General – Page 51 – Evidence for Christianity

Jeremiah 43 prophecies that Egypt would be conquered by Babylon. Secular historians said that Egypt was conquered by the Persians. Can you explain this discrepancy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, History .

Question: According to Jer 43 Egypt would be conquered by Babylon, but secularhistorians attribute this conquest to the Persians. Do you have any infoon this? Answer: Your information is correct. The Persians/Medes did conquer Egypt under Cambysses, the son of Cyrus in 525 BC. However, the Persians were not the first to conquer Egypt. The […]

What do you think about Johathin Sarfati's explanation of the Big Bang in his book "Refuting Compromise?" Do you agree that the Big Bang is no more science than Intelligent Design, given that it cannot be proven by experiement?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Science and the Bible .

Question: I have read your material on evolution being “scientific” and your view of the Big Bang. Would you object to the Big Bang being taught in school as it is not “science” any more than intelligent design? One cannot do an experiment to prove or disprove Big Bang. Have you read the book by […]

What was the law before the mosaic laws? What was the penalty that goes with sin under that law?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: What was the law before the mosaic laws? What was the penalty that goes with sin under that law? Answer: As far as we know, the law given to Israel under Moses was the first formal covenant between God and a nation or large group of people as a whole. The time before Moses […]

How can the theory of evolution explain how species change, yet can continue to reproduce? Isn't this a problem for the theory of evolution?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Science and the Bible .

Question: One concept I do not understand of evolution, is that if change happens by chance over time, how does it account for reproduction? That is, how is it that species mutated to the differentiation we see today with the ability to reproduce every step of the way? We have to assume fully functional reproductive […]

Can you help with history of city of Corinth and at present what's their condition?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Church History, General, History .

Question: Can you help with history of city of Corinth and at present what’s their condition? Answer: Corinth is on the isthmus separating the Peloponesian peninsula from mainland Greece. For this reason, it was in important and wealthy city from ancient times. During the 500’s BC it played a role as the or one of […]

God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tarturus according to 2 Peter 2:4. If God sends angels to Tarturus when they become bad, is Satan the only spiritual force of evil in the heavenly realm that we are fighting against?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Questions: 1. God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tarturus according to 2 Peter 2:4. If God sends angels to Tarturus when they become bad, is Satan the only spiritual force of evil in the heavenly realm that we are fighting against? 4For if God did not spare angels when […]

How can you explain Romans 11:26 and Matthew 2:23 are prophecies? In one case, it is not a correct quote from the Old Testament. In the other case, there is no prophecy in the Old Testament about a Nazarene.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Resurrection of Jesus .

Question: Ever since last year, I’ve been sharing with a Jewish friend I have. He told me about this small book he read about why you can’t trust the Christian Bible and why not to believe in Jesus. The thing that made me think the most is when this little book talked about how scriptures […]

Did Jesus claim to be God? Did he talk about the trinity? Did he say that salvation would come through his blood?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Did Jesus Christ himself claim to be God and that we should worship him? When he was teaching in the synagogues and temples wheretheJews went, did he teach the following fundamental beliefs? 1. Trinity 2. His supposed divinity 3. That salvation will come through his blood. What didhe mean in John 17:3-4 where he […]

Isn't the teaching of the Catholic Church about Mary just a "Christian" version of mother goddess worship?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Other Religions .

Comment: The oldest representations of gods are female & one of the oldest is the Venus of Willendorf, dating from the Upper Palaeolithic about 30,000 years ago. Coming closer to the present is the Mother Goddess of Skorba in Malta which dates from the Neolithic about 6,500 years ago. Isis, the Mother Goddess of the […]

An islamic web site claims that the Qur'an gives an accurate value for the speed of light. What do you think about this?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Science and the Bible .

Question: I was at an islamic apologetic web site which claimed that the Qur’an has a correct value for the speed of light, which supposedly proves the Qur’an is inspired by Allah. Below is the quote. 299,792.458 km/sis the speed of light in vacuum. However, according to Einstein’s theory of General Relativity, the speed of […]

Isn't it odd that God created such a huge universe which existed for 13 billion years if we exist for such a small time and in such a small place? What was God doing the other 13 billion years?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Science and the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: If the age of the Cosmos is regarded as 24 hours, Homo Sapiens did not appear until the last second and Jesusdid not appear until almost the last 1/100th of a second. Is it impertinent to enquire what God was doing for the rest of the 13,000,000,000 years ? Was he pondering the future […]

A professor of mine claimed that astrology came from Judaism and that it was part of later Judaism and early Christianity. Is this possible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, History .

Question: I realize that astrology and the Zodiac today is something that God would not condone, but I heard some argue that the Zodiac was originally a biblical concept that was corrupted during the time of the tower of Babel. Is there any proof supporting this claim? ;Also, in my Rome and Jerusalem class, we […]

Does Mark 16:16 "those who believe and are baptized will be saved." contradict salvation by grace only?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Doesn’t Mark 16 where Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” contradict teachings on salvation by grace alone? Also, if you say that Mark 16 was inserted over time then doesn’t the Bible fall short of it’s claim to be inerrant? Answer: First of all, you will not find the phrase […]

Please explain the prefigures and foreshadows in the book of Esther. Who do Esther, Mordecai, Haman etc. represent?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Types .

Question: After studying through the book of Esther and trying to draw parallels, I had a few things that I just could not make sense of. First, I had a hard time figuring out King Xerxes and Queen Vashti?s interaction in the first chapter. I could not be sure who was the villain and who […]

I have been developing a theory…. A questioner presents his own philosophy of how religion should work. What is wrong with my idea?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have been developing a theory or a concept for living according to God’s plan for mankind. Please tell me where there are flaws in my concept. God created man and all other creation according to his will and pleasure. He differentiated man to be in his own “image,” which I think should read […]

Why did God allow Satan to be in the garden of Eden. If he was not there, they would not have sinned.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have heard a few sermons preached on the situation that took place in the Garden of Eden. Eve being tempted by the snake, Adam standing by and also partaking in the forbidden fruit. The questions of Adam’s fault or Eve’s fault seem secondary to the question why let the #&@% snake in the […]

How do you resolve the difference between the 23,000 mentioned as killed in 1 Corinthians 10:8 and the 24,000 mentioned in Numbers?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I had a question about a passage I read recently. It’s the passage in 1 Corinthians 10 that talks about the 23,000 killed for sexual immorality. However, in Numbers, it states that 24,000 were killed. I ‘ve read Paul was referring to Ex 32 and not the passage in Numbers. I’ve also read that […]

How do you explain petrified trees found standing vertically in many layers of sedimentary rock? Doesn't this call into question the idea of uniformitarianism?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Science and the Bible, The Flood .

Question: Thanks a lot for your extremely informative book “Is there a God?” I have read it several times. I totally agree with your opinion that the Creationist’s theory about the creation of up to thousands of feet of sediments through the flood (described in Genesis 7-9) is wrong. Nevertheless, in a creationist book I […]

What caused the break-up of Christianity into so many groups? Since the Catholic Church can trace itself to the beginning, doesn't that make them the true church?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General .

Question: I wonder why the break-up in the churchof God. I mean Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, International Church of Christ etc…. Sometimes I imagine why most group claim to be the only Christians among the Christian circle. What caused the break up? How did it happen? What could be done? The Catholic Church has been existing […]

Why did the disciples not recognize Jesus when he had resurrected? Could it be because his beard was ripped out or his wounds in general?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Resurrection of Jesus, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: For a long time I have wondered why Luke and John describe the Mary?s and the disciples not recognizing Jesus after the resurrection. Even Thomas didn?t recognize him until he saw the scars (even after the other disciples told him who he was.) I guess I just always chocked it up to the disciples […]

Is Moses striking the rock, versus speaking to the rock a foreshadow of the first and second coming of Christ?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I heard someone say they thought Moses striking the rock in to get water in Exodus 17 and then the second time being told to speak to it, was supposed to be a model of the first and second coming of Christ that Moses messed up. (1st he had to be “struck” and killed […]

Do you think there were significant scientific changes that occurred with the fall of man? Is it possible it was not until this point that the spiritual and physical realms became separate?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Science and the Bible .

Question: Do you think there were significant scientific changes that occurred with the fall of man? Is it possible it was not until this point that the spiritual and physical realms became separate, or was it just that Adam and Eve didn?t realize it until then? Also, I remember from chemistry talking about the theory […]

Is the shrewd manager's action in Luke 16:9 a good or a bad example for a Christian?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I have been talking to a friend and we are trying to understand luke 16:9. My friend sees this as something negative “…buying your friends” because of the previous context, but I see it as something positive. Can you help me understand this verse? Answer: This is a good question. There are a couple […]

What is the significance of the angel that appears to Daniel in chapter 10 telling him that he was summoned 21 days ago but was held up by ?the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia??

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, History .

Question: What is the significance of the angel that appears to Daniel in chapter 10 telling him that he was summoned 21 days ago but was held up by “the Prince of the Kingdomof Persia”? I believe every scripture is there for a reason and God does not bother with insignificant issues, so what is […]

Is doubt sinful, or is it an act of trying to find God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Practical Christianity .

Question: My question is about doubt. I have to write a paper for a Bible class I take at my school. The paper is on the subject of doubt. I was just wondering if you think doubt is a sinfull act or an act of trying to find God. What do you think is the […]

What is the "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: i would like to add one more question is that, what does exact interpretation of the scripture in 1 cor. that poul says there is a thorn in my flesh,is he talking bout any desease or something else?PLs explain me. Answer: I assume you mean 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Many commentators have debated the interpretation […]

Is the Father the only God and Jesus is His son or are Jesus and the Father one being?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: My question is: we have only one God (Jesus) but is it differentiated in the Bible as Father, Son and Spirit? Is the Father the only God and Jesus is His son or are Jesus and the Father one being? Answer: These questions have puzzled Christians for centuries, so you are not alone! It […]

Is speaking in tounges real? Should it be done in church?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Miracles, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Is there such thing as speaking in tongues? In the Bible Paul said he had that spiritual gift and it was his greatest gift (1CO 14), and then I read a study Bible and it said that as Christians we could have the gift but it is not of help to others but just […]

Why does Jude quote apocryphal literature? Is he implying that the Book of Enoch is inspired? Is the example of Paul quoting pagan authors a good analogy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: Why does Jude quote apocryphal literature in verse 9 and 14? People often immediatley dismiss this by saying “just because he quotes apocryphal literature doesn’t mean he considers it scripture”, and point out to where Paul quotes other pagan poets. This is true, however what bothers me is that he refers the prophecy directly […]

How do we know that the word "Law" in the NT is referring to the Mosaic Law? Also does baptism equate to circumcision?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: How do we know that the word “Law” in the NT is referring to the Mosaic Law? Also does baptism equateto circumcision? Answer: I want to suggest you do your own additional research on this topic, as I cannot claim to be an expert on this. Let me share with you what I have […]

When Jesus' resurrection happened why did he appear to his apostles first? Why did he not appear to the Pharisees & teachers of the law?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Resurrection of Jesus .

Question: When Jesus’ resurrection happened why did he appear to his apostles first? Why did he not appear to the Pharisees & teachers of the law who handed Jesus over to be crucified? Answer: The Bible does not answer this question, at least not directly. This requires me to speculate to some extent. First of […]

What is Buddhism? How is Buddha different from Christ?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions .

Question:What is Buddism & its childhood & what is the difference between him & Christ? I’m a Christian ; How can I speak with atheists & what is the main point to persuade them to be a Christian? Answer: Here is a little information on Buddhism, its founder and its teachings: Founder: Gautama Buddha or […]

Where did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples? Is there a contradiction in the gospel accounts?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I run a “myspace” for Christianity and I had my first tough post. I don’t know how to respond to it. Where did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples after the resurrection? Here is the comment I got at my site: ;Where did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples? oh wait i […]

Isn't belief in the Anthropic Principle/in an intelligent designer intellectually dishonest? Can it be used to predict scientific laws?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Science and the Bible .

Question/Comment: I just finished reading an article you wrote regarding the ‘evidence’ for an intelligent designer and I found it so intellectually dishonest that it inspired me to write you. I hope that someday you come to see the ‘folly’ that comes with accepting ideas such as the ‘anthropic principle.’ Someday I think you will […]

Why did God choose to deliver His only begotten through a virgin when He has the ability to use another way, for example turn a rock into Jesus Christ?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Why did God choose to deliver His only begotten through a virgin when He has the ability to use another way, for example turn a rock into Jesus Christ? Answer: It is always tricky to answer “why” questions about God when he has not answered the question for himself. This requires an educated guess […]

I was born & braught up in a muslim family in Bangladesh. I had a God fear heart. From my childhood I tried to follow my rituals. In 1995 I went to delhi ( INDIA) for my graduation. There I came across with some christian brothers who used to teach amon campus students. I learnt Bible with them. And thus God revealed the truth to me. I accepted jesus in 1996. then I also strarted teaching Bible among stdudents. ;But though I was bellieving in Jesus, I was never fully convinced by the 'Trinity' doctorine. I always felt uncomfortable with this doctorine. I talked with scolars regarding this and I was taught all the logics supporting the 'Trinity' but my conscious couldn't accpet it fully that 'Jesus is God'. I felt that everything is ok in christianity accept this part.;Later I came to know about the group called 'Jehovas witness'. I learnt that they believe in Jesus but not considers him as God. so i become interested about them. I talked with them. i found someof their logics are right but some are not. now i'm confused. if you allow me i'll write in detail where are my confusions. I'm afraid that i've written too long and making you bore.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I was born & brought up in a Muslim family in Bangladesh. I had a God fearing heart. From my childhood I tried to follow my rituals. In 1995 I went to Delhi ( INDIA) for my graduation. There I came across with some christian brothers who used to teach among campus students. I […]

What does the Bible have to say about cremation?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

What does the Bible have to say about cremation? The Bible says absolutely zero about cremation. Any thoughts on this practice must be generated based on biblical principles, not on direct Bible teaching. What we can say for sure is that our original bodies will completely decay eventually. They will return to dust, as you […]

When will the end of this world come according to the Bible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General .

Question: When will the end of this world come according to the Bible? Answer: That is a great question. Jesus made it clear that no one knows the time of his return. Anyone who tells you when he will come again is deceived. You should not listen to such people. Here is what Jesus said: […]

Can we have the communion on any other day than Sunday? What does the insciption, INRI on the cross mean?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Can we have the communion on any other day than Sunday? What does the insciption, INRI on the cross mean? Answer: Let me answer the easy question first. INRI is an acronym for a Latin translation of the inscription Pilate had put on the sign he placed on Jesus’ cross. Pilate had a sign […]

What is the biblical way to choose a wife?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Social Issues .

Question: I have been dating in the church for a while and I think she is the one. What is the biblical way to find a wife? How should I approach this? Answer: This is a very interesting question to come to a Christian apologetics web site. Normally, apologists are not the first place to […]

Are yoga and martial arts deception because of their mysticism and religious implications?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I?ve seen somewhere that things such as yoga are instruments of deception becausethey deal with mystic andspiritual aspects. Iquite agree with this position. Can you please elaborate? What about martial arts? Answer: I believe it is possible to over react to yoga and the martial arts. Obviously, no Christian will (or should) take part […]

Did Judas get a chance to repent when Jesus "preached to the dead?" (1 Peter 3:18-21)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I feel sad for Judas Iscariot for commiting suicide.I wish he could have waited, but my understanding is after Jesus’s death on the cross he was preaching to the dead. Somewshre in Hebrew or Peter it’s mentioned & Jesusmakes acomparison toJonahwhowas inside the fish for 3 days. In the same waythe son of man […]

The Jews told Jesus, "We have a law… he must die… he claimed to be the Son of God." What law are they referring to, or is it an implied law?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I have a question on John 19:6-7 (NIV); 6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” ;But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to […]

How can you have an intimacy with God? How can I have a close relation with God?hear his voice or be blessed spiritually?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: How can you have an intimacy with God? How can I have aclose relation with God?hear his voice or be blessed spiritually? Answer: I am certainly not an expert on this question! This is an Christian apologetics website! Nevertheless, I like to at least make an attempt at answering every question which comes in, […]

Are prophecies in Ezekiel and other books about what is happening in Israel today?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: I hear a lot of talk about prophecy concerning Israeland that what is going on with current events invloving Israelas fulfilling this prophecy. I suppose they are referring to scriptures such as Ezekiel 37:21 and Psalm 83:4. I always interpret these scriptures about the “nation” or “people Israel” as being symbolic for true Christians, […]

Did David marry Saul's wives after he died? (2 Samuel 12:7-8) Does God condemn polygamy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Social Issues .

Question: I have a question on Polygamy. II Samuel 12:7-8 says that God gave Saul’s kingdom and his house to David. He also gave Saul’s wives in his arms. Does it mean that everything of Saul’s becomes David’s own including the wives? If so, then God does encourage polygamy or not being commited to one […]

Do you have any resources for general questions about apparent inconsistencies in the Bible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question Do you have a book that addresses a variety of alleged inconsistencies in the Bible. I recently bought a book called Encylopedia of Bible Difficulties. I have been able to resolve my questions through research. I must admit that I came upon some recently that concerned me. Is that normal? To see something that […]

I have shown co-workers that the Bible claims to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, but they do not accept this. What should I do?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics .

Question: One of the questions I tend to run into a lot from co-workers of mine is “How do we know the Bible was inspired by God” and “How do we know that the men who wrote it didn’t just put in what they wanted us to hear and left other things out?” How could […]

What does Luke11:24-26 mean?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: What does Luke11:24-26 mean? Answer: This passage is something like a mini-parable. It is not to be taken literally. Although perhaps it could happen literally, that is not the point. Jesus is talking about our lives. It is not enough to get the evil out or our house (life). We must fill our house […]

Does 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 imply that saved people will live infinitely?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: This may seem a silly question but I studied out 1Corinthians 15:50-54. Paul says that our bodies, which are perishable and mortal, will be transformed into heavenly bodies which are imperishable and immortal. Would I be right in thinking that this means we will live infinitely when we are saved? Answer: This is not […]