In particular, Daniel wishes to bring up and discuss the skeptic/ atheist materials and books that have influenced him against Christianity in the past.
See below for some of the topics/ questions we have discussed. Topics are listed in approximate chronological order. Links are provided to articles and resources that address the questions/ topics.
I call Daniel and we arrange to meet. He is likeable, if a bit intense, rational and linear-logical. The first time we meet is on a Sunday in March 2005, from about 1pm to about 8pm.
We start meeting on a weekly basis. The first few meetings literally last 7-8 hours each where we cover a lot of ground, dealing particularly with skeptic questions from materials that Daniel has read. Over the weeks, we scale back the meetings to 4 hours then 2 hours then 1 hour or so per week.
This web-page attempts to list some of the questions / topics we have discussed.
Not at all. I believe in big-tent Christianity. The Atheist Scholar-Professor turned Christian, C.S. Lewis, refers to this as Mere Christianity.
I attend a non-denominational church, but am comfortable visiting and worshipping with different denominations within Christianity.
That Christianity can be viewed as a big-tent within which there is room for all of the denominations.
To be Christian we must subscribe to the verities (core doctrines).
However there is plenty of room within Christianity for differences in viewpoint regarding the distinctives (non-core doctrines).
Verities are the core teachings of Christianity.
God
Distinctives are non-core teachings within Christianity.
As mentioned above, distinctives are non-core teachings within Christianity. Here (below) are some examples:
Baptism
More than a Carpenter, by Josh McDowell.
"My new [Christian] friends challenged me intellectually to examine the claims Jesus Christ is God's Son; that taking on human flesh, He lived among real men and women and died on the cross for the sins of mankind, that He was buried and He arose three days later and could change a person's life in the 20th century....
"But these people challenged me over and over. Finally, I accepted their challenge, but I did it out of pride, to refute them. But I didn't know there were facts. I didn't know there was evidence that a person could evaluate.
"Finally, my mind came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ must have been who He claimed to be. In fact, the background of my first two books was my setting out to refute Christianity. When I couldn't, I ended up becoming a Christian. I have spent 13 yeas documenting why I believe that faith in Jesus is intellectually feasible" (pp. 364,5).
We discussed some of the topics in the book. His comment to me was that the book was a good simple introduction to the topic of evidence for Christianity. Now that he had read the book, he would be interested in more detail on some of the topics discussed in 'More than a Carpenter'.
Why I am a Christian: Leading Thinkers Explain Why They Believe,
Note: Daniel borrowed a copy of the book (Why I am a Christian). Over the next few weeks, he read the book, and then returned it to me with thanks.
We discussed some of the topics in the book. He liked some of the chapters and was interested in more information regarding topics dealt with in some of the other chapters.
The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel.
We discussed some of the topics in the book. He liked some of the chapters and was interested in more information regarding topics dealt with in some of the other chapters.
The Case for Faith, by Lee Strobel.
We discussed some of the topics in the book. He liked some of the chapters and was interested in more information regarding topics dealt with in some of the other chapters.
The Case for a Creator, by Lee Strobel.
See here for a brief response to this question.
In the weekly Bible study, we (Daniel and the 2-3 others in the study group) start reading through the book of Romans in the New Testament.
As we read, we stop and discuss the theology presented in the Book of Romans.
In the weekly Bible study, we (Daniel and the 2-3 others in the study group) continue to read through the book of Romans (in the New Testament), until we finish it.
As we read, we stop and discuss the theology presented in the Book of Romans.
In the weekly Bible study, we (Daniel and the 2-3 others in the study group) read through the book of James in the New Testament.
As we read, we stop and discuss the theology presented in the Book of James.
In the weekly Bible study, we (Daniel and the 2-3 others in the study group) read through the book of Galatians in the New Testament.
As we read, we stop and discuss the theology presented in the Book of Galatians.
In the weekly Bible study, we (Daniel and the 2-3 others in the study group) read through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
As we read, we stop and discuss the theology presented in the Book of Hebrews.
Who was _____ (see name below) and was Jesus modeled on Him?
[March 2006]
See here for an evaluation of the Josephus passages.
See here for an evaluation of the Tacitus passage.
What do we learn about Jesus and or Christianity from this historian/writer?
Tacitus turns out to be an extremely rich source of data that confirms important aspects of Christian history:
See here for a more detailed response.
Critical arguments about authorship and date of the Gospels revolve around the same data, and have revolved around it, for the past 2 million years. Well, not exactly 2 million; that's hyperbole to make the point which IS true: That is, with very, VERY few exceptions, critics and skeptics have used the same arguments against the traditional data over and over and over to the point of nausea. In my survey of the literature thus far, I have found that the standard critical arguments have been overused by skeptics and sufficiently answered by traditionalists; yet the critics have not deigned to answer the counter-arguments, except rarely and then only with bald dismissals. I will continue my search, of course, but so far there seems to be a notable reluctance on the part of critics to "put up or shut up" against the traditionalist counter-arguments!
Earl Doherty chose a format for his reply to Strobel that hatches an uncanny polemical advantage ... it is always possible, and extremely easy, to make your opponents look foolish by this method. ... [S]cholars like Blomberg, Metzger, Yamauchi, McRay, Boyd, and Witherington would not sit stock silent to Mr. Doherty's rebuttals ... I daresay had this been an actual court case, Earl Doherty would have been turned into dust by these scholars whose sandals he is unworthy to tie. ...
Earl Doherty has made it his habit to regard most of what has been written on this page with merely a snort and a harrumph. All that he has written in this critique of CFC [Case for Christ], whether he knows it or not, has been soundly refuted on the pages and links of Tekton. Indeed, I have been able to take portions from essays on this [web site] and use them practically unchanged. ... it is my opinion that he does not have the necessary tools to respond; the release of the book form of his project confirms this, for it appears that few actual additions have been made to the text. As before, Doherty's sourcework is dismal, hardly worthy of a professed scholar ...
See here for an evaluation of Doherty's arguments.
Earl Doherty's arguments against our three passages, and against the secular references, are hardly better than a bad joke. Between uncritical acceptance of questionable and/or outdated and/or uninformed arguments, blatant misreadings of texts, and peculiar interpretations - and despite some recent improvements - we are not even a husk of proof worth its weight.
See here for an evaluation of Doherty's arguments. The first section of the article deals with Doherty's late dating claims in particular.
Part of a manuscript of a book called the gospel of Judas was discovered recently. The manuscript is from about 350 years after Jesus (~300-400 AD). The book claims to have secret knowledge that was allegedly given to Judas by Jesus. Some of the information in this book is different from what is presented in the New Testament gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
I would trust the New Testament gospels much more than the so-called gospel of Judas for the following reasons:
The New Testament gospels were written by disciples of Jesus (Matthew, John) and by immediate disciples of the disciples of Jesus (Mark, Luke) and were accepted by the disciples as being correct. On the other hand, the Gnostic Gospels (of which the gospel of Judas is one) were actually written by other men who did not personally know Jesus.
The New Testament gospels describe events and teachings of Jesus that were common knowledge among his followers. On the other hand the Judas gospel supposedly describes secret teachings that were given only to Judas (so nobody else knew of these teachings). This makes it very easy for the men who wrote this gospel to make up any teaching they wished to, and then claim that it was a secret (and different) teaching given only to one person by Jesus. In other words, the claim of "secret teachings" is a little too convenient for the Gnostics (and reduces the credibility of the Gnostic claims).
The records of Jesus' teachings show that he did not hide things from his disciples. He shared his teachings with all of them. This contradicts the idea of Jesus giving secret teachings to an individual such as Judas.
Dialog with DanielDaniel is a friend with whom I have dialogued for a year or more. During our dialogs, he has brought up many questions. Some of the questions are based on his reading of books for and against Christianity. And some of the questions are based on his thinking about, and rational consideration of, Christianity.
March 2005
Daniel calls our church and asks to speak with a Pastor. He has lots of questions about Christianity, some from a Skeptic perspective, some from a Seeker perspective. The pastor refers him to me since he, the Pastor, knows that I am very interested in such dialog.
April 2005
What is Christianity?
See here for a brief response to this question.
What is the core of Christianity?
See here for a response to this question (same answer as above).
Is there Evidence that God exists?
See links below for responses to this question.
Is there Evidence that Christianity is true?
See here for links to responses relevant to this question.
Why did God create the universe?
See here for a brief response to this question.
Why did God create human beings?
See here for a brief response to this question.
What's up with all the denominations within Christianity?
Do you teach that only your denomination is correct within Christianity?
You mention big-tent Christianity. What is that?
You mention Verities. What are those?
One, Spirit, Creator
Jesus
Eternal, Uncreated
Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
Son/Word of God
Gospel
2nd person/persona of Trinity
God in human form
Jesus died for us
Salvation
Rose from the Dead
Paid for our sins (enabled reconciliation with God despite our sins)
Opened door to Eternal life with God
Accept JC’s sacrifice
Turn to God (turn away from past and present sin)
Live in Daily Relationship with God
You mention distinctives. What are those?
What are some examples of distinctives?
Adult
Predestination
Child
Infant
Believer’s
Immersion
Sprinkling
Arminianism
Tribulation
Calvinism
Pre-Trib
Millenium
Mid-Trib
Post-Trib
Pre-Mil
Sabbath
A-Mil
Post-Mil
Sunday worship
Church Government
Saturday worship
Congregational
Denominational Structure
Council of Elders
Hierarchical (Bishop…)
Independent
Age of Universe
Association
Hierarchical
Young-Earth
Creationism
Old-Earth
Young-Earth
Worship Style
Old-Earth
Theistic Evolution
Instruments
Systematic Theology
No instruments
Hymns & organ/ piano
Band
Contemporary music
Heavy metal
Dispensationalism
Languages
Covenant Theology
Other
English
Cultural practices
Korean
Greek
Head covering
Service Style
Shoes off in church
Separation of women/men
Liturgical (high-church)
Gifts of the Spirit
Low-church
Tongues
Word of Wisdom
Prophecy today
May 2005
What first book would you recommend to a person who is interested in seeing if there is evidence for Christianity?
Josh McDowell was a skeptic who became a Christian.
Note: Daniel borrowed a copy of the book (More than a Carpenter). Over the next few weeks, he read the book, returned it to me and obtained his own copy.
He presents his testimony on pages 363 - 367 of the book Evidence that Demands a Verdict.
June 2005
What Second book would you recommend to a person who is interested in seeing if there is evidence for Christianity?
by Norman L. Geisler (ed.) and Paul K. Hoffman (ed).
July 2005
What Third book would you recommend to a person who is interested in seeing if there is evidence for Christianity?
Lee Strobel was an atheist and a skeptic who became a Christian. His wife became a Christian first. Through her influence, Strobel started investigating the evidence for Christianity, at first with skeptical intent. With time however, he grew increasingly more convinced that the evidence for Christ and the evidence for Faith were valid and ultimately he committed his life to Christ.
Note: Daniel purchased a copy of the book (The Case for Christ). Over the next few weeks, he read the book, focusing particularly on sections that he had questions upon.
August 2005
What Fourth book would you recommend to a person who is interested in seeing if there is evidence for Christianity?
As mentioned above, Lee Strobel was an atheist and a skeptic who became a Christian. His wife became a Christian first. Through her influence, Strobel started investigating the evidence for Christianity, at first with skeptical intent. With time however, he grew increasingly more convinced that the evidence for Christ and the evidence for Faith were valid and ultimately he committed his life to Christ.
Note: Daniel purchased a copy of the book (The Case for Faith). Over the next few weeks, he read the book, focusing particularly on sections that he had questions upon.
September 2005
What Fifth book would you recommend to a person who is interested in seeing if there is evidence for Christianity?
As mentioned above, Lee Strobel was an atheist and a skeptic who became a Christian. His wife became a Christian first. Through her influence, Strobel started investigating the evidence for Christianity, at first with skeptical intent. With time however, he grew increasingly more convinced that the evidence for Christ and the evidence for Faith were valid and ultimately he committed his life to Christ.
Note: Daniel identified this as a book worth reading, and purchased a copy of the book (The Case for a Creator). My understanding is that he has read parts of the book, and the rest of the book is on his list of books to complete reading.
October 2005
Somewhere during this period of discussions and dialogs, Daniel started attending a Christian Church. He also started attending a Bible study with 2-3 Christians from a non-denominational church, and a second Bible Study with Christians from a denominational church.
In what order should we read the Bible?
Reading through Romans
November 2005
Reading through Romans (continued)
December 2005
Reading through James
January 2006
Reading through Galatians
February 2006
Reading through Hebrews
March 2006
Daniel wishes to bring up and discuss some more of the skeptic/ atheist materials and books that had influenced him against Christianity in the past. Many of the rest of the questions below arise from his re-reading of such material and bringing up questions based on his reading.
1 April 2006
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Attis of Phrygia?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Buddha ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Dionysus/Bacchus ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Horus ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Osiris ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Krishna ?
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Mithra of Persia ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Prometheus of Greece ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Qutzalcoatl of Mexico ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Serapis of Egypt ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus a copy-cat of Zoroaster/Zarathustra ?
See here for a response to this question.
Was Jesus just a copy-cat Savior Myth ?
See here for a response to this question.
8 April 2006
What can we learn about Jesus/ Christianity from the Jewish Historian Josephus,
and are his references to Jesus reliable?
[8 April 2006]
See here for a more detailed response.
And see below for an excerpt from the response linked to above:
What do we learn about Jesus and or Christianity from this historian/writer?
Josephus ends up being a rich source for confirmation of the Gospel record:
What can we learn about Jesus/ Christianity from the Roman Historian Cornelius Tacitus,
and is his reference to Jesus reliable?
[8 April 2006]
And see below for an excerpt from the response linked to above:
Are there reasons for early dating of the NT gospels?
[8 April 2006]
See here for a discussion of the dating of the gospels as well as their authorship and reliability.
And see below for an excerpt from the analysis:
Is Earl Doherty's critique of Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ" reliable?
[8 April 2006]
See here for an analysis of Doherty's critique of Strobel's Case for Christ.
And see below for an excerpt from the analysis:
Any input regarding Earl Doherty's claims that Jesus never existed?
[8 April 2006]
See here for an evaluation of Doherty's claims.
What about Doherty's arguments against the physical resurrection passages by Paul?
[8 April 2006]
And see below for an excerpt from the conclusion of the article linked to above:
What about Doherty's arguments for late dating of the gospels?
[8 April 2006]
What is the gospel of Judas?
[8 April 2006]The New Testament gospels were written shortly after the time of Jesus, whereas the earliest manuscript-portion of the alleged gospel of Judas is from about 350 years after Jesus.