Alpha and Omega Ministries

So the net is abuzz with excited speculation about a doctrinal statement coming from the Vatican next Tuesday about Mary's role in salvation. Millions of Roman Catholics around the world have signed petitions over the past three decades or more requesting the definition of the "Fifth Marian Dogma" that being Mary as Co-Redemptrix, Co-Mediatrix, and Advocate for the people of God. Many are hoping this new document will dogmatize that teaching, though I find that doubtful. We discuss the issue on Reformation Day 2025. Enjoy!

Wes Huf posted a two sentence post on X a few days ago. It simply said, "Reformation is not an attempt at new Christianity. Reformation is retrieval of true Christianity." And boom---so far, 1,300 responses, mainly from Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, but also a number of Mormons jumped in for the fun of it. So we looked at the replies and tackled all sorts of topics during the Reformation week as we prepare for Reformation Sunday coming up!

Not really sure why but I started off talking about my earliest childhood memory from when I was 2.5 years of age. I even got to show a picture of what I saw that day in 1965. Then we looked at some issues raised regarding Eastern Orthodoxy, then read the anathemas from the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787. Finished up talking about the New Mormons and how to reach them.

Spent quite some time responding to some pretty triumphalistic comments from Roman Catholics, pointing out that there are clear dividing lines between biblical Christianity and Rome's modern state. Then we transitioned to looking again at David Allen's really bad book, and finished off with some ministry related announcements and requests. An hour and 15 today!

Two renowned theologians go head-to-head in a rigorous, respectful debate on one of the most discussed passages in Scripture—**John 1:1–18**. 📖 **Thesis:** *"John 1 is not Trinitarian."* 📖 **Debate Format** * Opening Statements (30 min each) * Rebuttals (10 min each) * Cross-Examination (15 min each) * Audience Q&A (15 min) * Closing Statements (5 min each) **Highlights:** * Historical development of Trinitarian doctrine * The Greek grammar of *John 1:1* ("In the beginning was the Word…") * The meaning of "the Word was God" * Can the Bible teach the Trinity without the word "Trinity"? * Is the Word an eternal divine person, or God's own wisdom personified? Taking the **affirmative**, **Dr. Dale Tuggy** (Unitarian Christian Alliance) argues that John's prologue should be read through a first-century lens, without importing later Trinitarian concepts. Taking the **negative**, **Dr. James White** (Alpha & Omega Ministries) contends that the Greek text itself affirms the eternal deity of Christ and that the doctrine of the Trinity is rooted in Scripture, not post-biblical development. Dr. White defends the classical Trinitarian understanding that "the Word was God," while Dr. Tuggy argues from a Unitarian perspective that *John 1* does not teach a tri-personal God. Together, they explore Greek grammar, early church history, philosophy of time, and biblical theology — offering deep insights into how Christians have read this passage for centuries. 💬 **Moderator:** Jeremiah Nortier (*The Apologetic Dog*) 📍 Hosted by: Covenant Reformed Baptist Church 📅 Dr. White's 200th moderated public debate

Listened to Yuvul Harrari once again laying out the future of a dehumanized earth, and how to "hack" people. The WEF is straight out of a Bond movie, it really is. Then we looked at a number of Roman Catholic claims and Todd Erzen's (Steve Deace's producer) claim that lying is a "sacrament in James' church," and that I "blaspheme" the Roman Church "daily." We examined this attack in context, and then I invited Todd to come on the program, or, to have me on his, to discuss these issues. We will see if he takes me up on it!

When I saw a clip on line about Wes Huff causes a "demon" to come out of Amman Hallman, I had to click. Once I figured out the context, I noted that I was going to comment on it on today's DL. Wes contacted me and wanted to know if I would like him to join us, and of course I said yes! So we managed to snag a full hour from the busy young man as we talked text criticism, translation, and the odd, odd story of Amman Hallman and his amazing attacks upon Jesus and the Christian faith. All Greek geeks, TC aficionados, etc,. will love this one!

Everything sort of hooked up nicely today on the show, from talking about a Baptist converting to Anglicanism, into providing a response to a Roman Catholic on what true peace is (and how we obtain it) to my responding to Doug Wilson's comments to Ross Douthat on what it means to be a Christian and whether Roman Catholicism presents, or obscures, that reality.

Considered issues relating to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy today, looked a bit at the new "Gay-washed" translation of the Bible accepted by the USCCB (the NRSVue), watched a video with someone washing the foot of a dead saint and then people fighting to get some of the water that fell from the foot, etc., all in reference to veneration and worship.

Started off talking about the passing of Russell Nelson, the 17th prophet of the LDS Church, and talking about the succession crisis in Mormonism, as his successor, Dallin Oaks, is 93 years of age. Then we looked at the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury, a wild-eyed leftist woman, who truly seems to mirror the denigration of the UK in general, and the Church of England in specific. Finally, we looked at a bad week for Pope Leo, including the really weird blessing of "the waters" via a block of ice, and the unrolling of a big long (sorry, but it looked to me like a) slip-and-slide that the people in the audience (including Arnold Schwarzenegger!) then lifted up and down to make it look like flowing water. It was truly that bad. We talked about how Leo is truly the continuation of Francis, and how given his younger age and evident health, could present a long pontificate during which to confirm Francis' plans and change of direction of the Roman Church.

Two main topics today thrust upon us by recent events: the sudden ecumenical surge ("Yeah, the differences between Roman Catholics and Evangelicals really aren't definitional at all") and how it is being propagated, together with the furor over "Is Mormonism Christianity?" that has been prompted by Senator Mike Lee's promotion of Mormonism as basic Christianity in the aftermath of the Michigan tragedy. An hour and twenty minutes on topics we have addressed for decades.

I heard of the home-going of our dear brother Voddie Baucham right after I finished setting up the fifth wheel here in Oklahoma on my fast trip home from the East Coast. This is another audio-only edition, only thirty minutes in length, but I felt it was appropriate to comment on the brother's life and ministry and how we should think about the loss of men like Johnny Mac, Charlie Kirk, and now Voddie Baucham.

Trying to get back across the US two days faster than I had planned, so each day is a long one, and I am not feeling well. So, audio only, but did want to address a few topics like the Kirk memorial and how people are viewing how the gospel was presented, etc., and then also talked about Tucker Carlson's comments on Shariah law. Also addressed the "black culture" claims out of Ogden, and finally, about how Romans 12 is not about a general call the unbelievers to hate evil, etc. Just under forty minutes in length.

Today on a Road Trip DL from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, we report on ministry here and then talk a bit about Acts 20 and the words of Paul to elders that echo today loudly, to be sure. We talked a little more about Charlie Kirk, a little about "Defiant Baptist," and a bit more about Pope Leo and developments regarding whether he is, or isn't, continuing the policies and perspectives of Francis.

Today I covered the last few days in light of the Charlie Kirk murder, talking about grief, martyrdom, assassination, and the foolishness of telling people they should leave their churches. I will confess, I wandered around a bit---should have put that outline together, but didn't have time! Part of the "what you need to get done on the road" syndrome. But, hopefully helpful anyway!

Did an hour long program today on the road as we prepare for the "Harbor Freight G3" conference this weekend, as well as my debate with Dale Tuggy. Not sure if we going to get another show in tomorrow, we will see!

Another Road Trip Dividing Line today from eastern Oklahoma on my way to Nashville, Tennessee. Started off talking about the upcoming conferences and debates, including the big debate get-together in Dallas next February. Then we talked about Pope Leo and Father James Martin and the future of Roman Catholicism and the LGBTQ movement, which led naturally into a discussion about the interview Matt Fradd with with Fr. Josémaría M. Barbin, F.I. on the topic of Marian devotion. Played one section and interacted with it, but will do more in the future. A tremendous example of what happens when you abandon, and in fact, reject, vociferously and purposefully, sola scriptura.

This was a hot program! Mainly because the AC units had not yet caught up with the Arizona heat in the RV! Anyway, talked about the sad state of affairs, worldview wise, on social media, then talked about what the Bible says about purity in speech. Then we looked at a statement about the "Reformed Ghetto" from Joel Webbon and his view that Rome is not even in the top 50 issues to worry about today, and yet, how glorious "Christendom" once was! The next program will definitely be from on the road as I depart on Saturday for Tennessee.

Going to try to get two programs in before we head back out on the road, so hopefully Wednesday at 6pm EDT for the next one. Started off looking at some stuff that happened over the weekend, including people mocking Fritz Erbe, the man martyred by the sacralist Lutherans for not having his children baptized. We looked at the direction being taken by the young Christian Nationalists, and how it requires going soft on the key issues regarding Roman Catholicism. Then we moved back to David Allen's book and started looking specifically as his Romans 8 section.

Started off looking at a new video from Joel Webbon, who recently called Nick "F-Bomb" Fuentes a "political savant," where he had Dr. Taylor Marshall, former Protestant, now more-Catholic-than-the-Pope promoter of Papalism, to talk about (ready for this?) dispensationalism and the red heifer! Webbon is now amplifying his "Rome really isn't our enemy" theme, just as predicted by certain folks who were mocked and ridiculed for it months ago. Then we looked at a particularly bad (though very popular) anti-sola scriptura argument, and finished off noting that the new Pope is promoting Alfonsus Liguori, the author of the astonishingly idolatrous book, The Glories of Mary.

Three major portions to the program today, starting off with some observations on the relationship of the Prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) to the Prologue of the First Epistle of John. Then we looked at a post on X from a few weeks ago presenting a very one-sided view of the supposed "Petrine Promise" in Matthew 16, and finished off with about twelve minutes more looking at David Allen's new book.

We continued looking at the unhinged attacks on Penal Substitutionary Atonement today, following up on yesterday's program. Looked at a lot of the reasons for the attacks, as well as the fact that you won't believe the doctrine without the highest view of Scripture, its sufficiency, and its consistency as well. Hopefully a blessing to those wondering why this topic keeps coming up over the years.

After a brief note of some words from Mark Miravalle about the "5th Marian Dogma" movement that continues to this day, we started talking about Penal Substitutionary Atonement, PSA, which exploded on social media a few days ago. It is not that denying PSA is anything new: it's a theological minority broadly speaking. But most evangelicals are unaware of its history, let alone the reasons offered to reject PSA by its opponents. So we started looking at the various kinds of objections, but ran out of time, so we will continue tomorrow at the same time (6pm EDT) with the same topic!

Had to keep it to an hour today, but we started looking at some statements from Dale Tuggy in his debate from a number of years ago with Michael Brown in preparation for my second debate with Dale in Tullahoma next month. Then we got back into David Allen's new book as we move toward it's attempt to deal with Romans 8.

Covered a few personal items at the start, talked a bit about Calvin Robinson and Rome, then about Pope Leo's intention to elevate John Henry Cardinal Newman to the position of "Doctor of the Church" and what this might mean. Then we looked at a Leighton Flowers tweet on God's sovereignty, and finished up moving back into David Allen's book on Romans.

Started off talking about exciting news about a new upcoming debate, and that it should be the big #200! Then switched over to some Islamic topics regarding whether Muhammed existed and the debate about that amongst Christians working in the field. Then we took a look at some material from David Allen's new book and demonstrated that, once again, the text of Scripture, and the Text of David, are often two different things.

So I received word last week that Midwestern had not extended Barrett's contract, so he was leaving. Then it came out he was taking a position at an Anglican seminary, and finally, his own article explaining his reasons for converting to Anglicanism. So today we walked through the article in light of the fact that we have spoken often of the impact of the "Great Traditionists" and the fact that promoting such a perspective at a Baptist institution is inherently self-contradictory (and Barrett's conversion is actually proof of the correctness of our assertion).

Talked about Charlie Kirk calling for Protestants to "venerate Mary more as the answer to feminism. Also addressed some young men and their need to pursue wisdom and maturity before thinking they can simply dismiss those who plowed the ground before them. I also patted myself on the back about helping some uber, super cute kittens survive the Arizona heat. Live from The Views RV Park and Campground in Dolores, Colorado!

A "jumbo" edition of a Road Trip Dividing Line today from Albuquerque, New Mexico! We talked about John MacArthur, told a few stories, then talked about the sad, silly, inane folks trying to cash in on criticizing him. Spent a few minutes on the Alex Jurado controversy and how we can't just accept electronically produced evidence anymore, even in situations like this. Then we spent about 45 minutes responding to the guys from Trinity, including David Allen, looking at how their own language admits that our primary criticism has always been correct: they start with man, not with God. Then we looked at 1 John 5:1 and how both sides deal with it, or, in their case, don't deal with it at all.

I have to apologize for today's program. I started the stream, everything on my end said everything was great and worked well. But, I get done, and---no stream. No broadcast. Never had that happen before, and now I will always be wondering if it is working. Anyway, the recording worked anyway, so here it is. Talked about how being Reformed is relevant to, well, everything, including the flash flood in Texas recently. Then we discussed David Allen's new book, what it says about me, and how it uses scholarly sources. Sorry it wasn't broadcast live, as I thought it was! We will try to fix things for next time!

We looked in-depth today at the continuing discussion "do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?" This time we likewise looked at what modern Romanism teaches concerning salvation of those in non-Christian religions, and how all of this utterly undercuts Rome's authority claims. The last few minutes we responded to David Allen's continued refusal to defend his published works in public debate.

Basically three topics today, first, a few comments on the announcement just this morning that David Allen is putting out a book this Friday with the title, Liberating Romans from Reformed Captivity. Yes, that's the actual title. Then we looked at Wesley Todd thinking it would be better to have a Catholic fascist system of government because then you could convert them, which sort of means you don't know much about history. And finally we listened briefly to the logical outcome of the Orthodox "we are worshipping through the icon" argument, that being, there is no such thing as idolatry. The next program, on Thursday, should be coming from the mobile command center, though I do not actually pull out till Saturday.

Took some time to consider what the Bible says about Israel and the Church in light of recent events, then looked at another "let's sneak some Nazi stuff into another White Boy Summer video" stuff, and finished off reviewing the claims of Alex Jurado about the background of our debate last year, sadly having to correct a lot of error and misinformation.

A little bit of everything for folks today, from reviewing a thread promoting priestly confession to reading through a description of purgatory to listening to Dr. Riddle promoting TR Onlyism.

Looked at two video clips today, one from Joe Heschmeyer on the question "do Christians and Muslims worship a different God?" (we come to different conclusions) and the other from an EO priest relating a discussion he had with Joel Webbon about cessationism.

Decided I needed a break from the battle so as to remember the foundational stuff---we can get back to the rest next week, Lord willing. Looked at a few Psalms and just considered what is eternal and important--and will be important next week, next month, and 100 years from now--rather than what grabs our attention and often steals our joy today. Then we went back to listening to Calvin talking about the knowledge of God and how we can obtain it, and how sinful rebellion suppresses that knowledge.

Played a clip where Dr. Turek uses a form of Molinism to respond to a question on predestination. Before or after that (funny how it is hard to remember right after doing the show!) we looked at a graphic where a Roman Catholic says the Orthodox are "Petrified" as in fossilized in time, and what that might mean. Then we spent the rest of the time looking at my exchange with Andrew Isker on the imprisonment and eventual death of Fritz Erbe and others in the sacral period after the Reformation. A useful exposure of where Isker, and those allied with him, are really going.

Lots of different topics covered today, starting with the uproar between Trump and Musk but moving on to wider topics. Then we looked at some comments from Leighton Flowers about "God-fearers," and finished up with a brief discussion about NT Wright's defense of abortion in "extreme circumstances."

Did a little more than the first half of the program on Acts 20 and Paul's words to the Ephesian elders asking if it is really so shocking that elders today need to be concerned about what is coming into the fellowship through social media sources. Then, we started reading some of Calvin's finest work in the opening of the Institutes and his vital discussion of the knowledge of God and the knowledge of man.

Started off with a few observations about the fact that the US had a shadow, unelected government for four years, and how that should sober anyone up real fast, then we moved into some discussions with the Provisionists about Matthew 23:37 and about Jesus' statement that "you are not my sheep," and finally looked for a few minutes at part of the "How Sacralism Saved the Church" video and how this viewpoint is hopelessly self-contradictory (let alone ahistorical and unbiblical).

Did an hour today prior to joining Eli Ayala to discuss sola scriptura and dove into some church history, the bishop of Rome, the development hypothesis, and other stuff; likewise, briefly looked at the assertion that "sacralism saved the church," another astonishing claim as well.

Joined Luke and Zach from Apologia Radio for a "mashup" show today to go over the Mahler debate and related issues. We ended up talking about the future, the state of the church, and a lot more! Love chatting with my brothers, and hope you enjoy the result!

Had a lot to report on regarding Thursday's debate, and talked a bit about Mahler's abuse of Genesis 9:25-27 as well. Discussed some of the nasty anons like DefiantBaptist and their amazing behavior. Eventually moved to "Catholic Integralism" and Pope Leo XIV, and finished up with some information about the two major (month-plus long) trips in July and September.

Covered a few bookmarks in X I had saved, including an Episcopalian "priestess" who is confused on the Trinity and transgenderism, then an X account called The Classical Ponderer who ripped into me as a coward and a vulture. Then finished with some thoughts on yesterday's announcement of the cancellation of the G3 Conference in Atlanta and the attendant issues. Don't forget the debate on Thursday, 8pm EDT on the Bible Dinger's channel on YouTube!

Started off offering Christian condolences to @SavagelyAverage and @KenFiveSolas on social media, both of whom lost their wives suddenly. Talked a bit about grieving. Then moved on to the new Pope, Leo XIV, and about how an earlier Leo, the Xth, was important in the Reformation. Then we looked at some comments from Stephen Wolfe, and Joel Webbon (on very different topics, though, somewhat related).

A clip from Leighton Flowers comparing the Bible and the Qur'an (from four years ago!) popped up and that resulted in a tweet from LF about debating the topic. We examined that, then talked for a while about the exposure of "Woe" from the Stone Choir and amazingly how those supportive of the rehabilitation of the Nazis and Hitler have come to his defense.

Talked about the upcoming Papal conclave (5/7) and the legacy of Francis's papacy in regards to Rome's claims of ultimate authority. Then we moved into a discussion of the upcoming debate with Corey Mahler on May 15th, "Is the Holy Spirit Able to Sanctify Black Believers as Well as White Believers?"

ReformCon starts tomorrow afternoon, so I am in Tucson and we did the program from the Mobile Command Center once again. Talked about the coming demographic disaster and its relationship to worldview issues, then discussed the utter evil of the leftists in Colorado pushing to destroy the family and corrupt children, and finished up going over this article that I wrote 18 years ago on the top 10 reasons not to join the Roman Catholic Church.