Dazed & Apologized

Parkwood Baptist Church

We are excited to introduce a new Parkwood podcast called “Dazed & Apologized,” in which we navigate culture’s questions with faith and reason.  Join Pastor Scott as he hosts a new episode each week this summer.  

  1. 14 // How Do I Explain the Trinity? - Part 1

    10/03/2024

    14 // How Do I Explain the Trinity? - Part 1

    In this enlightening episode of "Dazed & Apologized," **Pastor Scott Hand** delves into the profound and often misunderstood doctrine of the Trinity. The episode, rich with theological insights, seeks to clarify the complexities surrounding the belief in a triune God by defining key terms and addressing common objections. Pastor Scott brings a pragmatic approach, his explanations underscored by centuries of theological discourse. The episode explores the foundational definition of the Trinity, emphasizing its uniqueness and the challenges inherent in fully comprehending an infinite God. Pastor Scott methodically critiques popular analogies and highlights their limitations, advocating instead for a Scripture-based understanding. Highlighting passages like Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:14, he demonstrates the biblical basis for the Trinity, countering objections about the term’s absence in the Bible. The episode also previews a deeper dive into the deity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, promising a thorough exploration in the subsequent installment. ### Key Takeaways: * **Definition of the Trinity**: God is one in essence, three in persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is both a theological mystery and a foundational Christian belief. * **Common Objections Addressed**: Pastor Scott explains why the term 'Trinity' not being in the Bible doesn't invalidate the doctrine, using historical context and other theological terms coined later. * **Biblical Basis**: Scripture passages, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17), provide strong evidence for the Trinitarian belief. * **Flawed Analogies**: Analogies like the triangle, water states, and personal roles are discussed, revealing their inadequacies in fully capturing the essence of the Trinity. * **Practical Advice**: Christians should deepen their understanding of Trinitarian doctrines by studying scripture and engaging in thoughtful discussions to effectively communicate the belief in the Trinity. ### Notable Quotes: 1. "We cannot fully comprehend the Trinity because we cannot fully comprehend God." 2. "The word Trinity is not found in the Bible. But, its absence hardly discredits the doctrine." 3. "Every act of God is accomplished by the Trinity in unity." 4. "We must educate ourselves on trinitarian passages of scriptures and brush up on our explanations." 5. "Analogies for the Trinity are always inadequate because God is all three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - all the time." ### Resources: * **Books Mentioned**: * *"Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer* Encourage your theological curiosity and understanding of the Trinity by tuning into this episode and stay tuned for the next installment where Pastor Scott Hand will explore the deity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Subscribe for more insightful episodes from "Dazed & Apologize."

    26 min
  2. 13 // Why Is There So Much Division In The Church?

    09/12/2024

    13 // Why Is There So Much Division In The Church?

    In this compelling episode of "Days and Apologize," Pastor Scott Hand delves into the contentious issue of division within the Christian Church. Addressing a common concern, he explores why the plethora of denominations and differing beliefs might deter individuals from embracing Christianity. Pastor Scott navigates through the history and origins of the three major branches of Christianity—Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism—explaining their development and specific doctrinal differences. Throughout the episode, Pastor Scott emphasizes the importance of doctrinal purity while acknowledging the practicality and necessity of certain divisions within the Church. By using historical context, biblical references, and personal anecdotes, he underscores that although some divisions are healthy and essential, many are petty and counterproductive. Listeners are encouraged to understand the significance of these distinctions while also recognizing the extensive efforts towards unity and cooperation among various Christian groups in recent years. ### Key Takeaways: * **Historical Context and Denominations**: A deep dive into the historical origins and doctrinal distinctions of the three major Christian branches: Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism. * **Theological Triage**: Understanding the concept of theological triage, which categorizes issues into tiers of importance, highlighting which religious differences are worth dividing over and which are not. * **Healthy vs Unhealthy Divisions**: Distinguishing between necessary doctrinal divisions and trivial, counterproductive separations that harm the Church's unity and mission. * **Empathy and Engagement**: Engaging skeptics by demonstrating empathy towards their concerns and helping them see the broader picture of Christian unity. * **Biblical Basis for Division and Unity**: Emphasizing the biblical mandate for unity within the Church and the importance of adhering to sound doctrine. ### Notable Quotes: 1. "There are over 45,000 denominations of the Christian church globally. That blew my mind." 2. "There are times when separation is necessary, when division is needed over doctrinal differences." 3. "One of our most missional proclamations of the gospel to the world is how we treat one another." 4. "We strive to obey the commandment Jesus gives in John 13... By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." 5. "The world looks at \[trivial divisions] and laughs at us. We need to understand that when that kind of stuff happens in our churches, we become a laughingstock to the world." ### Resources: * **Gospel Coalition Article**: Mentioned by Pastor Scott Hand as a detailed resource for understanding church divisions. * **Pew Research Center**: Referenced statistics on Eastern Orthodox (260 million), Roman Catholics (1.2 billion), and Protestants (over 1 billion) globally. * **Quick Guide to Christian Denominations*** by Trevin Wax: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/quick-guide-christian-denominations/ Stay tuned to this episode of "Days and Apologize" for an educational and enlightening discussion, helping you better understand the complexities of church divisions and the importance of unity in faith.

    25 min
  3. 08/29/2024

    12 // How Can a Good God Allow Evil - Part 3

    In this thought-provoking episode of "Dazed and Apologized," Pastor Scott Hand delves into the daunting question, "Why would God allow natural disasters?" This episode, part three of the mini-series on “God and Evil,” explores the intersections of faith, scripture, and the realities of the natural world. Pastor Hand meticulously breaks down the theological and scriptural stands on natural disasters, providing a refreshing perspective grounded in biblical truths. Pastor Hand establishes the foundational concept that God is sovereign over nature and uses a series of biblical examples to illustrate this point. He discusses natural disasters within the framework of God’s sovereignty, detailing how events like earthquakes, hurricanes, and disease can play a role in God's divine plan. Through an engaging deep dive into scriptures like the Book of Job and Romans 8:18-23, Pastor Hand articulates how God's control over nature serves multiple purposes, including judgment, teaching, and leading the lost to salvation. This episode equips listeners with the insights needed to understand and discuss these complex issues from a place of faith. ### Key Takeaways: * **God's Sovereignty over Nature**: God created nature and maintains control over it, using it to fulfill His purposes in the world. * **Biblical Precedents**: Instances in scripture such as the flood, plagues in Egypt, and the calming of the storm by Jesus illustrate God's use of natural events to carry out divine intentions. * **Purposes of Natural Disasters**: Natural disasters and diseases can serve as judgment, a means to draw the lost to Him, or to teach and discipline His children. * **Human Perspective and Response**: The episode emphasizes the importance of empathizing with those affected by natural disasters and avoiding assigning reasons for God's actions, focusing instead on offering comfort and pointing to hope through the gospel. * **Impacted Creation**: Sin's entry into the world corrupted both mankind and creation, leading to the decaying state of the world that manifests through natural disasters and diseases. ### Notable Quotes: 1. "In order to answer this question properly, we need to back up a little bit and just explain some things." – **Pastor Scott Hand** 2. "God respects the rules that He set up... He created man in His image, and one of the attributes we share with God is moral choice, libertarian freedom." – **Pastor Scott Hand** 3. "God uses nature to carry out His purposes in the world." – **Pastor Scott Hand** 4. "The psalms are filled with emotion. David is upset — 'God, where are you? Why have you hidden your face from me?' It's okay. Let them vent." – **Pastor Scott Hand** 5. "For the believer, nothing that happens in this world, no natural disaster, no suffering, no illness, nothing is a punishment for our sins in a salvation sense because Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross." – **Pastor Scott Hand** By diving deep into scripture, Pastor Scott Hand brings light to the complex issue of why God allows natural disasters. For anyone grappling with these questions, this episode offers rich theological insights and compassionate guidance. Tune in to this week's episode for a Bible study like no other and stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Dazed and Apologized."

    31 min
  4. 08/21/2024

    11 // How Can a Good God Allow Evil - Part 2

    Welcome to part two of our deep dive into the pressing question of why a good God allows so much suffering. Pastor Scott Hand tackles this complex issue by offering a thoughtful and rational explanation that aims to reconcile the existence of evil with the goodness and omnipotence of God. This episode builds on the various theodicies discussed in the previous episode, exploring them in greater depth while introducing the creation order theodicy as a compelling answer. In this episode, Pastor Scott revisits well-known theodicies, such as those by Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine, pointing out their strengths and limitations. He then presents the creation order theodicy, developed by Dr. Bruce Little, which suggests that God created the universe with an inherent order, including moral freedoms for mankind. This theodicy explains that the potential for evil and suffering stems from humanity's ability to make choices, both good and bad, and upholds God's respect for the order and rules He established. Pastor Scott provides numerous scriptural insights and practical advice to help both believers and non-believers navigate the challenging realities of a world filled with suffering. Key Takeaways: Libertarian Freedom: Mankind's ability to choose, including moral freedom, is key to understanding the presence of evil. Creation Order Theodicy: This view proposes that God created the world with a structured order, wherein human choices have real consequences. Biblical Support: Scriptures like Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:7 provide hope and context for understanding suffering. Practical Advice for Conversations: Tips on how to empathetically discuss the problem of evil with non-believers, emphasizing the importance of listening and providing hope through the gospel. Consequences and God’s Sovereignty: A discussion on how God respects the laws He set up and allows the consequences of our choices to be real, highlighting His sovereignty. Notable Quotes: "The choice to not love is what creates the choice to love." - Pastor Scott Hand "If a thing is free to be good, it must also be free to be bad." - Pastor Scott Hand quoting C.S. Lewis "God respects the rules and the laws that He set up for His creation." - Pastor Scott Hand "The greatest hope for a suffering world is the gospel, the love and the promises in the scripture that come through faith in Jesus Christ." - Pastor Scott Hand "To abandon God means none of this is true for you. To neglect Him, to abandon Him, means you're in this alone." - Pastor Scott Hand Resources: Professor Bruce Little: Author influential in developing the creation order theodicy. Book Recommendation: Reason for God by Timothy Keller Book Recommendation: Joy in the Sorrow by Matt Chandler For those wrestling with the question of why a good God allows suffering, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Listen to the full episode to deepen your understanding and prepare yourself for meaningful conversations on this challenging topic. Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to explore the intersections of faith and culture!

    31 min
  5. 08/14/2024

    10 // How Can A Good God Allow Evil? - Part 1

    *EPISODE SUMMARY* Pastor Scott Hand discusses the profound question, "How could a good God allow so much evil and suffering in the world?" He outlines arguments questioning God’s omnipotence and omni-benevolence, exploring various theodicies. Highlights include Aquinas's concept of evil as the absence of good, greater good theodicy by Augustine, and other perspectives on divine purpose and human suffering. Pastor Scott critically examines these views and sets the stage for discussing the creation order theodicy in the next episode, promising deeper insights into reconciling faith with the presence of evil. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of this fundamental issue. *KEY TAKEAWAYS* "How could a good God allow so much evil and suffering in the world?" Pastor Scott Hand - (0:00:32) "A theodicy is an attempt to explain the ways of God and the ways of man and how they interacted, but particularly with the issue of evil, the whole matter of evil and suffering in this world, and how it relates to God, his attributes, his sovereignty." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:02:14) "Another theodicy that's out there is that God is responsible for evil and suffering completely." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:06:27) "We believe that God is good. And we believe, therefore, that he must have a reason, a morally justifiable reason for allowing and continuing to allow evil and suffering." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:06:38) "We just have to accept them on faith and live our lives and focus on what, what we can know and what we can understand and what we can do." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:06:54) "So the only evil that's out there is the evil that God allowed because he was going to take that evil and use it to bring about a greater good, or the evil was necessary to prevent a worse evil." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:08:11) "First you gotta ask, where is the good?" Pastor Scott Hand - (0:10:22) "If you argue that all evil. That every single evil, natural or moral, is allowed by God. In order for him to bring about the greater good, then what do we do with evils that have no obvious good that was derived from it?" Pastor Scott Hand - (0:10:22) "Who gets the good?" Pastor Scott Hand - (0:12:19) "In the next episode, we are going to talk about what's called the creation order theodicy." Pastor Scott Hand - (0:16:28)

    17 min
  6. 09 // How Can You Believe in the Resurrection?

    08/01/2024

    09 // How Can You Believe in the Resurrection?

    Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of "Dazed & Apologized," Pastor Scott Hand delves into one of the most pivotal subjects in Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. With skepticism and disbelief surrounding this cornerstone of Christian doctrine, Pastor Scott systematically addresses the question, "How could you believe in a resurrection?" By examining scriptural evidence, eyewitness accounts, and logical arguments, Pastor Scott underscores the centrality of the resurrection in the Christian faith. Pastor Scott begins by explaining the importance of the resurrection according to 1 Corinthians 15:13-19, wherein Paul emphasizes that without it, the Christian faith is futile. He then categorizes the skeptics of the resurrection into two main types: those who deny all miracles outright and those who draw the line specifically at resurrection. The episode thoroughly tackles the "burden of proof" concept, elucidating how overwhelming evidence from scripture and historical testimonies support the validity of Jesus' resurrection. Through critical examination of alternative theories like the swoon theory and hallucination theory, Pastor Scott dismantles these arguments, reinforcing the credibility of the resurrection narrative. Key Takeaways: 1 Corinthians 15's Emphasis on the Resurrection: The resurrection is crucial to Christian faith, providing hope and assurance of salvation. Types of Skepticism: Skeptics either deny all miracles or selectively disbelieve in the resurrection. Burden of Proof: The overwhelming biblical and historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection places the burden of disproving it on skeptics. Debunking Theories: The swoon theory, hallucination theory, and the theory of the disciples stealing the body are critically examined and found lacking in plausibility. Modern Implications: Engaging skeptics with evidence, personal testimony, and open dialogue about the resurrection can lead to meaningful conversations about faith. Notable Quotes: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." - Pastor Scott Hand, quoting 1 Corinthians 15. "The burden of proof always rests with the person making the truth claim." - Pastor Scott Hand. "The empty tomb of Jesus was in a well-established location. Anyone who desired to discredit the resurrection accounts of Jesus could have easily done so by going to provide the body." - Pastor Scott Hand. "The fact of his crucifixion and death is 'indisputable'." - Pastor Scott Hand, referencing Bart Ehrman's conclusion. "Most of the eyewitnesses were still alive at the writing of 1 Corinthians, which means that if it was a lie, they would have been like, 'Hello, that's a lie.'" - Pastor Scott Hand. Resources: 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 - Scripture reference explaining the importance of the resurrection. Books Referenced: "A New Life of Jesus" by David Strauss YouTube Video: Matt Chandler 7 Miles Video Encourage your friends, family, and fellow seekers of truth to listen to the full episode to explore the profound evidence and discussions surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Dazed & Apologized" as Pastor Scott Hand continues to tackle important subjects in faith and reason.

    27 min
  7. 07/24/2024

    08 // Hasn't Christianity Committed a Lot of Evils in the World?

    Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "Days Then Apologize," Pastor Scott Hand tackles a common yet complex objection: "Isn't Christianity responsible for so many evils in the world?" This thought-provoking discussion delves into historical events often cited in these arguments, such as the Crusades, slavery, and supporting oppressive regimes. Pastor Hand provides a balanced perspective by acknowledging these dark chapters while also emphasizing the transformative and positive influences of Christianity throughout history. With references to key resources like Rebecca McLaughlin's "Confronting Christianity" and Alvin Schmidt's "How Christianity Changed the World," Pastor Hand offers a well-researched defense. The episode underscores crucial points such as the logical fallacies often involved in these debates, the importance of evaluating the original teachings of Jesus, and the realization that violence is a human problem, not a religious one. By shifting the conversation to the inherent sinfulness of humanity, Pastor Hand guides listeners toward an understanding of the need for grace and redemption through Jesus Christ. Key Takeaways: Acknowledgment of Christianity's Dark History: Pastor Hand admits that Christians have committed evils, citing examples like the Crusades and slavery, while stressing this is not representative of authentic biblical teachings. Logical Fallacies: He identifies common logical fallacies, such as hasty generalization and slothful induction, that often undermine arguments against Christianity. Jesus' Teachings on Violence: Emphasizing the original teachings of Jesus, Pastor Hand points out that Christ advocated for non-violence, love, and forgiveness. Universal Issue of Violence: The episode discusses how all major religions and even atheist regimes have histories of violence, framing it as a human rather than a religious problem. Gospel-Centered Response: Pastor Hand uses historical evidence of human sinfulness to present the need for salvation through Jesus Christ, making a strong case for the transformative power of the Gospel. Notable Quotes: "The first thing we have to understand when dealing with this issue is that you have to say, yes, Christianity has a dark side. There is a bloody history to Christianity. There's no way around that." "Help them to see that Jesus' teachings here completely contradict the actions of these people in human history." "No other religion, philosophy, teaching, nation, movement, or whatever has so changed the world for the better as Christianity has done." "It's not a particularly Christian problem, and it's not a particularly religious problem; it's a human problem." "All human beings are sinners. All human beings have a sin problem, and all human beings need a Savior." Resources: Rebecca McLaughlin - Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion Alvin Schmidt - How Christianity Changed the World Historian Robert Louis Wilken - Reference to insights on the Crusades, as cited in McLaughlin's book Join us in this insightful episode as Pastor Scott Hand navigates through difficult questions about Christianity's past and explains how faith and reason can coalesce to address these objections. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Dazed & Apologized."

    23 min
  8. 07/18/2024

    07 // Do All Roads Lead to God?

    *Summary:* In this enlightening episode of "Dazed & Apologized," Pastor Scott Hand tackles an age-old question: "Don't all roads lead to God?" Addressing the concept of universalism, Pastor Scott delves into the historical roots and variations of this belief, expertly tracing its origin from the third-century theologian Origen to the 18th-century preacher James Relie. As he navigates through the claims of universalism, Pastor Scott unpacks contemporary perspectives that suggest all religions are seeking the same ultimate truth. Using compelling analogies like the mountain and the blind men with the elephant, Pastor Scott illustrates the flawed premise of universalism, contrasting it with the unique claims of Christianity. By comparing the core tenets of major world religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity—he highlights their fundamental differences. With well-founded arguments, Pastor Scott articulates why these religions cannot all be correct, emphasizing Christianity's unique belief in the incarnation and atonement through Jesus Christ. *Key Takeaways:* * *Definition and History of Universalism:* Understand the origins and evolution of universalism, including significant figures and branches of thought. * *Core Tenets of Major World Religions:* Explore the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, noting their distinct teachings. * *Common Analogies Debunked:* Learn how popular analogies like the mountain and the blind men with the elephant fall short in describing religious pluralism. * *Christianity’s Unique Claim:* Discover why Christianity uniquely claims that God came down to humanity through Jesus Christ, setting it apart from other religions. * *Engaging with Universalist Views:* Gain practical advice on how to discuss universalism and the uniqueness of Christianity with friends, colleagues, and family members. *Notable Quotes:* 1. "Universalism began from the third century by Origen, who taught the universal restoration of everyone to God." 2. "The premise of the blind men and the elephant story only makes sense if there's someone who can see the whole elephant." 3. "Christianity is the only religion where God comes down from the mountain and saves us and rescues us." 4. "Islam teaches that salvation is achieved by your good works outweighing your bad works." 5. "God sent his son Jesus, who stepped out of heaven, humbled himself to be born as a baby, lived the perfect life, died the death we deserved, and rose again to secure eternal life." *Resources:* * **"Reason for God" by Tim Keller:** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/1594483493) Encourage your curiosity and deepen your understanding by tuning in to the full episode. Stay connected with "Dazed & Apologized" for more enlightening discussions and faith-filled insights. [Listen to the Episode](#)\ [Subscribe for More Episodes](#)

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We are excited to introduce a new Parkwood podcast called “Dazed & Apologized,” in which we navigate culture’s questions with faith and reason.  Join Pastor Scott as he hosts a new episode each week this summer.