Introduction- Chad and Brian discuss their favorite and most memorable debates between Christian apologists/philosophers and atheists/skepticsChad's Debate Picks1. James Crossley vs. William Lane Craig - Was Jesus Raised from the Dead? (2012)   - Highlights Craig's case for the resurrection based on postmortem appearances    - Contrasting styles of young Crossley vs distinguished Craig2. Jeffrey Lowder vs. Frank Turek - What Better Explains Reality: Naturalism or Theism? (2016)     - Appreciates Lowder's formal case for naturalism reminiscent of Craig   - Admires the cordiality and clash of Lowder's logic vs Turek's rhetoric  3. Christopher Hitchens vs. William Lane Craig   - The "prizefight" lead-up and spectacle surrounding this legendary debate   - Contrasts Craig's arguments vs Hitchens' emotional appeals4. Braxton Hunter vs. Matt Dillahunty (2019)   - Hunter exposes issues in Dillahunty's epistemology    - Effectively argues for Kalam cosmological argument and argument from free will5. Craig vs Francisco Ayala - Is Intelligent Design Viable? (2013)   - Craig debates an award-winning evolutionary scientist   - Craig has to think on his feet against unfamiliar arguments from Ayala6. Chris Date vs. Dale Tuggy - Is Jesus Human and Not Divine?     - High-level, rich, respectful debate between able defenders of their positions   - Highlights Date's ancient bird imagery argument for Christ's deity7. Paul Draper vs. William Lane Craig   - Craig debates a formidable philosophical adversary   - Interesting to see Craig on his heels against some unfamiliar argumentsBrian's Debate Picks  1. William Lane Craig vs. Peter Atkins   - The famous "put that in your pipe" moment where Craig lists what science can't explain2. Norm Geisler vs. Paul Kurtz on John Ankerberg Show     - Admires Geisler's rapid-fire responses to a breadth of objectionsBonus: Worst Debate - Jeff Durbin & James White vs Dr. Clark & Dan Ellis (2020)  - Dr. Clark engaged in bizarre antics like throwing books, demanding miracles  - One of the most cringeworthy debates they've seenFind links here: https://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2024/02/some-of-my-favorite-debates.html================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

In this episode, Brian and Chad discuss the importance of listening to debates. This is a kind of PART 1, and part 2 will discuss specific debates.Brian's seven reasons for listening to debates were: 1) Hearing the best defenders of each view, 2) Hearing actual arguments without interruptions, 3) Finding the cutting edge of the current debate, 4) Getting used to hearing opposing views without anxiety, 5) Seeing that Christianity can hold its own intellectually, 6) Observing how a cumulative case is made and critics' counters, and 7) Realizing the debate is just an entry point to a much deeper topic. Throughout explaining his seven reasons, Brian and Chad discussed the value of debates utilizing good logic (logos), credibility (ethos), and emotional appeals (pathos). They noted how the best debates are well-moderated with clear time limits. Listening to debates can boost confidence in the Christian faith by seeing it withstand scrutiny. However, the debate is just the start in grasping the full depth of a topic which opens up avenues for further study.================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

In this episode, Brian and Chad interview Chris Date about his view on conditional immortality, which is the idea that the final punishment of the wicked is death and total destruction rather than eternal conscious torment. Chris provides an overview of the two contrasting views and shares his journey of how he became convinced of annihilationism after originally believing in eternal conscious torment.He then dives into key biblical texts that are often used to argue for eternal torment, such as Mark 9:48, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 14:9-11, and Jude 7, demonstrating how these passages can actually better support conditionalism. Chris also makes a concise case for his view by looking at biblical evidence on immortality, the vision of eternity, substitutionary atonement, and the fate of the wicked described as death and destruction.For more resources from Chris on this topic, check out the Rethinking Hell website www.rethinkinghell.com and YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@RethinkingHellas well as Chris' personal website at https://chrisdate.info While Chris hopes listeners will consider his perspective, his ultimate desire is for unity in the body of Christ despite differences on this non-essential doctrine.================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

Astrophysicist Hugh Ross discusses how modern scientific discoveries support biblical inerrancy, challenges surrounding human origins and Adam and Eve, the concordist approach to science and Scripture, and the regional interpretation of Noah's Flood. Ross presents evidence for a recent origin of humanity and emphasizes the need for nuanced approaches in harmonizing science and theology.

Historian Dr. John Dickson joins the show to discuss his book, Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History. Dickson provides an insightful, nuanced perspective on some of the most controversial episodes in Christian history, from the Crusades to the Galileo affair. He argues that while Christians have certainly made grave mistakes throughout history, the influence of Christianity has also been profoundly positive, pioneering hospitals, abolitionism, and education. Dickson is candid about the church's failures but also highlights inspiring figures like Eligius, Gregory of Nyssa, and the courageous early Christian martyrs. He aims to provide an objective account that combats overly negative portrayals of Christian history while also avoiding Christian triumphalism.Key topics discussed include Constantine's role in the Christianization of Rome, myths about the "Dark Ages," the confident humility of early Christian martyrs, myths surrounding Galileo's persecution, and more. Dickson provides illuminating historical context and thoughtful analysis of these complex issues. His book provides a thoughtful corrective to biased accounts on both sides, appealing to secular and religious readers alike.Links:* Bullies and Saints book* John Dickson's website* Dickson's Undeceptions podcast================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

Alisa Childers, author of The Deconstruction of Christianity, talks about the faith deconstruction movement, its origins, and its impact on young people. Deconstruction involves re-examining one's childhood faith and questioning objective truth. She advises resolving intellectual doubts through study, but emotional doubts may require counseling. Understanding the philosophical roots and maintaining a loving presence are crucial when dealing with deconstructing loved ones. The podcast also explores the challenges of accepting God's wrath, navigating relationships in deconstruction, and addressing toxicity and lack of discipleship in churches.

This special end-of-year episode features hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross reflecting on 14 years of podcasting. They announce some changes coming in 2023, including less frequent but more focused episodes centered on topics they are passionate about. They also share lessons learned over 300+ episodes, like the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, asking good questions, and clearly explaining complex subjects.The hosts reminisce about memorable past guests. They discuss what makes some lesser-known thinkers stand out for their clarity and approachability. A lighthearted segment features their top 10 list of real excuses guests have used over the years to reschedule interviews, ranging from missed flights to scheduled gardening appointments.Looking ahead, Brian and Chad are excited to continue equipping listeners to understand their faith, think critically about issues, and winsomely engage others. They welcome ideas for future guests and topics of interest to guide their 2023 episodes. Feedback and suggestions can be sent to podcast@apologetics315.com.================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

In this episode, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Michael Jones of the Inspiring Philosophy YouTube channel. They discuss the problem of divine hiddenness - the idea that if God existed, he would make his existence clearly evident to everyone, yet there are many non-resistant nonbelievers who earnestly seek God but do not find convincing evidence of his existence. This is seen as evidence against God's existence.Michael provides an overview of the divine hiddenness argument, explaining key concepts like "non-resistant nonbelievers." He argues that the idea of truly non-resistant nonbelievers is questionable, since human psychology tends to defend our beliefs. Michael also discusses assumptions made about God's nature in the argument, and that God's goal may not be to convince everyone of basic theism but to create "cognitively robust theism" - loving God for the right reasons. They also touch on related issues like the difference between divine hiddenness and the problem of evil.Michael gives advice for those struggling with doubts from divine hiddenness - to focus on studying the evidence for Jesus' resurrection, living out the gospel message of selflessness, and recognizing our own sin and need for a savior. He recommends resources for further study like books by Paul Moser and Tim Stratton.Further resources…Inspiring Philosophy YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@InspiringPhilosophyInspiring Philosophy Website:www.inspiringphilosophy.orgWhy does God Hide? - https://a315.co/47u2htnMichael Jones vs. Tyler Vela: “Why Does God Hide?” - https://a315.co/3Qxuadj================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Tyson James, the global director of Reasonable Faith Chapters.This episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast featured an interview with Tyson James, the global director of Reasonable Faith chapters. Tyson shared about his journey to Christianity and how studying apologetics strengthened his faith. He explained that Reasonable Faith chapters are small groups at churches focused on studying Christianity and answering objections, with the goal of fulfilling Reasonable Faith's mission at the local level.Tyson outlined the simple process for starting a Reasonable Faith chapter, noting that directors have flexibility in how they structure meetings. He offered encouragement for those nervous about leading a chapter without formal apologetics training. Tyson shared stories of God working through the chapters, including outreach to a previously unreached tribe in Nepal. He noted that Reasonable Faith has nearly 250 chapters in 39 countries, aiming for 1000 total. Tyson directed listeners to ReasonableFaith.org/chapters to learn more about getting involved.Further resources…https://ReasonableFaith.org/chaptersTyson James on X: @nosyt43Sound Faith Consulting, and Tyson’s Bio: https://soundfaithconsulting.com/about================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview renowned apologist Greg Koukl. Koukl is the founder of Stand to Reason, an organization that equips Christians to defend their faith and engage in meaningful conversations.The discussion centers around using questions to have better conversations about Christianity, drawing from Koukl's books Tactics and his latest work Street Smarts. Koukl explains how questions can guide conversations in a more constructive direction and help "put a stone in someone's shoe" to get them thinking about faith topics.Koukl outlines his "gardener approach" to evangelism, focusing more on asking thoughtful questions to plant seeds rather than trying to lead someone to a moment of conversion. He demonstrates this questioning approach through a roleplay conversation about the problem of divine hiddenness. Koukl responds to the objection by asking clarifying questions, correcting underlying assumptions, and presenting evidence for God's existence. This models how to have a relaxed yet thoughtful dialogue.Koukl emphasizes that the key is to gather information through questions, avoid preaching, and lead the person to put pieces on the table themselves. The goal is to get people thinking carefully about their beliefs and objections. Koukl's Tactics provide tools to engage skeptics without being confrontational. Further resources…• Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges - https://a315.co/StreetSmarts• The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between - https://a315.co/3FpqFAl• Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air - https://a315.co/3M4AMyr• Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions - https://a315.co/46YCclW• Street Smarts Study Guide: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges - https://a315.co/3tMmETZ================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com