Notes for Old Testament Survey Class
Notes for an OT survey class taught by John Oakes, PhD in 2004. OT Survey Notes
If God hates sin, and if he know all before it happens, why did he allow evil to occur?
Question: God cannot and will not tolerate sin. "The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) If this is so, then why did God allow sin to occur? If he is all-knowing, before he created the world, didn’t he know that sin would occur? If he hates sin, and he is the creator of all […]
Power Point: Cuatro Perspectivas de la Evolucion
Este clase se ensenado por John Oakes, PhD 8 de Mayo, 2010 para el Proyecto Esdras en DF Mexico. Cuatro Perspectivas de la Evolucion 3.88 Mb
The Deuterocanonocal book Wisdom has a fairly obvious messianic prophecy. Why is it not included in the Protestant Bible?
Question: I’ve recently learned about these so called Deuterocanonical books that are accepted by Catholics and Eastern Orthodoxs, but not by Protestants. I even came across this from an Orthodox Christian (not a friend of his btw) on Facebook who claims that this predicts the coming of the Messiah: "The Book of Wisdom was the […]
Logically, wouldn't it be better if we all just died as babies and went straight to heaven?
Question: I have searched the Q&A’s and have not found an answer to this question. Is there a resource or an answer that you have to the following: If the point of us being on earth is to give us the opportunity to choose God, and suffering causes us to become more like Christ(simplified for […]
Does secular humanism conflict with God?
Question: It seems that the ideal of secular humanism is to do whatever benefits the well being of mankind. Does the idea of secular humanism conflict with God? Or does secular humanism put people on a pedestal above God? Answer: Secular humanism is a philosophy and world view which includes an assumption that the physical/natural […]
Atheism: A Falsified Hypothesis
Atheism: A Falsified Hypothesis. An essay by Brian Colon, a member of the ARS board. www.KnowItsTrue.com 4/28/2010 Atheism: A Falsified Hypothesis by Brian Colón Several Atheists like to complain that Theism, unlike Atheism is unfalsifiable. If this is true, then it means that Atheism can be proven false, Theism cannot. Many Atheists consider this […]
Is there any chance science can prove chemically that man "comes from earth?"
Samuel;Question: I have a friend who works with NMR and he would like to do research to analyze some samples of soils by NMR and IR analyzes and compare with some analyzes of human issue. He would like to prove that man "comes from earth". Do you know if there is some material published about this? How could he make […]
Como explicamos las consecuencias (lamentables) que suceden cuando Dios llama nuestra atencion? How is it that God can allow someone to die to get our attention?
Pregunta; Tengo una preguntas con respecto al Dios y el sufrimiento. 1) como explicamos las consecuencias (lamentables) que suceden cuando Dios llama nuestra atencion. Ejemplo: para buscar a Dios o paraque alguien se haga un cristiano, costo la muerte de un familiar? Si bien es cierto es bueno e increible de ser un seguidor, pero la […]
How can the earth have plant life on the third day when the sun was created on the 4th day?
Question: As you are a scientist, I would appreciate your explanation as to how it is possible to get plants reliant on photosynthesis on the third day, before the creation of the sun on the fourth. Answer: Genesis 1 has night and day on the first day, but the appearance of the sun, moon and stars […]
Given the earthquake in SD yesterday, aren't you a bit shaken in your apologetics?
Question: I’ve just learnt that you’ve had a really big ‘quake in San Diego. You’re remarkably assured on this subject and bacteria in your apologetics. I wonder if you still feel the same. Answer: Well, if I hold to a world view and it is shaken by something like an earthquake, then it certainly was not a very […]
If Genesis 1-3 is just a metaphorical theological poem, then what about Abraham? Is he a metaphor too? (also a question about violence in the OT)
Question/Comment: I believe that Genesis should not be read literally as it conflicts with our current scientific models such as the dating of the universe and Evolution. As a result I believe that we must read Genesis as a theological poem not a scientific textbook. Thus I see that we were created and we fell […]
Apologetics and World Religions Class Notes and Power Point
A class on Apologetics and World Religions was taught by John Oakes, PhD and Dan Conder in San Diego May 28-29, 2010. Notes on Apologetics and World Religions Power Point: Apologetics and World Religions 9.39 Mb I promised students a summary of the Book of Mormon by Joe Fields. Here it is. The Book of […]
Power Point: God and Science in Bahasa Indonesia
God and Science Bahasa Indonesia 3.84 Mb
Is Mormonism a cult? What is the most accurate denomination, biblically?
Question: Is the Mormon faith a "cult"? Which denomination is the most accurate according to God’s word? Answer: The answer to your question depends on how one defines the word cult. I am looking at my Webster’s and it defines a cult as "a system of religious worship or ritual." By this definition, true Christianity is a […]
What is the evidence that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome?
Question; The other day in a discussion with a friend, a statement was made that the disciple Peter was crucified upside down. I have heard this before, but after searching through my Bible I cannot find any reference to this event. The person I was studying with has since called me asking where this can […]
Ciencia y Los MIlagros de Jesus
Ciencia_y_Milagros_Jesus 4.81 Mb Una leccion de John Oakes presentado en DF Mexico 3/13/2010. El audio se puede vendido en la tienda de el web site.
The Bible has scientific errors such as the sun not appearing until the 4th day. The Quran is the word of God.
Comment: I`m no scholar but to say that the Bible has no scientific arrors is totally false. One huge mistake occurs on the first page when God says let there be light and the sun was not yet created. Also the Bible claims that the earth is only 6000 years old and that man and […]
Essay: Apologetics and the Christian World View
See below for an essay on the Christian World View by John Oakes, PhD Apologetics and the Christian World View A number of years ago I wrote and published a book which I thought at the time covered all of the important basic topics relating to Christian Evidence for those trying to build […]
How should I evangelize a person who believes in evolution of man and that this contradicts the Bible?
Question: I wanted to ask you about how to start a evangelism with a person who believes in the theory of the evolution of man? He thinks this can’t be explained in the Bible. Answer: You will find a number of articles on this at my web site. I suggest one by William Golightly. Christians have […]
Apologetics and the Christian World View Part IV
See below for the fourth part in a series of classes on World View by John Oakes, PhD. Apologetics and the Christian World View Part IV In the previous three essays, I have attempted to define the idea of a world view and shown why it is an extremely important thing for all of […]
How do you explain the biblical stories in Genesis of people living 900+ years?
Question: Doesn’t the Bible teach that people in early days of creation (such as Adam and Eve, Noah, etc) had long life spans: Some even had life spans that spanned to 900 years old? I mean, I let it slide that The Book of Job depicts Job as living to be 140 because the book […]
Why does Josephus not mention any of the miracles Jesus worked?
Question: Hey, I love your website…I’ve found it very resourceful. I have a couplequestions that have been brought up that I can’t seem to give an answerfor. First, I’ve heard and read what Josephus had to say about Jesus. Hementions him, true. But, someone asked me, "If Josephus took the time toaccount to mention Jesus, why […]
Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point
Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point. A lesson on world views, including the Christian world view, and the world views of naturalism, postmodernism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jaina, Sikkhism, Confucianism and Islam. First taught by John Oakes in Manila 1/16/2010. Christian and Other World Views 7.49 Mb
Seventh Day Adventism
Seventh Day Adventism: A power point on the history and teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. See notes below. Taught by John Oakes in Jakarta 1/07/2010. Seventh Day Adventism 155.50 Kb 7th Day Adventism Grew out of Millerite Adventist movement in the 1840s Miller prophesied that Jesus Christ would come back October 22, […]
Roman Catholicism: A Power Point
Roman Catholicism: A Power Point. See notes below. roman_catholicism 149.50 Kb Roman Catholicism A ridiculously brief history of Catholicism: The history of the Christian church can be summarized as the gradual corruption of primitive Christianity into a paganized, hierarchical, Roman Catholic Church. Interestingly, Catholics can legitimately claim that their church traces back to […]
A Defense of Christian Theology: A Power Point
A Defense of Christian Theology: Answering the hardest questions. The Problem of Hell, the Problem of Predestination and the Problem of Pain and Suffering. A presentation given by John Oakes first in Manila 1/17/2010. Defense of Christian Apologetics 2.06 Mb
Arguments for the Existence of God: A Power Point
Logical arguments for the existence of God. A power point. Notes included below. Existence of God 130.50 Kb Arguments for the Existence of God A philosophic question: Does God reveal his nature both through general (natural) and special revelation? On some level, both the cosmological and the teleological arguments assume general revelation is valid. […]
Inspiration and Inerrancy: A Power Point
Inspiration and Inerrancy: A Power Point on How We Got the Bible, on supposed Bible contradictions and errors and on the Apocrypha. By John Oakes, first given in Manila 1/16/2010. Inspiration and Inerrancy 4.14 Mb
A white paper on Adam and Eve by Tim Keller
This white paper is by Tim Keller. Keller is a pastor for a church in New York and is not a member of ARS. The article is posted at BioLogos.org which is where I found this article. John Oakes Keller White Paper
How do you respond to the "Dragon in my Garage" argument of Carl Sagen?
Question: I have read through some of your pages (as an athiest) and have found many of them to be full of backwards-talk and fluff. The main page I’d like to indicate is this (https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&task=view&id=5033&Itemid=32) That is – proof of god. What is necessary to convince me that god probably exists is repeatable, scientific and […]
31 questions about Catholic vs Protestant teaching
Questions: I have compiled the following article of pure historical events as they relate to the Christian religion. Can you please proof read it and critique it? I believe it to be 100% accurate. Please let me know. Answer: Normally, I do not like to get into one denomination versus another denomination as this is definitely […]
Do you have any resources which can help me to share with a friend who has embraced Taoism?
Question: Could you point me towards any resources that would help me preach the gospel to one of my former students who has embraced Taoism? Answer: Forgive me for stating the obvious, but your best resource is the Bible, and more specifically Jesus. I would point my Taoist friend toward the scriptures and toward Jesus. […]
The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons as a Type of Jesus and the Thieves on the Cross
Below is an article on the Ordination of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8) as a prefigure of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is written by John Oakes, but the idea comes from an anonymous contributor to the site. The Ordination of Aaron A Prefigure of the Crucifixion of Jesus John Oakes 12/2009 […]
Do you agree with the Apologetics Bible that physical death (even of animals) had not occurred before the sin of Adam?
Question: According to the Apologetics Bible, and other sources I have read/heard, physical death hadn’t occurred until Adam/Eve sinned. I disagree because of the fossils that would have existed prior to Adam as well as Genesis 3:22; And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. […]
Does the fact that the Bible talks about Jehovah as a "God of gods" does this give credence to the claim that Jesus is merely a god?
Question: Does the term: "God of gods" used in Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalms 136:2, Daniel 2:47, and Daniel 11:36 show that there are other gods? 1 Corinthians 8:5 states there are many gods and Psalms 82:1 says God gives judgment "among the gods." Of course there’s one true God, the Almighty but would this support the belief […]
How do I respond to the claims of parallels between heathen god/man myths such as Mithra and the New Testament?
Did Jesus spend the "lost years" studying other religions (not did he travel to other countries, but did he study these religions at home)?
Question: I recently had someone tell me that Jesus spent his "lost years" studying other religions. I am aware that there are unproven theories that Jesus travelled to India and Gladstonbury but no mention about whether he studied other religions. I want to be fully informed before I answer this person. Answer: This is one […]
Notes and Power Point: Apologetics and the Miracles of Jesus
The sixth class in our program leading toward a certificate in Christian Apologetics Apologetics and the Miracles of Jesus Notes: Apologetics and the Miracles of Jesus Power Point: Apologetics and the Miracles of Jesus 3.71 Mb Apologetics and the Miracles of Jesus Saturday Feb. 20, 2010 Instructors: Foster Stanback and John Oakes, PhD Location: Mission […]
Power Point: Biblical Criticism and Inspiration
Power Point Presentations for a class by Glenn Giles of Denver, Colorado on Apologetics, Biblical Criticism and Inspiration. Class was taught in San Diego Dec 11-12 2009. Class 1 History of Biblical Criticism 170.00 Kb Class 2 The Issue of History 146.50 Kb Class 3 OT Textual Criticism 15.06 Mb Class 4 NT Textual Criticism […]
Power Point and Notes for Class on Church History
A six-part Church History class taught by John Oakes in San Diego October-November 2009. Notes on Church History Power Point on Church History 1.23 Mb
Notes for Class: Apologetics, Biblical Criticism and Inspiration
Notes for class by Glenn Giles 12/10-11/2009. Class 1 History of Biblical Criticism Class 2 Objectivity of History Class 3 OT Textual Criticism Class 4 NT Textual Criticism Class 5 The Documentary Hypothesis Class 6 NT Source Criticism Class 7 Form Criticism Class 8 Redaction Criticism Class 9 Tradition Criticism Class 10 Erosion of Inerrancy […]
How do I respond to Muslim co-workers who say that Islam is the last and final religion and that Jesus is already passed?
Question: I am part of the Dubai inter-cultural fellowship here in Dubai. Some of my co-workers who are Muslim ask me how can I explain that their religion is the last & final one. They say Jesus is already passed. They say Islam is the last & final religion. How can you answer this claim? I told them that […]
A question about the Messiah
In view of the season, I though I would post this recent question about the Jewish Messiah as an article for your encouragement. J. O. Question: I’m very confused regarding a Jewish objection to Jesus as the Messiah which goes like this: "The Bible says that the Messiah would be of the tribe of Judah […]
How can God be timeless when he can answer prayers and "change his mind?"
Question: I believe that God transcends time and by nature is timeless. However, AFTER Creation, did God enter into time and is now time bound? Many philosophers argue that God must be "in time" subsequent to creation if libertarian freedom is possible. How can God interact relationally with us if not in time and everything to […]
What is Truth?: Rutgers U. Power Point
A power point for a titled What is Truth? A talk about Postmodernism, Naturalism and the Christian World View, given by Dr. John Oakes at Rutgers University 11/20-09. What is Truth? 880.50 Kb
Science and Christianity: Rutgers U. Power Point
Attached is a power point for a presentation titled Science and Christianity by John Oakes in New Brunswick, New Jersey while visiting Rutgers University 11/21/09. Science and Christianity Rutgers 10.74 Mb
If God understands my humanity and sin nature better than I do, why does He still hold me accountable for what I cannot help doing?
Question: If God understands my humanity and sin nature better than I do, why does He still hold me accountable for what I cannot help doing? Answer: This is a very good question. This gets to the heart of the question. Is God truly fair and is he truly just to judge us for our […]
What is the evidence supporting the hypotheses which are laid out in Genesis?
Question: I often read articles from Christians and other Creationists in which most of their time is spent on disproving arguments which are put forward by scientists against Creationism. For example, a great deal of time and effort is dedicated to raising issues inherent in the theory of evolution. In fact, most Creationists have gone […]
Reasons For Belief: Harvard 10/16/09 PPT and Recording
Reasons For Belief: A class taught by John Oakes, PhD at Harvard University 10/16/2009. The subject is reasons to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. See EFC store for the recording Reasons For Belief Harvard 2.76 Mb The Bible: From God or Man? Delos B. McKown: "Christianity is scientifically unsupported and […]
