Paul’s speech to the Areopagus in Acts 17 offers us a great example of the method the apostle used to engage and challenge those who did not know God.
In this article, Sarah Tennant examines Paul’s method for reaching those who were not shaped by the Mosaic covenant. Where did he begin? How did he build his case for Christianity? Sarah examines what principles we can take away from this unique encounter and apply in our own lives as we interact with the centers of culture today.
Read more »“One thing is for sure. God has said something about everything. He has told us that all things are created and that all things are sustained by him. He has told us that all things are to be done to his glory and that all things work according to the counsel of his own will. These notions have sweeping ramifications for any thing that we pursue…
Read more »Rob points out this handy little book by C. Stephen Evans, with concise definitions for apologetics and philosophy.
Read more »By: Stuart|25 October, 2009|Categories: Ethics . Metaphysics . Philosophy of Religion|Tags: Axiological Argument . Ethics . morality . Platonism
There is an objection to the moral argument for God’s existence, specifically the premise which states the best explanation for the foundation for objective moral values and duties is God. It is the idea that moral values and duties can be plausibly anchored in some transcendent, non-theistic ground. That moral values and duties exist objectively, but as brute facts, not needing an explanation for their existence. They are sort of eternal unchanging ideas that are necessary features of the universe. This position we shall call Atheistic Moral Platonism, and there are three ways we could respond.
Read more »If you own an iphone or an itouch and have ever wanted an application that will help you with apologetics, the wait is over. Stuart has the details.
Read more »Ron Hay describes the story of prominent philosopher and atheist, Antony Flew, and why he abandoned atheism.
Read more »In history and in the Bible, God has progressively revealed Himself through different means. Often, the vehicles of God’s revelation show a reoccurrence of themes and patterns. In this post, Stuart takes a hard look at the topic of ‘type’, particularly in the context of Biblical interpretation. He asks what benefits there are to understanding this form of communication and how we can do use it responsibly.
Read more »Do we need God to be good? Christians believe that while everyone can follow moral duties, only God can provide justification for morality. In an introductory post, Stuart critically examines the arguments for the claim that morals are subjective.
Read more »The documentary of the debate tour involving new atheist Christopher Hitchens (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything) and evangelical theologian Pastor Douglas Wilson comes out this month. Both are lively speakers and the topic addressed in tour (“Is religion good for the world?”) continues to be a source of debate. You can preorder it now on amazon.
Read more »By: Rob|18 October, 2009|Categories: Events . Oversees|Tags: Charles Darwin . Conference
I have recently been listening to some dialog on the topic of Creation and Evolution, and have generally found it very frustrating. It seems to me that the proponents of each view are, on the whole, talking past each other. Creationists say transitional fossils, claimed necessary by Darwin himself for his theory, are largely missing. Evolutionists on the other hand…
Read more »Faith at University What are the common issues that Christians face in their study at university? This symposium will seek to address that question and help to introduce young people to the challenges and skills necessary for their faith to survive the tertiary environment. Guest speakers include Paul Windsor, Dr David Richmond, Doug and Puti Wilson, Yael Klangwisan (Laidlaw College),…
Read more »Lecturer and author, Dr Steve Kumar, looks back at the history of apologetics in this country.
Read more »By: Rob|10 October, 2009|Categories: intelligent design|Tags: Bradley Monton . debate . Francisco Ayala . william lane craig
Dawkins won’t debate Craig (or Stephen Meyer apparently), so it seems someone much braver has stepped up to the plate. A debate between Dr. Francisco J. Ayala and Dr. William Lane Craig. Moderated by Dr. Bradley Monton. The debate will occur on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 7 p.m. EST at Indiana University Auditorium. This debate is sponsored by Campus…
Read more »By: Rob|10 October, 2009|Categories: Events . Oversees|Tags: Apologetics conference . Evangelical Philosophical Society
Come, Let Us Reason (November 19-21, New Orleans, Louisiana) Rooting Your Faith in Knowledge Grow in your understanding and articulation of what Christianity claims and learn from notable apologists like J.P. Moreland, Greg Koukl, William Lane Craig, Paul Copan, Sean McDowell, Gary Habermas and many other top-notch leaders. Learn More >>> Unfortunately this is not in New Zealand.
Read more »By: Rob|06 October, 2009|Categories: DVDs|Tags: Darwin’s Dilemma . Illustra Media . intelligent design
I have stolen the following directly from here — thanks Wintery Knight! Illustra Media is the Creator of three of the best DVDs available on intelligent design. Their DVDs are professional documentaries with lots of great music, stunning animations and interviews with people on both sides of the question. The first DVD (watch the whole thing on youtube) is about…
Read more »By: Stuart|03 October, 2009|Categories: Ethics|Tags: human flourishing . morality . Morals . Nazi crimes . objective morality . value judgment
“Good and bad are determined by what adds or subtracts to human flourishing.” This is a common retort for those who want to hold that moral values and duties are more that subjective and yet remain natural. If this was the case then morality would be objective as a standard that transcends personal feelings and opinion is provided. However, I submit this foundation is inadequate for four reasons.
Read more »