Apologetics Profile

Episode 346: Design For Life with Dr. Fuz Rana of Reasons to Believe - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

"Evolution is a settled fact!" we're often told by scientists, science popularizers, and probably have seen this statement not a few times on social media.

But there has been another, perhaps less-noticed trend in the evolutionary sciences today. There is an ever-increasing academic dissent against evolution by means of natural selection as the best explanation for the variety of life we see on Earth today. The more scientists probe the wonders of living organisms, and the stunningly overwhelming variety of species that exist today, the more improbable the Neo-Darwinian account of the diversification of species seems to many.

This week on the Profile we feature a conversation with the President of Reasons to Believe, biochemist, author, and Christian apologist Dr. Fuz Rana. We'll discuss some of the key reasons why intelligent design in biology is seemingly making a comeback. We go beyond mere intelligent design though, and discuss the specifics of how design in biology and in the universe points us back to Scripture and ultimately to Christ.

Fuz's Testimony and Background:
"As a graduate student studying biochemistry, I was captivated by the cell’s complexity, elegance, and sophistication. The inadequacy of evolutionary scenarios to account for life’s origin compelled me to conclude that life must come from a Creator.

Reading through the Sermon on the Mount convinced me that Jesus really was who Christians claimed him to be: Lord and Savior. Still, encouraging others to join me in following Christ wasn’t important to me—until my father died. His death changed that.

In 1999, I left my position in research and development at a Fortune 500 company to join Reasons to Believe. I felt the most important thing I could do as a scientist was to show Christians and non-Christians alike the powerful scientific evidence for God’s existence and for the reliability of the Bible."

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 345: What Do Latter-day Saints Mean by "the Burning in the Bosom"? Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Part 2

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Doctrine and Covenants section 9, verse 8 are supposedly the words of the Lord, given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery in 1829.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

This week we continue taking a biblical look the burning in the bosom and how Latter-day Saints testify that they believe the Book of Mormon is true with president of the Institute for Religious Research Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.

Dr. Bowman is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.

LDS Links
Preach My Gospel
Journal of Discourses

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Previous podcasts on Latter-day Saint beliefs, practices, history, and doctrines.

Recent podcasts on Mormonism
Sandra Tanner Part One
Sandra Tanner Part Two
Aaron Shafowalof Part One
Aaron Shafowalof Part Two
Eric Johnson Part One
Eric Johnson Part Two
Bradley Campbell Part One
Bradley Campbell Part Two

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 344: What Do Latter-day Saints Mean by "the Burning in the Bosom?" Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Part 1

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Doctrine and Covenants section 9, verse 8 are supposedly the words of the Lord, given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery in 1829.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

This week and next on the Profile we'll be taking a biblical look the burning in the bosom and how Latter-day Saints testify that they believe the Book of Mormon is true with president of the Institute for Religious Research Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.

Dr. Bowman is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.

LDS links
Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Who Do Mormons Worship?

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Previous podcasts on Latter-day Saint beliefs, practices, history, and doctrines.
Recent podcasts on Mormonism
Sandra Tanner Part One
Sandra Tanner Part Two
Aaron Shafowalof Part One
Aaron Shafowalof Part Two
Eric Johnson Part One
Eric Johnson Part Two
Bradley Campbell Part One
Bradley Campbell Part Two

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 343: The Devil Reads Nietzsche with Dr. Michael McEwen - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

This week we continue our conversation with pastor, author, and publisher at B&H Academic, Dr. Michael McEwen about the influences of 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

How did Nietzsche's thought correspond to social Darwinism? We talk further about Nietzsche's Ubermensch, his "will-to-power," and "eternal recurrence" and their influence on our culture today.

Be sure to check out Michael's new book we're discussing!
The Devil Reads Nietzsche - A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age.

Michael McEwen (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an author and publisher for B&H Academic and pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Trenton, Tennessee.

Free Watchman Profile articles. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response.
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism
Richard Dawkins
Nihilism

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 342: The Devil Reads Nietzsche with Dr. Michael McEwen - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

On the last two episodes of the Profile we discussed the influences of 19th-century German philosopher Karl Marx on our culture today. This week and next we'll be examining the influences of another popular 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

Nietzsche had a solid Christian upbringing in the Lutheran tradition and a loving relationship with his pastor father Ludwig. Why then did Nietzsche become so hostile toward Christianity in his mature philosophical thought and how do his ideas still influence us today?

We'll be examining these and other questions this week and next on the Profile with author, pastor, and publisher with B&H Academic Dr. Michael McEwen. We'll be talking about his new book The Devil Reads Nietzsche - A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age.

Michael McEwen (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an author and publisher for B&H Academic and pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Trenton, Tennessee.

Free Watchman Profile articles. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response.
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism
Richard Dawkins
Nihilism

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 341: The Progressive Miseducation of America with President and CEO of Ratio Christi Dr. Corey Miller - Part 2

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

This week we continue our conversation with President and CEO of Ratio Christi Dr. Corey Miller about the baleful influences of Karl Marx's ideologies in our nation's colleges and universities and how we as Christians can and should respond with intelligence, compassion, and wisdom. We will continue talking about his latest book The Progressive Miseducation of America: Confronting the Cultural Revolution from the Classroom to Your Community (Harvest House, 2025).

Corey Miller, PhD, is the President/CEO of Ratio Christi (2015-Present). While he grew up in Utah as a seventh generation Mormon, he came to Christ in 1988. He has served on pastoral staff at four churches and has taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy, theology, rhetoric, and comparative religions at various places (Purdue, Indiana University, Multnomah University and Ecola Bible College). He is also author or co-author of Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed their Minds (2017), Engaging with Mormons: Understanding their World, Sharing Good News (2020), Responding to the Mormon Missionary Movement (2023), and The Progressive Miseducation of America: Confronting the Cultural Revolution from the Classroom to Your Community (2025). Dr. Miller holds masters degrees in philosophy, biblical studies, and in philosophy of religion and ethics.

Free Watchman Profile articles. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response.
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism
Richard Dawkins
Nihilism

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 340: The Progressive Miseducation of America with President and CEO of Ratio Christi Dr. Corey Miller - Part 1

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

While the Berlin Wall no longer divides Germany, the ideas that led to its construction are still actively dividing our country today. Sadly, Marxism is still alive and well and influencing a myriad of cultural divisions, mostly through our nation's colleges and universities.

This week and next on the Profile, we'll be examining some of the basics of Marxist ideology and how it has made inroads into our institutions of higher education with author, and president of Ratio Christi, Dr. Corey Miller. Miller will share his experiences and wisdom in engaging what he calls the "Progressive Miseducation of America" on college and university campuses and how we as Christians should be aware of it and how we can respond.

Corey Miller, PhD, is the President/CEO of Ratio Christi (2015-Present). While he grew up in Utah as a seventh generation Mormon, he came to Christ in 1988. He has served on pastoral staff at four churches and has taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy, theology, rhetoric, and comparative religions at various places (Purdue, Indiana University, Multnomah University and Ecola Bible College). He is also author or co-author of Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed their Minds (2017), Engaging with Mormons: Understanding their World, Sharing Good News (2020), Responding to the Mormon Missionary Movement (2023), and The Progressive Miseducation of America: Confronting the Cultural Revolution from the Classroom to Your Community (2025). Dr. Miller holds masters degrees in philosophy, biblical studies, and in philosophy of religion and ethics.

Free Watchman Profile articles. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response.
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism
Richard Dawkins
Nihilism

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 339: The Doubt Project with Devin Squeri - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Profile we hear the rest of the remarkable story of Devin Squeri and how Jesus lead him through a difficult two-year existential crisis. You'll hear how Devin came across our Atheist & Christian Book Club and how he ended up reading one of our ministry's books The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. Devin is the author of The Doubt Project - A Crisis of Faith, the Battles, and the Answers.

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time of doubt, this is an episode you don't want to miss and definitely can share with a friend or loved one.

Devin Squeri, born and raised in New York, graduated with degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany. His professional journey is highlighted by his founding of a human resources information systems company in 1997. In addition to his endeavors in technology, Mr. Squeri is an active real estate investor, home builder, and land developer. With a master’s in overthinking and a doctorate in New York skepticism, he is deeply committed to rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth in all things.

Devin is blessed to be married to Paige, and together they are the parents of four daughters and two Labradors. Their carnival of a family is based in Frisco, Texas—a suburb of Dallas.

If you'd like to contact Devin, please do so. He welcomes the correspondence! You can reach him at ds@padhousing.com.

A great Christian resource for those struggling with doubt, from ministry friends of Watchman Fellowship, visit TalkAboutDoubts.com.

Free Watchman Profile articles on topics mentioned on the broadcast. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response.
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism
Carl Sagan's Cosmos
Richard Dawkins
Nihilism

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 338: The Doubt Project with Author Devin Squeri - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

For the last several weeks, we have been discussing how to navigate through periods of doubt, despair, and depression, with guests Dr. Gary Habermas and Dr. Alan Noble. For the next two weeks on the Profile, we'll be hearing from Devin Squeri, author of The Doubt Project - A Crisis of Faith, the Battles, and the Answers.

Devin will be sharing his story of how he navigated the tumultuous storms of a terrifying and difficult two-year struggle with doubt and how he found his way back to Jesus.

Devin's story intersects with us here at Watchman Fellowship, not just because of the next two episodes of the Profile, but because when Devin first entered his crisis, he'd attended in person one of our ministry's Atheist & Christian Book Club meetings. Also, one of the first Christian books he'd read during his difficult time was actually one of our own books, The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God.

Here on part one, Devin shares how his crisis began. Next week on part two, you'll hear the remarkable conclusion to his crisis and how he returned to Jesus.

Devin Squeri, born and raised in New York, graduated with degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany. His professional journey is highlighted by his founding of a human resources information systems company in 1997. In addition to his endeavors in technology, Mr. Squeri is an active real estate investor, home builder, and land developer. With a master’s in overthinking and a doctorate in New York skepticism, he is deeply committed to rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth in all things.

Episode 337: On Getting out of Bed - The Burden and Gift of Living with Author Alan Noble

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Behind proclamations of the Gospel, behind the rigorous apologetic defenses for the Christian faith, behind many of God's chosen servants, and behind those who fiercely opposes Christianity, are many who, despite all outward appearances to the contrary, are struggling with various degrees of depression, anxiety, OCD, and despair.

On this special one-part episode with professor of literature at Oklahoma Baptist University and author Dr. Alan Noble, we discuss navigating through seasons of depression and despair. Alan shares with us wisdom, practical experience, and candid honest reflections about wrestling with difficult mental health struggles as a professor, father, husband, and Christian.

We talk about his short but very candid and encouraging little book On Getting Out of Bed - The Burden & Gift of Living. For more on Alan and his work, visit his website OAlanNoble.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or despair, seek help. The darkness is not the end of your story. You can call the 988 lifeline if you need someone to talk to. While the helpline is not specifically Christian, it is still a helpful resource if you are in need.

Related Watchman Fellowship Resources

Watchman's four-page article on the Hiddenness of God:
https://www.watchman.org/DivineHiddenness/ProfileDivineHiddenness.pdf

Daniel Ray's personal testimony on Jana Harmon's Ex-Skeptic YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBkakNvweQY

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 336: Navigating the Deserts of Doubt with Dr. Gary Habermas - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Deserts can be forbidding even deadly but they are also beautiful and needful for our earthly sojourn. At some point in our lives as Christians, we too will pass through the harsh and arid terrain of a spiritual wilderness. How do we navigate our way through it?

Thankfully, there are many faithful men and women of God who have passed through such a wilderness and offer to us their cairns and memorial stones of how Jesus led them through it and out of it.

On this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, resurrection scholar Dr. Gary Habermas continues to share with us his years of practical and pastoral advice and counsel in helping believers navigate through seasons of doubt. If you or someone you love is passing through a desert wilderness of doubt, you definitely don't want to miss this week's broadcast.

See the link in Gary's name below for his books on doubt.

Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has written 50 books about half of which are on the subject of Jesus’ resurrection. He has also contributed more than 90 chapters or articles to additional books, and over 200 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad. Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 11 grandchildren.

Watchman's four-page article on the Hiddenness of God:
https://www.watchman.org/DivineHiddenness/ProfileDivineHiddenness.pdf

Daniel Ray's personal testimony on Jana Harmon's Ex-Skeptic YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBkakNvweQY

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 335: Navigating the Deserts of Doubt with Dr. Gary Habermas - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Passing through a desert wilderness is a common theme throughout Scripture. Many of God's choicest saints have spent time, alone, in the wilderness. And the wilderness can mean both a desert environment as well as a place of spiritual difficulties and trials. Israel spent forty years in the desert wilderness of Sinai and Jesus Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan.

As believers, we too pass through deserts of despair, depression, and doubt. Doubt, however, is not our final destination, but a temporary, sanctifying landscape that reminds us of our total dependence on Christ alone. On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile, we sit down with resurrection scholar and friend of Watchman Fellowship, Dr. Gary Habermas, who has also written and spoken extensively on the topic of doubt. Here Gary will help you or someone you know navigate through the forbidding arid terrain of the deserts of doubt.

See the link in Gary's name below for his books on doubt.

Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has written 50 books about half of which are on the subject of Jesus’ resurrection. He has also contributed more than 90 chapters or articles to additional books, and over 200 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad. Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 11 grandchildren.

Watchman's four-page article on the Hiddenness of God:
https://www.watchman.org/DivineHiddenness/ProfileDivineHiddenness.pdf

Daniel Ray's personal testimony on Jana Harmon's Ex-Skeptic YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBkakNvweQY

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 334: Mormon Doctrine and Apologetics in Social Media with Aaron Shafovaloff Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What might you say to a Latter-day Saint missionary or acquaintance who questions you about the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture?

We'll tackle this question and several other key issues between Mormons and Evangelicals this week on the Profile as we continue our conversation with apologist and evangelist to Mormons in Utah, Aaron Shafovaloff of Mormon Research Ministry in Draper, Utah (https://www.mrm.org).

Aaron became a student of Mormonism in 1998, when he was introduced to the religion by neighbors. His life was forever changed when he discovered Romans 4:5 “And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” He joyfully looks back at his conversion in contrast to the “impossible gospel” set forth in the Miracle of Forgiveness and perfection of God’s law that he could never live up to.

Aaron is a computer programmer and a regular street evangelist. Aaron and his wife Stacie live in South Jordan, UT. Together they have a son and two daughters. He is working toward his Master of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. https://mrm.org/team

Audio clips featured in this episode:
Ward Radio: https://youtu.be/7hOCZjc8nSk?si=qVA8QsWAd5Wa8smV
Frank and Hayden's exchange: https://youtu.be/9cQLSiNeNTc?si=N_Axsrf7wqHzxGUi
Hayden Carroll's review of the exchange: https://youtu.be/fIBkbO7Qtsw?si=EjNBloTi-oyn7m0v
Neil Armstrong (NASA): https://youtu.be/xSdHina-fTk?si=OKeFUfuCAfPDs7BW

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 333: Mormon Doctrine and Apologetics In Social Media with Aaron Shafovaloff Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

There is a growing trend in social media of Latter-day Saint (Mormon) apologists defending their faith. And because of the success of streaming shows such as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a general curiosity and interest in Mormonism among the general public has also spiked.

It is a golden opportunity for having fruitful and productive conversations with Latter-day Saints.

On the next two weeks of the Profile, we'll be talking with evangelist to Mormons in Utah, Aaron Shafovaloff, who has been engaging LDS on the streets of Utah since 2006. Aaron will share with us his insights and observations about how we too can have effective and winsome engagements with LDS missionaries, friends, and neighbors.

Aaron became a student of Mormonism in 1998, when he was introduced to the religion by neighbors. His life was forever changed when he discovered Romans 4:5 “And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” He joyfully looks back at his conversion in contrast to the “impossible gospel” set forth in the Miracle of Forgiveness and perfection of God’s law that he could never live up to.

Aaron is a computer programmer and a regular street evangelist. Aaron and his wife Stacie live in South Jordan, UT. Together they have a son and two daughters. He is working toward his Master of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. https://mrm.org/team

Audio Clips Features in This Episode:
Dalin H. Oaks at BYU: https://www.youtube.com/live/bn_PsLrWyxM?si=E2oBCXxbsch0baMy
Peacemaker Summit: https://www.youtube.com/live/nAvGrn14rRY?si=RbJlVAjNH6yttx4l
Jasmin Rappleye: https://youtu.be/HkDQtyn_i7c?si=78UbZ5gk0gajb72D

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Episode 332: Examining The Miracle of Forgiveness with Mormon Research Ministry's Eric Johnson - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In Latter-day Saint scriptures, Doctrine & Covenants section 82, verse 7 states

"And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God."

This is not only a tremendous burden for Latter-day Saints, but it is wholly antithetical to the biblical promise that God will not remember our sins. “FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE" (Hebrews 8:12).

This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with Eric Johnson of MRM.org about S.W. Kimball's The Miracle of Forgiveness.

From MRM.ORG
Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 when he served a summer mission outreach in Utah. Eric graduated from San Diego State University (1985, BA in Journalism) as well as at Bethel Seminary San Diego (1991, Master’s of Divinity). Eric cohosts the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and writes for MRM’s Mormonism Researched newsletter. His new book is Introducing Christianity to Mormons (Harvest House, 2022). He is also the co-author of Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker Book, 2015), Mormonism 101 for Teens(MRM, 2016) as well as serving as a co-editor of Sharing the Good News with Mormons (Harvest House, 2018).

Also visit the Utah Christian Research Center website at https://utahchristianresearchcenter.com/

Watchman Fellowship's New Blog!
Check out Watchman Fellowship's newly revamped blog on Substack! See Daniel Ray's extended article and review of The Miracle of Forgiveness here.

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Episode 331: Examining The Miracle of Forgiveness with Mormon Research Ministry's Eric Johnson - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What might you say to a Latter-day Saint who asks you to define how you understand the concept of forgiveness? It is important to know that most Latter-day Saints understanding of forgiveness differs significantly from the traditional biblical doctrine of forgiveness.

This week and next on the Profile we will be talking with Eric Johnson of Mormon Research Ministry in Utah about an influential 1969 LDS publication, written by former apostle and later president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Spencer W. Kimball called The Miracle of Forgiveness. But as Eric will share with us, Kimball's ideas of forgiveness aren't anything like what we find in the Bible.

From MRM.ORG
Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 when he served a summer mission outreach in Utah. Eric graduated from San Diego State University (1985, BA in Journalism) as well as at Bethel Seminary San Diego (1991, Master’s of Divinity). Eric cohosts the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and writes for MRM’s Mormonism Researched newsletter. His new book is Introducing Christianity to Mormons (Harvest House, 2022). He is also the co-author of Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker Book, 2015), Mormonism 101 for Teens(MRM, 2016) as well as serving as a co-editor of Sharing the Good News with Mormons (Harvest House, 2018).

Also visit the Utah Christian Research Center website at https://utahchristianresearchcenter.com/.

Watchman Fellowship's New Blog!
Check out Watchman Fellowship's newly revamped blog on Substack! See Daniel Ray's extended article and review of The Miracle of Forgiveness here.

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Episode 330: Testing Latter-day Saint Doctrine and Practice with Sandra Tanner - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Are leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prophets and apostles in a true biblical sense? Was Joseph Smith a true prophet? We believe the answer to both questions is "No." Tune in this week to find out more.

Watchman Fellowship has published free articles on our blog related to this topic. Visit and subscribe to our new blog today! Be sure to check out these articles.

Testing Joseph Smith
Discerning False Christs

This week we continue our conversation with former Latter-day Saint and the great, great granddaughter of Brigham Young, Sandra Tanner. Sandra shares her wisdom and experience from her decades-long research of the LDS Church. Her insights will help equip you to be better prepared to engage your Mormon friends, neighbors or missionaries who come to your door.

If you are enjoying Apologetics Profile, be sure to leave us a nice review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀👍

Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizeable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Episode 329: Testing Latter-day Saint Doctrine and Practice with Sandra Tanner - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The Bible gives us a standard by which we may discern truth from falsehood, especially when someone proclaims themselves to be a prophet (Deuteronomy 13; 18; Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6).

Watchman Fellowship has published free articles on our blog related to this topic. Visit and subscribe to our new blog today! Be sure to check out these articles.

Testing Joseph Smith
Discerning False Christs

This week and next on Apologetics Profile, we were privileged once again to have been able to interview former Latter-day Saint and the great, great granddaughter of Brigham Young, Sandra Tanner in Utah this past fall. Sandra shares her wisdom and experience from her decades-long research of the LDS Church. Her insights will help equip you to be better prepared to engage your Mormon friends, neighbors or missionaries who come to your door.

If you are enjoying Apologetics Profile, be sure to leave us a nice review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀👍

Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizeable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Episode 328: Examining Catholic Mariology with Pastor Leonardo De Chirico - Part 2

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The official teaching of the Catholic Church directs its parishioners to pray directly to Mary to intercede to Jesus on our behalf (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraphs 2277-2279). The Church also teaches that Mary was herself immaculately conceived and preserved from every stain of sin common to the rest of humanity (see CCC 490-492).

But are these doctrinal statements in keeping with a biblical portrait of Mary? We will explore these topics and others on part two of our discussion with Italian pastor, theologian, and author Leonardo De Chirico.

Leonardo De Chirico is the pastor of Breccia di Roma, a church that he helped plant in Rome in 2009. He served as Vice Chairman of the Italian Evangelical Alliance from 2003-2021 and now serves as chairman for the theological commission of the IEA. Previously, Leonardo planted and pastored an evangelical church in Ferrara, Italy, from 1997 to 2009. He earned degrees in History (University of Bologna), Theology (ETCW, Bridgend, Wales) and Bioethics (University of Padova). His PhD is from King's College (London); it was published as Evangelical Theological Perspectives on Post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism. In 2015, he published A Christian Pocket Guide to Papacy and A Christian Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? through Christian Focus. He is a lecturer of Historical Theology at Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione in Padova, Italy. Additionally, Leonardo is the Director of the Reformanda Initiative, which aims to equip evangelical leaders to better understand and engage with Roman Catholicism, and the leader of the Rome Scholars & Leaders Network (RSLN).

Free Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Roman Catholicism
Goddess worship
Islam
New Age Movement

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 327: Examining Catholic Mariology with Pastor Leonardo De Chirico - Part 1

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What role does Mary, the mother of Jesus, have in traditional Catholic theology? This week and next on Apologetics Profile, we will examine some of the core dogmas of Catholic Mariology and contrast them with the Bible's portrait of Mary with our guest Leonardo De Chirico, pastor, theologian, and author of several books on Catholic and Protestant theology and engagement.

Leonardo De Chirico is the pastor of Breccia di Roma, a church that he helped plant in Rome in 2009. He served as Vice Chairman of the Italian Evangelical Alliance from 2003-2021 and now serves as chairman for the theological commission of the IEA. Previously, Leonardo planted and pastored an evangelical church in Ferrara, Italy, from 1997 to 2009. He earned degrees in History (University of Bologna), Theology (ETCW, Bridgend, Wales) and Bioethics (University of Padova). His PhD is from King's College (London); it was published as Evangelical Theological Perspectives on Post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism. In 2015, he published A Christian Pocket Guide to Papacy and A Christian Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? through Christian Focus. He is a lecturer of Historical Theology at Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione in Padova, Italy. Additionally, Leonardo is the Director of the Reformanda Initiative, which aims to equip evangelical leaders to better understand and engage with Roman Catholicism, and the leader of the Rome Scholars & Leaders Network (RSLN).

Audio clips about the Dallas Cowboys featured in this episode:
Play by play of Cowboys & Vikings famous "Hail, Mary" from December 1975.
Roger Staubach interview on the Dan Patrick Show.

Free Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Roman Catholicism
Goddess worship
Islam
New Age Movement

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 326: Apologetics From a Pastoral Point of View with Pastor Chris Legg - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

When Jesus began His Church, He did not intend for us to live out our calling in isolation from our fellow believers. He prayed that we would, as the Church, be united as one body. The Apostle Paul also reminded the believers in Corinth that they as part of the body of Christ, indeed functioned like a human body, with many necessary and integral parts, fit together by God Himself for the edification of the saints and the glory of God.

This week we continue our conversation with Pastor Chris Legg of South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas about how he creatively and practically integrates apologetics into his ministry and how each one of us is an apologist, whether we are professionally trained in the field of apologetics or not.

Also, Daniel shares his recent terrifying experience in the Grand Canyon. You don't want to miss this episode!

Pastor Chris Legg, LPC, and his wife Ginger have been living out the parable of God’s love for His people since 1993 and have been blessed with five great kids. He is the Lead Pastor at South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, TX (https://www.southspring.org ) and is also the founding owner and clinical director of Alethia Family Counseling Center
( https://www.alethiacounseling.com ), which offers training, counseling, speaking and business consulting in several locations in Texas.

He and his son Mark are the authors of the book Sex and Marriage, which is intended to
restore the power God intended in our marriages.

Learn more about SSBC at www.southspring.org More about Alethia at https://www.alethiacounseling.com

Contact Chris, read any of his articles, and look for other resources at his
website at https://www.chrismlegg.com and at https://chrismlegg.substack.com/.

Resources from Watchman Fellowship:
Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Robert Bowman, Jr., about different approaches to Christian apologetics.
Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Word Faith Movement Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/wordfaithprofile.pdf
Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman Jr. (https://amzn.to/2YKeecD)
Fast Facts on Apologetics.

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, approx. 700-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 325: Apologetics From a Pastoral Point of View with Pastor Chris Legg - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Apologetics might sometimes seem like an off-putting, snobbishly academic endeavor for those among us who are more prone to delight in arguing with nonbelievers. But what might apologetics done properly look like? And what does practical, everyday apologetics look like for believers of all backgrounds and life experiences?

In 1 Peter 3:15, we are all called to "give a defense for the hope that is in us, with gentleness and reverence." In that spirit, we as Christians are all apologists. Apologetics is then relevant to our faith, to the church, and to the wider unbelieving culture.

This week and next on Apologetics Profile, we'll be chatting with lead pastor of South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas Chris Legg about these very issues. Pastor Chris will share with us what everyday apologetics looks like in practice in their church, from Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, to daily life in general.

Pastor Chris Legg, LPC, and his wife Ginger have been living out the parable of God’s love for His people since 1993 and have been blessed with five great kids. He is the Lead Pastor at South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, TX (https://www.southspring.org ) and is also the founding owner and clinical director of Alethia Family Counseling Center
( https://www.alethiacounseling.com ), which offers training, counseling, speaking and business consulting in several locations in Texas.

He and his son Mark are the authors of the book Sex and Marriage, which is intended to
restore the power God intended in our marriages.

Learn more about SSBC at www.southspring.org More about Alethia at https://www.alethiacounseling.com

Contact Chris, read any of his articles, and look for other resources at his
website at https://www.chrismlegg.com and at https://chrismlegg.substack.com/.

Resources from Watchman Fellowship:
Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Robert Bowman, Jr., about different approaches to Christian apologetics.
Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Episode 324: Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? with Apologist and Author Dr. Mikel Del Rosario - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What do charges of blasphemy against Jesus teach us about who Jesus really is? Clearly the Jews, Scribes, Pharisees, and even Caiaphas the High Priest thought Jesus claimed to be God through what He said and what He did (see Mark 2; Matthew 26; Mark 2; Luke 5; and John 10).

Many skeptics, as well as Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter-day Saints have tried explaining away passages like Mark 2, where the Scribes thought Jesus was blaspheming. They believe Jesus only had the authority to forgive sins, not that He was God, the Son, incarnate.

This week on the Profile, we will tackle this objection as well as delve into Matthew's account of Caiaphas tearing his robes in Matthew 26:65. Both passages (Mark 2:1-12 and Matthew 26:57-68) are solid evidence that Jesus, the Son of Man, is in fact God the Son, incarnate.

From IVP
Our guest again this week is Mikel Del Rosario (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary), professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has coauthored thirty-one journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra with his mentor, Darrell L. Bock. A member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Del Rosario is host of The Apologetics Guy Show, a podcast on YouTube and the Christianity Today Network. He previously hosted Dallas Theological Seminary’s cultural engagement podcast, The Table. He enjoys living with his wife in Chicago.

Free Four-Page Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Daniel Ray's The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (https://www.thestoryofthecosmos.com).
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 323: Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? with Apologist and Author Dr. Mikel Del Rosario - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Did Jesus really say He was God? The Scribes, Pharisees, and the High Priest Caiaphas sure understood Jesus to be making that claim. They accused Jesus of blasphemy (see Mark 2; Matthew 26; Mark 2; Luke 5; and John 10).

This week and next on the Profile, we will be examining two specific passages where Jesus is accused of blasphemy with apologist, author, and Professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago Dr. Mikel Del Rosario. We will be discussing his new book Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? and exploring why the Bible gives us an accurate historical account of Jesus's life and ministry.

From IVP
Mikel Del Rosario (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has coauthored thirty-one journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra with his mentor, Darrell L. Bock. A member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Del Rosario is host of The Apologetics Guy Show, a podcast on YouTube and the Christianity Today Network. He previously hosted Dallas Theological Seminary’s cultural engagement podcast, The Table. He enjoys living with his wife in Chicago.

Free Four-Page Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Daniel Ray's The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (https://www.thestoryofthecosmos.com).
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 322: Apologetics Profile 2025 Year In Review

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 12:07:09 +0000

What does it mean to be human?

We thoughtfully tackle this ancient question on our annual Year-in-Review episode, featuring segments from Profile interviews of 2025.

Guests include Michael Ward, Nadya Williams, Gary Habermas, Robert Bowman, Paul Nelson, Michael Behe, Casey Luskin, Robert Minich, John Oswalt, Sandra Tanner, and Michael Ray Lewis.

Free Watchman Profile Articles
Atheism
Deconstructionism
Charles Darwin
Scientism
Carl Sagan
Naturalism
Bart Ehrman

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 321: The Book of Isaiah with Old Testament Scholar Dr. John Oswalt - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Isaiah expert and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Oswalt is our guest again this week on the Profile. On this episode John discusses the discovery of the Great Isaiah Scroll in Qumran in 1947, more of Isaiah 53, and the prophecy of Cyrus the Great in chapter 45.

Dr. John Oswalt Asbury served on the faculty of Asbury Theological seminary from 1970 to 1982 as professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, and again from 1989 to 1999 as Professor of Old Testament. He rejoined Asbury in 2009 as visiting distinguished professor of Old Testament studies. He has also served as research professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., from 1999 to 2009, was president of Asbury College from 1983 to 1986, a member of the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill., from 1986 to 1989, and Interim President of Wesley Biblical Seminary, Ridgeland, MS from April 2019 through March 2020.

He is the author of 16 books, most notable of which is the two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah in the New International Commentary of the Old Testament. His most recent book is The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah, released in 2014. He has also written numerous articles that have appeared in Bible encyclopedias, scholarly journals and popular religious periodicals. Dr. Oswalt is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, with membership in the Kentucky Annual Conference. He has served as a part-time pastor in congregations in New England and Kentucky, and is a frequent speaker in conferences, camps and local churches. Oswalt received a B.A. from Taylor University; a B.D. and Th.M. from Asbury Seminary; and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University.

The Bible Among the Myths

Isaiah Commentary

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 320: The Book of Isaiah with Old Testament Scholar Dr. John Oswalt - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

"Of all the books in the OT, Isaiah is perhaps the richest. Its literary grandeur is unequaled. Its scope is unparalleled. The breadth of its view of God is unmatched. In so many ways it is a book of superlatives. Thus, it is no wonder that Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the NT, and along with Psalms and Deuteronomy, one of the most frequently cited of all OT books. Study of it is an opportunity for unending inspiration and challenge…it comes to us as a word from God, a revelation of the inevitable conflict between divine glory and human pride, of self-destruction which that pride must bring, and of the grace of God in restoring that destroyed humanity to himself. To read the book with the open eyes of the spirit is to see oneself, at times all too clearly, but also to see God whose holiness is made irresistible by his love." - Dr. John Oswalt from his two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah.

Dr. John Oswalt is our very special guest this week and next on Apologetics Profile. He will be taking us through some of the highlights of this magisterial theological work. His insights will better equip you to give a defense to non-believers who doubt the history and authorship of Isaiah.

Isaiah Commentary

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Episode 319: Bulwarks of Unbelief - Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age - with Author Joseph Minich - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

How have industry and technology shaped our understanding of ourselves and of our understanding and relationship with God? How have such intellectual and societal trends contributed to the rise of atheism and unbelief?

We continue our conversation this week with author and teaching fellow of the Davenant Institute in Landrum, South Carolina, Dr. Joseph Minich. We discuss some of his 2023 book Bulwarks of Unbelief - Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age.

From the Davenant Institute
Dr. Joseph Minich Dr. (PhD, The University of Texas at Dallas) is Faculty Chair and Professor of Philosophy at Davenant Hall. As part of his work, he also co-hosts the Pilgrim Faith podcast. The founding editor of Ad Fontes and former Editor-in-Chief of the Davenant Press, he is the author of Enduring Divine Absence (Davenant Press, 2018) and Bulwarks of Unbelief: Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age (Lexham Press, 2023). His public writing can be found at The Calvinist International, Mere Orthodoxy, Modern Reformation, and Ad Fontes.

Free Four-Page Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Daniel Ray's The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (https://www.thestoryofthecosmos.com).
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 318: Bulwarks of Unbelief - Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age - with Joseph Minich - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What intellectual and social paradigms have made atheism seem like a plausible and viable alternative worldview in the 21st century? What factors have contributed to the cultural dissolution of the Christian faith in our time?

On the next two episodes of the Profile, we will tackle some of these questions with our guest, author and teaching fellow of the Davenant Institute in Landrum, South Carolina, Dr. Joseph Minich. Minich's 2023 book Bulwarks of Unbelief - Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age explores the thesis that the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century has created intellectual and social plausibility structures for modern-day unbelief.

From the Davenant Institute
Dr. Joseph Minich Dr. (PhD, The University of Texas at Dallas) is Faculty Chair and Professor of Philosophy at Davenant Hall. As part of his work, he also co-hosts the Pilgrim Faith podcast. The founding editor of Ad Fontes and former Editor-in-Chief of the Davenant Press, he is the author of Enduring Divine Absence (Davenant Press, 2018) and Bulwarks of Unbelief: Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age (Lexham Press, 2023). His public writing can be found at The Calvinist International, Mere Orthodoxy, Modern Reformation, and Ad Fontes.

Link to the audio clip from the couple from the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy-QQDlJb20

Free Four-Page Articles from Watchman Fellowship:
Charles Darwin
Naturalism
Scientism
Deconstruction
Atheism

Additional Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Daniel Ray's The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (https://www.thestoryofthecosmos.com).
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 317: After Humanity - A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man - with Dr. Michael Ward - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today, science has uncovered many wonders about the cosmos and about life within it, but science has also "reduced" most everything in the universe to virtually nothing. In our attempt to understand the universe and ourselves down to a quantified, subatomic constituency we have not only emptied the universe, but also virtually emptied ourselves.

C.S. Lewis well understood that scientific quantification of the physical universe and scientific empiricism in general, cannot be the foundational paradigm for how we understand the cosmos and our place within it. Lewis was not criticizing science per se, however. Rather, he was highly critical of the belief that the scientific quantification of reality was the only way to understand reality. In such a universe, the essential facets of what make us human, morality, virtue, truth, beauty, and goodness all become mere emotive sentiments.

This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with C.S. Lewis scholar Dr. Michael Ward about Lewis's prescient work The Abolition of Man and how it remains relevant for us today.

From michaelward.net

Michael Ward is an English literary critic and theologian. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press) and of After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man (Word on Fire Academic); he is the co-editor of The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press). Though based at Oxford in his native England, Dr Ward is also employed as Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas, teaching one course per semester as part of the online MA program in Christian Apologetics.

Free Four-Page Articles From Watchman Fellowship

Charles Darwin
Carl Sagan's Cosmos
Naturalism
Deconstruction

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 316: After Humanity - A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man with Dr. Michael Ward - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On the last four episodes of the Profile, we have discussed the importance of understanding and living in accordance with the fact that we as human beings are intentionally created by God, in His image. When we lose sight of this central truth about our humanity, much moral and societal confusion and many evils will soon follow.

If naturalism is true, then morality and virtue are mere sentiments, not anything objectively true or real. Literary scholar and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis recognized what individual and cultural consequences would follow in the wake of moral relativism.

On this episode of Apologetics Profile, we discuss C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man with Lewis scholar and author Dr. Michael Ward and how Lewis's thoughts are still very much relevant for our time.

From michaelward.net

Michael Ward is an English literary critic and theologian. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press) and of After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man (Word on Fire Academic); he is the co-editor of The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press). Though based at Oxford in his native England, Dr Ward is also employed as Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas, teaching one course per semester as part of the online MA program in Christian Apologetics.

Free Four-Page Articles From Watchman Fellowship

Charles Darwin
Carl Sagan's Cosmos
Naturalism
Deconstruction

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 315: Passing the Torch - An Apology For Classical Christian Education - with Dr. Louis Markos Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Is there any redeeming value in reading fantasy literature or literature from the ancient world that is not distinctively Christian? What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem? What does truth have to do with fiction?

Our guest again this week, an advocate for classical Christian education, Dr. Louis Markos, believes that reading fantasy or any of the classical works from pagan antiquity is an essential component to a classical Christian education; one that enables students to understand and appreciate the bigger historical and cultural contexts picture related to the origins of Christianity, as well as equips them to better grasp who they are as human beings created in the image of God.

We continue to discuss his new book Passing the Torch - An Apology for the Christian Faith.

Dr. Louis Markos is an authority on C. S. Lewis, apologetics, and ancient Greece and Rome. He lectures widely for classical Christian and classical charter schools and conferences. Markos is the author of twenty-six books, and is the Robert H. Ray Chair of Humanities at Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas.

Free Four-Page Watchman Profiles
Naturalism
Pantheism
Carl Sagan's Cosmos
Panpsychism
Charles Darwin

Previous Apologetics Profile Episodes with Dr. Markos
The Myth Made Fact Part One
The Myth Made Fact Part Two

Additional Resources
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 314: Passing the Torch - An Apology for Classical Christian Education - with Dr. Louis Markos Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Any purpose or end goal of education requires one to have an understanding of what it means to be human. Etymologically, the word “curriculum” means to run a course.

The Apostle Paul says in his second letter to Timothy that he had “run the race” in fulfilling what Jesus created and called him to do. Jesus Himself tells us that He is the way, the truth and the life, the only way to the Father. We are created in God’s image, for His purpose and glory, to walk in the works He has prepared for us before the world began.

Our guest this week and next on the Profile is Dr. Louis Markos, an advocate for classical Christian education. He discusses his new book Passing the Torch – An Apology for Classical Christian Education. Markos shares his insights as to how a deeper understanding of the culture and literature of the Greco-Roman world enhances and complements a virtuous Christian education.

Dr. Louis Markos is an authority on C. S. Lewis, apologetics, and ancient Greece and Rome. He lectures widely for classical Christian and classical charter schools and conferences. The author of twenty-six books, Markos currently serves as the Robert H. Ray Chair of Humanities at Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas.

Free Four-Page Watchman Profiles:
Naturalism
Pantheism
Carl Sagan's Cosmos
Charles Darwin

Previous Apologetics Profile Episodes with Dr. Markos
The Myth Made Fact Part One
The Myth Made Fact Part Two

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 312: Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic with Historian, Author, and Mom Nadya Williams - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

With the recent tragic death of Christian and political activist Charlie Kirk, it is more essential than ever for us as Christians to move forward in civil dialogue with those who are not Christians about what it means to be human.

From Ancient Greece and Rome to our culture today, it is clear that a lack of understanding of who God really inevitably results in not properly understanding who we are as human beings. This week we continue our conversation with historian, author, and mother Nadya Williams about what we can learn from history about the sanctity and value of human life and be encouraged to hold fast to our confession of faith, for a world that needs real hope.

Nadya Williams (from the publisher website):

Nadya Williams (PhD, Princeton) walked away from academia after fifteen years as a professor of history and classics. She is now a homeschool mom, book review editor at Current, and a contributing editor at Providence magazine. She is the author of Cultural Christians in the Early Church (Zondervan Academic, 2023), and numerous articles and essays in Current, Plough, Christianity Today, Front Porch Republic, Fairer Disputations, Law and Liberty, Church Life Journal, and others. She and her husband, Dan, are parents to one adult son and two children still at home. They live and homeschool in Ashland, a small town near Cleveland, Ohio.

Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic (book).

Free Four-Page Profiles From Watchman Fellowship:

Goddess Worship: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/goddessprofile.pdf
Patterns in the Cults: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdf
Astrology: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf
Zoroastrianism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileZoroastrianism.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 311: Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic with Historian, Author, and Mom Nadya Williams - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Mothers and children were devalued in ancient Greco-Roman society. The advent of Christianity, however, introduced a radically different perspective - that every human being at every level of society has value and worth because we are all made in the image of God, the Imago Dei.

What can we learn from the early Christians about valuing human life and what it means to live as a Christian in the world but not of it? We talk with historian, author, and mother Nadya Williams about these and other issues pertaining to the value and worth of human beings both in ancient societies and in our own.

Nadya Williams (from the publisher website):

Nadya Williams (PhD, Princeton) walked away from academia after fifteen years as a professor of history and classics. She is now a homeschool mom, book review editor at Current, and a contributing editor at Providence magazine. She is the author of Cultural Christians in the Early Church (Zondervan Academic, 2023), and numerous articles and essays in Current, Plough, Christianity Today, Front Porch Republic, Fairer Disputations, Law and Liberty, Church Life Journal, and others. She and her husband, Dan, are parents to one adult son and two children still at home. They live and homeschool in Ashland, a small town near Cleveland, Ohio.

Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic (book).

Free Four-Page Profiles From Watchman Fellowship:

Goddess Worship: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/goddessprofile.pdf
Patterns in the Cults: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdf
Astrology: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf
Zoroastrianism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileZoroastrianism.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 310: From Hinduism to Atheism to Christianity - with Ganesh Vankataramanan Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This is part two of our conversation with software engineer, former Hindu and former atheist Ganesh Vankataramanan. Here on part two Ganesh shares how certain aspects of physical creation helped lead him out of atheism to Jesus.

Ganesh Vankataramanan is a graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology.
He works as a Vice President at a software technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Ganesh found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, he stumbled across religion and then Jesus.

Ganesh in social media:
YouTube - @geevesofficial - https://youtube.com/@geevesofficial?si=5mXsz7HiA720ua8Y

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial?igsh=dWxkeXQxczNzdmR2&utm_source=qr - @geevesofficial

X-https://x.com/cause_first - @cause_first

Website https://www.letmeintoheaven.com

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship:
Hinduism Profile https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileHinduism.pdf
International Society of Krisha Consciousness Profile https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/iskconprofile.pdf

Additional Resources from Watchman:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 309: From Hinduism to Atheism to Christianity - with Ganesh Vankataramanan Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Born into the Brahmins, the highest caste class in India, Ganesh began doubting Hinduism while in college and eventually turned to atheism. While in the United States, the hospitality of a Christian family eventually led to the foot of the cross. Come and see.

Ganesh Vankataramanan is a graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology.
He works as a Vice President at a software technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Ganesh found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, he stumbled across religion and then Jesus.

Ganesh in social media:
YouTube - @geevesofficial - https://youtube.com/@geevesofficial?si=5mXsz7HiA720ua8Y

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial?igsh=dWxkeXQxczNzdmR2&utm_source=qr - @geevesofficial

X-https://x.com/cause_first - @cause_first

Website https://www.letmeintoheaven.com

Episode 308: Global Christianity and Islam with Dr. Wafik Wahba - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

We continue our conversation about the history and interaction of Christianity and Islam with Dr. Wafik Wahba of Tyndale University in Toronto, Canada. We will be discussing more highlights from Wafik's latest book Global Christianity and Islam - Exploring History Politics and Beliefs. Wafik will also give us a concise overview about the differences between how Christians and Muslims understand the Person of Jesus.

From Dr. Wahba's website at Tyndale University:

Dr. Wahba first came to Tyndale as adjunct professor of theology in 1998, having previously taught contextualized theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt, as well as having pastored churches in Chicago and Toronto. Dr. Wahba has taught theology and intercultural studies in the United States, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. Dr. Wahba is one of 31 contemporary reformed theologians who have contributed to The Future of Reformed Theology, edited by Willis, David & Welker, Michael, (Eerdmans, 1999). Dr. Wahba has also published in Zur Zunkunft Der Reformierten Theologie, (Neukirchener Verlag, 1998). He co-led the unit on Theological Education for Mission at the 2004 Forum of Lausanne Committee in Pattaya, Thailand and is one of the authors of “Effective Theological Education for World Evangelization” Lausanne Occasional Paper No. 57, (May 2005). Dr. Wahba serves on the Board of Directors for several international Christian organizations.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker:www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 313: AP SPECIAL EDITION: The Charlie Kirk Tragedy and the Problem of Evil - with Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:13:37 +0000

On September 10th, 2025, in front of over 3,000 students on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, a lone gunman took the life of Christian and political activist Charlie Kirk.

Why would God allow such a tragedy to happen?

Watchman staff recently traveled to Utah and visited the campus of UVU. On this special episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman Fellowship senior apologist Dr. Brady Blevins helps us make sense of the tragedy.

© 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Apologetics Profile is a production of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., Arlington, Texas (Watchman.org).

Episode 307: Global Christianity and Islam with Dr. Wafik Wahba - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The history of Christianity and Islam has a long and complex history spanning several centuries, from Christians living among Muslims in Baghdad during the Golden Age of Islam to the Crusades and on into the 21st century.

What does the future hold for Christian and Islamic relations?

On the next two episodes of the Profile, we will be talking with an expert in the fields of Christianity and Islam, Dr. Wafik Wahba about his new book Global Christianity and Islam - Exploring History Politics and Beliefs. Wafik will give us a comprehensive overview of how Christianity and Islam have engaged and clashed since Islam emerged in the 7th century A.D.

From Dr. Wahba's website at Tyndale University:

Dr. Wahba first came to Tyndale as adjunct professor of theology in 1998, having previously taught contextualized theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt, as well as having pastored churches in Chicago and Toronto. Dr. Wahba has taught theology and intercultural studies in the United States, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. Dr. Wahba is one of 31 contemporary reformed theologians who have contributed to The Future of Reformed Theology, edited by Willis, David & Welker, Michael, (Eerdmans, 1999). Dr. Wahba has also published in Zur Zunkunft Der Reformierten Theologie, (Neukirchener Verlag, 1998). He co-led the unit on Theological Education for Mission at the 2004 Forum of Lausanne Committee in Pattaya, Thailand and is one of the authors of “Effective Theological Education for World Evangelization” Lausanne Occasional Paper No. 57, (May 2005). Dr. Wahba serves on the Board of Directors for several international Christian organizations.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker:www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Episode 306: Three Decades of Darwin's Black Box with Dr. Michael Behe - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week we continue our fascinating conversation with biochemist, intelligent design advocate, and author Dr. Michael Behe, looking back over three decades since he first published Darwin's Black Box in 1996. On this episode, we will discuss some of the challenges facing origin of life research.

From Michael's personal website:

Michael Behe is Professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. Behe’s current research involves delineation of design and natural selection in protein structures.

In his career he has authored over 40 technical papers and two books, Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution and The Edge of Evolution: The Search for the Limits of Darwinism, which argue that living system at the molecular level are best explained as being the result of deliberate intelligent design. The books have been reviewed by the New York Times, Nature, Philosophy of Science, Christianity Today, and many other periodicals. Darwin’s Black Box has sold over 250,000 copies and was internationally reviewed in over one hundred publications. Both National Review and World magazine named it as one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century.

Behe has presented and debated his work at major universities throughout North America and England.

More about Darwin's Black Box

Audio Clips Featured in the Broadcast:
Paul Davies: https://youtu.be/q4LnWlOKQFA?si=92PafZrUWecexarM
Richard Dawkins: https://youtu.be/HJY5KKDrygI?si=kIyKZjIP26qsoGKB
Jerry Coyne: https://youtu.be/QOsNhQeUwk0?si=_BS67GjvyjItxeCV

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Postmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 305: Three Decades of Darwin's Black Box with Dr. Michael Behe - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

On the last two episodes of AP, we talked with Tricia Scribner about how theistic evolution impacts how we understand the God of the Bible.

On the next two episodes, we will be following up with a conversation with biochemist Dr. Michael Behe, author of his widely popular 1996 book Darwin's Black Box. We will delve into the challenges molecular design and structure within living cells poses to traditional Neo-Darwinian concepts of evolution by means of natural selection and discuss how Dr. Behe believes intelligent design is the better scientific hypothesis.

From Michael's personal website:

Michael Behe is Professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. Behe’s current research involves delineation of design and natural selection in protein structures.

Behe has presented and debated his work at major universities throughout North America and England.

More about Darwin's Black Box

Audio Clip of Kenneth Miller Featured in the Beginning:
https://youtu.be/c_qNaCff7JY?si=bjypBWctbLTvlucZ

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 304: How Theistic Evolution Impacts Our Understanding of God with Dr. Tricia Scribner Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week Profile we continue our conversation with former nurse, author, and Christian apologist Dr. Tricia Scribner about how theistic evolution impacts a traditional, orthodox understanding of God. Is evolution by means of natural selection compatible with Christianity or does combining Moses and Darwin create more problems than it may at first glance seem to solve?

Tricia Scribner's Website

Tricia is a former registered nurse. She holds an MA and PhD from Southern Evangelical seminary and is the author of seven books as well as a Nana to ten grandchildren. She is currently on staff with Mama Bear Apologetics.

Recommended Resources:
*Aquinas and Evolution by Michael Chabarek

*BioLogos website, biologos.com

*Darwin’s Black Box by Michael Behe

*Evolutionary Creation, I Love Jesus and I Accept Evolution by Denis Lamoureux

*God After Darwin, God After Einstein by John Haught

*Mapping the Origins Debate by Gerald Rau

*Saving Darwin: How to Be a Christian and Believe in Evolution by Karl Giberson

*Theistic Evolution by J.P. Moreland and Stephen Meyer, eds.

*Thomistic Evolution by Ku, Davenport, Brent, Austriaco

*Answering the Music Man: Dan Barker’s Arguments Against Christianity, eds. Keltz and Scribner.

*LifeGivers Apologetics: Women Designed and Equipped to Share Reasons for the Hope Within by Tricia Scribner Amazon carries the book and impactapologetics.com also carries the teacher and student study guides

Clip with Dr. Denis Noble featured in the beginning.
https://youtu.be/DT0TP_Ng4gA?si=LOm41vhCnyNdOCJb

Free Watchman Profiles
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Richard Dawkins: https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 303: How Theistic Evolution Impacts Our Understanding of God with Dr. Tricia Scribner Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Jesus said to the Jews of His day that if they really believed in Moses they would believe in Him, but if they did not believe in Moses, He asked how they could really believe in His words (John 5:46-47).

Jesus said that Moses testified of Him. And foundational to Moses' testimony is the creation account of Genesis, including the creation of the first human beings, Adam and Eve. Can Moses then be compatible with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by means of natural selection? Many Christians who hold to "theistic evolution," a combination of evolutionary ideas and God as the Creator, believe Darwin is compatible with Moses.

This week and next on the Profile we speak with former nurse, author, and Christian apologist Dr. Tricia Scribner about how theistic evolution impacts a traditional, orthodox understanding of God.

Tricia Scribner's Website

Tricia is a former registered nurse. She holds an MA and PhD from Southern Evangelical seminary and is the author of seven books as well as a Nana to ten grandchildren. She is currently on staff with Mama Bear Apologetics.

Recommended Resources:
*Aquinas and Evolution by Michael Chabarek

*BioLogos website, biologos.com

*Darwin’s Black Box by Michael Behe

*Evolutionary Creation, I Love Jesus and I Accept Evolution by Denis Lamoureux

*God After Darwin, God After Einstein by John Haught

*Mapping the Origins Debate by Gerald Rau

*Saving Darwin: How to Be a Christian and Believe in Evolution by Karl Giberson

*Theistic Evolution by J.P. Moreland and Stephen Meyer, eds.

*Thomistic Evolution by Ku, Davenport, Brent, Austriaco

*Answering the Music Man: Dan Barker’s Arguments Against Christianity, eds. Keltz and Scribner.

Episode 302: A Philosopher and a Physicist Discuss Probability and the Fine Tuning of the Universe with Dr. Timothy McGrew and Dr. Luke Barnes

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

How does philosophy inform modern physics? And how do physicists incorporate philosophy into their research?

On this episode, we dive into those questions with philosopher Dr. Timothy McGrew and astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes in order to help you fine tune your thinking about the fine tuning of the universe.

Critics of the fine-tuning argument will often invoke probabilities in order to get around the argument's deeper implication of the existence of God.

Tim and Luke will explore some of the issues in probability theory as it informs the physics of the fine-tuning argument.

Dr. Timothy McGrew

Timothy McGrew is Professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan University, where he has taught for the past 25 years. His research interests include formal epistemology, the history and philosophy of science, and the history and philosophy of religion. When he is not doing philosophy, he enjoys playing chess online, coaching at his local chess club, running trails, and making high quality paper airplanes. He lives in SW Michigan with his wife, Lydia McGrew, and their daughters.

Dr. Luke Barnes

Dr Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in Physics at Western Sydney University. With a PhD in astronomy from the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the coauthor with Prof. Geraint Lewis of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely-Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang), published by Cambridge University Press.

Free Articles from Watchman Fellowship

Profile on Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Profile on Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Profile on Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give
Apologetics Profile is a podcast ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 301: God Loves Mormons with YouTube Host Bradley Campbell Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Again this week we talking with YouTuber Bradley Cooper who hosts the God Loves Mormons channel. Bradley sat down with Daniel Ray at the Utah Christian Research Center in Draper, Utah this past April during General Conference weekend for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bradley shares with us his experiences in his outreach to the LDS community as well as some of the challenges facing today's generation of LDS.

Here on part two we will dive into some of the significant differences between traditional Christian and Latter-day Saint doctrines of salvation.

Bradley's YouTube channel.
Utah Christian Research Center

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm
Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Additional Resources:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 300: God Loves Mormons with YouTube Host Bradley Campbell Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This is our special 300th episode of Apologetics Profile!

We have been offering our podcast completely free, without subscription or advertising, for over 5 1/2 years. If you enjoy the broadcasts and would like to allow us to continue to offer the best conversations in Christian apologetics, and examining world religions and cults from a biblical perspective, support us online today at watchman.org/give.

This week and next we'll be talking with YouTuber Bradley Cooper who hosts the God Loves Mormons channel. Bradley sat down with Daniel Ray at the Utah Christian Research Center in Draper, Utah this past April during General Conference weekend for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bradley shares with us his experiences in his outreach to the LDS community as well as some of the challenges facing today's generation of LDS.

Bradley's YouTube channel.
Utah Christian Research Center

Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm
Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Additional Resources:

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 299: The State of the Atheist & Christian Debate with Author Justin Brierley Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Is science really a barrier to belief in the Bible and Christianity? Why does science remain one of the primary reasons why people are rejecting Christianity?

This week we dig into that topic and wrap up our conversation about the state of the Atheist and Christian dialogue with author, speaker, and podcaster, Justin Brierley.

From http://justinbrierley.com/about/

Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Justin's first book 'Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm still a Christian' (SPCK) was published in 2017. His new book 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God' (Tyndale) was published in Sep 2023.

Justin currently co-hosts the Re-Enchanting podcast for Seen & Unseen, and is a guest presenter for the Maybe God podcast. He has also recently launched The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief in God podcast documentary series. Contact Justin at justin@justinbrierley.com.

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Richard Dawkins by Rhyne Putman https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf

Featured clips on this broadcast from YouTube
https://youtu.be/3mKXYI1d8-8?si=KRSSsJ2GjsBQJ47P
https://youtu.be/IEjB3OX0JME?si=cla3xrquzTyl8eL1
https://youtu.be/AvwGhlBI1hA?si=ZnMtXui0FXY8LYtV
https://youtu.be/OVEuQg_Mglw?si=YsdypJcSZgRZi7gH

Dembski interview
Luskin interview

Additional Resources
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 298: The State of the Atheist & Christian Debate with Author Justin Brierley

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

New Atheism is in decline but atheism in general still persists. But so too does Christianity. What are the current trends today in the Atheist and Christian dialogue? Is Christianity also declining or is there a general resurgence of interest in the Bible and the Person of Christ? Or is it a little of both?

This week and next on the Profile we talk with author, speaker, and podcaster from the U.K. Justin Brierley and get his insights on these and other topics from over twenty years of engaging believers and nonbelievers.

From http://justinbrierley.com/about/

Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Richard Dawkins by Rhyne Putman https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf

Additional Resources
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 297: Design in the Universe Helps Lead an Atheist to Christ - Filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Bible tells us that we can see and understand "God's invisible attributes" through what He has created. And this is precisely what former atheist Michael Ray Lewis discovered as he spent three years examining the evidence for Christianity. One of the most impressive arguments he encountered during his time of searching was that of the fine tuning of the universe.

Jesus eventually got hold of Michael and not long thereafter his wife encouraged him to make a documentary about the evidence he had uncovered for Christianity.

Here on part two of our conversation with filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis, we'll hear the story of how the idea of the film, Universe Designed, became a reality.

For more information about the film Universe Designed, visit the official website at https://www.UniverseDesigned.com

Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray:www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.
Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 296: Design in the Universe Helps Lead an Atheist to Christ - Filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

God's creation shows us His invisible attributes. He uses His creation to lead us to Christ, through whom and for whom the entirety of the heavens and earth were made (Colossians 1).

Daniel Ray recently met a former atheist who became a Christian and who has recently completed the final edits on a remarkable docudrama film about the cosmos and how it all points us to Jesus. The film is called Universe Designed and it is the passion project of our guest on Apologetics for the next two weeks, filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis.

Universe Designed rivals anything produced by National Geographic or the Discovery Channel, without the naturalism of course, and is entirely Christ-centered. It is due to be released sometime toward the end of this year.

Here on part one, Michael shares with us his story about how God began a good work in his life.

For more information about the film Universe Designed, visit the official website at https://www.UniverseDesigned.com

Resources from Watchman Fellowship:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray:www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Episode 295: Sandra Tanner Discusses Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon - Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The 15th president of the LDS Church Gordon B. Hinkley said in 1961 that "this cause is either true or false. Either this is the kingdom of God, or it is a shame and a delusion. Either Joseph talked with the Father and the Son, or he did not. If he did not, we are engaged in blasphemy."

This week we wrap up our conversation with former Latter-day Saint Sandra Tanner about many of the difficulties surrounding The Book of Mormon facing the LDS Church today.

Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizeable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.

As teenagers, before they met, Jerald and Sandra were challenged by different people and events to examine the origins of Mormonism. Soon after their introduction, they jointly began researching Mormonism and became engaged. Both accepted Christ during these early years of study and have left the Mormon church. Sandra remains today a Christian.

The Tanners are authors of over forty books on the subject of Mormonism. They are well known for their extensive research into Mormon history and doctrine. Utah Lighthouse™ Ministry provides these books and research, as well as photocopies and reprints of original Mormon documents to the public. https://www.utlm.org/navaboutus.htm

Free PDF Copy of Mormonism - Shadow or Reality?

Audio Links used in this broadcast:
Jacob Hansen - https://www.youtube.com/live/9V_N0cRqzQU?si=WchZKk0jhSpkvPjM
Robert Ritner - https://youtu.be/ORNYUyHg3pY?si=13TiSMCuGS1uGQL7

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: www.watchman.org/1stVision
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 294: Sandra Tanner Discusses Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon - Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

How could a young, relatively uneducated farm boy from upstate New York in the late 1820s have written something like The Book of Mormon? Was it inspired by God or is it merely the product of Joseph Smith's vivid imagination and storytelling?

This week and next on the Profile we will be featuring our conversation with Sandra Tanner from this past April, recorded on General Conference Weekend in Utah. Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray had the privilege of talking to Sandra about Smith, The Book of Mormon, and several other challenges facing the LDS Church today.

Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizeable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.

As teenagers, before they met, Jerald and Sandra were challenged by different people and events to examine the origins of Mormonism. Soon after their introduction, they jointly began researching Mormonism and became engaged. Both accepted Christ during these early years of study and have left the Mormon church. Sandra remains today a Christian.

The Tanners are authors of over forty books on the subject of Mormonism. They are well known for their extensive research into Mormon history and doctrine. Utah Lighthouse™ Ministry provides these books and research, as well as photocopies and reprints of original Mormon documents to the public. https://www.utlm.org/navaboutus.htm

Free PDF Copy of Mormonism - Shadow or Reality?

Audio Links used in this broadcast:
Brad Wilcox - https://youtu.be/wKfhkj0fHNk?si=vpbozHEmZbd4U3yy
Ezra Benson - https://youtu.be/TN1Ez7MjvBU?si=2ku-Wi2DAprnYX73
Russel Nelson - https://youtu.be/DG181zFA5YM?si=EmrSaXvm9nwrjqTA

Related Links:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Additional Resources:
FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 293: Does Naturalism Refute the Resurrection? With Dr. Gary Habermas Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

There exists a popular myth among skeptics and non-believers that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. What may have happened, they suggest, is that Peter and/or Paul experienced some kind of hallucination or vision of Jesus after His death.

Our guest again this week on the Profile, resurrection scholar Dr. Gary Habermas, argues however, that in order for this hypothesis even to get off the ground, the skeptic must first establish the truth of a purely naturalistic worldview, which, Gary believes, cannot be done. Naturalistic refutations of Jesus' resurrection fail to provide any significant challenge to the narratives found in the four Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has also contributed more than 60 chapters or articles to additional books, and over 100 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad. Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 11 grandchildren. https://www.liberty.edu/divinity/seminary/faculty/gary-habermas/

Gary's Books

(2024), On the Resurrection: Refutations, Vol 2 of 4, Broadman & Holman, Academic, ISBN: 978-1-0877-7862-4, https://www.amazon.com/on-the-resurrection-volume-2/dp/108777862X

Free Profiles from Watchman Fellowship!

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Mythicism by Dr. Robert Stewart and Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Mythicism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 292: Does Naturalism Refute the Resurrection? With Dr. Gary Habermas Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, as skeptics claim, then our faith in Christ is worthless and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). So do arguments rooted in naturalism, aimed at criticizing and casting doubt upon the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, pose any significant challenge to the Christian faith?

According to our guest this week, the world's leading scholar on the resurrection of Jesus, Dr. Gary Habermas, the answer is "Absolutely not!"

Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has also contributed more than 60 chapters or articles to additional books, and over 100 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad. Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 11 grandchildren. https://www.liberty.edu/divinity/seminary/faculty/gary-habermas/

Gary's Books

(2024), On the Resurrection: Refutations, Vol 2 of 4, Broadman & Holman, Academic, ISBN: 978-1-0877-7862-4, https://www.amazon.com/on-the-resurrection-volume-2/dp/108777862X

Free Profiles from Watchman Fellowship!

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Mythicism by Dr. Robert Stewart and Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Mythicism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 291: What Is Intelligent Design? With Casey Luskin and Kristin Marais of Discovery Institute Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

How many invisible entities does it take to explain the origin of the universe? Is the origin and existence of the cosmos ultimately best explained by a host of invisible theoretical entities or is it all best explained by a single, intelligent Agent?

We continue our conversation from last week on the topic of Intelligent Design with Discovery Institute associates Dr. Casey Luskin and his wife Kristin Marais.

Casey Luskin is a scientist and an attorney with graduate degrees in science and law, giving him expertise in both the scientific and legal dimensions of the debate over evolution. He holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Johannesburg He earned a law degree from the University of San Diego. His B.S. and M.S. degrees in Earth Sciences are from the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Luskin has been a California-licensed attorney since 2005, practicing primarily in the area of evolution-education in public schools and defending academic freedom for scientists who face discrimination because of their support for intelligent design (ID). https://www.discovery.org/p/luskin/

Kristin Marais has roughly 15 years of educational experience spanning the traditional building classroom, online classroom, curriculum development, and tutoring. She graduated from the University of California Riverside with a BS in biochemistry and then completed a MS in Teaching through Western Washington University. Kristin is a Washington state certified teacher with endorsements in chemistry, biology, and general science. https://discoveryinstitute.academy/chemistry/

Featured Audio Clips Sources:
Joe Rogan and Steven C. Meyer: https://youtu.be/jYYnULUru-w?si=7CgKmkolObKXZIBw and
https://youtu.be/tb1Ubw1Iu5w?si=MPojWnmHhFQLSpQB
Eric Hedin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4QutvxX88&t=92s

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Postmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 290: What Is Intelligent Design? With Casey Luskin and Kristin Marais of Discovery Institute Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Critics call it creationism in a cheap tuxedo. Some think is merely religion masquerading as a pseudo-scientific theory, but many others believe it to be a viable scientific theory that should be taken seriously.

So what exactly is the theory of Intelligent Design (ID)?

This week and next on the Profile, we'll explore the answer to that question with two very knowledgeable proponents of ID, Dr. Casey Luskin and his wife Kristin Marais from Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington.

Casey Luskin is a scientist and an attorney with graduate degrees in science and law, giving him expertise in both the scientific and legal dimensions of the debate over evolution. He holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Johannesburg He earned a law degree from the University of San Diego. His B.S. and M.S. degrees in Earth Sciences are from the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Luskin has been a California-licensed attorney since 2005, practicing primarily in the area of evolution-education in public schools and defending academic freedom for scientists who face discrimination because of their support for intelligent design (ID). https://www.discovery.org/p/luskin/

Kristin Marais has roughly 15 years of educational experience spanning the traditional building classroom, online classroom, curriculum development, and tutoring. She graduated from the University of California Riverside with a BS in biochemistry and then completed a MS in Teaching through Western Washington University. Kristin is a Washington state certified teacher with endorsements in chemistry, biology, and general science. https://discoveryinstitute.academy/chemistry/

Featured Audio Clips Sources:
Dr. Marco Fasoli: https://youtu.be/jYYnULUru-w?si=7CgKmkolObKXZIBw
Richard Dawkins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_5gVn6G_1Y
Joe Rogan and Steven C. Meyer: https://youtu.be/jYYnULUru-w?si=7CgKmkolObKXZIBw and
https://youtu.be/tb1Ubw1Iu5w?si=MPojWnmHhFQLSpQB

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Postmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 289: Engaging the Evolution and Design Debate with Discovery Institute Fellow Dr. Paul Nelson Part Two

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Evolutionary biologists have attempted in a multitude of different ways to genetically alter a species of fruit fly in an attempt to create some kind of new species. But their efforts have not yielded the desired results. In addition, contemporary discoveries pertaining to our own human genetic make up have brought a significant challenge to the reigning orthodoxy of Neo-Darwinian evolution. Naturalists are bereft of any kind of explanation regarding from where the information in the genome has come or how nature on its own could create such specified and complex information.

This week on the Profile we wrap up Daniel Ray's informal conversation with Discovery Institute fellow Dr. Paul Nelson. Paul discusses these and other philosophical and theological implications of Darwin's groundbreaking theory for us today.

Paul Nelson, PhD, Senior Fellow, Center for Science and Culture, is an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science & Religion at Biola University. He received his PhD in the philosophy of biology and evolutionary theory from the University of Chicago, and he lectures frequently at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Europe. His scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as Biology & Philosophy, BIO-Complexity, Zygon, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, and Touchstone, and his book chapters have appeared in the anthologies Mere Creation (Intervarsity Press), Signs of Intelligence (Brazos), Intelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics (MIT Press), Darwin, Design, Public Education (Michigan State University Press), and Next Generation Systematics (Cambridge University Press). Heis co-author of thebiology textbook Explore Evolution, and he has appeared in several films on intelligent design for Illustra Media.

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Postmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 288: Engaging the Evolution and Design Debate with Discovery Institute Fellow Dr. Paul Nelson Part One

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Since Charles Darwin's 1859 publication of On the Origin of Species there has been much debate and discussion about the relationship of Darwin's naturalistic hypothesis as it relates to and/or contravenes the creation account found in the Book of Genesis. Darwin's ideas have gone far beyond mere empirical science as they touch on the very philosophical, theological, and moral aspects of the origin and development of human beings.

On this episode of the Profile we speak with Discovery Institute fellow Dr. Paul Nelson about these implications of Neo-Darwinian evolution and the challenges facing the theory of natural selection today. Daniel Ray caught up with Paul at the 2025 Science and Faith Conference in Denton, Texas this past February. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!

Paul Nelson, PhD, Senior Fellow, Center for Science and Culture, is an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science & Religion at Biola University. He received his PhD in the philosophy of biology and evolutionary theory from the University of Chicago, and he lectures frequently at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Europe. His scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as Biology & Philosophy, BIO-Complexity, Zygon, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, and Touchstone, and his book chapters have appeared in the anthologies Mere Creation (Intervarsity Press), Signs of Intelligence (Brazos), Intelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics (MIT Press), Darwin, Design, Public Education (Michigan State University Press), and Next Generation Systematics (Cambridge University Press). Heis co-author of thebiology textbook Explore Evolution, and he has appeared in several films on intelligent design for Illustra Media.

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf
Scientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
Postmodernism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePostmodernism.pdf
Atheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 287: The Argument for God's Existence from Beauty and Mathematics Part 2 with Paige Lehrmann

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Many of us have plenty of experiences with math, especially when we were younger. Perhaps some of your memories of what math was like for you in school are unpleasant, to say the least. Yet there are many people who are passionate about mathematics, especially Christians who see mathematics as the God-given language by which we can better understand not only the physical world around us, but God Himself. Naturalism has no real answers for why mathematics is so useful and even beautiful and practical not only for doing science, but in our everyday lives. And how are beauty and mathematics linked? What do beauty and math tell us about God Himself? This week we wrap up our conversation with youth leader, math professor, friend of Watchman Fellowship and Christian apologist Paige Lehrmann. Paige will share with us her passion about mathematics, beauty, and how we can incorporate them in our defense for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).

Paige Lehrmann is the Director of Student Ministries at St. Andrew’s Community Church in Oklahoma City and a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy and Mathematics from Oklahoma Baptist University, where she completed an interdisciplinary thesis on the Trinity. Paige went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma and has taught as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Christian University. She has presented at apologetics conferences on topics such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and theistic arguments from beauty. Through her work, she hopes to help others think deeply about faith, truth, and the beauty of the Gospel.

You may contact Paige via email at Paige.lehrmann@gmail.com.

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
The New Age Movement: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/newageprofile.pdf
Hinduism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileHinduism.pdf

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give

Episode 286: The Argument for God's Existence from Beauty and Mathematics Part 1 with Paige Lehrmann

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We have all had meaningful and profound encounters with beauty in our lives. Even though we often know what we mean when we say "That is absolutely beautiful," beauty, as it turns out, is not easy to articulate in words. It goes far beyond outward or aesthetically pleasing appearances. There is much more theological depth and complexity to the topic of beauty than what may be "in the eye of the beholder." Our guest this week and next on the Profile is Miss Paige Lehrmann, friend of Watchman Fellowship, Christian apologist, youth leader, and math professor. We'll be discussing Paige's insights about the nature of beauty and how it points us to Christ.

Paige Lehrmann is the Director of Student Ministries at St. Andrew’s Community Church in Oklahoma City and a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy and Mathematics from Oklahoma Baptist University, where she completed an interdisciplinary thesis on the Trinity. Paige went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma and has taught as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Christian University. She has presented at apologetics conferences on topics such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and theistic arguments from beauty. Through her work, she hopes to help others think deeply about faith, truth, and the beauty of the Gospel.

You may contact Paige via email at Paige.lehrmann@gmail.com.

Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship

Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Panpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdf
The New Age Movement: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/newageprofile.pdf

Episode 285: Who Do Men Say That I Am? The Incarnate Christ and His Critics [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Colossians tells us that all things were made through Christ and for Christ. John tells us that all things came into being through the Word who was and is God incarnate, the second Person of the Trinity, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through what God has made, Romans 1 tells us, the whole world knows something of God's invisible attributes - His "eternal power and divine nature," for example. But critics of Christianity deny that Jesus is God in the flesh. How can we as Christians be better equipped to respond to the critics of the incarnate Christ? This week we continue our discussion with Dr. Rob Bowman, Jr.,, president of the Institute for Religious Research about his new book The Incarnate Christ and His Critics. Rob will give us more insights from his "HANDS" acronym about how we can known Jesus is both Lord and God and how we can give an intelligent defense of what the Bible says of Jesus to non-Christians.

Dr. Rob Bowman Jr., is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.

Related Links: FREE Four-Page Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship!

Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman. https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf
Atheism https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf
Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf
Islam https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf

Episode 284: Who Do Men Say That I Am? The Incarnate Christ and His Critics [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

"The whole world has gone after Him" the Pharisees said to one another about Jesus of Nazareth (John 12:19). He healed the sick, cured the lepers, brought sight to the blind, commanded the winds and the waves, fed the hungry, and even raised His friend Lazarus from the dead. Who is this Jesus? Some say He was just a prophet. Some say He was merely a teacher, but others believed Him to be, the Christ, the Son of the living God, Lord, and Savior. This week and next on the Profile we'll be talking to Dr. Rob Bowman, Jr.,, president of the Institute for Religious Research about his new book The Incarnate Christ and His Critics. What do the critics of Christianity say about Jesus? What does the Bible say of Jesus? Using the pneumonic acronym "HANDS" Rob provides us with invaluable wisdom about answering non-believers' critiques of Jesus.

Dr. Rob Bowman Jr., a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship, is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.

Related Links: FREE Four-Page Profile Articles from Watchman Fellowship!

Atheist New Testament scholar Dr. Bart D. Ehrman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Atheism: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: www.watchman.org/Watchtower
Islam www.watchman.org/Muslim

Episode 283: The Occult Roots of the Prosperity Gospel with Dr. Richard Howe [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Word-faith teachers claim that faith is a kind of power or force that we can utilize to our advantage to help us prosper physically, financially, and spiritually. This week philosopher and apologist Dr. Richard G. Howe will continue to unpack the problematic doctrines and practices of the word-faith prosperity heresy and give us sound, biblical insights as to how we can prevent and counter-act these false teachings.

Dr. Richard G. Howe is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina where he also serves as Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and as the Provost. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics.

Related Links: Here are some of our related 4-page Profiles on the Word Faith Movement, popular Prosperity Gospel preachers, the occult and New Age / Mind Science religions:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Word Faith Movement by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/WordFaith
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Benny Hinn by Justin Peters: www.watchman.org/Hinn
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joel Osteen by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Osteen
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joyce Meyer by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Meyer
Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Occult by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheOccult
Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Secret by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheSecret
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Christian Science by Craig Branch: www.watchman.org/ChristianScience
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Unity School of Christianity by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Unity
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Witchcraft / Wicca by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Wicca
Watchman Fellowship's Profile on Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 282: The Occult Roots of the Prosperity Gospel with Dr. Richard Howe [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The word-faith prosperity gospel is not really the Gospel at all. Much of the heretical theology and practice within the word-faith movement comes from much older and long-standing occult beliefs and practice. This week and next on Apologetics Profile, we'll be featuring president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker's conversation with Dr. Richard Howe about the occult influences in the doctrines of highly popular word-faith teachers such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn and Joyce Meyer.

Dr. Richard G. Howe is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina where he also serves as Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and as the Provost. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics.

Related Links: Here are some of our related 4-page Profiles on the Word Faith Movement, popular Prosperity Gospel preachers, the occult and New Age / Mind Science religions:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Word Faith Movement by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/WordFaith
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Benny Hinn by Justin Peters: www.watchman.org/Hinn
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joel Osteen by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Osteen
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Joyce Meyer by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Meyer
Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Occult by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheOccult
Watchman Fellowship Profile on The Secret by James Walker: www.watchman.org/TheSecret
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Christian Science by Craig Branch: www.watchman.org/ChristianScience
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Unity School of Christianity by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Unity
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Witchcraft / Wicca by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Wicca
Watchman Fellowship's Profile on Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 281: Jeffrey Barbeau on C.S. Lewis, Romanticism and Personal Experience [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In early 1820 a young farm boy by the name of Joseph Smith believed he had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to him, exhorting him not to join any of the existing churches of his day, for they were all corrupt. Just over 200 years later in 2023 in Wilmore, Kentuck in the main chapel on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary, something of a revival began. For two weeks, thousands of people from all over the world came to Ashbury to see for themselves what was happening. During these two weeks, people prayed and sang worship songs. Many Christians, however, debated as to whether or not this was a genuine revival or just an emotive outpouring of mostly Gen-Z'ers. And most Evangelical Christians criticize Joseph's Smith's first vision as either legendary, completely fabricated, or theologically aberrant. How can we rightly discern whether or not people's personal experiences are truly from God? This week on the Profile we wrap up our conversation with theologian and literary scholar Dr. Jeffery Barbeau about his new book The Last Romantic - C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology and consider more of Lewis's insights and how they can equip us to think biblically about personal religious experiences.

Jeffery Barbeau (Ph.D., Marquette University) is professor of theology at Wheaton College, Editor of The Coleridge Bulletin, and a writer on British Romanticism, religion and literature, and the history of Christian thought. His other works include The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion (2021), The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion (2019), and Religion in Romantic England (2018).

Related Links: Go deeper with these related apologetics tools:

Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the International Christian Church: by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 280: Jeffrey Barbeau on C.S. Lewis, Romanticism and Personal Experience [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

If you have ever had a deeply moving personal experience with God, you know it can be something that words cannot adequately convey. Perhaps it is deeply emotional, powerful, and moving. The experience solidifies your conviction that what you believe about God is true. You might also believe God "spoke" to you in that moment. But given that there are a multitude of other religions today with devotees who claim to have similar experiences, how can we know that what we have experienced is an authentic movement of the God who is there? This week and next on the Profile, we talk with theologian and literary scholar Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau about his new book The Last Romantic - C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology and how Lewis's thoughts about Romantic poetry might give us some insight about the nature of personal religious experiences and how properly to think about them.

Jeffery Barbeau (Ph.D., Marquette University) is professor of theology at Wheaton College, Editor of The Coleridge Bulletin, and a writer on British Romanticism, religion and literature, and the history of Christian thought. His books include monographs, anthologies, and edited books, including The Last Romantic: C. S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology (2025), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion (2021), The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion (2019), Religion in Romantic England (2018), and Sara Coleridge: Her Life and Thought (2014).

Related Links: Go deeper with these related apologetics tools:

Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the International Christian Church: by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Former Latter-day Saint, Isaac Hess, describes Mormonism's "Burning in the Bosom" https://youtu.be/ChULWVM6AF8

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 279: Reaching Mormons with the Gospel [Part 2] with Bill McKeever and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

There are nearly seven million Latter-day Saints in the United States today. And yet despite the growth of Latter-day Saints in foreign countries, the LDS church in the US continues to see a significant decline in its membership. Since 2021, the LDS church in the US has experienced a decline in membership in 21 states. Through the growth of available information on line, many LDS are discovering for the first time many of the problems with the church's history and theology that have until quite recently been kept secret from members. This week on the Profile President of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker continues his conversation with Founder of Mormon Research Ministries and the Utah Christian Research Center, Bill McKeever.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: www.watchman.org/1stVision
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 278: Reaching Mormons with the Gospel [Part 1] with Bill McKeever and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week and next on the profile President of Watchman Fellowship, James Walker sits down with Bill McKeever, founder of Mormon Research Ministry (MRM) and the Utah Christian Research Center, about many of the challenges facing Latter-day Saints today regarding the church's history and theology. We hope these episodes will better equip you to engage and understand your LDS friends, neighbors, and missionaries that come to your door.

Bill McKeever founded Mormonism Research Ministry in 1979 with the hope of informing the Body of Christ about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. He has also made an effort to reach out the many individuals who are members of the LDS Church, desiring to show them in gentleness and respect the truth about God’s Word. His writings include In Their own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations (Morris Publishing, 2010), Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (co-authored with Eric Johnson, Kregel, 2013), and Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker, 2015).

In addition, Bill serves as the editor of Mormonism Researched, a bi-monthly publication distributed free through Mormonism Research Ministry. He is the host of the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and has been a featured guest on many Christian and secular talk shows throughout the country.

Related Links: Get the rest of the story including some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism):

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): www.watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: www.watchman.org/1stVision
Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 277: When Cults Split [Part 2] The ICC Disfellowships Kip McKean who joins new RCW splinter group

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week on Apologetics Profile, Watchman senior apologist Dr. Brady Blevins continues his conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews about the recent split of the International Christian Church (ICC) and its disfellowshipping of its charismatic and controversial founder, Kip McKean. The breakaway sect of the ICC now calls itself the Restored Church Worldwide and in January, made a surprising move to accept and "restore" McKean as a member in good standing. Here on part two Steve will share with us the details of the split and give us helpful insights as to how we can recognize and prevent heretical doctrines and practices from deceiving and dividing the body of Christ. To hear more about Kip McKean and the ICC, you can listen to our previous episodes with Steve here.

Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 1): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean1

Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 2): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean2

Steve Matthews is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is host of the YouTube channel Exposing the Cults which is soon to be an in-depth website. More of Steve's content can be found at Exposing the Cults YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ExposingTheCults.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on International Christian Church by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Boston
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Burning Man by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/BurningMan
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Mission Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCG

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 276: When Cults Split [Part 1] The ICC Disfellowships Kip McKean who joins new RCW splinter group

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week and next on the Profile, Watchman senior apologist Dr. Brady Blevins talks with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews about the recent split of the International Christian Church (ICC), founded by the controversial and charismatic leader Kip McKean. Not only did the ICC recently split, it also disfellowshipped McKean himself for inappropriate behavior, some of which McKean has publicly acknowledged. The new breakaway from the ICC now calls itself the Restored Church Worldwide (RCW). In addition, this past January, the RCW "restored" McKean, not in a position of leadership, but as a member. Steve shares with us some of the details and background of the split and the history of McKean's association with the ICOC, the ICC, and now the RCW. For more background about the ICC and ICOC, you can listen to our previous episodes with Steve here.

Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 1): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean1

Podcast: Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 2): www.watchman.org/KipMcKean2

Steve Matthews is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is host of the YouTube channel Exposing the Cults which is soon to be an in-depth website. More of Steve's content can be found at Exposing the Cults YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ExposingTheCults

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship's Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: www.watchman.org/SA
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on International Christian Church by Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Boston
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Burning Man by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/BurningMan
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Mission Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCG

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 275: Sara's Journey from Islam to Jesus [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Just how radically different is the portrait of Isa in the Qur'an with Jesus of the Bible? This week we'll hear once more from president of Watchman Fellowship James Walker's interview with Sara, a former Muslim, who was moved and convicted by Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. If Allah is truly merciful and loving, why did the Sermon on the Mount seem so radically different than the Allah of the Qur'an? This interview took place live at the Defend Apologetics Conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary this past January.

Sara is is a former Muslim who became a Christian after questioning the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadiths. She is currently a student at Leavell College at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. You may visit her YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@ApostateofAllah

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 274: Sara's Journey from Islam to Jesus [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week we conclude our series on Islam with the testimony of a former Muslim who became a Christian after questioning some of the basic teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadiths. On this episode president of Watchman Fellowship James Walker had a chance to talk with Sara at the Defend Apologetics Conference in January about her transition from Islam to Christianity. This week we'll hear about Sara's background with Islam and how she started to question what the Qur'an and the Hadiths really say about Jesus.

Sara is is a former Muslim who became a Christian after questioning the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadiths. She is currently a student at Leavell College at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. You may visit her YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@ApostateofAllah

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 273: Islamic Tawhid Vs the Christian Trinity with Dr. Imad Shehadeh [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

When engaging Muslims with the truth of Christianity, it is crucial we understand clearly not only our own doctrines but those of our Muslim friends and neighbors as well. While we use many familiar-sounding concepts, our definitions are often radically different. This week on the Profile we continue our discussion with founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Aman, Jordan Dr. Imad Shehadeh. We talk more about his 2020 two-volume publication God With Us and Without Us - The Beauty and Power of Oneness in Trinity versus Absolute Oneness. Imad will share more valuable insights from his decades of engagement with Muslims about the nature of our Triune God and the absolute oneness of Allah.

Dr. Imad Shehadeh is President and Senior Professor of Theology at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, Amman, Jordan, which he founded in 1991. Dr Shehadeh earned his PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas, and has carried out post-doctoral studies at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium, and the University of Edinburgh, UK. He has a wide-ranging preaching and teaching ministry including online and television series, and speaking at churches, seminaries and conferences. Dr Shehadeh has written a number of articles and books published in both English and Arabic.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 272: Islamic Tawhid Vs the Christian Trinity with Dr. Imad Shehadeh [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

God is doing a work in the Middle East. This week and next on the Profile we talk with the founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Aman, Jordan Dr. Imad Shehadeh. The seminary, established in the early 1990s, presently trains and equips Christians, many who are former Muslims, to pastor churches and serve in Christian ministry throughout the Middle East and the world. Dr. Shehadeh shares with us his insights and experience in engaging Muslims with the truth of the Christian faith. We discuss his 2020 two-volume publication God With Us and Without Us - The Beauty and Power of Oneness in Trinity versus Absolute Oneness. It is a comprehensive survey about the differences between the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the Islamic doctrine of Tawhid, or absolute oneness.

Dr. Imad Shehadeh is President and Senior Professor of Theology at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, Amman, Jordan, which he founded in 1991. Dr Shehadeh earned his PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas, and has carried out post-doctoral studies at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium, and the University of Edinburgh, UK. He has a wide-ranging preaching and teaching ministry including online and television series, and speaking at churches, seminaries and conferences. Dr Shehadeh has written a number of articles and books published in both English and Arabic.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 271: Discussing the Trinity with Muslims [Part 2] featuring Dr. Sherene Khouri

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

When sharing our own testimonies and stories about our faith in Christ with Muslims, it is essential to know some basic differences between Christianity and Islam. What do Muslims believe about the Trinity? What is the true nature of God? What are the fundamental differences between the God of the Bible and Allah of the Qur'an? This week we continue our discussion with Dr. Sherene Khouri, author and assistant professor of Arabic at Liberty University of Virginia, about her new book, Triune Rationality - A Trinitarian Response to Islamic Monotheism. Dr. Khouri provides us with helpful historical insights and key theological concepts that will both enrich and better inform our apologetic conversations with our Muslim friends and neighbors.

Sherene Nicholas Khouri (PhD, Liberty University) is assistant professor of Arabic at Liberty University and also teaches courses on theology, apologetics, Arabic Christianity, and Islam in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. Born in Damascus, Syria, she served the Arabic church in the Middle East for thirteen years.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 270: Discussing the Trinity with Muslims [Part 1] featuring Dr. Sherene Khouri

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is perhaps one of the most difficult and challenging doctrines of the Christian faith. Perhaps it is nowhere more challenging to explain than in dialogue with Muslims, who believe that Christianity is blasphemously polytheistic, teaching that there are literally three distinct Gods. Our guest this week and next on the Profile, Dr. Sherene Khouri assistant professor of Arabic at Liberty University of Virginia joins to discuss her new book, Triune Rationality - A Trinitarian Response to Islamic Monotheism. Dr. Khouri provides a comprehensive historical look back to three lesser-known Christian apologists who lived during the time of the Golden Age of Islam and wrote apologetic defenses of the Trinity in Arabic to their Islamic contemporaries. Dr. Khouri's insights and research are immensely helpful for anyone in dialogue with Muslims today.

Sherene Nicholas Khouri (PhD, Liberty University) is assistant professor of Arabic at Liberty University and also teaches courses on theology, apologetics, Arabic Christianity, and Islam in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. Born in Damascus, Syria, she served the Arabic church in the Middle East for thirteen years.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus, by James Walker
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 269: James Hannam: God's Philosophers - How Dark Were the Dark Ages? [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

You have probably seen the picture of Earth taken by the Voyager I satellite on Valentine's Day in 1990. It looks like nothing more than a little pixel, just a tiny point of light hanging in a beam of sunlight, like a mote of dust. Long before NASA presented this iconic image to the public, however, the late Medieval poet Dante had imagined the Earth would appear as a mere point of light in comparison to the rest of the cosmos. Many Medieval thinkers had gifted and extraordinary insights into the nature of reality, many of which laid the foundation for modern science in the West. Contrary to popular belief, the Medieval Era was a fruitful time of innovation and invention. This week, we continue to dispel some modern misconception about Medievals with author and historian James Hannam.

James Hannam is a historian of the relationship between religion and science in the United Kingdom. He is the author of God's Philosophers - How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science (published in the US as The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution) and The Globe: How the Earth Became Round. James is also a full-time tax consultant. You can find out more about James and his work on his website: www.JamesHannam.com.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray.: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Astrology by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Astrology
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Richard Dawkins by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Dawkins
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 268: James Hannam: God's Philosophers - How Dark Were the Dark Ages? [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

You have likely heard the term "the Dark Ages" to describe the period of history from about 450 A.D. to 1450 A.D. And you have likely heard a historian or science popularizer or two suggest that it was primarily the Christian Church of the time which was the root cause of suppressing true scientific knowledge of the physical cosmos. Medievals were ignorant, superstitious, and didn't do much of anything scientifically significant for nearly a thousand years. Our guest this week, author and historian James Hannam, says that this disparaging caricature of the Medieval Era is entirely wrong. This week's episode tackles the influence of Aristotle, the development of the university, and the idea of purpose in Medieval natural philosophy.

James Hannam is a historian of the relationship between religion and science in the United Kingdom. He is the author of God's Philosophers - How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science (published in the US as The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution) and The Globe: How the Earth Became Round. James is also a full-time tax consultant. You can find out more about James and his work on his website: www.JamesHannam.com.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray.: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Astrology by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Astrology
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Richard Dawkins by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Dawkins
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 267: BONUS: 2024 Year in Review - Apologetics Profile

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:37:50 +0000

Our 2024 year-in-review theme for this special broadcast is From Unbelief to Belief. We feature clips from selected episodes in 2024 discussing the problem of unbelief and the hope we have in Christ of overcoming unbelief, in our own lives and the lives of those we know and love. Some of the guests featured on this special edition of the Profile include Dr. Darrell Bock, Dr. Doug Groothuis, Alisa Childers, Dr. Jamie Dew, Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez, Dr. William Dembski, Dr. Jana Harmon, Dr. Gary Habermas, and J. Warner Wallace.

As we come to the closing days of 2024, we ask you to consider a tax-deductible donation to Watchman Fellowship to help make our weekly podcasts possible. You may donate at www.watchman.org/give or become a regular monthly supporter at www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Watchman Fellowship and indicate your support for Apologetics Profile Podcast. Our address is:

Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

PO BOX 310

Arlington, Texas 76004

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to today's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 265: The Keys to Bible Interpretation [Part 2] with Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In today's age of rampant individualistic interpretations of Scripture how can we properly cultivate a right understand the Bible? Our guest again this week on the Profile is theologian and president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski, author of the 2021 book In All the Scriptures - Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics. Nicholas offers us some insights from his book, most importantly about understanding the layered nature of contexts related to the times and places in which both the Old and New Testaments were written. Good hermeneutics, he argues, should always point us to Christ.

Nicholas Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president and academic dean at Indianapolis Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament studies. Faculty Bio: www.indysem.org/dr-piotrowski-bio-page.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 264: The Keys to Bible Interpretation [Part 1] with Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In today's age of rampant individualistic interpretations of Scripture how can we properly cultivate a right understand the Bible? Our guest this week and next on the Profile is theologian and president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski, author of the 2021 book In All the Scriptures - Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics. Nicholas offers us some insights from his book, most importantly about understanding the layered nature of contexts related to the times and places in which both the Old and New Testaments were written. Good hermeneutics, he argues, should always point us to Christ.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 263: Why Did God Do That? [Part 2] with Matthew Tingblad

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Perhaps two of the biggest objections you hear against God's existence are slavery and hell. Why would God, a loving God, allow such things? This week we continue our conversation with apologist with Josh McDowell Ministries, Matthew Tingblad, co-author with Josh McDowell of Why Did God Do That? Discovering God's Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture. Matthew will share with us his insights about these difficult objections and encourage us to focus on God's holiness and goodness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Matthew Tingblad is a writer and speaker holding a Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology. Matthew has a passion to grow and strengthen the church with a firm grounding for the Christian faith. With wisdom and sensitivity, he offers a unique approach to tough biblical questions and the deeply felt needs of teenagers, college students, and young professionals today by integrating theology and philosophy into apologetics. Matthew has led thousands of individuals to grow in a rock-solid conviction that God is real, God is good, and God is worth it.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Annihilationism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Annihilationism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hiddenness

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 262: Why Did God Do That? [Part 1] with Matthew Tingblad

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Why? We often have many "Why?" questions when it comes to God and our relationship with Him. Why would God allow evil or why would God flood the earth? God does not tell us everything we would like to know, but He has revealed to us everything we need to know, including the fact that we can trust Him with our lives and that He is ultimately good. That is the premise for the book, Why Did God Do That? Discovering God's Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture, written by our guest this week and next on the profile, apologist with Josh McDowell Ministries, Matthew Tingblad.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Annihilationism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Annihilationism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hiddenness

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 261: Who's Afraid of the Multiverse? [Part 2] with Dr. Jeff Zweerink

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Our guest again this week, astrophysicist and author at Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org) Dr. Jeff Zweerink, tells us that we have nothing to fear, not even the multiverse! Many atheists and skeptics have tried to employ the multiverse as a means of explaining away God as the cause of the existence of our universe. Come and hear what Jeff has to say this week about how creation not only is not threatened by modern science, but how it ultimately can encourage and strengthen our faith when we learn more about it. By faith we know that the physical universe and everything it contains, both seen and unseen, are all ultimately declaring the glory of God. This week we conclude our discussion about Jeff's 2008 book, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?

Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and a senior research scholar for Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff’s work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff has also made many media appearances, on television, radio, and in print. He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 260: Who's Afraid of the Multiverse? [Part 1] with Dr. Jeff Zweerink

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The universe is a fantastically wondrous place. There are more things in heaven and earth than are often dreamt of in our philosophies, to paraphrase Hamlet a little bit. And for the many things we can observe in the physical universe, science sometimes struggles to come up with an explanation as to what is really going on. How much more mysterious are those things which we cannot see? How should Christians think about things that the science of the heavens tells us cannot be seen, such as the idea of the existence of many different universes? That's the question we tackle this week and next on the broadcast with astrophysicist from Reasons to Believe, Dr. Jeff Zweerink. We talk about his 2008 book, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse? So, who is afraid of the multiverse? Come and see!

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 259: Bridge Building Apologetics [Part 2] with Lindsey Medenwaldt

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Our guest again this week is author and apologist Lindsey Medenwaldt, who continues to share with us insights and her personal experiences with apologetics and evangelism. The Apostle Paul tells his fellow Christians in Corinth to do all to the glory of God. What does that mean? Do we have to be a popular evangelist or a pastor or have a successful social media following to glorify God? Must we be gregarious, outgoing evangelists who have no fear of man in order to win the world to Jesus? No. In whatever situation in which God has placed us, we can do all for the glory of God. Our witness to the world is most effectively accomplished through how we live our lives, in whatever vocation that might be. Our witness should be authentic, sincere, and candid, so that a world in need of hope can see how we have a hope in Christ that does not disappoint.

Lindsey Medenwaldt is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and is the resident worldview and world religion specialist. She has a master’s degree in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, as well as a master’s in public administration and a law degree. She’s the author of Bridge-Building Apologetics (Harvest House, 2024). She’s an editor and author for the Christian Research Journal, an editor for Women in Apologetics, and a member of the Pelican Project.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 258: Bridge Building Apologetics [Part 1] with Lindsey Medenwaldt

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In the 12th chapter of Paul's first letter to Corinth, he reminds the church that "the body is not one member but many... the eye cannot say to the hand 'I have no need of you.'" The Spirit of God has distributed diverse gifts to the body of Christ. We each have unique gifts and abilities which we can use to help encourage and edify one another as fellow Christians. Though not all of us have the gift of evangelism, we are all called to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us, with gentleness and reverence. We are all included in the Great Commission. But we will each go about sharing our faith diverse and unique ways with others. Our guest this week and next is author and apologist Lindsey Medenwaldt. She shares some of her insights about apologetics and evangelism in her new book Bridge-Building Apologetics.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 257: 258 Many Worlds, Mormonism and Multiverses [Part 2] with Dr. Luke Barnes

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What does materialism, Big-Bang cosmology, and Mormonism all have in common? Can we really work toward becoming a god of our own world? What does a mid-twentieth century interpretation of quantum mechanics have to do with Latter-Day Saint theology? And just exactly how can the Gospel help us better understand how to respond to these complex issues? This is part two of our rather unique dialogue with president of Watchman Fellowship and former 4th-generation Latter-Day Saint James K. Walker and astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes, plus some bonus material from some of our previous podcasts you won't want to miss!

Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology. With PhD at the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang). Luke, along with Allen Hainline, has also written a contributing chapter to The Story of the Cosmos - How The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.

James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth-generation Mormon with over twenty-five years of ministry experience in the field of Christian counter-cult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and The News Hour News with Jim Lehrer. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 256: Many Worlds, Mormonism and Multiverses [Part 1] with Dr. Luke Barnes

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Is it possible for us to become a god? Do mathematics tell us that there are many universes? Is there any evidence of other universes? This week and next on the Profile, we guarantee that in all of the some five million podcasts out there today, you won't likely find the the topics of Many Worlds, Mormonism, and Multiverses covered in the same episode. The next two episodes will be somewhat unique, but we think they cover a lot of lesser-known ideas that have some overlap. Many who leave the Latter-Day-Saint faith turn to atheism. But neither Mormonism nor an atheistic materialism are in accordance with the true story of the cosmos.

Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast:

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 255: The Shincheonji Cult: A Former Members Journey [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

South Korea may seem quite remote to us, both geographically and culturally. Yet right here in the US, in your local malls, colleges, and even churches, could very well be members of the high-control cult from South Korea known as Shincheonji aggressively attempting to recruit people. They also pose on social media sites, even dating apps, they will even lie and deceive people in their recruitment efforts. This week we continue our conversation with Chris, a former SCJ member, who will share more of his story about how he left the group and share valuable insights about SCJ's doctrines and tactics.

Related Links: Free access to additional resources including some related Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/ProfileSCJ
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji (in Korean) by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/SCJ_Korean
Apologetics Profile podcast on Shincheonji with Steve Matthews [Part 1]: www.watchman.org/SCJ1
Apologetics Profile podcast on Shincheonji with Steve Matthews [Part 2]: www.watchman.org/PodcastSCJ2
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Missionary Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCOG
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Patterns
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 254: The Shincheonji Cult: A Former Members Journey [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

South Korea is increasingly becoming a hotbed for cults. A few of them have successfully made their way into the United States through aggressive but sometimes secretive and covert means. On this episode of the Profile, we talk with Chris, a former member of the cult of Shincheonji (pronounced shin-shon-JEE), a group that began in South Korean in 1984. Chris will share with us what Shincheonji teaches, how he became involved, their tactics, and finally how he escaped.

Related Links: Free access to additional resources including some related Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/ProfileSCJ
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji (in Korean) by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/SCJ_Korean
Apologetics Profile podcast on Shincheonji with Steve Matthews [Part 1]: www.watchman.org/SCJ1
Apologetics Profile podcast on Shincheonji with Steve Matthews [Part 2]: www.watchman.org/PodcastSCJ2
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Missionary Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCOG
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Patterns
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 253: Who Was Joseph Smith? [Part 2] with Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The Book of Abraham is considered to be sacred scripture by mainstream Latter-day Saints today. Joseph Smith claimed that the Egyptian papyri from which the Book of Abraham had come was the authentic, autograph original of Abraham himself, detailing his sojourn in Egypt. But through a series of events, those original papyri which were thought to have been lost, resurfaced in 1966 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is now widely acknowledged, even by some in the mainstream LDS Church, that Smith's translation was not in accordance with what the papyri actually described.

We continue with our July 2024 presentation from Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry (www.MRM.org) about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Here on part two, Eric provides more details about the origins and translations of the Book of Abraham. We also feature a question-and-answer session with Eric and our Watchman Fellowship Utah Mission Team. This training took place at MRM's new Utah Christian Research Center in Draper, Utah (www.utahchristianresearchcenter.com).

Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 when he first served as a summer missionary to Utah. Eric graduated from San Diego State University as well as at Bethel Seminary San Diego. Eric cohosts the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and writes for MRM’s Mormonism Researched newsletter. He is the co-author of Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker Book, 2015) and Introducing Christianity to Mormons (Harvest House, 2022).

Related Links: Get the rest of the story including some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism):

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 252: Who Was Joseph Smith? [Part 1] with Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Who was Joseph Smith? Even after nearly 200 years since the first Book of Mormon was published in 1830, Smith remains something of an enigma. He is viewed as a charismatic farm-boy prophet and martyr by Latter-day Saints and a public enemy, adulterer, and charlatan by many others. How did Smith write the Book of Mormon and convince his followers he had received another testament of Jesus Christ? This week and next on the Profile, we feature Mormonism Research Ministry (www.MRM.org) staff member Eric Johnson. Our two-part broadcast is an exclusive training presentation Eric gave our Watchman Fellowship's Utah Mission Team this past July about Joseph Smith and how the Book of Mormon came to be. This training took place at MRM's new Utah Christian Research Center in Draper, Utah (www.utahchristianresearchcenter.com).

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: watchman.org/1stVision

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 251: From Islam to Jesus [Part 2] Hedieh Mirahmadi's Faith Journey

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

251 From Islam to Jesus [Part 2] Hedieh Mirahmadi's Faith Journey

apologetics, Apologetics Profile, Watchman Fellowship, Hedieh Mirahmadi, Daniel Ray, Christianity, gospel, Islam, Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Ahmadiyya, Muslim, ExMuslim, former muslim, Muhammed, Quran, Qur'an, Koran, Isa, terrorism, counter terrorism, radical islam, islamic terrorism, evangelism, gospel, islamophobia

Can you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? This week on the Profile, we continue our conversation with former Muslim Hedieh Mirahmadi as she recounts what it was like for her as a Muslim serving under President George W. Bush during the tragic events of 9-11. Hedieh shares how she began question Isalm and how she left everything behind to be with her father in California. You'll hear her remarkable testimony of how God used that break to bring her to Jesus.

Hedieh Mirahmadi was a devout practicing Sufi Muslim for over 20 years and served under five U.S. presidents as an advisor on Islamic relations. Her professional career both inside the U.S. government and the private sector was built around her Islamic faith and how to defeat Islamic terrorism. No matter what she did as a Muslim, however, she never felt as though her sins were truly forgiven or that she would obtain paradise. Hedieh became a follower of Christ after hearing His voice call her name, "Hedieh, it's Me." She and her husband Andy live in Southern California and host the Living Fearlessly Devotional podcast. To learn more about Hedieh visit her ministry website at www.resurrectministry.com.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

Profile Notebook: Order the complete collection of every Profile we have published (over 650 pages covering 30+ years) in either printed and digital PDF formats: www.watchman.org/Notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 250: From Islam to Jesus [Part 1] Hedieh Mirahmadi's Faith Journey

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join us this week to hear the remarkable story of how Jesus revealed Himself to a devout Muslim of over 20 years. Hedieh Mirahmadi served as an advisor and counter-terroist intelligence agent to five U.S. Presidents, but no matter what she did in her efforts to fight terrorism or as a disciplined follower of Allah, she never had any assurance that she was or ever would be fully forgiven of her sins. This week, we'll hear how Hedieh became a Muslim and began her career working for the federal government.

Hedieh Mirahmadi was a devout practicing Sufi Muslim for over 20 years and served under five U.S. presidents as an advisor on Islamic relations. Her professional career both inside the U.S. government and the private sector was built around her Islamic faith and how to defeat Islamic terrorism. No matter what she did as a Muslim, however, she never felt as though her sins were truly forgiven or that she would obtain paradise. Hedieh became a follower of Christ after hearing His voice call her name, "Hedieh, it's Me." She and her husband Andy live in Southern California and host the Living Fearlessly Devotional podcast. To learn more about Hedieh visit her ministry website at www.resurrectministry.com.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: www.watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Bahai Faith by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 249: Answering Christianity's Toughest Objections [Part 2] with Bobby Conway

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

There is no quick or easy answers to the questions and doubts people have about Christianity. If you have experienced a season of doubt or if you know someone who has or is passing through such a time, we often wonder what say or what to do. We wonder if we've been deceived or if we haven't thought through everything we should have. We are tempted to envy others who seem to have it all together and become fearful of expressing our doubts. Maybe we are intimidated by objections for which we have no answer. This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with author, apologist, and pastor Bobby Conway as he continues to share his experiences and wisdom from his own struggles with doubt and how we might respond to our own doubts or the doubts of our friends, loved ones, or ardent skeptics.

Bobby Conway is a Christian apologist, author, and pastor. He holds a Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry degree in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Birmingham in England. Bobby hosts the YouTube channel Christianity Still Makes Sense and serves as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show Pastor's Perspective. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Image Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Book: Does Christianity Still Make Sense? https://uhop.me/Conway1

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: www.watchman.org/Postmodernism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 248: Answering Christianity's Toughest Objections [Part 1] with Bobby Conway

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Jesus tells us that in this world, we will have trouble. We also know from experience that part of that trouble includes times of intense and difficult doubts. Jesus, however, reminds us not to fear, that He has overcome this world and all its troubles and sorrows. He has even defeated death itself. The Apostle Paul encourages us likewise that the troubles through which we pass can be and often do serve as a means of encouraging others who are experiencing the same doubts and difficulties. This week and next on the Profile, we encourage you to hear our encouraging conversation with pastor, author, and apologist Bobby Conway, about how Jesus graciously restored and strengthened his faith.

Bobby Conway is a Christian apologist, author, and pastor. He holds a Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry degree in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Birmingham in England. Bobby hosts the YouTube channel Christianity Still Makes Sense and serves as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show Pastor's Perspective. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Image Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Book: Does Christianity Still Make Sense? https://uhop.me/Conway1

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: www.watchman.org/Postmodernism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 247: Bible Background Essentials [Part 2] with Dr. Craig Keener

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

One of the most common interpretive mistakes we can make when reading the Bible is imposing our own cultural assumptions, biases, and understanding upon its texts. On part two of our conversation with New Testament scholar, theologian, and author, Dr. Craig S. Keener, we talk further about how needful it is for us as Christians to understand the culture and times in which the New Testament was written. Craig's best-selling book, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament provides a helpful reference for a wider audience that is accessible, easy to understand, and informative.

Dr. Craig S. Keener is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of 37 books with 1.4 million copies in circulation. His books have won 13 national and international awards, including six from Christianity Today. He has written commentaries on Matthew, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 Peter, Revelation, John (1,600 pages), and Acts (4,500 pages). His other books include a two-volume work on miracles and works about the Spirit, ethnic reconciliation, women in ministry, divorce, and various other topics. His publishers include Baker Academic, Cambridge, Eerdmans, InterVarsity and Zondervan.

Craig's Website at Asbury Seminary: www.asburyseminary.edu/faculty/craig-keener/
Book The IVP Bible Background Commentary: https://a.co/d/89B5KOm

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman resources:

Podcast - The Case for Miracles with Dr. Craig Keener at the Atheist & Christian Book Club: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2021-05-17T01_00_00-07_00
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebook

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 246: Bible Background Essentials [Part 1] with Dr. Craig Keener

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Considered to be one of the best references on the cultural and historical background of the New Testament, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament has sold over half a million copies since it was first published. On the next two episodes of the Profile we sit down with the author of the commentary, New Testament scholar, and theologian, Dr. Craig S. Keener. Craig discusses the 2014 second edition of the book and how important it is for Christians to understand the culture and times in which the Bible was written.

Craig's Website at Asbury Seminary: www.asburyseminary.edu/faculty/craig-keener/
Book The IVP Bible Background Commentary: https://a.co/d/89B5KOm

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman resources:

Podcast - The Case for Miracles with Dr. Craig Keener at the Atheist & Christian Book Club: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2021-05-17T01_00_00-07_00
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 245: Is the New Testament Trustworthy? [Part 2] Dr. Ben Shaw discusses his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

If someone were to ask you why you think the New Testament is historically reliable, what might you tell them? If you're not sure, or just need a bit of a refresher course on how to respond to skeptics and non-Christians who doubt the veracity of the New Testament accounts, our episode again this week can surely be a great place to start. We continue our conversation with author Dr. Benjamin Shaw about his new book Trustworthy - Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament (www.ivpress.com/Trustworthy). Whether you are familiar with the topic or just getting started, Ben's thesis is sure to be an encouragement to your defense of the faith.

Dr. Ben Shaw has been working with Dr. Gary R. Habermas for over a decade doing philosophical, historical, and theological research while also publishing multiple works together. Additionally, part of his responsibilities was to minister to various people who had questions about Christianity: disciples, doubters, and skeptics. Dr. Shaw has authored or co-authored over two dozen publications (see below) and has given presentations at conferences (AAR, etc.) and universities (UVA, etc.). He has taught at Liberty University and Colorado Christian University. Ben has an MA in Religious Studies and a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 244: Is the New Testament Trustworthy? [Part 1] Dr. Ben Shaw discusses his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Biblical scholarship can be intimidating for many of us. Textual criticism, history, philosophy, original languages, you name it. Books on these subjects can be daunting and overwhelming to digest. Where to begin? This week and next on the Profile, we think we have a helpful recommendation. Author Dr. Benjamin Shaw, longtime research assistant to Dr. Gary Habermas, has written a brand-new and concise book on the topic of the historical reliability of the New Testament - Trustworthy - Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament (www.ivpress.com/Trustworthy). Whether you are familiar with the topic or not, Ben's book serves as a helpful reminder to those who already are familiar with the subject, and an insightful easy-to-understand primer for those just curious or for those who have recently become Christians.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 243: God: Theology for Every Person [Part 2] Dr. Malcolm Yarnell discusses his latest book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week Daniel Ray concludes his discussion with Malcolm Yarnell about his latest book, God: Theology for Every Person. Why should we fully embrace theology? Knowing, loving, and worshiping God is the call and privilege of every disciple of Jesus. Because all Christians are part of his royal priesthood, theology is not just for those teaching in the academy or serving in ministry vocations. God is Malcolm's first volume of a three-part series entitled Theology for Every Person. The other volumes will include God’s Word to the World, which considers God in Christ and his works of creation, humanity, and redemption, and God’s Work in the World, which explores God the Holy Spirit and the divine works of salvation, the church, and the end.

Malcolm B. Yarnell III of Benbrook, Texas serves his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an author, teacher, and pastor. His most recent books include the first volume of a popular-level theology, God (Brentwood, 2024); a systematic treatise, Special Revelation and Scripture (Brentwood, 2024); and a biblical theology, Who Is the Holy Spirit? (Nashville, 2019). Whether speaking to international academic colloquia or to local congregations, Dr. Yarnell's personal passion is to bless people and glorify God. He currently serves the Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas, as Teaching Pastor and the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention as Research Professor of Systematic Theology at the Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 242: God: Theology for Every Person - Dr. Malcolm Yarnell discusses his latest book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week and next, Dr. Malcolm Yarnell discusses his latest book, God: Theology for Every Person, with Watchman staff apologist, Daniel Ray. Why should we fully embrace theology? Knowing, loving, and worshiping God is the call and privilege of every disciple of Jesus. Because all Christians are part of his royal priesthood, theology is not just for those teaching in the academy or serving in ministry vocations. God is Malcolm's first volume of a three-part series entitled Theology for Every Person. The other volumes will include God’s Word to the World, which considers God in Christ and his works of creation, humanity, and redemption, and God’s Work in the World, which explores God the Holy Spirit and the divine works of salvation, the church, and the end.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 241: The Truth in True Crime [Part 2] with J. Warner Wallace

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week we conclude our discussion with Christian apologist and best-selling author, J Warner Wallace, about his latest book, The Truth In True Crime. What can investigating crime, particularly murder, teach us about the true meaning of life? A cold case homicide detective, Wallace made a remarkable journey from atheism to Christianity. His decades of experience investigating the motives behind murders and chasing one lead after another has given him some unique insights into the purpose and value of life. Every murder investigation has the potential of revealing certain truths of human nature: what's important to us, what threatens our well-being, and what causes us to flourish.

J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner was a conscientious and vocal atheist until the age of thirty-five, when he took a serious and expansive look at the evidence for the Christian Worldview and determined that Christianity was demonstrably true. After becoming a Christ follower in 1996, Jim continued to take an evidential approach to truth as he examined the Christian worldview. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 240: The Truth in True Crime [Part 1] with J. Warner Wallace

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week and next, we talk with Christian apologist and best-selling author, J Warner Wallace, about his latest book, The Truth In True Crime. What can investigating crime, particularly murder, teach us about the true meaning of life? A cold case homicide detective, Wallace made a remarkable journey from atheism to Christianity. His decades of experience investigating the motives behind murders and chasing one lead after another has given him some unique insights into the purpose and value of life. Every murder investigation has the potential of revealing certain truths of human nature: what's important to us, what threatens our well-being, and what causes us to flourish.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 239: Did Jesus Really Rise? [Part 2] Dr. Gary Habermas on the Resurrection

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week, we continue our conversation with the world's leading resurrection expert Dr. Gary Habermas, who has plumbed the depths of liberal-critical scholarship and has mined a great many historical gems from their writing that can be of edifying use for believers in defense of Jesus's resurrection. We talk more about his latest work, On the Resurrection: Vol 1: Evidences.

Gary Habermas (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is a distinguished Research Professor at Liberty University Graduate School. He has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has also contributed more than 60 chapters or articles to additional books, and over 100 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad. He is the author of fifty books, half of them on the resurrection of Jesus. See: www.GaryHabermas.com.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 238: Did Jesus Really Rise? [Part 1] Dr. Gary Habermas on the Resurrection

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What benefit is there in studying New Testament scholars who do not affirm the resurrection of Jesus? According to our guest this week, resurrection scholar Dr. Gary Habermas, who has spent the majority of his academic career doing this very thing, much in every way. This week and next on the Profile Gary discusses with us volume one of his life's labor of love, On the Resurrection: Vol 1: Evidences. It is over a thousand pages and there is arguably nothing like it out there today. Gary's magnum opus ontains an unparalleled, extensive commentary about what skeptical scholars affirm about the Gospel accounts and the New Testament in general regarding the deity, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 237: Atheists Finding God with Dr. Jana Harmon [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Another free book giveaway this week and next (a $99 value!). If you'd like a copy of the book, Atheists Finding God, we're featuring on the next two broadcasts, just drop Daniel Ray an email at Dray@watchman.org with your current mailing address (USA only) for your chance to win.

In Matthew 19, the disciples were astonished at Jesus' teaching about salvation. "Who then can be saved?" they wondered. Jesus told them "With men, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." If you have been a believer for any amount of time, you have likely experienced what the disciples experienced, the seeming impossibility of an unbelieving friend, family member or neighbor coming to believe in Jesus. Here on part two of our conversation with author and Teaching Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute in Atlanta, Dr. Jana Harmon, you'll be encouraged to hear how God has moved and still is moving in the hearts of unbelievers to do the impossible. Come and see.

Jana Harmon, Ph.D, is a Teaching Fellow for C.S. Lewis Institute Atlanta and serves on the Atlanta Advisory Board and is an Adjunct Professor of Cultural Apologetics at Biola University. Her doctoral research studied the religious conversion of atheists to Christianity looking at the perspectives and stories of 50 former Atheists. She views apologetics through a practical, evangelistic lens. She is the host of Side B Stories podcast for the C.S. Lewis Institute. Jana received her PhD from the University of Birmingham, England.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 236: Atheists Finding God with Dr. Jana Harmon [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

As we've been covering over the first part of 2024 here on the Profile, there has been a growing trend called #deconstruction where people are leaving the church and deconstructing their faith. But now for some good news. God is still at work. Despite what you might hear on line or in statistical trends about the growth of the "Nones" and the rise of atheism and unbelief, there are in fact atheists walking away from atheism. That's our focus this week and next as we speak with author and Teaching Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute in Atlanta, Dr. Jana Harmon, who discusses with us her 2023 book, Atheists Finding God. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 235: Why Believe? [Part 2] with Dr. Tawa Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

With the advent of modern transportation and communication technologies, we are daily inundated with news, information, and ideas from all over the world. Such easy access to so many ideas and concepts wholly foreign to our own can, at times, be overwhelming without having an anchor of truth to which we may cling. Even as believers, much of what makes the news today, much of what you hear coming from other religions, secular science or contemporary sociology tends to dismiss the Christian faith or simply disregard it as irrelevant.

Our guest again this week, Dr. Tawa Anderson of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, gives us some encouraging reminders about why Christianity is true and how we can defend it in this day and age of skepticism and clashing worldviews.

Dr. Tawa Anderson was raised in a non-Christian home and came to faith in high school. He was called to ministry and served as English Pastor at Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church from 2001-2008. After completing his PhD, Dr. Anderson taught at Oklahoma Baptist University from 2011-2022 before joining the faculty at NOBTS. Tawa is the author of Why Believe? Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age (B&H Academic, 2021) and co-author of An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God’s Perspective in a Pluralistic World, (IVP Academic, 2017).

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hidden
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Relativism by Parker Stilley: www.watchman.org/Relativism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 234: Why Believe? [Part 1] with Dr. Tawa Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The world often appears to us as though it is spinning out of control. Words don't mean what they used to mean. We live amidst a great deal of moral and societal confusion. Statistics are cited that seem to show an increasing number of people who no longer believe in God. The central message of the Christian faith, the deity, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no longer seems to be credible to our postmodern world.

The good news is that the Gospel is as relevant and powerful today as it was when it was first proclaimed centuries ago. On this episode, we talk with professor of philosophy and apologetics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary about his 2021 book Why Believe? Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age (B&H Academic, 336-pages bit.ly/WhyBelieve2). Tawa's work provides Christians and non-believers alike timely and insightful reminders about why Christianity remains defensible and credible, even in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hidden
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Relativism by Parker Stilley: www.watchman.org/Relativism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Deconstruction by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Deconstruction

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 233: The Apologetics of 'Lazy Evangelism' with Eric Hernandez [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Effective evangelism and apologetics includes understanding what your non-Christian neighbor truly believes. On part two of our conversation with evangelist and apologist Eric Hernandez, author of The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Nonbelievers, we will glean more insight into Eric's experiences and engagement with non-Christians and learn how we too can be more effective in our own personal defenses of our faith in Christ.

Eric Hernandez is an apologist, evangelist, and the Apologetics Lead and Millennial Specialist for The Baptist General Convention of Texas (www.TexasBaptists.org). He has spoken and debated the merits of Christianity on university college campuses throughout the U.S. and is the author of The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Nonbelievers. Eric holds an associate degree in social science, a bachelor’s degree in theology, and a certificate in apologetics from Biola University.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hidden
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Relativism by Parker Stilley: www.watchman.org/Relativism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: www.watchman.org/Postmodernism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 232: The Apologetics of 'Lazy Evangelism' with Eric Hernandez [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What comes to mind when you hear the terms "apologetics" and "evangelism"? On the next two episodes of the Profile, we talk with apologist and evangelist Eric Hernandez about his latest book The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Nonbelievers. Eric helps us simplify gospel conversations, dispel some stereotypes of evangelism and apologetics, and shows us how he believes they really go hand-in-hand.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr: www.watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: www.watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Hidden
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Relativism by Parker Stilley: www.watchman.org/Relativism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: www.watchman.org/Postmodernism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 231: How Should We Engage with Other Religions? Neighboring Faiths with Dr. Win Corduan [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

FREE BOOK: Courtesy of IVP Academic, we are giving away two brand-new copies of the third edition of Win Corduan's landmark book, Neighboring Faiths - A Christian Introduction to World Religions. Just drop host Apologetics Profile host Daniel Ray an email with a current mailing address to DRAY@WATCHMAN.ORG. We will select at random two listeners and notify you by email if you have been selected.

What is the best way to share the Gospel with someone from another religious tradition? There is no one right way, no simple formula for how to do it. But it is necessary to keep in mind the concept of contextualization. How cognizant are we of the biblical cultures and times? The cultures and beliefs of those with whom we are sharing the Gospel? Or, the assumptions and biases of our own culture and beliefs? Here on part two of our conversation with author, scholar, and world-religions expert Dr. Win Courduan, we examine some basic premises about contextualization and how Jesus "fits into" other faith traditions.

Winfried Courduan (PhD, Rice University) is professor emeritus of philosophy and religion at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana. He has led many undergraduate tours focusing on the lived religious traditions of various parts of the world. He is the author of several books, including Handmaid to Theology, Reasonable Faith: Basic Christian Apologetics, Neighboring Faiths (3rd Edition), and A Tapestry of Faiths.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Animism by James C. Ventress: www.watchman.org/Animism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Pantheism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: www.watchman.org/Pantheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Tibetan Buddhism by Dr. C. Fred Smith: www.watchman.org/TB

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 230: How Should We Engage with Other Religions? Neighboring Faiths with Dr. Win Corduan [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

FREE BOOK: Courtesy of IVP Academic, we are giving away two brand-new copies of the third edition of Win Courduan's landmark book, Neighboring Faiths - A Christian Introduction to World Religions. Just drop host Apologetics Profile host Daniel Ray an email with a current mailing address to DRAY@WATCHMAN.ORG. We will select at random two listeners and notify you by email if you have been selected.

Jesus was asked, "Who is my neighbor?" The answer to the question for us today is no different than it was in the culture of Jesus' day. Our neighbors today include a broad range of people from many different countries who hold to a wide variety of different beliefs and religious traditions. How can we as Christians intelligently engage our non-Christian neighbors of so many different faiths? There is no one simple formula, but there is wisdom and experience of those who have engaged with people of other faith traditions. Our guest this week and next on the Profile is author, scholar, and world-religions expert Dr. Win Corduan, who took the time to share with us some of his invaluable wisdom and insight from decades of traveling the world and engaging people of other religions.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: www.watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James K. Walker: www.watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Baha'i by Robert Pardon: www.watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/Zen

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 229: Q&A - A Christian and Atheist Discuss God - James Walker VS Bill Kluck [Part 3]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

NOTE: Parts 1 and 2 of this podcast are also available in video format on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4T56TJA0aOY. If you would like to know more about having Bill and James present a similar debate for your church or university ministry, contact Dr. Brady Blevins at BBlevins@watchman.org.

On this final installment of A Christian and Atheist Discuss God, atheist Bill Cluck and Christian James Walker answer questions sent in by you our listeners and those questions they did not get to in the live debate:

What should a struggling Christian do?
How does an atheist explain the fine tuning of the universe?
What about dinosaurs and humans? Did they live together?
And is the Bible trustworthy or just a collection of fabrications and half-truths?
What best explains the origin of the New Testament and the Christian faith? An empty tomb or a documentary hypothesis?

Come and hear what Bill and James have to say.

Bill Kluck is the co-founder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, former evangelical Christian, and avid pickle ball player. Bill sells professional sports memorabilia in the DFW Metroplex. Bill holds a BA in history from Virginia Tech.

James Walker is a former fourth-generation Mormon, Christian co-founder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club and president of Watchman Fellowship, Inc. James holds a BA in Biblical Studies and an MA in theology from Criswell College. He is the author of What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus (uhop.me/Quran) and The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality (uhop.me/Religions). He speaks in churches through the country on a Christian perspective on world religions, cults, the occult counterfeit Christianity, the occult, controversial doctrines and practices.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 228: A Christian and Atheist Discuss God - James Walker VS Bill Kluck [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

NOTE: This podcast is also available in video format on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4T56TJA0aOY. The complete Q&A for this discussion will air on Monday, April 8, 2024. If you have a question for Bill or James please TEXT the word Ask to 817-204-5066 NO LATER THAN APRIL 2nd. Bill and James will answer the remaining questions from the live event (Parts 1 and 2) as well as the new questions from our podcast audience at that time.

Is belief in God just a matter of evidence? What kind of evidence counts for God's existence? The cosmos? the Bible? What about the problem of evil? This week and next on the Profile, we feature president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker's live conversation with his friend, Bill Kluck, who is a member of Metroplex Atheists. Bill and James discuss the fine tuning of the cosmos, the problem of evil, and the Resurrection of Jesus in front of a full house at Pleasantview Baptist Church here in Arlington, Texas. We hope the discussion will inspire both skeptic and believer alike to have civil and meaningful conversations about the big questions pertaining to God.

Bill Kluck is the co-founder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, former evangelical Christian, and avid pickle ball player. Bill sells professional sports memorabilia in the DFW Metroplex. Bill holds a BA in history from Virginia Tech.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 227: A Christian and Atheist Discuss God - James Walker VS Bill Kluck [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 226: BONUS EPISODE: 2024 Solar Eclipse with Astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:42:19 +0000

SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE -- This is the 2024 Solar Eclipse bonus episode of Apologetics Profile also featured on our sister podcast, Good Heavens!

Total eclipses are a spectacular and breathtaking wonder to behold. And a total eclipse is coming over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as well as parts of the eastern United States on April 8th, 2024. Totality in the DFW area will last a little over four minutes.

If you are in the vicinity of DFW, come join Wayne Spencer and Daniel Ray in Waxahachie, Texas on April 8th, 2024 for a special Discovery Institute event. Learn more and find tickets information here: www.discovery.org/e/eclipse.

Waxahachie will be nearly in the center of the moon's shadow as it passes over. There will not be another total eclipse over the continental United States for another twenty years. So if you can, get yourself to a spot where you can see this once-in-a-lifetime wonder of the heavens on April 8th.

You can check out this comprehensive eclipse event website, complete with easy-to-read maps of where you can view it. https://nationaleclipse.com/index.html

On this episode of Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile we had the privilege of talking with Discovery Institute astronomer Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez about his experiences in seeing total eclipses, a little bit about the science behind them and how he thinks they reveal the glory of God.

Guillermo's article on Salvo. https://salvomag.com/article/salvo68/signs-in-the-sky

Guillermo and Jay W. Richard's 2004 book, The Privileged Planet: Discovery.org/store/product/privileged-planet/

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 225: Understanding Postmodernism - Dr. Jamie Dew discusses his book [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

During his examination of Jesus, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Earlier in John's account, however, Jesus proclaims that He is "the way, the truth and the life." Yet what if someone rejects Jesus and what He says of Himself? What is truth for them? To whom or to what do they turn? This week we pick up our conversation with philosopher and president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Jamie Dew and examine some postmodern concepts of truth. We are also giving away a copy of Jamie's 2017 book Understanding Postmodernism: a Christian Perspective. Just drop Daniel Ray a line at Dray@watchman.org with a current mailing address (US residents only). Daniel will select one listener at random. Offer valid only for the original week this podcast airs.

Dr. Jamie Dew is the president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds two Ph.D. —a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Dew's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from SEBTS and his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies is from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, Ga.

Dew's publications include Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, with Paul M. Gould (Baker, 2019); God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views, with Chad Meister (IVP Academic, 2017), How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, with Mark W. Foreman (IVP Academic, 2014), God and Evil: The Case for God in a World filled with Pain, with Chad Meister (IVP Books, 2013), and Science and Theology: An Assessment of Alister McGrath's Critical Realist Perspective (Wipf & Stock, 2014). For more info., visit: nobts.edu/President.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 224: Understanding Postmodernism - Dr. Jamie Dew discusses his book [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What is postmodernism? Its tacit influence permeates the media, art, music, literature, history, architecture, and even how many attempt to understand the Bible. Postmodernism tends to be suspicious of history, of objective truth, and of overarching meta-narratives which comprehensively attempt to explain reality. This week and next on the Profile, philosopher and president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Jamie Dew, explains what postmodernism is, how it began, and how Christians can intelligently engage those who adhere to its often contradictory and confusing assertions.

Dr. Jamie Dew is the president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds two Ph.D. —a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Dew's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from SEBTS and his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies is from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, Ga.

Dew's publications include Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, with Paul M. Gould (Baker, 2019); Understanding Postmodernism: a Christian Perspective, with Stewart E. Kelly (IVP Academic, 2017), God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views, with Chad Meister (IVP Academic, 2017), How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, with Mark W. Foreman (IVP Academic, 2014), God and Evil: The Case for God in a World filled with Pain, with Chad Meister (IVP Books, 2013), and Science and Theology: An Assessment of Alister McGrath's Critical Realist Perspective (Wipf & Stock, 2014). For more info., visit: nobts.edu/President.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 223: The Roots of Atheism and Deconstruction with Tim and Bethel McGrew [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The Book of Judges says that in the days when Israel had no king, "all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes" (Jdg. 17:6; 21:25). It is a perennial problem for man. Without recognizing or serving Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, people will generally do whatever they think is right in their own eyes. This is not just a problem for non-believers, as the text from Judges tells us. God's own people are often guilty of this very thing. This week we continue our conversation with Tim and Bethel McGrew about some of the historical and cultural trends of unbelief and atheism in the West. The McGrews give us some helpful insights you can incorporate with your conversations with non-believers.

Bethel McGrew is a high school teacher, math Ph.D., and widely published freelance writer. Her work has appeared in First Things, National Review, The Spectator, and many other national and international outlets. Her Substack, Further Up, is one of the top paid newsletters in "Faith & Spirituality" on the platform. She has also contributed to two essay anthologies on Jordan Peterson. When not writing social criticism, she enjoys writing about literature, film, music, and history. Her edited collection of the World War I letters of Canon A.E. Laurie is forthcoming from the U.K.’s Helion Press. (https://wng.org/authors/bethel-mcgrew).

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan University, where he has taught for the past 25 years. His research interests include formal epistemology, the history and philosophy of science, and the history and philosophy of religion. When he is not doing philosophy, he enjoys playing chess online, coaching at his local chess club, running trails, and making high quality paper airplanes. He lives in SW Michigan with his wife, Lydia McGrew, and their daughters (TimothyMcGrew.com).

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 222: The Roots of Atheism and Deconstruction with Tim and Bethel McGrew [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Atheism and unbelief have their origin in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by listening to the Serpent and partaking of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Since then, man has continually attempted to hide himself from God, suppressing the knowledge of God in unrighteousness. That unrighteousness and unbelief has taken many different forms throughout history. This week and next we feature our interview with philosopher Timothy McGrew and his daughter Bethel. We discuss some of the historical and cultural trends of unbelief in Western civilization and how they continue to influence unbelief today.

Bethel McGrew is a high school teacher, math Ph.D., and widely published freelance writer. Her work has appeared in First Things, National Review, The Spectator, and many other national and international outlets. Her Substack, Further Up, is one of the top paid newsletters in "Faith & Spirituality" on the platform. She has also contributed to two essay anthologies on Jordan Peterson. When not writing social criticism, she enjoys writing about literature, film, music, and history. Her edited collection of the World War I letters of Canon A.E. Laurie is forthcoming from the U.K.’s Helion Press. (https://wng.org/authors/bethel-mcgrew).

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan University, where he has taught for the past 25 years. His research interests include formal epistemology, the history and philosophy of science, and the history and philosophy of religion. When he is not doing philosophy, he enjoys playing chess online, coaching at his local chess club, running trails, and making high quality paper airplanes. He lives in SW Michigan with his wife, Lydia McGrew, and their daughters (TimothyMcGrew.com).

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 221: Dr. William Dembski Discusses His Book, "Design Inference" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

"What are the chances of that happening?" we often say or hear whenever something remarkable or out of the ordinary takes place. When we use that phrase, we are invoking the design inference, even though we may not exactly call it that. Our guest again this week, philosopher, mathematician and senior fellow at Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture Dr. William Dembski shares with us how his more formalized design inference is indeed rooted in simple, everyday inferences we all make. But he also how it fits into the laws of probability, information theory, and specified complexity as well, making it a rigorous formal argument applicable for intuiting design in the physical cosmos and biology. We further discuss his new, second edition of his landmark 1998 book, The Design Inference.

William A. Dembski, a noted mathematician and philosopher, is a Founding and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture and a Distinguished Fellow with the Institute’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. His most recent books relating to intelligent design include Being as Communion: A Metaphysics of Information (2014), Evolutionary Informatics (2017, co-authored with Robert Marks and Winston Ewert), and the second edition of The Design Inference (2023, co-authored with Winston Ewert). For more info, visit BillDembski.com.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 220: Dr. William Dembski Discusses His Book, "Design Inference" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

For centuries Western natural philosophy, theology and the scientific tradition widely accepted that the physical cosmos and life within it was the creation of God. Arguably one of the most influential works which usurped the belief in God as the Creator was Charles Darwin's 1859 publication On the Origin of Species. It undoubtedly provided many with the intellectual framework for atheism, naturalism, and materialism. But in the late 20th and early 21st century, the concept of intelligent design has made a cultural comeback. This week and next we sit down with Dr. William Dembski, one of the leading founders and proponents of the Intelligent Design movement, to discuss his new, second edition of his landmark 1998 book, The Design Inference.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 219: The Deconstruction of Christianity with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

What is the chief end of man? For many today in our postmodern culture, it seems to be to glorify the authentic self and enjoy it for as long as you can. Scripture has warned us that in latter times, people will become lovers of themselves. Today, the self sits at the center of the social-media movement known as "deconstruction." Our guests again this week Alisa Childers and Tim Barnet, help us break down and understand the foundational and contradictory aspects of this anti-Christian phenomenon and how we can intelligibly respond to it.

Alisa Childers: As a lifelong church-goer, follower of Jesus, and former CCM recording artist with the Dove award-winning group ZOEgirl, Alisa experienced a period of profound doubt about her faith in her mid-thirties. This questioning launched an investigation and her journey from unreasoned doubt into a vibrant, rational and informed faith. She is the author of Another Gospel, Live Your Truth, and coauthor of The Deconstruction of Christianity. She hosts the Alisa Childers podcast. For more information, visit: AlisaChilders.com.

Tim Barnett is an apologist and speaker with Stand to Reason (str.org). Tim holds B.S. in Physics from York University, a B.Ed. from Ontario Tech University, and a M.A. in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary. For eight years, Tim served on the staff at Cedarview Community Church. He is coauthor of The Deconstruction of Christianity and currently the host of Red Pen Logic with Mr. B.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 218: The Deconstruction of Christianity with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden, human beings have been walking away from God. Call it backsliding, falling away, or deconverting, the terms are all a variation on the them of unbelief. The popular term in social media today is "deconstructing." Our guests this week and next, Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, are authors of a new book, The Deconstruction of Christianity. They will help us understand the basics of this social-media movement and insights about how we can respond to it.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 217: Dr. Doug Groothuis on World Religions in Seven Sentences [Part2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Eastern religious traditions are difficult to understand, especially for us in the West where we often find a syncretistic blend of Yoga, Hinduism, Krishna consciousness, Buddhism, and Daoism. What is Nirvana? How does it differ from Brahman? How can we make intelligent distinctions between these different traditions? Our guest again this week Dr. Doug Groothuis, helps break down the more popular Eastern religions and gives us some practical tools from a biblical perspective for understanding and engaging them.

Dr. Douglas Groothuis is a Christian philosopher who is the author of sixteen books, beginning with the best-selling Unmasking the New Age (InterVarsity Press, 1986) and including the popular and voluminous textbook, Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2022), as well as a memoir, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—a Philosopher’s Lament (InterVarsity Press, 2017), an introduction to philosophy, Philosophy in Seven Sentences (InterVarsity, 2016), and a book on the controversial topic of Critical Race Theory, Fire in the Streets (Salem Books, 2022). He co-authored the introductory textbook on apologetics, The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word (Zondervan-Academic, 2022) with Andrew Shepardson. Get Doug's books here: uhop.me/Groothuis.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Athiesm
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James K. Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Hinduism by Dr. C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode Art Photo Credit: Cameron Bertuzzi - Capturing Christianity

Episode 216: Dr. Doug Groothuis on World Religions in Seven Sentences [Part1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Studying world religions can seem like an overwhelming task. Where can you even begin? How about right here with us? This week and next on the Profile we talk with philosopher and author Dr. Douglas Groothuis about his very down-to-earth and easy-to-digest book on this expansive and daunting topic, World Religions in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic. If you've been looking for a place to start, look no further! Here on part one we break down in simple terms Judaism, and Islam in light of biblical truth.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Athiesm
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James K. Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Hinduism by Dr. C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Episode 215: Darrell Bock discusses his book, "Jesus, Skepticism, & the Problem of History" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

What would you say to a scholar or non-believer who cites scholars who dismiss Jesus's miracles and His resurrection? Dallas Theological Seminary New Testament scholar, Dr. Darrell Bock, helps us negotiate the world of scholarly criticism and skepticism toward the historicity of Jesus. No matter your level of knowledge or background, Darrell's conversational insights can give you some encouragement and confidence to engage this important topic with non-believers. This week we conclude our two-part conversation with Dr. Bock's centered on his 2019 book, Jesus, Skepticism, & the Problem of History.

Dr. Darrell Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary's Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) from 2000 to 2001, served as a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Mythicism by Dr. Robert Stewart and Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Mythicism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 214: Darrell Bock discusses his book, "Jesus, Skepticism, & the Problem of History" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Dallas Theological Seminary New Testament scholar, Dr. Darrell Bock, helps us negotiate the world of scholarly criticism and skepticism toward the historicity of Jesus. Whether you are familiar with historical Jesus studies or an average layperson somewhat familiar or even unfamiliar with historical studies about Jesus and the Gospels, our conversation with Darrell will help equip you with the basics for having thoughtful dialogue with skeptics and non-believers. Our conversation this week and next, is based on Dr. Bock's 2019 book, Jesus, Skepticism, & the Problem of History.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Mythicism by Dr. Robert Stewart and Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Mythicism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 213: Year-in-Review: A Look Back on Apologetics Profile in 2023

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 17:27:33 +0000

2023 Year-In-Review: This is the very first year-in-review episode for Apologetics Profile since we began broadcasting in 2019. This special edition features several highlights from our interviews from 2023, from aliens, atheists, and Latter-Day Saints, to the theaters of Athens and Hollywood, our featured guests remind us that we are all storytellers commissioned to tell the greatest story ever told, the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chirst.

Featured guests on this review include Dr. Gary Habermas, Dr. Frank Turek, Steve Matthews, Dr. Hugh Ross, Pastor David Marini, Ryan Burge, Andy Bannister, Dr. Paul Tyson, Bill McKeever, Justin Brierley, and James K. Walker.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation at www.watchman.org/give.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the 2024 complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (660 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 212: Why Believe? [Part 2] with Author and Theoretical Chemist Neil Shenvi

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

How do we know that what we believe about Christianity is true? Our guest again this week, author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi gives us some helpful and insightful ways to give a defense to those who ask of us how we know our faith in Christ is true. We continue to discuss his 2022 book, Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity.

Dr. Neil Shenvi grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation. He became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at U.C. Berkeley on quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem. In 2015, he quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, He presently serves as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy). He is also the author of Critical Dilemma - The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideologies Implications for the Church and Society.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 211: Why Believe? [Part 1] with Author and Theoretical Chemist Neil Shenvi

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

God has revealed Himself to us through His Spirit, through what He has created, through His word, and through His Son. The evidence of His existence is manifold. He did not lavish us with so much so that we might think His existence is something of a mere intellectual curiosity, but so that He might bring dead people back to life. Author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi discusses with us his 2022 book, Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 210: Street Smarts [Part 2] with Christian Apologist Greg Koukl

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Two of the main challenges to the Christian faith today come from science and from textual criticism. Does the science of the universe disprove God's existence and have textual critics of Scripture once and for all demonstrated that the Bible is historically unreliable? If we aren't scholars in this area, how can we even begin to engage these objections, especially when many seem so antagonistically opposed to the Bible today? The key is asking the right questions, which our guest again this week, author, apologist, and founder of Stand to Reason ministries Greg Koukl, has a wealth of experience in doing. Greg shares with us some of the wisdom he has gleaned from Jesus's agrarian parables to encourage you in your engagement with non-believers.

Greg Koukl founded Stand to Reason (str.org) in 1993 and currently serves as president. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including CThe Story of Reality-How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics-A GamePlan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 209: Street Smarts [Part 1] with Christian Apologist Greg Koukl

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

It seems to be more and more difficult in today's divisive culture wars to have civil and meaningful conversations with non-Christians. While we certainly do not wish to change the message of the Gospel, it is important to understand what are the sort of fruitful approaches to sharing our faith that can help at least begin such conversations. Evangelism is not what it used to be. On the next two episodes of the Profile we talk with author, apologist, and founder of Stand to Reason ministries Greg Koukl about his latest book, Street Smarts. Greg gives us wisdom for how to engage those on the outside by means of understanding the nature of gardening.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 208: The Urantia Book Controversy [Part 2] with Andre Traversa and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Watchman Fellowship president, James Walker, concludes his interview with Andre Traversa, former advocate of the Urantia Book. This mysterious and controversial book was allegedly communicated by numerous spiritual or celestial beings between 1924 and 1955. The book includes a reports on the "missing years" of the life of Jesus and describing extraterrestrial life on other planets in an elaborate cosmology which includes the Central and Superuniverses.

Two of the main human sources of the Urantia Book are the former Seventh Day Adventist couple, William and Lena Sadler. The Urantia Book is huge (about 2,000 pages) and was reported to have physically materialized from spiritual sources in periodic installments over three decades. The book belongs to a genre of spiritual literature sourced from occult methodologies such as automatic writing, channeling, Ouija (spirit) boards and the "Sleeping Prophet" Edgar Casey, This week and next, we discuss the possible sources of the Urantia Book and document some of the dangers inherent in seeking truth through such sources.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Urantia Book by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Urantia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Seventh Day Adventism by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/SDA
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Channeling by Rick Branch: watchman.org/Channeling
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Edgar Casey by Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Cayce
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Occult by James Walker: watchman.org/ProfileOccult

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 207: The Urantia Book Controversy [Part 1] with Andre Traversa and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Andre Traversa, former advocate of the Urantia Book. This mysterious and controversial book was allegedly communicated by numerous spiritual or celestial beings between 1924 and 1955. The book includes a reports on the "missing years" of the life of Jesus and describing extraterrestrial life on other planets in an elaborate cosmology which includes the Central and Superuniverses.

Two of the main human sources of the Uranta Book are the former Seventh Day Adventist couple, William and Lena Sadler. The Urantia Book is huge (about 2,000 pages) and was reported to have physically materialized from spiritual sources in periodic installments over three decades. The book belongs to a genre of spiritual literature sourced from occult methodologies such as automatic writing, channeling, Ouija (spirit) boards and the "Sleeping Prophet" Edgar Casey, This week and next, we discuss the possible sources of the Urantia Book and document some of the dangers inherent in seeking truth through such sources.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Urantia Book by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Urantia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Seventh Day Adventism by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/SDA
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Channeling by Rick Branch: watchman.org/Channeling
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Edgar Casey by Marilyn Stewart: watchman.org/Cayce
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Occult by James Walker: watchman.org/ProfileOccult

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 206: Dr. Richard Howe and Daniel Ray Discuss Philosophy and Theology [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem? Much in every way, as bad philosophy has made a number of inroads into the Church today, including philosophical assumptions about how scholars and laypersons alike ought to interpret and understand the Bible. Objective truth about the historicity and teaching of Scripture is being routinely questioned and jettisoned by higher academics.

How should we respond? Our guest again this week Dr. Richard G. Howe, professor of philosophy at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares with us in a winsome and meaningful way how we need to cultivate a habit of applying sound philosophical and theological thinking to counter the baleful trends besetting our culture today.

Richard G. Howe (RichardGHowe.com) is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Provost, Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics, and Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics. In their free time, Richard and his wife Rebekah enjoy international travel.

Link to Richard's brother Thomas Howe's book, Objectivity in Biblical Interpretation, mentioned in this episode.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 205: Dr. Richard Howe and Daniel Ray Discuss Philosophy and Theology [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Science offers us a great deal of remarkable insights to the nature of the physical world. From distant galaxies to the DNA in our bodies, the world is replete with God's handiwork. But not everyone sees it this way. Scientists who do not believe in God will often offer explanations for why they think God likely does not exist, but when they do, they are not using the methods and tools of science to do so, they are making philosophical arguments.

This week and next on the profile, our guest is Dr. Richard G. Howe, professor of philosophy at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, conversationally helps us to understand how philosophy and theology go together in equipping us to us discern and respond to the empty philosophy and deceit of our confused postmodern milieu.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 204: The Baha'i Faith [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

204 The Baha'i Faith [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and James Walker

Jesus once asked His disciples who they thought He was. Rightly did Peter confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Such a confession was not revealed to Peter by flesh and blood, but by the Father, as Jesus told Him.

There are adherents of the Bahai'i Faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that began in 1844, who claim they follow the teachings of Jesus too. There are some 8,000 Baha'i centers of worship in the U.S. and many Americans adhere to the Baha'i faith. But who do the Baha'i say that Jesus is? Is he the same Jesus of the Bible? This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews, who continues to unpack the syncretistic and contrary doctrines and practices of the Baha'i faith.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 203: The Baha'i Faith [Part 1] with Steve Matthews and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

You have probably seen the bumper sticker "COEXIST" made up of several different symbols representing different belief systems and religions. But that bumper sticker is a command, an imperative. The fundamental question about that bumper sticker is "Who is issuing this command?"

The Baha'i Faith is no exception to this inclusivism. They attempt to affirm that other religions are valid revelations of God and even ascribe to some of the teachings of Jesus. But this inclusivism is not really inclusive, as the only proper interpretation of the world's religions is given through the ultimate authority of the Baha'i faith, Baha’u’llah, who died in 1892.

This week James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, speaks with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews who gives us an in-depth analysis of the Baha'i faith and why their doctrines of inclusivism and of Jesus are both contradictory and in error.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 202: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God with Justin Brierley [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

For decades, we have been told a familiar but baleful tale, one that claims scientific discoveries in the cosmos have "dethroned" our human significance in the universe. But is this true? Are we really insignificant? Not at all. Our guest again this week is author & broadcaster Justin Brierley, author of the new book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God - Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again. Rather than denigrating our uniqueness and specialness as being created in the image of God, and rather than disproving God's existence, science seems to be reminding at least a few leading scientists and cultural intellectuals of the profundity and grandeur of the Christian faith. Is atheism in retreat? Is Christianity making a comeback? Come and see.

Justin Brierley is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Justin has worked in radio, podcast and video for over two decades. Until April 2023 he was Theology & Apologetics Editor for Premier Christian Radio, and hosted the Unbelievable? radio show and podcast as well as the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. Justin was also editor of Premier Christianity magazine from 2014-2018, for which he continues to contribute articles. Justin's first book, Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm Still a Christian (SPCK) was published in 2017.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 201: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God with Justin Brierley [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Has New Atheism run its course? Are cultural influencers starting to take an interest in Christianity once more? Hear what our special guest has to say this week and next, author & broadcaster Justin Brierley, former host of the long-running UK program Unbelievable? For nearly two decades, Justin has had a front-row seat to some of the most fascinating, congenial, and intriguing discussions between Christians and non-Christians. We recently had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Justin in person here in Texas to discuss his new book The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God - Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again. His answers may surprise and hopefully encourage you!

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 200: Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message [Part 2] with Cory Miller and Ross Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Recognizing just what the personal struggles are like for LDS missionaries is essential for having fruitful and compassionate dialogue with them. How to cultivate that compassionate understanding is but one of the facets of the new book by former LDS Corey Miller and Ross Anderson, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. This is part two of president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker's conversation with Corey and Ross. We hope it may serve as an encouragement to you to engage your LDS friends and neighbors with the truth and love of Christ.

Corey Miller, Ph.D., was born in Utah as a seventh-generation Mormon. His ancestor was a polygamist and one of Joseph Smith’s bodyguards. Miller is president and CEO of Ratio Christi (ratiochristi.org), a campus apologetics evangelism ministry on 125 campuses. He has four graduate degrees and taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy and religion at places such as Purdue and Indiana University. He and his family reside in Indiana.

Ross Anderson was born in Utah and was raised LDS. After leaving Mormonism as a young adult, he earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree. Anderson has served as a church planter and pastor in Utah for four decades. He taught at Salt Lake Theological Seminary and served as a denominational church planting director for the region. Ross is currently a teaching pastor at Alpine Church. He and his wife, Sally, are parents to five adult children.

Related Links: Free links to some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 199: Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message [Part 1] with Cory Miller and Ross Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

A slammed door in the face of Latter-Day Saint missionaries is justification for any Mormon that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church in possession of the only true "restored gospel." But for Christians who extend kindness, compassion, and the love of Christ to missionaries who come to their doorstep, the experience can be life-changing for young LDS missionaries.

This week and next on the Profile, president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker sits down with former LDS and authors Corey Miller and Ross Anderson to discuss their new book, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. It is a short but helpful and encouraging volume with contributing Christians who are all former Mormon missionaries.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 198: ALIENS: Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men [Part 2] with Astrophysicist Hugh Ross

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

On part two of our conversation with astrophysicist and author Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe (Reasons.org), we discuss his book, Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men. and finish up our conversation about aliens, UFOs, and UAPs, and the problems they pose for a naturalistic worldview.

We also discuss some of the recent findings of the James Webb Space Telescope and how Dr. Ross interprets some of these discoveries in light of Scripture and modern cosmology. A fascinating chat you don't want to miss!

Dr. Hugh Ross is an astrophysicist, founder and senior scholar of Reasons to Believe (reasons.org), an organization that researches and communicates how discoveries about nature harmonize with the words of the Bible. His books include The Creator and the Cosmos, Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Improbable Planet, and Designed to the Core.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Chen Tao by Jason Barker: watchman.org/ChenTao
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Heaven's Gate by Bob Waldrep: watchman.org/HeavensGate
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Order of the Solar Temple by Marty Butz: watchman.org/SolarTemple
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Raelian Religion by Marty Butz: watchman.org/Raelian
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Urania Book by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Urantia

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 197: ALIENS: Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men [Part 1] with Astrophysicist Hugh Ross

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In case you have not been following the news in the recent months, there has been a resurgence of interest in UFOs, UAPs (unidentified anomalous phenomena), and advanced intelligent beings from other dimensions or worlds visiting us. There has also been talk of "non-human biologics", allegedly the remains of the "pilots" of crashed UFOs and UAPs being secretly held by our government.

On the next two episodes of this special combined Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile we sit down with astrophysicist and author, Hugh Ross, of Reasons to Believe to talk about the book he coauthored on UFOs, UAPs, and aliens, Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Chen Tao by Jason Barker: watchman.org/ChenTao
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Heaven's Gate by Bob Waldrep: watchman.org/HeavensGate
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Order of the Solar Temple by Marty Butz: watchman.org/SolarTemple
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Raelian Religion by Marty Butz: watchman.org/Raelian
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Urania Book by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Urantia

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 196: ALIENS: Is There Life Out There? [Part 2] with Cosmologist Jeff Zweerink

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

If extraterrestrial life existed, how would it impact our faith in Christ? What would it look like? Would it be something like bacteria, plants or animals, or something more resembling intelligent agents like ourselves? Is the Earth specially designed to host biological life or are there other "Earth-like" planets in the universe today? This is part two of our special combined broadcast of Apologetics Profile and Good Heavens! with cosmologist and author Dr. Jeff Zweerink of Reasons to Believe. If you have friends or family interested in the question of extraterrestrial life, you don't want to miss these episodes.

Dr. Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and research scholar for Reasons to Believe (RTB), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff’s work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Source: https://reasons.org/team/jeff-zweerink.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Chen Tao by Jason Barker: watchman.org/ChenTao
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Heaven's Gate by Bob Waldrep: watchman.org/HeavensGate
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Raelian Religion by Marty Butz: watchman.org/Raelian
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Order of the Solar Temple by Marty Butz: watchman.org/SolarTemple

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 195: ALIENS: Is There Life Out There? [Part 1] with Cosmologist Jeff Zweerink

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

We have been asking the question as long as we have been able to look up at the stars. Is there life out there in the cosmos? What would it be like? What are the implications for us if there is? And especially, how might extraterrestrial life impact our understanding of the Bible and of the Christian faith. Find out from an expert cosmologist who has asked this question himself. Dr. Jeff Zweerink of Reasons to Believe joins us to We talk with us about his book Is There Life Out There? His answer may surprise you.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Chen Tao by Jason Barker: watchman.org/ChenTao
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Heaven's Gate by Bob Waldrep: watchman.org/HeavensGate
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Raelian Religion by Marty Butz: watchman.org/Raelian
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the The Order of the Solar Temple by Marty Butz: watchman.org/SolarTemple

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 194: The Book of Mormon and the Gold Plates Controversy [Part 2] with Bill McKeever and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week we pick up in part two of our conversation with author and missionary to Latter-Day Saints Bill McKeever. Bill continues to share with the Watchman Fellowship 2023 mission team to Utah more difficulties about the official LDS Church accounts of the gold plates as well as some historical and textual difficulties with the LDS Book of Abraham.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Bill McKeever's ministry - Mormonism Research Ministry: MRM.org
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: watchman.org/1stVision

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 193: The Book of Mormon and the Gold Plates Controversy [Part 1] with Bill McKeever and James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is founded upon the Book of Mormon. But from where did the Book of Mormon originate? According to Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, the Book of Mormon comes from sacred gold plates he uncovered in 1827 near his home in Manchester, New York. What were these plates? How did Smith obtain them? How did he bring them back to his home? Where are they now? Find out this week and next as the Watchman Fellowship 2023 mission team to Utah sat down with author and missionary to LDS, Bill McKeever, of Mormon Research Ministry (mrm.org) to discuss these and other questions. Bill shares with us the history and stories behind the gold plates.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Bill McKeever's ministry - Mormonism Research Ministry: MRM.org
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: watchman.org/1stVision

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 192: Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? [Part 2] with Author and Quranic Scholar Dr. Andy Bannister

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Muslims are no longer half a world away, but now include our neighbors, friends, classmates, and coworkers. Do we as Christians worship the same God as Muslims do? What distinguishes Allah from Jesus, the Qur'an from the Bible? And how might we begin to have meaningful conversations with our Muslim neighbors? This is part two of our discussion with Qur'anic scholar, Dr. Andy Bannister, author of Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? (uhop.me/SameGod). Andy continues to offer his insights and wisdom from his years of experience in answering these and other questions and in engaging Muslims who are searching for much more than what they read in the Qur'an.

Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, speaking and teaching regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the wider world. From universities to churches, business forums to TV and radio, he regularly addresses audiences of both Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues relating to faith, culture, politics and society. Andy holds a PhD in Islamic studies and has taught extensively at universities across Canada, the USA, the UK and further afield on both Islam and philosophy. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at Melbourne School of Theology and is also Adjunct Faculty at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. For more information, visit AndyBannister.net.

Related Resources: Watchman book plus free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus by James K. Walker: watchman.org/Quran
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James K. Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 191: Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? [Part 1] with Author and Quranic Scholar Dr. Andy Bannister

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

On the next two episodes of the Profile we sit down with Qur'anic scholar and author Dr. Andy Bannister to discuss his very insightful and helpful 2021 book, Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? (uhop.Me/SameGod). Andy gives us some wisdom from his own experiences and research in engaging Muslims over the last few decades. If you know a Muslim but are not sure how to begin a conversation, you don't want to miss the next two weeks of the Profile.

Related Resources: Watchman book plus free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Book: What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus by James K. Walker: watchman.org/Quran
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James K. Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 190: Doug Groothuis and Ike Shepardson Discuss Their Book, "The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week we wrap up our conversation with authors Doug Groothuis and Ike Shepardson about their latest book The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word - An Introduction to Classical Apologetics. They offer some very practical and encouraging wisdom in how to effectively and compassionately engage in apologetics.

Douglas Groothuis (PhD, University of Oregon) is professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado, where he heads the apologetics and ethics masters degree program. His articles have been published in journals such as Religious Studies, Philosophia Christi, Themelios, Christian Scholar's Review, Inquiry, and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has written numerous books, including Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, and Truth Decay. https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/

Andrew “Ike” Shepardson (Ph.D., University of Toronto) leads the B.A. and M.A. programs in Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University and is associated faculty at Denver Seminary. Ike is an elder at Living Way Fellowship in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. His work has been published in Philosophia Christi, Quadrum, The Denver Journal, Orthodoxy in Dialogue, and the Toronto Journal of Theology. He is author of Who’s Afraid of the Unmoved Mover?: Postmodernism and Natural Theology and coauthor (with Douglas Groothuis) of The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word. His website is ikeshepardson.com.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 189: Doug Groothuis and Ike Shepardson Discuss Their Book, "The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week and next we talk with authors Doug Groothuis (GROW-tice) and Andrew "Ike" Shepardson about their new book The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word - An Introduction to Classical Apologetics and how vitally important apologetics remains for us today.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 188: Reimagining Apologetics [Part 2] with Dr. Justin Bailey and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Christian apologetics is not just a matter of crafting intellectual arguments and those who engage in Christian apologetics are not just computorial information machines dispensing facts. Our guest again this week, author, pastor, and professor of theology at Dordt University, Dr. Justin Bailey, continues sharing his ideas from his 2020 book Reimagining Apologetics - The Beauty of Faith in a Secular Age (www.PJustin.com/Books/Reimagining) that apologetics should include a much more holistic approach that involves not only logic and reason, but the imagination as well.

Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey iis associate professor and chair of the theology department at Dordt University. He works at the intersection of theology, culture, and ministry, and his written work has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review, and the International Journal of Public Theology. He is the author of Reimagining Apologetics (IVP, 2020) and Interpreting Your World (Baker, 2022). He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, and he has served as a pastor in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Anglo-American settings.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 187: Reimagining Apologetics [Part 1] with Dr. Justin Bailey and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

187 Reimagining Apologetics [Part 1] with Dr. Justin Bailey and Daniel Ray

What role does the imagination play in Christian apologetics today? How can we effectively implement a more holistic and imaginative approach in giving a defense for our faith in an ever-increasingly secular society? Our guest this week and next, author, pastor, and professor of theology at Dordt University, Dr. Justin Bailey, discusses these questions with us from his 2020 book Reimagining Apologetics - The Beauty of Faith in a Secular Age (www.PJustin.com/Books/Reimagining).

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

apologetics, apologetics profile, Watchman Fellowship, Reimagining Apologetics, Justin Bailey, Daniel Ray, atheism, agnostic, skeptic, beauty, imagination, Christianity, Jesus, God

Episode 186: Unmasking the Korean Cult of Shincheonji [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

One hallmark of most any religious cult today is that there is no other way to God except through the cult leader and obedience to his deceitful doctrines and deceptive practices. Cult teachings and commands twist Scripture familiar to Christians and create a climate of fear and works-based salvation.

This week Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship and Steve Matthews, author of our 4-page Profile on the movement known as Shincheonji, continue their discussion about how this disciplined, doctrinally-deceptive, militant cult twists Scripture, infiltrates churches in the U.S. and how you can be prepared to respond with solid biblical truth.

Steve Matthews is a countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.

Related Links: Free access to additional resources including some related Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Examining the Shincheonji Church: ExaminingTheSCJ.com
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/ProfileSCJ
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji (in Korean) by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/SCJ_Korean
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Missionary Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/WMSCOG
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on International Christian Church (Kip McKean) by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 185: Unmasking the Korean Cult of Shincheonji [Part 1] with Steve Matthews and Dr. Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

How is a religious cult in South Korea making inroads into churches in the U.S.? Listen in as Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship and Steve Matthews, author of our 4-page Profile on the movement known as Shincheonji, discuss some of the ways in which this disciplined, doctrinally-deceptive, militant cult is infiltrating churches in the U.S. Learn how you can be prepared to respond with the Gospel.

Steve Matthews is a countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.

Related Links: Free access to additional resources including some related Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Examining the Shincheonji Church: ExaminingTheSCJ.com
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/ProfileSCJ
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shincheonji (in Korean) by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/SCJ_Korean
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on World Missionary Society Church of God by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/WMSCOG
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on International Christian Church (Kip McKean) by Steve Matthews: watchman.org/ICC
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 184: How Reason Can Lead to God [Part 2] with Dr. Josh Rasmussen

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Even if one might be convinced that reason can lead us to God, there remains the very real difficulty of the problem of evil. How can evil exist if an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful God exists? There are finally no easy answers to this question. Our guest again this week, author and philosopher Dr. Josh Rasmussen, shares with us his personal and philosophical perspectives on how he has negotiated this difficult issue, both through analytical arguments and through his own personal suffering. Philosophy, as it turns out, isn't just a dry academic exercise, but part of what constitutes the grand narrative of the very Gospel itself, a love of wisdom.

Joshua Rasmussen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Azusa Pacific University. His area of expertise is analytic metaphysics, with a focus on basic categories of reality, such as objects, ideas, and necessary existence. He is author of several books, including Defending the Correspondence Theory of Truth (Cambridge University Press, 2014), Necessary Existence (with Pruss; Oxford University Press, 2015), How Reason Can Lead to God (IVP Academic, 2019), and Is God the Best Explanation of Things (with Felipe Leon, Palgrave 2019). He is also the founder of the Worldview Design YouTube channel, which helps people use reason to address the big questions of life.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 183: How Reason Can Lead to God [Part 1] with Dr. Josh Rasmussen

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

What is reason? How might it lead us to God? In Acts chapter 17, the Apostle Paul attempted to reason with the Athenian philosophers about the resurrection of Jesus. Some scoffed, but some listened. How does reason inform our understanding of God? Can a person come to know that God exists through means of reasonable arguments? And how does reason fit in with what we know about God?

On the next two episodes of the Profile we talk with author and philosopher Dr. Josh Rasmussen, about his 2019 book How Reason Can Lead to God. We hope you will discover how reason and even philosophy are integral parts of the greatest story ever told.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 182: JW Escape! [Part 2] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

182 JW Escape! [Part 2] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James Walker

Jehovah's Witnesses are presently experiencing a tremendous institutional and public relations crisis as never before in the history of their organization. Many members have grown tired of the fear, intimidation, and unceasing, impossible demands of trying to earn favor with the wrathful and implacable god in whom they profess to believe.

Here on Part Two of James Walker's conversation with former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales, you will hear of the crisis facing the organization and what you can do to be a compassionate ambassador for Christ if ever you had the opportunity to engage them about what they believe. Most of all, Elaine reminds us that members of Jehovah's Witnesses are not the enemy. They know little or nothing about the love of Christ and the person to whom God brings to your doorstep might be just in a similar position as Elaine was decades ago. Your seed of kindness to them could go a long way.

Elaine Bales was born a JW kid, Elaine came to believe she could never do enough. She finally escaped Jehovah's Witnesses after 23 years and struggled for nearly 20 years to find her way. She finally found the truth in Christ and the Scriptures and now lives to shout it from the rooftops. Resources from Elaine Bales include: JW Escape YouTube channel: Youtube.com/@JWEscape, JW Escape Facebook Page: Facebook.com/groups/2771104329797580 and Elaine's website: JWEscape.com.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW
Podcast Part 1: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-04T23_00_00-08_00
Podcast Part 2: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-11T23_00_00-08_00
Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

apologetics, Apologetics Profile, Elaine Bales, ExJW, former Jehovah, jw.org, Watchtower, WTBTS, Jehovah, Jehovah's Witness, Kingdom Hall, Christianity, spiritual abuse, JW Escape, James Walker, Watchman Fellowship,

Episode 181: JW Escape! [Part 1] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week and next, President of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker sits down with Elaine Bales, a former Jehovah's Witness, to discuss her experiences as being a member since childhood, and her difficult escape from it to embrace the real Jesus and His gospel of grace.

Our very own Daniel Ray had a recent encounter with two Jehovah's Witnesses at the Dallas/Love Field Airport. On his phone, he pulled up Watchman Fellowship's digital four-page profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society just before approaching their information table. And as Daniel attests, it was an incredibly helpful reminder. And it's something you can do too, should you ever encounter Jehovah's Witnesses in public or at your front door. Instead of walking past a table or slamming the door on them, be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you. We hope the next two episodes of the Profile will help you do just that.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW
Podcast Part 1: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-04T23_00_00-08_00
Podcast Part 2: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-11T23_00_00-08_00
Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 180: What is Satanism? A Christian Critique with Dr. Richard Howe

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman senior apologist Brady Blevins talks with Christian author and apologist Dr. Richard Howe about what Satanism is today and how we as Christians can prayerfully and thoughtfully engage those whom we may know who self-identify as Satanists.

What is Satanism?
Are there different kinds of Satanism?
Why is it that Christians today can not afford to ignore this growing movement?

Dr. Richard Howe is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Provost, Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics, and Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics. In their free time, Richard and his wife Rebekah enjoy international travel.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Fellowship Profiles and further tools from Dr. Howe:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Church of Satan / Anton LaVey by Michael Veroni: watchman.org/LaVey
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on the Temple of Set by C.K. Salmon: watchman.org/Set
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Alister Crowley by James Walker: watchman.org/Crowley
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Occult by James Walker: watchman.org/TheOccult
Dr. Howe's website: www.RichardGHowe.com
Full video lecture from Dr. Howe from Ratio Christi: South Africa, (YouTube, 87-min.): The Truth Behind Modern Satanism
Slide Deck (PDF): Satanism by Richard Howe
Article published by Christian Research Journal, (volume 28, number 5 [2005]): Satanism: A Taste for the Dark Side by Richard G. Howe

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 179: The Allure and Mystique of Pantheism with Dr. Douglas Groothuis [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Pantheism comes from the Greek Pan meaning “all or everything” and Theos meaning “God.” In Pantheism, everything that exists is One (Monism) and that one substance is God. God, however, is not personal but impersonal – an “It” rather than a “He.” This worldview has significant implications. If everything is "God" then humans must also be a manifestation of God. This is reminiscent of the Serpent's temptation in Genesis 3, "You shall be like God."

Pantheism isn't just a superstition of the ancient past, it is very much still with us today in a variety of different world views, and many ascribe to some kind of Pantheism without even knowing it. On part two of our conversation with Christian philosopher Dr. Doug Groothuis, we discuss some of the failures and contradictory tenets of Pantheism, including its insufficient responses to the problems of evil and suffering.

Dr. Douglas Groothuis holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (University of Oregon, 1993) and is Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary where he heads the Christian Apologetics Master’s degree program. He is the author of sixteen books, beginning with the best-selling Unmasking the New Age (InterVarsity Press, 1986) and including the popular and voluminous textbook, Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2022), as well as a memoir, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—a Philosopher’s Lament (InterVarsity Press, 2017), an introduction to philosophy, Philosophy in Seven Sentences (InterVarsity, 2016), and a book on the controversial topic of Critical Race Theory, Fire in the Streets (Salem Books, 2022).

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Pantheism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/Pantheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/Transhumanism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on New Age by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/NewAge
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 178: The Allure and Mystique of Pantheism with Dr. Douglas Groothuis [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Pantheism is one of four foundational “world views” held by millions of people around the world. It is the common theme of many of the world’s eastern religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. In the West, it underlies the basis of Transcendentalism, Wicca (witchcraft) and much of New Age spirituality. How do we recognize Pantheism today? How should we respond? On the next two episodes of the profile, we sit down with Christian philosopher Dr. Doug Groothius (pronounced GROW-tice) to talk with him about what Pantheism is, how to recognize it, and how to respond compassionately with the Gospel.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Pantheism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/Pantheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/Transhumanism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on New Age by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/NewAge
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 177: Remembering Waco: Former Branch Davidian Robert Scott Interview 30 Years Later

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

TWO FREE BOOKS - Take advantage of the special offer mentioned at the end of this episode: Watchman.org/Waco

Thirty years ago this week, a small army of federal agents stormed the compound of the Branch Davidian cult led by David Koresh with armored vehicles, knocking down walls and launching tear gas. That deadly assault outside of Waco, Texas was the culmination of a 51-day standoff between government agents, four of whom were killed in the line of duty, and the Davidians. The assault ended horrifically when a tragic fire quickly consumed the compound and claimed the lives of over 80 Davidians, including 26 children.

This week, for the first time ever in podcast format, we are releasing James Walker's 2018 interview with Robert Scott, a Branch Davidian we helped break free from David Koresh's influence just months before the gruesome fire. Robert, author of the book Branch on Fire, tells why he gave his life to David Koresh, what it was like to live at the Waco compound and how he broke free to dedicate his life to Jesus Christ as his messiah.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

2 Free Books: Request your free copies of Robert Scott's book Branch on Fire (PDF edition) and Alice Scott's book, The Incredible Power of Cults (Paperback and PDF editions): watchman.org/Waco
Video: James Walker's Interview with current Branch Davidian and burn survivor Clive Doyle: watchman.org/Clive
Video: James Walker's Interview with former Branch Davidian Robert Scott: watchman.org/Robert
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian Theology
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian History
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Seventh Day Adventism by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/SDA
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns
About James Walker: watchman.org/James

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 176: Remembering Waco: The Clive Doyle Survivor Interview 30 Years Later

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

TWO FREE BOOKS - Take advantage of the special offer mentioned at the end of this episode: Watchman.org/Waco

This week, for the first time ever in podcast format, we are releasing James Walker's 2018 interview with Clive Doyle, one of the few remaining Branch Davidian who survived the fire badly burned. Clive, who passed away last year at the age of 81, still believed that David Koresh was his messiah. He was one of a small remnant of original sect members who were still awaiting the second coming of David Koresh. He believed Koresh would soon return to earth with the others who died in the flames.

Next week we broadcast our interview with Robert Scott, a Branch Davidian we helped break free from David Koresh's influence just months before the gruesome fire. Robert, author of the book Branch on Fire, tells why he gave his life to David Koresh, what it was like to live at the Waco compound and how he broke free to dedicate his life to Jesus Christ as his messiah.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Video: James Walker's Interview with current Branch Davidian and Burn Survivor Clive Doyle: watchman.org/Clive
Video: James Walker's Interview with Former Branch Davidian Robert Scott: watchman.org/Robert
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian Theology
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian History
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Seventh Day Adventism by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/SDA
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns
About James Walker: watchman.org/James

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 175: Remembering Waco: The Branch Davidian Cult Tragedy 30 Years Later

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

TWO FREE BOOKS - Take advantage of the special offer mentioned at the end of this episode: Watchman.org/Waco

Thirty years ago this month, a small army of federal agents stormed the compound of the Branch Davidian cult led by David Koresh with armored vehicles, knocking down walls and launching tear gas. That deadly assault outside of Waco, Texas was the culmination of a 51-day standoff between government agents, four of whom were killed in the line of duty, and the Davidians. The assault ended horrifically when a tragic fire quickly consumed the compound and claimed the lives of over 80 Davidians, including 26 children.

On this episode of the Profile Watchman senior apologist Brady Blevins sits down with president of Watchman Fellowship James Walker and discusses not only what it was like for Watchman Fellowship during the Waco siege, but also the history and development of this sect of Seventh Day Adventism, what went wrong and the circumstances which contributed to the tragedy. Most importantly, remembering Waco helps us to never forget the tragic consequences that may result from pursuing false Christs and counterfeit Christianity.

Next week we are releasing for the first time in podcast format our 2018 interview with the late Clive Doyle. Clive was one of the few surviving Branch Davidians who was badly burned but escaped the 1993 fire with his life. Clive shared that all these years later he continued to believed in Koresh and he tells us why he was still awaiting the second coming of David Koresh.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Video: James Walker's Interview with Former Branch Davidian Robert Scott: watchman.org/Robert
Video: James Walker's Interview with Current Branch Davidian and Burn Survivor Clive Doyle: watchman.org/Clive
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian Theology
Watchman Fellowship Archives: Branch Davidian History
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Seventh Day Adventism by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/SDA
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Patterns in the Cults by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns
About James Walker: watchman.org/James

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 174: Who Are "The Nones" and Why Does It Matter? [Part 2] with Dr. Ryan Burge

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

According to the General Social Survey, there has been a dramatic increase in the rise of the religiously non-affiliated in the U.S. since 1972. Who are the Nones? What do they believe? Are they atheists? Agnostics? What does the data from the GSS suggest is happening to the religious practices and affiliations in the U.S. today?

This week, we continue our conversation with pastor and assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University Dr. Ryan Burge, whose research with the GSS and the Nones has been covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Vox, 538, BuzzFeed News, the Associated Press, Newsweek, Al-Jazeera, Reuters, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, The Daily Mail, Deseret News, World Magazine, Relevant, and C-SPAN. Ryan breaks down the data on the Nones for us and what it might for the present and future of religion in the U.S.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Ryan Burge's website and book, The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going: http://ryanburge.net/

Dr. Ryan Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, where also serves as the graduate coordinator. He has authored over thirty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters alongside four books about religion and politics in the United States. He written for the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He has also appeared in an NBC Documentary, on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, as well as 60 Minutes which called him, “one of the country’s leading data analysts on religion and politics.” He has served as a pastor in the American Baptist Church for over twenty years and has been married to his wife Jacqueline for over fifteen years. They have two boys - Holden and Reid.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 173: Who Are "The Nones" and Why Does It Matter? [Part 1] with Dr. Ryan Burge

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Since 1972, the General Social Survey, or GSS, has influenced and informed our cultural understanding of the religious landscape in the U.S. A multitude of college students, journalists, media outlets, and peer-reviewed articles and papers have cited the data from the GSS. You've probably seen a graph or two in the newspaper or on line somewhere which featured information from the GSS.

So what exactly is the survey? How is it conducted? How many people are surveyed? What questions are asked? How accurate is it? How should we interpret its findings?

On the next two episodes of the Profile we sit down with pastor and assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Ryan Burge, to discuss the GSS and the rise of the non-religiously affiliated. Ryan has become the go-to source for interpreting data from the GSS. Of special interest is a growing classification of Americans with no religious affiliation called "the Nones." His research has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Vox, 538, BuzzFeed News, the Associated Press, Newsweek, Al-Jazeera, Reuters, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, The Daily Mail, Deseret News, World Magazine, Relevant, and C-SPAN.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Ryan Burge's website and book, The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going: http://ryanburge.net/

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 172: Engaging Skeptics and Their Objections [Part 2] with Dr. Timothy McGrew

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why the Gospel writers included the details they did? Our guest this week on the Profile, Dr. Timothy McGrew, suggests that if we pay careful attention to the lesser details included by the authors of the Gospel accounts, we will see with greater clarity how the accounts interlock and compliment one another. These details offer but one further bit of evidence that the Gospel narratives are historically accurate and trustworthy.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Tim McGrew and atheist philosopher Graham Oppy discuss their book, Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, at the Atheist & Christian Book Club (YouTube): https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. He specializes in theory of knowledge, logic, probability theory, and the history and philosophy of science. He has published in numerous journals including Mind, The Monist, Analysis, Erkenntnis, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, and Philosophia Christi. His recent publications include the article on “Evidence” in The Routledge Companion to Epistemology, coauthorship of The Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, coauthorship (with Lydia McGrew) of the article on “The Argument from Miracles” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, and the article on “Miracles” for The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Visit TimothyMcGrew.com.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 171: Engaging Skeptics and Their Objections [Part 1] with Dr. Timothy McGrew

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

If we are to love those who are not Christians, as Jesus commands, one of the essential components of loving our neighbors is being able to listen to them with intent, compassion, and sincerity. Discussions and debates about God can quickly become heated. We often don't really listen to another person's position carefully, but only wait for opportunities to make our point or speak over them.

Our guest this week and next on the Profile, philosopher, apologist and friend of Watchman Fellowship, Dr. Timothy McGrew, gives us his wisdom and insight from his many years of engaging skeptics and non-believers about the truth of the Christian faith.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness
Tim McGrew and atheist philosopher Graham Oppy discuss their book, Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, at the Atheist & Christian Book Club (YouTube): https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 170: Dr. Gary Habermas on the Historical Reliability of the Gospels and the Resurrection [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

You have likely heard a skeptic or two say that the New Testament is riddled with contradictions and therefore it is likely an untrustworthy source for understanding what happened in and around Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago.

This week on the Profile we continue our discussion with leading resurrection scholar Dr. Gary Habermas who gives us very practical insights about how we can answer our skeptic friends and why we can trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus's life and ministry.

Dr. Gary Habermas earned a PhD from Michigan State University, an MA from the University of Detroit and a BRE from William Tyndale College. He has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. He has written 49 books and also contributed over 85 chapters or articles to additional books, and almost 200 articles and reviews in journals and other publications. In recent years, he has been a visiting or adjunct professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries in the United States and abroad.

Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 16 grandchildren.

GARY HABERMAS RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Free E-Book by Gary Habermas: http://garyhabermas.com/Evidence2/Habermas-Uniqueness-of-Jesus-Christ-2016.pdf
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

RELATED WATCHMAN FELLOWSHIP PROFILES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman

JOIN our Atheist & Christian Book Club meeting monthly on Zoom: AtheistChristianBookClub.com

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Profile Notebook: Get the full collection of 4-page Profiles published by Watchman Fellowship (over 600 pages!) here: watchman.org/DigitalNotebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 169: Dr. Gary Habermas on the Historical Reliability of the Gospels and the Resurrection [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

You have probably heard of atheist and New Testament scholar Dr. Bart Ehrman. Ehrman believes Jesus really existed in history but does not believe Jesus is God, does not believe Jesus really performed miracles, and does not believe Jesus resurrected from the dead.

This week and next on the Profile we sit down with leading resurrection scholar Dr. Gary Habermas who offers us some helpful insights to counter such skeptical assertions made by Ehrman and other critics of the New Testament.

Dr. Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy. He is married to Eileen and they have seven children and 16 grandchildren.

GARY HABERMAS RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Free E-Book by Gary Habermas: http://garyhabermas.com/Evidence2/Habermas-Uniqueness-of-Jesus-Christ-2016.pdf
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

RELATED WATCHMAN FELLOWSHIP PROFILES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 168: Frank and Zach Turek discuss their latest book, "Hollywood Heroes" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Many of the top grossing box-office films of all time often feature story lines in some way related to the universe. "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" is almost as widely recognized as "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Our guests this week authors Frank Turek and his son Zack sit down with us to discuss their latest book Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God. They argue that it is indeed possible for Christians to use cosmic and universal themes in these films, including morality, beauty, and teleology, to point our non-believing friends and neighbors to Christ.

Frank Turek is an award-winning author or coauthor of several books, including I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and his latest, Hollywood Heroes (NavPress, May 2022). He hosts a weekly TV program broadcast to 32 million homes and an apologetics podcast on over 180 stations. As founder and president of CrossExamined.org, Frank speaks over 100 times per year, often to youth and college students. He has debated several prominent atheists, including the late Christopher Hitchens and Michael Shermer.

Frank Zachary Turek is a career intelligence officer in the U.S. Military. He has a master’s degree in philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary and is the coauthor of Hollywood Heroes with his father, Frank Turek.

Related Links: Free access to some associated resources and related Watchman Profiles:

Apologetics Profile Podcast, The Myth Made Fact with Dr. Louis Markos, Part 1: watchman.org/Myth1, Part 2: watchman.org/Myth2
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus by James Walker: watchman.org/Quran

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 167: Frank and Zach Turek discuss their latest book, "Hollywood Heroes" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

How well do we know what interests our non-Christian friends and neighbors? How much do we know about what they enjoy or what they believe? Can we take the beliefs and interests of unbelievers to build common ground and facilitate conversations about Jesus and the Gospel?

Our guests this week and next on the Profile, as well as we here at Watchman, say "Absolutely yes!" Author and Christian apologist Frank Turek and his son Zach join us to discuss their latest book, Hollywood Heros - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God. They share with us how they have thoughtfully mined popular movies of the last several decades for gems of Gospel truths as well as how they use these films as vehicles for conveying apologetic arguments that might be unfamiliar to non-believers.

Related Links: Free access to some associated resources and related Watchman Profiles:

Apologetics Profile Podcast, The Myth Made Fact with Dr. Louis Markos, Part 1: watchman.org/Myth1, Part 2: watchman.org/Myth2
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus by James Walker: watchman.org/Quran

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 166: A Theology of Science [Part 2] Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Paul Tyson about his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

We live in an age where the scientific definition of what it means to be human is not only radically different than the biblical understanding of our existence, but that the scientific view trumps any theologically informed beliefs about what it means to be created in God's image. Our imageo Dei is reduced to a matter of feeling and personal opinion, nothing more.

Our guest this week is philosopher Dr. Paul Tyson, author of the book, A Theology of Science. Dr. Tyson makes the case that we as Christians need to radically revise our thinking, not allowing ourselves to be conformed to a completely scientific materialist view of the human body of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds in relation to what it means to be created in the image of God. But that mental transformation, Paul argues, even a kind of repentance, requires time, thought, and space to pray and contemplate how we might recapture a Christ-centered, God-glorifying theology of science.

Dr Paul Tyson is an integral thinker who works across theology, philosophy and sociology. Metaphysics and epistemology, understood not only philosophically and theoretically, but equally theologically and sociologically, are his areas of interest. At present he is a Principal Investigator and the Project Co-coordinator for the "After Science and Religion" project, run through IASH. This project stems from Professor Peter Harrison's 2015 text, The Territories of Science and Religion, and seeks to re-think what both science and religion could look like as we move forward.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 165: A Theology of Science [Part 1] Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Paul Tyson about his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Today we launch a two-part episode featuring philosopher Dr. Paul Tyson talking about his book, A Theology of Science. We take modern science quite for granted today, hardly ever thinking about where it came from or how it became to be the dominant cultural paradigm of our time. Science seems to dictate virtually every aspect of our lives. From the vastness of the cosmos to every bird of the air and every hair on our head, science seems to be able to explain virtually everything. And even in discussions about science's relationship to our Christian faith, it is almost always couched as "science and religion" or "science and faith." The two seemed to be kept in their respective spheres.

Our guest this week and next, philosopher Dr. Paul Tyson, suggests it should be exactly the other way around. As Christians, he argues, we must retrace our steps and recover a theology of science and of creation, one that challenges the uncritical belief of our time that science must come first.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 164: BONUS: An Atheist 'Street Epistemologist' Confronts A Calvary Chapel Pastor [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

BONUS EPISODE - This podcast is the conclusion of a special mid-week bonus interview with Pastor David Marini of Calvary Chapel in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Pastor David just recently was interviewed by an atheist street epistemology practitioner and shares his experience with us on our next two episodes.

We hope the insights learned from Pastor Marini's encounter can encourage, strengthen and guide other Christians who may encounter a street epistemologist in social media or in public.

Daniel has been following the developments in the street epistemology community on and off since 2013. See Daniel's complete YouTube playlist of street epistemology critiques and reviews here.

David Marini is the pastor of Calvary Chapel of Chapel Hill North Carolina. Pastor David planted this church with his wife Michele in 2003 and has been leading it ever since. The ministry philosophy that Pastor David has pursued over the past 20 years is to teach verse by verse, book by book through the entire Bible. Pastor David's ministry has placed great emphasis on foreign missions, especially to the country of India. His fervent desire is that the unreached and marginally reached peoples of Asia and Africa will have access to a true rendering of the whole counsel of God.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology and its founder, atheist and philosopher Peter Boghossian, by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 163: BONUS: An Atheist 'Street Epistemologist' Confronts A Calvary Chapel Pastor [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 13:01:52 +0000

This is a special mid-week, two-part interview with Pastor David Marini of Calvary Chapel in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Pastor David just recently was interviewed by an atheist street epistemology practitioner and shares his experience with us on our next two episodes.

We hope the insights learned from Pastor Marini's encounter can encourage, strengthen and guide other Christians who may encounter a street epistemologist in social media or in public.

Daniel has been following the developments in the street epistemology community on and off since 2013. See Daniel's complete YouTube playlist of street epistemology critiques and reviews here.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology and its founder, atheist and philosopher Peter Boghossian, by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 162: A Critique of Naturalism with Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Does science rule out any possibility of the supernatural? Do natural properties and causes account for everything that exists? This episode is part two of Brady Blevins' and Daniel Ray's discussion critiquing the worldview of philosophical naturalism from a Christian perspective.

Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist with Watchman Fellowship, is a featured speaker and writer with the ministry. He also serves as the editor of our Profile Notebook. He holds a BS in Bible and Pastoral Ministries from Arlington Baptist College, a MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University and a Doctorate in Educational Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/BradyBlevinsBio.pdf.

Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, is a speaker, writer, and podcast producer with the ministry. He holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University and an MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Baptist University. He is coeditor and cowriter of The Story of the Cosmos, How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/DanielRayBio.pdf.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 161: A Critique of Naturalism with Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Do natural properties and causes account for everything that exists? Does science rule out any possibility of the supernatural? In this two-part podcast, Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray discuss the worldview of philosophical naturalism.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 160: The Promises and Perils of Transhumanism [Part 2] with Dr. Douglas Groothuis

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

For Christians, what is the proper way to think about bioethics and bioengineering? What moral limits should be placed upon bioengineering research and development? Will science give us the ability to live forever, apart from God Himself? On part two of our conversation with philosopher, apologist and author, Dr. Douglas Groothius (GROW-tice), we unpack some ways through these questions and help equip you to give a defense in such important discussions.

Douglas Groothuis earned his PhD from the University of Oregon and has been a faculty member at Denver Seminary since 1993. He has also taught at The University of Oregon and Metro State University, in Denver. He has authored thirty academic articles in journals such as Philosophia Christi, Religious Studies, Sophia, Bibliotheca Sacra, and Academic Questions. He has also written for Christianity Today, The Christian Research Journal, The Journal for Christian Legal Thought, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and many other publications. He has authored thirteen books, including Unmasking the New Age, The Soul in Cyberspace, Truth Decay, On Jesus, Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, Walking through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament, I Love You to the Stars (a children’s book written with Crystal Bowman), Christian Apologetics, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics. and The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word an Introduction to Classical Apologetics (2022) with Andrew I. Shepardson. He has contributed numerous entries to reference volumes such as The Dictionary of Christianity and Science, The Apologetics Study Bible, The Evangelical Dictionary of World Religions, and the textbook, Problems in Value Theory.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/TranshumanismProfile.pdf
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 159: The Promises and Perils of Transhumanism [Part 1] with Dr. Douglas Groothuis

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Our guest this week and next, philosopher Dr. Douglas Groothuis (pronounced GROW-tice), unpacks and helps us better understand the foundation behind these ideas and shows us that we as Christians have no reason to fear contributing sound biblical and theological answers to these important topics.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/TranshumanismProfile.pdf
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 158: "A Good and True Story" [Part 2] Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Paul Gould about his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Our guest this week on Apologetics Profile, Christian philosopher Dr. Paul Gould, sits down with us to provide the True and Good Story of why the laws of the universe exist in the first place and why there is order, unity, harmony, and beauty at the heart of modern science's quest for a theory of everything. Paul wrote his latest book, A Good and True Story, with the atheist and skeptic in mind. Instead of an amalgam of dry, philosophical syllogisms and isolated factoids, Paul weaves together a compelling story of clues that point us all toward the greatest Story ever told.

Paul M. Gould is an associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the M.A. Philosophy of Religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Gould earned his doctorate in philosophy from Purdue University. He is the author or editor of ten scholarly and popular-level books including Cultural Apologetics, Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, and The Story of the Cosmos. He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith, and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. He is a widely sought-after speaker in apologetics and philosophy. He speaks regularly at universities, churches and ministries around the country, including Summit Ministries, the C.S. Lewis Institute and the Evangelical Philosophical Society’s annual apologetics conference. He is married to Ethel and has four children.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 157: "A Good and True Story" [Part 1] Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Paul Gould about his new book

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile we sit down with Christian philosopher, avid outdoorsman, and father, Dr. Paul Gould to talk about his latest book A Good and True Story. It is an apologetic work written in the prose of story and narrative, written with unbelievers and skeptics in mind. Paul translates the philosophical and scientific arguments into an inviting and compelling story - a great book to share with your atheist or skeptic friends or family members.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 156: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God! Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Please consider a tax-deductible end-of-year donation at watchman.org/Give.

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. By God's grace, Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In this episode (Part Two), we conclude our discussion. Daniel talks about the importance of discipleship and how to talk with the Jehovah's Witnesses when they knock on your door:

Is the average Christian church equipped to help former Jehovah's Witnesses transition to the true gospel of the grace of Christ?
What is one of the best questions we can ask a Jehovah's Witness?
How can a "SEE" (significant emotional event) be a catalyst for spiritual transition?
Besides the Bible, what one book helped Daniel clearly see the Jehovah's Witnesses errors?
Why did Daniel join the leadership team as a board member at Watchman Fellowship?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW
Video: Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA
Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf
Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis
Video: Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 155: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God! Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Please consider a tax-deductible end-of-year donation at watchman.org/Give.

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. Daniel's testimony is a rebroadcast first published in 2020. In part one of this discussion, Daniel shares his journey from the Kingdom Hall to the Kingdom of God:

When he first got the knock at his front door, what attracted Daniel to listen to the Jehovah's Witnesses and initially embrace their teachings?
What caused Daniel to mistake the Jehovah's Witnesses sincerity for their accuracy?
Why is it difficult for former Jehovah's Witnesses to believe in Jesus even after they learn their religion was wrong?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW
Video: Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA
Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf
Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis
Video: Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 154: Tactics [Part 2] Daniel Ray talks with Greg Koukl about effective strategies for engaging unbelievers

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Knowing what you believe, why you believe it and how to compassionately share your faith in Christ are invaluable hallmarks of being ambassadors for Christ and His kingdom. On part two of our conversation with apologist and author Greg Koukl, we explore the problems with truth and morality in a naturalistic worldview and how we as believers can and should take time to understand these problems in giving a defense of our faith. Hear how Greg encourages us to put "pebbles of truth" in the shoes of those who do not believe.

Greg Koukl founded Stand to Reason (str.org) in 1993 and currently serves as president of the organization. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality — How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between (amzn.to/3AtHtnR); Tactics — A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (amzn.to/3hXCLYW) and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air (amzn.to/3X9nu7A).

Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 153: Tactics [Part 1] Daniel Ray talks with Greg Koukl about effective strategies for engaging unbelievers.

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Christian apologist Greg Koukl's best-selling book, Tactics, has had remarkable success since it was first published in 2000. Greg's counsel and advice for how to formulate "a Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions" continues to be an encouragement for many. On this two-part conversation, Watchman's staff apologist Daniel Ray talks "tactics" with Greg, as he shares more invaluable insights from his own personal experience in engaging unbelievers with the gospel.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 152: James Walker talks with Mike Rinder, former Scientologist, about his new book "A Billion Years" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Mike Rinder, former senior executive of Scientology, continues his discussion with James Walker about his new book A Billion Years. Scientology sued James and Watchman Fellowship for $9.5 million then infiltrated Watchman's offices with spies. For legal reasons, Watchman has spoken very little about this publicly until this podcast. Mike Rinder, who headed up Scientology's Office of Special Affairs, supervised much of the litigation, harassment, intimidation and other "Fair Game" tactics developed by church founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Rinder left Scientology and now exposes some of the incredibly ruthless abuses allegedly perpetrated by Scientology's current leader, David Miscavige.

Mike Rinder is a former senior executive of the Church of Scientology. From 1982 to 2007, Rinder served on the church's board of directors was executive director of its international Office of Special Affairs directing the legal and public relations matters of Scientology. After escaping Scientology, Rinder has exposed the physical and mental abuse inflicted upon staff members by the current head of Scientology, David Miscavige. He co-hosted the Emmy award winning A&E documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. In 2022 Simon & Schuster published his memoir, A Billion Years.

Related Resources

Book: A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology by Mike Rinder: uhop.me/Billion
Leah Remini and Mike Rinder's Podcast - Scientology: Fair Game: FairGamePodcast.com
Mike Rinder's Blog: MikeRindersBlog.org
Assisting victims: The Aftermath Foundation - TheAftermathFoundation.org
Tampa Bay Times: The Truth Rundown (2009): Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Watchman Fellowship's Scientology Profile by Kurt Van Gorden: watchman.org/Scientology
Watchman Fellowship's archived articles on Scientology: watchman.org/articles/scientology

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 151: James Walker talks with Mike Rinder, former Scientologist, about his new book "A Billion Years" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Mike Rinder, former senior executive of the Church of Scientology, sits down with James Walker, Watchman Fellowship president, to talk about his new book A Billion Years. Scientology sued James and Watchman Fellowship for $9.5 million then infiltrated Watchman offices in Texas and Alabama with spies. For legal reasons, Watchman has spoken very little about this publicly until this podcast. Mike Rinder, who headed up Scientology's "feared and dreaded" Office of Special Affairs, supervised much of the litigation, harassment, intimidation and other "Fair Game" tactics developed by church founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Rinder left Scientology and now exposes some of the incredibly ruthless abuses allegedly perpetrated by Scientology's current leader, David Miscavige.

Mike Rinder is an Australian-American former senior executive of the Church of Scientology. From 1982 to 2007, Rinder served on the church's board of directors was executive director of its international Office of Special Affairs directing the legal and public relations matters of Scientology at the international level. After escaping Scientology in 2007, Rinder has vocally exposed the physical and mental abuse inflicted upon staff members by the current head of Scientology, David Miscavige. From 2016 to 2019, he co-hosted the Emmy award winning A&E documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. In 2022 Simon & Schuster published his memoir, A Billion Years.

Related Resources

Book: A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology by Mike Rinder: uhop.me/Billion
Leah Remini and Mike Rinder's Podcast - Scientology: Fair Game: FairGamePodcast.com
Mike Rinder's Blog: MikeRindersBlog.org
Assisting victims: The Aftermath Foundation - TheAftermathFoundation.org
Tampa Bay Times: The Truth Rundown (2009): Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Watchman Fellowship's Scientology Profile by Kurt Van Gorden: watchman.org/Scientology
Watchman Fellowship's archived articles on Scientology: watchman.org/articles/scientology

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 150: "Wandering Toward God Finding Faith Among Doubts and Big Questions" with Travis Dickinson [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

FREE AUTOGRAPHED BOOK -- For a chance to receive a free signed copy of Travis Dickinson’s new book, email Daniel Ray with your name and a physical mailing address at DRay@watchman.org. One recipient will be selected at random (USA only).

If doubt is a virtue, then would it not be virtuous to doubt our doubts? Doubting your doubts about your faith in Christ is what our guest this week, Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University Dr. Travis Dickinson, suggests we do.

His latest book, Wandering Toward God - Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions (uhop.me/Wandering), is a helpful companion to have as you navigate your way through questions and doubts about your faith. Neither a celebration nor a denigration of doubt, Wandering Toward God offers a biblical perspective about how to navigate the darkness of doubt. Travis shares from his own personal struggles wisdom for how to negotiate the wandering path of doubt and uncertainty

Dr. Travis Dickinson (TravisDickinson.com) holds a Bible Certificate from the Wisconsin Campus of Cairn University, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Alaska Bible College, a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University. He later received his Master of Arts in Philosophy along with a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Dr. Dickinson is the author of four books. His two most recent titles are Logic and the Way of Jesus: Thinking Critically and Christianly (B & H) (see our podcast interview on that book here and here), and Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions (IVP, October 2022) which we discuss in this episode.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 149: "Wandering Toward God Finding Faith Among Doubts and Big Questions" with Travis Dickinson [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

"Wandering Toward God Finding Faith Among Doubts and Big Questions" with Travis Dickinson [Part 1]

When it comes to doubting your faith, there are two extremes. One is to embrace and celebrate doubt as a virtuous and infallible foundation for epistemological bliss. The other extreme is that any form of doubt is sin and should not ever be entertained in the mind of a believer. But what does the Bible say? What about the doubts of John the Baptist, Thomas, and the disciples?

Our guest this week and next, Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University Dr. Travis Dickinson, shares with us his insights and experiences with doubt in his new book Wandering Toward God - Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions (uhop.me/Wandering). Travis helps doubters negotiate a wandering (but entirely biblical) path between the two extreme notions of doubt.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Apologetics, Christianity, doubt, faith, atheism, agnosticism, skeptic, Watchman Fellowship, apologetics profile, Daniel Ray, Travis Dickinson, philosophy

Episode 148: United Pentecostal Church - Is It a Cult? with Dr. Ed Dalcour [Part2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Many aberrant religious movements which identify as Christian will twist the Gospel of grace making their followers partially responsible for saving themselves through legalistic, works-righteous doctrines and practices. If Jesus is not enough for salvation, if our salvation depends even in the slightest degree upon something we must do it is not finally the true Christian doctrine of justification by grace alone. As we will see again this week, such a concept of saving ourselves, even in part, is heretical. Our guest this week, theologian Dr. Edward Dalcour, shares with us more about the errors of modalism and works-righteousness doctrines and reminds us of the power of the Gospel in reaching the lost for Christ and His kingdom.

Dr. Edward Dalcour is the president and director of Department of Christian Defense (Christiandefense.org), an educational and apologetic ministry based in Los Angeles, CA. He is Mentor of Theology at Greenwich School of Theology (London). He serves as Vice President of Grace Bible University based in Bagdad, FL. Dr. Dalcour holds a Master in Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and a Ph.D. in Theology from North-West University (Potchefstroom, SA). He is a published author of several apologetic and theological books including A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology (https://uhop.me/Oneness). He is a prolific speaker, evangelist, apologist, and contributor to various theological journals.

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI): watchman.org/UPCI
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Oneness Pentecostalism: watchman.org/Oneness

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 147: United Pentecostal Church - Is It a Cult? with Dr. Ed Dalcour [Part1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile, Watchman senior apologist Brady Blevins sits down with apologist, author, and theologian Edward Dalcour to talk about one particular trinitarian heresy known as modalism and its prevalence throughout the movement known as the United Pentecostal Church International. Edward identifies and unpacks the errors of modalism within the UPCI and gives us a basic overview of the sound, biblical doctrine of God in three Persons.

Dr. Edward Dalcour is the president and director of Department of Christian Defense (Christiandefense.org), an educational and apologetic ministry based in Los Angeles, CA. He is Mentor of Theology at Greenwich School of Theology (London). He serves as Vice President of Grace Bible University based in Bagdad, FL. Dr. Dalcour holds a Master in Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and a Ph.D. in Theology from North-West University (Potchefstroom, SA). He is a published author of several apologetic and theological books including A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology (https://uhop.me/Oneness). He is a prolific speaker, evangelist, apologist, and contributor to various theological journals.

Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI): watchman.org/UPCI
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Oneness Pentecostalism: watchman.org/Oneness

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 146: [Part 2] James Walker talks with Eric Johnson about his new book "Introducing Christianity to Mormons"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Our guest again this week is author, apologist, and missionary to Latter-Day Saints Eric Johnson who shares with us insights and helpful advice from his new book Introducing Christianity to Mormons. Eric gives a comprehensive overview of the basics of Christian doctrine and outlines how we can best engage Mormons with the truth of the Gospel.

Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 when he first served as a summer missionary to Utah. Eric graduated from San Diego State University as well as at Bethel Seminary San Diego. Eric cohosts the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and writes for MRM’s Mormonism Researched newsletter. He is the co-author of Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (Kregel, 2013) and Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker Book, 2015).

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Eric Johnson's ministry - Mormonism Research Ministry: MRM.org
Eric Johnson's new book, Introducing Christianity to Mormons: Bit.ly/EricJohnsonBook
Watchman Fellowship video on Jesus of Nazareth (48-min.): watchman.org/Jesus

Related Apologetics Profile Podcasts on Mormonism

2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part1): watchman.org/Tanner1
2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part2): watchman.org/Tanner2
2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part3): watchman.org/Tanner3
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: watchman.org/1stVision

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 145: [Part 1] James Walker talks with Eric Johnson about his new book "Introducing Christianity to Mormons"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week and next on Apologetics Profile, President of Watchman Fellowship and former fourth-generation Latter-Day Saint James Walker sits down with Eric Johnson to discuss his new book, Introducing Christianity to Mormons, and give you some sound doctrinal and practical insights in to how best to engage current and former Mormons with the truth of the Gospel.

Eric Johnson has been a student of Mormonism since 1987 when he first served as a summer missionary to Utah. Eric graduated from San Diego State University as well as at Bethel Seminary San Diego. Eric cohosts the daily radio program Viewpoint on Mormonism and writes for MRM’s Mormonism Researched newsletter. He is the co-author of Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints (Kregel, 2013) and Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Baker Book, 2015).

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Eric Johnson's ministry - Mormonism Research Ministry: MRM.org
Eric Johnson's new book, Introducing Christianity to Mormons: Bit.ly/EricJohnsonBook
Watchman Fellowship video on Jesus of Nazareth (48-min.): watchman.org/Jesus

Related Apologetics Profile Podcasts on Mormonism

2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part1): watchman.org/Tanner1
2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part2): watchman.org/Tanner2
2022 Apologetics Profile podcast interview with Sandra Tanner (Part3): watchman.org/Tanner3
Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube): watchman.org/GordonWalker
Apologetics Profile podcast "Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions," with Rob Bowman: watchman.org/1stVision

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 144: Hebrew Israelism? Brady Blevins talks with urban apologist Vocab Malone about the Black Hebrew Israelites

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Jesus has equipped each of us with spiritual gifts and abilities to reach others with the Gospel. We are created for good works which God prepared beforehand that we may walk in them. But we are called to go to those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord, whether that's foreign country, a local coffee shop, the workplace, or on a street corner.

Our guest this week on Apologetics Profile is Christian urban apologist, YouTuber and author, Vocab Malone, whose ministry is on urban street corners. He shares valuable insights about a growing cultic movement known as Hebrew Israelism. Vocab has written a book on the subject and engages different Hebrew Israelism groups in larger urban areas with the truth of the Gospel.

Vocab Malone holds a Master’s from Phoenix Seminary and has engaged in post-grad work at both Talbot School of Theology and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Vocab’s ministry focus is urban contextualized apologetics. He hosts a livestream show on YouTube and across various social media platforms called The Street Apologist (https://www.youtube.com/c/VocabMalone).

Vocab has participated in many public debates and dialogues with Muslims, atheists, Kemetics, the Eastern Orthodox, and especially “Hebrew Israelites”. He’s the author of the book Barack Obama vs The Black Hebrew Israelites: Introduction to the History & Beliefs of 1West Hebrew Israelism (https://uhop.me/VocabMalone) and a contributing author to Our God is Triune: Essays in Biblical Theology, and a freelance contributor for a few apologetics print publications. Vocab enjoys geek culture and Christian hip hop. He resides in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship's Black Hebrew Israelites Profile by Rich Day: watchman.org/BlackHebrew
Watchman Fellowship's Christian Identity Profile by Phillip Arnn and Rob Bowman: watchman.org/ChristianIdentity
Watchman Fellowship's Armstrongism Profile by Phillip Arnn: watchman.org/Armstrongism
Watchman Fellowship's Philadelphia Church of God Profile by Tim Martin: watchman.org/PCG
Watchman Fellowship's Hebrew Roots Profile by Craig Dunning: watchman.org/HebrewRoots

Additional Resources

Rich Day's earlier Apologetics Profile podcast on Black Hebrew Israelites: watchman.org/BlackHebrewPodcast

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 143: Saving a Cult? The Transformation of the Worldwide Church of God [Part 2] with Mark Tabladillo

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Shortly after the founder of the Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong died in 1986, the organization, under the new leadership of Joseph Tkach, Sr., began a remarkable transformation. They slowly jettisoned the cultic and erroneous doctrines of Armstrong and began reexamining the nature of God. By so doing, they began doing away with false doctrine and legalistic restrictions. Eventually they replaced the unique doctrines of "Armstrongism" with traditional Christian beliefs including the Trinity doctrine and salvation by grace through faith alone. Subsequently, under the leadership of Joseph Tkach, Jr. the church joined the National Association of Evangelicals and changed their name to Grace Communion International.

On part two of president of Watchman Fellowship James Walker's discussion with former Worldwide Church of God member Mark Tabladillo, you will hear more of the details of Mark's story as he witnessed firsthand some of the unprecedented changes to the organization during his membership.

Related Links:

Book, Transformed by Truth, by Joseph Tkach, Jr., Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God (now Grace Communion International): https://uhop.me/Tkach
Video, Called to Be Free, a documentary addressing the transformation of the Worldwide Church of God (YouTube; 74-min.): https://youtu.be/LWAtvE1xiRk
Ministry website of Mark Tabladillo: MarkTab.org

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship's Armstrongism Profile by Phillip Arnn: watchman.org/Armstrongism
Watchman Fellowship's Philadelphia Church of God Profile by Tim Martin: watchman.org/PCG
Watchman Fellowship's Patterns in the Cults Profile by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 142: Saving a Cult? The Transformation of the Worldwide Church of God [Part 1] with Mark Tabladillo

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

What was the Worldwide Church of God? Who founded it? What happened to it?

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker talks with a former member of the Worldwide Church of God, Mark Tabladillo. Mark shares with James a remarkable story of the improbable transformation of Herbert W. Armstrong's heretical sect into an evangelical denomination.

Related Links:

Book, Transformed by Truth, by Joseph Tkach, Jr., Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God (now Grace Communion International): https://uhop.me/Tkach
Video, Called to Be Free, documenting the transformation of the Worldwide Church of God (YouTube; 74-min.): https://youtu.be/LWAtvE1xiRk
Ministry website of Mark Tabladillo: MarkTab.org

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship's Armstrongism Profile by Phillip Arnn: watchman.org/Armstrongism
Watchman Fellowship's Philadelphia Church of God Profile by Tim Martin: watchman.org/PCG
Watchman Fellowship's Patterns in the Cults Profile by James Walker: watchman.org/Patterns

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 141: Part 3 - Brigham Young's great, great granddaughter, Sandra Tanner, and James Walker discuss Mormonism

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Racism has been a tragic aspect of our nation's history. But did you know that the Book of Mormon considers dark skin to be a curse? In the Book of Mormon, sections such as Mormon 5:15; 1 Nephi 12:23; 2 Nephi 5:21-22; Alma 3:6; and 2 Nephi 30:6, are clear in what they teach. Dark skin is "loathsome" whereas white or light-skin is "delightsome" and a sign of God's favor. The 1830 version of the Book of Mormon used to read "white and delightsome" (a curious explanation from the LDS Church) but modern versions now say "pure and delightsome." Up until 1978, blacks were not allowed to enter LDS temples or be ordained to the LDS priesthood. But what is the current position of the LDS Church today about racism and dark skin? Is dark skin still a curse?

On part three of our discussion with former Mormon and the great-great granddaughter of Brigham Young, the church's second President and Prophet, James Walker discusses the difficult issue of racism and dark skin in LDS doctrines and what it means for the church today. We will also be featuring a question-and-answer session with our missionary team on this episode you won't want to miss.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Sandra Tanner's ministry - Utah Lighthouse: Utlm.org
New biography, Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism, by Ronald Huggins V. Huggins: uhop.me/Lighthouse

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 140: Part 2 - Brigham Young's great, great granddaughter, Sandra Tanner, and James Walker discuss Mormonism

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In the Book of Mormon, Moroni chapter ten verse 32 says "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ..."

The words sound familiar, but do Moroni's references to "grace" and "Christ" really speak of the same grace and of the same Christ found in the New Testament? No. Note that Moroni says God's grace is only sufficient if you deny yourself of all ungodliness first. But how is that to be done? According to Romans 7, not even the Apostle Paul could do that!

But according to Moroni, you must deny yourself of all ungodliness before Christ bestows sufficent grace upon you. Then and only then does God's grace "kick in." The second book of Nephi, chapter 25, verse 23 says for example that "it is by grace we are saved" however grace comes only "after all we can do."

Clearly this is not in accordance with what the New Testament teaches. It is indeed by grace we are saved, but not by works of our own. We can't simply do stuff in church to make ourselves right with God. We cannot earn our salvation. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB).

On part two of our conversation with former LDS Sandra Tanner, we explore in more detail the LDS concept of grace, works, and salvation. We also discuss the problematic LDS scripture known as the Book of Abraham.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Sandra Tanner's ministry - Utah Lighthouse: Utlm.org
New biography, Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism, by Ronald Huggins V. Huggins: uhop.me/Lighthouse.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 139: Part 1 - Brigham Young's great, great granddaughter, Sandra Tanner, and James Walker discuss Mormonism

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Our very special guest for the next three episodes of Apologetics Profile is Sandra Tanner, former Mormon and the great-great granddaughter of LDS Prophet Brigham Young. Sandra sits down with Watchman Fellowship President James Walker to discuss her and her late husband Jerald's journey out of the LDS church in her new biography Lighthouse - Jerald and Sandra Tanner Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism by Ronald V. Huggins.

Sandra was kind and gracious enough to come and speak with our mission team that traveled to Utah this past July to share the gospel with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The full interview was recorded live with our team and part three will feature a question-and-answer session with our missionaries and Sandra. Here on part one, Sandra describes how she as a Mormon boasted of being related to Brigham Young but had never read any of his most famous sermons.

Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism
Sandra Tanner's ministry - Utah Lighthouse: Utlm.org
New biography, Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism, by Ronald Huggins V. Huggins: uhop.me/Lighthouse.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 138: Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro discusses his new book, "Reading the Times" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

NASA recently displayed several breathtaking new images taken by the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope. But by the time you have seen the pictures and have read a little something about the science behind the stunning cosmic entities, the information has been filtered multiple times. It is filtered first by the enormous industrial-technical conglomerate of NASA itself, then by the scientists and engineers who present the information, then by members of the media and press, then by the media outlets, many of which are large for-profit corporations. But it is not just the universe which is processed and interpreted this way.

Any event that makes the headlines or goes viral on social media is likewise filtered through a variety of agencies and interpretations. In such a predominantly secular and technological culture like ours which gives deference to science, technology, and the economy, reading the times in light of Scripture is no easy task, especially when the volume of news and information thrown at us is far more than we could ever keep up with, let alone respond to.

Our guest again this week is associate professor of English at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, Dr. Jeffery Bilbro. Jeff discusses with us his new book Reading the Times - A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News. Here on part two, Jeff continues to discuss some of the ideas of Wendell Berry in reflecting about ways in which we as believers can begin to filter, read, and understand news and social media.

Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro is an Associate Professor of English at Grove City College and the Editor-in-Chief at Front Porch Republic. He grew up in the mountainous state of Washington and earned his B.A. in Writing and Literature from George Fox University in Oregon and his Ph.D. in English from Baylor University. His books include Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News, Loving God’s Wildness: The Christian Roots of Ecological Ethics in American Literature, Wendell Berry and Higher Education: Cultivating Virtues of Place (written with Jack Baker), and Virtues of Renewal: Wendell Berry’s Sustainable Forms.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Bilbro's website: www.JeffBilbro.com
Book by Dr. Bilbro - Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News: https://amzn.to/3PyjI3c
Book by Wendell Berry - A Timbered Choir: https://amzn.to/3aFZrdg
A Good Heavens! podcast with Daniel Ray on the Pleiades: https://apple.co/3PbseW4
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 137: Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro discusses his new book, "Reading the Times" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

We are inundated with social media, non-stop news, and information coming at us from all directions. How do we even begin to filter it all? What are some ways in which we can think Christianly about the news and social media today without succumbing to the secularist assumptions and the often overwhelmingly trivial, inane, and tragic events that routinely fill our newsfeeds?

One way is to refamiliarize ourselves with our physical environments. Though not a cure-all for our hypermodern technological media culture we inhabit, a reorienting of ourselves to Christ, to nature and neighbor, as mediated through the lens of Scripture, is certainly one way we can healthfully filter the information inundation we daily encounter online.

Our guest author on the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile, Dr. Jeffery Bilbro, has written a smart little book (the idea of which sprang from a discussion in social media) about how we as Christians can not only think but act redemptively and contemplatively toward the news and social media.

Here on part one, Jeff discusses some of the thoughts and theology of Wendell Berry, an agrarian, poet, and essayist. Can Berry's theology of creation and place serve as a means by which we can recover a thoughtful Christian response to today's hypermedia culture?

Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro is an Associate Professor of English at Grove City College and the Editor-in-Chief at Front Porch Republic. He grew up in the mountainous state of Washington and earned his B.A. in Writing and Literature from George Fox University in Oregon and his Ph.D. in English from Baylor University. His books include Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News, Loving God’s Wildness: The Christian Roots of Ecological Ethics in American Literature, Wendell Berry and Higher Education: Cultivating Virtues of Place (written with Jack Baker), and Virtues of Renewal: Wendell Berry’s Sustainable Forms.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Bilbro's website: www.JeffBilbro.com
Book by Dr. Bilbro - Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News: https://amzn.to/3PyjI3c
Book by Wendell Berry - A Timbered Choir: https://amzn.to/3aFZrdg
A Good Heavens! podcast with Daniel Ray on the Pleiades: https://apple.co/3PbseW4
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 136: Dr. Travis Dickinson, discusses his new book, "Logic and the Way of Jesus" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

We worship a God who speaks. All that is contained in the heavens and earth has been created and is presently being sustained by the LOGOS, the Word of God, God made flesh, who existed in the beginning, even "before" the foundation of the world (Genesis 1; John 1; Colossians 1; Ephesians 1).

The Lord Jesus spoke creation into existence. By His Spirit, He inspired the Bible to be written through the agency of men. And when He proclaimed His Good News in and around Jerusalem, His stories and parables displayed a dazzlingly simple but profound logic that not only encouraged the brokenhearted but silenced His fiercest critics. His teaching glistened brightly like the very stars He has created, numbered and named, fitting His wisdom into brilliant constellations of exhortation, rebuke, encouragement and hope.

On part two of our conversation with Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University, Travis Dickinson, Travis unpacks the glorious brilliance of Jesus' timeless teaching and proclamation of Good News and reminds us that the life of the mind is a commandment; an essential part of Christian discipleship. Though we fall short of obeying any of the commandments, a pursuit of knowing more about God's love and mercy in light of our own sin can only serve to strengthen our faith and enable us to give reasonable and logical defense for the hope that is in us.

Travis Dickinson is the author of three books with one more on the way. His most recent book, Logic and the Way of Jesus, discusses logic and critical thinking modeled in the life and ministry of Jesus. And his forthcoming book, Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions (IVP, October 2022), argues that leaning into our questions and doubts can lead to even greater faith as we discover truth and knowledge. Dr. Dickinson also posts articles and resources about the study of apologetics and philosophy on his blog, www.travisdickinson.com.

Related Links: You may order Dr. Dickinson's book, visit his personal website, and access free copies of our related 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Book: Logic and the Way of Jesus by Dr. Travis Dickinson: https://uhop.me/LogicJesus
Website of Travis Dickinson: TravisDickinson.com
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

Additional Resources
FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 135: Dr. Travis Dickinson, discusses his new book, "Logic and the Way of Jesus" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

"What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?" a church father from the ancient past once asked. In other words....

What does the intellectual life of the mind have to do with Gospel proclamation?
Is it necessary for the believer in Christ to know intellectual arguments and defenses for the Christian faith?
Do we really need to know logic and reason to be able to present the Gospel clearly to our unbelieving neighbors?
Do we have to become scholars to be good witnesses for Christ?

On this two-part episode of Apologetics Profile we sit down with Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University, Dr. Travis Dickinson, to discuss a few of these questions as well as his new book Logic and the Way of Jesus - Thinking Critically and Christianly (https://uhop.me/LogicJesus). Travis argues that though one need not become a scholar in order to love God with all of our minds, we are called to think logically and reasonably about our faith and not neglect the gift of the intellect with which God has equipped all of us. The life of the mind, Travis argues, is an important part of how we worship God and fulfill the Great Commision.

On part one Travis talks about what he sees as a disconnect between Jesus and formal logic in contemporary evangelicalism and how important it is for us as believers to know both what God has made and what He has inspired to be written in order that we may properly love God and our neighbors.

Travis Dickinson is the author of three books with one more on the way. His most recent book, Logic and the Way of Jesus, discusses logic and critical thinking modeled in the life and ministry of Jesus. And his forthcoming book, Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions (IVP, October 2022), argues that leaning into our questions and doubts can lead to even greater faith as we discover truth and knowledge. Dr. Dickinson also posts articles and resources about the study of apologetics and philosophy on his blog, www.travisdickinson.com.

Related Links: You may order Dr. Dickinson's book, visit his personal website, and access free copies of our related 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles:

Book: Logic and the Way of Jesus by Dr. Travis Dickinson: https://uhop.me/LogicJesus
Website of Travis Dickinson: TravisDickinson.com
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman, Jr.: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism
Watchman Fellowship Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

apologetics, Christianity, evangelism, Watchman Fellowship, Apologetics Profile, Travis Dickinson, Daniel Ray, Logic and the Way of Jesus, atheism, agnostic, skeptic, Logic, philosophy, epistemology

Episode 134: Ex-Mormon Dr. Lynn Wilder, former BYU Professor, Discusses Her Book 'Unveiling Grace' [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Apologetics Profile is part 2 of James Walker's interview with former Mormon Dr. Lynn K. Wilder, author of the book Unveiling Grace. Lynn, who was a tenured professor at Brigham Young University (BYU), recounts her compelling journey from Mormonism to the grace of Christ. She gave up her Mormon culture, community, career and identity to embrace the biblical Jesus and His gospel of grace.

Related Links: You may visit Lynn's podcast, order Lynn's book, access our related articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism):

Podcast: Unveiling Grace with Dr. Lynn K. Wilder: UnveilingGracePodcast.com
Book: Unveiling Grace by Dr. Lynn K. Wilder: https://amzn.to/3QNOM0k
Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.
PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.
SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 133: The Tenth Man to Walk on the Moon - A Conversation with Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke (Daily Bonus Episode V of V)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

FIVE DAILY BONUS EPISODES

Part I (Tuesday): https://bit.ly/CharlieDukePart1
Part II (Wednesday): https://bit.ly/CharlieDukePart2
Part III (Thursday): https://bit.ly/CharlieDukePart3
Part IV (Friday): https://bit.ly/CharlieDukePart4
Part V (Saturday): https://bit.ly/CharlieDukePart5

In celebration of the Fourth of July and as 2022 is the year of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 moon landing, Daniel Ray sits down for a conversation with Apollo 16 astronaut, the tenth man to walk upon the lunar surface, Charlie Duke. Duke is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and the CAPCOM "voice" of Houston for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon in July of 1969.

It was such an honor and delight to speak with Charlie. It was like talking to family. His delight in telling his remarkable story is evident. We spoke for an hour and twenty minutes about his time working as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, his own trip to the moon on Apollo 16 and ultimately how the Lord Jesus Christ saved both Charlie and his family.

Here on part V, Charlie and John attempt Lunar Olympics only to have Houston quickly cancel them. Charlie describes a moment of fear he had when he fell backward on the moon, shares what the Saturn V rocket ride was like and the former CAPCOM voice of Mission Control for Apollo 11 gives us some life-saving guidance.

You may also watch the video version of this same interview series. Part V here: https://youtu.be/t92uWbjtQQ4

NOTE: This 5-part series is a joint production of Watchman Fellowship through Apologetics Profile and our sister podcast, Good Heavens! To check out our unique content on Good Heavens!, visit https://www.patreon.com/GoodHeavens

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Charlie Duke's website: CharlieDuke.com
Book by Charlie and Dotty Duke - Moonwalker: https://amzn.to/3Id7oD5
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 132: The Tenth Man to Walk on the Moon - A Conversation with Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke (Daily Bonus Episode IV of V)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

FIVE DAILY BONUS EPISODES (Tuesday through Saturday) Episode IV of V

In celebration of the Fourth of July and as 2022 is the year of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 moon landing, Daniel Ray sits down for a conversation with Apollo 16 astronaut, the tenth man to walk upon the lunar surface, Charlie Duke. Duke is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and the CAPCOM "voice" of Houston for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon in July of 1969.

It was such an honor and delight to speak with Charlie. It was like talking to family. His delight in telling his remarkable story is evident. We spoke for an hour and twenty minutes about his time working as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, his own trip to the moon on Apollo 16 and ultimately how the Lord Jesus Christ saved both Charlie and his family.

Here on part IV, Charlie tells the story of how he and John Young set a lunar land speed record in the Lunar Rover, shares what his space suit was like, tells the exciting and mysterious tale of "House Rock" and shares with us his wonder and awe of the views from the highest elevation man has ever been on another world.

You may also watch the video version of this same interview series. Part IV here: https://youtu.be/VKcXLtXHrzk

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Charlie Duke's website: CharlieDuke.com
Book by Charlie and Dotty Duke - Moonwalker: https://amzn.to/3Id7oD5
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 131: The Tenth Man to Walk on the Moon - A Conversation with Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke (Daily Bonus Episode III of V)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

FIVE DAILY BONUS EPISODES (Tuesday through Saturday) Episode III of V

In celebration of the Fourth of July and as 2022 is the year of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 moon landing, Daniel Ray sits down for a conversation with Apollo 16 astronaut, the tenth man to walk upon the lunar surface, Charlie Duke. Duke is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and the CAPCOM "voice" of Houston for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon in July of 1969.

It was such an honor and delight to speak with Charlie. It was like talking to family. His delight in telling his remarkable story is evident. We spoke for an hour and twenty minutes about his time working as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, his own trip to the moon on Apollo 16 and ultimately how the Lord Jesus Christ saved both Charlie and his family.

Here on part III, Charlie reads from some of his favorite Psalms, shares a remarkable story about a wedding ring floating in the heavens and shares the beginnings of Jesus saving him and his family.

You may also watch the video version of this same interview series. Part III here: https://youtu.be/xZerXQ-S0AU

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Charlie Duke's website: CharlieDuke.com
Book by Charlie and Dotty Duke - Moonwalker: https://amzn.to/3Id7oD5
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 130: The Tenth Man to Walk on the Moon - A Conversation with Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke (Daily Bonus Episode II of V)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

FIVE DAILY BONUS EPISODES (Tuesday through Saturday) Episode II of V

In celebration of the Fourth of July and as 2022 is the year of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 moon landing, Daniel Ray sits down for a conversation with Apollo 16 astronaut, the tenth man to walk upon the lunar surface, Charlie Duke. Duke is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and the CAPCOM "voice" of Houston for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon in July of 1969.

It was such an honor and delight to speak with Charlie. It was like talking to family. His delight in telling his remarkable story is evident. We spoke for an hour and twenty minutes about his time working as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, his own trip to the moon on Apollo 16 and ultimately how the Lord Jesus Christ saved both Charlie and his family.

Here on part II Charlie looks back on his own landing on the moon with John Young, talks a little bit about Buzz Aldrin's communion on the moon after Apollo 11 had landed, remembers James Irwin of Apollo 15 quoting from Psalm 121 from the moon, and reflects on the Apollo 8 crew on Christmas Eve of 1968 reading from the first chapter of Genesis.

You may also watch the video version of this same interview series. Part II here: https://youtu.be/9YpNFwbKTBA

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Charlie Duke's website: CharlieDuke.com
Book by Charlie and Dotty Duke - Moonwalker: https://amzn.to/3Id7oD5
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 129: The Tenth Man to Walk on the Moon - A Conversation with Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke (Daily Bonus Episode I of V)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

FIVE DAILY BONUS EPISODES (Tuesday through Saturday) Part I of V

In celebration of the Fourth of July and as 2022 is the year of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 moon landing, Daniel Ray sits down for a conversation with Apollo 16 astronaut, the tenth man to walk upon the lunar surface, Charlie Duke. Duke is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and the CAPCOM "voice" of Houston for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon in July of 1969.

It was such an honor and delight to speak with Charlie. It was like talking to family. His delight in telling his remarkable story is evident. We spoke for an hour and twenty minutes about his time working as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, his own trip to the moon on Apollo 16 and ultimately how the Lord Jesus Christ saved both Charlie and his family.

Here on part one Charlie reflects on his experiences on the moon 50 years later and what it was like during the very tense final moments before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon during the historical Apollo 11 mission.

We are releasing the full conversation as five bonus episodes each daily in five parts so stay tuned!

You may also watch the video version of this same interview. Part I premieres on YouTube Tuesday, July 5th here: https://youtu.be/WmGsoZklgcs Be sure to listen all the way to the end for some hilarious bonus material! You can't hear Charlie's reaction on the audio, but he is grinning ear to ear in the video.

NOTE: This 5-part series is a joint production of Watchman Fellowship through Apologetics Profile and our sister podcast, Good Heavens! To check out our unique content on Good Heavens!, visit https://www.patreon.com/GoodHeavens

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Charlie Duke's website: CharlieDuke.com
Book by Charlie and Dotty Duke - Moonwalker: https://amzn.to/3Id7oD5
Book by Daniel Ray - The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God: watchman.org/CosmosBook
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

apologetics, Christianity, God, NASA, Apollo, Apollo 16, Charlie Duke, moonwalker, astronaut, cosmos, space,

Episode 128: Ex-Mormon Dr. Lynn Wilder, former BYU Professor, Discusses Her Book 'Unveiling Grace' [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast is part 1 of James Walker's interview with former Mormon Dr. Lynn K. Wilder, author of the book Unveiling Grace. Lynn, who was a tenured professor at Brigham Young University (BYU), recounts her compelling journey from Mormonism to the grace of Christ. She gave up her Mormon culture, community, career and identity to embrace the biblical Jesus and His gospel of grace.

Related Links: You may visit Lynn's podcast, order Lynn's book, access our related articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism):

Podcast: Unveiling Grace with Dr. Lynn K. Wilder: UnveilingGracePodcast.com
Book: Unveiling Grace by Dr. Lynn K. Wilder: https://amzn.to/3QNOM0k
Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 127: TRADING PLACES: Christian Apologist James Walker Interviewed on Atheist Edge YouTube Channel [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This is part two of a rebroadcast of a live panel discussion between two atheists and two theists. The panel featured our very own President of Watchman Fellowship James Walker. If you have not listened to the first part, we suggest listening to that broadcast first for more context for part two.

How do we have productive conversations in our day and age with those who not only do not believe in God but are actively outspoken against God's existence? There is no easy, one-size-fits-all method for giving a defense for the hope that is in us by any means, but we believe this conversation can serve as at least one example. As you listen to the conversation, ask yourself how you might respond to the topics and questions discussed. Perhaps you have had these questions asked of you by non-Christians before. We hope this conversation can encourage and equip you to give a defense for your faith with gentleness and respect. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and people will indeed ask you some of what you'll hear on our broadcast today. So be ready!

Special thanks to Jim Hall of the Atheist Edge YouTube channel for permission to rebroadcast this for Apologetics Profile.

CONTENT WARNING: This has been edited for time and to remove explicit language. Mature themes are discussed in the broadcast. You may also watch the full interview on Atheist Edge YouTube channel here (Warning: Explicit Language and Mature Themes): https://youtu.be/mbZcEWqMSqs.

JAMES WALKER is the president of Watchman Fellowship and a host of Apologetics Profile podcast. He is a former fourth generation Mormon with over twenty-five years of ministry experience in the field of Christian evangelism and apologetics. He is cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club.

Education: Rev. Walker holds a BA in Biblical Studies and an MA in Theology from Criswell College. He serves as an adjunct professor at Arlington Baptist University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Baptist minister and a member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics (ISCA), the Evangelical Press Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of Evangelical Missions to Non-Christian Religions (EMNR).
Media and Books: He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and PBS NewsHour. In addition to network television, Rev. Walker has been interviewed numerous nationwide Christian radio programs. These include Truths that Transform with Dr. D. James Kennedy; Hope for the Heart, with June Hunt, OpenLine with Kirby Anderson on the Moody Broadcasting Network, and Point of View. He authored the books, The Concise Guide to Today’s Religions and Spirituality, What the Qur’an Really Teaches about Jesus, and coauthored The Truth Behind 'The Secret.'

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Atheist & Christian Book Club: www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com
Complete YouTube Video Playlist on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/PlaylistSE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 126: TRADING PLACES: Christian Apologist James Walker Interviewed on Atheist Edge YouTube Channel [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

We may be quite familiar with the biblical exhortation from 1 Peter 3:15 to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us with gentleness and respect, but in our day and age where dialogue with those with whom we disagree is so polarized and divisive, we may easily forget what 1 Peter 3:15 looks like in practice.

For the next two broadcasts of Apologetics Profile, we're stepping away from our normal "interview" format to bring you a special rebroadcast in two parts of a panel discussion between two atheists and two theists. One of those panel participants is James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship.

James was asked to appear on the panel by long-time friend of James', Jim Hall, himself a lifelong atheist. The challenge for the panel was to "trade places" with each other, with the atheists offering what they believed were the best arguments for God's existence and the weakest arguments for atheism, while the theists were challenged to offer what they thought were the strongest arguments for atheism and the weakest arguments for God's existence.

The discussion was civil and cordial and we believe serves as a good example of how to put into practice what 1 Peter 3:15 tells us. We hope it serves to encourage you to have more informed and civil conversations in your own engagement with your non-Christian neighbors and friends.

Special thanks to Jim Hall of Atheist Edge for permission to rebroadcast this for Apologetics Profile.

Education: Rev. Walker holds a BA in Biblical Studies and an MA in Theology from Criswell College. He serves as an adjunct professor at Arlington Baptist University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Baptist minister and a member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics (ISCA), the Evangelical Press Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of Evangelical Missions to Non-Christian Religions (EMNR).
Media and Books: He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and PBS NewsHour. In addition to network television, Rev. Walker has been interviewed numerous nationwide Christian radio programs. These include Truths that Transform with Dr. D. James Kennedy; Hope for the Heart, with June Hunt, OpenLine with Kirby Anderson on the Moody Broadcasting Network, and Point of View. He authored the books, The Concise Guide to Today’s Religions and Spirituality, What the Qur’an Really Teaches about Jesus, and coauthored The Truth Behind 'The Secret.'

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Atheist & Christian Book Club: www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com
Complete YouTube Video Playlist on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/PlaylistSE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 125: Kerby Anderson and Daniel Ray Discuss Street Epistemology on the Point of View Radio Network

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

As you read this, there is presently a growing community of online social media savvy atheists and skeptics learning and engaging in conversational techniques that are designed to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of Christians about their faith in Christ. This growing phenomenon is known as Street Epistemology, or SE for short.

SE includes a financially supported non-profit organization that produces materials and content, trained practitioners who give seminars on how to use SE, a multitude of social media platforms including Facebook, Reddit, Discord, YouTube, Clubhouse, and Twitter, and an enthusiastic community of lay atheists and skeptics dedicated to the promotion and use of this technique. And if you or your children or grandchildren are active on social media, it's not unlikely you or they will eventually chat with a street epistemologist.

So what is street epistemology? What are some of the ways you can recognize if you are talking to a street epistemologist? What should you say? How should you respond?

On this episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray sits down with long-time friend of Watchman Fellowship, Kerby Anderson, host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show Point of View to discuss the basics of what you and your family need to know about this growing online atheist movement.

WATCH THE VIDEO: You may also watch the interview here: https://vimeo.com/710522615.

And just as a reminder, this broadcast of Apologetics Profile is a rebroadcast of Daniel's conversation with Kerby on Point of View. So even though Kerby is going to invite people to call in, please do not call the studio, as this is not a live broadcast!

KERBY ANDERSON serves as president of Probe Ministries (www.probe.org) in Plano, Texas. He is a regular contributor to the Probe radio program heard on over 600 radio outlets (including the USA Radio Network, Moody Broadcasting Network, Bott Radio Network, and American Family Network). He also serves as host of “Point of View” (USA Radio Network) heard on 290 radio outlets nationwide as well as on the Internet (www.pointofview.net) and shortwave.

EDUCATION

B.S., Oregon State University (Zoology)
M.F.S., Yale University (Science)
M.A., Georgetown University (Government)
Kennedy Institute of Bioethics (Washington, D.C)

AUTHOR

Fossils in Focus (1977)
Life, Death and Beyond (1980)
Genetic Engineering (1982)
Origin Science (1987)
Living Ethically In the 90s (1990)
Signs of Warning, Signs of Hope (1994)
Moral Dilemmas (1998)
Christian Ethics in Plain Language (2005)
A Biblical Point of View on Islam (2007)
A Biblical Point of View on Homosexuality (2008)
A Biblical Point of View on Intelligent Design (2008)
A Biblical Point of View on Spiritual Warfare (2009)
Making the Most of Your Money in Tough Times (2009)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Complete YouTube Video Playlist on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/PlaylistSE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Profile Notebook: Get the full collection of 4-page Profiles published by Watchman Fellowship (over 600 pages!) here: watchman.org/DigitalNotebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 124: Is Jesus the Only Way? [Part 2] Lindsey Medenwaldt and Daniel Ray discuss pluralism

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

What would you say to a skeptic who asks you to describe the differences between your faith and the faith of a Muslim or a Hindu? Would you be able to explain the basic differences between your faith and that of a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness who knocks at your door?

In our ever-increasingly religiously diverse and pluralistic society, we cannot afford to ignore the ideas, beliefs, and practices surrounding us. But we also do not need to become scholars in comparative religions to be able to give a defense for the hope that is in us as Christians to those who believe differently than we do.

On part two of our conversation about religious pluralism, Mama Bear Apologetics world religions specialist Lindsey Medenwaldt gives us more practical advice about how to engage with those of other faiths. Knowing what others believe and giving a defense to them of your faith in Christ is not as overwhelming as it might first seem.

Lindsey Medenwaldt is Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and she is their resident worldview and world religion specialist. She has a master’s degree in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, as well as a master’s in public administration and a law degree. She’s also a full-time children’s pastor, an editor and writer for the Christian Research Journal, and a member of the Pelican Project. She recently contributed a chapter about the Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Harvest House Popular Handbook of World Religions (March 2021). Lindsey and her husband, Jay (who is also an apologist), have been married for 14 years. They have three daughters and live in Texas. In her spare time, Lindsey loves watching British reality television, especially The Great British Baking Show, and she’s an avid reader (Jay and Lindsey have an at-home library of more than 2,000 books!).

LINDSEY MEDENWALDT RESOURCES:

Lindsay's blog on other religions: www.mamabearapologetics.com/author/lindsey-medenwaldt/
Meet the Mama Bears Apologetics Team: www.mamabearapologetics.com/about/meet-the-mama-bears/
Lindsay's Watchman Fellowship Profile on Religious Pluralism: watchman.org/Pluralism

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue
Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) by Tim Martin: watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 123: Is Jesus the Only Way? [Part 1] Lindsey Medenwaldt and Daniel Ray discuss pluralism

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Increasingly our neighborhoods, schools, workplace, and culture at large have become much more religiously and ethnically diverse. We also have instantaneous access to a plethora of information about other religions through the internet and social media. We meet all kinds of people who accept a wide variety of different beliefs and practices related to God. These present significant challenges to the exclusivity of Jesus being the only way to the Father.

What is the difference between religious diversity and religious plurality? Do all paths lead to God or is there finally only one way, as Jesus proclaimed? What are we to make of the multiplicity of other religions by which we are surrounded? How do we best equip ourselves as Christians to understand the times and ideas in which we live? How do we reach out to our religious non-Christian neighbors?

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile we offer some down-to-earth advice from a "Mama Bear" about how we can effectively engage our non-Christian religious friends and neighbors without having to become an expert in comparative religious studies! World religion specialist Lindsey Medenwaldt shares with us her wisdom and experience and offers some great insights you can begin applying immediately to your conversations with people of other faiths.

LINDSEY MEDENWALDT RESOURCES:

Lindsay's blog on other religions: www.mamabearapologetics.com/author/lindsey-medenwaldt/
Meet the Mama Bears Apologetics Team: www.mamabearapologetics.com/about/meet-the-mama-bears/
Lindsay's Watchman Fellowship Profile on Religious Pluralism: watchman.org/Pluralism

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue
Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) by Tim Martin: watchman.org/Mormonism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 122: Is Christianity Unique Among Other Religions? [Part 2] with Dr. Gary Habermas and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Our culture is arguably more ethnically and religiously diverse than it has ever been in its brief history. Technology in communication and transportation has brought a world of people and ideas to our shores. We can know about events all around the globe in just an instant. We are bombarded with ideas and beliefs that are wholly foreign to our own. The information age can be overwhelming at times.

Our neighbors may be Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist. Where do we begin a dialogue with them? Where can we find a modicum of common ground with our non-Christian friends and neighbors?

On the second part of our discussion with Dr. Gary Habermas about Jesus among other world religions, we unpack a few helpful points about how to thoughtfully engage those outside the Christian faith. What are some areas of agreement upon which we might focus? What makes Christianity unique? Who is Jesus? Who do men say that He is? Who do you say Jesus is?

These the most important questions we can ask ourselves and others and Gary gives us some help in asking and responding to those outside the Christian faith.

Dr. Gary Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy and chairman of the department of philosophy at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree (1976) from Michigan State University in history and philosophy of religion with a thesis entitled "The resurrection of Jesus: a rational inquiry," and previously a master's degree (1973) from the University of Detroit in philosophical theology. He has specialized in cataloging and communicating trends among scholars in the field of historical Jesus and New Testament studies. In 1985, Habermas debated the then-atheist and evidentialist philosopher, Antony Flew, on the question of Jesus' resurrection as a literal and historical/physical event, before 3,000 attendees. Five philosophers and five professional debate judges judged the debate. Of the philosophers who judged on the content of the debate, four voted that Habermas won and the other was undecided.... [Before his death in 2010, Dr. Flew converted from atheism to theism.] In his memoir Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi [a former Muslim] relates how Habermas was influential in his conversion, and describes him as looking like "a mix between Santa Claus and an offensive lineman."

GARY HABERMAS RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Free E-Book by Gary Habermas: http://garyhabermas.com/Evidence2/Habermas-Uniqueness-of-Jesus-Christ-2016.pdf
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue
Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Religious Pluralism by Lindsey Medenwaldt: watchman.org/Pluralism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 121: Is Christianity Unique Among Other Religions? [Part 1] with Dr. Gary Habermas and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

On the next four episodes of Apologetics Profile, we will be diving into some of the basics of other major world religions and provide you with a variety of resources to enable you to begin intelligent and thoughtful dialogue with your Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist neighbors. We'll also discuss some basic ways in which you can respond to atheists and agnostics who generally hold to a naturalistic worldview.

Here on part one of our four-part series on Jesus and Christianity among other religions, we speak once more with New Testament historian and scholar Dr. Gary Habermas as he helps us identify what is unique among Christianity and why Jesus stands alone and unique among other worldviews and religions.

GARY HABERMAS RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Free E-Book by Gary Habermas: http://garyhabermas.com/Evidence2/Habermas-Uniqueness-of-Jesus-Christ-2016.pdf
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue
Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Religious Pluralism by Lindsey Medenwaldt: watchman.org/Pluralism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 120: Can Students Survive and Thrive? Christian Apologetics on the University Campus with Rich Day

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

You've likely heard the statistics or the stories of how young Christians who go off to a secular college or university end up losing their faith. On this episode of Apologetics Profile we talk with Pastor Rich Day who shares his ministerial experiences and engagement with both Christian and non-Christian students on secular campuses. Pastor Rich gives us insights and practical helps as to how we can engage students of all beliefs who have doubts about God.

Rich Day is the lead pastor at Lakeview Baptist Church (LakeviewBaptistTallahassee.com) in Tallahassee, Florida. In addition to his pastoral duties, he is also the Director of Ratio Christi at Florida State University (FSU), the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at the local community college and Regional Director for The Great Exchange. Pastor Day was recently awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree in Apologetics and Executive Administration from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (www.NOBTS.edu) where he also graduated with his MDiv. and MA.

RESOURCES: Be sure to check Rich's earlier podcast and Watchman Fellowship Profile on the controversial movement known as the Black Hebrew Israelites:

Apologetics Profile podcast: Black Hebrew Israelites
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Black Hebrew Israelites

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV Series) by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Religious Pluralism by Lindsey Medenwaldt: watchman.org/Pluralism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 119: "Longing to Know" Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek Discusses Christian Epistemology [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Scripture exhorts us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. How much does the world subtly influence our thinking about God? In our day and age we are accustomed to "Googling" or asking Alexa for facts and information about anything from the weather to world news. How does this impact our thinking about God? Is God just a set of propositions to be defended? And must we exhaustively demonstrate evidence for God through rigorous proofs and experiments?

On part two of our discussion with Christian philosopher Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek, we unpack some of these problematic ideas about modernist thinking and Esther offers insightful correctives to modern ideas through integrating the thoughts of scientist and philosopher Michael Polanyi and theologian John M. Frame in her own thesis as "covenant epistemology."

Whether it is the art of science, riding a bike, or knowing your auto mechanic, knowledge is inherently personal and participatory. We are beings in bodies, living souls, divine image bearers, subjects of our Creator. Our knowledge of God comes through participating in the community and work in which He has placed us.

Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek (BA Cedarville College, MA Western Kentucky University, Ph.D Temple University) is Professor of Philosophy emeritus at Geneva College, in Western Pennsylvania. She is a Fellow Scholar with the Fujimura Institute, an Associate Fellow with the Kirby Laing Center for Public Theology, and a member of the Polanyi Society. She offers courses for Theopolis Institute, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and Regent College. Esther now works from Steubenville, Ohio. Her books include:

Longing to Know - The Philosophy of Knowledge for Ordinary People (Baker Publishing Group, 2003)
Loving To Know - Covenant Epistemology (Cascade Books, 2011)
A Little Manual For Knowing (Cascade Books, 2014)
Contact with Reality (Cascade Books, 2017)

Be sure to check out our other podcasts on the importance of philosophy in the Christian faith!

Dr. Timothy McGrew discusses the problems with David Hume's skepticism (Part 1, Part 2)
Dr. Jamie Dew discusses basic epistemology as it relates to our knowledge of God (Listen Here)
Dr. Paul Gould discusses why philosophy is important for Christianity (Part 1, Part 2)
Dr. Luke Barnes discusses a philosophy of science known as "scientism" (Part 1, Part 2)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Meek's website: EstherLightcapMeek.com
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 118: "Longing to Know" Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek Discusses Christian Epistemology [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

It is no small claim to say that we know God. But how do we know God? What does it mean to have faith in God? And must we scientifically demonstrate our knowledge about God to our skeptic friends and neighbors who demand we do so?

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile, we will explore these epistemological questions with Christian philosopher Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek, whose personal skeptical quest (beginning at age 13) to know how she knew about God eventually led her to the theology of John M. Frame and the work of Christian philosopher and scientist Michael Polanyi.

Esther's book, Longing to Know - The Philosophy of Knowledge for Ordinary People (Baker Publishing Group) uhop.me/LongingToKnow, uniquely combines the ideas of Frame and Polanyi into what she proposes as "covenant epistemology." This synthesis embodies real-world, practical examples of how we know what we know and relates them to our knowledge of and relationship with God. We hope these next two episodes will encourage and equip you to be prepared to give a charitable and intelligent defense of your faith in Christ to those who ask.

Loving To Know - Covenant Epistemology (Cascade Books, 2011)
A Little Manual For Knowing (Cascade Books, 2014)
Contact with Reality (Cascade Books, 2017)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Meek's website: EstherLightcapMeek.com
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 117: "How Do We Know?" Dr. Jamie Dew discusses Christian Epistemology

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

"How do we know what we know?" asks our guest this week, Dr. Jamie Dew, Christian philosopher and president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (nobts.edu). "This is the basic question that undergirds the discipline of epistemology. We take it for granted that we know many different things, but we rarely ask this basic question about our knowledge." That comes from Jamie's co-authored book with Mark W. Foreman, How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, 2nd Edition, (https://amzn.to/3KN2FIy).

It is important for Christians to be able to answer this question, as many skeptics and atheists are increasingly utilizing it in their attempts to get Christians to doubt their faith. In this episode, Jamie outlines the basics about epistemology in relation to God, equipping us to better understand how to answer our skeptical friends and neighbors.

This is part one of a three-part series on epistemology. The next two weeks will feature our interview with Christian philosopher Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek about her 2003 book, Longing to Know - The Philosophy of Knowledge for Ordinary People.

Dr. Jamie Dew holds a PH.D in philosophy from the University of Birmingham (UK) and a Ph.D. in theological studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). He currently serves as president at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (nobts.edu). He also earned a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from SEBTS and his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies is from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, Ga. Dr. Dew's publications include:

Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, with Paul M. Gould (Baker, 2019)
Understanding Postmodernism: a Christian Perspective, with Stewart E. Kelly (IVP Academic, 2017)
God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views, with Chad Meister (IVP Academic, 2017)
How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, with Mark W. Foreman (IVP Academic, 2014)
God and Evil: The Case for God in a World filled with Pain, with Chad Meister (IVP Books, 2013)
Science and Theology: An Assessment of Alister McGrath's Critical Realist Perspective (Wipf & Stock, 2014)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 116: Dr. Tim McGrew on Miracles, David Hume and "Extraordinary Evidence" (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Perhaps you have heard skeptics say that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." What exactly does that mean? From where does it come? How can we as Christians intelligently respond to this claim when engaging our unbelieving friends and neighbors?

On the second part of our discussion about David Hume with Christian philosopher Dr. Timothy McGrew, we unpack this popular phrase that Tim says is often "wielded like a talisman" in Christian/Atheist debates and discussions. We also unpack significant quotes from the second part of Hume's essay, Of Miracles. Tim provides more practical thought in how we can intelligently engage Hume and those who often cite him.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Tim McGrew Vs Peter Boghossian debate on the topic of Street Epistemology and the book, A Manual for Creating Atheists (YouTube): http://bit.ly/TimMcGrew
Tim McGrew and atheist philosopher Graham Oppy discuss their book, Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, at the Atheist & Christian Book Club (YouTube): https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

Additional Reading: Books mentioned in this episode include:

William Adam: An Essay in Answer to Mr. Hume's Essay on Miracles (Third Edition)
George Campbell: A Dissertation On Miracles: Containing an Examination of the Principles Advanced by David Hume in an Essay On Miracles
John Douglas: The Criterion ; Or, Rules by which the True Miracles Recorded in the New Testament are Distinguished from the Spurious Miracles of Pagans and Papists

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. He specializes in theory of knowledge, logic, probability theory, and the history and philosophy of science. He has published in numerous journals including Mind, The Monist, Analysis, Erkenntnis, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, and Philosophia Christi. His recent publications include the article on “Evidence” in The Routledge Companion to Epistemology, coauthorship of The Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, coauthorship (with Lydia McGrew) of the article on “The Argument from Miracles” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, and the article on “Miracles” for The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 115: Dr. Tim McGrew on Miracles, David Hume and "Extraordinary Evidence" (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

David Hume (1711 - 1776) penned what has arguably become one of the most widely quoted works against the possibility of miracles. Hume's essay, "Of Miracles," appears in his larger work, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding. In this short essay, Hume tries to argue in such a way that virtually no evidence for a miracle would be sufficient to establish a claim that a miracle has taken place.

On the next two editions of Apologetics Profile we speak with Christian philosopher Dr. Timothy McGrew about Hume's life and times and some of the weaknesses of Hume's arguments. Tim gives us helpful insights into the nature of Hume's thesis and helps us understand some of the more often cited quotations used by non-believers today who argue against the possibility of miracles. On part one we talk a little about Hume's life and times and get into part one of Hume's essay.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Scientism by and Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Street Epistemology by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/SE
Tim McGrew Vs Peter Boghossian debate on the topic of Street Epistemology and the book, A Manual for Creating Atheists (YouTube): http://bit.ly/TimMcGrew
Tim McGrew and atheist philosopher Graham Oppy discuss their book, Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, at the Atheist & Christian Book Club (YouTube): https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

BONUS: Tim was also interviewed for one of our meetings of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com) to respond to Bart Ehrman's book, Jesus Interrupted. You can watch that interview here:

VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 1 (12-min.): https://vimeo.com/249968983
VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 2 (8-min.): https://vimeo.com/249969201

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. He specializes in theory of knowledge, logic, probability theory, and the history and philosophy of science. He has published in numerous journals including Mind, The Monist, Analysis, Erkenntnis, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, and Philosophia Christi. His recent publications include the article on “Evidence” in The Routledge Companion to Epistemology, coauthorship of The Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, coauthorship (with Lydia McGrew) of the article on “The Argument from Miracles” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, and the article on “Miracles” for The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 114: Does Particle Physics Point to God? with CERN Physicist Dr. Michael Strauss [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his discussion with CERN experimental particle physicist Dr. Michael Strauss. They explore further wondrous evidences of God's design and handiwork at levels never before imagined by anyone. Mathematics and the designs in the physical world, as counterintuitive as they may seem to our common sense, all point us to a benevolent Creator and reveal to us many of the invisible attributes of the Logos, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This two-part podcast was recorded in January 2022 on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary during their annual Defend apologetics conference (www.DefendTheFaith.net).

Dr. Michael Strauss is an experimental particle physicist currently doing research on the ATLAS detector, one of the two multi-purpose particle detectors located on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN near Geneva, Switzerland. He has been a professor at the University of Oklahoma in Norman since 1995. He is also a Christian and his web-site and blog are a result of the many discussions he has had, and questions he receives about the relationship between science, rational thinking, objective evidence, and Christian faith.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Michael Strauss's webpage: www.michaelgstrauss.com
Book - The Creator Revealed - A Physicist Examines the Big Bang and the Bible, (2019) by Dr. Michael Strauss: https://amzn.to/3qnXQxj
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV series): watchman.org/files/Profilecosmos.pdf
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism: www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship. For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 113: Does Particle Physics Point to God? with CERN Physicist Dr. Michael Strauss [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile, Watchman Fellowship staff apologist Daniel Ray interviews University of Oklahoma particle physicist, Dr. Michael Strauss. A devout Christian, Dr. Strauss discusses some of the growing scientific evidences for the existence of God including in his field of particle physics. Dr. Strauss splits his research time between the University of Oklahoma and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland.

What does the Big Bang have to do with the Bible?
Is there any redeemable common ground to be found between the scientific understanding of the origin of our universe and the account of the creation of the heavens and earth as we read in Genesis?

While there certainly are differences between the two narratives, one thing the Big Bang does give us as believers is a point of commonality with skeptics and atheists about the beginning of our universe.

Theories which posit something "before" the Big Bang cannot be tested in a laboratory. They are theoretical in nature and there have been many attempts to circumvent the idea of a beginning to our universe. From many worlds to multiverses, nothing has concretely overturned the current scientific paradigm that our universe had a definitive beginning.

As atheist and cosmologist Dr. Lawrence Krauss recently told our Atheist & Christian Book Club, "Here's the point. Everything we now see, all of space, all of time, all of the galaxies, all the matter all the radiation, everything that makes up our universe did not exist and then it existed."

[YouTube reference time-stamped: https://youtu.be/Y1g8xxsQfjE?t=3346]

A theologian could not have described the Genesis doctrine of creation ex nihilo any better.

Dr. Michael Strauss discusses some of the theological implications of "Big Bang" cosmology and why he believes his field of physics of subatomic particles more wondrously than ever reveals the glory of God.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Dr. Michael Strauss's webpage: www.michaelgstrauss.com
Book - The Creator Revealed - A Physicist Examines the Big Bang and the Bible , (2019) by Dr. Michael Strauss: https://amzn.to/3qnXQxj
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Cosmos (TV series): watchman.org/files/Profilecosmos.pdf
Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism: www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship. For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 112: Dr. Gary Habermas on the "Minimal Facts" argument for Jesus' resurrection [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Skeptics who disbelieve in the Bible will often propose different reasons for why the New Testament was written. One popular objection suggests "legendary" information crept into the texts we have today and there is just no way to tell fact from fiction. Others say that the Gospels contain real historical information but that the disciples and others were simply mistaken about Jesus' resurrection. They thought Jesus appeared to them, but there is no way to tell if He really did or not.

New Testament historian and scholar Dr. Gary Habermas, our guest this week on Apologetics Profile, has heard most every popular objection ever given about Jesus rising from the dead. He has debated and been interviewed by atheists and skeptics and has spent most of his professional career compiling solid historical evidence for the resurrection. Here on part two of our conversation with Gary, he provides us with a myriad of reasons why we can know that what we have in the pages of the Gospels is historically trustworthy and authentic.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: www.GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship. For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

[1] "Gary Habermas," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Habermas

Episode 111: Dr. Gary Habermas on the "Minimal Facts" argument for Jesus' resurrection [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

A burgeoning challenge for Christians today is the increasing criticism from skeptics and atheists about the historical reliability of the Gospels, especially the resurrection of Jesus. While some atheists and skeptics, such as New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman, affirm Jesus really did exist, almost all either deny or doubt that Jesus actually rose bodily from the grave and afterward appeared to eye witnesses.

Since most of us are not New Testament historians or scholars, we might feel ill-equipped to address such criticisms. This is where our guest on the next two editions of Apologetics Profile provides us with a basic framework for answering our skeptical critics about the historicity of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Gary Habermas is a New Testament scholar and historian. His life's work has been compiling historical information surrounding Jesus' resurrection and distilling his data into a series of 'minimal facts' that the vast majority credentialed scholars in the fields of antiquities, ancient history, New Testament criticism and historical Jesus studies accept. These are some 'minimal facts' on which nearly all Christians scholars, secular academics and even atheist professors agree.

This is the 'minimal facts' approach; a kind of historical "Roman's Road" that provides very basic historical information in "headline" format for helping lay and scholar alike to begin conversations with skeptics who doubt the resurrection. These 'minimal facts' on the the resurrection of Jesus are certainly not the only historical data that to which Christians may appeal. This 'common ground' approach, however, may be seen as a helpful starting place for believers and non-believers to begin a discussion.

This episode of Apologetics Profile is part one of a two-part podcast. In this episode, Dr. Habermas sits down with Watchman Fellowship's Staff Apologist, Daniel Ray, and outlines the origin and development of the minimal facts approach.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: www.GaryHabermas.com
Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

[1] "Gary Habermas," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Habermas

Episode 110: "The Eye of the Beholder," Dr. Lydia McGrew Defends the Reliability of John's Gospel [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

At Watchman Fellowship, our staff is routinely exposed to the objections about the Bible from skeptics and atheists. Such objections often include arguments against the historical reliability of the New Testament. It seems those objections become even more intensified over the historical reliability of the Gospel of John. Critics often ask of John:

If Jesus really said what John reports, why don’t we find those same statements in the other three Gospel accounts?
Why is John so different than the other Gospels?
Did the apostle John really write the gospel attributed to him?
Are the Jesus’ statements recorded in John actually what Jesus said or were based on later interpretations created by an anonymous community of followers of John?

Unfortunately, these concerns and suspicions surrounding John’s Gospel don’t just come from atheists and skeptics critics but also from some Christian scholars. So what can those of us not versed in the critical scholarship of John do? Are we hopelessly tossed about in a sea of scholarly criticism, skeptical objections and textual ambiguities? Absolutely not for John himself intentions in writing about his personal experiences with the Lord Jesus “written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and I believe in you may have life in his name.”

This is the conclusion of a two-part episode of Apologetics Profile. Our staff apologist, Daniel Ray, talks with Dr. Lydia McGrew about her new book defending the historicity and reliability of the Gospel of John. It is entitled, The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage.

Dr. Lydia McGrew is a widely published analytic philosopher and author. She received her PhD in English from Vanderbilt University in 1995. She has published extensively in the theory of knowledge, specializing in formal epistemology and in its application to the evaluation of testimony and to the philosophy of religion. She defends the reliability of the Gospels and Acts in her books Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts, The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels From Literary Devices, and most recently The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Book - The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage by Dr. Lydia McGrew: https://amzn.to/3JBwISz
Book - The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices by Dr. Lydia McGrew: https://amzn.to/3h06xZE
Follow Lydia McGrew's author page on Facebook: facebook.com/LydiaMcGrewAuthor

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 109: "The Eye of the Beholder," Dr. Lydia McGrew Defends the Reliability of John's Gospel [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

If Jesus really said what John reports, why don’t we find those same statements in the other three Gospel accounts?
Why is John so different than the other Gospels?
Did the apostle John really write the gospel attributed to him?
Are the Jesus’ statements recorded in John actually what Jesus said or were based on later interpretations created by an anonymous community of followers of John?

This is part one of a two-part episode of Apologetics Profile. Our staff apologist, Daniel Ray, talks with Dr. Lydia McGrew about her new book defending the historicity and reliability of the Gospel of John. It is entitled, The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Book - The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage by Dr. Lydia McGrew: https://amzn.to/3JBwISz
Book - The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices by Dr. Lydia McGrew: https://amzn.to/3h06xZE
Follow Lydia McGrew's author page on Facebook: facebook.com/LydiaMcGrewAuthor

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 108: A-PAUL-OGETICS: Paul's Defense of the Faith in Acts 17 with Dr. Robert Stewart

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

How should believers defend their faith and share the Christian gospel with those of other worldviews, religions and philosophies? Just what are the "best practices" for Christians seeking to incorporate apologetics as they engage in evangelism and gospel conversations?

Perhaps one of the clearest biblical examples effective apologetics is the Apostle Paul's brief address to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens that was recorded by Luke in Acts 17. Dr. Robert Stewart, a member of the Board of Directors of Watchman Fellowship, presented an overview of Paul's unique approach to Christian apologetics at a plenary session of the Defend 2022 Apologetics Conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He called Paul's method of blending evangelism with defending the faith "A-Paul-ogetics." After his talk, Dr. Stewart sat down with Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray to further discuss A-Paul-ogetics and answer some important questions for this week's Apologetics Profile.

Dr. Robert Stewart has been a member of the Board of Directors of Watchman Fellowship for over 20 years. He also serves as Professor of Philosophy and Theology, and Greer-Heard Professor of Faith and Culture, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he directs the Institute for Christian Apologetics. In addition to teaching, he frequently speaks in churches and on university campuses, as well as researching and writing on the subjects of Philosophy of Religion, Christian Theology, Christian Apologetics, and the Historical Jesus. He enjoys golf, music (his first degree was in music--but he got over it!), and spending time with his wife, Marilyn, and their family. He resides in New Orleans, LA.. For more on Dr. Stewart, visit: www.nobts.edu/faculty/stewart-robert.html.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

What Did the Cross Accomplish? by Simon Gathercole, Robert Stewart and NT Wright: https://amzn.to/3uFHpzi
The Reliability of the New Testament: Bart Ehrman and Daniel Wallace in Dialogue, (Greer-Heard Lectures) by Robert Stewart: https://amzn.to/3BckJId
Can We Trust the Bible on the Historical Jesus? by Bart Ehrman, Craig Evans and Robert Stewart: https://amzn.to/3JCAbAv

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 107: Are There 'Undesigned Coincidences' in the New Testament? [Part 2] with Dr. Tawa Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The New Testament is historically reliable. Part of what gives us the confidence in their historical trustworthiness are what are known as undesigned coincidences; details about names, places, and peculiarities of first-century Israel under the provincial oversight of the Roman Empire that would have been difficult to fabricate for someone writing outside of the region and time of the events in question.

In part one of this podcast, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray talked with Dr. Tawa Anderson about some examples of "incidental details" and "insider knowledge" recorded in the New Testament. In part two, they will discuss some examples of "intricate convergence" found in the pages of Scripture.

We hope these episodes will encourage you to find and delight in the rich details found in the Gospels and New Testament and give you more confidence that the Scriptures are indeed historically reliable in what they describe.

Dr. Tawa J. Anderson joined the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) faculty as Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the fall of 2011, shortly after completing his Ph.D. in Worldview & Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, KY. Before arriving at OBU, Anderson served as a Garrett Fellow at SBTS, guest lecturing in a broad variety of philosophy courses. For more on Dr. Anderson, visit: www.okbu.edu/directory/tawa-anderson.html

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Why Believe: Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age by Tawa J. Anderson: https://amzn.to/3L3HXVB
An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God's Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson: https://amzn.to/3H5OAUK
Lydia McGrew's book on undesigned coincidences: Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts - https://amzn.to/3H9nPyI

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 106: Are There 'Undesigned Coincidences' in the New Testament? [Part 1] with Dr. Tawa Anderson

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Skeptics will routinely make the claim that the Gospels and New Testament are filled with contradictions and historically unreliable. Maybe at times you feel like you have to be a biblical scholar to refute such claims.

Don't worry! On this special two-part episode, we sit down with professor of philosophy and apologetics at Oklahoma Baptist University Dr. Tawa Anderson to discuss a simple way to understand how the New Testament is indeed historically reliable. You need not have a seminary degree to follow along, either!

It's called undesigned coincidences. First introduced in 1790 by William Paley, this concept highlights simple, seemingly trivial details in the New Testament that would have been difficult if not virtually impossible for someone writing much later and outside the region of first-century Israel and Jerusalem to have correctly mentioned.

On part one, Tawa gives us examples of two kinds of undesigned coincidences found in the New Testament he terms “incidental details” and “insider knowledge.”

In part two we’ll dive deeper into what Tawa calls “intricate convergence” what undesigned coincidences are mostly all about. This is when details in one Gospel account in say Mark are explained in an entirely unrelated account in Luke or Matthew.

Dr. Tawa J. Anderson joined the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) faculty as Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the fall of 2011, shortly after completing his Ph.D. in Worldview & Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, KY. Before arriving at OBU, Anderson served as a Garrett Fellow at SBTS, guest lecturing in a broad variety of philosophy courses. For more on Dr. Anderson, visit: www.okbu.edu/directory/tawa-anderson.html

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Why Believe: Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age by Tawa J. Anderson: https://amzn.to/3L3HXVB
An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God's Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson: https://amzn.to/3H5OAUK
Lydia McGrew's book on undesigned coincidences: Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts - https://amzn.to/3H9nPyI

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 105: Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses [Part 2] with David Henke and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000

David Henke, the founder of Watchman Fellowship, has over 45 years experience in witnessing and sharing the gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses. In part two of this podcast, David wraps up his conversation with Daniel Ray about controversial history and theology of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, some of his unusual experiences through the years, and what motivates him to pursue apologetics and evangelism as his life's calling. This podcast was recorded on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary during the 2022 Defend apologetics conference.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman's 4-page Profile on Jehovah's Witnesses by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses: watchman.org/jw
Watchman's 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse
Spiritual Abuse Recovery Notebook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 104: Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses [Part 1] with David Henke and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000

David Henke, the founder of Watchman Fellowship, has over 45 years experience in witnessing and sharing the gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses. In this two-part podcast, David sits down with Daniel Ray and talks about the controversial history and theology of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, some of his unusual experiences through the years, and what motivates him to pursue apologetics and evangelism as his life's calling. This podcast was recorded on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary during the 2022 Defend apologetics conference.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Watchman's 4-page Profile on Jehovah's Witnesses by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses: watchman.org/jw
Watchman's 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse
Spiritual Abuse Recovery Notebook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 103: Annihilationism: Is Eternal Punishment Biblical? [Part 2] with Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Scripture mentions "everlasting," "eternal," and "forever and ever" in regards to the final judgment of the unrepentant unbeliever in hell (see Mark 9:42-48; Rev. 14:11; 20:10; Matt. 25:41-46). Do those words and verses suggest or teach that the unbeliever will eventually be annihilated from conscious existence?

There is a minority belief within Christianity that claims lost souls will eventually be annihilated called "annihilationism." This idea claims that though the unrepentant will suffer in hell their torment will not last forever.

But is that what the Bible really says?

Here in part two of our discussion about annihilationism Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins look at what Scripture says and remind us that hell is not an easy topic to discuss and we must do so with wisdom and compassion. We cannot minimize God's holiness, righteousness, and judgment. The Gospel is indeed good news, but it must first be understood in terms of sin and its consequences.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 102: Annihilationism: Is Eternal Punishment Biblical? [Part 1] with Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000

"We cannot magnify God's love by minimizing his holy wrath against sin," writes John F. MacArthur, Jr. "Some of the most tender pleadings in Scripture are Jesus' warnings to unrepentant unbelievers in danger of being caught up in the eternal wrath of God."

But there is a minority point-of-view among Christians about the nature of hell called annihilationism which claims that unrepentant souls in hell will not suffer forever but eventually be annihilated from conscious existence. For the annihilationist, the "non-existence" of the unbeliever is what will last forever, not eternal conscious torment.

Why do people believe the Bible teaches annihilationism? What does the word "eternal" actually mean when used in descriptions about hell? What theologians have promoted this idea?

On this two-part episode of Apologetics Profile Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray and Watchman senior apologist Brady Blevins discuss the problems with annihilationism and what the Bible says about eternal separation from God.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 101: What was the 'Star of Bethlehem' that the wise men observed in Matthew chapter two? [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.

You have likely heard or sung these very lines over the course of the last few weeks. They are a verse from Philip Brooks' 1868 Christmas hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem. It means "house of bread." It is called the "city of David" and is the birthplace of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, prophesied as Immanuel, God with us, the star of Jacob, the sun of righteousness.

Bethlehem is a fitting name for the place where the very bread of life Himself would come into the world as an infant, as a man, for man. The One who made the stars with the breath of His mouth drew his first infant breath under the starry skies of a lowly Judean province. As Charles Wesley's famous 1739 Christmas hymn proclaims:

Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

On part two of our discussion about the star of Bethlehem, we discuss more of the Scripture, background and history of what the star the Magi saw in the east may have been.

Though another Christmas has come and gone so quickly, let us never forget that the real star of Bethlehem was not the star itself, but the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16, the star of Jacob (Num. 24:17), the Creator of the stars and the entire cosmos (Gen. 1:1,14; Col. 1:16-20; John 1:1-14), incarnate as a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Wayne Spencer's article on the Star of Bethlehem: https://bit.ly/WiseMenStar
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Zoroastrianism by Brady Blevins: watchman.org/Zoro
Subscribe to our sister podcast, Good Heavens! watchman.org/GoodHeavens

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 100: What was the 'Star of Bethlehem' that the wise men observed in Matthew chapter two? [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Stars, and the heavens in which they reside, all declare the glory of God. They were created for signs and for seasons and for days and years. They were created through Christ Jesus and for Him. They are numbered and named by God Himself. They are silent messengers of divine glory. The LORD Himself told Abram that his descendants would be as the multitude of the stars in the sky. And in Revelation 22:16 Jesus identifies Himself as the "bright and morning Star."

So then it is no surprise that we find reference to a star in Matthew's gospel. A single, silent, enigmatic sign that led wise men, the Magi, to Jerusalem to inquire about He who had been born King of the Jews.

But what was the star? What exactly did the Magi see? Was it an actual astronomical phenomena or a miraculous manifestation of light?

On this special two-part combined Christmas episode of Apologetics Profile and our sister podcast Good Heavens!, Daniel Ray, Wayne Spencer and Brady Blevins discuss the many ideas that have been proposed for what Matthew's star may have been. But more importantly, we offer a reminder of who the star is really all about.

So like the Magi and the shepherds did, come and lift your eyes up on high and see what the star and the angels proclaimed long ago. Come and see wonders await you in discovering Immanuel, God with us, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Wayne Spencer's article on the Star of Bethlehem: https://bit.ly/WiseMenStar
Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Zoroastrianism by Brady Blevins: watchman.org/Zoro
Subscribe to our sister podcast, Good Heavens! watchman.org/GoodHeavens

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 99: Stranger in the Manger - Was Jesus Creator or Created? James Walker at an ExJW conference [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000

On part two president of Watchman Fellowship, James Walker, concludes his keynote on the nature of God and the Trinity presented at the Witness Now for Jesus Ex-Jehovah's Witness conference. We examine the history behind some of the classic heretical teachings that confronted the early Christianity, how they reappear in our time and how you can recognize them. We hope these insights will give you practical and edifying truths as you give a defense for the hope that is in you to friends, family, and loved ones who don't know Jesus.

As we learned last week, the doctrine of God as Three-in-One, the Trinity, is absolutely central to our faith. Any deviation from understanding this teaching inevitably results in false doctrines and heresy.

Historical councils of the Church throughout history have rigorously addressed the aberrant views of the Trinity, such as the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) and the Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.). Yet despite these efforts, heretical doctrines regarding the nature of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit resurface in non-Christian religions and cults.

How might you address objections to God as Three-in-One? Are you prepared to give a defense of the Trinity? What would you say to a Mormon who might object that the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, or a Muslim who says it is blasphemy to refer to God as three distinct Persons?

What might you say to someone who argues Jesus is not God? Or that only the Father is God? How might you answer someone who would claim God is not really three Persons, but just appears to us in three different modes?

James Walker is a former fourth-generation Mormon who is currently president of Watchman Fellowship, an evangelical apologetics ministry focused on interfaith evangelism. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality (watchman.org/ConciseGuide), What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus (watchman.org/Quran), and coauthor of The Truth Behind The Secret (bit.ly/TruthSecret). He is the cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (AtheistChristianBookClub.com) and cohosts Mormons in Transition Meetup in north Texas (ExMoDFW.com).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower: watchman.org/JW
We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
This message is also available in video format from the Witness Now For Jesus (WNFJ) YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4uTOEMkYXNQ

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 98: Stranger in the Manger - Was Jesus Creator or Created? James Walker at an ExJW conference [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Was Jesus the creator of all things or was He actually a created being? Creator or creature? God with us or the angel Michael with us? These are foundational questions for Jehovah's Witnesses and other controversial religions. This two-part episode of Apologetics Profile features Watchman Fellowship president, James Walker, sharing a keynote message given at the Witness Now for Jesus Conference of former Jehovah's Witnesses. This message provides helpful reminders and insights about the uniqueness and wonder of seeing God as One God and as three distinct Persons. The doctrine of the Trinity can be difficult to wrap our minds around, but it is absolutely foundational for our faith.

No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, we hope this presentation will be helpful and edifying to you this Christmas season as you reach out to those who don't know Christ. So come and see! Come and celebrate the incarnate Immanuel, God with us, the Babe lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes who is also Creator and Lord of the heavens and earth.

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/Watchtower
Watchman Fellowship articles on Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower: watchman.org/JW
We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free
This message is also available in video format from the Witness Now For Jesus (WNFJ) YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4uTOEMkYXNQ

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 97: Guest authors Graham Oppy and Tim McGrew at our Atheist & Christian Book Club [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available in video format on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

What would you say to an atheist who says “I don’t believe your God exists. I just believe in one less God than you do?”

This is part two of our special two-part episode recorded live at our Atheist & Christian Book Club featuring guest authors Timothy McGrew, a Christian philosopher, and Graham Oppy, an atheist philosopher. McGrew continues the discussion and puts the question of "one less God than you" in context. McGrew shows us that there is much more at stake than just a mere belief in the non-existence of God. What are the implications, philosophically, theologically, historically, for denying the existence of the God of the Bible?

We also discuss other philosophical theories about knowledge with McGrew and Oppy as we continue our focus on their contributions to the book Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy.

In the book, Oppy admits that his atheistic account of the world is not a “persuasive argument; nonetheless, I think that it is a case that deserves serious consideration.”

So come and hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Does Christian philosophy or does atheist philosophy best account for the universe and our place within it?

Dr. Graham Oppy is Professor of Philosophy at Monash University. He is author of Ontological Arguments and Belief in God; Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity; Arguing about Gods; Reading Philosophy of Religion (with Michael Scott); The Best Argument Against God; Reinventing Philosophy of Religion: An Opinionated Introduction; and Describing Gods: An Investigation of Divine Attributes. He is editor of The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion and (with Nick Trakakis) The History of Western Philosophy of Religion.

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. He specializes in theory of knowledge, logic, probability theory, and the history and philosophy of science. He has published in numerous journals including Mind, The Monist, Analysis, Erkenntnis, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, and Philosophia Christi. His recent publications include the article on “Evidence” in The Routledge Companion to Epistemology, coauthorship of The Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, coauthorship (with Lydia McGrew) of the article on “The Argument from Miracles” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, and the article on “Miracles” for The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, edited by Paul M. Gould and Richard Brian Davis is available here: https://bit.ly/4ViewsBook

The Atheist & Christian Book Club meets both in person (Arlington, Texas) and online via Zoom. Learn more, watch past book clubs or to join the club: www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com

We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 96: Guest authors Graham Oppy and Tim McGrew at our Atheist & Christian Book Club [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available in video format on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gGvCl4Kbbs

This two part special edition of Apologetics Profile was recorded live at our Atheist & Christian Book Club, a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important book from both perspectives. Our guest authors were atheist philosopher Graham Oppy and Christian philosopher Timothy McGrew discussing their contributions to the book Four Views On Christianity and Philosophy.

Dr. Oppy who defends the “Conflict view, arguing that philosophy is vastly superior as a way to truth and a way of life, and thus trumps Christianity.” Dr. Timothy McGrew argues for the “Convergence view that philosophy confirms Christianity and Christianity completes philosophy.”

Come and hear a robust and civil discussion (and disagreement) about what philosophy best informs and explains the existence of the cosmos and our place within it.

Dr. Graham Oppy is Professor of Philosophy at Monash University. He is author of Ontological Arguments and Belief in God; Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity; Arguing about Gods; Reading Philosophy of Religion (with Michael Scott); The Best Argument Against God; Reinventing Philosophy of Religion: An Opinionated Introduction; and Describing Gods: An Investigation of Divine Attributes. He is editor of The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion and (with Nick Trakakis) The History of Western Philosophy of Religion.

Dr. Timothy McGrew is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University. He specializes in theory of knowledge, logic, probability theory, and the history and philosophy of science. He has published in numerous journals including Mind, The Monist, Analysis, Erkenntnis, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, and Philosophia Christi. His recent publications include the article on “Evidence” in The Routledge Companion to Epistemology, coauthorship of The Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, coauthorship (with Lydia McGrew) of the article on “The Argument from Miracles” in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology, and the article on “Miracles” for The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, edited by Paul M. Gould and Richard Brian Davis is available here: https://bit.ly/4ViewsBook

The Atheist & Christian Book Club meets both in person (Arlington, Texas) and online via Zoom. Learn more, watch past book clubs or to join the club: www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 95: Rhyne Putman on his new book, "The Method of Christian Theology" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Theology, or more simply, the study of God, can seem like a daunting task for us, something only scholarly professionals or seminary students bother thinking about. There are many sub-disciplines of theology, such as historical theology, biblical theology, and philosophical theology. What do they all mean? Why are they separate? Is one more important than the other? And how might a layperson begin to better understand theology for their own witness and faith in Christ?

We are all theologians, from non-believers to pastors and laypersons alike. And our theology will impact how we live our lives.

On part two of our conversation with theologian Dr. Rhyne Putman, we explore more of the practical applications that emanate from a proper understanding of Christian theology. Rhyne's new book The Method of Christian Theology - A Basic Introduction is written for both the lay and academic theologian. It is an immensely helpful and practical look at how we can understand and apply basic theological principles to our own walk with Christ.

Rhyne shares his passion for translating Christian theology and doctrine into disciple making for the glory of God in Christ and His kingdom.

Dr. Rhyne R. Putman is associate vice president for academic affairs and director of worldview formation at Williams Baptist University, as well as associate professor of theology and culture at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served on the Board of Directors of Watchman Fellowship for over 10 years and has authored a number of our 4-page Profiles.

Watchman Profiles by Rhyne Putman

Dr. Putman has written our our 4-page Profiles on several leading atheist authors as well as the New Age teacher and self-help author, Eckhart Tolle:

Watchman's Profile on Richard Dawkins: watchman.org/Dawkins
Watchman's Profile on Bart Ehrman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman's Profile on Sam Harris: watchman.org/Harris
Watchman's Profile on Eckhart Tolle: watchman.org/Tolle

We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: To help us create more content like this, please make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 94: Rhyne Putman on his new book, "The Method of Christian Theology" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

As Christians, it can be a challenge to figure out how our faith in Christ and our knowledge of God can address the difficulties and problems of our time. In a world of what seems like nothing more than a patchwork quilt of disparate and disconnected events, how can we even begin to make sense of it all?

The first step in the attempt is a proper foundational understanding of Christian theology and doctrine. What is sound Christian theology? What do we mean by Christian doctrine? Do we have to be professional theologians to face the challenges of our time? Where can we turn for help in better articulating our theology to our culture today?

On this episode, we talk with theologian Dr. Rhyne Putman about his latest book The Method of Christian Theology - A Basic Introduction. Rhyne's book helps equip both the lay and scholastic theologian with the basics about Christian theology and practice. He lays down a foundation for where to begin that is both comprehensive, yet easy to read, outlining everything from what theology and doctrine are, to philosophical ideas about worldviews to how to write a theology paper or put together a sermon.

Watchman Profiles by Rhyne Putman

Dr. Putman has written our our 4-page Profiles on several leading atheist authors as well as the New Age teacher and self-help author, Eckhart Tolle:

Watchman's Profile on Richard Dawkins: watchman.org/Dawkins
Watchman's Profile on Bart Ehrman: watchman.org/Ehrman
Watchman's Profile on Sam Harris: watchman.org/Harris
Watchman's Profile on Eckhart Tolle: watchman.org/Tolle

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 93: A Hobbit, a Wardrobe and a Great War - a conversation with the author, Joseph Loconte, and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +0000

We live in an age of uncertainty, war and rumors of wars. Headlines filled with news of pestilence, famine, earthquakes, fires, and political turmoil seem poised and ready to engulf us in despair and hopelessness at every turn. But this could be said of any age. A hundred years ago or a thousand years ago, there was never any such time where life was without its trials and tribulations.

On this episode of Apologetics Profile, we talk with historian and author Joseph Loconte as he shares with us how the fantasy writings and lives of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and the tumultuous and bitter conflicts of their era can give us wisdom and inspiration to persevere through our own personal and cultural challenges and suffering today.

Joe offers insights from his 2015 book, A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War as to how the friendship, love of literature and ultimately the Christian faith of both men enabled them to overcome the despair and cynicism of a culture embroiled in the tragedies of two world wars. Joe's book is currently debuting this year as a five-part drama-documentary. Part one has been released this year. You can view the trailer of the film here.

Joseph Loconte, PhD, is the Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies at the Heritage Foundation. He also serves as a Senior Fellow in Christianity and Culture at The King’s College in New York City. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 (Harper Collins, 2015) and winner of the 2017 Best Article award from the Tolkien Society for his article How J.R.R. Tolkien Found Mordor on the Western Front.

Mr. Loconte previously served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University, where he taught on religion and public policy. He was a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and from 1999-2006 he held the first chair in religion and civil society as the William E. Simon Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

MORE RESOURCES: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 92: Part 2 Q&A - Mormon Apologist Scott Gordon Vs Ex-Mormon James Walker "What Is The Gospel?"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Former Mormon James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, had the rare opportunity to participate in a public dialogue with a top Latter-day Saint defender, Scott Gordon, president of FairLatterDaySaints.org. Their discussion question was "What is the Gospel?" The dialogue was held at the [un]Apologetic Conference sponsored last month by the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Evans of Woodridge Baptist Church in Kingwood, Texas.

In episode two of this two-part podcast, James and Scott take questions texted in from the live audience as moderated by Dr. Evans. They seek to further clarify and provide their unique perspectives on the similarities and differences between the Latter-day Saint and evangelical Christian understanding of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

For more about LDS apologist Scott Gordon and evangelical Christian apologist James Walker:

Scott Gordon, President FairLatterDaySaints.org: fairlatterdaysaints.org
James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship: watchman.org/James
Scott and James interviewed on Fox News Radio with the late Alan Colmes: watchman.org/colmes.pdf

RELATED LINKS: More information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Mormonism: watchman.org/Mormonism
Related articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Is Mormonism True? by TrueLife.org (23-min.): TrueLife.org/categories/mormonism
James Walker's debate with Latter-day Saint CES Director Joseph Evans on the question "Is Mormonism Christian?" (video, 2-hours): watchman.org/MormonDebate

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 91: Mormon Apologist Scott Gordon Vs Ex-Mormon James Walker "What Is The Gospel?" Part 1

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Former Mormon James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, had the rare opportunity to participate in a public dialogue with a top Latter-day Saint defender, Scott Gordon, president of FairLatterDaySaints.org. Their discussion question was "What is the Gospel?" The dialogue was held at the [un]Apologetic Conference sponsored last month by the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Evans of Woodridge Baptist Church in Kingwood, Texas.

In part one of this two-part podcast, James and Scott take about 25-minutes each to lay out to lay out their understanding of the essentials of the gospel. They identify and discuss the similarities and differences between the Latter-day Saint and evangelical Christian understanding of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

For more about LDS apologist Scott Gordon and evangelical Christian apologist James Walker:

Scott Gordon, President FairLatterDaySaints.org: fairlatterdaysaints.org
James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship: watchman.org/James
Scott and James interviewed on Fox News Radio with the late Alan Colmes: watchman.org/colmes.pdf

RELATED LINKS: More information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Mormonism: watchman.org/Mormonism
Related articles on Mormonism: watchman.org/LDS
Is Mormonism True? by TrueLife.org (23-min.): TrueLife.org/categories/mormonism

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 90: Science Vs Religion? Retracing the Origins of the Conflict with James Ungureanu [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In the late 19th century, William Draper and Andrew White, set out to make a historical case that science and religion were not in conflict. Yet today, Draper and White are often portrayed as the progenitors of the conflict between science and religion in popular skeptic and atheist polemics against religion.

On part two of our interview with historian of science Dr. James Ungureanu, we will examine how Draper and White's works have come to serve contemporary atheist polemics against Christianity. The "conflict" as many of Draper and White's contemporaries saw their work, was not with science and traditional Christianity, but in Draper and White's attenuated versions of Christianity, more akin to a minimal deism than anything resembling a traditional orthodox Christian faith.

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. James Ungureanu and his book:

James Ungureanu: www.jamescungureanu.com
Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition - Retracing the Origins of the Conflict: https://bit.ly/SciReligion

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Some of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profiles and our website

Atheism Profile: watchman.org/atheism
Agnosticism Profile: watchman.org/agnostic
Scientism Profile: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship Website: watchman.org

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 89: Science Vs Religion? Retracing the Origins of the Conflict with James Ungureanu [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:18:18 +0000

We are often told by skeptics that there is a conflict between science and religion, more specifically, science and the Bible. This is often referred to by historians as the "conflict thesis." On our two part episode with historian of science James Ungureanu, we will explore the historical roots of the "conflict thesis" as it pertains to Protestant Christianity in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries.

Ungureanu's latest book, Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition - Retracing the Origins of the Conflict, examines the ideas and writings of two authors who are often attributed as the originators of the conflict thesis, William Draper and Andrew White.

Ungureanu does not critique their ideas so much as he aims to show that Draper and White were finally not the genesis of the conflict, but rather spokespersons for the spirit of the times; a zeitgeist which included the indelible belief in moral and scientific progress, human rationality, anti-Catholicism and a deistic view of God.

Draper and White were not atheists, but liberal Protestants who saw themselves as heirs of the Protestant Reformation. They did not intend for their writings to be seen as anti-religious polemics, yet over the ensuing decades that followed, with a burgeoning emphasis and appeal to Darwinian evolution and natural selection, atheists and skeptics capitalized on the attenuated deism of Draper and White, taking it one step further and attempted to eliminate God from science altogether.

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. James Ungureanu and his book:

James Ungureanu: www.jamescungureanu.com
Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition - Retracing the Origins of the Conflict: https://bit.ly/SciReligion

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Some of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profiles and our website

Atheism Profile: watchman.org/atheism
Agnosticism Profile: watchman.org/agnostic
Scientism Profile: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship Website: watchman.org

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 88: Where Is God? Part 2: Philosophical Hiddenness with Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On last week's episode Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discussed the nature of divine hiddenness from a theological and biblical standpoint. This week Daniel and Brady tackle a different aspect of divine hiddenness, this time from a philosophical argument created by atheist philosopher J.L. Schellenberg, against the existence of God.

Not to be confused with theological hiddenness, Schellenberg's argument is known as the Hiddenness Argument and is outlined in his two books, one from 2006 titled Divine Hiddenness and Human Reason and one from 2017, a simpler version of the argument titled The Hiddenness Argument - Philosophy's New Challenge to Belief in God.

It is a more popular argument among thoughtful skeptics and atheists, one your children or grandchildren away at college may encounter from their unbelieving peers.

On this episode Daniel and Brady break down the argument in an easy-to-understand conversation and compare it to what the Bible has to say.

We are also featuring a four-page Profile on both theological and philosophical divine hiddenness researched and written by Daniel Ray.

RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/DivineHiddenness

We feature an 18-minute easy-to-understand video presentation on the topic of Divine Hiddenness you may find here: https://youtu.be/xO9qQv0lU0I

We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 87: EXTRA: Free Book PLUS Online Course "Story of the Cosmos" by Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:53:53 +0000

This is a 4-minute special edition of Apologetics Profile. We are offering all of our listener a free copy our book, The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God, coauthored and coedited by our staff apologist, Daniel Ray. We are also offering the companion online course from our Watchman School of Apologetics containing 15 video lessons, bonus video, study guides and optional video.

The book and online course (a $68 value) are free, we only ask for a donation of at least $3.82 to help cover the postage. Any donation beyond the postage will help us recover from a significant drop in donations we experienced this summer.

To request the book and course, visit www.watchman.org/Story.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 86: Where Is God? Part 1: Theological Hiddenness with Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:21:31 +0000

There comes a time in all of our lives when God seems distant or seems to have forgotten us. Our prayers appear to go unanswered. We are not spared from trial or difficulty or suffering and we wonder if God has indeed forsaken us.

This is not an uncommon experience of those whom God equips for service. The Bible is filled with examples of God's chosen people wandering in darkness, lamenting their sins, emotionally struggling to find solace and comfort in a God who doesn't seem to mind or care that they are suffering.

Examples of Moses, Job, David, Elijah, Peter, Paul, and even the Lord Jesus Himself have all passed through trials of what some theologians have called the "hiddenness of God". As Jesus cried out on the cross "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

On this episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray and senior apologist Brady Blevins walk through biblical examples of this hiddenness and offer insights from Scripture and their own experiences as to how we can negotiate through such perilous times in our faith.

RESOURCES:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/DivineHiddenness

We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 85: Recovering from Spiritual Abuse with David Henke and James Walker [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In part two, James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, concludes his interview with the founder of our ministry, David Henke, about his new book, Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook. Unfortunately, spiritual abuse is not limited to non-Christian sects, controversial religions and cults. Any spiritual leader, church or religious setting can become toxic and spiritually abusive regardless of the groups doctrinal statement or theological orthodoxy. David and James discuss the key issues and answer some critical questions:

What is spiritual abuse?
Why is it so damaging?
What are the main warning signs?
What does the Bible say?
How can one recover from spiritual abuse?

Related Links: David Henke's book and our free 4-page Profile

Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA
Spiritual Abuse Profile (4-pages) by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 84: Recovering from Spiritual Abuse with David Henke and James Walker [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this two-part podcast James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, interviews the founder of our ministry, David Henke, about his new book, Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook. Unfortunately, spiritual abuse is not limited to non-Christian sects, controversial religions and cults. Any spiritual leader, church or religious setting, can become toxic and spiritually abusive regardless of the groups doctrinal statement or theological orthodoxy. David and James discuss the key issues and answer critical questions:

What is spiritual abuse?
Why is it so damaging?
What are the main warning signs?
What does the Bible say?
How can one recover from spiritual abuse?

Related Links: David Henke's book and our free 4-page Profile

Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA
Spiritual Abuse Profile (4-pages) by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 83: Answering Atheist Objections [Part 2] - with Dr. Frank Turek

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:40:03 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Turek2

In this two-part podcast from Watchman Fellowship, Senior Apologist Dr. Brady Blevins interviews a nationally-known speaker, author and apologist, Dr. Frank Turek. Brady and Frank discuss ten of the top objections being used by skeptics and atheists today against Christianity. In part one, they focused on the reliability of the Bible and on the effect Christianity has had on world history.

In this episode, Part Two, Brady and Frank unpack five additional objections to Christianity including some of the scientific problems. In addition, they tackle a question about Critical Race Theory and the divisions spoken of in Galatians. Their conversation today includes these 5 major objections to Christianity.

Science disproves the Bible.
Why would God create a world that he knew was going to go wrong eventually; then punish us for doing what He knew we would do?
Why would God punish us for all eternity for committing finite sins?
Some atheists have said that the God of the OT is horrible and hate filled but the God of the NT is worse because He sends people to hell for just believing the wrong way.
The Bible teaches that all humans were born broken and full of sin. Critical Race Theory (CRT) states that we all have a propensity toward racism. What’s the difference between saying someone is born with sin and saying they are born racists?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Some of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profiles and our website

Atheism Profile: watchman.org/atheism
Agnosticism Profile: watchman.org/agnostic
Scientism Profile: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship Website: watchman.org

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Frank Turek and his ministry, CrossExamined:

Dr. Frank Turek: www.crossexamined.org/dr-frank-turek/
CrossExamined: www.crossexamined.org
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek: https://amzn.to/3APRvxv
Stealing From God by Frank Turek: https://amzn.to/2W1MvH0

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 82: Answering Atheist Objections [Part 1] - with Dr. Frank Turek

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Turek1

Society is getting better, there are fewer wars going on around the world today per capita than ever before in history and we have made strides toward equality – This is evidence that we don’t need God to be good.
There’s no way to know that the Bible really came from God. After all the writers could have simply made it all up.
Men make mistakes; therefore, how can we trust the Bible because it was written by men?
The books of the Bible were not decided until the council of Nicaea when they were mandated by the Emperor Constantine.
There’s no evidence for God. Science has disproven God’s existence. Besides how can anybody know that God exists?

Be sure to listen to part two next week when they unpack five additional objections to Christianity including some of the scientific problems. In addition, they will tackle a question about Critical Race Theory and the divisions spoken of in Galatians.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Some of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profiles and our website

Atheism Profile: watchman.org/atheism
Agnosticism Profile: watchman.org/agnostic
Scientism Profile: watchman.org/scientism
Watchman Fellowship Website: watchman.org

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Frank Turek and his ministry, CrossExamined:

Dr. Frank Turek: www.crossexamined.org/dr-frank-turek/
CrossExamined: www.crossexamined.org
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek: https://amzn.to/3APRvxv
Stealing From God by Frank Turek: https://amzn.to/2W1MvH0

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 81: The World Mission Society Church of God Controversy - Brady Blevins interviews Steve Matthews

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

NOTE: An expanded edition of this podcast is also available. Listen to the complete WMSCOG podcast here (84-minutes): www.watchman.org/WMSCOG_Full

In this week's episode Watchman Fellowship's Senior Apologist, Brady Blevins, interviews Steve Matthews about a controversial new religion that is now impacting the United States. The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is a "mother-god" cult out of South Korea. Critics claim that their tactics, often and most notable on college campuses across the country, include a combination of aggressively seeking out unsuspecting young people and twisting Scripture to make converts.

While the group claims the Bible as authoritative, their unique and unusual theology is largely based on the teachings of their founder, Ahn Sahng-hong. While most groups make their teachings available to anyone and everyone, the WMSCOG only allows members who reach a certain level of dedication to obtain the written copies of the deeper teachings of the group. According to dissents and some former members, once new converts join the group, the WMSCOG will look to control every aspect of the person’s life even to the point of convincing them that if they miss church they will go to hell. This group is very persuasive with their twisting of Scripture. Because of their emphasis on campus recruitment, this should be especially noted for anyone who is going to college or has loved ones in the university system.

RELATED LINKS: More information on WMSCOG:

Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile by Steve Matthews: www.watchman.org/WMSCOG
Our Expanded Edition WMSCOG Podcast (1 hour, 24-minutes): www.watchman.org/WMSCOG_Full
Our help sheet for Bible verses showing there is only one true God: www.watchman.org/WMSCOG_OneGod.pdf

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 80: In the Days of Noah [Part 2] - An Old-Earth View of the Genesis Flood with Dr. Hugh Ross

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/HughRoss2

The Bible tells us that in the last days, there will be mockers who will scoff at the idea of a biblical flood. If you are a Christian who has ever talked to a skeptic or an unbeliever, you may have experienced this mockery first-hand. You've been told there's no evidence for a flood, or that the Bible is just a mythical tale, and that while the story of Noah and the animals on the ark might be a cute Sunday school lesson on a felt board, no thoughtful adult takes it seriously.

On this episode, we talk to astrophysicist and Christian apologist, Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe. Dr. Ross has explored in great detail the text of Scripture and has participated in discussions and debates with believers and unbelievers alike about the reality of Noah's flood found in the book of Genesis, chapters 6-9.

Dr. Ross takes what is known as an "old-earth" view of the flood. That is, Dr. Ross believes the earth to be billions of years old, rather than six to ten thousand years old. He also does not believe the flood covered the entire globe.

We have also featured a "young-earth" view of the flood from Dr. Tim Clarey of the Institute for Creation Research. You can listen to that episode on our Good Heavens! podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/53039288

We believe as Christians that there is room for civil and charitable disagreement about the scientific details of the flood and we hope that no matter if you are a young or old-earth creationist, or a skeptic or unbeliever, that you can see how Dr. Ross and Dr. Clarey charitably disagree but affirm that the flood described in the Bible really did happen and most importantly, they both affirm the inspiration of Scripture and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For more about Dr. Ross and Reasons to Believe:

This broadcast and our broadcast with Tim Clarey of the Institute for Creation Research are designed to present different perspectives and model Christian charity and love in how we address the issues that divide believers.

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Hugh Ross and his ministry, Reasons to Believe, and book:

Hugh Ross: www.reasons.org/team/hugh-ross
Reasons to Believe: www.reasons.org
Days of Noah (DVD): https://bit.ly/NoahDVD
Improbable Planet, by Hugh Ross: https://amzn.to/3C0m0SN

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 79: In the Days of Noah [Part 1] - An Old-Earth View of the Genesis Flood with Dr. Hugh Ross

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/HughRoss1

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Hugh Ross and his ministry, Reasons to Believe, and book:

Hugh Ross: www.reasons.org/team/hugh-ross
Reasons to Believe: www.reasons.org
Days of Noah (DVD): https://bit.ly/NoahDVD
Improbable Planet, by Hugh Ross: https://amzn.to/3C0m0SN

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 78: The Myth Made Fact [Part 2] - Is Jesus Just a Borrowed Myth? with Dr. Louis Markos

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Markos2

When the Apostle Paul preached his sermon on Mars Hill to the Greek philosophers, he quoted from two Greek poets writing about Zeus, but he used the poem as a bridge to show the Athenians the truth about the risen Lord Jesus Christ. And as we learned in part one, Dr. Markos argues Jesus may have done the very same thing when speaking to a group of curious Greek seekers.

But what would this kind of creative bridge-building look like for us today? Dr. Markos argues Christianity isn't just a story, but the best story. In our scientific, rational and post-Enlightenment age people flock to the movies, starving for redemption, meaning and purpose. And though we all know the stories of the sliver screen are indeed not true in a literal sense, some may true on a much deeper level.

A strong man comes to deliver us and do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Bravery, sacrifice, standing up for truth and goodness in a world filled with evil. Our culture wants this to be true. And the good news is that it is true.

Dr. Markos argues Christians should seek to find Christian truths in our movies and in the ancient myths. As C.S. Lewis noted in his essay, Myth Became Fact, "We must not be nervous about 'parallels' and 'pagan Christs': they ought to be there - it would be a stumbling block if they weren't. We must not, in false spirituality, withhold our imaginative welcome."

On part two, Dr. Markos gives us more insights into the ways we can use the ancient myths in proclamation of Gospel truth.

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Louis Markos and a link to his website and book:

The Myth Made Fact by Louis Markos: https://bit.ly/MythMadeFact
Myth Made Fact (website, course, PowerPoint, and files): MythMadeFact.com
About Dr. Louis Markos: hbu.edu/contact/louis-markos

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 77: The Myth Made Fact [Part 1] - Is Jesus Just a Borrowed Myth? with Dr. Louis Markos

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Markos1

You have probably heard skeptics make the claim that Jesus is just a myth, just like all the other dying-and-rising-god myths the ancient world. But is that really true? Absolutely not, argues our guest this week, Dr. Louis Markos of Houston Baptist University. His latest book The Myth Made Fact, argues that rather than being just another myth, Christianity is the fulfillment of all the great myths of the past. And by myth Dr. Markos does not mean "falsehood," but rather a cultural narrative rooted in the truth of who we are as created in the image of God.

If Jesus is not the Savior of the world who died and rose again for the salvation of mankind, the skeptic is hard-pressed to explain why many of the ancient tales contain tinctures of Gospel truth. Why the need for a Savior? A strong man? What has gone wrong with man? Why is life depicted as a cosmic battle between gods and men? The "Proto-Evangelium" Dr. Markos argues, the "First Gospel," ideas of fall and redemption, appear throughout Greek and Roman mythology.

And like the early Christians transformed "pagan symbols into Christian iconography," Dr. Markos believes Christians today can and should creatively do the very same thing, using the Gospel as our standard.

Following in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, Dr. Markos believes the stories and mythical tales can serve to help believers show how the truth of the Gospel is indeed the fulfillment of the best myths, it is indeed the greatest story ever told.

RELATED LINKS: More information on Dr. Louis Markos and a link to his website and book:

The Myth Made Fact by Louis Markos: https://bit.ly/MythMadeFact
Myth Made Fact (website, course, PowerPoint, and files): MythMadeFact.com
About Dr. Louis Markos: hbu.edu/contact/louis-markos

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 76: Tarot Cards: Gateway to the Occult [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: watchman.org/Tarot2

Divination is an occultic practice that attempts to contact the spirit world in hopes of gaining wisdom and/or power by supernatural means apart from the God of the Bible. In part two of our discussion on tarot cards, the influence of Carl Jung on the understanding of how tarot cards “work” is examined. The types of questions and problems that the tarot cards are said to be able to answer are considered. Daniel and Brady discuss the act of the divinator and their practice in reading the cards. The conversation focuses on issues such as, how the cards are shuffled, spread out and are interpreted. Special attention is given to the subjective nature of the divinator and how the cards are purported to “work.” Finally, the act of divination is discussed from a biblical perspective. The warning throughout scripture and especially the New Testament are weighed against the actions of the divinator.

RELATED LINKS: Access our free, 4-page Watchman Felloship Profiles on Tarot Cards, Psychics, the Occult and Aleister Crowley:

Profile on Tarot Cards: www.watchman.org/Tarot
Profile on Psychics: www.watchman.org/Psychics
Profile on the Occult: www.watchman.org/TheOccult
Profile on Aleister Crowley: www.watchman.org/Crowley

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 75: Tarot Cards: Gateway to the Occult [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: watchman.org/Tarot1

The history of tarot cards is shrouded in mystery but the modern-day usage of the cards can be tracked back to the 15th century. In today’s podcast, Senior Apologist Brady Blevins discusses the history of tarot cards and how they have grown in popularity. Along with Daniel Ray, Brady discusses the significance of the cards and major divisions that affect how divinators determine the meaning based on the type of cards. The suits and court cards are discussed as well as the difference between tarot cards and a regular deck of playing cards. The warnings about divination from the Old Testament are illuminated and the table is set for a deeper discussion in part two.

RELATED LINKS: Access our free, 4-page Watchman Felloship Profiles on Tarot Cards, Psychics, the Occult and Aleister Crowley:

Profile on Tarot Cards: www.watchman.org/Tarot
Profile on Psychics: www.watchman.org/Psychics
Profile on the Occult: www.watchman.org/TheOccult
Profile on Aleister Crowley: www.watchman.org/Crowley

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

About Apologetics Profile (1-min trailer)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 14:24:06 +0000

Apologetics Profile is a weekly podcast published by Watchman Fellowship, an evangelical Christian ministry focused on interfaith evangelism and apologetics. To subscribe, visit www.watchman.org/Podcast or text Podcast to 50700.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

71 Conversation with Stephen Meyer "Return of the God Hypothesis" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 08:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Meyer2.

Charles Darwin published his landmark work The Origin of the Species in 1859. Today, evolution and natural selection remain the dominant scientific paradigms of our time regarding the development of biological life. Many atheists and skeptics regard Darwin's ideas as having finally done away with the idea that life is the special creation of the God of the Bible.

Our guest this week, Dr. Stephen C. Meyer of the Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington, and best-selling author of The Return of the God Hypothesis suggests the findings of contemporary biological sciences point in the opposite direction.

On this episode, Dr. Meyer unpacks with resplendent clarity how the intricate designs and arrangement of molecules and proteins in living cells serve to affirm the fantastic truths proclaimed in Genesis and the Psalms. Life is indeed the special creation of the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Our cellular composition reflects exquisite design and purpose. Life is fearfully and wonderfully made. God's invisible attributes; His wisdom, creativity, power, intelligence, beauty, and majesty are reflected in everything He has made from the tiniest zygote to the swiftest Zebra on the Serengeti.
You don't want to miss this episode!

Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. A former geophysicist and college professor, he now directs Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle.

In addition to Meyer’s two landmark books, the New York Times bestseller Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design and Times (of London) Literary Supplement Book of the Year Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design, his many other publications include contributions to, and the editing of, the peer-reviewed volume Darwinism, Design and Public Education (Michigan State University Press, 2004) and the innovative textbook Explore Evolution (Hill House Publishers, 2007).

Meyer has also published editorials in national newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The National Post (of Canada), The Daily Telegraph (of London) and The Los Angeles Times. He has appeared on national television and radio programs such as The Jim Lehrer News Hour, NBC Nightly News, ABC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning, Nightline, Fox News Live, Paula Zahn Now (CNN), Good Morning America and the Tavis Smiley Show on PBS. He has also been featured in two New York Times front-page stories and has garnered attention in other top national media.

For more information, visit: https://www.thereturnofthegodhypothesis.com.

Related Links

Order Dr. Meyer's book and access our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on Atheism and Agnosticism:

Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen C. Meyer: http://bit.ly/StephenMeyer

Profile on Atheism: watchman.org/Atheism

Profile on Agnosticism: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

70 Conversation with Stephen Meyer "Return of the God Hypothesis" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 08:00:00 +0000

This podcast is also available to watch in video format here: www.watchman.org/Meyer1.

Today there exists a confidence in the minds of many skeptics and unbelievers that science has somehow disproved God's existence; that cutting-edge theories in cosmology and biology have once-and-for-all triumphed over the need to explain such wonders as the handiwork and intelligence of God.

According to our guest this week, Dr. Stephen C. Meyer of Discover Institute, nothing could be further from the truth. In his latest book, The Return of the God Hypothesis, Dr. Meyer unpacks and examines the leading scientific theories in both cosmology and biology and demonstrates with lucid, evidentiary detail, how God is indeed the best explanation for the existence of the universe and life within it.

On part one, we discuss Dr. Meyer's personal journey and the latest findings in the science of the universe. You'll find your faith encouraged as we discover together that rather than doing away with God, the exquisite discoveries of the last century point directly to divine intelligence, affirming the wondrous truths of Scripture that everything that has come to be has been made and is sustained by the risen Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 1; Psalm 19; Psalm 111; Isaiah 40:26; Colossians 1; John 1; Hebrews 1:3; 11:3).

For more information, visit: https://www.thereturnofthegodhypothesis.com.

Related Links

Order Dr. Meyer's book and access our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on Atheism and Agnosticism:

Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen C. Meyer: http://bit.ly/StephenMeyer

Profile on Atheism: watchman.org/Atheism

Profile on Agnosticism: watchman.org/Agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

69 Gospel Conversations with Mormons -- "Hunger and Thirst" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In part two, Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, and Staff Apologist Daniel Ray continue their conversation about some practical ways Christians can engage in productive gospel conversations with their Mormon friends.

Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). Latter-day Saints are taught that they obtain righteousness by their own "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel" (Articles of Faith #3). We tend not to "hunger and thirst" for that which we believe we already have. But this raises some important questions:

Can anyone become righteous based on the requirements of the gospel found in the Book of Mormon?

What must we really do to obtain "sufficient grace" according to the gospel in the Book of Mormon?

Brady and Daniel discuss the requirements of the "Restored Gospel" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and share practical advice on how to discuss these issues with our Mormon friends, coworkers and family.

Related Links

Read our 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and learn more about having "hunger and thirst" discussions with LDS:

Watchman Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Mormonism Articles by Watchman Fellowship: watchman.org/LDS

Free Video training on "Hunger and Thirst" gospel conversations with Mormons: Text the word Utah to 50700.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

68 Gospel Conversations with Mormons -- "Hunger and Thirst" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In this two-part episode, Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, and Staff Apologist Daniel Ray suggest some practical ways Christians can engage in productive gospel conversations with their Mormon friends.
Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). Latter-day Saints are taught that they obtain righteousness by their own "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel" (Articles of Faith #3). We tend not to "hunger and thirst" for that which we believe we already have. But this raises some important questions:

Can anyone become righteous based on the requirements of the gospel found in the Book of Mormon?

What must we really do to obtain "sufficient grace" according to the gospel in the Book of Mormon?

Related Links

Read our 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and learn more about having "hunger and thirst" discussions with LDS:

Watchman Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: watchman.org/Mormonism

Mormonism Articles by Watchman Fellowship: watchman.org/LDS

Free Video training on "Hunger and Thirst" gospel conversations with Mormons: Text the word Utah to 50700.

Additional Resources
FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

67 The Case for Miracles with Craig Keener at the Atheist & Christian Book Club

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The Case for Miracles -- On this special edition of Apologetics Profile, we visit a recent meeting of our Atheist & Christian Book Club to hear our guest author, Christian philosopher Dr. Craig Keener, make a case for miracles.

The Atheist & Christian Book Club, an outreach of Watchman Fellowship, is a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. We usually invite the author to join the club to interact with our members and take our questions. For the previous month, our guest author was John Loftus discussing his anthology, The Case Against Miracles.

In this podcast we take you to highlights of the following book club as Dr. Keener discusses his three-chapter interview in Lee Strobel's book The Case for Miracles and his own two-volume work, Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts.

Dr. Craig Keener holds a PhD from Duke University and is professor of Biblical Studies as Asbury Seminary. His expertise includes New Testament Background, Acts, Historical Jesus, Miracles, the Gospels, Ethnic/racial Reconciliation, and Education. He has authored 28 books, six of which have won book awards in Christianity Today, of which altogether more than one million copies are in circulation.

Related Links

Learn more about Dr. Keener and the Atheist & Christian Book Club:

About Craig Keener: http://bit.ly/CraigKeener

Miracles (two volumes) by Craig Keener: http://bit.ly/2VolMiracles

The Case for Miracles by Lee Strobel: http://bit.ly/CaseForMiracles

Watch the full Book Club Video: http://bit.ly/PastClubs

Other videos from Dr. Keener: http://bit.ly/KeenerVideo

Atheist & Christian Book Club: AtheistChristianBookClub.com

Watchman Profile on Atheism: watchman.org/atheism

Watchman Profile on Agnosticism: watchman.org/agnostic

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

66 Dr. Sarah Salviander on Engaging with Skeptics on Social Media [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

On part two of our discussion with former atheist, Dr. Sarah Salviander, she continues to give us wisdom and insight from her successes and failures of engaging skeptics and seekers through social media. If you or someone you know is active on social media, especially in the areas of apologetics and evangelism this is an episode you and your friends & family do not want to miss!

Is it possible to exhibit humility and grace through our communication with skeptics on social media? Yes. While social media is not the ideal means to communicate our faith in Christ with unbelievers, we can, by God's grace, exhibit a difference in our online conduct and engagements.

Too often we as believers can become short, sarcastic, and demeaning in our social media interactions. It is very tempting, given the impersonal and often anonymous nature of social media, to respond with snark and ridicule. Dr. Salviander encourages us to more Christ-like and productive in our online conversations.

Dr. Sarah Salviander is an astrophysicist interested in the intersection between science and Christianity. She was raised atheist in a secular country, but was led to Christianity while getting her PhD after discovering the confluence between modern science and scripture. Dr. Salviander recently retired from her career as a university research scientist and professor to focus on ministry. She remains active in astrophysical research through a small, private institute. Her scholarly articles can be found on arXiv or the NASA ADS. She maintains an archive of articles on science and faith at her website, sarahsalviander.com, and enjoys interacting with followers on Twitter and Instagram.

Related Links

Learn more about Dr. Salviander, download our related 4-page Profiles and explore our monthly Atheist & Christian Book Club, a great place for Christians and skeptics to engage in civil dialogue:

Sarah Salviander -- Apologist, Astrophysicist and Author: sarahsalviander.com

Watchman Profile on Atheism: watchman.org/atheism

Watchman Profile on Agnosticism: watchman.org/agnostic

Atheist & Christian Book Club: AtheistChristianBookClub.com

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

65 Dr. Sarah Salviander on Engaging with Skeptics on Social Media [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

On this special two-part episode of Apologetics Profile, we talk with former atheist, astrophysicist Dr. Sarah Salviander, who has been engaging skeptics and seekers through social media for several years. She gives us tips and wisdom from her experiences we think can help you better communicate with others in cyberspace.

Since the advent of the pandemic in 2020, life seems to have retreated to the Internet. And online, there exists the problem of not being present with one another in conversation. If you have ever been involved in a discussion in social media with a skeptic or atheist, you know such engagements can quickly deteriorate into a milieu of incivility and vitriol from both sides.

While it is not the most effective way to engage our unbelieving neighbors, social media is an ever-present facet of our time that we must know how to intelligently utilize for the glory of God.

Communications technologies are inherently impersonal and seem to foster unhealthy dialogue, but that doesn't mean Christians cannot still exhibit grace, tact, and humility when talking to people on social media about our faith.

If you or someone you know is active on social media, especially in the areas of apologetics and evangelism this is an episode you and your friends and family do not want to miss!

Dr. Sarah Salviander is an astrophysicist interested in the intersection between science and Christianity. She was raised atheist in a secular country, but was led to Christianity while getting her PhD after discovering the confluence between modern science and scripture. Dr. Salviander recently retired from her career as a university research scientist and professor to focus on ministry. She remains active in astrophysical research through a small, private institute. Her scholarly articles can be found on arXiv or the NASA ADS. She maintains an archive of articles on science and faith at her website, sarahsalviander.com, and enjoys interacting with followers on Twitter and Instagram.

Related Links

Learn more about Dr. Salviander, download our related 4-page Profiles and explore our monthly Atheist & Christian Book Club, a great place for Christians and skeptics to engage in civil dialogue:

Sarah Salviander -- Apologist, Astrophysicist and Author: sarahsalviander.com

Watchman Profile on Atheism: watchman.org/atheism

Watchman Profile on Agnosticism: watchman.org/agnostic

Atheist & Christian Book Club: AtheistChristianBookClub.com

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

64 What is The Atheist & Christian Book Club? with Kerby Anderson, James Walker and Bill Kluck

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The Atheist & Christian Book Club is an outreach of Watchman Fellowship, the parent ministry of Apologetics Profile. It is a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives.

In this special edition of Apologetics Profile, Kerby Anderson of Probe ministries interviews Christian apologist James Walker and atheist apologist Bill Kluck about this unique book club they founded in 2017. The interview originally aired on Point of View, an international syndicated radio program carried on 265 stations with an audience of about 1 million. Watchman staff apologist, Daniel Ray who helps facilitate the book club, was also interviewed.

What Happens at the Club? Each month between 25 to 60 athesits and Christians share a meal together and then discuss important books alternating each month between an athiest book and a Christian book. Usually the author of the book is present to discuss the book or is avaialble by video conferencing to provide additional insight and take questions from the club. Since the pandemic, the club has been moved online to Zoom where the membership has grown to include particiapants as far away as India and Africa.

Atheist and agnostic authors who have joined the club to discuss their books include: Michael Ruse, Graham Oppy, Richard Carrier, Robert Price, Aron Ra, David Fitzgerald, John Loftus, Seth Andrews, Steve McRae, Sasha Sagan (daughter of the late Carl Sagan), Jim Hall, Ken Daniels, and David Madison.

Christian authors who have joined the club to discuss their books include: Gary Habermas, Paul Copan, Tim McGrew, Craig Keener, Frank Turek, Sean McDowell, Travis Dickenson, Melissa Cain Travis, J. Warner Wallace, Holly Ordway, Michael Bird, Craig Evans, Justin Brierley and Hugh Ross.

Check out the links below to join the club online via Zoom.

Related Links

Learn more about the Atheist & Christian Book Club, Point of View and Probe Ministries:

Atheist & Christian Book Club: AtheistChristianBookClub.com

Next Month's Book Club: AtheistChristianBookClub.com/Next-Meeting

Watch Previous Clubs: atheistchristianbookclub.com/previous-meetings

Book Club Facebook Page: Facebook.com/AtheistChristianBookClub

Point of View: www.PointOfView.net

Probe Ministry: Probe.org

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

63 Guest author David Beck discusses his new book "Does God Exist?" [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0000

On part two of Daniel Ray's discussion with Dr. W. David Beck, we look into the history of moral arguments for God’s existence and how skeptics and non-believers have traditionally responded. We also give you some practical advice as to how to apply this rich philosophical tradition to your own life and witness in dialogue with skeptics who are familiar with these arguments.

Moral Arguments for God: Perhaps you have heard it said from your skeptic and non-believing friends and family members that we can be “good without God.” Maybe you’ve also heard Christians say “Atheists can’t be good without God!”

Sometimes that sort of back-and-forth misses a crucial point. The Bible says plainly that we have all, believers and unbelievers, fallen short of the glory of God. It is not that Christians are moral and atheists are immoral, but rather it is a question of the origin and foundation of our moral nature.

What is the foundational justification for our sense of right and wrong?

Is it just feelings, emotions, and desires hard-wired into our genetics or particular in-group, passed along to us from our ancestors?

Or do right and wrong emanate from a transcendent source, traditionally understood by Abrahamic faiths as God?

These questions have been debated ever since the dawn of time and our existence on the planet. There is a long-standing tradition of philosophical defenses for the existence of God, known as moral arguments. Through appealing to man’s intellectual and reasoning capacities, moral arguments rely upon logic, reason, and philosophical thought, not in opposition to the revealed truth of Scripture, but as a complementary help meet, demonstrating that it is logical and reasonable to conclude, from the existence of our moral natures, that God exists.

FREE BOOK FOR 5 PODCAST LISTENERS!

The first five listeners who contact Daniel Ray by email will receive a free copy of Dr. Beck’s latest book, Does God Exist? A History of Answers to the Question courtesy InterVarsity Press. Daniel’s office email is Dray@watchman.org.

If you are unable to get a free copy of Dr. Beck’s latest book, you can find it on Amazon: http://bit.ly/WDavidBeck.

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship has published several Profiles related with this week's topic on the existance of God:

Profile on Atheism, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Atheism

Profile on Agnosticism, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Agnostic

Profile on Richard Dawkins, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Dawkins

W. David Beck (PhD, Boston University) is emeritus professor of philosophy at Liberty University. He is author of Does God Exist? A History of Answers to the Question and is the coeditor of Raised on the Third Day: Defending the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus. His written work has also appeared in publications including Philosophia Christi, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, and Christianity Today. Visit Dr. Beck's author's page here: http://bit.ly/WDavidBeck.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

62 Guest author David Beck discusses his new book "Does God Exist?" [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0000

On this two-part episode of Apologetics Profile, we talk with Christian philosopher Dr. W. David Beck about his latest book Does God Exist? A History of Answers to the Question. In his book he looks at the historical back-and-forth of four fundamental arguments used in defense of God’s existence, the cosmological, teleological, moral, and ontological arguments. It is a condensed historical, theological and philosophical survey of the principal contributors of each argument from both a materialist and religious point of view.

In his classic apologetic work Mere Christianity, scholar, author, and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis observes that “atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be a word without meaning.”

That the universe exists is something upon which we can all universally agree. As the Bible says, the heavens are telling of the glory of God, and the expanse shows forth His handiwork. God’s divine workmanship are known throughout the world in all times and in all places.

But for the skeptic, what best explains why the universe exists? Agnostic cosmologist Dr. Sean Carroll suggests in a 2018 post on his blog Preposterous Universe that “The demand for something more — a reason why the universe exists at all — is a relic piece of metaphysical baggage we would be better off to discard.”

That statement of course is a piece of metaphysics itself, philosophy in the strict sense of the word, not science. An attempt to make the question go away, does not finally address the question of why there is something rather than nothing.

For centuries we have been interpreting and discussing the universe and our place within it, and as Lewis noted in Mere Christianity there are fundamentally two types of views, a materialist view and a religious view.

And as long as we have been contemplating the cosmos, philosophers, theologians, skeptics, and atheists have often used rigorous philosophical arguments in defense of their respective positions.

Stay tuned also to part two, where we will be giving away some free copies of Dr. Beck's Book courtesy InterVarsity Press! Be sure to listen to part two as we share exactly how you can request a free copy (while supplies last).

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship has published several Profiles related with this week's topic on the existance of God:

Profile on Atheism, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Atheism

Profile on Agnosticism, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Agnostic

Profile on Richard Dawkins, Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/Dawkins

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

61 Addam Swapp: From Polygamy, a Shootout and Prison, to Jesus Christ

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's Apologetics Profile, James Walker interviews Addam Swapp, a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who became a Fundamentalist Mormon practicing polygamy. Addam was involved in the bombing of a Mormon chapel followed by a 13-day standoff and shootout with law enforcement in which one officer was fatally shot and killed.

In federal prison, Addam found himself on the floor of a dirty cell, broken and defeated. At this time of his deepest despair, he called out to Jesus.

In this interview with Watchman Fellowship President, James Walker, Addam share the chain of events that led him to that prison floor and the remarkable transformation of his life following that desperate prayer.

Related Profiles

Watchman Fellowship has published two Profiles on polygamous Mormon fundamentalist groups similar to the one Addam was involved with:

Profile on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (FLDS), Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/FLDS

Profile on the True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days (TLC), Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile: www.watchman.org/TLC

James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth-generation Mormon with over 25 years' experience in Christian apologetics, evangelism and discernment. He is a featured speaker, the author of several books, a podcaster. He is also the cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. For more information, visit: www.watchman.org/staff/James.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

60 Pastor Bill Johnson and the Bethel Redding Controversy [Part 2]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's Apologetics Profile, Brady Blevins visits with Holly Pivec for Part 2 of a discussion about Bethel Church of Redding, Calif. and its controversial leader, Pastor Bill Johnson. Bethel Redding was by far our #1 most requested Profile topic over the last several years. Questions raised included Bethel's ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and more recently the failed prophecies predicting Donald Trump's reelection by Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate Pastor at Bethel Church.

This 11,000 member church having a major but problematic influence on Christianity throughout the US and worldwide. Johnson’s reach touches thousands of churches not otherwise associated with NAR through affiliated ministries including Bethel Music, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and Bethel Leaders Network.

Books and Profile

Profile on Bill Johnson and Bethel, Redding, Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBethelRedding.pdf

A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement, by R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec: http://bit.ly/HollyPivec

God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, by R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec: http://bit.ly/HollyPivec2

Holly Pivec a master’s degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University. She was the University Editor at Biola for nearly a decade and also served as managing editor of the award-winning Biola Magazine. Together with Biola professor Doug Geivett, she co-authored two books about NAR: A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement and God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement (see links above). For more information, visit: www.hollypivec.com

Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, is a speaker, writer and researcher for the ministry. He serves as Profile Editor and is frequent host of our Apologetics Profile podcast. He holds a BS in Bible and Pastoral Ministries from Arlington Baptist College, a MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University and a Doctorate in Educational Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Baptist minister and a member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics (ISCA), and the Evangelical Press Association (EPA). For more information visit: www.watchman.org/staff/BradyBlevinsBio.pdf.

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 59: 59 Pastor Bill Johnson and the Bethel Redding Controversy [Part 1]

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's Apologetics Profile, Brady Blevins sits down with Holly Pivec for Part 1 of a discussion about Bethel Church of Redding, Calif. and its controversial leader, Pastor Bill Johnson. Bethel Redding was by far our #1 most requested Profile topic over the last several years. Questions raised included Bethel's ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and more recently the failed prophecies predicting Donald Trump's reelection by Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate Pastor at Bethel Church

Books and Profile

Profile on Bill Johnson and Bethel, Redding, Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBethelRedding.pdf

A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement, by R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec: http://bit.ly/HollyPivec

God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, by R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec: http://bit.ly/HollyPivec2

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 58: 58 Why Do We Need Philosophy? A Conversation with Paul Gould (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

What are "deceitful philosophies"? The Bible exhorts us to be on guard against the empty and deceitful philosophies of men and the traditions and customs by which the world tempts and challenges us.

Perhaps we can spot bad biblical doctrine, but what about counterfeit and deceitful philosophies?

How does bad philosophy make inroads into our minds and become the norm?

How do we know what is true?

How can we test what is true?

If our minds are just leftover stardust, if the universe is just a violent and chaotic place, if natural unguided forces and processes are finally what cobbled us together, then we shouldn't even trust our minds. Can we trust the secular sciences when they tell us what life is, what the cosmos means, and what we should do about our lives? Are we just stardust? Are we merely the universe come to life? Are our brains just an accidental byproduct of an impersonal nature?

In order to counter the prevailing philosophies of our time, to proclaim truth, to make Christ known, we must understand and employ a Christ-centered philosophy in engaging our unbelieving neighbors. All truth belongs to God, wherever it may be found.

On part 2 of our discussion with Christian philosopher Dr. Paul Gould, we unpack ways in which we can apply a Christ-centered philosophy in addressing the concerns of our time. What is truth? How do we know if what someone is telling us is true? Come along and let Dr. Gould encourage and equip you for our present sojourning through these times of uncertainty and confusion.
And remember the worlds of the Apostle Paul in the 12th chapter of Romans "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewign of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:12).

Additional Resources

Paul Gould directs the Masters Program in Philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University: https://pbaschoolofministry.com/mastersphilosophyreligion/

Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, by James K. Dew and Paul M. Gould: http://bit.ly/PhilosophyIntro

How Do We Know?: An Introduction to Epistemology, by James K. Dew and Mark W. Foreman: http://bit.ly/EpistemologyIntro.

Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, by Paul M. Gould and Richard Brian Davis (Editors): http://bit.ly/4ViewsBook

The Story of the Cosmos: How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God, by Daniel Ray and Paul M. Gould (Editors): www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Dr. Paul M. Gould is the Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Director of the M.A. Philosophy of Religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. Gould is the author or editor of ten scholarly and popular-level books including Cultural Apologetics, Philosophy: A Christian Introduction (Zondervan, 2019) and The Story of the Cosmos (Harvest House, 2019). He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith, and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. He is a widely sought after speaker in apologetics and philosophy. He speaks regularly at universities, churches, and ministries around the country, including Summit Ministries, the C.S. Lewis Institute, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society’s annual apologetics conference. You can find out more about Dr. Gould and his work at www.paul-gould.com and www.twotasksinstitute.org. He is married to Ethel and has four children.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 57: 57 Why Do We Need Philosophy? A Conversation with Paul Gould (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Why Do We Need Philosophy? Our guest this week and next on Apologetics Profile is Christian philosopher and author Dr. Paul Gould, who routinely gets asked this question.

Dr. Gould believes that "philosophy is simply too important to give up on. Philosophy continues to play a vital role in our lives and in contemporary discussions on almost everything." And he is "not convinced that philosophy needs to be so difficult. Sure, there are a lot of philosophical issues that are difficult, but there are also a lot of issues that aren't that difficult."1 It is Dr. Gould's passion to make philosophy lucid, understandable, and Christ-centered.

Isn't philosophy just a complicated discipline for academics?

What relevance does it have for my faith?

For the faith of my children or grandchildren?

Must we get a degree in philosophy?

Isn't the Bible enough?

Dr. Gould addresses these and many other important philosophical topics in a very easy-to-understand, down-to-earth conversation with Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray. He unpacks the relevance of philosophy for everyone, especially Christians.

Now more than ever, truth seems to be in short supply. Bad philosophy is making the rounds, taking people captive, causing division, doubt and confusion, as we saw in our previous two episodes on Street Epistemology. Paul helps us to rediscover that in Christ Himself "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). We must strive to counter bad philosophy "and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" (Col. 2:8).

Philosophy is simply a Greek word meaning "the love of wisdom" (philo-sophia). The Bible has much to say about loving and embracing wisdom (Job 28; Proverbs 8; Colossians 2; 1 Corinthians 1; John 1). Dr. Gould helps us to understand how the best sort of philosophy is centered upon the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So come and listen to Dr. Gould's very inspirational and practical advice about building and utilizing sound philosophy, all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

Additional Resources

Paul directs the Masters Program in Philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University: https://pbaschoolofministry.com/mastersphilosophyreligion/

Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, by James K. Dew and Paul M. Gould: http://bit.ly/PhilosophyIntro

How Do We Know?: An Introduction to Epistemology, by James K. Dew and Mark W. Foreman: http://bit.ly/EpistemologyIntro.

Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy, by Paul M. Gould and Richard Brian Davis (Editors): http://bit.ly/4ViewsBook

The Story of the Cosmos: How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God, by Daniel Ray and Paul M. Gould (Editors): www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

1 James K. Dew and Paul M. Gould, Philosophy A Christian Introduction (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2019), vii.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 56: 56 Street Epistemology: A Secret Strategy for Creating Atheists? (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

[NOTE: This podcast is also available on video here: https://youtu.be/jvwhJpZiQZ8]

On part two of our special two-part video and podcast episode of Peter Boghossian and Street Epistemology, Watchman Fellowship staff apologist Daniel Ray speaks with senior apologist Brady Blevins about how to recognize a street epistemology conversation and how we can and should respond.

If you have children or grandchildren active on social media sharing their faith or if they are away at college, they are likely to encounter atheists using the tactics and techniques of street epistemology.

In this day and time, where it seems truth is in short supply, it is more crucial than ever that we know why we believe what we believe. The difficult questions and challenges to our faith are on the rise. We must be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).

Street epistemology is a growing, worldwide phenomena used by many atheists and skeptics for the purpose of getting believers to doubt and/or give up their faith altogether.

On this episode you'll hear and see real-world examples of street epistemologists engaging people with their carefully crafted questions and we'll give you the practical and biblical tips and insights as to how you can respond.

We have prepared a treasure trove of resources on this important topic. In addition to this podcast and video, we have prepared three additional videos on the topic as well as a four-page Profile on Peter Boghossian and Street Epistemology.

STREET EPISTEMOLOGY RESOURCES

Daniel has also written a 4-page Profile on Peter Boghossian and produced three additional videos on Street Epistemology for you to share with anyone you know who may have encountered SE online or at college.

4-page Profile on Peter Boghossian by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/SE

Daniel's first review of street epistemology: https://youtu.be/_irb_8f0klc

This video was reviewed by street epistemologists: https://youtu.be/FsJgmRyrsU0

Daniel's book review of How to Have Impossible Conversations: https://youtu.be/A1G1KTt1qgc

This video was also reviewed by street epistemologists: https://youtu.be/0BfC9PME5a0

Daniel's third review of the street epistemologists' "confidence scale": https://youtu.be/ScHiMqtQE3U (The street epistemologist have not yet reviewed this video.

Additional Christian Resources on Street Epistemology

Christian philosopher Tim McGrew debating Peter Boghossian in 2013: http://bit.ly/TimMcGrew

Apologist Tom Gilson's short e-book responding to Peter Boghossian and street epistemology, Peter Boghossian, Atheist Tactician : A Preliminary Response to A Manual for Creating Atheists: http://bit.ly/TomGilson

Street epistemology videos featured in this podcast/video:

Reid, Tia, and "Bible Class": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-M1EyhcRS8

Mamma Bear Mary Ann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLN_3W8CTko

Dan and Anthony: What Else is there but Faith?: https://youtu.be/OpwxM2wNChE

Anthony Magnabosco speaking at the Black Nonbelievers Conference: https://youtu.be/hZJTScfX_2A

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 55: 55 Street Epistemology: A Secret Strategy for Creating Atheists? (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000

[NOTE: This podcast is also available on video here: https://youtu.be/fMUF_y9q1ew]

Chances are, if you are actively sharing your faith on social media to any degree, or if you have children or grandchildren away at college, or if you're out for a stroll in a public park, you may have or will eventually encounter a "street epistemologist."

What is street epistemology? It is a movement within the atheist and skeptic community which began from a 2013 book A Manual For Creating Atheists written by atheist and philosopher Peter Boghossian.

Though Boghossian himself is no longer actively involved in the movement today, it nevertheless has remained a popular and growing trend among skeptics in engaging Christians and other theists in conversation with the intent to cause doubt and, as the book title says clearly, create atheists.

Street Epistemology or SE for short, is a kind of dialectical method that incorporates carefully crafted Socratic-like questions about a Christian's level of confidence in their belief in God. The SE'er will ask several questions, without ever directly engaging in factual discussions about Christianity, but will instead ask specific philosophical questions about how and why a Christian holds to the confidence of their belief, with the intent of causing doubt.

To this day, it remains a movement within the atheist and skeptic community, though many who practice SE will often converse about other topics such as karma, new age mysticism, other religions, politics, alternative medicines and many others.

But the most popular videos on YouTube of SE practitioners are those where believers are suddenly questioning their beliefs within the span of a very brief conversation.

Sadly, this method has had "success" in catching Christians unaware, many unprepared or simply unable to provide solid answers to the questions put to them, especially regarding the definition and use of the word "faith" which to this day remains a primary target of SE disciples.

It is not a cult or a secret organization with a hierarchy of leadership, but an open and publicly practiced technique, complete with a comprehensive website (StreetEpistemology.com), YouTube videos, and a growing and influential social-media presence.

On this special two-part episode, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray and Watchman Senior Apologist Brady Blevins take you inside the movement and give you a first-hand account of Peter Boghossian, the leading practitioners of SE, how to recognize it, and how to respond with confidence and truth.

On Part 1 we examine the work and background of Peter Boghossian and talk about the basics of what SE is.

STREET EPISTEMOLOGY RESOURCES

4-page Profile on Peter Boghossian by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/SE

Daniel's first review of street epistemology: https://youtu.be/_irb_8f0klc

This video was reviewed by street epistemologists: https://youtu.be/FsJgmRyrsU0

Daniel's book review of How to Have Impossible Conversations: https://youtu.be/A1G1KTt1qgc

This video was also reviewed by street epistemologists: https://youtu.be/0BfC9PME5a0

Daniel's third review of the street epistemologists' "confidence scale": https://youtu.be/ScHiMqtQE3U (The street epistemologist have not yet reviewed this video.

Street epistemology videos featured in this podcast/video:

Psychology Z factor (psychological aspects of SE) Dragoncon 2017 with Anthony Magnabosco: https://youtu.be/oYNcs6BtA-s

Anthony Magnabosco on evidence and faith: https://youtu.be/VYrg-n04Sj8

Anthony Magnabosco unraveling Miguel’s faith: https://youtu.be/D8LYTy4DmEs

Peter Boghossian at PSU in 2012: https://youtu.be/WIaPXtZpzBw

Can SE hurt people? Objectively Dan: https://youtu.be/cmUS5oxRhB4

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 54: 54 Evangelism & Apologetics with Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Apologetics Profile is the conclusion of a two part discussion on apologetics and evangelism featuring our Senior Apologist, Dr. Brady Blevins and staff apologist Daniel Ray. In this series, Daniel and Brady discuss practical principles of communication that we can apply to our personal Christian apologetics and relational evangelism.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression, by Zack Eswine: https://amzn.to/3rw7ADD

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 53: 53 Evangelism & Apologetics with Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Apologetics Profile is the first of a two part discussion on apologetics and evangelism featuring our Senior Apologist, Dr. Brady Blevins and staff apologist Daniel Ray.

Last week we concluded our discussion with professor of communication, Dr. Steven Beebee, about the legendary Christian apologist C.S. Lewis and the skills and techniques he used to be such an effective communicator. In this series, Daniel and Brady discuss practical principles of communication that we can apply to our personal Christian apologetics and relational evangelism.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression, by Zack Eswine: https://amzn.to/3rw7ADD

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 52: 52 Steven Beebe - Lessons on Communication from C.S. Lewis (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Are we consciously aware of how we choose our words? Are we cognizant of what kind of tacit impressions our words have on others? Are we loving our neighbors in such a way that we can understand their language? Their experiences? Can we translate what we know to those who have little familiarity with what is so familiar to us?

How can we effectively share the Gospel with those who are lost? How do we plant seeds? How do we water? How do we harvest? Shockingly, much of the work of evangelizing and discipleship is in wisely using our words. Jesus commands us to go into all the world, proclaiming His truth, but do we know the world well enough to be able to communicate effectively and redemptively with them? Do we have the right words?

On part two of our conversation with professor of communication Dr. Steven A. Beebe, we explore more in depth about how C.S. Lewis’s conversion to Christianity equipped him with the remarkable ability to reach an enormously broad audience, even long after his death in 1963. How is it that Lewis could be such an effective communicator? How did his Christian faith inform the way in which he communicated and what can we learn in our own attempts at sharing Christ with others?

From a small biscuit tin garden made by his brother to his trip to the Whipsnade Zoo in the sidecar of his brother’s motorcycle, to the prolific volumes of correspondence and professional writing, Lewis’s life stands as an example of the impact we can have if we too, by the grace of God, choose our words carefully.

ABOUT STEVEN A. BEEBE: Dr. Beebe is Regents' and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Texas State University. He served as Chair of his department at Texas State for 28 years and concurrently as Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication for 25 years. Prior to joining the faculty at Texas State he was a tenured member of the Communication faculty at the University of Miami for 10 years. He is author and co-author of fourteen books (with editions totaling more than 75 books) that have been used at hundreds of colleges and universities (including international, Canadian, Russian and Chinese editions) by several million students throughout the world. Steve’s research focuses on instructional communication and communication skill development.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

C.S. Lewis and the Craft of Communication by Steven Beebe: www.cslewisandthecraftofcommunication.com.

Dr. Beebe's author page on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2Ngo1VY

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 51: 51 Steven Beebe - Lessons on Communication from C.S. Lewis (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0000

We at Watchman Fellowship are committed to helping and equipping the church to effectively communicate the Gospel to those of other religions and worldviews. But such communication is never really easy.

The first step in being able to successfully articulate the Gospel is a relatively simple one, though -- Being familiar with the message.

The second step is to know the language of your audience. Are they Mormons? Atheists? Muslims? Jehovah’s Witnesses?

The wisdom and skill in effective communication is to be able to translate the message of the Gospel to your audience, using reason, imagination, metaphors, story, and parable, just as Jesus did. If you’ve ever tried sharing the Gospel with people, you have likely experienced the need to further clarify what you are trying to share to people unfamiliar with language that is familiar and common to you. How do you explain the atonement to atheists? The Trinity to Muslims? The Deity of Jesus to Jehovah’s Witnesses?

On this special two-part episode with communications professor Dr. Steven A. Beebe, we look into the craft and techniques of communication used by C.S. Lewis. How have Lewis’s works become so widely popular and influential in communicating the Christian faith to people? What can we learn from Lewis as we try to communicate the truth of God’s word to a non-Christian world that neither understands nor accepts it?

In part one, Dr. Beebe shares how he became interested in Lewis and how Lewis’s ability to communicate makes his readers feel that they have a genuine relationship with the author.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

C.S. Lewis and the Craft of Communication by Steven Beebe: www.cslewisandthecraftofcommunication.com.

Dr. Beebe's author page on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2Ngo1VY

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 50: 50 Bikram Choudhury: Yoga Guru or Dangerous Predator? (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In part two, Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray conclude their discussion of the controversy surrounding Bikram Yoga and its fugitive founder who fled the US refusing to pay a $7 million court-ordered judgement.
Bikram Choudhury and his trademarked Bikram Yoga has attracted significant media scrutiny as accusations from former students and associates have multiplied. The media accounts mainly focused on these credible abuse allegations and on fact-checking questionable claims Choudhury has made about his past. This episode of Apologetics Profile goes beyond those concerns to examine the underlying doctrines and theology at the foundation of Bikram Yoga and to evaluate those beliefs from a Christian perspective.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on Bikram Yoga by Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ProfileBikramYoga.pdf

Our free 4-page Profile on Yoga by Robert Velarde: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileYoga.pdf

"Yoga: Exercise or Religious Practice" by Brad Scott: www.watchman.org/articles/new-age/yoga--exercise-or-religious-practice/

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (Nov. 2019; Netflix Original Official Trailer on YouTube: www.bit.ly/BikramYouTube)

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 49: 49 Bikram Choudhury: Yoga Guru or Dangerous Predator? (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray discuss the controversy surrounding Bikram Yoga and its founder. Facing a warrant for his arrest from the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Bikram Choudhury, the guru who founded Bikram Yoga, has fled the United States refusing to pay a court-ordered judgement of about $7 million in damages. This judgement resulted from a wrongful termination and sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former legal adviser, Minakshi Jafa-Boden. But as Daniel and Brady discovered, the legal, ethical and spiritual controversies surrounding Bikram Yoga go much deeper than this one lawsuit.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on Bikram Yoga by Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ProfileBikramYoga.pdf

Our free 4-page Profile on Yoga by Robert Velarde: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileYoga.pdf

"Yoga: Exercise or Religious Practice" by Brad Scott: www.watchman.org/articles/new-age/yoga--exercise-or-religious-practice/

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (Nov. 2019; Netflix Original Official Trailer on YouTube: www.bit.ly/BikramYouTube)

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 48: 48 Naomi Wright's Story - From Polygamous Cult to Jesus Christ (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In part 2, James Walker continues his discussion with Naomi Wright about her unique journey out of a polygamous cult led by her father to faith in Jesus Christ. Her religion was a radical breakoff of a controversial sect founded by William Branham. Her father borrowed many of Branham's doctrines including "serpent seed," legalism, works-based salvation and anti-Trinitarianism then added in other elements from Oneness Pentecostalism. On this doctrinal foundation, he introduced the practice of polygamy and the claim that the group's leaders were immortal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on Branhamism by Phillip Arnn: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/branhamismprofile.pdf

Our free 4-page Profile on Oneness Pentecostalism by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/onenesspentecostalismprofile.pdf

Naomi Wright Ministries (Official Website): www.NaomiWrightMinistries.com

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 47: 47 Naomi Wright's Story - From Polygamous Cult to Jesus Christ (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 09:00:00 +0000

James Walker interviews Naomi Wright about her unique journey out of a polygamous cult led by her father to faith in Jesus Christ. Her religion was a radical breakoff of a controversial sect founded by William Branham. Her father borrowed many of Branham's doctrines including "serpent seed," legalism, works-based salvation and anti-Trinitarianism then added in other elements from Oneness Pentecostalism. On this doctrinal foundation, he introduced the practice of polygamy and the claim that the group's leaders were immortal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on Branhamism by Phillip Arnn: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/branhamismprofile.pdf

Our free 4-page Profile on Oneness Pentecostalism by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/onenesspentecostalismprofile.pdf

Naomi Wright Ministries (Official Website): www.NaomiWrightMinistries.com

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 46: 46 Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story with James Walker (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. By God's grace, Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In this episode (part two) we conclude our discussion. Daniel talks about the importance of discipleship and how to talk with the Jehovah's Witnesses when they knock on your door:

Is the average Christian church equipped to help former Jehovah's Witnesses transition to the true gospel of the grace of Christ?

What is one of the best questions we can ask a Jehovah's Witness?

How can a "SEE" (significant emotional event) be a catalyst for spiritual transition?

Besides the Bible, what one book helped Daniel clearly see the Jehovah's Witnesses errors?

Why did Daniel join the leadership team as a board member at Watchman Fellowship?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf

Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA

Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf

Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Frans, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis

Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 45: 45 BONUS - The Future of Our Ministry from the Board of Directors (6-min. Update)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this very short, special bonus edition of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Grissom shares a two-minute update about the future of our ministry. Daniel is a former Jehovah's Witness who serves on our Board of Directors.

End-of-Year Ministry Update

As we come to the close of 2020, we are at a crossroads. Our ministry opportunities have never been higher but our donations have dropped drastically. Barring a miracle between now and the end of the year, our support will drop to a 20-year low. We are asking for your prayers and financial support to finish the year strong. We want to go into 2021 ready to maximize our calling and ministry. We want to continue:

Training and sending missionary teams to Utah each year

Reaching nonbelievers through our Atheist & Christian Book Club

Publishing 4-page Profiles on cults and alternative religions

Broadcasting two weekly podcasts: Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile

Hosting our Mormons in Transition monthly meetup for Latter-day Saints with questions

Sharing the gospel with those of other faiths and religions (and much more!)

We know many are now unable to support the ministry because of health, finances, or both. Believe me, we understand! For those who can help, now is the critical time. Your help is much needed and greatly appreciated.

SUPPORT: If you are able to stand with us, please consider a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give. Every gift counts!

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 44: 44 Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story with James Walker (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In part one of this discussion, Daniel shares his journey from the Kingdom Hall to the Kingdom of God:

When he first got the knock at his front door, what attracted Daniel to listen to the Jehovah's Witnesses and initially embrace their teachings?
What caused Daniel to mistake the Jehovah's Witnesses sincerity for their accuracy?
Why is it difficult for former Jehovah's Witnesses to believe in Jesus even after they learn their religion was wrong?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf
Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA
Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf
Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Frans, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis
Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 43: 43 Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 2) with Steve Matthews

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode Brady Blevins and Steve Matthews conclude their conversation about Kip McKean, World Missions Evangelist of the controversial International Christian Church (ICC). Brady and Steve address some questions underlying decades of criticism the the movement has received from Christian discernment ministries and secular cult-watch organizations:

How can we distinguish between a strong commitment to Christian discipleship and inappropriate high-demand organizations which can foster spiritual abuse?

To what degree and on what level should a "discipler" be given control of a follower's personal discussion-making?

Does salvation require water baptism into a ICC-style "discipling" church?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the International Churches of Christ (ICC) by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC

Our original 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ (ICOC) by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Boston

Our 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

42 Kip McKean and the International Christian Churches (Part 1) with Steve Matthews

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode Brady Blevins and Steve Matthews discuss Kip McKean, World Missions Evangelist of the controversial International Christian Church (ICC), a worldwide movement headquartered in Los Angeles. In part one of this two-part discussion we explore the history, growth and some of the criticisms directed at the organization that first began as an on campus discipling ministry of the Crossroads Church of Christ at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

McKean became the world leader when the sect was known as the Boston Church of Christ and later as the group expanded its worldwide strategies under the name International Church of Christ (ICOC). In the midst of external and internal criticisms and calls for reform, McKean resigned from the ICOC later forming his rival organization, the ICC.

The movement has been under fire for decades even being banned from major university campuses including "American University, the University of Lowell (Mass.), Birmingham University (United Kingdom), the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), Boston College, Marquette University, Boston University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, the University of London (United Kingdom), Vanderbilt University, the University of Miami, Northeastern University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Smith College, the United States Military Academy, the University of Southern California and York University (Canada)."1

Why is the ICC so popular and what drives the criticisms? Brady and Steve discuss some of the controversies surrounding Kip McKean and the ICC including their theological distinctives and questionable discipleship practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on the International Churches of Christ (ICC) by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC

Our original 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ (ICOC) by Rick Branch www.watchman.org/Boston

Our 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

1 John W. Morehead, "International Christian Churches: Disciples of Abuse?" www.apologeticsindex.org/i05.html

41 What is Scientism? (Part 2) with Astrophysicist and Cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode Daniel Ray and Dr. Luke Barnes conclude their discussion of the question "What is Scientism?" Science is fully compatible with the Christian worldview and for the most part has done much to expand knowledge and in most cases provided tremendous progress in advancing human wellbeing and flourishing. There is, however, a controversial philosophy of science that seems to be growing in popularity that can be called Scientism.

In part two of their conversation, Daniel and Luke critique some assumptions and draw some conclusions on and questions raised by Scientism:

Must science and religion be seen as in conflict?

Has science disproven the existence of God?

Is science the best or even only way to know truth?

For anything to be true, does it have to be observable, testable, repeatable and peer reviewed?

Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009. He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. For more on Dr. Barnes, see his CV here: http://bit.ly/LukeBarnes

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our free 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism

A Fortunate Universe by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/2GaGDDD

The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/34FvXGD

The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray and Paul Gould: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology by JP Moreland: https://bit.ly/Scientism1

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

40 What is Scientism? (Part 1) with Astrophysicist and Cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode Daniel Ray and Dr. Luke Barnes explore the question "What is Scientism?" Science is fully compatible with the Christian worldview and for the most part has done much to expand knowledge and in most cases provided tremendous progress in advancing human wellbeing and flourishing. There is, however, a controversial philosophy of science that seems to be growing in popularity that can be called Scientism.
In part one of this two-part conversation, Daniel and Luke discuss some of the assumptions made and questions raised by Scientism:

Must science and religion be seen as in conflict?

Has science disproven the existence of God?

Is science the best or even only way to know truth?

For anything to be true, does it have to be observable, testable, repeatable and peer reviewed?

Our free 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism

A Fortunate Universe by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/2GaGDDD

The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/34FvXGD

The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray and Paul Gould: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology by JP Moreland: https://bit.ly/Scientism1

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

39 Dispelling the Myths of Science and Religion (Part 2) with Dr. Michael Keas

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

British philosopher Mary Midgley suggests that evolutionary "theory itself has again and again been distorted by biases flowing from over-simple, unbalanced world-pictures. The trouble does not, of course, lie in mere wish-fulfilment of the obvious kind that paints the world as we should like it to be. It involves being obsessed by a picture so colorful and striking that it numbs thought about the evidence required to support it. Standards of proof fall headlong.”

Midgley notes that there is an underlying assumption about evolution she calls “hypertrophied forms of cosmic optimism...” Essentially, the “cosmic optimism” is the idea that evolution is a kind of progress from “gas to genius,” that the future is one of guaranteed improvement of our species toward what Midgely calls “some superhuman spiritual stratosphere”.

On part two of our discussion with Discovery Institute fellow Dr. Michael Keas, we explore the falsehoods and false hopes of the messianic-like blank check myth of our time. This myth suggests that either through the discovery of benevolent superintelligent extraterrestrial beings and/or sheer technological progress, mankind will eventually progress from his sullied and sad state of death, disease, and decay into a poorly defined "superhman spiritual stratosphere", a kind of "Singularity" as many futurists term it, where man and machine combine to produce a quasi kind of spiritual perfection and eternal existence.

Will artificial intelligence or extraterrestrial intelligence save us? No, Keas reminds us. "The futuristic ET enlightenment myth and its terrestrial Singularity companion share a strong aversion to Christianity... Both ET and AI salvation are supposed to occur by technological good works, not by accepting the undeserved sacrificial gift of Jesus," Keas writes.

We hope this episode will equip and encourage you to think biblically about the modern futuristic myths promulgated by science and give you the tools to respond to your secular friends, neighbors, and family members who may be caught up in the utopic-like hopes of modern science.

As the Apostle Peter proclaims of the Lord Jesus Christ, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

For more information on Dr. Keas' work, you can visit his website at the Discovery Institute (https://www.discovery.org/p/keas/). We also encourage you to check out his latest book, Unbelievable - 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion (http://bit.ly/MikeKeas).

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

38 BONUS God, Black Holes, and the End of the Universe with Dr. Sarah Salviander

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Welcome to this special combinded edition of our two podcasts, Good Heavens! (www.watchman.org/GoodHeavens) and Apologetics Profile (www.watchman.org/Podcast). This episode is a recent talk by Dr. Sarah Salviander's presenting her chapter on God and black holes from our book, The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (www.TheStoryOfTheCosmos.com).

What is a black hole? Where are they? How were they discovered? How does the majesty, mystery, and enigma of black holes point to the glory of God? Come along on this special episode and find out!

Dr. Sarah Salviander received her PhD in astrophysics from the University of Texas at Austin. She was a researcher at UT for sixteen years, where she specialized in the study of quasars, supermassive black holes, and galaxies. She is the author of several peer-reviewed journal papers and a comprehensive Astronomy & Astrophysics homeschool curriculum. She is currently writing books about the remarkable confluence between Christianity and modern science.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Watch the video edition of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xi0CwpY5ICg

The Story of the Cosmos book: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook

The Story of the Cosmos online video course: www.watchman.org/CosmosCourse

Dr. Salviander's Author Website: www.sarahsalviander.com

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SarahSalviander

Sarah presented her talk at LifePoint Church in League City, Texas (South Houston) on October 21st, 2020, as part of their Wednesday Night "Unfiltered. Conversations that Matter" apologetics ministry. Thanks to Trevor Shakiba and Pastor Josh Sharpe for coordinating the event and for the assistance in the production of the video. You can visit the church’s website at https://golifepointchurch.org. LifePoint provided the audio and video. Daniel Ray of Watchman Fellowship edited and produced the final video. Daniel is also the co-editor and co-contributor to The Story of the Cosmos.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

37 Dispelling the Myths of Science and Religion (Part 1) with Dr. Michael Keas

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

C.S. Lewis once wrote that there is a certain kind of “mythology that follows in the wake of science." A prescient insight for our time, as secular popularizers of science, with the awe, aura, and authority of science surrounding them, perpetuate many myths that are simply unsound on a multitude of levels; scientific, philosophical, historical, and theological just to name a few.

On this two-part episode Daniel Ray sits down with Dr. Michael Newton Keas of the Discovery Institute (https://www.discovery.org/p/keas/) to talk about several of these modern myths that have come about in the "wake of science"; myths in relation to the interplay between science and religion, more specifically.

We discuss his newest book, Unbelievable - 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion (http://bit.ly/MikeKeas). Dr. Keas outlines the predominant myths that are promulgated today, ideas he has heard in his over 25 years of teaching science at the university and collegiate levels. Keas exposes the falsehoods of these myths by providing a solid historical background for how they've grown and taken on a life of their own in the minds of popular culture.

About Dr. Keas: "After earning a Ph.D. in the history of science from the University of Oklahoma, Mike Keas won research grants from such organizations as the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies. He experienced some of the last historic moments behind the Berlin Wall as a Fulbright scholar in East Germany. Keas serves as lecturer in the history and philosophy of science at Biola University and on the board of directors of Ratio Christi, an alliance of apologetics clubs on college campuses."
On part one, Dr. Keas provides the genesis of his book, discusses why we indeed have a special and unique purpose in the cosmos and we discuss the kind of salvific hope that undergirds many of the myths of our time.

Watch a short presentation on science and religion (https://youtu.be/8zC8tOVLjdE) from Dr. Keas produced by the Gospel Coalition. For more information on Dr. Keas' work, be sure to visit his homepage at the Discovery Institute in the link above.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

36 BONUS - CS Lewis's 'The Wardrobe' at 70 with Dr. Michael Ward

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:16:30 +0000

C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe turned 70 this month (October 2020). In the midst of a difficult year of pandemics and politics, now is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with C.S. Lewis's timeless classic. What's in your "spare oom" that can lead to adventures undreamt and unsought?

BONUS EPISODE: Come along with us on this special edition broadcast which is a joint program of both Watchman Fellowship podcasts -- Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile. In this show Daniel Ray celebrates the imaginative, cosmological, literary, and apologetic wonders of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with C.S. Lewis scholar Dr. Michael Ward.

Dr. Ward served as Daniel's master's thesis advisor at Houston Baptist University in 2016. Daniel is the first to have written a master's thesis on Dr. Ward's 2008 book, Planet Narnia - The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis.

Michael is the author of several published works and scholarly articles about Lewis, the imagination, and theology. He has lectured in 30 of the 50 states, holds a doctorate of divinity from St. Andrews, and has made numerous radio, podcast, and television appearances. More on Michael's work can be found here and here.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Michael Ward with Eric Metaxas in conversation about Planet Narnia.

Michael and others from around the world reading from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Laura Miller's book mentioned in the broadcast. The Magician's Book - A Skeptic's Adventure in Narnia.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

35 Ouija Board Occult Gateway? The history and controversy (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In part 2 Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins continue their discussion on the Ouija Board,* a controversial but extremely popular best-seller made by game and toy maker Hasbro.® Some of the questions they explore include:

Is this a mere game or toy "for entertainment purposes" only?

Why did the inventer argue in court that communicating through his "talking board" was actually a religious practice?

Could it actually be a tool of the occult that allegedly allows a medium to contact the dead (necromancy), a practice clearly forbidden in the Bible (Deut. 18:10-12)?

Why did it take an IRS lawsuit appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court for the Ouija to be classified as a game?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Ouija Board Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_Ouija.pdf

Occult Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

* Introduction audio excerpt courtesy "The Home of Horror," Paranormal Witness (Season 1 Episode 5): A family's use of a Ouija board brings an evil entity into their home, YouTube, July 17, 2019: https://youtu.be/lucRKtuCjtU

34 Ouija Board Occult Gateway? The history and controversy (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss the Ouija Board, a controversial best-seller made by game and toy maker Hasbro®, from a Christian perspective. Some of the questions they address include:

Is this a mere game or toy "for entertainment purposes" only?

Why did the inventer argue in court that communicating through his "talking board" was actually a religious practice?

Could it actually be a tool of the occult that allegedly allows a medium to contact the dead (necromancy), a practice clearly forbidden in the Bible (Deut. 18:10-12)?

Why did it take an IRS lawsuit appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court for the Ouija to be classified as a game?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Ouija Board Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_Ouija.pdf

Occult Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

33 NXIVM Secret: Self-Help Group or Sex Slave Cult? - Brady Blevins interviews Frank Parlato

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Founded by Keith Raniere, a quasi-religious group called NXVIM (pronounced NEX-ee-um) has been in the headlines following the arrests of Raniere, Smallville TV actress Allison Mack, and other leaders on charges of sex trafficking. Prosecutors and the FBI alleged women were coerced and blackmailed by Mack and other leaders to have sex with the group’s founder. Victims also claim to have been called "slaves" and branded with the letters "KR," Keith Raniere's initials.

As more horrifying details emerged, investigators sought testimony from additional victims. "F.B.I. assistant director-in-charge William F. Sweeney called the operation a 'pyramid scheme' and asked for anyone who might have been a victim to come forward with any information."* Raniere, Mack and other leaders were subsequently convicted and imprisoned.

In this week's episode, our Senior Apologist, Dr. Brady Blevins, interviews Frank Parlato of the Frank Report, a former NXVIM insider who became a chief whistle-blower. His testimony, documentation and evidence aided in the FBI's investigation leading to the arrests, indictments and prison sentences.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

NXVIM Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/NXIVM.pdf

Frank Report by Frank Parlato: www.frankreport.com

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

* Hilary Weaver, “This Keith Raniere Sex-Cult Story Is Much Deeper Than Allison Mack’s Arrest,” Vanity Fair, April, 2018: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/allison-mack-arrested-in-connection-to-keith-raniere

32 The Enneagram Secret (Part 2) - James Walker interviews Marcia Montenegro and Don Veinot

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

How did an outdated New Age trend called the Enneagram become a wildly popular fad now sweeping through American Christianity? We address this phenomena in this week's Apologetics Profile. This is the final episode of our part two-part discussion on the Enneagram. This week we explore some additional questions related to the controversial history and practice of the Enneagram and the role played by one of its leading advocates, Richard Rohr.

Who were the real architects of the Enneagram?

What does Richard Rohr mean when he said that Christ is something "larger and older" than Jesus?

What is Panentheism and is it compatible with a biblical worldview?

Should the Enneagram be viewed as a harmless tool for personality assessment or does it pose a potential for spiritual danger?

Can God "redeem" the Enneagram from its occult roots for His own purposes?

To discuss these questions, James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, continues his interview with Marcia Montenegro and Don Veinot, two of the coauthors of the 2020 book, Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret. Marcia is also the author of our 4-page Profile on the Enneagram (see links below).

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Enneagram Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Enneagram.pdf

Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret by Marcia Montenegro, Don Veinot and Joy Veinot: www.watchman.org/RohrBook

Astrology Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

31 The Enneagram Secret (Part 1) - James Walker interviews Marcia Montenegro and Don Veinot

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

How did a New Age “spirit guide” named Metatron help inspire the Enneagram, a major fad currently sweeping American Christianity? This is just one of the questions we address in this week's episode of Apologetics Profile. In part one of this two-part podcast, we explore some preliminary subjects related to the Enneagram’s controversial history and practice:

What is the Enneagram and how does it work?

Is the Enneagram based on ancient, forgotten Christian practices or is it rooted in 20th century occultism?

Why has the Enneagram's secret origins made it so controversial?

Should Christians use the Enneagram as a spiritual path to their “true self”?

To discuss these questions, James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Marcia Montengro and Don Veinot, two of the coauthors of the 2020 book, Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret. Marcia is also the author of our 4-page Profile on the Enneagram (see links below).

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Enneagram Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Enneagram.pdf

Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret by Marcia Montenegro, Don Veinot and Joy Veinot: www.watchman.org/RohrBook

Astrology Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

30 Interview with Doug Groothuis, author of "Christian Apologetics" (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This week Daniel Ray continues his discussion with Christian apologist, philosopher and author, Dr. Douglas Groothuis about his book Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. This book is a popular textbook at Christian colleges and seminaries, was winner of the 2012 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit.

In part 2 of their discussion, Daniel and Doug explore some additional arguments for the Christian worldview put forward in the book and address some key questions:

Are some atheists arguing that the best explanation for much of the universe is that there is no explanation for it?

Should skepticism be the default position?

How can we creatively and wisely relate to people who seem to be far away from the gospel?

Why do Christians need to go beyond focusing on merely winning arguments?

Douglas Groothuis is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and Society of Christian Philosophers. Dr. Groothuis received a Ph.D. and a B.S. from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon. He is the author of ten books, including Truth Decay, Unmasking the New Age, On Jesus, On Pascal and In Defense of Natural Theology (coeditor and contributor). He has published two dozen academic articles in journals such as Religious Studies, Think, Inquiry, Sophia and Philosophia Christi.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2011), 752-pages: https://amzn.to/39olHDb

Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2000), 303-pages: https://amzn.to/30Gk3cb

Douglas Groothuis Website: https://douglasgroothuis.com/

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

29 Interview with Doug Groothuis, author of "Christian Apologetics" (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s discussion, Daniel Ray talks with Christian apologist, philosopher and author, Dr. Douglas Groothuis about his book Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. This book is a popular textbook at Christian colleges and seminaries, was winner of the 2012 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit.

In their discussion Daniel and Doug discuss some of the arguments for the Christian worldview put forward in the book and address some key questions:

Can the Christian worldview stand up to the experiences of human suffering?

How do we get from a defense of objective truth and the key arguments for God to a case for the credibility of Jesus, the incarnation and the resurrection?

Do alternative worldviews adequately explain morality?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2011), 752-pages: https://amzn.to/39olHDb

Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2000), 303-pages: https://amzn.to/30Gk3cb

Douglas Groothuis Website: https://douglasgroothuis.com/

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

28 Burning Man Festival - Is it a Religion? Part 2: Brady Blevins Interviews Steve Matthews

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This podcast is part two of a discussion about the significance and spiritual implications of an annual phenomena known as the Burning Man Festival.

Burning Man Festival is a huge outdoor event that began in 1986 that now attracts tens of thousands of participants, known as "Burners," who gather to experience everything from decadence, drugs and promiscuity to art, music, and spiritual transformation.

Is this a New Religion? It may be a mistake to characterize the festival as merely an opportunity for debauchery or an excuse to throw the ultimate wild party to end the summer. In some ways, Burning Man has begun to function as both a parody of religion as well as a surrogate for traditional religion.

Lee Gilmore, author of Theater in a Crowded Fire: Ritual and Spirituality at Burning Man, explained, that "the biggest [misconceptions] is to brand Burning Man as nothing more than a giant party rife with intoxicants, nudity, and bald hedonism." While acknowledging all those practices are part of the festival, they are not central to the ultimate experience that is at the very least "spiritual" if not a "semi-religious cultural happening."*

Listen in as Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship and Steve Matthews, author of our 4-page Profile on Burning Man, discuss some of the social, cultural and spiritual questions raised by Burning Man and other transformational festivals.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Burning Man Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/burningman.pdf

International Christian Church Profile by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileInternationalChristianChurch.pdf

World Mission Society Church of God Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_WMSCOG.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

* Lee Gilmore, "Burning Man: Religious Event or Sheer Hedonism?" Religion Dispatches, June 16, 2010, http://religiondispatches.org/burning-man-religious-event-or-sheer-hedonism/

Photo Credit: Andrew Wyatt, courtesy of burningman.org

27 Burning Man Festival - Is it a Religion? Part 1: Brady Blevins Interviews Steve Matthews

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This podcast is part one of a discussion about the significance and spiritual implications of an annual phenomena known as the Burning Man Festival.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Burning Man Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/burningman.pdf

International Christian Church Profile by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileInternationalChristianChurch.pdf

World Mission Society Church of God Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_WMSCOG.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

* Lee Gilmore, "Burning Man: Religious Event or Sheer Hedonism?" Religion Dispatches, June 16, 2010, http://religiondispatches.org/burning-man- religious-event-or-sheer-hedonism/

Photo Credit: NK Guy, www.dezeen.com

26 (Part 2) "What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus" with James Walker and Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Brady Blevins continues his discussion with Watchman Fellowship's president, James Walker, about his most recent book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus. Islam may be the geopolitical issue of our lifetime. This book encourages and equips Christians to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ with their Muslim coworkers, neighbors and friends.

James is an ordained Baptist minister and holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Theology from Criswell College. In addition to his work at Watchman Fellowship, he teaches as an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Arlington Baptist University. He is also cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, by James Walker (Harvest House, 240-pages) - Request a signed copy of the book here: www.watchman.org/Quran

Islam Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf

Debate on Video - James Walker Vs Khalil Meek "Jesus Christ Prophet of Allah or Savior of the World? On DVD and streaming video for ANY donation here: www.watchman.org/IslamDebate

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

25 (Part 1) "What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus" with James Walker and Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Brady Blevins talks with Watchman Fellowship's president, James Walker, about his most recent book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus. Islam may be the geopolitical issue of our lifetime. This book encourages and equips Christians to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ with their Muslim coworkers, neighbors and friends.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, by James Walker (Harvest House, 240-pages) - Request a signed copy of the book here: www.watchman.org/Quran

Islam Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf

Debate on Video - James Walker Vs Khalil Meek "Jesus Christ Prophet of Allah or Savior of the World? On DVD and streaming video for ANY donation here: www.watchman.org/IslamDebate

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

24 Rhyne Putman Interview Part 2: "When Doctrine Divides the People of God"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This episode is part 2 of Daniel Ray discussion with Dr. Rhyne Putman about his new book, When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity. Interpretations of the Bible and deeply held convictions often put Christians at odds. Where should we draw the line? Should we even draw lines? As evangelicals, we desire to be biblical — we want our doctrine to be rooted in the Bible, our lives to be guided by the Bible, and our disagreements to be resolved by the Bible. And yet, conflicts within our church communities continue to appear and seemingly multiply with time. Rhyne and Daniel explore some ways Christians can best demonstrate grace in disagreement while maintaining firmness in truth.

Rhyne Putman serves on the Board of Directors at Watchman Fellowship and is the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from Williams Baptist College, an M.Div., Th.M. and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). He has taught for over ten years at NOBTS where he serves as Associate Professor of Theology and Culture. Shortly after this interview was recorded, Dr. Putman announced that he would be returning to his alma mater, Williams Baptist University, as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Worldview Formation and Professor of Christian Ministries.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Richard Dawkins Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf

Bart Ehrman Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf

Sam Harris Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileSamHarris.pdf

Eckhart Tolle Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/eckharttolleprofile.pdf

When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity, by Rhyne Putman (available at Amazon.com in Paperback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3hfLO1J).

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

23 Rhyne Putman Interview Part 1: "When Doctrine Divides the People of God"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Rhyne Putman about his new book, When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity. Where should we draw the line? Should we even draw lines? As evangelicals, we desire to be biblical — we want our doctrine to be rooted in the Bible, our lives to be guided by the Bible, and our disagreements to be resolved by the Bible. And yet, conflicts within our church communities continue to appear and seemingly multiply with time. Interpretations of the Bible and deeply held convictions often put Christians at odds. Rhyne and Daniel discuss how Christians can best demonstrate grace in disagreement while maintaining firmness in truth.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Richard Dawkins Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf

Bart Ehrman Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf

Sam Harris Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileSamHarris.pdf

Eckhart Tolle Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/eckharttolleprofile.pdf

When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity, by Rhyne Putman (available at Amazon.com in Paperback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3hfLO1J).

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

22 Malcolm Guite Interview Part 2: COVID-19 and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

"It is an ancient Mariner,
And he stoppeth one of three.
'By thy long grey beard and glittering eye,
Now wherefore stopp'st thou me?'"

This is the opening stanza to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 1798 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, an epic saga of sin, remorse, regret and redemption set in the tale of an aged sailor, telling of his woes to someone about to enter into a wedding celebration.

Why poetry in the midst of a pandemic, though? What does Coleridge have to say to us in 2020?
Much in every way. In April of this year, several celebrities took turns reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner online (https://bit.ly/Ancient_Mariner). It was a surprising success. As The Atlantic noted in May (https://bit.ly/TheAtlanticMag), it is a poem written in 1798 for people in 2020. Though over two centuries removed from our own, there appears within Coleridge's verse a timeless resonance with our own turbulent times.

Indeed, poetry, parable, metaphor, and the imagination are absolutely essential for our ongoing defense of the Christian faith in the cultural darkness in which we find ourselves.

On part two of my discussion with Malcolm Guite, we talk more about Coleridge's influence on Guite's thought and the important role imagination plays in our conversations about everything from moonlight to the glory of God.

Malcolm Guite is an Anglican Priest and is the Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge where he also teaches for the Divinity Faculty. He lectures widely in England and North America on theology and literature. Mr. Guite has published poetry, theology, and literary criticism, and worked as a librettist. His books include Word in the Wilderness, Faith, Hope and Poetry: Theology and the Poetic Imagination, and Mariner: A Voyage with Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Malcolm Guite Blog: https://bit.ly/GuiteBlog

A Spell in the Library, Malcolm Guite's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/MalcolmGuite

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Poetry Foundation: https://bit.ly/SamuelColeridge

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

21 Malcolm Guite Interview Part 1: The Role of Imagination in Defending the Christian Faith

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What role does the faculty of the imagination play in our defense of the Christian faith? Is the imagination inferior to logic and reason or is it a needful aspect in our engagement with contemporary culture?

Consider the incredible popularity of the movies and TV drama series. We are storytellers, image bearers of our Creator, who delight in creating, whether it be stories, buildings, automobiles, or works of art or literature, we are constantly using our imagination, often without thinking about it.
On this episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray speaks with poet, priest, and author Malcolm Guite about the necessity of the imagination in cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world that God has created and for the way God communicates with us.
In part one, we talk about how Malcolm became interested in poetry as a child and how the poetry and philosophy of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge played an integral role in Malcolm coming to faith in Christ.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Malcolm Guite Blog: https://bit.ly/GuiteBlog

A Spell in the Library, Malcolm Guite's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/MalcolmGuite

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Poetry Foundation: https://bit.ly/SamuelColeridge

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

20 Rob Bowman Interview Part 2: “Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions”

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Dr. Robert M. Bowman Jr., by discussing his most recent book which compares some of the foundational truth claims of Christianity with those of Mormonism. Published earlier this year, Rob's book, Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, compares the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection with the evidence for Joseph’s visions. Bowman demonstrates how the historical data confirm the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and that the accounts of Joseph Smith’s visions are historically unreliable.

For Mormons who have doubts about their religion, this podcast will help them find a more reliable basis for faith in Christ. For Christians, this episode should provide a fresh angle on the historical evidence for the truth of Christianity.

Robert Bowman is a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship and the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from California State University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Word Faith Movement Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/wordfaithprofile.pdf

The Shack Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/shackprofile.pdf

Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman Jr. (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/2YKeecD)

Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, by Robert M. Bowman Jr.: https://amzn.to/2zHH2Kz

Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, by Robert Bowman Jr. and Ed Komoszewski (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3d5KqMU)

The Faith Thinker, Dr. Bowman's Blog: https://robertbowman.net/

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

19 Rob Bowman Interview Part 1: “Faith Has Its Reasons”

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Robert M. Bowman Jr., coauthor of the book Faith Has Its Reasons. In part one, they discuss the four major approaches to Christian apologetics laid out in this book. These four basic categories are Classical, Evidential, Reformed, and Fedeist. Does faith have its reasons? Why Christians believe and how they share that faith with nonbelievers is largely determined which kind of apologetics they embrace. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?

Rob Bowman is a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship and the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from California State University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary.

Dr. Bowman's latest book, Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism (2020), is the subject of part two of this interview featured in next week's podcast. Stay tuned!

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf

Word Faith Movement Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/wordfaithprofile.pdf

The Shack Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/shackprofile.pdf

Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman Jr. (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/2YKeecD)

Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, by Robert M. Bowman Jr.: https://amzn.to/2zHH2Kz

Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, by Robert Bowman Jr. and Ed Komoszewski (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3d5KqMU)

The Faith Thinker, Dr. Bowman's Blog: https://robertbowman.net/

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

18 Justin Bass Part 2: Author of "The Bedrock of Christianity"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray continues his conversation with Justin Bass about his 2020 book, The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection.

Dr. Bass completed his undergraduate degree at SMU’s Cox School of Business then earned a ThM in Theology and a PhD in New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently works at an NGO in Amman, Jordan serving Christian and Muslim refugees fleeing ISIS. He is also professor of New Testament at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) and author of The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection(2020), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JustinBassBk

The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld (2014), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JBassBook2

Justin Bass, “Why Western Intellectuals Are Dreaming Christian Dreams,” The Gospel Coalition, (May 15, 2020), https://uhop.me/JustinBassGC

Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), Amman, Jordan: www.jets.edu

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

17 Justin Bass Part 1: Author of "The Bedrock of Christianity"

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray, staff apologist of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Dr. Justin Bass, author of The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. Dr. Bass completed his undergraduate degree at SMU’s Cox School of Business then earned a ThM in Theology and a PhD in New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently works at an NGO in Amman, Jordan serving Christian and Muslim refugees fleeing ISIS. He is also professor of New Testament at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) and author of The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld.

In part one of this interview, Justin recounts his unexpected journey to belief in Christ, his passion to defend the Christian faith, and his calling to serve and teach in the middle east.

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection(2020), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JustinBassBk

The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld (2014), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JBassBook2

Justin Bass, “Why Western Intellectuals Are Dreaming Christian Dreams,” The Gospel Coalition, (May 15, 2020), https://uhop.me/JustinBassGC

Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), Amman, Jordan: www.jets.edu

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

16 Gary Habermas Interview: The Enigma of Near Death Experiences

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, James Walker and Daniel Ray interview Dr. Gary Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy at Liberty University. The conversation explores some of the mysteries and controversy surrounding Near Death Experiences (NDE).

Dr. Habermas is a Christian apologist who is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has also studied the phenomena of NDE – human consciousness and awareness experienced in subjects during clinical death followed by resuscitation. This podcast unpacks some of the latest developments in the emerging field of NDE studies and address some provocative questions, including:

What is Near Death Experience?

Is the field of NDE studies somehow related to resurrection scholarship?

Can virtually all NDE accounts be explained by either hallucination or fraud?

While most NDEs are “unevidenced,” what are some documented examples of “evidenced” NDE reports?

How trustworthy and consistent are the “evidenced” NDE accounts that are being documented in the current literature?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources:

VIDEO — You may also watch this Podcast here: www.watchman.org/NDE

Beyond Death, by Gary Habermas and J.P. Moreland: https://amzn.to/3dgj5bJ

In Defense of Miracles, by R. Douglas Geivett and Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/2Xf5A6v

Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, by Greg Keener: https://amzn.to/3epe294

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

15 Sandra Tanner, Great-Great-Granddaughter of Brigham Young with James Walker (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, James Walker continues his interview with Sandra Tanner, great-great-granddaughter of the Mormon Prophet Brigham Young. Sandra left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became an evangelical Christian. She and her late husband, Jerald, have been recognized as some of the world's leading critics of early Mormon history and theology. Together, they founded Utah Lighthouse Ministry in downtown Salt Lake City, a Christian outreach to Latter-day Saints that Sandra directs.

PART 2 of 2 - The Changing World of Mormonism: In part two of this interview, James and Sandra discuss some of the major changes in the doctrines and scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why were all black people denied entrance into the Mormon temple before 1978?

When and why did Mormons discontinue the doctrine of polygamy or "plural wives"?

When did "Mormon" become a bad word to Latter-day Saints?

What are some of the other recent changes in LDS practices and policies?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources from Watchman Fellowship and Utah Lighthouse Ministry:

Watchman Fellowship's Profile on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf

Utah Lighthouse Ministry: www.utlm.org

Witnessing to Mormons with the Book of Mormon -- James Walker speaking at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfgURrzhdmc

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

14 Sandra Tanner, Great-Great-Granddaughter of Brigham Young with James Walker (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, James Walker interviews Sandra Tanner, a great-great-granddaughter of the Mormon Prophet Brigham Young. Sandra left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became an evangelical Christian. She and her late husband, Jerald, have been recognized as some of the world's leading critics of early Mormon history and theology. Together, they founded Utah Lighthouse Ministry in downtown Salt Lake City, a Christian outreach to Latter-day Saints that Sandra directs.

PART 1 of 2 - Sandra Tanner's Testimony: In part one of this interview, Sandra chronicles her amazing journey from Mormonism to Christianity. What caused her to have a crisis of faith? Why did she ultimately decide to leave? What does she believe now?

BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources from Watchman Fellowship and Utah Lighthouse Ministry:

Watchman Fellowship's Profile on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf

Utah Lighthouse Ministry: www.utlm.org

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

13 Psychics: Dead Men Talking? with Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray (Part 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 25 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss psychic divination and necromancy (communication with the dead) from a Christian perspective.

PART 2 of 2: Why does the Bible forbid communication with the dead? How do psychics apparently know so many details about their clients deceased family members? Psychics often rely on fakery but can they in some cases make actual contact with real, evil beings?

BONUS PROFILES: Watchman Fellowship has published a collection of our 4-page Profiles critiquing popular psychics in contemporary culture. We are making them all available along with some related content for free this month here:

Psychics: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/psychicsprofile.pdf

Occult: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf

Channeling: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/channelingprofile.pdf

John Edward: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/johnedwardprofile.pdf

James Van Praagh: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileVanPraagh.pdf

Long Island Medium: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileLongIslandMedium.pdf

Kelly and Michael Clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzxCkGxipyI

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

12 Psychics: Dead Men Talking? with Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray (Part 1)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 18 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss psychic divination and necromancy (communication with the dead) from a Christian perspective.

PART 1 of 2: Why does the Bible forbid communication with the dead? How do psychics apparently know so many details about their clients deceased family members? Psychics often rely on fakery but can they in some cases make actual contact with real, evil beings?

Psychics: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/psychicsprofile.pdf

Occult: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf

Channeling: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/channelingprofile.pdf

John Edward: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/johnedwardprofile.pdf

James Van Praagh: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileVanPraagh.pdf

Long Island Medium: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileLongIslandMedium.pdf

Kelly and Michael Clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzxCkGxipyI

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

11 Who Are the Black Hebrew Israelites? with Rich Day and Daniel Ray

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, interviews Rich Day about the controversial religious group known as the Black Hebrew Israelites. Recently under fire by the media, the group has been linked, probably unfairly, to last year's Jersey City shooting. The history and theology behind this loosely connected collection of organizations is fascinating and certainly unorthodox. Rich Day gives you a Christian critique of the background and insights into their unusual beliefs.

BONUS: Rich Day has also authored our 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the movement. We are making it available for free this month here: www.watchman.org/files/ProfileBlackHebrewIsraelites.pdf.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

10 Cosmos TV Series: A Christian Perspective with Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 04 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, presents a Christian critique of the controversial television series Cosmos originally featuring Carl Sagan and now hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. The original 1980s series was arguably the most influential and popular documentary on PBS. The current edition, with deGrasse Tyson, an outspoken atheist, is premiering now on National Geographic Television and airing later on the Fox network. Daniel give a Christian critique of Cosmos highlighting some aspects of the series believers may find some common ground and identifying presuppositions and truth claims that are in opposition to a biblical worldview.

VIDEO: This podcast was recorded before a live audience and is also available by video here: www.watchman.org/PodcastPlayerCosmos.htm.

BONUS: Daniel Ray has also authored a 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Cosmos TV Series available free here: www.watchman.org/files/ProfileCosmos.pdf.

BOOK: Daniel Ray is author of the book, The Story of the Cosmos, available here: www.watchman.org/store/general-topics-doctrine/the-story-of-the-cosmos/

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Become part of the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1. Become a Patreon here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

09 How Do We Practice Gracious Philosophy? - Dr. Tim McGrew Interview (Part 2 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Whether we recognize it or not, everyone is a philosopher. Our assumptions about reality, truth and life itself are based on the foundation of our underlying philosophies. For believers, we should diligently seek a personal philosophy that is sound, consistent and grounded in a biblical worldview. Beyond that, a good Christian philosophy is one that is also characterized by grace.

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Christian philosopher, Dr. Tim McGrew. They discuss every believer's responsibility to develop a Christian philosophy that is both sound and gracious. This is one way we love the Lord our God all our minds (Luke 10:27) and in doing so we ultimately glorify God.

The interview takes place at the 2020 Defend apologetics conference on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McGrew earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University in 1992 and is currently a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. His teaching interests include:

Epistemology

History and philosophy of science

Philosophical applications of probability

Philosophy of religion

BONUS: In March of 2018, Tim was also the guest author at Watchman Fellowship's Atheist & Christian Book Club (www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com). The book club is a monthly gathering in Arlington, Texas of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. All clubs are also live streamed on Facebook Live. You can watch Tim McGrew's full book club here: https://vimeo.com/406917816

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Become part of the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1. Become a Patreon here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

08 Why Do Bad Times Call For Good Philosophy? - Dr. Tim McGrew Interview (Part 1 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In times of deep personal crisis, we are often tempted to postpone or abandon our quest for biblical understanding and godly wisdom. We simply don't have time for such noble pursuits when we are in survival mode. But that reaction is dangerous as it focuses our attention on the fear of the circumstances and off the face of the Savior.

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray begins his conversation with Christian philosopher, Dr. Tim McGrew, on the reason everyone does philosophy and why every believer should strive to develop a solid Christian philosophy to the glory of God -- especially during difficult times.

The interview takes place at the Defend apologetics conference on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McGrew completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University in 1992 and is currently a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. His teaching interests include:

Epistemology

History and philosophy of science

Philosophical applications of probability

Philosophy of religion

BONUS: Tim was also interviewed for one of our meetings of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com) to respond to Bart Ehrman's book, Jesus Interrupted. You can watch that interview here:

VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 1 (12-min.): https://vimeo.com/249968983

VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 2 (8-min.): https://vimeo.com/249969201

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

07 The Supremacy of Scripture - Dylan Manley Interview (Part 2 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Dylan Manley focusing on the preeminence of Scripture in apologetics and ministry. Known as the Bearded Apologist, Dylan Manley has served in student ministry for almost 20 years. He is a popular speaker and author of youth discipleship curricula. He is currently completing a Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Seminary on the question "What are the fundamental differences between evangelical Christianity and Mormon theological terminology in the 21st Century?"

Daniel and Dylan address several critical theological and apologetics topics and answer some key questions:

What roll does the Bible play in Christian apologetics?

What are some ways doubt can be a tool that ultimately builds faith in God and His Word?

How can times of grief, crisis, or doubt become opportunities of ministry, comfort, and sharing the gospel?

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

06 The Benefit of Doubt - Dylan Manley Interview (Part 1 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

06 The Benefit of Doubt - Dylan Manley Interview (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray, staff apologist with Watchman Fellowship, sits down with Dylan Manley in part one of a two part interview. Known as the Bearded Apologist, Dylan Manley has served in student ministry for almost 20 years. He is a popular speaker and author of youth discipleship curricula. His mission is to help students and adults have a better understanding of what they believe about their faith and the Bible as well as why they believe those things.

Can doubting their faith actually become a benefit for Christian students?

What are the main factors that can turn doubts into strengthened faith?

Stay tuned as Daniel and Dylan discuss some ways to encourage Christians who are navigating doubt when challenged by competing ideologies and worldviews.

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

05 What Are the Marks of a Cult? with Brady Blevins (Part 2 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

"What are the four marks of a cult?" In this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his interview with Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on this question. In part one, they addressed the first two "marks" -- Addition and Subtraction. In this episode, they conclude their discussion by exploring the last two "marks" or "patterns" found in cults -- Multiplication and Division.

How do religions MULTIPLY the requirements of salvation?
In what ways do cults DIVIDE their followers' loyalties?

BONUS: Get your free copy of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile "Patterns in the Cults" here: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdf

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help support this podcast, become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

04 What Are the Marks of a Cult? with Brady Blevins (Part 1 of 2)

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:00:01 +0000

"What are the four marks of a cult?" In this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray interviews Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on this question. In part one of this two-part podcast, we discuss the definition of the word "cult" and explore the first two "marks" or "patterns" found in cults -- Addition and Subtraction.

What does it mean for a religion to ADD to God's word?
In what ways do cults SUBTRACT from Jesus?

BONUS: Watch James Walker's interview with Branch Davidian cult survivor, Clive Doyle, 25 years after the Waco, Texas gunbattle, standoff and tragic fire that killed most of the members. Watch here: www.watchman.org/Clive

FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

SUPPORT: Help support this podcast, become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship
For more information, visit www.watchman.org
© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

03 Miracle Caught on Tape? The Duane Miller Interview

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 21:07:13 +0000

Is this a modern miracle actually recorded on tape? Doctors gave Pastor Duane Miller no hope that his voice could be saved. Then the impossible happened - caught on tape - in the middle of reading a Bible verse. Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Duane Miller for this issue of Apologetics Profile. Are miracles possible? Does God still heal?

Video Option: You may also watch this podcast here: www.watchman.org/Pod

Help us create more content like this. Become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

02 What Is Apologetics? with Brady Blevins

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 19:02:21 +0000

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray interviews Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on the question "What is Apologetics?" The future of Christianity has always been evangelism. Find out why the future of evangelism may stand or fall on Christian apologetics. Are you ready to defend the Christian Faith?

We are offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Help make these podcasts possible. Become a Patreon for as little as $1: www.Patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

01 Welcome to Apologetics Profile with James Walker

James Walker and Daniel Ray — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 23:03:07 +0000

In this inaugural episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel interviews Watchman Fellowship president James Walker. So, why this podcast? We discuss what a Watchman "Profile" is and how Apologetics Profile help equip you to be "salt and light."

We are offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free

Help make these podcasts possible. Become a Patreon for as little as $1: www.Patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship