Reasonable Faith Podcast

A philosophical back-and-forth about whether demonstrating a divine being also establishes classical attributes like omniscience and omnipotence. The conversation contrasts ordinary definitions of God with more theologically refined ones. Listeners hear distinctions between proving existence and proving all perfections. The ontological argument and its implications for theism are also discussed.

A political thinker reflects on a decades-long spiritual search and surprising turns toward faith. They discuss how modern comforts and scientific assumptions can obscure existential questions. The episode explores mathematical beauty, the contingency question, regress and the Kalam, and how to conceive of God beyond human images.

A lively discussion reconstructs a theological fatalism argument about divine foreknowledge and human choice. A modal logic pitfall is identified and explained. The idea of humans co-actualizing possible worlds is explored. The claim that God must pick a single best possible world is questioned with reasons why no single best world may exist.

Max Botner, a scholarly critic of penal substitution in atonement studies, joins a lively debate. They clash over substitution versus participation and whether Levitical sacrifices imply vicarious punishment. The discussion dives into Isaiah 53, hand‑laying rituals, and how representation and substitution might coexist in Christ.

Caleb opens with a discussion on alleged online heresies. William Lane Craig clarifies his positions on these claims, emphasizing his neo-Apollinarian view, which asserts that the Logos aligns with Christ's rational soul. He also tackles original sin, affirming a historical Adam but rejecting guilt imputation. Additionally, Craig references Aquinas, noting that Adam's loss of superadded grace led to universal sin. The conversation wraps up with a friendly farewell.

A lively debate unfolds around penal substitutionary atonement, with Dr. Craig and Andrew Rillera sparring over critical interpretations. The concept is dissected, revealing differing views on Christ's sacrifice and its implications. Rillera's focus on biblical theology is scrutinized, as critics argue he overlooks essential penal aspects. The podcast highlights the attraction of Rillera's book to progressive audiences while debating its exegetical merit. Key disagreements on Old Testament interpretations and New Testament reshaping of sacrifice add layers to this engaging theological clash.

This discussion dives into the noticeable lack of women's testimonials in religious contexts. The host analyzes audience demographics, revealing a mainly male listenership that influences these outcomes. A compelling argument is made about the rational approach in apologetics appealing more to men, while the need for ministries targeting males is emphasized. Additionally, there's a thought-provoking debate on women's roles in teaching doctrine within local churches. The conversation wraps up with insights into balancing truth and audience engagement.

Dr. Bart Ehrman reveals what he believes is the most pivotal discovery in biblical studies. He discusses the challenges of manuscript variants and their impact on New Testament texts. Ehrman highlights archaeology's role, citing examples like the Exodus and the tomb of Jesus. William Lane Craig responds with insights into the limitations of archaeological evidence. The Dead Sea Scrolls are praised for enhancing understanding of first-century Judaism. Finally, the conversation touches on the importance of teaching critical thinking in biblical studies.

This discussion dives into the intricate balance of starting a family while pursuing graduate studies. Insights reveal the benefits of waiting to have children for flexibility. The importance of prioritizing a wife’s desires is highlighted to avoid potential resentment. Craig shares how spiritual practices like nightly Bible readings can enrich family life. Interestingly, he notes that many find increased productivity after having children by restructuring their time effectively. The conversation wraps up with a heartfelt prayer for guidance in harmonizing studies and family.

The discussion dives deep into the complexities of the Trinity, exploring concepts like perichoresis and timeless existence. Dr. Craig tackles the idea of actual infinities, clarifying that singularities are mere mathematical concepts, not reflective of reality. He further distinguishes between verifiable predictions and unfalsifiable scenarios regarding the universe’s inception. With insightful arguments, he defends the necessity for causes behind existence and challenges the idea of an infinite past, showcasing intriguing paradoxes that arise from such notions.