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 […]
The Resurrection of Jesus: Power Point and Recording
A class taught at MIT by John Oakes, PhD 10/17/09. See below for notes. See EFC store for the recording. The Resurrection of Jesus 914.00 Kb The Resurrection of Jesus An Outline Q: Is it logical to believe that Jesus was raided from the dead? Q: Why is this important? 1. If Jesus […]
Can you give one solid fact that would prove God exists?
Question: I have debated with a friend over the verification of the Bible and he has pointed me in your direction. I ask you, give me one solid fact that would prove God exists. Answer: One cannot "prove" that God exists in a mathematical kind of proof. We can present facts and evidence which makes […]
Were the Elohim the Anunnaki's? (Akkadian deities)
Question: Were the Elohim the Anunnaki’s? Answer: Many people try to claim that the Jews borrowed their idea about Jehovah from the neighboring peoples: especially from the religions in Mesopotamia. This is certainly not a new claim. I will admit that there is at least some marginal parallel between some of the concepts the Jewish […]
Jesus and Christain Apologetics: A Power Point
Jesus and Christian Apologetics. A class taught by John Oakes PhD 9/26/09, on question, Who is Jesus Christ and evidence that the real Jesus is the Jesus of the gospels. See the notes below and the attached Power Point. Power Point Jesus and Christian Apologetics 2.25 Mb Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Our recent […]
If Tacitus and Seutonius do not mention the persecution of the church under Domitian, how can we be sure it even happened?
Question: I read "Daniel, Prophet to the Nations" recently and was quite awestruck by the prophesies! I’ve been reading online that the Christian persecution under Domitian was historically uncertain and debated. Although the early church fathers routinely mention Domitian, the persecution is seemingly absent from the writings of Tacitus and Suetonius (and other Roman historians). […]
If I accept theistic evolution, how can I understand passages like Genesis 3:20 (the mother of all the living) or Acts 17:26 (from one man every nation)
Question: I have a question about the idea of theistic evolution (I have been reading many of the articles under "creation" by you and John Laing). This interpretation seems to resolve many questions such as: Why was Cain was afraid someone would kill him? Who would be living in the city Cain built? etc… (Genesis 4:14-18) […]
Evolving Theology by Nick DiDonato
What scriptures do you use to help someome from the Jehovah's Witness group?
Question: Greetings from your brother in Soweto –South Africa. My brother, what scriptures do you use to help someone from the JW’s group to see the truth? I’ve read in Hebrews 1 to guide me and also the scripture in John 1. Thomas also calls Jesus, God It would seem that they have their own Bible, […]
When Did God put the spark of divinity into us? How did he create the universe? (etc.)
Question: I am not a Christian and had no kind of guided religious upbringing, though I have admittedly felt drawn towards Christianity at times. I never really thought about my origins or the reason for my being. However, lately I have been nearly consumed by those "big questions." The idea that the universe and our […]
Power Point: Jesus, Hombre, Myto o Mesiah?
Una leccion se ensenado por John Oakes en Madrid Julio, 2009 Click aqui: Jesus: Hombre, Myto o Messiah? 1.62 Mb
Can you respond to some Muslim arguments against the deity of Jesus?
Question: A- Deuteronomy 30:11-12 says: "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?" […]
What is the origin of the doctrine of the trinity?
Question: Can you please explain the origin of the trinity belief to me? Answer: The extremely brief answer to your question is that origin of the doctrine of the trinity is the teaching of Jesus and the New Testament (with a little bit of support from the Old Testament). However, this is a grossly simplified […]
Report on the 2009 International Christian Evidence Conference
Messages from the 2009 ICEC are now available individually at the web site at the EFC store, or you can buy the entire conference at www.ipibooks.com The theme of this year’s International Christian Evidence Conference was "Jesus, the Witness of History." The conference focused on questions about the biblical picture of Jesus as he is […]
How to rebut the attacks of atheists on the reliability of the Bible? (specifically from the web site humanknowledge.net)
Question: I’m a Christian but I’m finding it hard to rebutt some contradictions of the Bible I believe atheist are taking their questions from this website. http://humanknowledge.net/Philosophy/Metaphysics/Theology/Christianity.html Can the Bible challenge his theories? Answer: It is obviously not possible for me to respond to all the criticism of biblical Christianity at this web site. However, […]
Review of the Jacoby/Price debate, Jesus: Man, Myth or Messiah?
Debate Review Jesus: Man, Myth or Messiah? A debate on the question "Jesus: Man, Myth or Messiah?’ was put on by the Apologetics Research Society (ARS) as part of its International Christian Evidences Conference June 13 at the Morris Culture Center, Houston Baptist University in Houston Texas. Over three hundred were in attendance. Arguing […]
Intelligent Design in Nature: Delusion or Divine Revelation?
INTELLIGENT DESIGN IN NATURE: DELUSION OR DIVINE REVELATION? Handouts from a class by Denis Lamoureux at International Christian Evidence Conference 6/13/09. ID handout A ID Handout B
Beyond the Evolution vs. Creation Debate
Beyond the Evolution vs. Creation Debate. A handout by Dr. Denis Lamoureaux. Used for a presentation at the 2009 International Christian Evidence Conference. Two handouts. Click on icon Beyond Evolution vs. Creation A 1.38 Mb Beyond Evolution vs. Creation B 260.90 Kb
Responding to Competing Pictures of Jesus
Responding to Competing Pictures of Jesus by Dr. Robert Kurka. Presented at the International Christian Evidence Conference 6/13/2009 2009 International Apologetics Conference Dr. Robert C. Kurka Houston, TX Professor of Theology and Church in Culture June 12-13, 2009 Lincoln Christian Seminary rkurka@lccs.edu "Responding to Competing Pictures of Jesus" According to […]
Notes on the Life of David
Notes for a class on King David (1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles) by John Oakes Spring, 2009 Lessons From the Life of David Life of David: Born in Bethlehem, the son of Jesse during the reign of Saul. The last of eight sons. Ruddy, handsome Russel Crowe, Clint Eastwood. As a […]
The Documentary Hypothesis (Power Point)
An Argument for Special Creation (Power Point)
A class taught by John Oakes, PhD at Christian Evidences Conference 6/12/09 on theism and reasons to believe in special creation. See below for notes. Special Creation 3.95 Mb Special Creation Natural creation or Special creation of life and of human beings? We will look at the evidence for evolution, but first let us think […]
Jesus in the Old Testament (Power Point)
Jesus in the Old Testament. by John Oakes. Apologetics Conference 6/14/2009 Power Point and notes. See below for the notes. Jesus in the Old Testament 2.48 Mb Jesus in the Old Testament Theme of the Conference: Despite what the educated and smart-sounding scholars may say, the Jesus of the New Testament is the Jesus […]
AIM Class on Archaeolgy and the Bible
A FAITH-BUILDING OPPORTUNITY: ARCHAEOLOGY & THE BIBLE A class to be taught by John Oakes for an AIM program class Archaeolgy and the Bible in Marietta, Georgia July 10-12. See below for details. A FAITH-BUILDING OPPORTUNITY: ARCHAEOLOGY & THE BIBLE Last year’s Continuing-AIM (C-AIM) session with David Bercot was a hit. Thanks for your interest and […]
What evidence do you have for the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price?
Question: What evidence you have for the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covernants and Pearl of Great Price as I couldn’t find any on your web site. Answer: You do not find evidence for the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price at my web site because I am […]
What is your response to Dr. Zakir's (a muslim apologist) claim that Jesus did not complete three days and three nights in the tomb?
Question: What do you think about the time factor explained by Dr Zakir? He says that Christ did not complete the three days & three nights in the heart of the earth. Please, enlighten me on that issue. Answer; I looked around for a while but could not find the specific Youtube video you are talking about. […]
What is the relationship between brain and soul? What are the implications for the brain-injured?
Question: My question is about the relationship between brain and soul, and how damage to the brain can damage the soul. Say if I am a careful Christian who does everything the Bible asks of me and takes all its lessons to heart. But say if I have an accident that damages my brain and disrupts […]
What about the two different and contradictory authors of the creation accounts and the flood account (other supposed contradictions as well)
Question: The work that I have been reading a great deal about is that of Christina Hayes, who is absolutly brilliant. Also, the work of Naham Sarna is another of my favorite biblical scholars. They both are finding many examples of symbolism and contridictions. You say that these things are simply not true, but I […]
Power Point and outline on Christian Theology
Eastern and New Age World View
Part III in a series on World View and Christianity by John Oakes, PhD. Click on the icon. Christian World View Part III New Age and Eastern Religion/Philosophy In the previous essays we considered the definition of world view and why the consideration of world view is important for the believer, and for the […]
Your interpretation of Sura 19:32-33 is inaccurate. Jesus did not know that his life would bring about uncommon events. Comment?
Question/Comment: Your interpretation of Sura 19:32-33 is a little inaccurate. This is a quote from Jesus, not about Jesus, about what he knew of his life. He could not see the future, and therefore made a statement about what everyone knows, we live, we die. He didn’t know that his life would bring about uncommon […]
How do you reconcile death before sin (theistic evolution) with Romans 5:12?
Question: I have a question about Theistic Evolution, which clearly puts death before sin. Evolution would state that many organisms died in the intermediate steps leading to man, which then sinned. How would you reconcile death before sin to Romans 5:12? "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, […]
What is the evidence for the martyrdom of the apostles, which is often used to support the believability of the resurrection?
Question: One of the popular evidences for the resurrection of Jesus is the martyrdom of his disciples. It is claimed that eleven of Jesus’ twelve disciples went to their deaths defending their faith. It is later concluded that no one would die for something knowing it is a lie. I agree completely. However, this […]
A friend asked me about the story of Jonah. She said that the story of the fish is impossible. How do I respond?
Question: An athiest friend asked me about the story of Jonah being eaten and thrown up by a fish. She said that this seemed imposible. How can I explain this to her? Answer: Your friend is right that the story of the swallowing and later regurgitation of Jonah alive on the third day is impossible. […]
Who are the "subjects of the kingdom" in Mathew 8:12 (one of 18 questions from Matthew!!!
Questions and Answers: 1] In Matthew 8;12 Who are the subjects that Jesus is talking about? "The subjects of the kingdom" are the Jews who do not receive Jesus. One can generalize this to include anyone who has been saved but later chooses to ignore his own calling, but in the context, Jesus is telling […]
How can a young person learn to discern lies and bogus arguments in the vast information about religion out there?
Question: Someone once said something like this "Even if someone tells me the truth, I will above it hold God’s truth". I can go online and search for the ark of the covenant, or Noah’s ark, and I can find all sorts of lies. I can go online or to libraries and find books talking […]
Is it okay to call Jesus Jehovah in order to defend his deity?
Question: There is so much info out there it is hard to get accurate information! I was reading Prepared to Answer (by Gordon Ferguson) in its section on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here the author referred to the name "Jehovah" or Yahweh as refering to the Godhead or Father Son and Holy Spirit. How would I find the […]
How do I defend a Bible translation as accurate in comparison to the New World Transation from the Jehovah's Witnesses?
Question: How would I go about defending the Bible translation as accurate in comparison to the New World Translation that the Jehovah Witnesses use? Answer: First of all, I do not want to discourage you, but I am afraid that the majority of Jehovah’s Witness believers are so well trained to not think or ask […]
Is God above logical absolutes, or his he subject to them?
Question: I have two questions pertaining to God and logical absolutes/axioms. I truly hope you can help. First, logical absolutes exist. They are not physical, but they do not seem to be conceptual either, like logic. They seem to be the thing that logic is contingent upon. But if they are not physical, and not conceptual, […]
What is the biblical meaning of Easter? Should we celebrate it?
Question: From the Bible’s point of view, what is the meaning of Easter? Should we celebrate it? Answer: From the biblical perspective Easter has no meaning. In other words, the particular celebration on a set day of the year of the resurrection of Jesus is not mentioned or even hinted at in the Bible. Having said that, […]
Muslims claim that the Qu'ran has scientifically accurate information about embryology. Can you comment on this?
Question: Many Islamic apologists claim that the Quran contains scientifically accurate information regarding embryology, can you comment on this? Answer; Muslims have a problem in the intellectual realm. This problem is that on the apologetic level they cannot compete with Christianity. They do not have fulfilled prophecy. They do not have miracles confirming the message. […]
Do you agree with William Golightly that Adam and Eve evolved and were not a special creation?
Question: I recently read an article on your website by William Golightly entitled Genesis and the beginning of Humanity. The author made a few points that were very new to me. The main point was that evolution took place in Humanity before Adam and Eve, and that when they evolve to a certain level, God began to […]
Who was the first to say that Jesus was God? What about the idea that the early church did not believe this?
Question: Who was the 1st person to say that Jesus was God? I’ve heard a lot of people say that early Christians believed that Jesus was nothing more than a great prophet. Which leads to the question, how do we know that Jesus really is God, and not just a prophet? Answer: That is […]
What does the Bible say about witchcraft? Can a Christian be the victim of witchcraft?
Question: 1- What does the Bible say about witchcraft? 2- Can a Christian can be a victim of bewitchment? of witchcraft? 3 – When is it the invocation of the blood of Jesus against the demons when you pray? Answer: The first question is very easy, the second question is hard to give a hard […]
Did scholars at the time of Constantine and the church councils change the Bible to fit their agenda?
Some of my friends say there is evidence that during the reign of Constantine and the meetings at that time, many scholars met and decided which books to put in the Bible and eliminated others that didn’t fit their agenda and they changed the wording of many of the verses and deleted others. Yet the […]
Apologetics and the Christian World View Part II
Scientific Materialism/Naturalism an article by John Oakes, PhD Apologetics and the Christian World View Part II Scientific Materialism/Naturalism In the previous essay we looked at why people ought to think carefully about their view of the world, and at the importance of forming and holding to a consistent world view. We have considered a […]
