Alpha and Omega Ministries is a Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. James White, director, is a professor, having taught Greek, Systematic Theology, and various topics in the field of apologetics for numerous schools.
Just in time for that hard-to-please person on your gift list…I mean, hard to please Calvinist on your gift list! I first heard this phrase from my fellow elder at PRBC, but Google tells me he didn’t invent it. I have no idea who did, but I sure use it enough, and the Scripture reference, at least, is mine. Any
Back at the ol’ homestead, trying to dig out from all the “life” that piles up when you are away. Why do car batteries die at the most inopportune times? And could anyone direct me to the guy who designed the location of the battery in a PT Cruiser? I’d like to whip the guy with a wet noodle. Anyway,
THUS SAYETH THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS If we assume that a publication copyrighted by the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be logically called “official,” we find a number of statements concerning the literal paternity of Christ in “official” documents written over the last thirty years. For example, from the Family Home Evenings
We have wrapped up recording a total of thirty two segments of video, twenty one of which are specifically for Iran, eleven others for other venues (all on the topic of Islam). The folks at the studio were kind enough to convert one of the first specifically Islam-related programs to a video format I can post on YouTube, and so
When I came to Nashville a few days ago to record these programs, I expected to do a grand total of twenty programs. That, at least, was our plan. When we finish shooting tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have done thirty two. After the first four I went “solo,” and my translator will be coming back in January to record
MORE AUTHORITIES TESTIFY One of the strongest sources we can turn to regarding this doctrine is the official pronouncement titled, “The Father and The Son: A Doctrinal Exposition by the First Presidency and the Twelve.” Under the subtitle, “Father as Literal Parent,” we find these words: Scriptures embodying the ordinary signification-literally that of Parent-are too numerous and specific to require
I mentioned a few days ago that I am working this week on recording many hours of apologetics videos for satellite broadcasting in Iran. I asked this morning if I might get a brief clip from what we had done on the first day, and the folks were very kind to provide me with just that! I have to confess,
But of all LDS authorities, Apostle Bruce R. McConkie provides the clearest, most pointed affirmations of this doctrine. In his book, Mormon Doctrine, in defining the phrase, “Only Begotten Son,” he wrote, These name-titles all signify that our Lord is the only Son of the Father in the flesh. Each of the words is to be understood literally. Only means
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY Two LDS authorities figure prominently in teaching the literal physical parentage of Jesus Christ by the Father in the twentieth century, James Talmage and Bruce R. McConkie. We will look at their statements first, and then provide other confirmatory proclamations by other LDS leaders. Finally, we will look at books published by the LDS Church that also
I had about 15 hours at home between trips to and from St. Louis and now I am here in Nashville. I had a great time with Pastor Van Lee and the brothers and sisters at Covenant of Grace Church in St. Charles. This was my fifth consecutive year with them on the first weekend in December. I spoke on
Since I left early Friday morning, no one put up the links to the program from last Thursday! So, as I have but a few moments before heading back to the airport to head out yet again (please pray for the ministry being done this week), let me note that I took some time to address a very long, but
Nineteenth Century Teachings Since it is said that this doctrine is primarily found in the nineteenth century, we should take the time to find out if those LDS leaders that modern apologists admit speculated on this topic were, in fact, saying, This is my speculation and opinion only, or whether in fact they taught this doctrine as a divine truth,
Mormonism continues to show great shame for its own roots and its own history, resulting in the (dishonest) rewriting of its own history. One of the most embarrassing teachings of the LDS Church and its leaders has to do with the teaching that Jesus is the physical offspring of Elohim, the Father, who likewise has a physical body. That is,
Well, it was a mighty big day…and I do mean BIG day…on the DL, since I was joined by none other than the one and only Mylo Hatzenbuhler to talk about his brand new album, A Very Mylo Christmas. Oh my, what a privilege to once again get a chance to talk to such a huge star! Oh, yeah, and
Theology matters. The substance of what God in His infinite wisdom has revealed to His creatures is the marrow of the joy of the believer’s heart—and mind. Theology matters because theology is possible because of God’s initiative in revelation. What God reveals is, by definition, important, central, vital, life-changing, heart-enrapturing, for all in whom the Spirit dwells. And thanks be
When you hear someone saying what you’ve been saying it makes you go, “See, I told you so!” This article by Phil Johnson is a great read. How many times have our regular readers and listeners heard me lamenting the insatiable desire on the part of “the academy” to be loved by, respected by, the world, and the resultant train-wreck
A few months ago I began responding to Ali Ataie’s attack upon the Apostle Paul. I took a brief break because of the Seattle trip, and since I have returned from Seattle, I have been overwhelmed with upcoming duties, teaching, Arabic and the like. But I have a full list of blog articles that are “in progress” and “still need
Dr. White, After reading a few articles on your site about Catholicism, I have decided that your anti-Cahtolic bigotry has clouded your reasoning. You reject Church authority for the interpretation of scripture, yet on what basis do you determine what Scripture teaches? Your own? Like Luther, you have allowed your ego and bias to determine what scripture says, layering it
Just a few quick thoughts on giving thanks as we all prepare (at least in the United States!) for the Thanksgiving holiday. To those elsewhere…well, if you don’t have such a holiday, my condolences, and if you celebrate it at a different time, well, come back and read this then! I would first like to thank La Shawn Barber for
Bill Feltner did a really in-depth interview with me on my book, Pulpit Crimes, for airing on the Pilgrim Radio Network. The program will air 11/27&28 at 2am, 12:04pm, and 9:04pm.
We were just flooded with calls today…ok, we didn’t get any. Must be that Skype thing! So I yammered on and on about…stuff, like, the ELCA ordaining a practicing lesbian, the Rome/Orthodox “Ravenna Document,” Shabir Ally’s misuse of a passing comment by E.P. Sanders, and some comments from Tozer on how modern folks invent new versions of Jesus. All in
My brothers at the Reformed Baptist Academic Press are now on line with some very useful offerings. You can take a look at their catalog here.
This is some of the biggest news I’ve seen coming out of Mormonism in quite some time. Here is the Salt Lake Tribune article (ht: TC). Changing a single word in the introduction to the Book of Mormon may not seem like a huge thing to most folks, but it is the word that is changed that says a lot.
Since the Seattle debate Shabir Ally and I have been posting various commentaries on elements of the debate. Obviously, Shabir has had more time to be doing this than I have, but we have both posted some rather lengthy commentary on particular points. I will continue to comment as time allows, but I am certain I will not be able
Another truly eclectic program today. Read the story about J.P. Moreland’s paper at ETS from yesterday about evangelicals being too committed to…the Bible. Had a few comments to make there, for some odd reason. Then I went over the Bauman post, which led us to some discussions about Steve Ray, Robert Sungenis, etc.
It seems Dr. Bauman has concluded his participation in the thread noted earlier. But his means of doing so has surely left me bewildered. Evidently, charity in accepting a revert’s confession of faith is a good thing, but it seems to leave no charity left for anyone who would dare to ask you biblical and logical questions concerning your position.
I noted this morning the “Keyboard Carpet Bombing” techniques of Phil Porvaznik. You have probably never heard of ol’ Phil, since Phil has a major problem standing up and being counted when he is challenged to do something more than sit behind a keyboard. He won’t do debates, won’t call in to programs where he would be challenged, etc. But
Evidently Steve Ray doesn’t have much to say. Though he was quite proud of himself when he posted his many page pdf a few months ago (cobbled together, obviously, from pre-existing materials lurking in the recesses of his hard-drive), he quickly decided that though he had spent the weekend doing that, I wasn’t worth responding to, so, he wasn’t going
Dr. Michael Bauman of Hillsdale College has responded to my comments on the blog entry noted earlier. I provide my response here for the simple reason that once again we have an excellent example of why comboxes are antithetical to meaningful theological exchange. As soon as I posted the link to that blog discussion, Phil Porvaznik saddled up his donkey
