Pascal’s Wager isn’t an argument for God’s existence, even though it’s often misunderstood to be one. It’s a cost benefit analysis between believing in or rejecting God. Skeptics, I believe, are far too dismissive because I don’t think its weight is realized. The wager holds no power for skeptics … [Read more...]
Skeptics and Atheists aside, most people can accept -- even if they don't like it -- that God takes life. When it comes to our loved ones, it doesn't matter how much time we had with them, we could have -- should have -- had more. But when it comes to life and death, some causes of death we seem … [Read more...]
This is really for one kind of reader: Atheists. Often a skeptic will cite some particular Christian, or group of Christians and hold them up as a representative sample of Christians and Christianity. There also exist sects of people who claim for themselves the label of "Christian" yet are … [Read more...]
Whenever it is thought that an Earth - like planet has been discovered, speculation of the presence of life there is also part of the discussion. With the thought of life on other planets comes the ramifications this might have on religion. My experience is that skeptics and Atheists are under the … [Read more...]
I hear the term "fundamentalist" tossed around as though it's some kind of pejorative. It's as if being a fundamentalist of whatever stripe is a bad thing. When I hear the term, I'm not automatically associating the label negatively. It seems to me that a fundamentalist, is someone who believes … [Read more...]
Taking into consideration how substantial Christianity's impact on the world has been, I think everyone needs to be able to answer this question. If Christianity is true, then answering this question accurately is even more consequential. Skeptics: do you at least concede that knowing exactly who … [Read more...]
Broadly speaking, skeptics rarely differentiate between the world's religions. When it comes to the real or perceived evils done in the name of religion, or by religious adherents they're one in the same. This is especially true when discussing Islamic terrorism or the Crusades and Inquisition. … [Read more...]
Yesterday morning whilst enjoying my breakfast at my favorite restaurant, a friend of mine made a comment in response to something (I don't recall what) that God is all forgiving, all merciful, and all loving. I actually hear this a lot. It's usually offered as a rejoinder to my claims that some … [Read more...]
Even after having thought about this particular subject for some many years, I'm still not sure how to articulate it adequately. I'm sure you've said, or heard someone else say "I deserve..." or, "I really don't deserve...". These pleadings are usually offered within the context of something the … [Read more...]
The last two weekends my oldest daughter has accompanied her friend's family to their church. She returned home and declared, "I'm going to their church from now on, it's so fun!". So she thinks. We will continue to attend our regular church. Her attitude regarding why she wants to attend that … [Read more...]
This comment was given in response to a local news agency reporting on the United Methodist Church formally charging a minister for presiding over his son's same-sex wedding. Does Catherine really think God is pleased as punch with her every thought and deed? You know what? I think she does. It's … [Read more...]
Ok, I literally hate when people ask the question, "do you believe in a literal interpretation of Genesis?" I think there is an ingrained tendency to narrow one's focus too much, to the point where you develop tunnel vision and either refuse, or fail to accept that there is more than one way take a … [Read more...]
Editor's Note: This is a continuation in a series of posts between Adam Robles and John Barron on the doctrines of Reformed Theology. This is not debate per se, and we are not following a particular format. Because of this, as new posts are published they may seem incomplete. You should read the … [Read more...]
This is a follow up to Adam Robles' original post discussing whether the doctrine of Unconditional Election is taught in the Bible. These posts discussing Reformed Theology are not debates, per se, rather they are discussions. Because they are less formal, the posts back and forth will read more … [Read more...]
First, a quick introduction: My name is Adam Robles but when I engage in theology discussions I go by AD Robles, because everyone knows the best theologians only go by their first two initials! I live in New York, am 31 years old, and have a wonderful wife of 2 years. I have been walking with the … [Read more...]
About a week or so ago I meandered onto a social media group where Reformed theological doctrines were the topic of discussion. It's an issue I've always enjoyed probably because I have a good time meddling in controversy. I do not consider myself a Reformed Christian, though I do lean that way on … [Read more...]
One common complaint against Christianity is the doctrine of exclusivism. The teaching that there is only one true God and only one true religion is something some people just find objectionable. Whether they find this to be arrogant, narrow-minded, elitist, or worse; they think the idea that … [Read more...]
God loves the sinner but hates the sin is a common expression in many Christian circles. But is it true? Where does this saying come from? Though anyone is welcome to add their two cents in on this, it is primarily an in-house discussion. It might be more fun for skeptics to watch us Christians … [Read more...]
https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins/status/371553942313779200 Isn't it cute how famed biologist Richard Dawkins tries so hard to offer theological commentary on the nature of God. He's the world's top thinker you know. What is he really trying to say here? Is he saying that God isn't or … [Read more...]
It's the age old question, everyone has considered it at some point or another. What happens to a person after the die? I'd like everyone regardless of their theological (or atheological) bent to answer if they would. Secondly, and as importantly as the first, why do you believe your view is true? … [Read more...]
Sifting Reality 
Who said what…