In part one of Answer The Telephone, I discussed the critic's objection: the texts of the Bible have been edited and redacted (for whatever reason, be it clarification or theological tampering) during the history of its transmission so that we cannot know what the originals had to say, and the … [Read more...]
Voter ID and the Elderly
December 29, 2011 by 27 Comments
No one group of people enjoys creating victims like liberal activists. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson create victims of racial "bias". Many Democrat legislators are creating victims of the wealthy, the 99% who are not wealthy because the 1% has made their undeserved fortunes by bilking them out of … [Read more...]
Answer The Telephone, Part 1
December 27, 2011 by 20 Comments
Most people who read the Bible do not concern themselves with anything deeper than the words on the page. What I mean is, outside the few with a penchant for exploring textual criticism, people trust that the words in their hands are the words that were written -- translated, of course, from their … [Read more...]
It really is too bad
December 22, 2011 by 32 Comments
With Sifting Reality, I have offered the world as I see it. I do it for the discussion. I like the interaction -- both dissent and assent. I visit many skeptical blogs as well as fellow religious and Christian blogs. On my ventures I have witnessed and experienced smugness, arrogance, and … [Read more...]
Inclusively Exclusive
December 21, 2011 by 18 Comments
One complaint about Christianity made by skeptics is the pettiness of a God who would condemn people to eternal punishment simply for not believing in the right God/adhering to the right religion. Of course, that's not necessarily true (See: Just Where Do You Think You're Going?), though it is a … [Read more...]
Infinitely Finite
December 19, 2011 by 107 Comments
It wasn't long ago that I was listening to a Christian apologist's radio call-in show when an Atheist protested what he considered to be the biblical view that people spend an eternity in hell. It has been my experience that Atheists tend to offer poor objections to Christian doctrine generally … [Read more...]
Christopher Hitchens
December 16, 2011 by 66 Comments
I cannot say I admire his work, but Christopher Hitchens will be admired by me for his willingness to confront and engage ideas contrary to his own. I have seen few Atheist activists, of which Hitchens was one, so quick to accept debates or public appearances with Christian apologists to discuss … [Read more...]
The difference between liberals and conservatives
December 15, 2011 by 22 Comments
(WISN.com) -- The signatures of Mickey Mouse and Adolf Hitler will be counted on recall petitions targeting Gov. Scott Walker as long as they are properly dated and include a Wisconsin address, the board charged with reviewing the petitions was told Tuesday. [...] "We will flag them, but we … [Read more...]
Can’t Hardly Wait
December 14, 2011 by 4 Comments
There are many reasons women offer as to why they seek or have sought abortion. In my opinion, none are good enough to justify taking the life of the developing baby within her with the exception of saving the life of the mother. I admit when I characterize the reasons given for abortion, it … [Read more...]
With Or Without A Doubt
December 12, 2011 by 36 Comments
Every so often I like to reflect on the strength of my convictions that Christianity is true. Whether such an exercise has any substantial benefit, I don't know. But I like to know where I stand, and to what degree. Recently when pondering this, my focus shifted to the source of the strength of … [Read more...]
When Does Life Begin? Hint: It Doesn’t Matter
December 8, 2011 by 29 Comments
The morality of abortion hinges on different criteria depending on with whom it is you are discussing the issue. One of the most persistent defenses for abortion is the question of when life begins -- despite the answer to this question having been known for decades (See: Get A Life, Part 1). The … [Read more...]
If you can’t stand the heat…
December 7, 2011 by 5 Comments
The advent of social media outlets have made a small world even smaller. Friends of yesteryear and family rarely seen or heard from have been brought back together via Facebook, Twitter and other internet social mediums. In addition to reconnecting with family and friends, people put out there for … [Read more...]
All It Takes Is One?
December 5, 2011 by 39 Comments
Anyone apart of the Facebook world has likely seen a video of Zach Wahls petitioning the Iowa State House of Representatives opposing the proposed ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions. Wahls describes a storybook rendering of his childhood as he recounts being raised by a lesbian … [Read more...]
Sifting Reality 
Who said what…