Apologetics315 Interviews

SummaryIn this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross welcome back philosopher and author **Peter S. Williams** to discuss his book, *Behold the Man: Essays on the Historical Jesus*. This engaging conversation explores the intersection of worldview, epistemology, and historical scholarship in the search for the real Jesus.Topics Covered:The Structure and Purpose of Behold the Man
A collection of revised essays exploring various historical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of Jesus.Worldviews and Historical Inquiry
How modernism, postmodernism, and the emerging metamodern perspective affect approaches to the historical Jesus.Epistemology and Openness to Evidence
Why the worldview and theory of knowledge you bring impacts whether you can honestly assess historical claims about Jesus.An Early High Christology in James
Peter argues for early Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity based on linguistic and contextual clues in the Epistle of James.Dating the Gospels – Especially John
Examination of internal and ex

SummaryChad Gross interviews Dr. Christopher Cloos about the challenging Old Testament violence texts and his recent debate with theologian Randal Rauser. They explore the complexities of interpreting these texts, the role of moral intuition, and the contrasting views of covenant virtue ethics and providential errancy theory. The conversation delves into how moral intuitions can inform biblical interpretation while also addressing the potential pitfalls of subjectivity in understanding scripture. They explore how moral intuition can be used to interpret scripture, the implications of difficult passages, and the importance of engaging with differing views charitably. The conversation also highlights resources for further learning in this area.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Apologetics and Old Testament Violence03:02 Dr. Cloos’ Background and Interest in Old Testament Texts06:06 Debate Overview: Rauser vs. Cloos on Biblical Violence08:47 Understanding Moral Intuition in Biblical Interpretation11:55 Covenant Virt

SummaryBrian Auten interviews ultra runner and philosopher Sabrina B. Little. They explore the intersection of endurance sports and ethics, discussing how running can cultivate virtue, expose vice, and serve as a training ground for character development. Sabrina shares her journey from philosophy to ultra running, emphasizing the importance of discipline and habit in forming virtues. The conversation delves into the complexities of virtue and vice, the role of sports in moral formation, and the life lessons learned through endurance racing.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Endurance and Ethics02:07 Sabrina's Journey: From Philosophy to Ultra Running08:44 Virtue Development Through Endurance Sports15:16 The Spectrum of Virtue and Vice19:09 Habit, Discipline, and Character Formation23:00 Life Lessons from Endurance Racing25:03 Training for Life: The Christian Race28:11 Spiritual Disciplines: The Workout for Character30:29 Lessons from the Desert Fathers32:41 Understanding Intransigence in Perseverance36:01 The Bal

SummaryIn this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross speak with Dr. Marcus Ross, a prominent figure in the Young Earth Creationism debate. They explore Dr. Ross's background, his journey in paleontology, and the challenges faced by Young Earth Creationists. The conversation delves into the historical context of Young Earth Creationism, the evidence supporting it, and the importance of open dialogue in understanding differing perspectives on creation and evolution. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Apologetics 315 Podcast08:30 - Interview with Dr. Marcus Ross17:46 - Dr. Ross's Background and Education18:15 - Understanding Young Earth Creationism35:02 - Evidence for Young Earth Creationism39:17 - The Dynamics of Scientific Discourse41:13 - Exploring Radioactive Dating and Young Earth Hypotheses53:31 - Young Earth Creationism and Scientific Methodology58:30 - Interpreting the Fossil Record Through a Young Earth Lens01:11:01 - Dinosaurs and the Young Earth Perspective01:16:43 - Pu

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Apologetics 315 Podcast, hosts Brian Auden and Chad Gross welcome back J. Warner Wallace and his son Jimmy Wallace to discuss their new graphic novel, 'Case Files: Murder and Meaning.' The conversation explores their journey into comic books, the collaborative process of creating a graphic novel, and the themes of identity and value within the context of law enforcement. They also discuss the challenges of balancing Christian and secular perspectives in storytelling, aiming to create a narrative that resonates with a diverse audience. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of identity, particularly within the context of law enforcement and the creative process behind their graphic novel. They discuss the importance of apologetics in storytelling, the challenges of character development, and the impact of fiction on moral understanding. The dialogue also touches on the future of their series and the hope of reaching both Christian and non-Christian

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross discuss the book “Rational Faith” by Stephen T. Davis. They explore the unique approach Davis takes in defending Christianity, emphasizing humility in apologetics and the rational basis for faith. The conversation covers various themes including theistic evolution, the reliability of the Gospels, and arguments for the resurrection of Jesus. The hosts appreciate Davis's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner, making a case for Christianity that is both thoughtful and engaging.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:48 Overview of “Rational Faith” by Stephen T. Davis02:59 Unique Approach to Apologetics06:10 Humility in Apologetics09:01 Theistic Evolution and Christianity11:56 Faith and Reason in Christianity15:05 Cosmological Arguments for God's Existence17:52 The Reliability of the Gospels21:03 The Resurrection of Jesus34:42 Conclusion and Future Discussions================================We appreciate your

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross welcome Professor Ken Samples to discuss his new book, 'Clear Thinking in a Messy World.' The conversation explores the intersection of logic, critical thinking, and the Christian worldview, emphasizing the importance of discernment and understanding cognitive biases. The hosts and Ken delve into the significance of Jesus as a logician and thinker, the role of science and philosophy in achieving objectivity, and the necessity of careful thinking in today's information-saturated environment. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of logic and critical thinking, emphasizing their role as tools for clearer thinking and better work across various fields. They discuss the importance of understanding logical fallacies while maintaining a charitable approach in discussions. The conversation also highlights the necessity of character development in education, the value of revisiting great books, an

Episode Summary:In this episode, Brian and Chad welcome Melissa Dougherty, author and apologist, to discuss the influence of the New Thought movement on modern culture and Christianity. Melissa shares insights from her book, explaining how New Thought has infiltrated self-help teachings, Word of Faith theology, and broader church beliefs. She also explores its historical roots and the challenges of recognizing and addressing these ideas in Christian circles.Key Topics Discussed:1. Introduction to New ThoughtOverview of New Thought as a movement distinct from New Age beliefs.How it has subtly shaped modern self-help, prosperity gospel, and even mainstream Christian teachings.2. The Influence of New Thought in Popular CultureConnections to figures like Oprah Winfrey and self-help gurus.The role of books like Think and Grow Rich in spreading New Thought principles.Influence on multi-level marketing (MLM) mindset and motivation tactics.3. Theological Implications and ConcernsHow New Thought distorts biblical conc

Episode Summary:In this first episode of 2025, Brian Auten and Chad Gross dive into a "Cornucopia" of topics, offering an eclectic mix of discussion points for anyone interested in apologetics, Christian living, and the new year ahead. The hosts share insights on their favorite apologetic arguments, explore the reliability of the New Testament, and provide encouragement for Christian parents. They also discuss Wesley Huff's recent debate and appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, reflecting on lessons learned and the importance of humility and grace in apologetic engagement. The episode wraps up with reflections on God's will, advice for parents raising children in the faith, and plans for upcoming book discussions in the podcast.Time Stamps:00:00 – Introduction: Happy New Year from Brian and Chad! Overview of the "Cornucopia" episode.02:31 – Quickfire Apologetics Questions: Favorite topics, arguments, and conversation starters.09:31 – Favorite Argument to Explain: Resurrection vs. design vs. contingency.14:24 –

SummaryIn this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auden and Chad Gross engage with Dr. Michael Licona, a prominent New Testament scholar, to discuss his latest book, 'Jesus Contradicted.' The conversation delves into the historical reliability of the Gospels, addressing the differences in accounts and how they can be understood within the context of ancient biography. Dr. Licona shares insights from his extensive research, emphasizing the importance of compositional devices used by ancient biographers and how these techniques can illuminate our understanding of the Gospels. The discussion also explores various responses to Gospel differences, providing a nuanced perspective on the trustworthiness of biblical texts. They discuss the nature of inspiration and inerrancy, emphasizing that the differences in the Gospel accounts do not undermine the truth of Christianity. The dialogue highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and literary techniques employed in ancient writi

SummaryIn this episode of the Apologetics 315 Podcast, host Chad Gross interviews Eric Chabot about his essay, 'Does the Resurrection of Jesus Prove He is the Jewish Messiah?' The conversation explores Chabot's background, his work with Ratio Christi, and the significance of the resurrection in the context of Jewish messianic expectations. Chabot discusses the concept of the Messiah, the varied expectations of the Jewish people in the first century, and the challenges faced when discussing these topics with secular Jews. The episode culminates in Chabot's argument for how the resurrection of Jesus fulfills the role of the Messiah as outlined in the Old Testament. He discusses the role of Israel as a light to the nations and how Jesus fulfills this calling through his ministry and resurrection. He explores Jewish identity, common objections to Jesus as the Messiah, and the significance of the resurrection in proving Jesus' messianic claims. The discussion also delves into the interpretation of Isaiah 53 and th

SummaryIn this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross speak with Benjamin Shaw, a distinguished Christian apologist and author of Trustworthy: 13 Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament.'The discussion covers Shaw's personal journey into apologetics, the importance of New Testament reliability, and the historical criteria that support it. Shaw emphasizes the cumulative approach to understanding the New Testament, the significance of the Gospels as Greco-Roman biographies, and the value of both Christian and non-Christian sources in establishing the reliability of the New Testament. The conversation also touches on the minimal facts approach to the resurrection and the mission of Core Apologetics to make apologetic resources more accessible to churches and believers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates05:46 Introducing Benjamin Shaw and His Work06:14 Benjamin Shaw's Background and Journey11:29 Lessons from Gary Habermas14:52 Core Apologetics and Its Missi

SummaryIn this conversation, Brian and Chad interview J. Warner Wallace, a former cold case detective turned Christian apologist and author. They discuss his new book, 'The Truth and True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.' The book explores the intersection of true crime and spirituality, focusing on 15 principles that lead to human flourishing. They delve into topics such as the three motivations behind every crime (money, sex, and power), the dangers of fame and power within the church, the fascination with true crime, and the relevance of the book for both believers and non-believers. In this conversation, they discuss the themes of identity, suffering, and finding meaning in life. They explore how trauma can shatter our worldview and expectations, and how redefining our identity in Christ can help us flourish post-trauma. They also discuss the importance of having a narrative that includes the persisting self and the hope and reduced fear of dying that comes from a Chri

SummaryIn this conversation, Chad Gross interviews Eric Hernandez about the existence of the soul. They discuss the definition of the soul, the relationship between the mind and the brain, and the arguments against physicalism. Eric presents the case for substance dualism and argues that consciousness cannot be reduced to physical properties. They also touch on the panpsychist view of consciousness and its implications. The conversation delves into the philosophy of mind and the implications for atheism and theism. In this conversation, Eric Hernandez discusses the concept of the soul and argues against physicalism and in favor of substance dualism. He presents three arguments for the existence of the soul: identity through change, indivisibility of personhood, and the argument from free will. Hernandez emphasizes that if physicalism is true, determinism is also true, which would undermine moral responsibility and intellectual integrity. He recommends J.P. Moreland's books 'The Soul: How We Know It's Real and

SummaryRobbie Lashua discusses the Stand to Reason (STR) Outposts initiative, its purpose, and the process of starting one at a local church. He shares his journey of getting involved with STR and his role as the outpost coordinator. The conversation also covers the flexibility of outposts, the target audience, and the use of STRU courses for small group discussions. Robbie is interviewed about STR's Outpost program, which equips local churches with apologetics resources. The program allows flexibility for churches to use other materials but requires adherence to STR's mission statement. Outposts are not meant to teach doctrinal distinctives, and the local church is responsible for indoctrinating its members. Outpost directors have access to resources and support from STR for managing difficult personalities and theological issues. The program has seen significant growth and is open to churches of all sizes.https://www.str.org/outpostsTakeawaysSTR Outposts provide small group curriculum for training lay peopl

SummaryNate Sala shares his journey from leaving the church to becoming a Christian, his ministry Wise Disciple, and his insights on debate and persuasion. He discusses the importance of objectivity in debate analysis and the criteria for judging debates. The conversation covers various aspects of debate preparation, styles, and strategies, as well as the role of emotion and rhetoric in debates. It also delves into the significance of cross-examination and the art of debate, along with the impact of personal biases and emotional connections in the context of debates. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the host's channel and its content.TakeawaysNate Sala's personal journey from leaving the church to becoming a Christian highlights the role of apologetics in evangelism.Wise Disciple ministry focuses on helping Christians effectively incorporate theology and apologetics into their conversations.Nate Sala's insights on debate and persuasion emphasize the importance of objectivity and the criteria fo

SummaryIn 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

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

Introduction- Chad and Brian discuss their favorite and most memorable debates between Christian apologists/philosophers and atheists/skepticsChad's Debate Picks1. 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 Craig2. 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 appeals4. Braxton Hunter vs. Matt Dillahunty (2019)   - Hunter exposes issues in Dillahunty's epistemology    - Effectively argues for Kalam cosmological argument and argument from free will5. Craig vs Francisco

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 topi