoral." 

If you were to take a poll on the most controversial and delicate biblical views, homosexuality would probably be near the top if not at the very top. Because of this, if we are going to stand in our Christian convictions, then we must know what the Bible teaches and why it teaches it. For those who object to the Christian view, it is equally important for them to understand the what and the why in order to offer an accurate and fair critique.

Today's show will take a look at homosexuality as we walk through chapter 5 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." I've done a few shows on this topic (see below), so I aim to keep the teaching short and get to your calls and questions as soon as possible. Join me for an important conversation!

Content Discussed
0:00 Intro
6:14 Think Well Merch Store!
8:58 A look at future shows
10:33 The cultural narrative based on the Sexual Revolution
18:19 A more compelling Christian narrative
27:55 1st Biblical Principle - Everywhere homosexuality is mentioned in the Bible, it is mentioned critically
29:45 2nd Biblical Principle - The Bible prohibits all forms of homosexuality
34:19 3rd Biblical Principle - The Bible's prohibition against homosexuality is grounded in a creation mandate
38:58 4th Biblical Principle - Jesus affirms the immorality of homosexuality
42:15 5th Biblical Principle - Any identity at odds with Scripture is never fulfilling
49:13 A more authentic community
51:52 LIVE QUESTION: Am I presenting a false choice between biblical marriage and gay marriage?
53:41 LIVE QUESTION: Does the Bible ever look at slavery as an immoral institution?
56:40 LIVE QUESTION: Do you think all sinful acts should be illegal?
58:39 LIVE QUESTION: Has the Bible ever settled any argument? Christians are always disagreeing
1:02:00 CALLER: How do we make sense of Jesus's confusing parables and answers to questions?
1:06:37 CALLER: How do we explain gay penguins? Doesn't nature show that homosexuality is normal? Should gay marriage be legal?
1:39:56 CALLER: Questions on Christopher Yuan and biblical sexuality being oriented toward procreation.

A More Compelling Narrative on Sexuality (Culture Study Part 4)

"The Cosmological argument is a family of arguments that seek to demonstrate the existence of a Sufficient Reason or First Cause of the existence of the cosmos... The kalam cosmological argument traces its roots to the efforts of early Christian theologians who, out of their commitment to the biblical teaching of creation ex nihilo, sought to rebut the Aristotelian doctrine of the eternity of the universe." The argument is extremely simple:

1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

This is part 2 of our apologetics study as we work through "The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology." James Sinclair, co-author of the chapter on the kalam cosmological argument with William Lane Craig, joins the show to discuss the scientific evidence in support of premise 2. We look at the FRW mode, astronomical evidence for the Big Bang, the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems, the BVG theorem, quantum gravity approaches, and the exceptions to each of these approaches. Come join the conversation and bring your questions!

James D. Sinclair (MS Physics Texas A&M, BS Physics Carnegie-Mellon) is a senior anti-air warfare analyst for the United States Navy with a specialty in the constructive (digital only) modeling of air-to-air combat. Some career accomplishments include analytical support for the fielding of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, combat utility evaluation of the F-35 Lighting II, and presentations at public symposia such as the Military Operations Research Society (MORS) and the Combat Identification Systems Conference (CISC). He began to interview cosmologists in the early 2000s on the topic of the beginnings of the universe, bringing Navy knowledge integration methods to the formulation known as the Kalam Cosmological Argument. This ultimately led to a collaboration with philosopher William Lane Craig and two co-authored articles: “The Kalam Cosmological Argument,” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology and “On Non-Singular Spacetimes and the Beginning of the Universe,” in Scientific Approaches to the Philosophy of Religion. He also co-authored the article "Fine-Tuning and Indications of Transcendent Intelligence" with Robert Spitzer.

Does Science Prove the Universe Had a Beginning? Apologetics Study Part 2 (James Sinclair)

1 Corinthians 15:17 says, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." This means that either the tomb was empty, or Christians have an empty faith.

Dr. Timothy Paul Jones (vice president for doctoral studies, professor of Christian family ministry, and chair of the department of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy at Southern Baptist Theological Studies) wrote the short book, "Did the Resurrection Really Happen?" as part of the TGC Hard Questions series. The goal of his brief book is modest. He writes, "I simply want you to recognize that the first followers of Jesus didn't claim their leader rose from the dead because of gullible ignorance or blind faith. They knew dead people stay dead."

Today's show will look at his main argument as I make an evidential case for the resurrection of Jesus. 

Content Discussed:
0:00 Intro & Update
5:22 What's the point of the book?
8:05 Why does it matter whether Jesus resurrected or not?
10:44 Christian faith should not be blind
14:02 A resurrection is only implausible in a world where miracles are impossible.
18:42 Did the disciples copy the story from other dying and rising Gods, or did they have a Jewish expectation of a resurrection?
24:35 The resurrection is traceable to a time and place where it occurred. 
39:50 What impact does a resurrection have?
43:52 CALLER: Should we live according to "What ifs"? How does God speak? Do we have souls that continue living?
1:07:12 CALLER: Is the resurrection just a story? When was the New Testament written? 
2:05:07 The unrivaled power of the resurrection to explain the historical data.

What If the Resurrection Really Happened?

"Conceptual analysis of what it is to be a cause of the universe enables us to recover a number of striking properties which this ultramundane cause must possess and which are of theological significance." - William Lane Craig

In part 1 on the Kalam, I discussed the scientific evidence in support of premise 2 with James Sinclair. Today's show will begin with a quick look at the philosophical arguments for premise 2, and then will focus on how Christians arrive at God based on the Kalam Cosmological argument. Here's the argument:

1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.
4. If the universe has a cause, then an uncaused, personal Creator of the universe exists, who sans the universe is beginningless, changeless, immaterial, timeless, spaceless, and enormously powerful.

From (3) and (4), it follows that:

5. Therefore, an uncaused, personal Creator of the universe exists, who sans the universe is beginningless, changeless, immaterial, timeless, spaceless, and enormously powerful.

Come join the conversation and bring your questions!

Content Discussed:
0:00 Intro
4:09 Upcoming shows
7:15 The argument from the impossibility of an actual infinite
15:26 The impossibility of the formation of an actual infinite by successive addition
21:21 Whatever begins to exist has a cause
30:25 Live Question: What did God do before he did the first thing?
31:19 Live Question: Infinite regress is something you have been through.
33:00 Live Question: Must all things have a cause?
34:15 The theological implications of the Kalam Cosmological argument
47:18 Live Question: There's no logical reason why you can't have an infinite regress
49:51 Caller: Abstract objects, a personal God, God and time, defining supernatural, and if we can choose our thoughts
1:18:05 Caller: Is an infinite regress possible?

The Universe Had a Beginning... So What? Apologetics Study Part 3

Is the Bible scientific? How do you know Christianity is true? Where do we place the dinosaurs? Why should we take a side on the age of the earth debate? 

Dr. Hugh Ross joined me to answer these questions and discuss his newest book, "Always Be Ready."

Is the Bible scientific? with Dr. Hugh Ross

This is part 2 of my conversation with Greg Koukl. Our conversation, based on Greg's book, "Tactics," will help you initiate conversations effortlessly, present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively, graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking, skillfully manage the details of dialogue, and maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack.

Part 2: Tactics - A Game Plan For Discussion Your Christian Convictions (with Greg Koukl)

Why don't Christians accept Mormons as Christians? How am I supposed to talk to my Mormon neighbor? Is there any archaeology supporting the Book of Mormon? How do Mormonism and Christianity differ on their view of God and Jesus? Maybe you haven't had these questions, but you have wondered something else. Join the show LIVE to have your pressing questions about Mormonism and Christianity answered.

Bill McKeever, founder of Mormonism Research Ministry, will be answering your questions so that you can more confidently talk to the Mormons in your life. He has written various books on Mormonism (listed below). He also serves as the editor of "Mormonism Researched" and is the host of the daily radio program, "Viewpoint on Mormonism."

What are the Differences Between Mormonism and Christianity? (with Bill McKeever)

The abortion debate is one of the more controversial issues of our day, but this shouldn't keep us from discussing this important issue.  It may seem overwhelming, but it comes down to one simple question, "What is the unborn?" As Greg Koukl says, "If the unborn is not a human person, no justification for abortion is necessary. However, if the unborn is a human person, no justification for abortion is adequate.”

Megan Almon joins the show to help us understand and discuss this important issue. She has been a speaker with the Life Training Institute since 2009. During her time there, she has trained tens of thousands of individuals to articulate and defend the pro-life view.

Making The Case For Life - Part 1(with Megan Almon)

Training Christians to THINK WELL by curating conversations with Christian thinkers and giving a framework for engaging the culture with a biblical worldview.

Ryan Pauly has been working with students for over a decade as a high school teacher, missionary, and apologist. He is the Founder and President of Think Well, an organization focused on training Christians to engage the culture with a biblical worldview, and the Director of Immersive Experiences at MAVEN. Ryan holds a B.A. in theology and youth leadership from Vanguard University, an M.A. in Christian apologetics from Biola University, and is pursuing a doctorate in cultural engagement from Talbot School of Theology. Ryan lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons. He enjoys watching hockey, roasting coffee, and playing with his boys.

Think Well

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