I decided to tackle one of Dan Barker’s favorite topics straight on in the Sunday morning sermon at PRBC. What about those difficult texts where God commands the literal extermination of an entire tribe, or city, or even nation?
To be so occupied in the investigation of the secrets of nature, as never to turn the eyes to its Author, is a most perverted study; and to enjoy everything in nature without acknowledging the Author of the benefit, is the basest ingratitude. —John Calvin, Commentary on Genesis
Started off with a fuller discussion of the Calvin/Servetus affair, and then took a call from England on “probability arguments” in reference to the existence of God.
Last year I posted a blog article on the faux-marriage of Jennifer Kozumpli and Nicole Webber. These lesbians were pictured (one dressed as a man) holding an 18-month old girl, Sophie, which the caption identified as “their…daughter.” I commented on how abusive it is to subject a child to such conditions, and how this again shows us how far our
Started off reviewing the comments of the Muslim host of “Islam and Friends,” took some calls relevant to atheism and Dan Barker, and reviewed more of Barker’s debates, and in particular, his claim that רצח does not mean “murder.” For those who like documentation: רָצַח (rā∙ṣǎḥ): v.; ≡ Str 7523; TWOT 2208—LN 20.61-20.88 (qal) murder, kill, i.e., take the life
I was directed to this report on a talk given by Frank Beckwith. I found the following line most interesting: Following his return, Beckwith’s faith was changed in more than name only. “I started reading the Bible much more,” he said. “I used to read the Bible looking for arguments. I now read and look for wisdom.” This does not
I was looking through the materials we have on Roman Catholicism in our articles section and I noted a lengthy discussion of Augustine’s Sermon 131. I noticed the date: April 11, 2000. Why is this significant? Recently I have noted, in the context of his unscrupulous behavior and actions, the many errors of Steve Ray. Examining his writings and claims
I have updated the ministry resources list here. If you sort the list by “priority” you can see what is most pressing. I have added three items that would be useful in the next week or so in preparation for the Barker debate. My thanks once again to all those who help in this vital and encouraging way. I will
I really wanted to provide a useful apologetic discussion on the program today, so we started half an hour earlier. I went through some key theological foundations to apologetics from Van Til for the first twenty minutes, then reviewed key elements of the D’Souza/Barker debate. I then finished up with some discussion of Barker’s claims in his book, godless, especially
Those who have followed this blog for a while know that I have often repeated the same things in reference to Bart Ehrman’s last two books. Imbalance, deep prejudice, utter ignoring of all relevant believing responses to the issues he raises (which he himself admits are nothing new to begin with). But I’m just a blogger from Phoenix, right? Well,
Today on the DL I went over Dan Barker’s claims regarding the alleged contradiction between Paul in Acts 9:7 and Paul in Acts 22:9. I then continued examining his list of alleged contradictions from a debate earlier this year.
So late on Easter Sunday someone in channel mentions that my name appeared in a USA Today opinion piece. I click on the link and find the graphic to the right. At first I didn’t give it a second thought until I noticed that the guy on the left isn’t wearing a tie, and hence is dressed just like Bart
It looks like Google pulled up a few of my blog articles relating to Bart Ehrman. Tom Krattenmaker has written a piece for USA Today titled, “Fightin’ words.” Included was the following: One of Ehrman’s chief critics is the theologian and author James White, a leading practitioner of apologetics, the branch of theology devoted to defending and proving the orthodox
Why aren’t you a Roman Catholic? That probably seems like an odd question to many of you. Yet, have you ever considered it? If you are a former Roman Catholic, you might have an answer to that question. But is it a valid answer? A solid answer? If it is an answer that involves “Father Mike was mean to me”
By the way, after recording this I took note that Dave Armstrong decided to join in the fun on the far side of the Tiber. Of course, that’s hardly surprising, though no less reprehensible.
You may have read Al Mohler’s comments on the continuing efforts to overthrow the institution of marriage in the West, found here. The article ends with the question, “Do you not feel it too — the moral landscape moving under our feet?” Surely the rapid decline of the West is disorienting, and there does seem to have been a tremendous
The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c Bart Ehrman colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest Colbert wins, hands down. Bart takes it good naturedly. But when you only get a few words in edge-wise, you are going to try to go for your “best stuff.” You may find the extensive review Ben Witherington
I fully expected Steve Ray to avoid any meaningful response to a critique of his many errors and falsehoods, and he has not disappointed. Nor am I surprised that instead of standing up and actually defending his reprehensible behavior and his simple dishonesty, he has chosen to let someone else, a layman without the first semblence of meaningful training in
Took a great call on OT studies and the general slide into liberalism in that field, played a section on the Islamic view of intercession and how Islam parallels in Muhammad many of the key offices of Jesus, and finished with a call on the topic of inerrancy and textual variation.
As Tur8inFan noted a clear example of Ray’s double standards earlier today, I just ran across another example here. Ray notes that Tony Blair, who converted to Rome in 2007, has criticized Rome’s teachings on homosexuality. He opines, “We want more Protest-ants to convert and join us, but not if they bring their ‘protest’ with them. Leave it behind or
I like designing ties that have a particular relevance to a particular debate, so I just made this one up for the Barker debate in a few weeks. I typed up the text of 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 in the uncial font that is based upon the handwriting of P46, the great early manuscript of Paul’s letters. Only Romans 1 is
The FedEx man just delivered our first order of the debate DVDs. I am very thankful for the hard work put into making this available. My opening presentation has been very well incorporated into the video of my speech. Very easily readable. I think you all will enjoy it! Get copies for any student heading off to school! Give one
Started off the program with a call from Dublin, Ireland on how to avoid being a “cage-stage Calvinist,” that was quite useful. Also listened to Dan Barker claiming Calvin preached from the KJV, and finished the program with a discussion of “kufir” in Islamic theology.
I had the privilege of spending some time with well known composer Tim Janis last October. We have stayed in contact since then. I have all of his many albums in my music collection, and truly enjoy listening to his artistry. Tim just let me know that he has a new CD out of instrumental hymns, Amazing Love. If you
Sunday morning I was talking with a brother at church whose heritage is Iraqi, and he was telling me about a YouTube video showing parts of a debate that was very popular in Iraq. The subject? Is the Earth Flat? The debaters are both college professors. The man defending a flat earth does so on the basis of the Qur’an.
A wide ranging program once again!
©2025 Alpha and Omega Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
