Interview with J. Warner Wallace | Rapp Report Weekly 0009 | Striving for Eternity
May 13, 2018
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J. Warner Wallace, a 20-year cold case detective and Christian apologist, shares his fascinating journey from atheism to faith, driven by a desire for truth. He discusses the importance of evidence in Christian apologetics and how storytelling parallels cold case investigations. The conversation delves into the role of women at the resurrection and the need for effective outreach strategies to engage younger audiences. Wallace also highlights his new children's book series, aiming to teach Christian principles through captivating mysteries and counteract the declining belief among youth.
J. Warner Wallace illustrates the significance of personal identity and its impact on professional interactions and perceptions in various fields.
Wallace emphasizes the crucial role of high-quality evidence in the justice system, explaining how careful evaluation influences the outcomes of cases.
The podcast promotes a dual approach in evangelism that combines personal strengths with audience needs, enhancing the effectiveness of communication.
Deep dives
The Significance of Personal Identity
The episode highlights the importance of personal identity, particularly how J. Warner Wallace transitioned from using his given name to adopting his middle name for professional purposes. This change was necessitated by confusion with another public figure who shared a similar name, illustrating the impact that names and identity can have on one's career. This issue of identity is not just personal but extends into how people perceive individuals based on names, backgrounds, and professions. The discussion underscores the nuances of identity in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing that identity can influence perceptions and interactions.
Experience in Cold Case Investigations
Wallace discusses his extensive background as a cold case detective, noting that he has never lost a case he presented to the District Attorney. He explains that the success of his cases is due to focusing on high-quality evidence and building strong arguments that can withstand scrutiny in court. However, he clarifies that the perception of never losing a case is slightly misleading, as many cases he encountered were never filed due to insufficient evidence from the outset. This commentary illustrates the critical role of careful evidence evaluation and the harsh realities of the justice system, particularly regarding the challenges faced when pursuing justice.
The Approach to Apologetics
The conversation delves into Wallace's unique approach to apologetics, driven by his experiences as a detective. He emphasizes the need for clear evidence, investigation techniques, and critical thinking when presenting biblical truths. Rather than engaging in purely academic discussions, he advocates for relatable examples that connect with everyday experiences, making the case for Christianity accessible. By drawing parallels between evidence-gathering techniques in detective work and the pursuit of truth in faith, Wallace makes apologetics approachable and practical for both believers and skeptics.
Influence and Communication Styles
Wallace introduces the concept of tailoring one’s communication according to personal strengths and target audiences. He suggests a twofold approach: being speaker-centric, where one plays to their unique experiences and skills, or audience-centric, where one focuses on the audience's needs and perspectives. This dual approach helps individuals find their identity within evangelism and apologetics, enhancing their effectiveness in sharing the gospel. By understanding one's own strengths, individuals can become more effective communicators and witnesses in their respective communities.
The Transition to a Christian Podcast Community
The episode concludes with Wallace sharing insights about the launch of a new Christian podcast community aimed at fostering collaboration among Christian podcasters. The initiative is designed to reduce individual costs while enhancing exposure and sustainability for participants in a cluttered media landscape. He highlights the importance of unity among Christians and the potential benefits of cross-promotion, ensuring that diverse voices can be heard effectively. This community aims to strengthen podcasting as a medium for evangelism and discipleship, addressing the need for a supportive network among faith-based communicators.
Andrew interviews J. Warner Wallace. Among the many topics, they discuss our Jim's background as a cold case detective, his books, and one of the main reasons children walk away from the church. Jim Wallace is a 20-year cold case detective and Christian apologist. He has written many books. His most recent contribution, with Andrew Rappaport, is the book Sharing the Good News with Mormons (www.SharingWithMormons.com).
Andrew will give an exclusive announcement about the Christian Podcast Community (www.ChristianPodcastCommunity.org)
Check out Jim's blog and podcast at www.ColdCaseChristianity.com
J. Warner Wallace, Cold-Case Detective, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics at Biola, and Author of Cold-Case Christianity, Cold-Case Christianity for Kids, God’s Crime Scene, God’s Crime Scene for Kids, and Forensic Faith
Web | Kid’s Academy | TV | Podcast | Speaking | Twitter | Facebook
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