324 episodes

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

Apologetics 315 Podcast Defenders Media

    • Christianity

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

    137 - Rethinking Hell with Chris Date

    137 - Rethinking Hell with Chris Date

    In this episode, Brian and Chad interview Chris Date about his view on conditional immortality, which is the idea that the final punishment of the wicked is death and total destruction rather than eternal conscious torment. Chris provides an overview of the two contrasting views and shares his journey of how he became convinced of annihilationism after originally believing in eternal conscious torment.

    He then dives into key biblical texts that are often used to argue for eternal torment, such as Mark 9:48, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 14:9-11, and Jude 7, demonstrating how these passages can actually better support conditionalism. Chris also makes a concise case for his view by looking at biblical evidence on immortality, the vision of eternity, substitutionary atonement, and the fate of the wicked described as death and destruction.

    For more resources from Chris on this topic, check out the Rethinking Hell website
    www.rethinkinghell.com
     
    and YouTube channel
    https://www.youtube.com/@RethinkingHell

    as well as Chris' personal website at https://chrisdate.info

     While Chris hopes listeners will consider his perspective, his ultimate desire is for unity in the body of Christ despite differences on this non-essential doctrine.

    ================================

    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 1 hr 23 min
    136 - Rescuing Inerrancy with Hugh Ross

    136 - Rescuing Inerrancy with Hugh Ross

    In this episode, Dr. Hugh Ross joins Brian Auten and Chad Gross to discuss his book "Rescuing Inerrancy: A Scientific Defense." Dr. Ross, an astrophysicist and Christian apologist, explains how modern scientific discoveries actually strengthen the case for biblical inerrancy rather than undermining it. He argues against the notion that science forces a redefinition of inerrancy, showing how the latest findings in fields like genetics and cosmology align with a literal, historical interpretation of the Bible's creation texts. Dr. Ross' book is available at https://a315.co/3xfWniE


    A major focus of the discussion is the debate around human origins and the historical existence of Adam and Eve. Dr. Ross presents scientific evidence supporting the descent of all humanity from an original couple created by God, refuting claims that genetic diversity requires a larger founding population. He also discusses William Lane Craig's model positing Adam living hundreds of thousands of years ago and explains why he sees this as inconsistent with biblical and scientific data pointing to a more recent origin of humanity during the last ice age.

    The conversation covers other important topics like Dr. Ross' moderate concordist approach to harmonizing science and Scripture, the influence of Old Testament scholar John Walton's "Lost World" writings, and the nature of Noah's Flood which Dr. Ross sees as regional rather than global based on exegetical and scientific considerations. Listeners are encouraged to explore Dr. Ross' other resources at https://reasons.org including his forthcoming book on Noah's Flood. The podcast reminds Christians that modern science can be a powerful evangelistic tool when properly understood.

    ================================
    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 55 min
    135 - Bullies and Saints with John Dickson

    135 - Bullies and Saints with John Dickson

    Historian Dr. John Dickson joins the show to discuss his book, Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History.

    Dickson provides an insightful, nuanced perspective on some of the most controversial episodes in Christian history, from the Crusades to the Galileo affair. He argues that while Christians have certainly made grave mistakes throughout history, the influence of Christianity has also been profoundly positive, pioneering hospitals, abolitionism, and education.

    Dickson is candid about the church's failures but also highlights inspiring figures like Eligius, Gregory of Nyssa, and the courageous early Christian martyrs. He aims to provide an objective account that combats overly negative portrayals of Christian history while also avoiding Christian triumphalism.
    Key topics discussed include Constantine's role in the Christianization of Rome, myths about the "Dark Ages," the confident humility of early Christian martyrs, myths surrounding Galileo's persecution, and more.

    Dickson provides illuminating historical context and thoughtful analysis of these complex issues. His book provides a thoughtful corrective to biased accounts on both sides, appealing to secular and religious readers alike.

    Links:

    * Bullies and Saints book

    * John Dickson's website

    * Dickson's Undeceptions podcast

    ================================
    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 47 min
    134 - Deconstruction with Alisa Childers

    134 - Deconstruction with Alisa Childers

    In this episode, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Alisa Childers about the topic of deconstruction, and unpack ideas discussed in her newest book: The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond co-authored with Tim Barnett.
    https://a315.co/3SmCWvp

    The podcast focuses on the faith deconstruction movement that is becoming more popular, especially among young people. Alisa Childers explains that deconstruction involves re-examining and often dismantling one's childhood faith. It stems from postmodern philosophy which questions whether objective truth exists, especially when it comes to religion and morality. Deconstruction sees things like biblical authority and sexual ethics as oppressive tools used by the church. Social media plays a big role by providing an online community that affirms and celebrates people's decisions to deconstruct and leave their faith.

    Childers notes that a crisis of faith or negative church experience can trigger deconstruction, especially if someone lacks a deep personal relationship with Christ. Intellectual doubts can often be resolved through study and apologetics resources, but emotional doubts driven by trauma or wounds may need counseling. For those with deconstructing loved ones, she advises understanding the philosophical roots of the movement, resisting heated arguments, and providing a loving presence while avoiding compromise on biblical truth. Parents of deconstructing teens can limit social media access to help them detox from harmful online influence.

    The church can reduce triggers for deconstruction by addressing spiritual abuse issues and improving biblical discipleship. Megachurches focused on growth sometimes fail to adequately shepherd members. Childers encourages honest doubting and questioning within a biblical framework, not rejecting scriptural authority. Christians should handle crises of faith by examining the roots of their doubt, pursuing truth with courage and humility, and leaning on the Holy Spirit for guidance during struggles.
    ================================
    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 42 min
    133 - 2023 Wrap Up

    133 - 2023 Wrap Up

    This special end-of-year episode features hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross reflecting on 14 years of podcasting. They announce some changes coming in 2023, including less frequent but more focused episodes centered on topics they are passionate about. They also share lessons learned over 300+ episodes, like the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, asking good questions, and clearly explaining complex subjects.

    The hosts reminisce about memorable past guests. They discuss what makes some lesser-known thinkers stand out for their clarity and approachability.

    A lighthearted segment features their top 10 list of real excuses guests have used over the years to reschedule interviews, ranging from missed flights to scheduled gardening appointments.

    Looking ahead, Brian and Chad are excited to continue equipping listeners to understand their faith, think critically about issues, and winsomely engage others.

    They welcome ideas for future guests and topics of interest to guide their 2023 episodes.
    Feedback and suggestions can be sent to podcast@apologetics315.com.
    ================================
    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 57 min
    132 - Divine Hiddenness with Michael Jones

    132 - Divine Hiddenness with Michael Jones

    In this episode, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Michael Jones of the Inspiring Philosophy YouTube channel.

    They discuss the problem of divine hiddenness - the idea that if God existed, he would make his existence clearly evident to everyone, yet there are many non-resistant nonbelievers who earnestly seek God but do not find convincing evidence of his existence. This is seen as evidence against God's existence.

    Michael provides an overview of the divine hiddenness argument, explaining key concepts like "non-resistant nonbelievers." He argues that the idea of truly non-resistant nonbelievers is questionable, since human psychology tends to defend our beliefs. Michael also discusses assumptions made about God's nature in the argument, and that God's goal may not be to convince everyone of basic theism but to create "cognitively robust theism" - loving God for the right reasons. They also touch on related issues like the difference between divine hiddenness and the problem of evil.

    Michael gives advice for those struggling with doubts from divine hiddenness - to focus on studying the evidence for Jesus' resurrection, living out the gospel message of selflessness, and recognizing our own sin and need for a savior. He recommends resources for further study like books by Paul Moser and Tim Stratton.

    Further resources…
    Inspiring Philosophy YouTube Channel:
    www.youtube.com/@InspiringPhilosophy

    Inspiring Philosophy Website:
    www.inspiringphilosophy.org

    Why does God Hide? - https://a315.co/47u2htn

    Michael Jones vs. Tyler Vela: “Why Does God Hide?” - https://a315.co/3Qxuadj

    ================================
    We appreciate your feedback.
    If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
    You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
    And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com

    • 46 min

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