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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
How do we calculate the date for Adam and Eve? Do you believe generations are skipped in the genaeologies? Why? What does it mean Eve is formed from Adam?
Question: I understand that you believe that Adam was a literal man. How do you understand the genealogies and the time between Adam and Christ’s existence? I know many theistic evolutionists say that generations were missed out (where?) but I don’t understand how, because in Genesis it gives the age that men were fathered so […]
Genesis and the Christian World View
Dr. John Oakes did a class titled Genesis and the Christian World View in Detroit, Michigan 2/19/2011. Audio is available in the EFC store. Power point and notes are included. Genesis and Christian World View Power Point 2.11 Mb Notes
Why did God create planets?
Question: Why did God create planets? What is their purpose? Answer: God did not tell us why he created planets. Planets are the natural result of gravity acting on the matter in the universe which God created. If we assume that God had a "purpose" in creating a universe with planets, then the most obvious […]
Christianity is not a healthy social phenomenon. It is polytheistic, fear-based and manipulative.
Comment: (Editor’s note: This one is a comment, a response, another comment and another response) I do not view Christianity as a socially healthy phenomenon–I think it hurts far more than it helps, that it retards our growth globally. To prolong its survival isn’t an attractive proposition for me. Response: I do not question the contention […]
Christianity is the most convoluted, indefensible patchwork of nonsense perpetated on mankind. Surely you defend it because of the money.
Question: I am the son of a Baptist minister and admit that I long ago dismissed Christianity as the most convoluted, indefensible patchwork of complete nonsense perpetrated on mankind in the last 2000 years. I believe this as strongly as you apparently believe in your inherited Jewish God from the magnanimous Jesus (oh, we lucky […]
Would an infallible god PREORDAIN to have to kill himself in order to appease himself? (one of two questions)
Question: Would an infallible God PREORDAIN to have to kill himself in order to appease himself? Would an all-powerful God somehow suffer from a communication problem which compels him to recruit some primitive Jews to write his biography? Answer: I will have to say that your question seems like a reasonable one. However, it is based […]
What kind of hominid were Adam and Eve–the ones who rejected God?
Question: What was the hominid species that rejected god? I know that that Neanderthals wore clothes (before the fall we were naked), and that they even buried their dead and decorated gravestones. And they are known to exist 200,000 years ago. Does this mean that the fall happened to Neanderthals? Answer: The simple answer is that […]
Did the Christian concept of Hell come from the Greeks rather than from the Old Testament, as some scholars claim?
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 […]
If death did not exist before the sin of Adam, how could evolution have happened?
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 […]
How can macroevolution be true in light of 1 Cor 15:39 (four kinds of flesh)
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 […]
The Problem of Pain and Suffering (Entire Essay)
An essay by Dr. John Oakes on the apologetic issue of Pain and Suffering. The Problem of Pain and Suffering
If the flood covered the mountains to 20 feet, how fast would the water evaporate?
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, […]
