Why Do I Believe? Part 15 — Occam’s Razor and Pascal’s Wager

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There are two historical arguments that I find intriguing for the way in which they have been used for and against Christian apologetics:  the first is Occam’s (or Ockham’s) Razor, and the second is Pascal’s Wager.  I address these, not because I find either particularly compelling (in fact I don’t), but rather because I’ve seen them come up in apologetics debates with sufficient frequency that I … Continue reading Why Do I Believe? Part 15 — Occam’s Razor and Pascal’s Wager »

Examining a frequent argument for the Trinity

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Recently a friend of mine, while debating my objections to Western Christianity’s doctrine of the Trinity, referred me to Greg Boyd’s post Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Matter?  I respect Greg Boyd greatly, as anyone who’s followed me for some time will undoubtedly know. But that post is illustrative of precisely my objection to the usual arguments for the Trinity … the evidence presented, … Continue reading Examining a frequent argument for the Trinity »

“Worshiping the Same God” … Thoughts on the Controversy

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The news that Wheaton professor Dr. Larycia Hawkins may be fired over perceived conflicts between her public statements, and the college’s statement of faith, has been hailed and slammed across the internet.  At issue, nearly as I can determine, is that Dr. Hawkins refuses to recant her statement that Muslims and Christians worship the same God (full disclosure … I’ve said as much myself), and … Continue reading “Worshiping the Same God” … Thoughts on the Controversy »

“The Early Church on War and Killing” by Ron Sider — Article Recommendation

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Those who are interested in the topic of War & Peace on this site should be sure and read Ronald Sider’s excellent article The Early Church on War and Killing on the Books & Culture website sponsored by Christianity Today.  Sider reviews the arguments of two recent authors, John F. Shean and Despina Iosif who, in separate works, “argue that early Christians held widely divergent views … Continue reading “The Early Church on War and Killing” by Ron Sider — Article Recommendation »

“The War on Islam” and a Christian response

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It seems every day or two I hear another Christian commentator speak of how Christianity in general, and American Christianity in particular is, or at least will soon be, “at war with Islam.”  They point to the all-too-frequent attacks on the West by Muslim extremists, and the rhetoric of groups like Al-Quaeda and Daesh (1) as evidence.  Sometimes, they also appeal to the terrible treatment … Continue reading “The War on Islam” and a Christian response »

Why do I believe? Part 14 – A little more on fruit

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I’ve previously described how, at least in my own experience, there seems to be something about the way of Jesus that motivates more and deeper altruism than I have observed elsewhere.  But there’s another corollary that I have observed that I think deserves mention.  I have known quite a few people who have, during their adult life, either come to or left the Christian faith, … Continue reading Why do I believe? Part 14 – A little more on fruit »

Seven Days of Scripture – Day 6 – Matt. 7:3-5

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Why do you concentrate on the sawdust in your brother’s eye, and pay no mind to the two-by-four in your own eye?  How can you possibly say to him “let me help you with that dust in your eye,” when all the while you’ve got that two-by-four sticking out of your own?  Hypocrite!  First get that two-by-four out of your own eye; only then can … Continue reading Seven Days of Scripture – Day 6 – Matt. 7:3-5 »

Seven Days of Scripture – Day 5 – Amos 5:10-12 and 21-24

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    They hate him who reproves in the gate,         and they abhor him who speaks the truth.     Therefore because you trample on the poor         and you exact taxes of grain from him,     you have built houses of hewn stone,         but you shall not dwell in them;     you have planted pleasant vineyards,         but you shall … Continue reading Seven Days of Scripture – Day 5 – Amos 5:10-12 and 21-24 »

Seven Days of Scripture – Day 4 – Proverbs 27:14

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He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. OK, this one is just for fun.  It’s probably my all-time favorite of the Proverbs, and has been since I first discovered it as a kid.  I am not, nor have I ever been, a morning person.  Neither, I gather, was Solomon.  ‘Nuff … Continue reading Seven Days of Scripture – Day 4 – Proverbs 27:14 »