#277 There are No New Questions! Connecting with Church History, with Douglas Groothuis

16 snips

Nov 24, 2024

Douglas Groothuis, a Christian philosopher and professor at Cornerstone University, joins to dive deep into the wisdom of Blaise Pascal. They discuss how Pascal's insights remain relevant today, particularly in combating contemporary challenges in Christian thought. The conversation highlights the importance of church history and critiques the superficiality of some progressive ideas. Groothuis emphasizes the relationship between faith and reason, urging a balance in understanding sin and divine revelation, while also reflecting on storytelling as a powerful tool for conveying truth.

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INSIGHT

No New Questions

Many ideas presented by progressive Christianity are not new.
These questions have been discussed and addressed throughout church history.

INSIGHT

Pascal's Influence

Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century intellectual, contributed to theology, philosophy, and science.
Studying historical figures like Pascal provides valuable context for current theological discussions.

INSIGHT

Humility in Intellectual Engagement

Approach historical figures like Pascal with humility, recognizing their intellectual depth.
Engage with their arguments critically, even if you disagree, to avoid intellectual laziness.

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Christian Apologetics

A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith

Douglas Groothuis

In this comprehensive text, Douglas Groothuis presents a clear and rigorous case for Christian theism. The book is divided into sections that cover apologetic preliminaries, the case for Christian theism, and responses to objections. It includes new chapters on topics such as doubt and the hiddenness of God, the atonement, the church, and lament as a Christian apologetic. Groothuis addresses the most common questions and objections raised about Christianity, providing a foundation for the biblical basis of apologetics, apologetic method, and a defense of objective truth. The book is interdisciplinary, incorporating insights from philosophy, historiography, cosmology, biblical studies, biology, sociology of religion, contemporary physics, and psychology. It is designed to be a guide for students, ordinary Christians, and seasoned philosophers to confidently present their beliefs in the face of doubts and competing views[1][3][5].

Pensées

Blaise Pascal

The 'Pensées' is an unfinished work by Blaise Pascal, intended as a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith. It consists of fragments and notes that Pascal was compiling before his death in 1662. The work is characterized by its psychological and philosophical approach, particularly evident in Pascal's Wager, which argues for the rationality of believing in God. Pascal's writing highlights the contradictions and complexities of human nature, emphasizing both the wretchedness and greatness of humanity. The 'Pensées' also critiques skepticism and underscores the importance of seeking spiritual truth beyond mere reason[2][3][5].

On Pascal

Douglas Groothuis

Live Your Truth and Other Lies

Alisa Childers

Live Your Truth and Other Lies is a book by Alisa Childers that tackles the challenges of progressive Christianity and its impact on the church. It examines how certain progressive ideas contradict traditional Christian teachings and explores the historical context of these debates. The book offers a thoughtful and insightful analysis of the issues facing contemporary Christianity, providing readers with tools to navigate the complexities of faith in a changing world. It encourages readers to engage with the historical roots of Christian belief and to critically evaluate modern interpretations. Childers' work serves as a guide for those seeking to understand and defend their faith in the face of evolving cultural norms.

Return of the God Hypothesis

Stephen C. Meyer

Return of the God Hypothesis is a book by Stephen C. Meyer that explores the scientific evidence for the existence of God. Meyer argues that recent scientific discoveries, particularly in the fields of cosmology and biology, point towards the existence of an intelligent designer. He challenges materialistic explanations for the origin of the universe and life, presenting a case for theism as a more plausible explanation. The book is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate between science and religion, offering a compelling argument for the compatibility of faith and reason. Meyer's work is characterized by its rigorous scholarship and its accessibility to a broad audience.

Truth Decay

Douglas Groothuis

Pascal's Wager

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Douglas Groothuis

The abolition of man

C.S. Lewis

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis[2][4][5].