Episodes

  • 141 - Argument from Reason with Travis Dickinson

    141 - Argument from Reason with Travis Dickinson
    Jun 3 2024
    Summary
    In this episode, Brian and Chad interview Travis Dickinson about the argument from reason. They discuss the different options for explaining the existence of logical principles, focusing on naturalism and Platonism. Travis argues that if God does not exist, logical principles either do not exist or exist as brute abstract objects. He explains that naturalism, which denies the existence of anything outside the natural world, cannot account for the existence of logical principles. Platonism, on the other hand, posits the existence of abstract objects in a separate realm, but this explanation is ad hoc and lacks independent reasons. Travis concludes that the most plausible explanation for logical principles is the existence of God. In this part of the conversation, Brian and Travis discuss the argument from reason and its connection to the existence of God. They explore the idea that our ability to reason and use logic points to the existence of a higher mind, which they identify as God. They also discuss how the argument from reason can be used in practical apologetics to engage with skeptics and point them towards Christ.

    Takeaways
    • The argument from reason posits that if God does not exist, logical principles either do not exist or exist as brute abstract objects.
    • Naturalism, which denies the existence of anything outside the natural world, cannot account for the existence of logical principles.
    • Platonism, which posits the existence of abstract objects in a separate realm, is an ad hoc explanation without independent reasons.
    • The most plausible explanation for logical principles is the existence of God. Our ability to reason and use logic suggests the existence of a higher mind, which can be identified as God.
    • The argument from reason can be used in practical apologetics to engage with skeptics and challenge their worldview.
    • The moral argument may be more effective in hitting people in the gut, but the argument from reason provides a strong intellectual foundation for belief in God.
    • Studying logic and critical thinking can be seen as a way of studying God and living in a way that reflects the mind of Christ.
    • The argument from reason points to the idea that God is the greatest conceivable being, worthy of worship and the normative standard for reasoning.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    01:17 Guest Introduction
    03:33 The Incompatibility of Naturalism and Logical Principles
    05:01 Reason as the Observable Phenomenon
    06:29 The Plausibility of God as the Ground of Logical Principles
    16:21 The Ad Hoc Nature of Platonism
    24:23 The Limitations of Platonism
    26:14 The Need for a Ground of Logical Principles
    27:13 The Argument from Reason and the Existence of God
    30:07 The Platonic View vs. the Theistic View
    35:17 Jesus as the Originating Logical Principle
    39:38 Jesus as the Ground of Being and Logic
    51:03 The End of Every Philosophical Question is God

    ================================
    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
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    54 mins
  • 140 - Beauty & Love with Paul Gould

    140 - Beauty & Love with Paul Gould
    May 21 2024
    In this episode, Brian Auten & Chad Gross engage with philosopher Paul Gould to discuss the profound connection between beauty, love, theism. They delve into why beauty is more likely on theism than naturalism and explore various philosophical perspectives on love and the recognition of beauty.

    Topics Covered:
    1. Introduction to the Topic of Beauty:
    - Beauty in Theism vs. Naturalism:
    - Gould explains why beauty is more likely on theism than naturalism.
    - Discussion on the analogy between human artistic creativity and the universe's beauty.
    - The improbability of a universe saturated with beauty under naturalism's unguided, blind forces.
    2. Philosophical Arguments and Analogies:
    - Human Artistic Creativity:
    - Creating beautiful art requires skill and intention, paralleling the idea of a divine artist behind the universe.
    - Entropy and Beauty:
    - Examination of why beauty persists despite the laws of entropy and randomness under naturalism.
    3. Exploring the Nature of Love:
    - Defining Love:
    - Gould outlines five features of love:
    1. Multi-directed
    2. Complex
    3. Deep and Enduring
    4. Active and Passive
    5. Valuable
    - Discussion on how contemporary philosophical views often fail to capture these features fully.
    - Aquinas's wisdom on love as a comprehensive framework.
    4. Beauty as a Properly Basic Belief:
    - Plantinga's Concept of Properly Basic Beliefs:
    - Inquiry into whether the recognition of beauty can be considered a properly basic belief, not needing argumentation to be justified.
    - Experiences of Beauty:
    - Distinctions between judgments of beauty, experiences of beauty, beautiful things, and beauty itself.
    - The Christian story's integration of beauty, truth, and goodness, particularly through the narrative of the cross.
    5. Listener Questions and Practical Insights:
    - Interacting with Listener Inquiries:
    - Addressing questions about the recognition and judgment of beauty.
    - Discussion on the practical implications of philosophical views on love and beauty.
    Key Quotes:
    - Paul Gould on Beauty and Naturalism:
    "If naturalism is true, and the universe is just the result of unguided, blind forces, you would not expect beauty to saturate the world. By analogy, just as beauty is very hard for human artists, it's surprising for it to saturate the world without a divine artist."
    - **Brian Auten on the Christian Story:**
    "The cross being the God of the universe, sacrificing himself for sinners to save them, even when they hate him, is the most beautiful story there is. It brings tears to your eyes because it's beautiful."
    - Paul Gould on Love:
    "Love is multi-directed, complex, deep and enduring, active and passive, and valuable. We need an account of love that captures all these features."

    ================================
    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
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    48 mins
  • 139 - Our Favorite Debates

    139 - Our Favorite Debates
    May 10 2024
    Introduction
    - Chad and Brian discuss their favorite and most memorable debates between Christian apologists/philosophers and atheists/skeptics

    Chad's Debate Picks
    1. James Crossley vs. William Lane Craig - Was Jesus Raised from the Dead? (2012)
    - Highlights Craig's case for the resurrection based on postmortem appearances
    - Contrasting styles of young Crossley vs distinguished Craig
    2. Jeffrey Lowder vs. Frank Turek - What Better Explains Reality: Naturalism or Theism? (2016)
    - Appreciates Lowder's formal case for naturalism reminiscent of Craig
    - Admires the cordiality and clash of Lowder's logic vs Turek's rhetoric
    3. Christopher Hitchens vs. William Lane Craig
    - The "prizefight" lead-up and spectacle surrounding this legendary debate
    - Contrasts Craig's arguments vs Hitchens' emotional appeals
    4. Braxton Hunter vs. Matt Dillahunty (2019)
    - Hunter exposes issues in Dillahunty's epistemology
    - Effectively argues for Kalam cosmological argument and argument from free will
    5. Craig vs Francisco Ayala - Is Intelligent Design Viable? (2013)
    - Craig debates an award-winning evolutionary scientist
    - Craig has to think on his feet against unfamiliar arguments from Ayala
    6. Chris Date vs. Dale Tuggy - Is Jesus Human and Not Divine?
    - High-level, rich, respectful debate between able defenders of their positions
    - Highlights Date's ancient bird imagery argument for Christ's deity
    7. Paul Draper vs. William Lane Craig
    - Craig debates a formidable philosophical adversary
    - Interesting to see Craig on his heels against some unfamiliar arguments

    Brian's Debate Picks
    1. William Lane Craig vs. Peter Atkins
    - The famous "put that in your pipe" moment where Craig lists what science can't explain
    2. Norm Geisler vs. Paul Kurtz on John Ankerberg Show
    - Admires Geisler's rapid-fire responses to a breadth of objections

    Bonus: Worst Debate - Jeff Durbin & James White vs Dr. Clark & Dan Ellis (2020)
    - Dr. Clark engaged in bizarre antics like throwing books, demanding miracles
    - One of the most cringeworthy debates they've seen

    Find links here: https://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2024/02/some-of-my-favorite-debates.html
    ================================
    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
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    31 mins
  • 138 - Why Listen to Debates?

    138 - Why Listen to Debates?
    Apr 24 2024
    In this episode, Brian and Chad discuss the importance of listening to debates. This is a kind of PART 1, and part 2 will discuss specific debates.

    Brian's seven reasons for listening to debates were: 1) Hearing the best defenders of each view, 2) Hearing actual arguments without interruptions, 3) Finding the cutting edge of the current debate, 4) Getting used to hearing opposing views without anxiety, 5) Seeing that Christianity can hold its own intellectually, 6) Observing how a cumulative case is made and critics' counters, and 7) Realizing the debate is just an entry point to a much deeper topic.

    Throughout explaining his seven reasons, Brian and Chad discussed the value of debates utilizing good logic (logos), credibility (ethos), and emotional appeals (pathos). They noted how the best debates are well-moderated with clear time limits. Listening to debates can boost confidence in the Christian faith by seeing it withstand scrutiny. However, the debate is just the start in grasping the full depth of a topic which opens up avenues for further study.

    ================================
    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
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    32 mins
  • 137 - Rethinking Hell with Chris Date

    137 - Rethinking Hell with Chris Date
    Apr 6 2024
    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
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • 136 - Rescuing Inerrancy with Hugh Ross

    136 - Rescuing Inerrancy with Hugh Ross
    Mar 24 2024
    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
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    55 mins
  • 135 - Bullies and Saints with John Dickson

    135 - Bullies and Saints with John Dickson
    Feb 25 2024
    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
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    48 mins
  • 134 - Deconstruction with Alisa Childers

    134 - Deconstruction with Alisa Childers
    Jan 31 2024
    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
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    43 mins