Question from karen
can you explain the concept of trinity?while muslims believe in the torah which we christians and jews do too,they believe in a indivisible God.How can God be one yet be called trinity?
Question from karen
hello,im a believer and i m recently having this doubt.As believers when we die we go to heaven directly right,then why should there be a resurrection of our body when our God returns so that our earthly body might be forever changed to a heavenly body while your soul is already there in the heaven?is […]
Question from karen
hello..is it wrong for a christian to watch horror movies that involve a lot of unnecessary portrail of bloodshed and slaughter?
Is there a connection between Luke 11:29-32 and Luke 11:33-36?
Question: Modern Bible translations seem to suggest that Luke 11:33-36 is related to Luke 11:29-32. If this is true, I can’t figure out the connection. Please explain this to me. Thanks. Answer: I am very far from being the world’s expert on Luke 11:29-36. One thing I would point out is that the statement that […]
Report: Missianary Teaching trip to Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Colombia
See below for a report on the missionary teaching trip of John and Jan Oakes July 21-Aug 1, 2011 Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia July 22-Aug 1, 2011 Mexico City July 22-24 For Jan and me a visit to Mexico City is a […]
How do you explain violent, immoral acts of animals using Christian theism?
Question: I want to start off by letting you know right away that I am not a Christian currently, though I haven’t shut the door on Christianity. I am a philosophical theist. I felt like it is fair to let you know where I’m coming from. If you don’t wish to help me because of […]
Audio from Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Ukraine in English/Russian
Daniel Russian 17.65 Mb Hebrews Russian 18.64 Mb
Power Point: Cristianismo y Lo Paranormal
Una leccion se ensenado por John Oakes para Projecto Esdras en DF Mexico 7/25/2011 Cristianismo y Lo Paranormal 12.72 Mb
Power Point: Los Milagros de Jesus
Este leccion estaba ensenado por John Oakes en DF Mexico para el Projecto Esdra 7/24/11. Los Milagros de Jesus Power Point 2.15 Mb Los Milagros de Jesus version corta 1.78 Mb
What about out-of-body-experiences? How do we intereret them?
Question: I had the following experience when I was about 13 years old and am wondering if the Bible speaks of such things, known as out of body experiences… I guess I had fallen asleep, I "awoke" looking down at my body laying in my bed. I immediately felt that I was above the floor, […]
Is baptism needed for salvation and for firgiveness of sins and getting the Holy Spirit, or is it a declaration you are a follower?
Question: Is baptism a mandatory step for getting salvation and only through it a person gets the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins? Or is it an important step but it is for declaring that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Answer: Biblically, there is no question at all about this. In the New Testament, […]
Can followers of Jesus forgive sin (John 20:18-25)?
Question: I was doing a study with a friend who raised the issue that since Jesus told his disciples in John 20:18-25 that they have the power to forgive to forgive the sins of anyone who sins, we as disciples of Jesus also have this power to forgive sins. How do you deal with this? Answer: […]
Given the Historia Augusta, we have proof that all the early histories about Christianity are a lie.
Comment: The Historia Augusta is an astonishing piece of bogus history. It is perhaps showing us a Roman sense of humour, but I think scholars are generally unaware of why it was done. There are 130 fake documents and they even invent sources that disagree with them. Sounds a bit like Christianity to me. The Flavians […]
Do you have a book to recommend on the time the Lord's Supper should be celebrated?
Question: I was wondering if you have any thoughts or might recommend a book(s) on the topic discussed in http://www.twopassovers.com/ There are some convincing arguments there on why we should observe the Lord’s Supper, during supper time of day one of the sabbaton, which is closer to the resurrection moment of Jesus… Answer: I spent […]
What is the best translation of the Qur'an?
Question: I recently listened to your message on Islam. You mentioned that if we email you, then you would point us in the best direction for getting a translation of the Koran. I also have a Muslim coworker so I need this as he recently engaged me in conversation to disagree with your message. Thanks […]
Is it true that "there is no evidence that the human soul has ever been out of the host body?"
Question: Last time you had responded to my question when i forwarded the excerpt from Professor Vic Stenberg on his critic of D’Souza’s book: "Life after Death: The Evidence". I haven’t yet immerged myself into the Near Death experience and out of body experience, I wonder if you would say that he is correct that there is […]
Video by Denice MacKenzie on Splankna Therepy from 2011 ICEC
The You Tube video is in two parts: http://youtu.be/O8pBpv7OY0c http://youtu.be/CCFJfF7ftlw Also, notes for the presentation, including a number of useful references. Spiritual Warfare Notes
Are logical arguments for the existence of God helpful?
Question: I am currently taking a Philosophy class and I am reading different arguments for the existence of God. For example, so far we covered Aquinas, Descartes,and Spinoza. Are the arguments by these philosophers useful for Christians arguing for the existence of God? Granted that Spinoza did not believe in the Judeo-Christian God, he did […]
Why was the gospel story only oral for so many years? How can we be confident that it is therefore accurate?
Question: I have been researching the historical reliability of the New Testament because I started having doubts about the Gospels. Fortunately I have found an abundant amount of evidence on the Gospels, and the historical evidence behind them. Some of the books that I have been reading are, "The Historical Reliability of the Gospels" by Craig […]
Whatcan you tell me about the book Urantia?
Question: What can you tell me about the book Urantia? Answer: This is a very interesting story. A most anonymous group produced a book commonly known as Urantia (It actually has a longer title) in 1955. They claimed that the book was taken down by direct dictation from a man who recited these letters while […]
Report: Missionary Teaching Trip to Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Ukraine
See below for a full report on the missionary teaching trip by John Oakes. some videos from the trip: (pain and suffering, Jesus in the Old Testament) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKEv0QeSoE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNlnkztGJmI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U86nx5a_UL8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBIfPjugKBQ Missionary Teaching Trip Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine June 30-July 19, 2011 Riga, Latvia June 30-July 3 Riga is a very charming city of 1.1 […]
If the universe is old, scientists are questioning the flood, yet Jesus and Peter believed they are literal, historical events, what should our response be?
Question: I’m sending you this question in hopes that you can help me or at the least shed some light on these issues. In looking at what natural sciences (Astronomy, evolution, etc.) have seemed to reveal to us about the age of the universe and the development of life, it appears that the subsequent response […]
Announcement: CD on Christianity and the Paranormal now available
We are excited to announce the release of the CD from the 2011 ICEC Christianity and the Paranormal. Speakers include Dr. Douglas Jacoby, Foster and Coco Stanback, John Clayton and Dr. John Oakes, as well as several testimonials. To get a copy go to http://www.ipibooks.com/Default.aspx?tabid=47&pid=2061 Or go to www.ipibooks.com
Is it true that Pope Gregory removed Hinduism from Christianity in the second century?
Question: I want to know why this scholar Sandra, said this in this site: http:/indiagestão.blogspot.com/2009/09/hinduismo-e-cristianismo.html partir do século II, os lideres cristãos resolveram enterrar a influencia hindu e São Gregorio destruiu publicamente deuses hindus, que passaram a ser considerados então, deuses pagãos. Lembrando sempre que o Hinduismo possui 7 mil anos e o cristianismo possui somente […]
How do you respond to the scholarly claim that the story of Jesus was borrowed from the Hindu Krishna?
Question: I want to know why some scholars say that the Cristians in the second century, erase the evidences of the Hinduism in the church. A scholar named Greggorio says they destroyed all Hindu gods in the church, and say that Krishna is like Jesus. for example, he had a: virgin birth life without a sin, died […]
Is being non-denominational a good thing? Please explain Baptists, Pentacostals, Methodists and Catholics.
Question: I am a fairly new Christian and am just curious if being non demoniational is a sign of confusion. I was wondering of you could explain the difference between the Baptists, Pentecostals , Methodists, and Catholics. Answer: You are asking a lot here!!! The term non-deniminational is really not a very useful term because it […]
Did Christianity evolve from earlier Hinduism?
Question: Please, I want to know if there are prophecies about other nations, and about India in the Hindu scriptures [editor’s note, I assme this person means to ask if there are prophecies of India in the Hindu scriptures], and why the Hindus say that a man in a white horse will came like a […]
Science and the Paranormal: A Power Point
This Power Point presentation was used by John Clayton at the 2011 ICEC in Long Beach CA June 18, 2011. Science and the Paranormal 12.49 Mb
Thinking about the Paranormal
A power point and notes by Dr. John Oakes from a presentation at the 2011 ICEC Christianity and the Paranormal. Thinking About the Paranormal: Notes Thinking About the Paranormal PPT 12.02 Mb
How would you biblically show someone that God has given us free will because he loves us?
Question: How would you biblically show someone that God has given us free will because he loves us? Answer: Of course, the expression "free will" is not found in the Bible, but the idea that God has given us a choice and that we are therefore responsible for our decision about what to do with […]
Who put the Bible together, and what are the texts they left out so that it would not have contradictions?
Question: My father says he does not believe in organized religion because most churchs seem only to care for themselves and not other people. He also says that the bible is biased because it was written by man and that whomever put the bible together left out some of the texts because they didnt want […]
What is the nature of the "church age?" Will there be no pain and no tears?
Question: I am currently looking at other views from my previously held view of the end times – I am an ex pretrib – but am now seeking and checking other views. I am intrigued with the idea and reading that the 1st century church saw themselves in the end days of the Old Covenant – […]
What is the definition of a Christian?
Question: (editor’s note: this question is coming from someone who is Jewish) I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Your response revealed the need to address something more fundamental before we can continue, which is, what is a Christian? I searched your website for the answer but could not find a definition […]
You give a poor answer to the contradiction between Matt 27:32 and John 19:17
Comment: (a rather long comment, followed by a response from John Oakes) You give a poor answer to the question: If you place so much faith on the reliability of the synoptic Gospels and refuse to accept that they are not plain eyewitness statements, how do you account for the blatant contradiction between John 19:17 […]
What is Quantum Mechanics? Why is it "the biggest threat to the existence of God?"
Question: I just want to ask what is Quantum Mechanics? Why do atheists say that this is the biggest threat to the existence of God? Answer: It just so happens that my specialty as as PhD scientist is in chemical physics, with emphasis in quantum mechanics. Now, you have given me a nearly impossible task. I […]
Why is the behavior of bonobos so similar to that of humans (for example the work of Jane Goodall)
Question: After taking an Anthropology course (which is preceded by my philosophy course) I have to wonder what reasons are there for God creating Bonobo’s with such striking similarities to humans? Viewing footage of Jane Goodall’s work and other anthropological studies I saw, although through a biased lense, that bonobo’s and other species of primates […]
Where can I find a philosophically-based description of the Christian World View (vs Plato, Sartre, MacMurray, etc.)?
Question: Where can I find (if exists) a philosophically based break-down of the Christian world veiw? Having read Plato, Sartre, Macmurray, etc. Im interested in comparing directly these philosophies and world views with something other than my own convictions, which are more intimate and less universal. Answer: By coincidence, I just taught a lesson on […]
Is belief in God just an intense cerebral perception? Why can't we see him?
Question: Is there really a God? Are the proverbs, histories, and all spiritual teachings in the Bible (either Old or New Testament or both) recycled from preceding spiritual teachings of the day (outside of that of the Jews, hence, originated in man) Why can’t we see God or "prove" His existence? How can we experience […]
Final Announcement and schedule for 2011 ICEC
As of Wed May 25 we are now accepting registration for Saturday Only for the 2011 ICEC conference Christianity and the Paranormal. See below for more information on the conference. The cost for the Saturday-only event is $80 ($60 for students). You cannot register for Saturday-only by calling the Queen Mary. This must be done […]
You said in a ppoint "Genesis and the Christian Wolrd View" that Genesis 1-3 is a "true myth." What do you mean by this?
Question: I have looked at your Power Point Presentation entitled: “Genesis and the Christian World View”. What exactly do you mean by Genesis 1 being a “true myth”? Would you please elaborate on the relationship between Genesis chapters 1-3 and the view that the earth is several billions of years old? Did the things described […]
Is understanding that the purpose of baptism is participation in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus required for salvation?
Question: Is understanding that baptism is a participation in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus necessary or is knowing the Gospel sufficient? If one knows the Gospel, repents, confesses, and is baptized; but doesn’t understand that he is participating in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus is he just getting wet, or is […]
Announcement: New Book Published by John Oakes
We are excited to announce a new book published by John Oakes. Copies are now available at www.ipibooks.com.
The gospels were written in the second half of the second century and were not written by the apostles. Nazareth did not even exist in the first century? Your response?
Editor’s note: The question below is answered by ARS board member Brian Colon. Unfortunately, this person has a fairly critical attitude, but hopefully the interaction will be helpful. J. O. Comment: I just ran across another article put out by you [John Oakes] about Bart Ehrman. The Memoir of the Apostles mentioned by Justin Martyr is […]
What about the May 21st rapture claim? Are mathematical systems of analyzing the Bible a valid principle?
Question: What do you make of the multiple systems of equations that people have supposedly devised based on Bible study? What about the claim of the rapture on May 21st? With such a large book and the doctoring of scriptures over the years in translations from other languages do you see a valid mathematical principle […]
Would Jesus have come and died, even if there were just one sinner?
Question: The Father sent the Son. The Son came, lived, worked miracles, and sacrificed his life for the joy set before Him. I see the joy set before Him as the multitude who become saved. Is there Biblical evidence that he would have died just for me, even if I were the only one ever to […]
Can a person be saved if fear of hell is their only motivation?
Question: What are the prospects for those who come to Christ, not because they know and love Jesus, but simply because they fear hell? Answer: I do not believe anyone becomes a Christian only because of fear of hell. I believe some may become a Christian largely or even principally because of fear, but one […]
Is conviction required for salvation?
Question: Do you believe conviction is a part of salvation? Why? Answer: I am afraid I cannot give you a yes or no answer to your question, because I am not sure how the answer will be used. The reason for this is that "conviction" is not really a biblical word. Even if it is, […]
Are repentance, confession and baptism part of the gospel?
Question: Romans 1:16 says "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." I read that the gospel is the power of God for salvation; but being convicted, repenting, confessing, and being baptized are not […]
Are people with certain behaviors genetically predisposed to those behaviors? How does free will fit in with this?
Note: The question is quite long, including some quotes from scientific journals. I have moved much of these quotes to after my answer so that the reader will not get distracted by too long a question. Question: I would love some help in one area, because I feel like I don’t know enough to tackle […]
Romans 4:20 says that Abraham "never wavered" in his faith, yet he clearly did waver in that he doubted God about giving him a son. How do you explain this?
Question: In Romans 4:18-21 it talks about Abraham and his faith. In this case (I believe) it is talking about the faith he has that God is going to give him a son with his wife. Then in verse 20, the bible says he did not waiver. However, we know that Abraham slept with Hagar […]
