Link: Matthew Ferguson on “Understanding the Spirit vs. the Letter of Probability”
A while back, I wrote a brief commentary on William Lane Craig’s critique of Bart Ehrman on the probability of miracles. Matthew Ferguson recently weighed in. He agrees with my conclusions, but greatly amplified them by writing an entire essay expounding on supporting points. I highly recommend his essay to anyone interested in the topic … Link: Matthew Ferguson on “Understanding the Spirit vs. the Letter of Probability”
One Christian Worldview? Part 4: Evangelical Denominations
Catholics constituted 20.8% of the adult population in the USA (in 2014, see the Religious Landscape Study), and Christians who belong to Evangelical Protestant denominations constituted 25.4% of the adult population in the USA (in 2014). So, if we combine Catholics and Evangelicals, they constituted 46.2% of the adult population in the USA (in 2014). … One Christian Worldview? Part 4: Evangelical Denominations
The Homeopathic Christ Problem
(A mostly silly puzzle about Holy Communion) The Christian sacrament of Communion can be viewed according to two main competing theoretical perspectives. The first can be called the “symbolic presence” account, according to which the bread and wine are nothing more than symbolic representations of the body and blood of Jesus. On this view, to … The Homeopathic Christ Problem
One Christian Worldview? Part 3: The Compendium
In Part 2 of this series I presented an argument for the conclusion that there is just ONE Christian worldview. The most important and controversial premise in that argument is premise (3): 3. The Four Basic Beliefs of Christianity are accepted by the Catholic Church, by Eastern Orthodox Churches, and by many major Protestant denominations. Because … One Christian Worldview? Part 3: The Compendium
One Christian Worldview? Part 2: An Argument
Buddhism has the Four Noble Truths, and I think that those beliefs constitute a worldview, namely the Buddhist worldview. I also believe that the logic of the Four Noble Truths can be applied to analyze other worldviews, including the worldview (or worldviews) of Christianity. Here is my analysis of the ONE Christian worldview, based on … One Christian Worldview? Part 2: An Argument
Did Jesus Die on the Cross? Part 2: Finishing Off Geisler’s Case
It is springtime! The sky is blue, and the sun is shining again here in the great and green Northwest. Every year Easter brings life back into me. I feel born again, inspired and energized to once again attack the beast (i.e. Christianity/religion/superstition). I might be tilting at a windmill, but I’m delighted to be back … Did Jesus Die on the Cross? Part 2: Finishing Off Geisler’s Case
Did Jesus Die on the Cross? Part 1: Geisler’s Case
According to the Christian philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler: Before we [i.e. Christian believers] can show that Jesus rose from the dead, we need to show that he really did die. (When Skeptics Ask, p.120) William Lane Craig does not understand this basic principle concerning the alleged resurrection of Jesus, and as a result his case for … Did Jesus Die on the Cross? Part 1: Geisler’s Case
Ain’t No Flies on Elvis
Elvis Presley was born on January 8th in 1935. If he was alive today, he would be 82 years old. Elvis died on August 16th in 1977, but many have claimed to have seen Elvis alive since that time. Such sightings are still being reported: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/578658/elvis-presley-birthday-not-dead-died-alive http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/683314/ELVIS-NOT-DEAD-Graceland-groundsman-filmed-THIS-MONTH-is-King-aged-81 And there is even an Elvis Sighting Society, … Ain’t No Flies on Elvis
Unapologetic Review – Part 7: Two Definitions of “Faith”
The Two Main Definitions of “Faith” in Unapologetic There are seven short statements in Unapologetic that appear to be definitions of the word “faith”. The definition given in Chapter 1 (p.37) is an incomplete version of the definition given in Chapter 2. The definition given in Chapter 2 is clear and worthy of serious consideration: … Unapologetic Review – Part 7: Two Definitions of “Faith”
Unapologetic Review – Part 4: More Effort Required
“Communication is Hard” My wife is a very intelligent woman. I enjoy discussing religion, politics, and philosophy with her. When I lay out an argument, either for my own viewpoint or (as the devil’s advocate) for some alternative viewpoint, she almost always raises one or two sharp objections to the argument. She is also a … Unapologetic Review – Part 4: More Effort Required