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...]
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...]
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...]
Jesus Scored A Touchdown…Maybe
November 28, 2011 by 25 Comments
Tim Tebow is known for at least two things: a curious football success and, being an outspoken Christian. Tebow uses every opportunity to voice his Christian faith, and has at times caught some negative attention for it. In response to former Denver Broncos quarterback, Jake Plummer's criticism of … [Read more...]
Religion, Religion, Wherefore Art Thou Religion?
November 17, 2011 by 75 Comments
Some of my readers may have noticed that when I argue against certain social positions, I do not invoke God or religion. More specifically, when arguing for the pro-life position, or against abortion; or against same-sex marriage, I do not make appeals to God, the Bible, or religion to do so. In … [Read more...]
Exclusively Inclusive
November 16, 2011 by 9 Comments
Following on the heels of a previous post (See: Just One Caveat, Or Two, Or Three...) that recounted an interaction I had with a woman who seemed very uncomfortable with the idea that she thought she was being offensive by having an opinion on spiritual things that I did not share. The discussion … [Read more...]
Just One Caveat, Or Two, Or Three…
November 13, 2011 by 22 Comments
Sometimes people say the darndest things. Well, conditioned to say the darndest things. Over the past few decades or so, political correctness (PC) has conditioned people to above all else, not offend. The implementation of PC has made for some strange conversations. What's most silly about the … [Read more...]
[Get] Over The Rainbow
November 4, 2011 by 27 Comments
Many people believe Christians have a disproportionate focus on homosexuality and homosexuals over and above other sins, even other sexual sins. As anyone who talks with Christians about morality will tell you, eventually, the focus will turn either to abortion or homosexuality. When the … [Read more...]
Animals are people too…maybe
October 29, 2011 by 29 Comments
The fine folks at PETA, though well-intentioned, are once again showing their lack of ability to distinguish between human beings and animals. Recently they have made headlines by throwing their support behind killer whales suggesting they be granted the same rights under the U.S. Constitution as … [Read more...]
Some people are too ‘smrt’ for their own good
October 25, 2011 by 14 Comments
Popular biologist Richard Dawkins is known for his contempt for all things religious. In his recent interview with the UK's The Guardian, he had this to say, via The Blaze: Jesus was a great moral teacher and I was suggesting that somebody as intelligent as Jesus would have been an atheist if he … [Read more...]
Sometimes It’s Good To Hear Voices
October 24, 2011 by 16 Comments
It seems to be the case that people are becoming less willing to call certain behaviors objectively immoral. Of course, the major evils are still conceded: rape, murder, etc. But I am speaking in generalities here, not about any one particular act or habit. Moral objectivism is being increasingly … [Read more...]
Get A Life, Part 2
October 19, 2011 by 13 Comments
This is part two of a three-part series addressing three arguments made in defense of elective abortion. Read Part 1 and Part 3. A variation of the first defense for elective abortion builds upon the same false assumption, that the embryo/fetus is not a human. The medical fact that a unique … [Read more...]
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