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mid-week apologetics booster (3-9-2023)

Good morning friends, Quote of the week: Give me a holy avarice to redeem the time, to awake at every call to charity and piety, so that I may feed the hungry, clothe the naked, instruct the ignorant, reclaim the vicious, forgive the offender, diffuse the gospel, show neighbourly love to all. – Valley of Vision Now, here are your weekly links:

A skeptic writes in about Just your version of Christianity? Shaun Doyle responds – Of course, your whole assertion is that we can’t know who’s using the Bible well and who’s using it badly because disagreement exists on what it says. But that doesn’t make any sense. It assumes, at a minimum, that we should reject a knowledge claim if experts don’t all agree on it. But experts in the epistemology of disagreement themselves disagree about whether we should reject a knowledge claim if experts disagree on it. So, the claim on which your argument rests (i.e. we should reject a knowledge claim if experts disagree) doesn’t satisfy its own criterion of acceptability, and thus refutes itself. So, its necessarily false that we need agreement among experts to believe a knowledge claim – including a knowledge claim about what the Bible means.: https://creation.com/versions-of-christianity
13 Important Questions for the Christian Science Worldview | Cold Case Christianity – Every worldview has to be both internally and externally consistent. The challenge for Christian Science appears to exist at both levels. There are a number of philosophical questions (and Biblical Questions for that matter) exposing the internal contradictions of the worldview. In addition, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to measure whether or not Christian Science is externally consistent if we can’t trust our observations in the material world in the first place. For these reasons, the Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science) worldview does not pass the test of internal and external examination.: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/13-important-questions-for-the-christian-science-worldview/
Additional Judges Needed for the Camelback Classic – We have over 150 Community Judges signed up so far. Our goal is to have 400. This is in addition to the 103 parents who will be working to put on the tournament and also judging. If you have not yet signed up, there is still time and WE NEED YOU! Please consider signing up at Camelback Classic (homeschooldebate.net). If you know of another adult who would be interested, please feel free to pass on this invitation to others as well. It will be a blessing to both the students and I am certain to you as well. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at: mhsdaz@gmail.com: https://mailchi.mp/701e10b9c14c/additional-judges-needed?e=06f15ab4db
Marine Fossils on Mount Everest – YouTube – What do marine fossils on the top of Mount Everest tell us about the Biblical Flood? Well, we find fossils of marine creatures in limestone near the summit, which means that this area must have been under the sea in the past. Everyone agrees that the top of Everest was once under the sea. However, many people do not associate these rocks and fossils with Noah’s Flood because they think there is not enough water to cover the highest mountains. However, they are not considering how the Flood changed the earth’s topography. The mountain ranges formed at the end of the Flood. With vertical earth movements towards the end of the flood, the mountains rose and the water flowed off the continents into the newly formed oceans basins. Indeed, such mountains must have formed quickly and recently, otherwise they would have eroded as quickly as they formed. That’s why we have marine fossils at the tops of high mountains. To find out more from Creation Ministries International visit our website Creation.com.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dxotQINycE
Bible study: the importance of truth in religion | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/03/05/bible-study-the-importance-of-truth-in-religion-8/
Gnosis: The Main Expression of Paganized Christianity in the New Age: https://patriotandliberty.com/gnosis-the-main-expression-of-paganized-christianity-in-the-new-age/
What is Progressive Christianity? One of the benefits of studying church history is that you realize that Solomon was right: There is nothing new under the sun (Eccl 1:9). This proverb has certainly been proven true when it comes to different versions of Christianity that have popped up throughout the life of the church. In every generation it seems there’s a new group that comes along insisting that their new and improved Christianity beats all predecessors hands down. But, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this new version isn’t new at all. It’s simply a microwaved version of some other alternate brand of Christianity that the church has faced (and rejected) before.: https://www.michaeljkruger.com/what-is-progressive-christianity/
Are You an Evangelist? | ChristianCourier.com – You may not be able to fulfill the role of a preacher, or teacher, or elder, or deacon. But in the general sense, you can be an evangelist. Here’s how: https://christiancourier.com/articles/are-you-an-evangelist
Quick Challenge Answer: You Shouldn’t Push Your Views On Me: https://tentmakingchristianity.com/you-shouldnt-push-your-views-on-me/
Genetic entropy: The silent killer. Simply put, genetic entropy means that the information content in the genome (all of our genes) is progressively declining, due to the accumulation of mutations, generation after generation. In short, if the world were even several hundred thousand years old, genetic entropy means that we would have long since become extinct: https://creation.com/genetic-entropy-vs-evolution
Why we all need to be trained in Christian Apologetics Take the test (7 common questions/objections) Truth, Faith and Reason: https://truthfaithandreason.com/defending-your-faith-101-why-we-all-need-to-be-trained-in-christian-apologetics-take-the-test/
Timeline of the Apostle Paul’s ministry: http://christianityinview.com/paulstimeline.html
Why Do Two People See the Same Evidence Differently? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-do-two-people-see-the-same-evidence-differently/
8 False Assumptions about Christianity | Cccdiscover: https://cccdiscover.com/8-false-assumptions-about-christianity/
Is the God of the Old Testament the Same God of the New Testament? – One Minute Apologist: https://oneminuteapologist.com/is-the-god-of-the-old-testament-the-same-god-of-the-new-testament/
Distant Starlight Unlikely Solutions Part 2: ASC – Questions for Dr. Lisle Rational Faith – Lisle’s ASC theory. I initially thought it provided the best solution to the distant starlight problem. But after much study on the matter I came to the conclusion that not only does Lisle’s theory fall to Occam’s razor, if a key required stipulation is not true concerning light, it doesn’t even qualify to explain a 6,000 year old creation. I was thus forced to conclude Danny Faulkner’s Dasha theory (essentially God did it somehow we don’t know how) is the best answer. But I wanted to return to Lisle’s ASC and look more closely at what I consider the failings of the theory that I thought when I started the previous series would be the preferred solution to the distant starlight problem.: https://rationalfaith.com/2021/03/distant-starlight-unlikely-solutions-part-2-asc-questions-for-dr-lisle/
Is Mormon Salvation Possible? | Cold Case Christianity – One of the most important questions any monotheistic system can answer is simply this: How is one saved; how can one have eternal life? Every monotheistic faith system provides some mechanism by which we can be united to God, be in His Presence, or attain the ultimate life in eternity. As Christians, we believe Salvation is eternal life. For us, there is no difference. We believe there is one level of heaven, one opportunity for salvation, and this is called eternal (or everlasting) life: John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For Mormons, however, general Salvation comes to everyone on the planet, and is provided by the death of Jesus on the cross. It is simply the opportunity to be resurrected into one of the lower levels of heaven. But this is not the ambition of faithful Mormons; it is not what they hope for: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-mormon-salvation-possible/
Why Your Children DO Need Apologetics: Correcting Misconceptions – Mama Bear Apologetics – This weekend, a blog was released titled Why Your Children do NOT Need Apologetics. In it, apologetics was characterized as a fear-based recitation of doctrines which denies the realities of human experience. I suspect that it was written in response to the blog and podcast that Rebekah and I did the last week critiquing their Easter article. The article we critiqued was written by a children’s pastor, and it discouraged teaching children about the literal death and resurrection of Jesus, or the concept of original sin. (You can see our podcast response with extensive summary notes here.) We definitely didn’t mince words in the podcast, but neither did we throw any punches. Upon seeing this new blog, explicitly aimed at discouraging teaching apologetics to kids, I did what I think we should all do on a regular basis: I listened to their critique and tried to evaluate their message with a spirit of humility and self-reflection. I truly believe that we can learn from anyone. We all have blind spots. Are there things that we as an apologetics community could do better?: https://mamabearapologetics.com/children-do-need-apologetics/
Were The Gospels Written By The Disciples Originally In Greek? – YouTube – The questioner can’t name the scholars and just started looking at the topic in question but he’s absolutely sure that the evidence falsifies what Frank is saying…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOvl0SYh6Tw
Am I a Christian Simply Because I Was Raised in a Christian Culture? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/am-i-a-christian-simply-because-i-was-raised-in-a-christian-culture/
Is the definition of atheism a lack of belief in God? | WINTERY KNIGHT – First, let’s see check with the Stanford University Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Atheism means the negation of theism, the denial of the existence of God. Stanford University is one of the top 5 universities in the United States, so that’s a solid definition. To be an atheist is to be a person who makes the claim that, as a matter of FACT, there is no intelligent agent who created the universe. Atheists think that there is no God, and theists think that there is a God. Both claims are objective claims about the way the world is out there, and so both sides must furnish forth arguments and evidence as to how they are able to know what they are each claiming.: https://winteryknight.com/2021/05/12/is-the-definition-of-atheism-a-lack-of-belief-in-god-13/
The Holiness of God – Wrath & Grace Kids (A. W. Pink) – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGK-Oq4qUQc
Four Ways to Come Alongside Your Kids to Strengthen Their Faith | Cold Case Christianity – Summit Worldview Conference is also an important resource for parents. As a member of the faculty there, I’ve seen what happens in this intensive two-week worldview training experience. It is nothing short of life changing. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Look for opportunities, prioritize your calendar, and encourage your kids to engage in a short-term, high intensity adventure. Come alongside your kids to help them have a pivotal moment.: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/four-ways-to-come-alongside-your-kids-to-strengthen-their-faith/
The Top Ten Questions to Ask Skeptical Friends – Cross Examined – How do you get a spiritual conversation started? Can you do it without appearing awkward? Should your goal be to bring someone to the foot of the cross in every conversation you have? Join Frank as he reveals the Top Ten questions that will help you have effective evangelism conversations with friends and even people you meet for the first time. As you’ll see, your goal should not be to bring everyone to the foot of the cross in every conversation. Just moving people closer to Christ incrementally should be your goal in most instances. This takes the pressure off of you by acknowledging that other people and the Holy Spirit have roles in the process too, which will mean you’ll be more apt to evangelize. Your job is to be faithful and to leave the results to God. Franks Ten Questions will help you be faithful and move people closer to Jesus. Don’t miss this very practical show!: https://subsplash.com/crossexamined/media/mi/+fmnc59y
Why does God require faith? Why doesn’t God “prove” Himself to us?: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-require-faith.html
3 Times Jesus Responded to Doubt – With Evidence. A Few Takeaways on Doubts First, every believer will have doubts at some point. Doubts are not necessarily good in and of themselves, but they are to be expected. How we respond to them is the more important part, and can be a good opportunity to strengthen our convictions. If John and Thomas, who walked with the guy and saw his miracles live, had doubts, don’t be surprised when you do. You are not a weak Christian just because you have questions. Second, take your doubts before God. Don’t be passive and just let them sit and grow. Pray that he shows you what you need. This may come through witness of the holy spirit, reading his word in scripture, or maybe an article online with other insights. However, he may not answer every question, and simply ask that you be still and know that he is God. If that happens, I would recommend meditating on Peters words. Either way, I do not think that if we truly ask God to help us with our unbelief he will say no.: https://tentmakingchristianity.com/3-times-jesus-responded-to-doubt/
How the Ontological Argument Proves the Existence of God: https://crossexamined.org/how-the-ontological-argument-proves-the-existence-of-god/
What’s the Best Way to Talk to Mormon Missionaries about Their View of Baptism? – Stand to Reason: https://subspla.sh/zrdm8zb
Extraordinary Claims and Extraordinary Evidence | Evolution News: https://evolutionnews.org/2023/03/yes-extraordinary-claims-require-extraordinary-evidence-lets-hear-some-for-darwinian-evolution/

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. Psalms 115:16 Blessings to you all