Answering Atheism
Atheism is enjoying a resurgence in contemporary thought. Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins are but a few scholars that are challenging Christianity and other theistic traditions. In this lecture, we will consider the world view of atheism, including its naturalist presuppositions (the material world is all there is), and answer many of the atheists common objections including: "How can there be a good god when there is so much evil", "religion causes wars", "Christians are intolerant", "rreligion is merely a crutch", and "the bible condones slavery".
The Resurrection of Jesus
Many liberal scholars and skeptics insist that the resurrection of Jesus is simply a metaphor for new life, or that the resurrection was only spiritual, not physical. Since the apostle Paul claimed that "if Christ is not risen, your faith is in vain", a right understanding of the resurrection is crucial to Christian faith. In this lecture, we will consider the evidence from scripture, history, and archeology, and examine competing naturalist theories to reason to the best possible explanation of the evidence. Be prepared to answer Davinci Code and "tomb of Jesus" sensationalism with sound refutation.
Intelligent Design
Darwinian evolution is taught as absolute fact in our public schools and is commonly presented as the best explanation for the origin of life in the universe. In this lecture, we will consider the biological, cosmological, archaeological, and philosophical evidence against Darwinism, highlighting the failure of that system of thought to explain its own significant "gaps". The lecture will also provide a right understanding of just what intelligent design is, and its usefulness in either an old earth or young earth application.
Pluralism/Relativism
Christians are often called intolerant for claiming Jesus to be the only way. It is also quite unpopular to speak of certain activities and attitudes as "sinful", and to be accused of being judgmental. Are morals absolute? Are some things just morally wrong for every one in any culture? In this lecture, we will consider the case for moral absolutes, and also look at the way in which Christians are "mindful of the narrow way" as opposed to being "narrow-minded".
Is the Bible Trustworthy?
Is the bible just "another holy book"? Isn't it just a book written by a bunch of old men who chose some books and left out others? If we do not have the original writings, how can we know that what we have is an accurate record of the bible authors? What are "variants"? "What are those funny brackets doing in my bible anyway"? In this lecture, we will survey the topic of bible transmission, reliability, inspiration, and inerrancy. Be confident that you hold the truly good book!
