Really Recommended Posts

Really Recommended Posts 8/23/13- Twain, Egypt, creationism, and more!

I am excited to offer you, dear reader, a slew of fantastic posts for your perusal. The topics this go-round are diverse. We will look at Egypt and the media coverage there, Mark Twain and the Book of Mormon, Darwin’s Doubt, creationism, Stephen King’s Under the Dome, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Mainstream media silent as Muslim Brotherhood targets Christians in Egypt– What is going on in Egypt? Violence against Christians has boiled over, but it seems we hear nothing about it here. Check out this article to read a refreshing perspective which will help inform you about what’s going on “over there.”

Mark Twain’s Review of the Book of Mormon– Mark Twain was a hilarious satirist and well deserves his place among the top American writers of his time. In this post, he turns his humorous pen to the Book of Mormon. It is worth noting a few errors with Twain’s account, however. I’m not sure if the Mormon account has changed, but Twain writes that the Book of Mormon was alleged to be translated from copper plates, when it is said to have been gold. More interestingly, Twain reveals his grounding in his own times when he writes “The Mormon Bible is rather stupid and tiresome to read, but there is nothing vicious in its teachings. Its code of morals is unobjectionable—it is ‘smouched’ from the New Testament and no credit given.” Take a gander at 2 Nephi 5:21ff (scroll down to verse 21 and following) and let me know if you see something which is similar to the New Testament’s statement in Galatians 3:28 and whether you object to the Book of Mormon’s writing in 2 Nephi.

Science, Reason, & Faith: Evaluation of Darwin’s Doubt by Stephen C. Meyer, part 1– With shouts of “pseudo-science” clamoring to drown out those who are even attempting to do research in the area of intelligent design, it is refreshing to sit back and look through some analyses which interact with the works rather than just spewing vitriol. I found this series of posts quite interesting and worth the read as I have been reading through the book myself.

Upset Creationist– Jay Wile is a young earth creationist whom I respect. His integrity is admirable. I disagree with his position strongly, but I admire him as person of character. This post is no different. He interacts with some comments the well-known creationist Ken Ham directed his way. Perhaps most thought-provoking was Wile’s comment that “Whether we are talking about the materials from Answers in Genesis or that particular exhibit in the museum, the message is crystal clear: the concept of millions of years has destroyed the church. I strongly disagree with that message.” Wile’s acknowledgement that we can be brothers and sisters in Christ despite disagreeing on this issue is refreshing.

Stephen King’s “Under the Dome”: A Mid-Season Perspective– one of my favorite blogs, Empires and Mangers, takes a look at the TV series based on the horror author’s work, “Under the Dome.”

Bonhoeffer, the Church, and the Consequence of Ideas– I’m a huge fan of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s work. For those who don’t know, Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran who was executed by the Nazis during World War 2. In this article, his view of the Church and how that influenced his activism is briefly explored.

Really Recommended Posts 8/16/13: Elysium, Osteen, and Russell, oh my!

Plenty to check out this go-round of the Really Recommended Posts. LOTR actor Astin opens up about Christianity, the usefulness of natural theology, Bertrand Russell, a “call out” to Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, and the recent flick Elysium.

Elysium: Fighting for Paradise– Anthony Weber’s excellent blog Empires and Mangers is well worth following, as he continues to publish top-notch analyses of cultural material. Here, he gives an excellent reflection on the recent movie, Elysium.

Why I Called Out Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer– I found this to be an excellent summary of Meyer and Osteen’s theology with an insightful critique. Meyer and Osteen have strayed from the Biblical message and they do need to be “called out” as false teachers.

‘Lord of the Rings’ Actor Opens Up About His Christian Faith– Yet another reason to like Samwise Gamgee. Check out the article for some interesting tidbits on living a life of faith in the Hollywood lights.

Why I am Not Bertrand Russell– Win Corduan provides an excellent analysis of a Biblical text to which Russell took exception. It is worth checking out the rest of Corduan’s blog as well, as it is an excellent resource across the board. Corduan is the author of the excellent work, Neighboring Faiths, a text on religions I highly recommend.

On Moser’s Rejection of Natural Theology– Paul Moser’s work has interested me quite a bit. However, he rejects the project of natural theology in a fashion which seems to me to be unwarranted. Here, there is an analysis of Moser’s thoughts in this area.

Really Recommended Posts 8/9/13

Here we have another go-round of the internet, in which I have found you, dear readers, some great reads. Featured topics this weak include abortion, Jesus, the universe, intelligent design, the teleological argument, and genocide.

Aslan Stumbles– Check out this extremely in-depth review of the recent book about Jesus, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. Here, David Marshall offers a number of criticisms regarding individual assertions within the book, and then offers a critical account of Reza Aslan’s claims about Jesus’ life.

Republican Congresswoman Refuses to Abort Baby Diagnosed with Fatal Condition– The title of this one says quite a bit, but the article is even more interesting. Check out what happened when this republican congresswoman put her beliefs into practice with her child. It truly is a beautiful story.

The Observable Universe– I found this a pretty neat way to put our planet into perspective as far as the size of the universe is concerned.

Flight: The Genius of Birds (Media Review)– a look at the recent film by Illustra Media which makes a case for intelligent design from observations about flight.

Militant Atheists and the ‘Other’ Holocausts– We must know history in order to avoid repeating it. Genocides have occurred throughout human history, and atheists love to allege that religion is to blame. Is that always the case?

Even in the Multiverse, Our Universe is Rare– An argument that the design argument still works even given a multiverse.

Really Recommended Posts 8/2/13

After a brief hiatus, “Really Recommended Posts” are back. This go-round I have found for your reading/viewing pleasure a debate on sola scriptura, Buddhism, fear, the Shroud of Turin, and presuppositional apologetics. As always, let me know what you liked/didn’t like! Send me your own recommendations!

Is the Bible the only infallible rule of faith? Tim Staples vs. James White (Video)- A (lengthy) debate between a Roman Catholic and a Calvinist regarding the rule of faith. Should we hold to sola scriptura, or do we need the Magisterium in order to preserve teaching? The debate is really worth listening to.

A Comparison of the Ethical teachings and Impact of Jesus and Buddha– A brief insight into comparative religions between Buddhism and Christianity. What of truth in other religions? I found this a very interesting post.

Fiction and Fear– A really excellent post over at Hieropraxis which notes the importance of an element of fear in fiction. The post ties this back to the relevance of the Christian teaching of Christ’s redeeming work.

Shroud of Turin Blog– I am not convinced that the Shroud of Turin is authentic. However, I do find some of the work being done regarding its authenticity is very interesting. This blog has a constant string of posts related to various evidences in favor of the Shroud’s authenticity. I recommend it for those interested in reading on the topic, with the caveat of my own (hopeful) skepticism.

What is pre-suppositionalism? What is presuppositional apologetics?– Over at Wintery Knight, this interesting post turned up with a critique of presuppositionalism as an epistemology (largely based on this post at The Messianic Drew). I found it interesting, though I do not fully agree with all the critiques leveled therein. For balance, I would also direct readers to Janitorial Musings for a counter-argument to the first major contention against presuppositionalism- Presuppositionalism and Circularity. I think readers should read all the posts involved for a more complete picture. Judge for yourselves what to think of the presuppositional “worldview” (to use Drew’s term–I would lean towards saying “epistemology” instead).

Really Recommended Posts: 6/7/13- Mormonism, The Ice Age, and more!

Dear Reader, it is now that time to once more share with you my own wanderings across the internet. I have brought to you a random mix of posts which interested me. Given that you still choose to read my site, you probably have some random interests which match my own. Thus, I’ve done your work for you. For free. No problem. Just check out the posts! This week, we have the Ice Age and Creationism, Mormonism, Papal Infallibility,Constantine, the need for apologetics, and an archaeological mystery for you to solve. Leave a comment. Let me know what you liked. Have a post you think I need to read? Well, pass it along!

Mormonism and Christianity: which one is supported by the evidence?– Do you like evidence to go along with your beliefs? I sure do. Wintery Knight investigates the claims of Mormonism and Christianity to discern which one has better evidential support. Read this… you will not be disappointed.

The Pleistocene is Not in the Bible– “Pleistocene” is basically a fancy name for “Ice Age.” Check out this post, which investigates one major young earth creationist claim about the Ice Age and the Bible.

Before “Infallibility” Was a Twinkling in a Pope’s Eye– I found this post very interesting because I have a major love for historical theology and the interplay between history and theology. The author explores the historical development of Papal Infallibility.

It Should Never have Come to That Point– I found this a powerful call for churches to engage in apologetics. I think apologetics is a vital educational tool and anyone who says we don’t need it needs to think again. Check out my own post as a call to apologetics.

Was Constantine a Christian or Pagan?– Constantine has a pretty bad reputation in many circles. Here, Max Andrews addresses some of the more pressing questions about Constantine’s life. I think that in places the case is overstated, but he brings to light many interesting issues to discuss. Look forward to a post from me on Constantine sometime in the (fairly distant) future.

Massive submerged structure stumps Israeli archaeologists– I found this an interesting little piece of archaeological mystery. What was this thing? I’ll be taking your submissions in the comments here.

As always, note that my linking to a post does not entail my endorsement of all of its content.

Really Recommended Posts 5/31/13

How often do you go searching the internet for great posts? Well, I have just saved you the trouble! Check out this week’s Really Recommended Posts, which include abortion, Star Trek, Bible contradictions alleged by Muslims, young earth interpretations of genetics, and Yoga.

The Pro-Abortion Rhetoric Primer Poster– One of my all-time favorite sites, No Apologies Allowed, features apologetics-related cartoons which are often thought-provoking. Check this one on the rhetoric of “pro-choice.”

Star Trek’s Prime Directive and Moral Relativism– I found this post on Star Trek at large to be fascinating. It analyzes Trek’s mandated morality and finds it to be somewhat wanting. Also check out my post on Star Trek: Into Darkness.

101 Cleared-up Contradictions in the Bible– I found this post unique because it focuses on answering Bible contradictions specifically charged by Muslims. Although many of these are rehashed from atheists, the answers given focus upon the apologetic aspect relating to Islam. I would list this post as a must-read.

Horsing Around with Genetic Sorting– How does the use of “kind” within YEC work in their own paradigm? Over at the Natural Historian, some young earth claims regarding genetic sorting are investigated.

On Yoga: A Call for a Christian Imagination– How should CHristians think about Yoga? Is the answer simple or complex? I found this post insightful in leading discussion on the topic.

Really Recommended Posts 5/24/13

Once more I have gone to the ends of the internet to find some posts to recommend for you, dear readers. This week, the topics are, as ever, diverse. We have bioethics, parameters for debates, creationism, the Quran, and Nietzsche. As always, check them out. Let me know your thoughts.

Bioethics and Worldview– A fascinating post which shows how one’s worldview can guide one’s positions in bioethics. What do we value? That will come out in practice. Our society does not value life. I think that is obvious in our practices.

Convenient Explanations– Luke Nix offers some advice to Christians and non-Christians about respectful debate.

Biblical case for Long Days (VIDEO)– I found this short video informative. It gives some reasons that Bible-believing Christians hold to views other than young earth creationism.

The Bible or the Quran– A fascinating, worldview-level comparison of the Bible and the Quran. Which makes more sense of reality? Mike Robinson argues persuasively that it is the Bible.

Doug Groothuis – Nietzsche’s Evaluation of Christian Ethics– I found this very thought-provoking and insightful. Nietzsche is often seen as one of the more talented atheistic philosophers. How does his evaluation of Christian ethics play out? Is it sound? Doug Groothuis puts forth cogent arguments which must be considered.

Really Recommended Posts 5/17/13

Tons of great stuff around the internet, and it is my job to bring it to you, dear readers. The articles this week are brimming with awesomeness, so check them out! We have martyrdom, tradition and religion, secularism, abortion, and eschatology all rolled up into one Really Recommended Posts feature! Let me know what you think!

Unmythical Martyrs– Recently, a book called “The Myth of Persecution” has alleged that Christianity made up its long history of persecution. Check out this insightful critique of such a position.

Tradition is Unavoidable– What do we do with tradition? Should we be for faith but against religion? What role, if any, does tradition play? I found this post very helpful for summing up concisely some solid answers to these and other questions.

Five Challenges for your Secular Friends– Carson Weitnauer notes that there are some very serious problems facing those with a secular worldview, and offers five primary challenges to that position.

Response to a Pro-Choice Opinion Piece– I recently read an article which argued that “pro-life” is a misnomer. It was so terrible I thought about putting up a response post. Then I found this one, which already did my work for me. Success! Check out this excellent post which gives thoughtful answers to a number of misconceptions about the meaning of “pro-life.”

Book Review: The Harbinger– It isn’t surprising to me that this book has been remarkably popular. Go into (almost) any Christian bookstore and you’ll see it frontlining the Christian fiction section, or somewhere thereabouts. The book uses fiction to suggest that the USA is following the pattern of judgment found in the Bible. Check out this excellent review of the work which addresses some of the primary issues it raises.

Really Recommended Posts 4/19/13

Here we have another excellent round of posts from across the net. Please, if you look at nothing else, look into the Gosnell case. The link I have here really puts the matter well. The other posts this week are just as important and interesting, however. We have posts on the divinity of Jesus, the “King James Only” debate [what’s that? check out the link!], Rob Bell and spiritual reality, the dominion of nature in Genesis, and Sam Harris on morality. As always, pass this post to your friends and let me know what you enjoyed!

The Gosnell Trial and Destroying the Image of God– Who is Gosnell? The horrific details of this trial confirm that the image of God is under assault. But that assault goes beyond the obviously criminal actions of this man. They extend to the fact that we have undermined the image of God in humanity by devaluing human life, period.

Did the divinity of Jesus emerge slowly after many years of embellishments?– Wintery Knight presents a fantastic summary of the evidence that the divinity of Christ was a belief tied to the earliest years of Christianity.

King James Only Debate (VIDEO)– It is depressing to admit that this is a debate, but there are in fact Christians who believe the King James Bible is the only Bible we should use because… well, watch this debate and find out. I think that James White did an excellent job refuting this position.

Rob Bell’s Recipe for Spiritual Disaster– Rob Bell has seemingly prided himself in asking the tough questions that no one is asking. But what about the answers? Are there answers? Check out this thoughtful post on Bell’s theological system. Be sure to also check out my study guide of his book, “Love Wins” which comes with links to a chapter-by-chapter review I did as well.

Does Genesis 1:27-28 authorize exploiting nature?–  Dan Story has written a fantastic overview of the issues related to interpreting Genesis 1:27-28 (dominion over the earth) as a command to exploit nature. Be sure to also check out his further analysis. For more on that issue, check out my Caring for Creation: A discussion among evangelicals.

Sam Harris’ Equivocation on “The Good”– Max Andrews offers a brief yet poignant look at how Sam Harris has erred on his attempts to ground objective morality in a non-theistic system.

Really Recommended Posts 4/12/13

I have once again gone to all corners of the internet to present you, dear reader, with a list of links so diverse, so wonderful, so amazing, that you will not be able to stop until you have read them all. Do not worry, dear reader, there are more Really Recommended Posts available to you [scroll down for more!]. This week, we read about Mark Twain and GK Chesterton, fine-tuning, science fiction, natural law, preparing Christian youth, and watch a video on justice!

Something of the Same Magic: Mark Twain and G.K. Chesterton– two phenomenal writers are compared in this excellent post on the developed thought behind each of their insights. As an avid reader and longtime Twain fan, I enjoyed this post immensely.

New Study: formation of life-permitting elements carbon and oxygen is fine-tuned– More evidence for the fine-tuning required for life  is made clear through nature. This is a very insightful post which deserves your attention. For more on the fine-tuning argument, check out my post: Our Spooky Universe: Fine-Tuning and God.

When Youth Aren’t Prepared– What happens when we do not prepare Christian youths for the challenges they will face? Deeper Waters, an incredibly thoughtful blog, discusses the implications.

Barsoom or Bust! (Movie Review: “John Carter”)– One of my favorite websites (and podcasts!) features this excellent review of “John Carter.” Be sure to also check out my own review, in which I discuss a number of worldview issues which are raised by the movie: A Christian look at “John Carter”

A Christian Hart [intentional misspelling], a Humean Head– Are you interested in natural law? Of course you are. Edward Feser, one of the more lucid thinkers I know, writes about David Bentley Hart’s critique of natural law, while also expounding the theory. This is well worth the read.

Nicholas Wolterstorff at the Justice Conference– [Video] Nicholas Wolterstorff is a huge name when it comes to justice, having written extensively on the topic. Check out this lecture he gave on justice and Christianity.