Question: How long was Noah in the ark prior to reaching land? Answer: According to the Genesis account, it rained for 40 days., the waters continued to rise until the 150th day, and the floods receded sufficiently for Noah and his family to emerge from the ark after ten months and two weeks. Probably there […]
Question: I was watching a show on T.V. and the "experts" were arguing that the Christians borrowed their concept of Hell from the Greeks concept of Hades. According to these individuals, Hades has different levels and the last level is where individuals are punished eternally by fire and other ways similar to the way explained […]
Question: I was reading that you believe that God used evolution to create modern man. However, to refute this point, I’ve heard Christians point out that evolution is a process that is achieved through death. However, death did not exist until Adam (a fully developed human) brought sin into the world. Now, this is a […]
Question: You mentioned in one post that you believe in the coexistence of God and macroevolution and the idea that God controls this process. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:39 and explain: "For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another […]
Question: I have noticed that you find scientific accounts of evolution to be fairly convincing and that it is likely that God directly intervened to create man. My question is, then, that if man is the direct descendant of an evolutionary process (with some divine intervention), why is it that we exhibit such non-evolutionary characteristics […]
An essay by Dr. John Oakes on the apologetic issue of Pain and Suffering. The Problem of Pain and Suffering
Question: If the tallest mountain was covered by 22.5′ of water, what would be theevaporation rate until the surface of the earth was visible, does the Gensisaccount get anywhere close to what would be proveable, just wondering? Answer: A couple of comments. First of all, the flood is clearly presented as a supernatural miracle. For this reason, […]
Question: I am struggling with my beliefs regarding the life and crucifixion of Jesus. I dearly want to believe in this, but need some evidence for my beliefs. I read a lot about a passage from The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a), also your reply to someone’s question. If I read answers from Jewish rabbis that […]
John Oakes describes his visit to churches in South and East Asia Asia 2011 Missionary Teaching Trip
Question: I was wondering if we find similar thought patterns and representations of God in the Old Testament as in other representations of God in ancient cultures. In my Ancient Middle East class, I read that the language used to describe God in certain Psalms or Daniel–I think it is the reference of God standing on […]
Question: It appears there is physical evidence for great floods – submerged cities all over the world. Many cultures speak of the great floods, isolated by location and time, these cultures seem to share similiar beliefs and architecture (i.e. pyramids built from south america to China). It seems as if, this ties in with the […]
Question: (note, this is a rather long question, with many scripture references. The answer is below) I came across this site. It deals with preterism which I don’t buy into. But its scriptural evidence for the early return of Christ is rather overwhelming. What is your explanation in view of the words of Christ and His […]
Pregunta: La mayor parte del evangelicalismo moderno no acepta la doctrina del bautismo como necesario para salvacion, de hecho algunos de sus teologos afirman que ni siquiera es parte del evangelio. Me gustaria saber tu que piensas al respecto y como argumentas el bautismo como necesario para salvacion. ¿Es cierto que predicamos una regeneracion bautismal? […]
Question: I have believed in God and the main teachings of Christianity for my whole life up until this past year. I was taught there was a God by my parents and the main points of Christian belief (heaven, hell, free will, gift of eternal life, sacrifice of Christ). I never questioned these beliefs or thought […]
Question: I`m Reading your book Reasons for Belief. On page 148 you talk about frangments of the góspel of Mark found in Egypt recently that have been tentativley dated as aearly around 50 AD. Do you have more information or the complete article? Answer: Yes, this is the Magdalene Papyrus, known as P64. The latest on this […]
Question: Do you know anything else about the 7 spirits of God in Revelation 4:5, or do you have any further explanation of them? Answer: Thank you for your question, I’m sure you’re already aware that the book of Revelation is a highly symbolic book. Since this is the case it is vital that one […]
Comment from "Disappointed": We most certainly did evolve, over the period of millions of years. As a matter of fact, if one were to visit the earth just 30,000 years ago, one would have found not one but several species of "human" forms. Today, scientists from around the world direct major projects pursuing answers to outstanding […]
Question: 1. 1Cor15:29 – Baptised for the dead.What does this all mean? 2. In Acts 8 we see Peter and John going to Samaria and laying their hands on the them for the Holy Spirit yet they were baptized in the name of Jesus which Peter in Acts2 says “be baptized in the name of […]
Question: I have just observed a response on this website to Richard Dawkins book titled The God Delusion. The response seems to be written with a sense of aggresive defence, why is it that religious people tend to become immediatly angered when their faith is questioned or is it aggression as a chosen emotion to […]
Question: Under the heading of Biblical Manuscripts and Textual Questions, the following query was posted at your site: "I learned that the Pentatauch is attributed to Moses was, in fact, a compilation of 4 very different sources, which reflect the interests and biases of the author. This is a highly accepted theory and can be […]
Question: In the beginning of Rev 11 the author seems to be referring to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, so that would date the book 3 years before 70AD. Do we know who these two prophets are? Their ending is very dramatic, and would imagine if this has happened we would know who […]
Class taught by Dr. John Oakes at the Mission Center of Hope, San Diego Feb 26, March 5, 2011. Notes: Answering the Hard Questions Power Point: Answering the Hard Questions 13.69 Mb Topics include the Trinity, Foreknowledge vs Predestination, The Question of Evil, The Problem of Pain, Violence, Slavery and other difficult questions from the OT and The […]
Article by John Oakes attached. 2012 Mania
Believe it or not, 2012 mania has struck Christianity. One would think that Christians would avoid all association with a Hollywood-inspired interpretation of an obscure reference in a Mayan calendar.[1] One would be wrong. The human fascination with end-time predictions seems to be able to overcome all rational considerations as well as all biblical advice […]
Question: Speaking with a Jewish acquaintance about Jesus and this was his response…..not sure how to respond just yet but will research it more. Would love your thoughts. Note: Answers are interspersed with the claims of this person. Criticism/claims are in black italics, responses are in blue. "Romans. They recorded all kinds of insignificant details […]
Question: Just a random thought here. Scripture says: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 How do you reconcile that Christ is God, yet the God of the OT appears to be nothing like the God of the NT i.e. Jesus Christ. Can you ever hear Christ telling his Church to go […]
Question: I am a student at Florida Christian College writing a paper on Chapter 3 of Richard Dawkins Book "The God Delusion." In his book he makes a claim that there is no historical evidence for the divinity of Christ. I was wondering, as I read from your article, that Quirinius had two different office […]
Question: I am questioning information I read on the page:https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&task=view&id=3954 Dr. John Oakes uses Mark 1:2 as an example of Byzantine copyists attempting to improve a text. He states, "The quote following in Mark 1:2 is taken both from Isaiah and Malachi. Presumably a copier took the role of an editor, removing what hethought of […]
Note: The following is a question, an answer, a follow-up question and a follow-up answer Question: Recently I had a conversation with a Jordanian brother about the role of knowing local culture to understanding the Bible. He gave me an example and said that the Jordanians put salt on fire to increase the temperature of […]
Class taught by Dr. John Oakes 11/14/10. The lesson focuses in on the definition and evidence for biblical inspiration, the meaning of biblical inerrancy, errors of copyists and translators, followed by an introduction to the English translations. The final section discusses claims that the King James Version is the only acceptable translation and that others are of […]
These are notes and a power point for a lesson delivered by Dr. John Oakes 11/14/10 in Ingelwood, CA for the Metro Region of the LAICOC. Holy Spirit notes Holy Spirit Power Point
Question: I have a question about marriage, I have been reading up on Samuel and David and Saul and it seems to me that God allowed David to marry more than one wife. Why is this so when we think that God does not condemn this and says that you can only have one wife […]
Question: I want to learn from you Please help me: Can you please help about Miracles? One of my friends says ‘"ou people don’t believe miracles." I told him I believe when we pray God answers our prayers he heals, and I told him we need to consult doctors too. I Answered him, When Jesus […]
Question: What does the prophecy of Joel mean? Answer: You may need to narrow down your question. The prophecy of Joel covers three chapters and 73 verses. Which prophecy of Joel are you referring to? Let me take a stab at a broad answer. Basically, the prophecy of Joel is about the need for repentance and […]
Question: Does Paul assume that all Christians have been baptized? Answer: The simple answer is yes, definitely. He assumed this because all the apostles and other inspired teachers in the early church believed this. Paul did not discuss baptism all that much in his letters because the question of baptism was not an issue in […]
The notes and power point are from a class taught by Dr. John Oakes 11/30/2010 as part of our ARS Certificate in Christian Apologetics. The examples used are ones which are particularly useful in using archaeological finds to illustrate important biblical teachings. Notes: OT Archaeology, Teaching and Preaching PPoint OT Archaeology Teach/Preach 3.85 Mb
Science and Religion are Not Enemies. An essay by John Oakes, PhD. This essay was written for inclusion in a new college textbook for a class titled "Intro to Scientific Thought." Because of the nature of the class, the essay is about the relationship between science and religion in general, and does not deal specifically […]
Question: What do you think about demonic possession? How does one respond to a Christian who claims that they have had a demon tormenting them (so much that they cannot forget the pain of it and makes it hard for them to go to sleep)? Having studied out mental disorders, I am a bit skeptical […]
Question: I have a question on your answer to the 13 year old wanting proof that evolution is not real. You say that you believe in God’s creation and that he guides the evolutionary process. I was wondring if you think that the earth is older than 6000 years old or if you think evolution […]
Below is a short but nicely reasoned article on the reliability of the canonical gospels by Brian Colon. Evidence for the Reliability of the Gospels Brian Colón 10/20/2010 When assessing the truth claims of the Gospel narratives, the first question that usually arises is the question of the burden of proof. In other words, […]
Question: I was reading some Wikipedia articles about early Israel and came across and interesting section regarding the origin of Yahweh http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ancient_Israel_and_Judah#Religion Ill let you read it but I’m adding quotes from it that I was hoping you could respond to. "It is generally accepted among modern scholars that the narrative of […]
Question: I am currently working on an informative lesson for an adult Sunday school class regarding Jewish ideas about the Messiah prior to Jesus’ birth. I am curious if there are non-biblical writings or prophecies that give us an idea of what the Jews were expecting in the Messiah? Or perhaps you could explain why […]
Question: About your article on fasting: Jesus said WHEN, not IF you fast. He used the same word WHEN in Luke 14:12-14 WHEN thou givest a dinner or a supper (when you lay out a big feast). That can’t be construed as Jesus ordering people to throw feasts, Jesus was addressing the attitude of the […]
Click on the link for our most recent newsletter which includes a report of the teaching visit by Dr. Oakes to Bergen, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden. October, 2010 ARS Newsletter
Question: I’m sick of these programs saying the earth is millions & billions of years old when they speak of the Earth. Where in the Bible can I prove to someone that the earth in NOT millions & billions of years old? Answer: There are no scriptures which prove the earth is not millions or […]
Question: 1. Should non-Christians who attend Church service be allowed to eat of the bread and drink of the wine served during observance of the Lord’s Supper? Any scripture to draw inference? 2. What is the message of John 6: 35 – 69? Some like Gordon Ferguson in his “Prepared to Answer” said it is not […]
Question: I wonder if I could have the privilege of picking your brain. I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus as a real figure in history recently – and the fact that He is the head of the church, and it has led me to question what about Jesus’ ministry sets him apart from all other […]
See below for a brief report on the 2011 ICEC. Report on the 2011 ICEC: Christianity and the Paranormal The 2011 ICEC Christianity and the Paranormal was a great success. Eighty gathered to hear about and discuss a topic normally avoided in church settings. Meeting on the Queen Mary provided a great background for considering […]
A twelve point outline of logical arguments for the existence of God. Note from the editor: I recently got this nice little outline of arguments for the existence of God from a friend Lee Tavares. I have much of this in different presentations on the topic of the existence of God at the web site, […]
Question: I have been taking a class on The History and Reliability of the Bible, where we recently discussed the subject of Noah and the Ark. I have gone back and forth before on whether the flood was a regional one, perhaps partly because of a statement made to me by a member of my biological family. My […]
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