This is an older video, but a great one. For those of you who do not know, Faith Under Fire, hosted by Lee Strobel, was a weekly religious-debate show that used to air on the PAX network. It has been off the air for years now, but the material has begun to come out as group studies (see the Amazon link to the right). Enjoy, but disregard the title that says it’s William Lane Craig. It’s really Greg Koukl!
My name is Richard Smolenski and I am a theologian in training. I have an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University and an M.A. in Religion (Biblical Studies), and an M.Div. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty Seminary.
Prudent Musings Copyright © 2007-2010 Richard Smolenski. All Rights Reserved.
Interesting. The guys are smart. Dang, I have no idea what I believe but I do know that Christianity and the bible seem far fetched and unreal to me and when I go to church I don’t feel really good about humanity and I don’t feel more in touch with the higher power. That’s why I listen to what Deepak Chopra has to say. But geesh I don’t get all of this and don’t know what to think! Don’t know where to start. But interesting. Some of what each says makes sense. I find it hard (I’m uneducated, haven’t read the bible and don’t go to church often) to believe in Christ being what ppl say he is/was and all that happened and that we need to do this and that and after all these years things are only worse. I find it hard to beleive that we are put here to have all of these hard times, wether we believe in God or not, and that we are supposed to be appologetic of it. I find it hard to believe that we were put here and God knowing that things were going to be like this but let it, all because someone ate an apple from a tree. It just seems like bullshit and I ‘d like to know more so I can figure out which way to believe. I want to study whichever way I choose to believe but I don’t know which way. Both interesting arguements but i just dont think that the Christianity way is the truth the way it’s said to be. But I haven’t been deeply into, party bec I don’t believe. You know what I’m saying?
One thing God doesn’t interfere with is our free will. He didn’t make us as robots.. A few years ago I put my trust in Jesus Christ and my life hasn’t been the same since. A relationship with God isn’t about do’s and don’ts! By having faith in Christ our lives change drastically and we start to desire the change that God has for us.
I also found that the bible actually has historical, archaeological, and prophetic accuracy beyond human capabilities. Jesus did not come to condemn but to save… and as Jesus said: “people loved the darkness rather then the light because their deeds were evil”… You must consider why we’re in hard times.. the real question is then, why are we the way we are? Has God made a way?
The most imprtant step to knowing God is by seeing your need for Him. If you are at that point in your life, don’t wait. We all were born with sin, but God is just and loves you so much that He sent His son for you in your place: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that all who believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jhn. 3:16) Jesus said: And it shall come to pass [That] whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’ (Acts 2:21)
Good websites for deeper study:
gty.org
ariel.org/amds.htm
saintsalive.com
Hrmm that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wanted to say that it’s nice to know that someone else also mentioned this as I had trouble finding the same info elsewhere. This was the first place that told me the answer. Thanks.
I must say you have a cool post. This hit the spot and then some! Thanks for posting this and sharing it with the world. I’ve just bookmarked your site. And I will check back soon to read your other articles. Keep up your awesome work.
Deepak encourages people to embrace uncertainty. My question is… why does one have to wallow around being uncertain? God gave us His Word through the Scriptures and sent his only beloved Son to be our Saviour as payment for our sins so that those who believe in him (not just through some mere leap of faith) will have everlasting life for He is “the way, the truth, and the life”, and “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”(Christ). [emphasis added]
Deepak says that he doesn’t believe in sin. He calls it ignorance. I think most people would generally think that “ignorance” is the act or thought of not actively seeking truth because the term is defined as “lack of knowledge, education, or awareness “. Why is there such a lack to begin with? Because he, and other like him, refuse to believe in the Word of God. That is pretty much being ignorant… the very thing he says he is working towards not being. It IS definitely a denial of the ONE(yet triune) True God.
Satan loves views as like the one shared by Mr. Chopra, but then maybe Deepak is also uncertain about the existence of Satan as well? I know it is an oxymoron to say that Satan “loves”, but I don’t mean the word love to be used as being synonymous to that of what Jesus showed to us and spoke of. Naturally, I mean it more along the line of desire and lust.
@Tony above, I suggest that you seek out sound doctrine and churches. No, not all churches teach sound doctrine. Some are actually very far off, which is just as harmful. As Greg mentioned in the debate, study the reason why a certain church places faith in their beliefs. If their basis is “uncertain” or not sound as a rock, then that should be enough to be a red flag. Jesus Christ established the church upon a rock… meaning, with sound foundation… truth. We all know what happens to a house if it is built on a false/bad foundation. I suggest you get yourself a Bible (I personally like my King James study companion Bible because of the Greek translational fixes and notes) and find individuals who are well learned in theology, history, language, etc… to help you understand what it is that you are reading. It’s one thing to read something and another to understand/comprehend it with wisdom.
Sorry Deepak, but you sir appear to me to be lacking of wisdom and understanding. I shall pray for you.
Proverbs 2
“1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.