Dr. John Oakes – Page 58 – Evidence for Christianity

Report: Missionary Teaching Trip to Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Ukraine

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Creation, General, Miracles, Reliability of the Bible, Science and the Bible .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Other Religions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions .

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.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Uncategorized .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible and Science, PowerPoints, Theology .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Philosophy, PowerPoints .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, Church History, General, Reliability of the Bible, Versions of the Bible .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

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?"

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Science and the Bible .

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)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Anthropology, Creation, General, Philosophy, Science and the Bible .

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.)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Philosophy, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Science and the Bible .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Science and the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

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?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

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 […]

Is there any evidence unique to Christianity–not found in the Pharisees, Essenes, Ebionites and others?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Miracles, Other Religions .

Question: Shalom Dr. Oakes. I have a serious challenge for you. Can you show me any unique evidence for Christianity from anywhere in the Bible? What I mean by "unique" are beliefs, customs or any religious artifact that is unique to Christianity alone. If the same thing can be found among say the Pharisees, Nazarenes, […]

How do we explain speaking in tongues if it is not supported biblically?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Before I became a Christian I was a part of a charismatic church. "Speaking in tongues" was a very big part of the Sunday Services. I have actually done it a few times before I became Christian. I am convinced that ecstatic utterances are not supported in the Bible, but how could those experiences […]

Power Point and Notes: The Kingdom of God and the Day of the Lord

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible, Bible Teaching, PowerPoints, Prophecy, Theology .

The attached Power Point and notes are for a class taught April and May, 2011 by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego, CA. The audio is also available in the EFC store. KOG&TDOTL notes The Kindgom of God and The Day of the Lord 15.13 Mb Also, notes are below. The […]

Your article about Sirach is questionable and full or whoppers. (a question about the OT apocrypha)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apocrypha, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Note: The points made and my responses are interspersed. About the Q & A https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&t ask=view&id=5162 This answer is so full of errors and/or misleading lies I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I’ll just throw out some of the whoppers. First of all, your quotes from "Wisdom" are not from Wisdom, but from […]

Are the four gospels historical documents? Is there any historical proof of Jesus from the first century?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Are the 4 Gospels writen by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John historical documents? Can you send historical or any proof of Jesus from the first century when your N.T. claims the miracle worker, crucified and resurrected Jesus was here on earth? Answer: What do we know about Jesus from extra-Biblical sources? Let me list […]

Class: Christian Theology

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements .

Dr, John Oakes is teaching a 5 part class on Christian Theology at Sundance Elementary School Wed 5/4, 5/18, 6/1, 6/15/2011 7:30-9:00. For more info contact John Oakes at 858-505-8841 Christ Theol Notes PPT Christ Theol 5.22 Mb Christian Theology Part I 12.81 Mb Christian Theology Part II 11.01 Mb Christian Theology Part III 12.95 Mb […]

My father says the NT was written to give the church power and asks why the other manuscripts are not included. Any help here?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apocrypha, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, Church History, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I am a believer, but have an atheist father who is searching. After a long conversation with him regarding the Bible, he is convinced that the Bible was formed by "church authorities" and is in fact not true writings (based on a TV show he saw). He believes that it was written only to give […]

Who prepared the oil in James 5:14? What do you think of Christian groups anointing a building and using James 5:14 to support the practice?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Miracles, Practical Christianity .

Question: My question is on the anointing oil referred to in James 5:14. What do you make of the olive oil the Pentecostals use to anoint different things including buildings? They always quote James 5 to substantiate their claim. Who prepared this oil in James 5 or what is its origin? If there is a […]

The Catholic Church changed Saturday Sabbath to Sunday Sabbath. We are still obligated to the Law (Matthew 5:17-20). How do you resond to this biblically?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have a question regarding something a friend in the Seventh Day Adventist Church said. Regarding the Sabbath day, you mentioned in a Q & A at this site: "Paul attended Synagogue on the Sabbath at times to preach Jesus, but all the evidence points to the undeniable fact that the church in the first […]

If Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies, doesn't this support Judaism, not Christianity? Isn't NT evidence for this circular reasoning?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I see you say that one reason Christianity is the true religion is because of the prophecies. But you quote most propheciess from the the Old Testament! Wouldn’t this gives more validity to Judiasm rather than Christianity? If the response is that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies written about in the Old Testament- how do […]

Why is it that people say the ancient Sumerian tablets are similar to the book of Genesis? Why do people try to find relationships between these?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Anthropology, Archaeology and the Bible, Creation, General, Other Religions, Reliability of the Bible, Science and the Bible, The Flood .

Question: Why is it that people try to compare the ancient Sumerian tablets, saying that they are similar to the book of Genesis? Why is it that people try to relate those gods to the God in the Old Testament? Answer: It is difficult to judge the motives of people I have never met. I am […]

Might there be opportunities that arise later for people to be saved?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: My son was baptized as a teen. He has since rejected Christianity. I have assured him I think God is fair and I can’t picture someone like him going to hell. In my heart, I think he’ll come back to Christ someday, maybe after college. He is a sincere, sensitive person and told me that […]

Please comment on the New TEstament and Surah 19 with regard to the birth of John and Jesus

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, History, Other Religions, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have a question I hope you will kindly answer. I need an expert Bible opinion about the similarity of this Quranic passage that deals with the birth story of Jesus to that account we find in Luke. Thanks for taking my question seriously. Editor’s note: The passage from Surah 19 of the Qu’ran […]

If God created us, if he is sovereign and if he knows all, why does he hold us responsible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: If God is ruler of the universe and controller of all, then why is He not responsible for anything? And why are we held responsible for everything when we are not born knowing all that God is about. Why didn’t God create us knowing His word so we would have a real choice? Answer: […]

Why are most of your responses anti-Roman Catholic?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Comment: This a more a human question than a theological one. Why is it that most of your responses are anti-Roman Catholic? At the least seems that way. Response: I want you to know that I take this very seriously. I REALLY do not want to be anti-Catholic or anti-any Nicene Creed accepting "Christian" group. […]

Ryland's papyrus tells us nothing about the reliability of the New Testament. What about the differences between Codex Bezae and Sinaiticus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I note what you say about the Ryland’s papyrus but I find it somewhat disingenuous. It merely testifies to the existence of the 18th chapter of John’s Gospel being in existence possibly as early as 120 A.D. and it says absolutely nothing about the reliability of the text which we have of any of […]

Video From John Oakes' Presentation at U Conn 4/2/11

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements, Apologetics, Bible and Science, The Existence of God .

http://www.facebook.com/l/5e9a8sDnpfM_UJH2gQut6uOWwUg/hartfordchurch.org/cms/ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr0tO8U_Cow An article in the UConn School newspaper: http://www.dailycampus.com/news/speaker-melds-god-and-science-1.2139516

Why did God test Abraham's loyalty by asking him to sacrifice Isaac?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions, Types .

Question: Why did God test Abraham’s loyalty by asking him to sacrifice Isaac? It is not consistent since God knows everything about us and even our intentions. Do you not think it is absurd to ask for something from Abraham if we assume that God knew beforehand how faithful it was Abraham? Answer: This is […]

How do you answer someone who tries to use 1 John 2:19 to say that people who leave God were never really saved in the first place?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: How do you answer someone who tries to use 1 John 2:19 to say that people who leave God were never really saved in the first place? Answer: If you have had many conversations with people on doctrinal subjects, you will learn eventually that if we so desire we can find "proof texts" for […]

How can I explain salvation of people, like Abraham, Moses and David, who existed before the death of Jesus, when He makes a statement "He is the only way"?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: How can I explain salvation of people, like Abraham, Moses and David, who existed before the death of Jesus, when He makes a statement "He is the only way"? Your reply will be very much appreciated. Answer: Like you say, the Bible makes it plain that salvation is found in no other name than […]