
Apologetics 315 Podcast
Apologetics 315 discusses the topics of Apologetics, Evangelism and the Christian worldview, and interviews a variety of Christian apologists.
Latest episodes

Oct 2, 2023 • 53min
126 - Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Corey Miller and Ross Anderson, two former Mormons, on their book Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message: Confident Conversations with Mormon Missionaries (and Other Latter-day Saints) - https://a315.co/3PYWohYCheck out the website www.mormonmissionarymessage.com for more!About our guests: https://a315.co/45c79Su0:24 - Intro to the book and our guests2:47 - Welcome to Corey and Ross4:23 - How did the book come together?7:20 - What was it like growing up in the Mormon culture?11:18 - What led Corey and Ross to start doubting Mormonism?17:40 - What does doubting Mormonism usually lead to?22:45 - What are the primary authorities for Mormons?26:10 - Questioning the testimony of Mormons31:40 - What sows doubt into Mormons’ experiences?37:45 - The life of a Mormon missionary40:30 - What do you say to the Mormon at your door?45:00 - What to avoid saying?48:25 - The usefulness of the book and where to find more resourcesCheck out the website www.mormonmissionarymessage.com for more!Corey Miller & Ratio Christi:https://ratiochristi.org/people/corey-miller/Ross Anderson: www.faithaftermormonism.org================================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

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 17min
125 - An Informed Cosmos with Peter S Williams
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Christian Philosopher Peter S. Williams about his book An Informed Cosmos: Essays on Intelligent Design Theory. Find his resources at www.peterswilliams.com0:24 - Intro to our guest2:15 - About the book An Informed Cosmos9:25 - Getting clarity on what intelligent design is14:10 - Is I.D. science? And defining “science”19:39 - Truth as the most important approach21:56 - Imposing worldviews on the data?25:01 - Is evolution the means by which God created?29:21 - What role does a Darwinian process play?35:00 - How did Peter go from being a theistic evolutionist to an ID proponent?40:45 - What tipped the balance for Peter?46:52 - What role does information play in design detection?53:21 - Can we recognize non-intelligent design?54:57 - Theistic interpretations?56:22 - Paley’s “watchmaker” shows that we can detect design?1:00:13 - Prevailing errors when thinking about design1:05:00 - Is intelligent design “creationism”?1:06:25 - How has intelligent design changed Peter’s thinking?1:13:30 - Peter’s music - www.peterswilliams.com/composingCheck out a past episode with Peter S. Williams:006 - Outgrowing God? with Peter S. Williams - https://a315.co/4615IYjBooks by Peter S. Williams:An Informed Cosmos: Essays on Intelligent Design Theory - https://a315.co/48ugxUcA Universe From Someone: Essays on Natural Theology - https://a315.co/46GLUtlApologetics in 3D: Essays on Apologetics and Spirituality - https://a315.co/3PtMqUuOutgrowing God? A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate - https://a315.co/3Pww9xPGetting at Jesus: A Comprehensive Critique of Neo-Atheist Nonsense About the Jesus of History - https://a315.co/46pUFriA Faithful Guide to Philosophy: A Christian Introduction to the Love of Wisdom - https://a315.co/3Ptm0C3C.S. Lewis vs the New Atheists - https://a315.co/48ugxUc================================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

Sep 18, 2023 • 51min
124 - Why You Can Trust the Gospels with Lydia McGrew
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Lydia McGrew about her book Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels. 0:24 - Intro to Lydia McGrew1:51 - Welcome Lydia, and intro to the book3:43 - How does a philosopher approach the Gospels?6:39 - Is an “outside perspective” welcomed?9:28 - Old and new approaches to the Gospels12:03 - Current approach of scholars to the New Testament15:44 - How have Christians historically defended the Gospels?16:50 - Why a cumulative case approach?19:55 - Inference to the best explanation of multiple hypotheses23:25 - Best explanation of hard little unnecessary details26:23 - The reportage model and the burden of proof31:14 - Unnecessary details, a sign of fiction?37:25 - What are unexplained allusions?42:34 - The aspects of Jesus’ life that point to its reality46:45 - “I love Jesus’ style…”49:48 - Pointing people to the book and resources…Further Resources:• Lydia McGrew website: www.lydiamcgrew.com• Lydia McGrew’s Youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/LydiaMcGrewChannel• Podcast version of Youtube content:https://anchor.fm/lydiamcgrewBooks: Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospelshttps://a315.co/3Pb2oUjThe Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportagehttps://a315.co/3E8FuacThe Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Deviceshttps://a315.co/3XzVKI8Hidden In Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Actshttps://a315.co/411fsj2PREVIOUS EPISODES WITH LYDIA MCGREW:106 - The Reliability of John with Lydia McGrew - https://a315.co/45JAxA9084 - Maximal Data Case for the Resurrection with Lydia McGrew - https://a315.co/3qC6lbu================================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

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
123 - The Severity of God with Paul Moser
Christian philosopher Paul Moser discusses the severity of God and the importance of aligning our will to receive what God reveals. The podcast explores the concept of flux in life and the ongoing struggle against the temptation of playing God. It also emphasizes the role of God's severity in philosophy and theology, and the significance of character formation in becoming like Christ.

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 31min
122 - End Times with Chris Date
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Chris Date on the topic of Eschatology, or the End Times. They explore the ins and outs of various views of the end times, before discussing more deeply the view that Chris holds on the subject. A very helpful and informative conversation!www.chrisdate.info0:24 - Intro to Chris Date2:43 - An update on Chris and his wife’s treatment5:07 - What is eschatology?6:47 - Chris’ work and engagement on the subject9:44 - Why should anyone care about end times study?15:00 - Encouragement for those overwhelmed by the topic17:57 - Advice for people having discussions on end times24:23 - An overview of end times views29:45 - What is the most popular view historically?37:01 - The history of dispensational millennialism 43:06 - Is “the rapture” biblical?50:40 - The preterist view52:06 - Partial or full preterism?1:11:15 - How does one properly think about their view of end times?1:16:08 - What’s up with 666?1:23:10 - Resources recommended for further study Resources:Premillennial vs Amillennial on Christ's Return: Daniel Goepfrich & Chris Date on Unbelievable with Justin Brierley - https://a315.co/3Pn5vZyOverview of End Times Views - by Gregg Steve - https://a315.co/45SdzXv Four Views Of Revelation - https://a315.co/3R54YNeThe Last Days according to Jesus: When Did Jesus Say He Would Return? By RC Sproul - https://a315.co/3R1dA7xIt's Not the End of the World! By DeeDee Warren - https://a315.co/47VihFVBefore Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation by Kenneth Gentry - https://a315.co/45zPN30Four Views on the Book of Revelation by C. Marvin Pate, General Editor - https://a315.co/3qVPSiiBooks by Chris Date:Is Jesus Human and Not Divine? A Debate by Chris Date and Dale Tuggy - https://a315.co/45zNoFsRethinking Hell: Readings in Evangelical Conditionalism edited by Chris Date, Gregory Stump and Joshua Anderson - https://a315.co/3P4kKoKA Consuming Passion edited by Chris Date and Ron Highfield - https://a315.co/3o3lL7dDoes God Predetermine the Eternal Destiny of Every Individual Human Being? A Debate by Chris Date and Gil VanOrder, Jr. - https://a315.co/3W9Xc5e================================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

Aug 28, 2023 • 51min
121 - Tolkien's Faith with Holly Ordway
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Holly Ordway about her new book, Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography. A wonderful book and a fascinating interview that will be a real treat for Tolkien fans.www.hollyordway.com0:24 - Intro to Holly Ordway4:45 - Welcoming Holly 5:35 - The 50th Anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien’s death, Sept 20236:45 - The goal in writing a spiritual biography of Tolkien11:23 - How central was Tolkien’s faith to his life and work?14:26 - Why is this the first biography to focus on Tolkien’s faith?18:50 - Hidden allusions to faith in Tolkien’s writings21:14 - The significance of Tolkien’s name(s)25:51 - The elucidation of truth by presenting it in different embodiments29:04 - What did Tolkien really think about allegory?31:56 - Receiving stories in answer to prayer33:30 - Rough patches in Tolkien’s faith36:53 - The mutual influence of his friendship with C.S. Lewis40:00 - What role did arguments and evidence play in Tolkien’s life?44:25 - Bible translation46:44 - What influence did this project have on Holly’s faith?Resources:Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual BiographyHolly Ordway’s Website: www.hollyordway.comHolly’s other books include:Tolkien's Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle AgesTales of FaithNot God's Type================================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

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 14min
120 - NAR and Divergent Theology with Richard P Moore
Guest Richard P Moore, author of "Divergent Theology," discusses the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its problems. Topics include NAR's influence in Germany, differences between NAR and traditional pentecostal/charismatic beliefs, NAR's self-centeredness, and interpreting biblical texts. They also share their visit to Bethel Church and highlight resources for further learning.

Aug 14, 2023 • 32min
119 - Gender Ideology with Chris Reese
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Chris Reese on the topic of gender ideology, transgenderism, and approaching challenges cultural issues.Based on Chris Reese’s helpful article at Summit.org, found here:https://a315.co/gender-ideologyChristopher L. Reese is the editor-in-chief of The Worldview Bulletin and cofounder of the Christian Apologetics Alliance. He is a general editor of the Dictionary of Christianity and Science and Three Views on Christianity and Science and his work has appeared in Christianity Today, Bible Gateway, Beliefnet, and other sites.Websites:Check out the Worldview Bulletin here: https://a315.co/WorldViewBulletin================================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

May 29, 2023 • 1h 2min
118 - Scribes and Scripture with Peter Gurry
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Dr. Peter Gurry, co-author of the book Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible. 0:27 - Intro to Peter Gurry3:07 - Welcome to Peter Gurry3:27 - Peter’s background and focus5:22 - What got Peter interested in studying the origin of the scriptures?7:56 - Did your study make you more or less confident in the scripture?13:09 - How do we know what was written without the originals?22:16 - Interesting scribal notes found in manuscripts29:41 - What is the canon of scripture and how did we receive it?36:41 - What place do the apocryphal books have for the Christian?43:23 - Apostolic authority…46:20 - The best way to choose a Bible translation59:24 - Further resources:Books:Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the BibleMyths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual CriticismWebsites:www.textandcanon.orgEvangelical Textual Criticism BlogArticles:Five Decisions Every Bible Translator Must Make================================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

May 22, 2023 • 58min
117 - Catching Up on Various Topics
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross discuss a variety of topics.1:46 - Chad makes English Tea3:20 - Where have we been?4:20 - Mailbag question: Apologetics songs?15:45 - What have we been reading?16:11 - The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges18:13 - The Knight & Rose Show18:27 - Common Sense Economics19:09 - When the Church Was Young19:54 - Not so keen on C.S. Lewis?23:39 - Why There Is No God29:46 - Pocket History of the Church30:25 - What we’ve been watching…30:34 - Guardians of the Galaxy35:22 - The Messed Up Church Channel35:42 - Justin Peters Ministry37:04 - History of the Pentecostol / Charismatic Movement40:31 - Share your NAR Experience…43:21 - Mandalorian Season 345:32 - Justin Schieber vs Eric Hernandez debate51:05 - An Apologist’s Prayer“Remind me to be quick to pray, with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Please give me opportunities to speak the truth about Christ to those who do not know Him. Teach me to proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Work in me so that I may live wisely among those who do not believe, so that I will make the most of each opportunity. Ensure that my conversations are gracious and attractive. And please provide me with the wisdom I will need to thoughtfully respond to each person.” Based Colossians 4:2-6Further resources and videos mentioned:Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church by Holly Pivec and Douglas GeivettGod’s Super Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement by Holly Pivec and Douglas GeivettSongs Mentioned: Creed - PetraWords in the Water - Thrice Creed - Third DayGod’s Not Dead - Newsboys================================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