Integrity in Apologetics
Integrity in Apologetics A presentation produced by John Lang for the 2008 International Apologetics Conference.
A Different Name or a Different God? How Worldview Apologetics Can Help Answer the Question
The following is the notes by Dr. Robert Kurka from his class on the Christian worldview and that of other world religions at the 2008 International Apologetics Conference. 2008 International Apologetics Conference Dr. Robert C. Kurka Chicago, IL Prof., Theology and Church in Culture June 6-8, 2008 Lincoln Christian Seminary […]
How old is the earth, both from a scientific and a Christian point of view>
Question: Would you tell us from a scientific and Christian point of view how old is the earth? Answer: I answer this question in detail in several places at the web site. You can pick up a copy of my book Is There a God? from www.ipibooks.com which has an entire chapter devoted to this […]
Where and when did Islam originate? Did Ishmael, son of Abraham start this religion?
Question: I want to know from when or which nation the Muslim religion started. Is it from Ishmael son of Abraham? Answer; Islam as a religion was established by Muhammad, a member of the Arabic Quraish tribe from the West-Central part of the Arabian Peninsula in the region of present-day Mecca. Muhammad is a real person […]
How can we prove that Christianity is a true and superior religion to Hinduism?
Question: I am from India, a country with majority of Hindus. Hinduism is now proclaiming itself to be the ‘most glorious religion’. ‘Human Gods’,with ability to show miracles,are sprouting up in Hindu community. Many Indian Christians are attracted to Hinduism through such miracles. Have you done a comparative study of Hinduism & Christianity? How can […]
If God created the heavens and the earth in the beginning, when did he create Pluto and Mercury?
Question: In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and earth. Why not Pluto and Mercury at the same time? Answer: First of all, when Genesis describes the creation of "the heavens and the earth" this is language to those in the ancient Near East to mean, essentially, when God created the universe. In other words, […]
How did the different races of human beings arise from Adam and Eve?
Question: If adam and eve were white people,how did blacks originate? Answer: First of all, what possible reason is there to believe Adam and Eve were white? I know of no reason to assume this. More likely, they may have been the color of people as we find them in Mesopotamia today, which is "olive […]
Why do Muslims not admit that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, given that it is historically rather obvious?
Question: Why can’t Muslims admit that Jesus "claimed" to be the Son of God? We know that Muslims, Jews, and many other people don’t believe that he actually is the Son of God but I can’t get past the intellectual obviousness of his claim. I don’t think anyone else in the world disputes this historic […]
Why did Constantine and the Council of Nicaea choose to "edit" the Bible by removing certain books?
Question: Why did Constantine and the Council of Nicaea choose to"edit" The Bible by inserting and removing certain books? What was the real aim of canonization? Answer; This is an easy one! Constantine did not "edit" or change the New Testament in any way. Neither did the Council at Nicaea change the New Testament in […]
Several quotes if found from David Bercot from the second century imply speaking in tongues was still in use. What is your response to this?
Question: I read your discussion of why the gifts of the Spirit disappeared. By no means do I consider myself an expert on the Early Church Fathers (my personal library is limited to one book). However, in preparing a lesson on false doctrines for a ministry training class I’m teaching, I came across some quotes […]
Recent Discovery Supports Historical Accuracy of the Bible
Scholars at the British Museum announced in 2007 the discovery on a cuneiform tablet which dramatically supports the historical accuracy of the Bible. The tablet mentions a gift of gold from an official Nebo-Sarsekim. This is almost certainly the same Nebo-Sarsekim mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3, dramatically confirming the biblical account of the defeat of Jerusalem in 595 BC Old […]
What about Laminin?
Question: Any thoughts on laminin? The youtube video and email are making the rounds. Some are claiming that this cross-shaped cross explains Colossians 1:17. Question: Any thoughts on laminin? The youtube video and email are making the rounds. That it is cruciform is, to me, coincidental. Does it give you tingly feelings? Response: This molecule makes for a great preacher point, but […]
If the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) occurred, why does Paul never mention it?
Question/Comment: Please explain why "nowhere in his writings does Paul appeal to the decisions of such a Council, which were clearly so completely in his favour, nor does he ever appear in the slightest allusion or reference to be conscious of their existence." (S G F Brandon p.131). Galatians 2 speaks of no Council, only a […]
What is the history of the International Churches of Christ?
Editor’s note: The question below is from a person who is part of the same religious movement I (John Oakes) am part of. The question and answer should be understood in this context. Question: Can you tell me about the History of our church? Where did our Church came from? And why does another church in Cambodia […]
What is your take on the Hypostatic Union of Christ?
Question; What is your take one the Hypostatic Union of Christ? Answer: The question of the "Hypostatic Union" of Christ was settled, as far as the Orthodox Church was concerned, at the Council of Calchedon. Of couse the Monophysites (Coptic church) did not accept this decision. My response is that I agree with the thesis […]
Why did God make ticks, leaches and other blood sucking animals that hurt other animals?
Question: My 8 year old son and I heard you speak at the NE Christian Conference last year. We enjoyed your science and God presentaion. My son recently had this question. I thought you’d have a biblical answer for. Why did God make ticks & leeches? These are blood sucking things that hurt animals and […]
The movie "Expelled" implies science should rid itself of its naturalistic assumption. Do you agree?
Question: I have not seen Expelled, but based on rotten tomatoes it is pretty read – I read your review though so I may wind up seeing it anyway. One of my friends saw it and he liked it, agreeing with the movie that science shouldn’t assume natural causation for everything. I strongly disagreed with […]
Question from Randall Laraway
Question: It has been a subject of some debate as to whether "the earth without form and void" of Genesis 1, actually refers to a pre-existant earth prior to the one we currently inhabit; which was populated but destroyed for whatever reason(s). Is there any sort of proof or, shall we say, "solid spiritual logic" […]
Expelled: A Power Point
Expelled Power Point
The Jehovah's Witnesses teach it is wrong according to the OT and still in the NT (Acts 21:25) to give or receive blood transfusions. How do you respond to that?
Question:,The Jehovah’s Witness say God did not want us concuming blood in the O.T and that it continue in the N.T . In Acts 21:25 God does not let us use the blood to help other people. Therefore it is wrong to give or receive a blood transfusion. I do not believe this, but where […]
Is this world real or maya? Will there be an end? Will there be any hereafter?
Question:,Is this world real or maya? Will there be an end? Will there be any hereafter?,Answer,First of all, I deeply apologize for such a delayed response. I have gotten behind with the new semester.,The answer will depend on your world view. If you accept the Hindu or the Buddhist or the Jaina worldview, then you […]
Given all the religious confusion, how can I be sure what is right? How can some people go to hell just because they have a different belief system? Why does God allow all this to be so unclear?
Question: I see what you say about the laws of the old testament having been “fulfilled” and therefore do not have to be followed. However, many Jews still do follow those rules and, it has to be said that in doing so they are following the word of God as that is what is written […]
Is there anything distinctively Christian about apologetics? Do all religions include apologetics? How much can reason accomplish in religion (and many more questions)
Question: 1) Is there anything distinctively Christian about apologetics? Why or why not? Do all religions include apologetics? Why or Why not?;2) How much do you think natural human reason can accomplish in religion? In general?;3) What good does it do to argue for your faith? What harm can it do?;4) How useful are merely […]
How does the zodiac principle relate to the Bible if they do and was the system of the zodiac developed before the Bible?
Question: How does the zodiac principle relate to the Bible if they do and was the system of the zodiac developed before the Bible? Also , many people believe that the repetition of specific numbers i.e 7 , 3 , 40 , 12 are related to the zodiac.Who influenced who in this subject? Answer: The […]
An atheist friend challenged me: How can suffering and evil exist if God is loving and all-powerful? (This person also proposes almost every difficult question about Christianity)
Question: I am a sophomore in high school, and I recently began to engage in dialog with one of my atheist friends about the existence of God. My interest in the subject began last summer while my friend was attending a philosophy camp at Duke. He knew I was a Christian, so he sent me […]
How do one defend to a postmodern generaton the fact that Christianity is the only means of salvation?
Question:,How do one defend to a postmodern generaton the fact that Christianity is the only means of salvation?,Answer:,First of all, I am sorry for being so slow about a response. We moved this month and besides I got caught up a bit in all the Christmas stuff.,This is a very good question. I am afraid […]
Power Point para La Biblia, de Dios or de los Hombres?
Click abajo para ver el power point. La Biblia: De Dios o del Hombre? 1.71 Mb
Power Point para La Problema de Dolor y Sufrimiento
La Problema de Dolor y Sufrimiento 1006.00 Kb Por John Oakes, PhD
It is said dinosaurs lived millions of years ago and that dinosaur fossils prove this. How can you explain this?
Question:,Can you help me about dinosours. It was said that they live here on earth millions of years ago and there were fosils of dinosaurs that were found. How can you explain this?,Answer:,Yes, dinosaurs lived a very long time ago. They appeared on the earth somewhere a little more than two hundred million years ago. […]
Outline and Power Point on The Problem of Pain and Suffering
Power Point: The Problem of Pain and Suffering 1.06 Mb See below for an outline on the Problem of Pain and Suffering. THE PROBLEM OF PAIN AND SUFFERING (and of evil) I An apologetic/intellectual problem. How should I think about this? II A human problem. How should I feel about this? I Pain and […]
If Genesis One is in agreement with science, then why is it that the stars and the moon do not appear until the fourth day?
Question:,I recently went to the Museum of Science in Boston, and was fascinated to find how closely their presentation of how the earth was created matched that in Genesis. My one question is, the biblical account explains that the stars and the moon were created after the earth. I can see the moon being created […]
We believe God is just. How can it be just that when a person sins, someone else (ie. Jesus) takes the penalty for our crime?
Question: I had a line of reasoning posed to me by an agnostic friend yesterday that I can’t seem to answer. It started with the question, “If God makes all the rules why did Jesus have to die? Why couldn’t he just absolve human sin?” to which I replied, “Along with being perfect love, God […]
Assuming that there existed an oral tradition given to the Jews beyond that we have in the Pentateuch, what purpose did these additional laws serve? What do they contain? Are the ultraorthodox Jews right that they are contained in the Talmud?
Question:,You agree with me that there was probably some sort of oral tradition given to the Jews which did not make it into the Old Testament. (editor’s note: this is based on an earlier question and answer) I would like to ask you the following three questions:,1) What purpose do you think this oral tradition […]
How can 100's of thousands of years of humans on the earth and millions of years from scientific dating be squeezed into 6000 years. Also, why does Genesis not mention dinosaurs?
Question: I have the question of new earth versus old earth trouble me the most. I’m pretty sure you know that the Bible is backtracked to 6,000 years old for the earth. How is it that we find Neanderthals and “cavemen” that lived a supposed 100’s of thousands years ago. And why did the Bible […]
Is speaking in tongues an actual miracle? How can you explain the experience? What should my attitude be?
Question: I had a question pertaining to ‘tongues’. I never spoke it, but I have seen a person speak it right in front of me. I have talked to different people who speak it, from different church groups and they seem to have similarities in regards to speaking in tongues… You can ask for it […]
Why are first communion, worshipping saints and the Virgin Mary and so forth not biblical? Do you have scriptures about this?
Question: Could you please provide me with scriptures to explain why 1st communion is non Biblical and scriptures about workshiping “saints” “virgin mary” “etc.” I am currently engaging a catholic family and I would like to have scriptures at hand to over with them. Answer: I do not have any scriptures about these topics. This […]
Helping the Skeptic, the Intellectual or the Atheist, by Kedron Jones
Dealing With the Atheist, Skeptic, & Intellectual Presented By: Kedron Jones, Apologetics Research Society Note: To view the power point presentation, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the appropriate link. I. Introduction: A Brief History of Philosophy 1. Philosophers have attempted to answer 3 foundational questions in life. […]
Why is it that the Jehovay Witnesses do not believe that Jesus was who he says he was?
Question: Why is it that the Jehovay Witnesses do not believe that Jesus was who he says he was? Answer: There is a sense in which you will have to ask the Jehovah Witness members themselves. It is up to them to explain why they believe that Jesus is a created being–that he is not […]
Hebrews: Salvation, Predestination and Falling Away
Power Point: Hebrews, Fate or Freedom? 358.50 Kb Salvation, Predestination and Falling Away Sept 16, 2007 Theme of Hebrews: The preeminence of Jesus I Jesus is greater than all the prophets II Jesus is greater than the angels III Jesus is greater than Moses IV Jesus the great High Priest […]
Why do you believe that "God designed evolution"? Isn't evolution the way non believers deny God?
Question:,You have made the statement that “God designed evolution” or something close to that. I wanted to know what you meant by that. I believe that there is evidence for adaptation within a species but that there is no evidence for one species (“kind” in the Bible?) turning into another. I also believe that the […]
Why did Jesus give the care of his mother to John? Why wouldn't that
Questions:,1. Why did Jesus give the care of his mother to John? Why wouldn’t that,responsibility have fallen to one of his many brothers? James was,apparently close by as Paul refers to the resurrected Jesus appearing to,him.,2. It is said that the first churches met in homes and synagogues because it,was illegal for crowds to gather […]
Ancianos: cualificaciones o cualidades?
Does the Catholic Church have false doctrines?
Does the Catholic Church have false doctrines? The answer is yes it does. The Catholic Church teaches a whole raft of false doctines. 1. The Immaculate Conception (that Mary was born of a virgin birth) 2. Transubstantiation (that the bread and wine actually turn in to the literal physical body and blood of Jesus when […]
Are the seven angels in Revelation 1:20 the "bishops" (head elders) of the churches? Where did the doctrine of the head elder/bishop come in?
Question; Why did the Christian Church begin to use a single pastor, elder, or leader in the second century, as opposed to the original leadership model used by the first church where several leaders, pastors, or elders governed each church? Was this switch a prelude to the clerical system? It appears likely. My search for […]
What is the correct teaching about the Sabbath? How do I talk to an Adventist about the day of worship?
I’m studying bible with a friend but my friend is adventist. Please send me the real message about the “sabbath” and the day to worship God, because my friend is convicted that the day is sunday.what can i do? Answer: My advice is that you avoid a big debate over the Sunday issue. Bottom line, […]
Can we apply the second law of thermodynamics to explain things like the tendency to sin and how, without God, our lives tend to fall apart?
Question: You have spoken about the 2nd law of theromdynamics and entropy. I understand this specifically applies to chemical reactions, but the principal that things move from a more ordered to a less ordered state seems to be the overriding nature of everything in the post-fallen world. Governments, societies, our bodys, everything we put our […]
We Are Meant to be Here:? An Interview with Paul Davies
Note: This interview of Paul Davies is taken from the web site http://www. salon.com/books/feature/2007/07/03/paul_davies/index.html?source=email There are some highly speculative ideas, but we thought the article was interesting enough to publish here. John Oakes We are meant to be here People are not the result of a cosmic accident, but of laws of the universe […]
How can a loving God allow there to be 300,000 different beliefs?
QUESTION: Christianity is just one of some 300,000 known beliefs and sects in practice in the world today. Buddhism is a belief that does not demand the belief in an almighty god for its practice by a significant percentage of human beings. According to Christianity all those who ignore Jesus are condemned to “hell”. However […]
The Implications of the Human Genome Project on Modern Apologetics by John Lang
Click on the link below to view this paper, as it is in adobe format. This is a paper submitted by John Lang for credit in an on-line course at teachmethebible.org. It is so good I asked and was given permission to post it. {jdownload HGP_Apologetics[1].pdf} Implications of the Human Genome Project on Modern Apologetics […]
THE JESUS SEMINAR AND RADICAL HIGHER CRITICISM
Power Point: The Jesus Seminar 752.50 Kb
