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 […]
Class on Christian Theology
christian_theology_outline and infoDr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo will be teaching a class on Christian Theology on Saturdays starting 3/21 in San Diego from 9:00-10:30. See attached information sheet. The location will be the clubhouse at Portofino in Tierra Santa (10690 Escobar Dr, San Diego 92124). Recordings of the classes are also attached. Christian Theology Outline Power Point 2.46 Mb […]
What is the place of reason in Christianity?
Question: What is the point of, or the reason for, the difference between the premodern notion of “reason” and the modern notion? What are the pluses and minuses of each? 2. How do you think reason is related to : (a) authority (b) love (c) intuition: (d) mysticism (e) symbolism (f) hope 3. How . […]
What is the application/meaning of the fact that God created Eve from the rib of Adam in Genesis 2:21-23
Question: Please explain to me Genesis 2:21-23. It’s about God creating woman by taking one of the ribs in man(adam). It says that God created man from the dust thru the breath of his nostrils. Why did God create woman by taking one of the ribs of the man? What is the purpose or lesson that i […]
What should I think about Muslim claims that God cannot have a Son, and that Jesus was only a prophet?
Question: I am a 23 year old Christian but I feel I am getting carried away by the talk of Muslims who say that Jesus is a prophet only and God can never have a Son. Answer: I have heard Muslim arguments that God cannot have a "Son" because God is one and for God to have […]
Are Seventh Day Adventists right in distinguishing moral and ceremonial law and keeping the Sabbath?
Question: I have a friend who is a member of Seventh Day Adventist. He mentioned the observance of Sabbath days (Saturday), and the Law according to the Old Testament. He said that when Jesus died the ceremonial law has been fulfilled while the moral law still stands. is this true? They don’t eat pork and […]
When a baby miscarries or is aborted, do they go to heaven or hell?
Question: When a baby accidentally dies or is aborted are they are going to heaven or hell? Answer: I believe that infants and young children are innocent and that they will be with God. They will not be in hell. To me, this seems rather obvious, but the question had been confused by one of […]
I have heard that Christianity has a lot of pagan influence, can you comment on this?
Question: I have heard that Christianity has a lot of pagan influence, can you comment on this? Answer: Believe it or not, this is actually a fairly complicated question. There are several aspects of how to answer the question. First, how much Pagan influence was there in the original Christianity taught by Jesus and the apostles. […]
Why should a Christian speak in tongues?
Question: Why should a Christian speak in tongues? Answer: I believe that in the twety first century God does not want Christians to be speaking in tongues. There are two possible meanings of your question. I will try to give a very brief answer to both. One possible interpretation is you may be asking why […]
Do animals have soul or spirit?
Question: Humans have been created as images of God, animals have not. Humans have souls and spirits, but do animals lack both or which one? I have´nt yet heard a good explanation on this and my understanding of this so far tells me at least some animals, which have distinct personalities and higher intelligence, ought […]
A negative comment about theistic evolutionists and a response
Comment: I am not impressed with your endorsement of "theistic evolution". This position is nothing more than a fence-straddling compromise to make evolution mutually compatible with creation and it will never work! Evolutionists simply refuse to allow God the glory to suddenly and spectacularly create, as in "Let there be light" (Gen 1:3) and "He […]
How can we define the word supernatural and how can we define God in a way that makes sense to non-believers?
Many atheists seem to dismiss the belief in the "supernatural". Is the word supernatural in the Bible? Are Christians making assumptions, or portraying God in a way that is non-Biblical. I probably haven’t thought about this much, but saying "supernatural" means saying "magic" or "impossible" to a non-Believer. How can we explain this to a […]