Science and Religion: A Power Point
science_and_religion_lecture 1.42 Mb Power Point for a recent invited lecture in a philosophy class at Grossmont College by John Oakes, PhD
Did God know Adam and Eve would eat of the fruit and bring sin into the world?
Question: Did God know Adam and Eve were going to eat the apple and bring sin into the world? It seems to me we are all suffering for what they did. Answer: God is all knowing. If I understand the biblical view of God correctly, he is not affected by time and therefore he knows past […]
The Role of Prophecy in Christian Apologetics
Muslim apologist Yusuf Estes says the Bible is full of contradictions and the Koran has no errors. How do I disprove this?
Question: I was reading the website of Yusuf Estes. A muslim apologist who used to be a Christian Minister. He claims that in his study of the Bible he saw the Bible is littered with contradictions, and that after reading the Koran he saw it had no errors and so could only be from God. How […]
If all humans today are descended from Adam and Eve, what about the cavenen who predeeded them?
Question: I know that we are all descendents of Adam and Eve, but what about the cavemen who proceeded them? Aren’t they the earlier forms of humans or are they a different kind of species? (Similar to how gorillas are almost identical to humans genetically) When we look at the genealogy in the Bible, it shows that […]
If the Appearance of Age theory is to be rejected, what alternative ideas work?
Question: If you agree that the “appearance of age” theory can be rejected, what are the alternative ideas that you do believe? I remember that you believe that there may still be dinosaurs in Africa dwelling in uncharted territories. Do you still believe this? Although I haven’t seen “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, […]
Why do some Christians believe Mark 16:15-16 is for us and Mark 16:17-18 is not for us but for the apostles?
Question: Why do some Christians believe Mark 16:15-16 is for us and Mark 16:17-18 is not for us but for the apostles? Answer: Before answering your question, let me point out something very important to know about Mark 16:9-20. Most scholars believe that it is quite likely this passage was not in the original book of […]
If the Book of Mormon is not true, they why has the LDS church prospered? Are they blessed by God?
Question: The LDS church is very large. If The Book Of Mormon is not true then how come the church has been so prosperous? I am not saying that they are right but certainly they are doing goods things to earn God’s blessing. Answer: It is true what you say that Mormonism has grown fairly […]
If Christianity is the truth, why do some Christians convert to Islam?
Question: This has been bothering me for a long time, if Christianity is the true religion, why are there Christians converting to Islam? Answer: The fact that Christianity is the true religion (ie that is tells the correct story about God) does not prevent people from being Hindu, Buddhist, Confucionist or Islamic. People reject Christianity […]
Is the Book of Mormon "another testament of Jesus Christ?"
Question: Is the Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ? Answer: Joseph Smith certainly claimed that it was. This claim is found on the title page of the Book of Mormon. The simple answer is NO WAY. Joseph Smith showed no legitimate signs of being a prophet. He made no predictive prophecies which later […]
The Role of the Holy Spirit
An outline on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life by John Oakes, PhD The Holy Spirit The Facts About the Holy Spirit Genesis 1:2 The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." (1 Samuel […]
Response to The God Delusion: A Power Point
A Response to The God Delusion: Power Point 21/07/2008,19:46 John M. Oakes, PhD Click the link below to see an outline of the class, or on the power point icon above to view the power point. A Response to Scientific Materialism and The God Delusion Richard Dawkins, author of A River out of Eden, […]
Hebrews: Fate or Freedom?
Hebrews: Fate or Freedom 21/07/2008,19:41 An outline of the class can be seen by clicking on the link below, or click on the power point icon to see the power point presentation. by John M. Oakes, PhD Fate or Freedom June 26, 2008 Outline: I. Extremely brief overview of Hebrews II. Brief introduction to […]
How can I prove evolution wrong (please give me the version appropriate to a 13 year old)
Question: I have been needing some evidence to prove evolution wrong. Could you help but put it in wording for a thirteen year old to underderstand? Answer: The problem with your request is that there is no evidence which proves evolution wrong. In fact, the scientific evidence in support of evolution is quite strong. Perhaps you […]
Jesus: Man Myth or Messiah Power Point
jesus_man_myth_or_messiah 19/07/2008,23:39 jesus_man_myth_or_messiah 19/07/2008,23:39
Who was Darius in Daniel 9:1? It seems the writer of Daniel is confused as Artaxerxes was the son (not the father) of Darius?
Question: Daniel 1:21 says that Daniel remained in the Babylonian court until the first year of Cyrus, which as you say, was 539/8BC, the year Cyrus conquered Babylon and became king of Babylon as attested by Ezra 5:13, as well as king of Persia as attested by Ezra 4:5. When did Darius the son of […]
The Gabriel Stone: A new discovery with relevance to the Messiah?
A tablet discovered ten years ago has ink writing on it. It has been dated to the first century B. C. The tablet appears to mention a resurrection of the messiah on the third day. This find may prove to be very significant. Article by Ethan Bronner below (from http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/05/africa/06stone.php) Tablet ignites debate on […]
Why do 7th Day Adventists keep the Sabbath?
Question: I’ve been wondering with regards to the Sabbath. Why do the 7th day Adventists still keep the Sabbath? I had an encounter with one of them and found that they practice Christianity much like I do. The only thing was that of the Sabbath. I then wanted to do a study but couldn’t wrap […]
Genesis and the Beginning of Humanity
The purpose of this paper by William Golightly is to seek a solution to the problem that is consistent with well-supported scientific claims, but at the same time is also consistent with our view that the book of Genesis, like the rest of the Bible, is God’s Word. Genesis and the Beginnings of Humanity How […]
Is it true that there are more than the four legitimate gospels; for example the Gospel of Judas?
Question: When one reads your materials you seem to claim(though not clearly) that the four gospels recorded in the New Testament are the only ever written. However, nowadays some reseach has proven the existence of other gospels for instance "the Gospel according to JUDEA". Do you have anything to say about this? Answer: Yes, […]
What is the meaning of the word translated "rested" in Genesis 2:2,3?
Question When God created the heaven and the earth the Bible says the seventh day God rested. But when one thinks we realise that "rest" is a characteristic of imperfection. Can we say instead that God took one day to relaxe? Is it a translation mistake? Answer: The word translated "rested" in Genesis 2:2,3 is the Hebrew word […]
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. […]
