Apologetics315 Interviews

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross discuss the past interviews and take-aways, and lessons learned along the way.5:10 - Peter S. Williams, Dawkins, and winsome argumentation.7:38 - Fazale Rana, interacting with ideas and those who disagree.11:40 - The live podcasts, and personal prophecies, and a discussion on false prophecies and false teachers.22:18 - David Baggett and moral apologetics, and arguments that point people to Christ.25:33 - The Belfast Bigot, the “bigot cave,” and pro-life arguments.28:04 - Signs of a coming revival, fruit baskets, and how topics change you.31:19 - Craig Hazen, his book on prayer, and the usefulness of personal anecdotes as a communicator.34:12 - The Wintery Knight interview, Christianity in the public square, and more reflections on how that interview challenged us, the book “Slave” by John MacArthur.39:35 - Jacob Varghese and SAFT Apologetics, atheistic challenges in India, the urgency of apologetics.42:54 - Sarah Enterline, the life of Susanna Newcome, arguments le

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Erik Manning, creator of the Testify YouTube Channel about doing apologetics on the internet, responding to critics, and using one’s talent to make an impact.0:35 - Introduction to our guest, Erik Manning.3:54 - How Erik got into apologetics and how his YouTube channel started.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadiEsTZ0hNxs5OxwGiyELQwww.isjesusalive.com 8:38 - A personal anecdote about God speaking today.11:10 - The process and inspiration for creating YouTube content.16:22 - Most influential Christian thinkers on Erik’s work and study.20:52 - The importance of interacting on YouTube and other online venues.26:05 - Erik’s experience interacting with skeptics and detractors online.27:50 - How to not take things personally.29:37 - How someone can do apologetics ministry while still taking care of family commitments with five children.32:02 - The biggest challenges to face when doing online ministry.34:49 - The tools that Erik uses for making videos.36:40 - Ho

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Sarah R. Enterline (www.sarahrenterline.com) about her recent book No Apologies: The Life & Work of Susanna Newcome. 0:30 - Update: A nice fruit basket.1:47 - Intro to Sarah Enterline. 4:24 - What Sarah has been working on lately with The Library of Historical Apologetics. Cataloging and researching the work of historical apologists.5:50 - What Sarah didn’t expect to learn about apologists from the past, and what most people don’t know about C.S. Lewis.7:18 - What interested Sarah in Susanna Newcome? Her character and life, her academics. 10:44 - The odd relationship between Susanna and her husband. Susanna’s reputation as a top-class thinker.13:42 - Why character matters more than ever.16:27 - What makes this book different? And why it’s so amazing.18:51 - The state of women in apologetics today, and how we might see more interest and involvement of women in apologetics. 23:21 - The shift to more women in apologetics today.24:34 - Are men more interes

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Jacob Varghese from SAFT Apologetics, an apologetics ministry based in India with an international reach. www.saftapologetics.com2:40 - Introduction to Jacob Varghese and the work of SAFT Apologetics.7:45 - How Jacob got into apologetics and the beginnings of SAFT.12:00 - Seeking answers, finding truth. The growth of the podcast.20:00 - Cultural differences in apologetics in India. Naturalism, supernaturalism, and apologetic questions. Which is harder to deal with: naturalism or supernaturalism? Cultural and religious diversity in India.36:10 - Atheism on the rise in India.39:30 - The recent SAFT Online Conference: https://areopagus.saftapologetics.com50:00 - What’s on the horizon for SAFT?Support SAFT Apologetics here:Website: www.saftapologetics.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/saftapologeticsPodcast webpage: https://saftpodcast.buzzsprout.comYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/saftapologeticsIf you have a question for the podcast, record it and send it our way us

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Christian blogger Wintery Knight on the topics of Christian blogging, apologetics in the workplace and in the public square, how policy effects Christian freedoms, and more. www.winteryknight.com1:30 - Discussing moral and ethical issues, having an alias, and observing the changers in culture.8:00 - The conflict between the Happiness Quest and the Truth Quest.10:00 - The difficulty getting apologetics into the church. The importance of a commitment to a truth quest.13:00 - Doing apologetics on the internet. 17:30 - How to interact with skeptics, and what to do when the people you interact with become hostile.20:00 - In-person interaction and discerning the right way to communicate in the workplace or public square. 25:20 - How can Christians be informed about what’s going on in culture and public policy? How does one become equipped? Resources for being equipped.37:00 - “The Equality Act” and religious liberty issues. 43:00 - The speed of cultural change i

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross answer listener questions: one concerning the historical reliability of the Old Testament and one on the topic of revival.2:30 - Mailbag questions #1: “What are your thoughts on the following view of scripture?” Is the Old Testament a product of imaginative interpretation? Is the OT fiction? Do we have archeological evidence for the OT?24:50 - Mailbag questions #2: “Are there signs of a coming revival? What must Christians do to usher in this revival?” A conversation about what revival is, what revival is for, what has happened in revivals historically, and whether or not there are signs of a “coming revival”. Is there anything Christians can do to bring about revival? Suggested resources:* Revival by Martyn Lloyd Jones (Youtube | Book )• Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill• Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview “The Belfast Bigot” (www.facebook.com/thebelfastbigot) on the topic of abortion, and defending a pro-life position in the public square.1:00 - Intro to the Belfast Bigot, why use that name? The history of the Belfast Bigot blog. 5:30 - The goals of apologetics interaction online.9:10 - Why does the Belfast Bigot talk so much about abortion? Main influences and resources.12:00 - The abortion situation in the UK / Ireland. The common views on abortion in the UK / Ireland.17:00 - How do you make a case for life? What is the best angle to take? “What is the unborn?”20:00 - The use of scientific arguments for the pro-life position. Three types of pro-abortion views.24:00 - Examples of some bad pro-life arguments. The use of graphic images (are they helpful or not?)32:50 - What are the common objections to 39:00 - The violinist argument in favor of abortion.44:00 - “This pregnancy is the product of rape.”49:00 - What if the life of the mother is at risk?51:00 -

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Christian philosopher David Baggett on the topic of moral apologetics, arguments for God from morality, and the Masters of Arts programs available at Houston Baptist University.0:30 - Over 100 arguments for the existence of God. Capturing Christianity: Over 100 Arguments for the Existence of Godhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi7ANgO2ZBU1:50 - Intro to David Baggett and his books.God and Cosmos: Moral Truth and Human Meaninghttps://www.amazon.com/God-Cosmos-Moral-Truth-Meaning/dp/0199931216The Moral Argument: A Historyhttps://www.amazon.com/Moral-Argument-History-David-Baggett/dp/0190246375Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Moralityhttps://www.amazon.com/Good-God-Theistic-Foundations-Morality/dp/0199751811The Morals of the Story: Good News About a Good Godhttps://www.amazon.com/Morals-Story-Good-News-About/dp/08308520775:15 - David Baggett’s background, education, and about Michigan.7:35 - The Houston Baptist University campus experience and the Master'

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Craig Hazen of Biola University, talking to him about Masters degrees in Apologetics at Biola University, his book Fearless Prayer, and his insights on defending the faith.Biola Masters Programshttps://www.biola.edu/christian-apologetics-maCertificate in Christian Apologeticshttps://www.biola.edu/christian-apologetics-certificate1:30 - Intro to Craig Hazen4:00 - Craig's background, upbringing and Christian background, motivation for getting into apologetics, and how he got to Biola.11:00 - The Masters programs in Christian Apologetics at Biola.Biola Masters Programshttps://www.biola.edu/christian-apologetics-maCertificate in Christian Apologeticshttps://www.biola.edu/christian-apologetics-certificate12:30 - What is the cross-section of the students in the apologetics program? The now fully online apologetics program.15:45 - Distance/remote learning vs. on-campus study.17:45 - Are the questions about Christianity changing? How has culture shifted? Bring roo

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross record with a "live studio audience" and address the common objection that there is no evidence for God, as well the view of postmodernism.1:30 - Truthbomb's series on "Common Objections to Christianity."http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/search/label/Common%20Objections4:00 - The objection that "there is no evidence for God." What's the difference between evidence and arguments? 10:00 - A list of 13 arguments for the existence of God. The Kalam argument, the Leibnizian cosmological argument, moral arguments, ontological arguments, design arguments, transcendental arguments, etc.38:40 - Making a case for the resurrection of Jesus. 41:00 - Question about postmodernism from listener. "True for you but not for me." 46:00 - The objection that "all religions teach the same thing."

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross record with a "live studio audience" and answer questions about conspiracy theories (how to speak with those who are into them), and how to think about personal words of prophecy.2:00 - Discussing a blog post about Christians who believe conspiracy theories. What could be the root problems? Excerpts from J.P. Moreland's "Love God with All Your Mind." How did Christianity go from being intellectually robust to being intellectually shallow?11:40 - Question about how we can speak to people who are believing conspiracy theories, and how can the church guard itself against misinformation? Excerpts from Adler & Van Doren's "How to Read a Book."• Uninformed• Misinformed• Illogical • Incomplete22:00 - The importance of asking the right questions. Keep calm, don't dismiss, encourage critical thinking.28:00 - How can the church guard itself against misinformation? Critical thinking; addressing issues and doing equipping in the local church.33:40 - Listener question about

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross record with a "live studio audience" and discuss apologetics in parenting as well as engaging with ideas in culture.2:00 - Question #1 from listener, timeline and suggestions for introducing and teaching kids apologetics. Children's books, Study Bibles, catechisms, Harry Potter and more.William Lane Craig children's books:https://www.reasonablefaith.org/store/childrens-books/Big Truths for Little Kidshttps://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/10867/big-truths-for-little-kidsJ. Warner Wallace books:https://coldcasechristianity.com/books-by-j-warner-wallace/Long Story Shorthttps://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/long-story-shortThe Pleasure of Finding Things Out by Richard Feynmanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pleasure_of_Finding_Things_Out“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” ― G.K. ChestertonThe Way of Wisdom by Tim Kellerhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Wisdom-Devotions-P

Today's interview is with biochemist Fazale Rana, the vice president of research and apologetics at Reasons to Believe. He is the author of several groundbreaking books, including Who Was Adam, Creating Life in the Lab, The Cell’s Design, and Humans 2.0. He holds a PhD in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry from Ohio University.We'll be talking to Fuz about RTB's book, "Thinking About Evolution: 25 Questions Christians Want Answered" in which he's a contributing author.1:25 - Introduction to Fuz Rana, Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org) and the book Thinking About Evolution.2:30 - Defining the terms surrounding evolution, as well as the possibility of equivocation on evolution. Micro-evolution, macro-evolution, speciation, chemical evolution, origin of life, etc. 6:45 - Thinking through evolution for yourself. Philosophical pre-commitments. The problem of underdetermination of scientific theories. 10:00 - The structure of the book, overarching goals, and RTB's approach to evolution as it relates to cr

1:00 - Boba Fett costumes and Masters of the Universe! www.bobamaker.co.uk5:30 - Books currently reading, Dallas Willard, spiritual disciplines, and finding quiet. "The relentless elimination of hurry." The celebration of content creation. 11:00 - Having the mindset of a tortoise. Slow diligence. J. P. Moreland's book "Finding Quiet". How to find quiet when you have tinnitus. 17:00 - Topic 1: How can the church enable and support members in their pursuit of degrees in science, philosophy, theology, and apologetics? Are there organisations who provide this support? (Let us know!)24:00 - Tips for Budding Philosophers: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/apologetics/advice-to-european-christian-apologists/27:00 - Topic 2: Discussion of a question regarding "How can God be happy with 31% of the population being Christians?" Would more miracles persuade belief? What role does free will play?48:15 - How can Christ be the only way to God? https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writing

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross interview Christian Philosopher Peter S. Williams about his book Outgrowing God?: A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate.Find his resources at www.peterswilliams.com2:50 - Introduction to Peter and his various books.5:00 - The goal for writing a book dealing with Richard Dawkins’ book, Outgrowing God. 12:20 - The characters in the book, and coming at the God debate from various angles.16:00 - Why address Dawkins and not “the best that atheism has to offer?”19:00 - Key things that Peter would want to challenge Dawkins on in his thinking.22:30 - Addressing inconsistency and lack of philosophical training.24:00 - Problems with requiring “extraordinary evidence” for “extraordinary claims.” The subjectivity of the word “extraordinary.”30:05 - Engaging in the God debate with the best of scholarship.34:00 - Different ways of looking at the Old Testament, and reasons to take it seriously. Accurate incidental details we see in the OT.40:00 - Addressing the

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross talk about current reading, experts vs. generalists, atheistic tweets and putting Jesus at the center.2:00 - "Where are you from... originally?"3:10 - Current book reading, Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life by Jonathan T. Pennington, Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. 8:25 - Being an expert or a generalist in apologetics? The problems with not having a diversity of experiences or influences. "Skill stacking."14:20 - Thinking about an atheistic tweet by Real Atheology. Christian Apologetics vs Christian Philosophy?35:00 - Feedback on the Trinity from the kids.37:30 - Putting Jesus at the center: dealing with fear, anxiety, worry and stress. 42:30 - Prayer for the listeners.

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross talk about podcasts, memes, and talking about the Trinity.0:50 - A few podcasts we listen to: ID The Future, Frank Turek, The Briefing with Albert Mohler, Unbelievable? with Justin Brierley, Reasonable Faith, Defenders, Like Trees Walking with Mike J. Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Think Biblically, Stand to Reason (Greg Koukl), Real Atheology.8:10 - Responding to memes, "Jesus never talked about abortion," and the case against abortion.21:30 - How might we turn conversation stoppers into conversation starters? Dealing with nervousness, pressure, and anxiety responding to arguments.34:15 - One approach for talking about the Trinity with kids. The strengths and shortcomings of Trinity analogies. The Trinity is a solution, not a problem.

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross reflect on Richard Dawkins' latest book, and answer a some listener questions.1:50 - The Flow Bee home hair-cutting system!5:00 - Dawkins' new book, "Outgrowing God", and reflections on the content.20:30 - Responding to the line, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."29:00 - Apologetics as a tool for evangelism36:00 - J.P. Moreland's "The Kingdom Triangle"37:30 - Tips for getting more out of reading, and how to listen to ebooks (text-to-speech hacks).43:00 - Questions from listener: How do I influence others to engage their faith intellectually? Should I resign myself to the current state of the evangelical church? And where are all the spiritual mothers and fathers?

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross answer a listener question and talk about apologetic interactions.1:00 - Ghostbusters quotes incorporated into your questions are guaranteed to be answered!2:00 - Answering a question about apologetics degrees and certificates. How important are they?19:45 - Are people being skeptical or simply cynical, or a contrarian? 34:05 - Is mockery ever an appropriate strategy when doing apologetics? 50:00 - Prayer for the listeners

In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross talk about the reboot of the Apologetics 315 Podcast.1:00 - introducing Chad Gross from Truthbomb Apologetics, and their friendship.6:30 - Reflections, history, origins of Apologetics315, and the journey. Where did the interviews podcast go?18:50 - Bringing logic and argumentation into your marriage? Self-awareness.22:50 - Why did the podcast stop?23:30 - Movies quotes, Ghostbusters, and the goal of the podcast.25:40 - Chad’s biggest influences in apologetics.29:39 - How Brian got into apologetics, the Rational response squad, and Ray Comfort.36:40 - What’s daily life look like?42:30 - Apologetics and parenting. Teaching our kids to think well.