Road Trip Dividing Line: New Plans, Greear on the Church’s Failure, Fesko against Van Til, Preview of Radio Free Geneva
Open Zoom Calls on the Dividing Line
No EFS, Predicate Adjectives and Scripture, the God Who Works All Things
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Ratzinger’s Posthumous Truth Bombs, FBC Orlando, Andy Stanley
Road Trip Schedule – Debate: Is God Necessary for Ethics? Salt Lake City, Utah
Road Trip Schedule – Opelousas, LA
Road Trip Schedule – Debate: What is Marriage? – Houston, Texas
Road Trip Schedule – February 14, 2023 – Haughton, Louisiana
Road Trip Schedule – Tullahoma, TN
Speaking Events
February 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
| |||
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
| ||||
1946: The Movie
A Mega Size Dividing Line: Matthew Vines, NT Wright, Yusuf Ismail, and More
Going almost a full two hours today was pretty easy, given how much I needed to catch up on! Did nearly a full hour on Matthew Vines’ comments about me from a recent Google video, then played a clip from NT Wright on predestination and election, then I addressed...
A Believing Response to Matthew Vines’ 40 Questions
Matthew Vines has posted a series of forty questions, found here. I have written up a fairly brief response. I hope it is helpful. Do you accept that sexual orientation is not a choice? The very question simplifies the topic to a ridiculous level, Matthew. The desires a human...
Ecclesiology, Response to Matthew Vines, And Almost a Third Topic…But Not Quite
Flirted with going full Jumbo edition today but pulled the plug because even I could not handle transitioning from a full response to a new (short) Matthew Vines video (with a rather, uh, interesting lesbian interlocutor) to a discussion of the textual transmission of the Qur’an. Just couldn’t pull...
“Gay Christianity” Debated
Originally posted 5/22/2013 James White and Justin Lee dialogue on the question, “Can you be a Christian homosexual” in Helena, Montana at the 2013 Reformation Montana conference. Though a debate in format, this was more of a dialogue, as Justin Lee dislikes the term “debate” and would not engage...
Vines/McDowell Dialogue, Encouraging Podcast, Calls on Today’s Jumbo Edition of the Dividing Line
Started off with a few miscellaneous items, including a brief review of the Matthew Vines/Sean McDowell dialogue from a few weeks ago, a little reading on Basilides the early church gnostic heretic and his views, and then I played some portions from the Ex Nihilo podcast that the Hardings...
David Gushee Reviewed and Refuted
James has asked me to compile the complete response to David Gushee’s ‘Reformation Project’ speech. Here you will find the three episodes in order compiling a full five hours of response. Here are the YouTube versions of the same programs:
Ahmed Deedat
Refuting the Shallow Arguments of Zakir Naik
As most of you know, Zakir Naik is a wildly popular Islamic speaker in the mode of Ahmed Deedat. Unfortunately, Naik knows better than to debate those who can demonstrate his errors. Which is why he remains so popular, it seems! But he cannot hide his many falsehoods. David...
Zakir Naik Illustrates the Dual Face of Islam When in the Public Square
Very interesting contrast from Zakir Naik’s own mouth (again illustrating why Naik refuses to debate those who could expose his arguments).
Zakir Naik’s Claims on Muhammad in the Bible
Here is my third and final response to Zakir Naik’s appearance on The Deen Show. What I did was take my opening statement from my debate with Shabir Ally on this topic from London in November of last year, along with my comments on Deuteronomy 18:18 from the preceding...
Shabir Ally
Debate: Tawhid or Trinity: Is God One or Three Divine Persons? with Shabir Ally at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia 11/13/2019
On November 13, 2019, James White debated Shabir Ally at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA on the topic Tawhid or Trinity: Is God One or Three Divine Persons?
Response to Dr. Shabir Ally, Part IV (Conclusion)
I hurry to finish my response to the article published by Dr. Shabir Ally shortly after our debate at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in early October. This is the fourth, and thankfully, final portion of my response. Dr. Ally continued: James was clearly in a bind....
Debate: Did the Earliest Followers of Jesus Believe in His Deity? Shabir Ally at University of Pretoria, South Africa 10/8/2013
Islam
Shortened Road Trip DL, Response to Andrew Tate Conversion
Didn’t go quite a full hour today as I mainly interacted with the clip of Zuby interviewing Andrew Tate and his conversion to Islam. Also commented a bit on the Netherlands cracking down on farmers (enjoy the coming famines all due to the climate hoax being used as a...
A New Open Phones Format Show!
Well, let me tell you, Rich is one happy camper. He got the bright idea today, really only a few hours before we started, to use Zoom to allow folks to call in to the program today. And…it worked. So I started off with about 20 minutes or so...
A Las Vegas Road Trip DL
No, Pete Buttigieg does not have a husband, and no, he and that other guy cannot become parents. And that embarrassing situation is directly connected to the fall of Kabul, and we explained by at the start of the program today. Then we talked vaccine mandates and what they...
King James Onlyism
Sam Gipp Versus the KJV Translators, Mormonism Review Including the Book of Abraham
Spent a few moments at the start of today’s program looking at a clip from Sam Gipp where he says all translational decisions were finished and completed in 1611, something the KJV translators would have righty mocked. Then we dove into Isaiah and Jeremiah for key texts to present...
Crash and Burn Textual Critical Program!
Well, I did say it would be an experiment, and, well, it was a failed experiment. I thought it would be cool to let folks get in touch via Zoom and ask about a textual variant they particular are interested in. I get folks contacting me privately about things...
Cultic KJVOism, then a Deep Dive into Theological Method
Went more than 90 minutes today starting off with a warning about the abusive forms of cultic KJVOism out there, looking at the Ruckman-esque behavior of one Cody Zorn, a KJV pastor down in Georgia. Then we did a major shift in direction and did a full hour lecture...
Bible Transmission
Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity – One Point of Contrast
Qin Shi Huang (260 – 210 BC) is the most prominent of the Chinese emperors. He united China through conquest, began the Great Wall of China, and had the Terra Cotta warriors built. He’s significant to Confucianism – and especially the textual transmission of Confucius’ works – because toward...
Atheism
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
Brandan Robertson’s Continued Apostasy, Yuvul Noah Harari’s Mengelian Worldview
Covered a number of topics playing off of comments made by Brandan Robertson regarding the resurrection, the Bible, etc. We then talked a little bit about the discovery of an exceptionally ancient inscription in Israel that is highly relevant, and finished up looking at some quotes from Klaus Schwab’s...
First Program on Odysee: Omicron Variants, Scotus Case, TROnlyism Again, Responding to Tim Stratton
It was nice not to have to run a “words you can’t say in 2021 in the US” filter today as we were not live streaming on YouTube. Discussed the spike protein, selection pressure, Fauci’s constant lies, etc., as the Omicron Craze sweeps the nation. Briefly commented on the...
The Alpha & Omega Ministries App is now available to download.
The Dividing Line
Road Trip Dividing Line: New Plans, Greear on the Church’s Failure, Fesko against Van Til, Preview of Radio Free Geneva
We are back on the road! Came to you live from somewhere in the wilds of Texas today, will be in Houston tomorrow with the “What is Marriage?” debate on Wednesday. Talked about some new plans we have for the travel portion of the ministry, then looked at JD...
Open Zoom Calls on the Dividing Line
Took some great Zoom calls today discussing the vine and the branches in John 15, MBTS, the Great Tradition, and Thomas (took a long time on this one), and then the Trinity, the Cross, “inseparable operations,” etc. Let’s just say certain quarters will be talking after this program! Last...
No EFS, Predicate Adjectives and Scripture, the God Who Works All Things
Three topics today: first, a clear, unambiguous statement (again) that I do not, and never have, held to any form of EFS/ERAS theology, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they don’t know what they are talking about. Second, is it “every Scripture is God-breathed” or “every God-breathed Scripture is...
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
Ratzinger’s Posthumous Truth Bombs, FBC Orlando, Andy Stanley
Had to start of with a few minutes on the posthumously published book from Joseph Ratzinger. Fascinating and important stuff from the former Pope. Then we listened to some stuff from FBC Orlando, then on to Andy Stanley and homosexuals “serving” and “worshipping” in the Church. This is when...
Road Trip Schedule – Debate: Is God Necessary for Ethics? Salt Lake City, Utah
April 1, 2023 – Debate – Is God Necessary for Ethics? Dr. James White & Pastor James Durbin vs Dr. Deen Chatterjee & Jared Anderson, Social and Behavioral Sciences Auditorium, University of Utah, Sponsored by Christ Presbyterian Church of Magna, Utah, and Ratio Christi, 201 Presidents’ Circle, Salt Lake...
Road Trip Schedule – Opelousas, LA
The Danger of Roman Catholicism 7pm Nightly – February 10-12 FIRST BAPTIST OPELOUSAS 3835 I-49 S. Service Road Opelousas, LA 70570
Road Trip Schedule – Debate: What is Marriage? – Houston, Texas
February 8, 2023 – Debate: What is Marriage? – Dr. James White vs Keith Giles, First Lutheran Church, 1311 Holman St., Houston, Texas 77004
Road Trip Schedule – February 14, 2023 – Haughton, Louisiana
Road Trip Schedule – Tullahoma, TN
Open Air Theology Conference 2023, February 16 -18, 2023, Covenant Reformed Baptist Church, 305 South Anderson St, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Road Trip Schedule – Tullahoma, Tennessee
February 18, 2023, Debate: LSB vs KJV, Dr. James White vs Thomas Ross, Covenant Reformed Baptist Church, 305 South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Comparing the meaning and application of “jot and tittle” from Matthew 5:18 with the assertions of Peter Van Kleeck
During the recent debate between Dr. James White and Dr. Peter Van Kleeck, there was a brief discussion about Matthew 5:18 and the meaning of “jot and tittle”. The assertion which Dr. Van Kleeck was affirming, in relation to the topic of the debate which was “The Textus Receptus...
The Insufficiency of Scripture by Andy Stanley
In a rare morning Dividing Line we covered Andy Stanley’s claim that the Bible is not a sufficient starting place for faith in the modern world.
Radio Free Geneva: Frank Turek, Norm Geisler, David Allen
Started off listening to a clip from Dr. Frank Turek with Leighton Flowers wherein Turek opines that many Reformed folks just have not thought through the ramifications of their position. He also held up Chosen But Free by Norman Geisler, so we discussed that as well. Then we moved...
Sam Gipp Versus the KJV Translators, Mormonism Review Including the Book of Abraham
Spent a few moments at the start of today’s program looking at a clip from Sam Gipp where he says all translational decisions were finished and completed in 1611, something the KJV translators would have righty mocked. Then we dove into Isaiah and Jeremiah for key texts to present...
Why You Can’t Have a Gas Stove, Then Mormonism 101—Part 1
First half hour is on how the Regime’s attempt to get rid of gas ovens is, in reality, connected to everything else, including the insanity of thinking four year olds can “choose” their gender. Then we moved into Mormonism and, I will be honest, I just could not stop...
Let’s Bring the Light of God’s Truth to Jehovah’s Witnesses
Since the Witnesses are heading back out and going door to door, let’s be ready! Spent over an hour going over my best recommendation for how to reach the Witnesses at your door. Grab your Bible and your note pad and come along!
The Death of Joseph Ratzinger, the Eternal Covenant in the London Baptist Confession
Spent a lot of time considering the death of Joseph Ratzinger, Benedict XVI, and what light it has shone on how most Protestants today understand the Papacy. Spend a solid fifty minutes on that before spending about twenty minutes talking about the pactum salutis, the eternal covenant of redemption,...
New Year “Laws” in California Show Deep Commitment to the Culture of Death
Talked about more than that, but it was a major portion of my thinking as I started off with Jordan Peterson’s announcement that the tyrants in charge of “psychology” in Canada want to send him off to a “training camp” to punish him for wrong-think. It is all theology:...
The Pillays of South Africa, Self-Made Energy Crisis, Response to Derrick Brite
Final Dividing Line of 2022. Asked for prayer for Dennis Pillay and his wife in South Africa as end-of-life issues confront them, that God would give comfort and strength. Spoke a bit about the self-made, completely designed and intentional “energy crisis” around the world, and finished up responding to...
Thomas Aquinas, Cornelius Van Til, Greg Bahnsen
Mainly focused upon the question of where Reformed Baptists will go in 2023 when it comes to the Neo-Thomist Revival, prompted by comments on line regarding Thomas, Van Til, and Bahnsen. What is the key issue? Scriptural sufficiency, as always!
Open Phones on the Dividing Line
Calls today on Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and church history, Ambrose and transubstantiation, how to support Ukrainian believers, God’s law, and maintaining theological balance. Enjoy!
Quirinius, Caesar, and the Census
We took the time to consider some of the key questions about the story of Advent in the New Testament, looking at the census, Quirinius, and how we do fair, balanced biblical study. Enjoy!
Road Trip: The Reliability of Scripture, Believer’s Baptist Church, Emory, Texas, 12/07/22
Profaning Marriage, More on Joe’s Cookies, End of Year Giving
Spent time at the start talking about Jerald and Sandra Tanner and the Utah Lighthouse Ministry’s years of faithfulness in light of Sandra’s retirement. Then we looked at Biden’s absurd rhetoric on the profaning of marriage, looked at Phil Vischer’s joining in that same absurdity, and then we talked...
Radio Free Geneva: Response to a Provisionist Video
It had been a long time since we did a Radio Free Geneva, so today a proper video crossed my path as I was heading in to the studios, so we went with it. We played, and responded to, this video from “Grace, Mercy, Wrath,” and somehow managed to...
The Driving Line 12/10/2022
Road Trip: CORE: The Reliability of Scripture, Fellowship Church Lubbock, Lubbock, Texas, 12/09/22
36 Republicans Vote with All Democrats to Join Senate in Telling God We Hate Him and His Ways
In light of the US House of Representatives voting to ask God to make us like Sodom and Gomorrah, like Chorazin and Bethsaida, we talked today for an hour about God bringing judgment upon nations outside of Israel (looking at Amos 1:13) and how the culture of death is...
The Driving Line 12/6/2022
Road Trip: Justification by Faith Alone, Twelve 5 Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 12/05/22
The Driving Line 12/5/2022
Road Trip: Same Sex Controversy – I Corinthians 6:9-10, Covenant of Grace Reformed Church, St Charles, Missouri, 12/04/22
Road Trip: Golden Chain of Redemption – Romans 8:28-30, Covenant of Grace Reformed Church, St Charles, Missouri, 12/04/22
Road Trip: The Trinity – Session 4, Covenant of Grace Reformed Church, St Charles, Missouri, 12/03/22
Listen on the Go
Theology Matters
An Empty Name
Over the centuries many interpretations have been offered for the letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Outside of the basic understanding that these letters represent the state of these local churches in the first century, others have viewed them as representing ages of the church down...
Abiding Beauty
Last evening I spent a few hours talking with a former Christian, now a “skeptic.” Andrew Rappaport had me join him for the discussion, which I thought was going to be more on the history of the NT, manuscripts, etc., but turned out to be a more general “there’s...
A Quick Note on Categories and Endorsements
A new book has dropped by a convert to Roman Catholicism, R.R. Reno, The End of Interpretation: Reclaiming the Priority of Ecclesial Exegesis. Anyone can immediately see the relevance to the current downgrade amongst Reformed Baptists and the Reformed community more broadly with reference to sola scriptura and scriptural...
Just Too Long for a Twitter Thread!
Evidently it does not matter how plainly I speak, or write. There are those who simply refuse to hear, or read. I truly know how Doug Wilson must feel…daily. Let’s try this again. The issue is the exegesis of a particular text of Scripture that is very difficult. Do...
Reformed Biblicism
While going over Calvin’s rebuttal of Sadoleto’s letter from 1539, I read a paragraph where Calvin held Sadoleto’s argument to a biblical standard. Calvin was a scholar of the early church. He cites from patristic sources regularly. He read widely in what was available to him in his day....
On the Great Tradition Men
Evidently our Great Tradition Baptist thought leaders have decided to stay far, far away from actually telling us how we can define the GT in light of the Second Nicene Council, as per Monday’s Dividing Line. Fully understandable! The reality is, these men have no *consistent* way of disambiguating...
Wisdom for Future Americans–And all Peoples
צְדָקָ֥ה תְרֽוֹמֵֽם־גּ֑וֹי וְחֶ֖סֶד לְאֻמִּ֣ים חַטָּֽאת δικαιοσύνη ὑψοῖ ἔθνος, ἐλασσονοῦσι δὲ φυλὰς ἁμαρτίαι. Proverbs 14:34. The LXX provides a good translation here. Righteousness lifts up, exalts, a people, a nation. But sin is a reproach to any people, nation. LXX: lessens any people.
Do You Really Believe and Practice Sola Scriptura?
Ask yourself a question: have you seriously engaged the study of Scripture, so that you have basic, foundational hermeneutical principles clearly in your thinking? Are you considering the original context, author, audience, and the genre of what you are reading (didactic, poetry, etc.)? Are you looking to the entire...
Beware the Traveler
The importance of sola scriptura can be seen when men who thought they held to it begin moving away from it, and express their newfound objections. Of course, which road they are traveling will say a lot about the consistency of their arguments. So, let’s say you are headed...
Hot Takes from Dillard’s
So I was finishing up my 21st conference at Covenant of Grace Church in St. Charles when I heard people talking about “the coming storm.” So I started looking at the weather and my travel plans. Let’s just say I am thankful that I invested an extra four hours...
Witnessing Resources
The Mormon Law of Eternal Progression
I spoke on the topic of the “eternal law of progression” in Mormonism in Anchorage this morning. Here is the video.
The 1914 Chronology of Jehovah’s Witnesses
A. Establishing an Ancient Date 1. Fixed Dates 2. King List 3. Cuneiform Tablets 4. Correlation B. Astronomical Data 1. VAT 4956 – astronomical observations made during Nebuchadnezzar’ s 37th regnal year – 568/67 B. C. Hence, his first regnal year was spring 604 B. C., or, using Babylonian...
A Test for the Aaronic Priest
Are you an Aaronic priest? Possibly you are a Latter- day Saint who believes the priesthood was restored by Joseph Smith in 1829 and that you have been ordained as an Aaronic priest. Possibly you believe that Hebrews 5:4 applies to you: “And no man taketh this honor unto...
Latest Debates
Does God Forgive the Unrepentant? – The Dubious Textual Variant, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’
A few years back I posted an article explaining the weak textual evidence of Luke 23:34a, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This week is Good Friday and many sermons will be using this verse, so I think it is appropriate to bring...
Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity – One Point of Contrast
Qin Shi Huang (260 – 210 BC) is the most prominent of the Chinese emperors. He united China through conquest, began the Great Wall of China, and had the Terra Cotta warriors built. He’s significant to Confucianism – and especially the textual transmission of Confucius’ works – because toward...
Chris Pinto vs. James White – Debate Summarized
The Chris Pinto vs. James White debate on whether Codex Sinaiticus is a modern forgery can be boiled down to a few considerations. 1) Constantine Simonides claimed that he wrote the document based on collating pre-existing manuscripts, and that his uncle corrected the document. Both sides agree that he...
Sola Scriptura
Speaking the Truth Is Dangerous Today/More on Jimmy Akin and Sola Scriptura
The first half hour was focused on three videos most of us saw over the past week, looking at the tremendous problems in the black community in Chicago related to violence and crime, and how all of it goes back to fatherlessness and a fundamental rejection of God’s law...
Are the Marian Doctrines Authentic Christian Teaching?
Spent over an hour today digging deep into church history in light of the vital importance of sola scriptura. This is the kind of program that won’t elicit many loud “amens!” but will give you a foundation that will last a lifetime. That’s important.
The Calvinist Club, Sola Scriptura, Purgatory
Went almost two hours today but it’s an important program. Started off responding to William Samuel Bruce’s comments about me being a part of the “New Calvinism.” Then we moved into a response to James Fox Higgins on the subject of sola scriptura, its definition and defense (really important)....
Christian Worldview
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
The Insufficiency of Scripture by Andy Stanley
In a rare morning Dividing Line we covered Andy Stanley’s claim that the Bible is not a sufficient starting place for faith in the modern world.
Why You Can’t Have a Gas Stove, Then Mormonism 101—Part 1
First half hour is on how the Regime’s attempt to get rid of gas ovens is, in reality, connected to everything else, including the insanity of thinking four year olds can “choose” their gender. Then we moved into Mormonism and, I will be honest, I just could not stop...
Roman Catholicism
Purgatory: 1 Corinthians 3 and Tim Staples
Don’t hold your breath for the invitation for me to be on Catholic Answers Live to discuss, oh, “Does John 6 Teach the Roman Catholic Doctrine of the Eucharist,” (I’d do it in a heartbeat), but today we had Tim Staples on the program for 90 minutes to debate...
Art Sippo on 1 Corinthians 3 and Purgatory
I noted today another fascinating post from Art Sippo, the Catholic lay apologist (and writer of odd pulp fiction stories). Algo had posted a few quotes that demonstrate, as all rational historians recognize, that dogmas like purgatory developed over time, and hence, are not apostolic in origin. Sippo’s response...
1993 Sola Scriptura Debate Review Begins
We began listening to the 1993 San Diego debate on sola scriptura with Roman Catholic apologist Patrick Madrid today. We will continue this review over the course of the next few programs, with the exception of this Thursday when we will be examining the textual variant at Luke 23:34...
The Papacy
Open Phones Dividing Line Friday
Let’s see what some of the topics were: Sam Gipp and “Antioch manuscripts,” the Church & Culture, Debating the Papacy, Justification and Roman Catholic apologists, how to talk to Christians who have bought into social justice theories, and more!
Called to Cyprian – Responding to Anders’ Historical Error
On Catholic Answers, episode #6796, Dr. David Anders makes it sound as though the issue of supremacy of the Roman bishop came up for the first time in the third century, as though “Pope Stephen” asserted the primacy of the Roman see, and as though the East acquiesced in...
The Alpha & Omega Ministries App is now available to download.
Events
February 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
| |||
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
| ||||
The Dividing Line
Road Trip Dividing Line: New Plans, Greear on the Church’s Failure, Fesko against Van Til, Preview of Radio Free Geneva
We are back on the road! Came to you live from somewhere in the wilds of Texas today, will be in Houston tomorrow with the “What is Marriage?” debate on Wednesday. Talked about some new plans we have for the travel portion of the ministry, then looked at JD...
Open Zoom Calls on the Dividing Line
Took some great Zoom calls today discussing the vine and the branches in John 15, MBTS, the Great Tradition, and Thomas (took a long time on this one), and then the Trinity, the Cross, “inseparable operations,” etc. Let’s just say certain quarters will be talking after this program! Last...
No EFS, Predicate Adjectives and Scripture, the God Who Works All Things
Three topics today: first, a clear, unambiguous statement (again) that I do not, and never have, held to any form of EFS/ERAS theology, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they don’t know what they are talking about. Second, is it “every Scripture is God-breathed” or “every God-breathed Scripture is...
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
Ratzinger’s Posthumous Truth Bombs, FBC Orlando, Andy Stanley
Had to start of with a few minutes on the posthumously published book from Joseph Ratzinger. Fascinating and important stuff from the former Pope. Then we listened to some stuff from FBC Orlando, then on to Andy Stanley and homosexuals “serving” and “worshipping” in the Church. This is when...
Road Trip Schedule – Debate: Is God Necessary for Ethics? Salt Lake City, Utah
April 1, 2023 – Debate – Is God Necessary for Ethics? Dr. James White & Pastor James Durbin vs Dr. Deen Chatterjee & Jared Anderson, Social and Behavioral Sciences Auditorium, University of Utah, Sponsored by Christ Presbyterian Church of Magna, Utah, and Ratio Christi, 201 Presidents’ Circle, Salt Lake...
Theology Matters
An Empty Name
Over the centuries many interpretations have been offered for the letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Outside of the basic understanding that these letters represent the state of these local churches in the first century, others have viewed them as representing ages of the church down...
Abiding Beauty
Last evening I spent a few hours talking with a former Christian, now a “skeptic.” Andrew Rappaport had me join him for the discussion, which I thought was going to be more on the history of the NT, manuscripts, etc., but turned out to be a more general “there’s...
A Quick Note on Categories and Endorsements
A new book has dropped by a convert to Roman Catholicism, R.R. Reno, The End of Interpretation: Reclaiming the Priority of Ecclesial Exegesis. Anyone can immediately see the relevance to the current downgrade amongst Reformed Baptists and the Reformed community more broadly with reference to sola scriptura and scriptural...
Just Too Long for a Twitter Thread!
Evidently it does not matter how plainly I speak, or write. There are those who simply refuse to hear, or read. I truly know how Doug Wilson must feel…daily. Let’s try this again. The issue is the exegesis of a particular text of Scripture that is very difficult. Do...
Reformed Biblicism
While going over Calvin’s rebuttal of Sadoleto’s letter from 1539, I read a paragraph where Calvin held Sadoleto’s argument to a biblical standard. Calvin was a scholar of the early church. He cites from patristic sources regularly. He read widely in what was available to him in his day....
On the Great Tradition Men
Evidently our Great Tradition Baptist thought leaders have decided to stay far, far away from actually telling us how we can define the GT in light of the Second Nicene Council, as per Monday’s Dividing Line. Fully understandable! The reality is, these men have no *consistent* way of disambiguating...
Wisdom for Future Americans–And all Peoples
צְדָקָ֥ה תְרֽוֹמֵֽם־גּ֑וֹי וְחֶ֖סֶד לְאֻמִּ֣ים חַטָּֽאת δικαιοσύνη ὑψοῖ ἔθνος, ἐλασσονοῦσι δὲ φυλὰς ἁμαρτίαι. Proverbs 14:34. The LXX provides a good translation here. Righteousness lifts up, exalts, a people, a nation. But sin is a reproach to any people, nation. LXX: lessens any people.
Do You Really Believe and Practice Sola Scriptura?
Ask yourself a question: have you seriously engaged the study of Scripture, so that you have basic, foundational hermeneutical principles clearly in your thinking? Are you considering the original context, author, audience, and the genre of what you are reading (didactic, poetry, etc.)? Are you looking to the entire...
Beware the Traveler
The importance of sola scriptura can be seen when men who thought they held to it begin moving away from it, and express their newfound objections. Of course, which road they are traveling will say a lot about the consistency of their arguments. So, let’s say you are headed...
Hot Takes from Dillard’s
So I was finishing up my 21st conference at Covenant of Grace Church in St. Charles when I heard people talking about “the coming storm.” So I started looking at the weather and my travel plans. Let’s just say I am thankful that I invested an extra four hours...
Witnessing Resources
The Mormon Law of Eternal Progression
I spoke on the topic of the “eternal law of progression” in Mormonism in Anchorage this morning. Here is the video.
The 1914 Chronology of Jehovah’s Witnesses
A. Establishing an Ancient Date 1. Fixed Dates 2. King List 3. Cuneiform Tablets 4. Correlation B. Astronomical Data 1. VAT 4956 – astronomical observations made during Nebuchadnezzar’ s 37th regnal year – 568/67 B. C. Hence, his first regnal year was spring 604 B. C., or, using Babylonian...
A Test for the Aaronic Priest
Are you an Aaronic priest? Possibly you are a Latter- day Saint who believes the priesthood was restored by Joseph Smith in 1829 and that you have been ordained as an Aaronic priest. Possibly you believe that Hebrews 5:4 applies to you: “And no man taketh this honor unto...
Latest Debates
Does God Forgive the Unrepentant? – The Dubious Textual Variant, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’
A few years back I posted an article explaining the weak textual evidence of Luke 23:34a, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This week is Good Friday and many sermons will be using this verse, so I think it is appropriate to bring...
Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity – One Point of Contrast
Qin Shi Huang (260 – 210 BC) is the most prominent of the Chinese emperors. He united China through conquest, began the Great Wall of China, and had the Terra Cotta warriors built. He’s significant to Confucianism – and especially the textual transmission of Confucius’ works – because toward...
Chris Pinto vs. James White – Debate Summarized
The Chris Pinto vs. James White debate on whether Codex Sinaiticus is a modern forgery can be boiled down to a few considerations. 1) Constantine Simonides claimed that he wrote the document based on collating pre-existing manuscripts, and that his uncle corrected the document. Both sides agree that he...
Sola Scriptura
Speaking the Truth Is Dangerous Today/More on Jimmy Akin and Sola Scriptura
The first half hour was focused on three videos most of us saw over the past week, looking at the tremendous problems in the black community in Chicago related to violence and crime, and how all of it goes back to fatherlessness and a fundamental rejection of God’s law...
Are the Marian Doctrines Authentic Christian Teaching?
Spent over an hour today digging deep into church history in light of the vital importance of sola scriptura. This is the kind of program that won’t elicit many loud “amens!” but will give you a foundation that will last a lifetime. That’s important.
The Calvinist Club, Sola Scriptura, Purgatory
Went almost two hours today but it’s an important program. Started off responding to William Samuel Bruce’s comments about me being a part of the “New Calvinism.” Then we moved into a response to James Fox Higgins on the subject of sola scriptura, its definition and defense (really important)....
Christian Worldview
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
The Insufficiency of Scripture by Andy Stanley
In a rare morning Dividing Line we covered Andy Stanley’s claim that the Bible is not a sufficient starting place for faith in the modern world.
Why You Can’t Have a Gas Stove, Then Mormonism 101—Part 1
First half hour is on how the Regime’s attempt to get rid of gas ovens is, in reality, connected to everything else, including the insanity of thinking four year olds can “choose” their gender. Then we moved into Mormonism and, I will be honest, I just could not stop...
Roman Catholicism
Purgatory: 1 Corinthians 3 and Tim Staples
Don’t hold your breath for the invitation for me to be on Catholic Answers Live to discuss, oh, “Does John 6 Teach the Roman Catholic Doctrine of the Eucharist,” (I’d do it in a heartbeat), but today we had Tim Staples on the program for 90 minutes to debate...
Art Sippo on 1 Corinthians 3 and Purgatory
I noted today another fascinating post from Art Sippo, the Catholic lay apologist (and writer of odd pulp fiction stories). Algo had posted a few quotes that demonstrate, as all rational historians recognize, that dogmas like purgatory developed over time, and hence, are not apostolic in origin. Sippo’s response...
1993 Sola Scriptura Debate Review Begins
We began listening to the 1993 San Diego debate on sola scriptura with Roman Catholic apologist Patrick Madrid today. We will continue this review over the course of the next few programs, with the exception of this Thursday when we will be examining the textual variant at Luke 23:34...
The Papacy
Open Phones Dividing Line Friday
Let’s see what some of the topics were: Sam Gipp and “Antioch manuscripts,” the Church & Culture, Debating the Papacy, Justification and Roman Catholic apologists, how to talk to Christians who have bought into social justice theories, and more!
Called to Cyprian – Responding to Anders’ Historical Error
On Catholic Answers, episode #6796, Dr. David Anders makes it sound as though the issue of supremacy of the Roman bishop came up for the first time in the third century, as though “Pope Stephen” asserted the primacy of the Roman see, and as though the East acquiesced in...
Listen on the Go
The Marian Dogmas
Tim Staples and the Marian Dogmas
After some brief comments about some of the insanity in the world at the start, focused the rest of the hour upon the comments made by Tim Staples on yesterday’s Catholic Answers Live program where he talked about Mary and her role as co-redemptrix. Important stuff during this 500th anniversary of...
Top Ten Reasons NOT to Join the Roman Catholic Church
Last week I received the following e-mail, and I felt it would be best to share my response here on the blog. Dear Mr. White, For someone considering converting to Catholicism, what questions would you put to them in order to dicern whether or not they have examined their...
A Biblical Basis for the “Immaculate Conception”?
Catholic Answers has some interesting ways of grabbing your attention. By placing the beginning paragraph or two of the lead article of their monthly magazine, This Rock, on the very cover of the work, they draw your attention into reading the rest of the article. True to form, the...
Ahmed Deedat
Refuting the Shallow Arguments of Zakir Naik
As most of you know, Zakir Naik is a wildly popular Islamic speaker in the mode of Ahmed Deedat. Unfortunately, Naik knows better than to debate those who can demonstrate his errors. Which is why he remains so popular, it seems! But he cannot hide his many falsehoods. David...
Zakir Naik Illustrates the Dual Face of Islam When in the Public Square
Very interesting contrast from Zakir Naik’s own mouth (again illustrating why Naik refuses to debate those who could expose his arguments).
Zakir Naik’s Claims on Muhammad in the Bible
Here is my third and final response to Zakir Naik’s appearance on The Deen Show. What I did was take my opening statement from my debate with Shabir Ally on this topic from London in November of last year, along with my comments on Deuteronomy 18:18 from the preceding...
Shabir Ally
Debate: Tawhid or Trinity: Is God One or Three Divine Persons? with Shabir Ally at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia 11/13/2019
On November 13, 2019, James White debated Shabir Ally at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA on the topic Tawhid or Trinity: Is God One or Three Divine Persons?
Response to Dr. Shabir Ally, Part IV (Conclusion)
I hurry to finish my response to the article published by Dr. Shabir Ally shortly after our debate at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in early October. This is the fourth, and thankfully, final portion of my response. Dr. Ally continued: James was clearly in a bind....
Debate: Did the Earliest Followers of Jesus Believe in His Deity? Shabir Ally at University of Pretoria, South Africa 10/8/2013
Islam
Shortened Road Trip DL, Response to Andrew Tate Conversion
Didn’t go quite a full hour today as I mainly interacted with the clip of Zuby interviewing Andrew Tate and his conversion to Islam. Also commented a bit on the Netherlands cracking down on farmers (enjoy the coming famines all due to the climate hoax being used as a...
A New Open Phones Format Show!
Well, let me tell you, Rich is one happy camper. He got the bright idea today, really only a few hours before we started, to use Zoom to allow folks to call in to the program today. And…it worked. So I started off with about 20 minutes or so...
A Las Vegas Road Trip DL
No, Pete Buttigieg does not have a husband, and no, he and that other guy cannot become parents. And that embarrassing situation is directly connected to the fall of Kabul, and we explained by at the start of the program today. Then we talked vaccine mandates and what they...
King James Onlyism
Sam Gipp Versus the KJV Translators, Mormonism Review Including the Book of Abraham
Spent a few moments at the start of today’s program looking at a clip from Sam Gipp where he says all translational decisions were finished and completed in 1611, something the KJV translators would have righty mocked. Then we dove into Isaiah and Jeremiah for key texts to present...
Crash and Burn Textual Critical Program!
Well, I did say it would be an experiment, and, well, it was a failed experiment. I thought it would be cool to let folks get in touch via Zoom and ask about a textual variant they particular are interested in. I get folks contacting me privately about things...
Cultic KJVOism, then a Deep Dive into Theological Method
Went more than 90 minutes today starting off with a warning about the abusive forms of cultic KJVOism out there, looking at the Ruckman-esque behavior of one Cody Zorn, a KJV pastor down in Georgia. Then we did a major shift in direction and did a full hour lecture...
Bible Transmission
Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity – One Point of Contrast
Qin Shi Huang (260 – 210 BC) is the most prominent of the Chinese emperors. He united China through conquest, began the Great Wall of China, and had the Terra Cotta warriors built. He’s significant to Confucianism – and especially the textual transmission of Confucius’ works – because toward...
Atheism
Views on Homosexuality, Interaction with Lindsay on Gnosticism
Started off with Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality and the distinction of sin/crime, then looked at a progressivist on Twitter and his explanation of how he became “affirming.” Looked at a thread documenting comments Andy Stanley made to a group of pastors in 2019, and then finished up with...
Brandan Robertson’s Continued Apostasy, Yuvul Noah Harari’s Mengelian Worldview
Covered a number of topics playing off of comments made by Brandan Robertson regarding the resurrection, the Bible, etc. We then talked a little bit about the discovery of an exceptionally ancient inscription in Israel that is highly relevant, and finished up looking at some quotes from Klaus Schwab’s...
First Program on Odysee: Omicron Variants, Scotus Case, TROnlyism Again, Responding to Tim Stratton
It was nice not to have to run a “words you can’t say in 2021 in the US” filter today as we were not live streaming on YouTube. Discussed the spike protein, selection pressure, Fauci’s constant lies, etc., as the Omicron Craze sweeps the nation. Briefly commented on the...
