Apologetics 315 Podcast

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Dr. Phil Fernandes on the topic of apologetics as it relates to pastoring. Lots of insights and stories in this episode!2:08 - Recommended YouTube channel: Acts 17 Apologetics5:00 - Intro to Dr. Phil Fernandes6:38 - Phil’s background10:36 - A story of Phil being mistaken for Columbo?17:55 - Character among Christian apologists19:43 - Topics that need addressed in our current culture23:09 - Paranormal apologetics25:23 - Cultural apologetics29:39 - Karl Payne’s book on Spiritual Warfare32:53 - How do pastoring and apologetics relate to one another?41:32 - Advice to pastors on the need for apologetics51:39 - Advice for those doing apologetics; hard-earned lessons, advice for debates59:35 - What is question-bombing and how to address it1:02:59 - Resources and books by Dr. Phil Fernandeswww.philfernandes.orghttps://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00IXX09Y8Sermon Audio:https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._Phil_FernandesWe appreciate your feedback.If 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 apologist Lenny Esposito on cultural apologetics, superhero movies, and ministry on the internet.0:36 - Introduction to Lenny Esposito2:47 - Apologetics and the dawn of the internet4:44 - Old school internet apologetics5:29 - Is Lenny related to famous hockey players?6:40 - Are there any resources still lacking for apologetics today?10:48 - Defining and describing cultural apologetics16:47 - Grounding common cultural values in the Christian worldview19:18 - Can we transition from cultural talking points to Christian truth?23:22 - How superhero movies illustrate cultural values26:00 - Symbiote Spider man and sin28:11 - Forrest Gump and gospel reliability31:40 - Chad is sad that Forrest Gump is not historical31:57 - The trend toward anti-heroes and what it shows about culture37:16 - Falcon and Winter Soldier42:45 - Lenny’s writing a book about superhero movies and apologetics45:58 - If God exists, why did he allow the Last Jedi?48:14 - Chesterton and dragons51:59 - Lenny’s resources:Lenny’s Website:www.comereason.orgCome Let Us Reason Podcast:podcast.comereason.orgLenny Esposito on Twitter:www.twitter.com/comereasonWe appreciate your feedback.If 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 answer the mailbag and then review the past 14 episodes and the interview guests, sharing insights and things learned.0:29 - News from the world of Gozer4:39 - Mailbag feedback12:10 - The Stephen C. Meyer interview15:58 - The Ken Samples episodes19:17 - Katy Faust and Them Before Us24:11 - The Michael J. Nelson interview29:40 - The Ted Wright archaeology interview31:45 - The rhetoric interview with Jim Beitler33:32 - Apologetics for parents with Michael D’Virgilio36:58 - The Molinism interview with Tim Stratton38:41 - The Christian Enneagram with Marcia Montenegro41:23 - Spiritual warfare reading (Karl Payne book)45:27 - The Miracles interview with Craig KeenerWe appreciate your feedback.If 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 Dr. Craig Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. They discuss his most recent book Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. Are miracles happening today? How do we evaluate miracle claims? How do we know if witnesses are credible? Many accounts and stories of healing and miracles are discussed.To purchase Dr. Keener's courses on Logos: http://www.logos.com/craig-keener0:42 - Introduction to Dr. Craig Keener6:49 - Welcome to Dr. Keener; what compelled you to write a book on miracles in the world today?10:40 - How this book is different than his previous miracles book11:32 - What is a miracle and how do we define them? A discussion of Hume’s definition15:20 - What criteria do we use when assessing miracle claims?17:39 - Are some miracle claims ambiguous? What type of miracle accounts does the book discuss?19:47 - Two accounts of dramatic healing23:36 - What sort of environment do these miracles happen in? An account of deteriorated hip bones being healed.29:14 - What role do presuppositions play in how we look at miracle claims? How high is the bar for evidence?33:28 - Does “uniform human experience” invalidate miracle claims?37:27 - “That account is too old,” “That account is too far away,” and other objections43:06 - Do we have any miracles on video? (Yes)47:07 - What would you say to someone who has been praying for a miracle or healing and has not experienced it yet? A discussion on cutting edge evangelism and miracles51:44 - Does God heal amputees?52:22 - Responses to common “internet objections”54:38 - What about people being raised from the dead?59:20 - Cumulative evidence of multiple claims, and the height of skepticism; how to critically evaluate claims1:00:17 - What would you say to someone wanting God to prove himself to them through an appearance or miracle?1:02:26 - How has your faith been strengthened by researching miracles?http://www.craigkeener.comCraig Keener’s two-volume work on New Testament Miracles here:https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-volumes-Credibility-Testament-Accounts-ebook/dp/B007KOI2PYhttps://asburyseminary.edu/faculty/craig-keener/Pre-order Miracles Today on Amazon here:https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-Today-Supernatural-Modern-World/dp/1540963837Find more books by Dr. Craig Keener:https://www.amazon.com/Craig-S-Keener/e/B000APBKEK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1628348623&sr=8-2If you have a question 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 Marcia Montenegro about the Enneagram and its new age origins as well as its influence in Christian circles.2:05 - Intro to Marcia Montenegro and her background4:09 - Why talk to a former astrologer?10:12 - Welcome to Marcia11:17 - How Marcia got into the New Age movement and became an astrologer; how God led her out25:19 - Is New Age fake, false or both? What’s behind it?29:45 - Is there a spiritual dimension behind psychic readings?30:31 - A couple stories of special knowledge from spirit guides40:33 - What is the Enneagram and where did it come from?59:43 - Marcia’s recent debate with Todd Wilson on the Unbelievable? radio show1:01:10 - Is Marcia committing the genetic fallacy?1:02:35 - No scientific evidence for the Enneagram1:14:14 - What would you say to a Christian that things that the Enneagram is helpful and harmless?1:20:14 - The swath of books by Christian publishers on the Enneagram1:27:24 - More debate reflections; is the Enneagram just a passing fad?1:29:10 - Where to find more resources:www.christiananswersforthenewage.org Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secrethttps://www.amazon.com/Richard-Rohr-Enneagram-Secret-Veinot/dp/1098306546If you have a question 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 Tom Gilson, the Senior Editor and Ministry Coordinator at The Stream. They discuss his book Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.0:30 - The Dukes of Hazzard intro1:30 - Intro to Tom Gilson5:01 - About Tom and his work and background7:25 - Where did the idea for this book come from?10:47 - A brief summary of the book12:43 - Jesus didn’t have faith?16:53 - You can’t make this stuff up17:42 - What the argument is NOT and what it is21:37 - Arguing for the best explanation23:56 - The most common misconceptions and misunderstandings26:27 - How would Bertrand Russell respond?30:35 - The Facebook objection34:13 - The book’s focus on Jesus and his character34:36 - Positive feedback from readers37:07 - Where to download a free chapter: thinkingchristian.netTom’s resources:www.thinkingchristian.netwww.stream.orgThe book:https://www.amazon.com/Too-Good-False-Incomparable-Character-ebook/dp/B0979QLJXJIf you have a question 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 Tim Stratton of Free Thinking Ministries. They discuss the topic of Molinism as it relates to God’s sovereignty, human free will, and why it matters. Tim’s book on the subject is Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism: A Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Philosophical Analysis.1:03 - Intro to Tim Stratton1:41 - Why Molinism on the podcast?3:20 - Welcome to Tim Stratton3:54 - How Tim became a Christian9:37 - God as a maximally great being10:43 - Tim’s dissertation11:18 - What does Tim find compelling about Molinism?12:42 - The Mere Molinism Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/407036864304486716:14 - What is the problem that Molinism is trying to solve?22:47 - How to briefly summarize Molinism?23:41 - Defining terms: Middle knowledge and counterfactuals31:39 - Scriptures that affirm counterfactuals / middle knowledge 41:53 - Why us the term “mere” Molinism?46:22 - Can Molinism be applied to salvation?48:21 - Does this chess analogy work?52:10 - Objection: Molinism is not derived from scripture58:23 - Objection: Who cares? That’s just for scholars and theologians1:02:45 - How Molinism saved Tim’s marriage1:06:20 - Where to find Tim’s resourcesTim’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjoJHrgHyjBgOiSTxFT0DagFree Thinking Ministrireshttps://freethinkingministries.com/Tim’s Biohttps://freethinkingministries.com/tim-stratton/Free Thinking Podcastshttps://freethinkingministries.com/free-thinking-podcasts/Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism: A Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Philosophical Analysis.https://www.amazon.com/Human-Freedom-Divine-Knowledge-Molinism-ebook/dp/B08LL3Q3T5If you have a question 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 Mike D'Virgilio on the topic of apologetics for parents. He is author of the book The Persuasive Christian Parent: God’s Provision for Building an Enduring Faith in You and Your Children.www.persuasivechristianparent.com0:44 - Introduction to our Mike D'Virgilio and the topic of parenting with apologetics4:25 - Mike’s background and how he got into apologetics6:59 - What inspired Mike to write a book on apologetics and parenting7:50 - J.P. Moreland’s endorsement, and the importance of using apologetics when raising your kids11:43 - The plausibility of Christianity, and the threat of children falling away from the faith16:06 - The importance of emphasising the truth18:07 - Emphasising reality and the facts of life experience20:47 - Embedding right expectations in our kids23:06 - The outline of topics covered in the Persuasive Christian Parent book25:23 - Plausibility structures, certainty, and epistemology29:34 - Ways that we can approach bringing apologetics into our parenting31:48 - Should we just let our children just find their own way, or are we brainwashing them?33:30 - Loving the Lord with all our mind, AND training our kids35:18 - Are there ways you would have raised your kids differently?35:44 - Modelling and not being afraid to allow your kids to see you fail37:06 - How to teach kids about controversial topics43:05 - Where to find Mike’s book and resources:www.persuasivechristianparent.comIf you have a question 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 Jim Beitler, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College, and author of Seasoned Speech: Rhetoric in the Life of the Church as well as Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words (with co-author Richard Hughes Gibson). They discuss rhetoric and communication in relation to Christian Apologetics.0:27 - Introduction to rhetoric and Jim Beitler4:36 - Jim’s background and books5:37 - What is rhetoric?6:32 - How Jim got interested in rhetoric7:18 - How has rhetoric been taught, and how has that changed?10:20 - Can rhetoric be taught?11:48 - Why should anyone care about rhetoric in the church?14:20 - Are you an effective communicator or not?15:44 - Doesn’t the Bible argue against using rhetoric?19:11 - How the book is laid out and the ground it covers22:52 - C.S. Lewis as a rhetorician25:25 - How we need rhetoric now more than ever27:19 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer on preaching and rhetoric30:37 - Rhetoric in sermons and preaching33:37 - How to apply the tools of rhetoric with discernment38:20 - Modern thinkers and communicators we can learn from41:49 - Being culture makers42:40 - Some pitfalls to avoid 45:13 - A teaser for Charitable Writing• James Beitler at Wheaton• Seasoned Speech: Rhetoric in the Life of the Church• Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue Through Our WordsIf you have a question 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 archaeologist Ted Wright of Epic Archaeology.0:29 - Introducing Ted Wright of Epic Archaeology2:00 - What got Ted into archaeology?4:00 - What you’ll find at EpicArchaeology.org6:12 - More about Ted’s background in apologetics 9:44 - What is the actual job of an archaeologist?15:30 - Being chased by Nazis19:03 - The role that archaeology plays in defending the Bible?23:00 - “Archaeological evidence for Jesus does not exist…”29:40 - What sorts of things in the Holy Land are legit?35:43 - Unpacking archaeological evidence for the exodus 48:39 - Dating of the exodus 56:04 - How to think through the accounts of “the Canaanite genocide question”1:03:00 - Cool archaeological discoveries that support the Old and New Testaments1:13:00 - Where to find more great archaeological resources:ESV and NIV Archaeological Study BibleThe Case for Biblical Archaeology by Dr. John CurridDoing Archaeology in the Land of the Bible by Dr. John CurridEpicArchaeology.orgEpic Archaeology on YouTubePodcast: Monocle and SpadeIf you have a question for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com