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 […]
Is there any evidence unique to Christianity–not found in the Pharisees, Essenes, Ebionites and others?
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?
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
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)
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?
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 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
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?
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?
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?
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
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?
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?
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"?
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 […]
What comment would you make about the very great differences between the MT, LXX & Samaritan Pentateuch?
Question: What comment would you make about the very great differences between the MT, LXX & Samaritan Pentateuch? Answer: Evidence implies that our Greek New Testament text is a nearly perfect descendant of the originals. The case with the Old Testament is significantly different. The time period between the last New Testament book being written […]
How can I be sure that God is outside my mind rather than inside my mind?
Question: How can you be sure that God is outside of your mind instead of inside? Every spiritual or religious person seems to have their ideas about what God wants them to do, or what he (or she) is like. I am not a Christian, but very interested in the idea of faith. I am […]
Is it true that NASA has discovered proof of the missing day mentioned in Joshua 10?
Question: Just wondering what you might think about this? Editor’s note: This is from a person who was forwarded a chain e-mail which claims that NASA has discovered proof of a missing day which can explain the "day the sun stood still" in Joshua. The unfortunate e-mail contents are copied below. Response: This is one of those Christian […]
You use invalid and biased arguments when you compare Prophet Muhammed, Moses and Jesus.
Comment: First of All, let me greet you with the greetings of prophet Jesus pbuh (Shalom Aleichem). Peace be upon you. In Arabic (Asalaamu alaikum). I have read your response where you compared Prophet Moses with prophet Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). I must say you have made invalid and biased points. […]
How can there be no pain in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) if our loved ones are suffering in hell?
Question: I am struggling with this: It is about Rev 21.3-4. How can there be no pain in heaven if I make it to heaven and feel much love (& there are many more loving people than me); It seems that I will be filled with pain for those I love that are not saved […]
Ken Ham totally refutes evolution and proves creation, even challenging carbon dating. What are your thoughts?
Question: You appear to support the evolutionists theory. However, other Christian scientists e.g. Ken Ham totally refute this theory and provide evidence of the creation, even challenging carbon dating, etc… I welcome your thoughts. Answer: I am well aware of Ken Ham and his arguments. I have read some of his work. I do not […]
If God is all powerful, can he create a mountain which he cannot lift?
Question: I have a question: please answer me logically "If God is an all power God can he create a big mountain which he cannot carry"? Answer: Some have tried to use this argument to prove that God is not omnipotent. This is really a rather silly argument. It is kind of like saying "God […]
I visited a witch and she told me things she could not have known. How should I feel about this and what should I do?
Question: I am from Palestine, Bethlehem but I live in Spain. I am Christian and I never doubted God´s existence until the other day and I feel really lost. I was desperate, thirsty for help until I found your website. I went to a priest, they couldnt help me get my faith back. Your website is […]
How can God justify a person who rejects him? Wouldn't he know from the beginning what we would do–that we would go to hell? Aren't we doomed from creation?
Question: I have always felt that hell is a temporary place. I don’t understand a separation from God for eternity especially in an eternity of pain. I don’t understand how God who knows everything would justify a person being born if that person were to ultimately reject God and go to hell. Wouldn’t God have […]
On Line Apologetics Class from Brian Colon
Free Online Apologetics Class! Lectures will be recorded on March 2nd, March 16th, March 30th, and April 13th. Topics will include: The Reliability of the New Testament, Arguments for the Existence of God, Responding to Atheistic Attacks on Christianity, The Resurrection of Jesus. To register, click here: http://knowitstrue.com/school/login/index.php
What influence did Paul have on Christianity? Did Jesus come to save Jews only?
Question: Is Paul responsible for Christianity? If so, what influence did he have? Did Jesus come to save Jews only? Answer: Obviously, the person who had the most influence on the direction of Christianity was Jesus Christ. One can argue for either Paul or Peter as the two humans who had the greatest influence on […]
Do you interpret the Bible literally? Why do you feel the six days of Genesis 1 are not literal?
Question: I am very interested in your beliefs. Do you believe in the Bible as a literal source? When the Bible says that it the world was created in 6 days, why do you feel it wasn’t actually 6 days? Answer: My answer is that when the Bible is written so that it is obviously to […]
Class: The Kingdom of God and the Day of the Lord
Robert Carrillo and John Oakes will be teaching a class on the Kingdom of God on five consecutive Saturdays at 9:00-10:30 at the Mission Center of Hope beginning Sat, April 9th. You can just show up the first day, but we request you register. Contact Jan Oakes at joakes01@san.rr.com 858-505-8841. Cost for the entire series: $10. […]
How did God's people know to sacrifice? When were the prophecies of Jesus given to Israel?
Question: I am studying with a man who is very eager and has read Genesis on his own. A question that he asked was regarding sacrafice? How did the people know to sacrifice? Was there something given to them from God directing them? Also, question was asked how long before Jesus did the prohecies about […]
Why did God have the Jews stone women for not producing blood on their wedding night if there is a possibility this would produce an unjust result?
Question: You’ve done a great job with the website. I have a question. As a practicing Christian, the greatest challenge to my faith comes from certain Old Testament scriptures. On one hand the Bible often displays wisdom and knowledge that is otherwise unknown by man at the time it was written. An example would be […]
Is it true that Domitian demanded Christians to offer a sacrifice?
Question: (note, this is actually a series of two questions and responses) We’ve been studying the book of Daniel here in Athens, GA. I’m teaching a lesson to the women, primarily using information from your book. In studying what information I could find online about Domitian, I could not find anywhere that he demanded disciples […]
Can we prove or disprove the flood of Noah from evidence for floods in Mesopotamia?
Question: I am starting to feel like Columbo with "just one more question, Sir." It seems that if there was a global flood as the YEC affirm, then there would be evidence of such in that area of Iraq where it all supposedly occured. And it would not be a layer of " sterile" soil […]
Can the Bible be considered inspired if it has some human errors (for example Matthew 27:9-10)?
Question: First I want to say what an awesome website you have. Great resources topics and Bible Study! I never really questioned the scriptures much and I still have no doubt the Bible is God’s word. However I have recently questioned if the Bible can be God-inspired and at the same time contain some human […]
Do you believe the creation of Adam and Eve was "de novo" (from nothing)?
Question: Not to be argumentative but just so I understand: is your belief that Adam and Eve were created " de novo" from soil or "from nothing" instead of thru evolutionary sequence? [For me, the story is not about the science of how man came to be]. Answer: My "stand" on this is that I […]
Does the Bible support or deny the existence of life on other planets?
Question: I was enjoying some of your writings and responses this morning, and I am provoked in thought. Does any passage in the Bible discredit the existence of living planets beyond Earth? If not, what are your thoughts on the possibility of other "living" planets? You wrote somewhere that intelligent design cannot be proved experimentally, […]
Why does David say he was a sinner already in his mother's womb?
Question: I have one question which was also asked to me by person when I was studying the Bible with him. Why does Bible say that we are born sinners? In Psalms 51 David says I am sinner even in the mother’s womb? Could you please tell me what it is really taking about? Are […]
