Christian Freedoms At Risk!

Apr. 20, 2010 - Two current issues challenge the freedom of Christian expression. The first is a Supreme Court case, Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. If they loose, the Christian Legal Society's (CLS) on-campus chapter at Hastings College of the Law (University of California)cannot make its leaders sign a statement of faith to abstain from "unrepentant participation in or advocacy of a sexually immoral lifestyle."

The second issue is a U.S. House of Representatives measure, called the Employment Non-Discrimination Act or "ENDA." The bill would forbid employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. If passed, the law would require Christian churches and businesses with 15 employees or more to hire homosexuals and others whose belief system do not correspond to the views of the Christian organization.

Details are given in the following articles:

The End of Religious Freedom? - Christianity Today

Could Gay Protections Trump Religious Freedom? - CBN

Let's Argue the Truth of Our Ideas
Dr. John Mark Reynolds - The Torrey Honors Institute

Mar. 1, 2010 - Dr. Reynolds explains that American foreign policy treats religion as if it were a matter of opinion, and therefore not necessary to consider in their deliberations. He says,

We think we are being kind to religions to ignore them in the market-place-of-ideas, but the reality is that it too often allows people's real concerns and reasons for their opinions to go unaddressed.

He explains that an effective negotiator will begin by learning what his opposite believes. He should consider whether his foe might be right. If he is sure that his own beliefs are right he should argue his position, and negotiate so that two groups that disagree may still live in peace.

Source: Crosswalk

Happy Heretic Hunting!

Aug. 3, 2009 - This is reprint of an article by Jim Rogers, a minister who writes weekly messages called "R-Tickles" for the Herald Citizen in Cookeville, Tn.

It is a humorous piece about the over-zealous critics of our generation. They boldly attack all who may disagree with them about minor issues. Jim quips,"My weapons are a sharp tongue, a dull intellect and a hyper-critical mind-set. I'm a heretic hunter."

I know; you’re waiting for me to define heresy. Here it is. Mark it well. Take it to the bank. Heresy is any belief contrary to mine. Now, while that may seem simple, to me it is profound.

The problem with many modern witch-hunters is that they ignore Proverbs 6:16-18. It says,

"There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers."

Source: Crosswalk

Being a Teacher of the Nations

June 17, 2009 - Knowing Christ Today, a new book by Dallas Willard argues that pastors need to rise to a higher role as "Teacher of the Nations." Our culture says, "Don't impose your values on me." But they don't say, "Don't impose your zoology or algebra or calculation of interest rates on me." The reality of right and wrong is not being taught by universities, the media, pop psychology, or corporations. The need of this generation is for pastors to be equipped with Bible knowledge and to be powerful teachers of morality.

Source: John Ortberg - Christianity Today

The Changing Face of Apologetics

June 12, 2009 - In the new book, The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk with People about Jesus, Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg explain that the traditional methods of evangelism and apologetics do not work anymore.

Josh McDowell had a powerful ministry on college campuses, describing why it is intellectually reasonable to trust the Bible. Gradually the crowds shrank, and he didn't know why. So he switched a story approach. He explains why and how his life was changed by becoming a Christian. Strobel says,

That's what my ministry is about. I tell my story: I was an atheist. I scoffed. My wife became a Christian. It prompted me to investigate. Here's the evidence I found, how I received Christ, the difference it's made. It's a story.

He also recommends small evangelistic groups like The Alpha Course and Neighborhood Bible Studies to reach non-believers in a personal way.

Source: Christianity Today

Christianity: Declining or Growing?

Easter, 2009 - The secular media made its annual attack on Christianity last week, led by Newsweek' Cover story: The Decline and Fall of Christianity in America. Fox News joined Christian commentators on the issue all week, and publicized a new book called "God is Back: How the Global Revival of Faith is Changing the World." - Full Story

Why Apologetics? Reasons for Defending the Faith

- By Norman L. Geisler, Ph.D.
Dr. Geisler gives biblical and philosophical reasons why we should defend our Christian beliefs. He explains that it helps people decide to believe in Christ.

Source: Focus on the Family

Questions And Links For Apologetics

What is apologetics?

Definition from Biola Christian Apologetics Program. This page also includes a list of reasons why one would want to study apologetics.

What apologetics events are coming up in the near future?

Events scheduled by Biola's Christian Apologetics Program

"Apologetics"- Conservapedia

ABOUT APOLOGETICS - List of Apologetics sites from Apologetics Central

Apologetics in YouTube