Apologetics Profile

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In part one of this discussion, Daniel shares his journey from the Kingdom Hall to the Kingdom of God: When he first got the knock at his front door, what attracted Daniel to listen to the Jehovah's Witnesses and initially embrace their teachings? What caused Daniel to mistake the Jehovah's Witnesses sincerity for their accuracy? Why is it difficult for former Jehovah's Witnesses to believe in Jesus even after they learn their religion was wrong? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Frans, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week's episode Brady Blevins and Steve Matthews conclude their conversation about Kip McKean, World Missions Evangelist of the controversial International Christian Church (ICC). Brady and Steve address some questions underlying decades of criticism the the movement has received from Christian discernment ministries and secular cult-watch organizations: How can we distinguish between a strong commitment to Christian discipleship and inappropriate high-demand organizations which can foster spiritual abuse? To what degree and on what level should a "discipler" be given control of a follower's personal discussion-making? Does salvation require water baptism into a ICC-style "discipling" church? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the International Churches of Christ (ICC) by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC Our original 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ (ICOC) by Rick Branch: www.watchman.org/Boston Our 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week's episode Brady Blevins and Steve Matthews discuss Kip McKean, World Missions Evangelist of the controversial International Christian Church (ICC), a worldwide movement headquartered in Los Angeles. In part one of this two-part discussion we explore the history, growth and some of the criticisms directed at the organization that first began as an on campus discipling ministry of the Crossroads Church of Christ at the University of Florida in Gainesville.McKean became the world leader when the sect was known as the Boston Church of Christ and later as the group expanded its worldwide strategies under the name International Church of Christ (ICOC). In the midst of external and internal criticisms and calls for reform, McKean resigned from the ICOC later forming his rival organization, the ICC.The movement has been under fire for decades even being banned from major university campuses including "American University, the University of Lowell (Mass.), Birmingham University (United Kingdom), the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), Boston College, Marquette University, Boston University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, the University of London (United Kingdom), Vanderbilt University, the University of Miami, Northeastern University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Smith College, the United States Military Academy, the University of Southern California and York University (Canada)."1Why is the ICC so popular and what drives the criticisms? Brady and Steve discuss some of the controversies surrounding Kip McKean and the ICC including their theological distinctives and questionable discipleship practices.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the International Churches of Christ (ICC) by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/ICC Our original 4-page Profile on the Boston Church of Christ / International Churches of Christ (ICOC) by Rick Branch www.watchman.org/Boston Our 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: www.watchman.org/Abuse FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.1 John W. Morehead, "International Christian Churches: Disciples of Abuse?" www.apologeticsindex.org/i05.html

In this week's episode Daniel Ray and Dr. Luke Barnes conclude their discussion of the question "What is Scientism?" Science is fully compatible with the Christian worldview and for the most part has done much to expand knowledge and in most cases provided tremendous progress in advancing human wellbeing and flourishing. There is, however, a controversial philosophy of science that seems to be growing in popularity that can be called Scientism.In part two of their conversation, Daniel and Luke critique some assumptions and draw some conclusions on and questions raised by Scientism: Must science and religion be seen as in conflict? Has science disproven the existence of God? Is science the best or even only way to know truth? For anything to be true, does it have to be observable, testable, repeatable and peer reviewed? Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009. He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. For more on Dr. Barnes, see his CV here: http://bit.ly/LukeBarnes ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism A Fortunate Universe by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/2GaGDDD The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/34FvXGD The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray and Paul Gould: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology by JP Moreland: https://bit.ly/Scientism1 FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week's episode Daniel Ray and Dr. Luke Barnes explore the question "What is Scientism?" Science is fully compatible with the Christian worldview and for the most part has done much to expand knowledge and in most cases provided tremendous progress in advancing human wellbeing and flourishing. There is, however, a controversial philosophy of science that seems to be growing in popularity that can be called Scientism.In part one of this two-part conversation, Daniel and Luke discuss some of the assumptions made and questions raised by Scientism: Must science and religion be seen as in conflict? Has science disproven the existence of God? Is science the best or even only way to know truth? For anything to be true, does it have to be observable, testable, repeatable and peer reviewed? Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009. He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. For more on Dr. Barnes, see his CV here: http://bit.ly/LukeBarnes ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on Scientism by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism A Fortunate Universe by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/2GaGDDD The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook by Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes: https://amzn.to/34FvXGD The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray and Paul Gould: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology by JP Moreland: https://bit.ly/Scientism1 FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

British philosopher Mary Midgley suggests that evolutionary "theory itself has again and again been distorted by biases flowing from over-simple, unbalanced world-pictures. The trouble does not, of course, lie in mere wish-fulfilment of the obvious kind that paints the world as we should like it to be. It involves being obsessed by a picture so colorful and striking that it numbs thought about the evidence required to support it. Standards of proof fall headlong.” Midgley notes that there is an underlying assumption about evolution she calls “hypertrophied forms of cosmic optimism...” Essentially, the “cosmic optimism” is the idea that evolution is a kind of progress from “gas to genius,” that the future is one of guaranteed improvement of our species toward what Midgely calls “some superhuman spiritual stratosphere”. On part two of our discussion with Discovery Institute fellow Dr. Michael Keas, we explore the falsehoods and false hopes of the messianic-like blank check myth of our time. This myth suggests that either through the discovery of benevolent superintelligent extraterrestrial beings and/or sheer technological progress, mankind will eventually progress from his sullied and sad state of death, disease, and decay into a poorly defined "superhman spiritual stratosphere", a kind of "Singularity" as many futurists term it, where man and machine combine to produce a quasi kind of spiritual perfection and eternal existence.Will artificial intelligence or extraterrestrial intelligence save us? No, Keas reminds us. "The futuristic ET enlightenment myth and its terrestrial Singularity companion share a strong aversion to Christianity... Both ET and AI salvation are supposed to occur by technological good works, not by accepting the undeserved sacrificial gift of Jesus," Keas writes.We hope this episode will equip and encourage you to think biblically about the modern futuristic myths promulgated by science and give you the tools to respond to your secular friends, neighbors, and family members who may be caught up in the utopic-like hopes of modern science. As the Apostle Peter proclaims of the Lord Jesus Christ, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).For more information on Dr. Keas' work, you can visit his website at the Discovery Institute (https://www.discovery.org/p/keas/). We also encourage you to check out his latest book, Unbelievable - 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion (http://bit.ly/MikeKeas). FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Welcome to this special combinded edition of our two podcasts, Good Heavens! (www.watchman.org/GoodHeavens) and Apologetics Profile (www.watchman.org/Podcast). This episode is a recent talk by Dr. Sarah Salviander's presenting her chapter on God and black holes from our book, The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (www.TheStoryOfTheCosmos.com).What is a black hole? Where are they? How were they discovered? How does the majesty, mystery, and enigma of black holes point to the glory of God? Come along on this special episode and find out!Dr. Sarah Salviander received her PhD in astrophysics from the University of Texas at Austin. She was a researcher at UT for sixteen years, where she specialized in the study of quasars, supermassive black holes, and galaxies. She is the author of several peer-reviewed journal papers and a comprehensive Astronomy & Astrophysics homeschool curriculum. She is currently writing books about the remarkable confluence between Christianity and modern science. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Watch the video edition of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xi0CwpY5ICg The Story of the Cosmos book: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook The Story of the Cosmos online video course: www.watchman.org/CosmosCourse Dr. Salviander's Author Website: www.sarahsalviander.com Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SarahSalviander Sarah presented her talk at LifePoint Church in League City, Texas (South Houston) on October 21st, 2020, as part of their Wednesday Night "Unfiltered. Conversations that Matter" apologetics ministry. Thanks to Trevor Shakiba and Pastor Josh Sharpe for coordinating the event and for the assistance in the production of the video. You can visit the church’s website at https://golifepointchurch.org. LifePoint provided the audio and video. Daniel Ray of Watchman Fellowship edited and produced the final video. Daniel is also the co-editor and co-contributor to The Story of the Cosmos. FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

C.S. Lewis once wrote that there is a certain kind of “mythology that follows in the wake of science." A prescient insight for our time, as secular popularizers of science, with the awe, aura, and authority of science surrounding them, perpetuate many myths that are simply unsound on a multitude of levels; scientific, philosophical, historical, and theological just to name a few. On this two-part episode Daniel Ray sits down with Dr. Michael Newton Keas of the Discovery Institute (https://www.discovery.org/p/keas/) to talk about several of these modern myths that have come about in the "wake of science"; myths in relation to the interplay between science and religion, more specifically.We discuss his newest book, Unbelievable - 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion (http://bit.ly/MikeKeas). Dr. Keas outlines the predominant myths that are promulgated today, ideas he has heard in his over 25 years of teaching science at the university and collegiate levels. Keas exposes the falsehoods of these myths by providing a solid historical background for how they've grown and taken on a life of their own in the minds of popular culture.About Dr. Keas: "After earning a Ph.D. in the history of science from the University of Oklahoma, Mike Keas won research grants from such organizations as the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies. He experienced some of the last historic moments behind the Berlin Wall as a Fulbright scholar in East Germany. Keas serves as lecturer in the history and philosophy of science at Biola University and on the board of directors of Ratio Christi, an alliance of apologetics clubs on college campuses."On part one, Dr. Keas provides the genesis of his book, discusses why we indeed have a special and unique purpose in the cosmos and we discuss the kind of salvific hope that undergirds many of the myths of our time. Watch a short presentation on science and religion (https://youtu.be/8zC8tOVLjdE) from Dr. Keas produced by the Gospel Coalition. For more information on Dr. Keas' work, be sure to visit his homepage at the Discovery Institute in the link above. FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe turned 70 this month (October 2020). In the midst of a difficult year of pandemics and politics, now is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with C.S. Lewis's timeless classic. What's in your "spare oom" that can lead to adventures undreamt and unsought? BONUS EPISODE: Come along with us on this special edition broadcast which is a joint program of both Watchman Fellowship podcasts -- Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile. In this show Daniel Ray celebrates the imaginative, cosmological, literary, and apologetic wonders of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with C.S. Lewis scholar Dr. Michael Ward. Dr. Ward served as Daniel's master's thesis advisor at Houston Baptist University in 2016. Daniel is the first to have written a master's thesis on Dr. Ward's 2008 book, Planet Narnia - The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis. Michael is the author of several published works and scholarly articles about Lewis, the imagination, and theology. He has lectured in 30 of the 50 states, holds a doctorate of divinity from St. Andrews, and has made numerous radio, podcast, and television appearances. More on Michael's work can be found here and here. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Michael Ward with Eric Metaxas in conversation about Planet Narnia. Michael and others from around the world reading from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Laura Miller's book mentioned in the broadcast. The Magician's Book - A Skeptic's Adventure in Narnia. FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In part 2 Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins continue their discussion on the Ouija Board,* a controversial but extremely popular best-seller made by game and toy maker Hasbro.® Some of the questions they explore include: Is this a mere game or toy "for entertainment purposes" only? Why did the inventer argue in court that communicating through his "talking board" was actually a religious practice? Could it actually be a tool of the occult that allegedly allows a medium to contact the dead (necromancy), a practice clearly forbidden in the Bible (Deut. 18:10-12)? Why did it take an IRS lawsuit appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court for the Ouija to be classified as a game? BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Ouija Board Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_Ouija.pdf Occult Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.* Introduction audio excerpt courtesy "The Home of Horror," Paranormal Witness (Season 1 Episode 5): A family's use of a Ouija board brings an evil entity into their home, YouTube, July 17, 2019: https://youtu.be/lucRKtuCjtU

In this episode Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss the Ouija Board, a controversial best-seller made by game and toy maker Hasbro®, from a Christian perspective. Some of the questions they address include: Is this a mere game or toy "for entertainment purposes" only? Why did the inventer argue in court that communicating through his "talking board" was actually a religious practice? Could it actually be a tool of the occult that allegedly allows a medium to contact the dead (necromancy), a practice clearly forbidden in the Bible (Deut. 18:10-12)? Why did it take an IRS lawsuit appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court for the Ouija to be classified as a game? BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Ouija Board Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_Ouija.pdf Occult Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.* Introduction audio excerpt courtesy "The Home of Horror," Paranormal Witness (Season 1 Episode 5): A family's use of a Ouija board brings an evil entity into their home, YouTube, July 17, 2019: https://youtu.be/lucRKtuCjtU

Founded by Keith Raniere, a quasi-religious group called NXVIM (pronounced NEX-ee-um) has been in the headlines following the arrests of Raniere, Smallville TV actress Allison Mack, and other leaders on charges of sex trafficking. Prosecutors and the FBI alleged women were coerced and blackmailed by Mack and other leaders to have sex with the group’s founder. Victims also claim to have been called "slaves" and branded with the letters "KR," Keith Raniere's initials. As more horrifying details emerged, investigators sought testimony from additional victims. "F.B.I. assistant director-in-charge William F. Sweeney called the operation a 'pyramid scheme' and asked for anyone who might have been a victim to come forward with any information."* Raniere, Mack and other leaders were subsequently convicted and imprisoned.In this week's episode, our Senior Apologist, Dr. Brady Blevins, interviews Frank Parlato of the Frank Report, a former NXVIM insider who became a chief whistle-blower. His testimony, documentation and evidence aided in the FBI's investigation leading to the arrests, indictments and prison sentences. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: NXVIM Profile by Dr. Brady Blevins: www.watchman.org/NXIVM.pdf Frank Report by Frank Parlato: www.frankreport.com FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.* Hilary Weaver, “This Keith Raniere Sex-Cult Story Is Much Deeper Than Allison Mack’s Arrest,” Vanity Fair, April, 2018: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/allison-mack-arrested-in-connection-to-keith-raniere

How did an outdated New Age trend called the Enneagram become a wildly popular fad now sweeping through American Christianity? We address this phenomena in this week's Apologetics Profile. This is the final episode of our part two-part discussion on the Enneagram. This week we explore some additional questions related to the controversial history and practice of the Enneagram and the role played by one of its leading advocates, Richard Rohr. Who were the real architects of the Enneagram? What does Richard Rohr mean when he said that Christ is something "larger and older" than Jesus? What is Panentheism and is it compatible with a biblical worldview? Should the Enneagram be viewed as a harmless tool for personality assessment or does it pose a potential for spiritual danger? Can God "redeem" the Enneagram from its occult roots for His own purposes? To discuss these questions, James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, continues his interview with Marcia Montenegro and Don Veinot, two of the coauthors of the 2020 book, Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret. Marcia is also the author of our 4-page Profile on the Enneagram (see links below). BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Enneagram Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Enneagram.pdf Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret by Marcia Montenegro, Don Veinot and Joy Veinot: www.watchman.org/RohrBook Astrology Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

How did a New Age “spirit guide” named Metatron help inspire the Enneagram, a major fad currently sweeping American Christianity? This is just one of the questions we address in this week's episode of Apologetics Profile. In part one of this two-part podcast, we explore some preliminary subjects related to the Enneagram’s controversial history and practice: What is the Enneagram and how does it work? Is the Enneagram based on ancient, forgotten Christian practices or is it rooted in 20th century occultism? Why has the Enneagram's secret origins made it so controversial? Should Christians use the Enneagram as a spiritual path to their “true self”? To discuss these questions, James Walker, president of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Marcia Montengro and Don Veinot, two of the coauthors of the 2020 book, Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret. Marcia is also the author of our 4-page Profile on the Enneagram (see links below). BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Enneagram Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Enneagram.pdf Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret by Marcia Montenegro, Don Veinot and Joy Veinot: www.watchman.org/RohrBook Astrology Profile by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

This week Daniel Ray continues his discussion with Christian apologist, philosopher and author, Dr. Douglas Groothuis about his book Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. This book is a popular textbook at Christian colleges and seminaries, was winner of the 2012 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit.In part 2 of their discussion, Daniel and Doug explore some additional arguments for the Christian worldview put forward in the book and address some key questions: Are some atheists arguing that the best explanation for much of the universe is that there is no explanation for it? Should skepticism be the default position? How can we creatively and wisely relate to people who seem to be far away from the gospel? Why do Christians need to go beyond focusing on merely winning arguments? Douglas Groothuis is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and Society of Christian Philosophers. Dr. Groothuis received a Ph.D. and a B.S. from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon. He is the author of ten books, including Truth Decay, Unmasking the New Age, On Jesus, On Pascal and In Defense of Natural Theology (coeditor and contributor). He has published two dozen academic articles in journals such as Religious Studies, Think, Inquiry, Sophia and Philosophia Christi.BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2011), 752-pages: https://amzn.to/39olHDb Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2000), 303-pages: https://amzn.to/30Gk3cb Douglas Groothuis Website: https://douglasgroothuis.com/ FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s discussion, Daniel Ray talks with Christian apologist, philosopher and author, Dr. Douglas Groothuis about his book Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. This book is a popular textbook at Christian colleges and seminaries, was winner of the 2012 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit.In their discussion Daniel and Doug discuss some of the arguments for the Christian worldview put forward in the book and address some key questions: Can the Christian worldview stand up to the experiences of human suffering? How do we get from a defense of objective truth and the key arguments for God to a case for the credibility of Jesus, the incarnation and the resurrection? Do alternative worldviews adequately explain morality? Douglas Groothuis is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and Society of Christian Philosophers. Dr. Groothuis received a Ph.D. and a B.S. from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon. He is the author of ten books, including Truth Decay, Unmasking the New Age, On Jesus, On Pascal and In Defense of Natural Theology (coeditor and contributor). He has published two dozen academic articles in journals such as Religious Studies, Think, Inquiry, Sophia and Philosophia Christi.BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2011), 752-pages: https://amzn.to/39olHDb Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism, by Douglas Groothuis, IVP Books (2000), 303-pages: https://amzn.to/30Gk3cb Douglas Groothuis Website: https://douglasgroothuis.com/ FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

This podcast is part two of a discussion about the significance and spiritual implications of an annual phenomena known as the Burning Man Festival. Burning Man Festival is a huge outdoor event that began in 1986 that now attracts tens of thousands of participants, known as "Burners," who gather to experience everything from decadence, drugs and promiscuity to art, music, and spiritual transformation.Is this a New Religion? It may be a mistake to characterize the festival as merely an opportunity for debauchery or an excuse to throw the ultimate wild party to end the summer. In some ways, Burning Man has begun to function as both a parody of religion as well as a surrogate for traditional religion.Lee Gilmore, author of Theater in a Crowded Fire: Ritual and Spirituality at Burning Man, explained, that "the biggest [misconceptions] is to brand Burning Man as nothing more than a giant party rife with intoxicants, nudity, and bald hedonism." While acknowledging all those practices are part of the festival, they are not central to the ultimate experience that is at the very least "spiritual" if not a "semi-religious cultural happening."*Listen in as Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship and Steve Matthews, author of our 4-page Profile on Burning Man, discuss some of the social, cultural and spiritual questions raised by Burning Man and other transformational festivals. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Burning Man Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/burningman.pdf International Christian Church Profile by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileInternationalChristianChurch.pdf World Mission Society Church of God Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_WMSCOG.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.* Lee Gilmore, "Burning Man: Religious Event or Sheer Hedonism?" Religion Dispatches, June 16, 2010, http://religiondispatches.org/burning-man-religious-event-or-sheer-hedonism/Photo Credit: Andrew Wyatt, courtesy of burningman.org

This podcast is part one of a discussion about the significance and spiritual implications of an annual phenomena known as the Burning Man Festival. Burning Man Festival is a huge outdoor event that began in 1986 that now attracts tens of thousands of participants, known as "Burners," who gather to experience everything from decadence, drugs and promiscuity to art, music, and spiritual transformation.Is this a New Religion? It may be a mistake to characterize the festival as merely an opportunity for debauchery or an excuse to throw the ultimate wild party to end the summer. In some ways, Burning Man has begun to function as both a parody of religion as well as a surrogate for traditional religion.Lee Gilmore, author of Theater in a Crowded Fire: Ritual and Spirituality at Burning Man, explained, that "the biggest [misconceptions] is to brand Burning Man as nothing more than a giant party rife with intoxicants, nudity, and bald hedonism." While acknowledging all those practices are part of the festival, they are not central to the ultimate experience that is at the very least "spiritual" if not a "semi-religious cultural happening."*Listen in as Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship and Steve Matthews, author of our 4-page Profile on Burning Man, discuss some of the social, cultural and spiritual questions raised by Burning Man and other transformational festivals. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Burning Man Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/burningman.pdf International Christian Church Profile by Steve Matthews and Brady Blevins: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileInternationalChristianChurch.pdf World Mission Society Church of God Profile by Steve Matthews: https://www.watchman.org/Files/Profile_WMSCOG.pdf FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.* Lee Gilmore, "Burning Man: Religious Event or Sheer Hedonism?" Religion Dispatches, June 16, 2010, http://religiondispatches.org/burning-man- religious-event-or-sheer-hedonism/Photo Credit: NK Guy, www.dezeen.com

In this week’s episode, Brady Blevins continues his discussion with Watchman Fellowship's president, James Walker, about his most recent book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus. Islam may be the geopolitical issue of our lifetime. This book encourages and equips Christians to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ with their Muslim coworkers, neighbors and friends.James is an ordained Baptist minister and holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Theology from Criswell College. In addition to his work at Watchman Fellowship, he teaches as an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Arlington Baptist University. He is also cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, by James Walker (Harvest House, 240-pages) - Request a signed copy of the book here: www.watchman.org/Quran Islam Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf Debate on Video - James Walker Vs Khalil Meek "Jesus Christ Prophet of Allah or Savior of the World? On DVD and streaming video for ANY donation here: www.watchman.org/IslamDebate FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Brady Blevins talks with Watchman Fellowship's president, James Walker, about his most recent book, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus. Islam may be the geopolitical issue of our lifetime. This book encourages and equips Christians to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ with their Muslim coworkers, neighbors and friends.James is an ordained Baptist minister and holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Theology from Criswell College. In addition to his work at Watchman Fellowship, he teaches as an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Arlington Baptist University. He is also cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club, a monthly gathering of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, by James Walker (Harvest House, 240-pages) - Request a signed copy of the book here: www.watchman.org/Quran Islam Profile by James Walker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/islamprofile.pdf Debate on Video - James Walker Vs Khalil Meek "Jesus Christ Prophet of Allah or Savior of the World? On DVD and streaming video for ANY donation here: www.watchman.org/IslamDebate FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

This episode is part 2 of Daniel Ray discussion with Dr. Rhyne Putman about his new book, When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity. Interpretations of the Bible and deeply held convictions often put Christians at odds. Where should we draw the line? Should we even draw lines? As evangelicals, we desire to be biblical — we want our doctrine to be rooted in the Bible, our lives to be guided by the Bible, and our disagreements to be resolved by the Bible. And yet, conflicts within our church communities continue to appear and seemingly multiply with time. Rhyne and Daniel explore some ways Christians can best demonstrate grace in disagreement while maintaining firmness in truth.Rhyne Putman serves on the Board of Directors at Watchman Fellowship and is the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from Williams Baptist College, an M.Div., Th.M. and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). He has taught for over ten years at NOBTS where he serves as Associate Professor of Theology and Culture. Shortly after this interview was recorded, Dr. Putman announced that he would be returning to his alma mater, Williams Baptist University, as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Worldview Formation and Professor of Christian Ministries. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Richard Dawkins Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf Bart Ehrman Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf Sam Harris Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileSamHarris.pdf Eckhart Tolle Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/eckharttolleprofile.pdf When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity, by Rhyne Putman (available at Amazon.com in Paperback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3hfLO1J). FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Rhyne Putman about his new book, When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity. Where should we draw the line? Should we even draw lines? As evangelicals, we desire to be biblical — we want our doctrine to be rooted in the Bible, our lives to be guided by the Bible, and our disagreements to be resolved by the Bible. And yet, conflicts within our church communities continue to appear and seemingly multiply with time. Interpretations of the Bible and deeply held convictions often put Christians at odds. Rhyne and Daniel discuss how Christians can best demonstrate grace in disagreement while maintaining firmness in truth.Rhyne Putman serves on the Board of Directors at Watchman Fellowship and is the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from Williams Baptist College, an M.Div., Th.M. and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). He has taught for over ten years at NOBTS where he serves as Associate Professor of Theology and Culture. Shortly after this interview was recorded, Dr. Putman announced that he would be returning to his alma mater, Williams Baptist University, as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Worldview Formation and Professor of Christian Ministries. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Richard Dawkins Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/Dawkins.pdf Bart Ehrman Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/ProfileBartEhrman.pdf Sam Harris Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfileSamHarris.pdf Eckhart Tolle Profile by Rhyne Putman: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/eckharttolleprofile.pdf When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity, by Rhyne Putman (available at Amazon.com in Paperback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3hfLO1J). FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

"It is an ancient Mariner,And he stoppeth one of three.'By thy long grey beard and glittering eye,Now wherefore stopp'st thou me?'"This is the opening stanza to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 1798 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, an epic saga of sin, remorse, regret and redemption set in the tale of an aged sailor, telling of his woes to someone about to enter into a wedding celebration. Why poetry in the midst of a pandemic, though? What does Coleridge have to say to us in 2020? Much in every way. In April of this year, several celebrities took turns reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner online (https://bit.ly/Ancient_Mariner). It was a surprising success. As The Atlantic noted in May (https://bit.ly/TheAtlanticMag), it is a poem written in 1798 for people in 2020. Though over two centuries removed from our own, there appears within Coleridge's verse a timeless resonance with our own turbulent times. Indeed, poetry, parable, metaphor, and the imagination are absolutely essential for our ongoing defense of the Christian faith in the cultural darkness in which we find ourselves.On part two of my discussion with Malcolm Guite, we talk more about Coleridge's influence on Guite's thought and the important role imagination plays in our conversations about everything from moonlight to the glory of God. Malcolm Guite is an Anglican Priest and is the Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge where he also teaches for the Divinity Faculty. He lectures widely in England and North America on theology and literature. Mr. Guite has published poetry, theology, and literary criticism, and worked as a librettist. His books include Word in the Wilderness, Faith, Hope and Poetry: Theology and the Poetic Imagination, and Mariner: A Voyage with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Malcolm Guite Blog: https://bit.ly/GuiteBlog A Spell in the Library, Malcolm Guite's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/MalcolmGuite Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Poetry Foundation: https://bit.ly/SamuelColeridge FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

What role does the faculty of the imagination play in our defense of the Christian faith? Is the imagination inferior to logic and reason or is it a needful aspect in our engagement with contemporary culture? Consider the incredible popularity of the movies and TV drama series. We are storytellers, image bearers of our Creator, who delight in creating, whether it be stories, buildings, automobiles, or works of art or literature, we are constantly using our imagination, often without thinking about it.On this episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray speaks with poet, priest, and author Malcolm Guite about the necessity of the imagination in cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world that God has created and for the way God communicates with us.In part one, we talk about how Malcolm became interested in poetry as a child and how the poetry and philosophy of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge played an integral role in Malcolm coming to faith in Christ. Malcolm Guite is an Anglican Priest and is the Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge where he also teaches for the Divinity Faculty. He lectures widely in England and North America on theology and literature. Mr. Guite has published poetry, theology, and literary criticism, and worked as a librettist. His books include Word in the Wilderness, Faith, Hope and Poetry: Theology and the Poetic Imagination, and Mariner: A Voyage with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Malcolm Guite Blog: https://bit.ly/GuiteBlog A Spell in the Library, Malcolm Guite's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/MalcolmGuite Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Poetry Foundation: https://bit.ly/SamuelColeridge FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Dr. Robert M. Bowman Jr., by discussing his most recent book which compares some of the foundational truth claims of Christianity with those of Mormonism. Published earlier this year, Rob's book, Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, compares the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection with the evidence for Joseph’s visions. Bowman demonstrates how the historical data confirm the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and that the accounts of Joseph Smith’s visions are historically unreliable.For Mormons who have doubts about their religion, this podcast will help them find a more reliable basis for faith in Christ. For Christians, this episode should provide a fresh angle on the historical evidence for the truth of Christianity.Robert Bowman is a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship and the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from California State University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf Word Faith Movement Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/wordfaithprofile.pdf The Shack Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/shackprofile.pdf Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman Jr. (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/2YKeecD) Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, by Robert M. Bowman Jr.: https://amzn.to/2zHH2Kz Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, by Robert Bowman Jr. and Ed Komoszewski (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3d5KqMU) The Faith Thinker, Dr. Bowman's Blog: https://robertbowman.net/ FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray talks with Dr. Robert M. Bowman Jr., coauthor of the book Faith Has Its Reasons. In part one, they discuss the four major approaches to Christian apologetics laid out in this book. These four basic categories are Classical, Evidential, Reformed, and Fedeist. Does faith have its reasons? Why Christians believe and how they share that faith with nonbelievers is largely determined which kind of apologetics they embrace. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?Rob Bowman is a former staff member at Watchman Fellowship and the author of numerous Watchman Fellowship Profiles. He earned a B.A. from California State University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary.Dr. Bowman's latest book, Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism (2020), is the subject of part two of this interview featured in next week's podcast. Stay tuned! BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: Atheism Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdf Word Faith Movement Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/wordfaithprofile.pdf The Shack Profile by Robert Bowman Jr.: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/shackprofile.pdf Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, by Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman Jr. (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/2YKeecD) Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, by Robert M. Bowman Jr.: https://amzn.to/2zHH2Kz Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, by Robert Bowman Jr. and Ed Komoszewski (available at Amazon.com in Hardback or Kindle Editions: https://amzn.to/3d5KqMU) The Faith Thinker, Dr. Bowman's Blog: https://robertbowman.net/ FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray continues his conversation with Justin Bass about his 2020 book, The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection.Dr. Bass completed his undergraduate degree at SMU’s Cox School of Business then earned a ThM in Theology and a PhD in New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently works at an NGO in Amman, Jordan serving Christian and Muslim refugees fleeing ISIS. He is also professor of New Testament at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) and author of The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection(2020), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JustinBassBk The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld (2014), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JBassBook2 Justin Bass, “Why Western Intellectuals Are Dreaming Christian Dreams,” The Gospel Coalition, (May 15, 2020), https://uhop.me/JustinBassGC Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), Amman, Jordan: www.jets.edu FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this week’s episode, Daniel Ray, staff apologist of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Dr. Justin Bass, author of The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. Dr. Bass completed his undergraduate degree at SMU’s Cox School of Business then earned a ThM in Theology and a PhD in New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently works at an NGO in Amman, Jordan serving Christian and Muslim refugees fleeing ISIS. He is also professor of New Testament at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) and author of The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld.In part one of this interview, Justin recounts his unexpected journey to belief in Christ, his passion to defend the Christian faith, and his calling to serve and teach in the middle east. BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection(2020), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JustinBassBk The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent to the Underworld (2014), by Justin Bass: https://bit.ly/JBassBook2 Justin Bass, “Why Western Intellectuals Are Dreaming Christian Dreams,” The Gospel Coalition, (May 15, 2020), https://uhop.me/JustinBassGC Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), Amman, Jordan: www.jets.edu FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, James Walker and Daniel Ray interview Dr. Gary Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy at Liberty University. The conversation explores some of the mysteries and controversy surrounding Near Death Experiences (NDE).Dr. Habermas is a Christian apologist who is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has also studied the phenomena of NDE – human consciousness and awareness experienced in subjects during clinical death followed by resuscitation. This podcast unpacks some of the latest developments in the emerging field of NDE studies and address some provocative questions, including: What is Near Death Experience? Is the field of NDE studies somehow related to resurrection scholarship? Can virtually all NDE accounts be explained by either hallucination or fraud? While most NDEs are “unevidenced,” what are some documented examples of “evidenced” NDE reports? How trustworthy and consistent are the “evidenced” NDE accounts that are being documented in the current literature? BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources: VIDEO — You may also watch this Podcast here: www.watchman.org/NDE Beyond Death, by Gary Habermas and J.P. Moreland: https://amzn.to/3dgj5bJ In Defense of Miracles, by R. Douglas Geivett and Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/2Xf5A6v Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, by Greg Keener: https://amzn.to/3epe294 FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship. Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, James Walker continues his interview with Sandra Tanner, great-great-granddaughter of the Mormon Prophet Brigham Young. Sandra left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became an evangelical Christian. She and her late husband, Jerald, have been recognized as some of the world's leading critics of early Mormon history and theology. Together, they founded Utah Lighthouse Ministry in downtown Salt Lake City, a Christian outreach to Latter-day Saints that Sandra directs. PART 2 of 2 - The Changing World of Mormonism: In part two of this interview, James and Sandra discuss some of the major changes in the doctrines and scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why were all black people denied entrance into the Mormon temple before 1978? When and why did Mormons discontinue the doctrine of polygamy or "plural wives"? When did "Mormon" become a bad word to Latter-day Saints? What are some of the other recent changes in LDS practices and policies? BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources from Watchman Fellowship and Utah Lighthouse Ministry: Watchman Fellowship's Profile on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf Utah Lighthouse Ministry: www.utlm.org Witnessing to Mormons with the Book of Mormon -- James Walker speaking at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfgURrzhdmc FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, James Walker interviews Sandra Tanner, a great-great-granddaughter of the Mormon Prophet Brigham Young. Sandra left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became an evangelical Christian. She and her late husband, Jerald, have been recognized as some of the world's leading critics of early Mormon history and theology. Together, they founded Utah Lighthouse Ministry in downtown Salt Lake City, a Christian outreach to Latter-day Saints that Sandra directs. PART 1 of 2 - Sandra Tanner's Testimony: In part one of this interview, Sandra chronicles her amazing journey from Mormonism to Christianity. What caused her to have a crisis of faith? Why did she ultimately decide to leave? What does she believe now?BONUS LINKS: Here are some additional resources from Watchman Fellowship and Utah Lighthouse Ministry: Watchman Fellowship's Profile on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/ldsprofile.pdf Utah Lighthouse Ministry: www.utlm.org FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss psychic divination and necromancy (communication with the dead) from a Christian perspective.PART 2 of 2: Why does the Bible forbid communication with the dead? How do psychics apparently know so many details about their clients deceased family members? Psychics often rely on fakery but can they in some cases make actual contact with real, evil beings?BONUS PROFILES: Watchman Fellowship has published a collection of our 4-page Profiles critiquing popular psychics in contemporary culture. We are making them all available along with some related content for free this month here: Psychics: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/psychicsprofile.pdf Occult: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf Channeling: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/channelingprofile.pdf John Edward: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/johnedwardprofile.pdf James Van Praagh: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileVanPraagh.pdf Long Island Medium: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileLongIslandMedium.pdf Kelly and Michael Clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzxCkGxipyI FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, Daniel Ray and Brady Blevins discuss psychic divination and necromancy (communication with the dead) from a Christian perspective.PART 1 of 2: Why does the Bible forbid communication with the dead? How do psychics apparently know so many details about their clients deceased family members? Psychics often rely on fakery but can they in some cases make actual contact with real, evil beings?BONUS PROFILES: Watchman Fellowship has published a collection of our 4-page Profiles critiquing popular psychics in contemporary culture. We are making them all available along with some related content for free this month here: Psychics: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/psychicsprofile.pdf Occult: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/occultprofile.pdf Channeling: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/channelingprofile.pdf John Edward: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/johnedwardprofile.pdf James Van Praagh: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileVanPraagh.pdf Long Island Medium: www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileLongIslandMedium.pdf Kelly and Michael Clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzxCkGxipyI FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, interviews Rich Day about the controversial religious group known as the Black Hebrew Israelites. Recently under fire by the media, the group has been linked, probably unfairly, to last year's Jersey City shooting. The history and theology behind this loosely connected collection of organizations is fascinating and certainly unorthodox. Rich Day gives you a Christian critique of the background and insights into their unusual beliefs.BONUS: Rich Day has also authored our 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the movement. We are making it available for free this month here: www.watchman.org/files/ProfileBlackHebrewIsraelites.pdf.FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Join the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1 here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode, Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, presents a Christian critique of the controversial television series Cosmos originally featuring Carl Sagan and now hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. The original 1980s series was arguably the most influential and popular documentary on PBS. The current edition, with deGrasse Tyson, an outspoken atheist, is premiering now on National Geographic Television and airing later on the Fox network. Daniel give a Christian critique of Cosmos highlighting some aspects of the series believers may find some common ground and identifying presuppositions and truth claims that are in opposition to a biblical worldview. VIDEO: This podcast was recorded before a live audience and is also available by video here: www.watchman.org/PodcastPlayerCosmos.htm. BONUS: Daniel Ray has also authored a 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Cosmos TV Series available free here: www.watchman.org/files/ProfileCosmos.pdf.BOOK: Daniel Ray is author of the book, The Story of the Cosmos, available here: www.watchman.org/store/general-topics-doctrine/the-story-of-the-cosmos/FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeSUPPORT: Become part of the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1. Become a Patreon here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Whether we recognize it or not, everyone is a philosopher. Our assumptions about reality, truth and life itself are based on the foundation of our underlying philosophies. For believers, we should diligently seek a personal philosophy that is sound, consistent and grounded in a biblical worldview. Beyond that, a good Christian philosophy is one that is also characterized by grace.In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Christian philosopher, Dr. Tim McGrew. They discuss every believer's responsibility to develop a Christian philosophy that is both sound and gracious. This is one way we love the Lord our God all our minds (Luke 10:27) and in doing so we ultimately glorify God. The interview takes place at the 2020 Defend apologetics conference on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McGrew earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University in 1992 and is currently a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. His teaching interests include: Epistemology History and philosophy of science Philosophical applications of probability Philosophy of religion BONUS: In March of 2018, Tim was also the guest author at Watchman Fellowship's Atheist & Christian Book Club (www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com). The book club is a monthly gathering in Arlington, Texas of believers and skeptics respectfully discussing important books from both perspectives. All clubs are also live streamed on Facebook Live. You can watch Tim McGrew's full book club here: https://vimeo.com/406917816FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeSUPPORT: Become part of the Apologetics Profile podcast team for as little as $1. Become a Patreon here: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In times of deep personal crisis, we are often tempted to postpone or abandon our quest for biblical understanding and godly wisdom. We simply don't have time for such noble pursuits when we are in survival mode. But that reaction is dangerous as it focuses our attention on the fear of the circumstances and off the face of the Savior.In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray begins his conversation with Christian philosopher, Dr. Tim McGrew, on the reason everyone does philosophy and why every believer should strive to develop a solid Christian philosophy to the glory of God -- especially during difficult times.The interview takes place at the Defend apologetics conference on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McGrew completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University in 1992 and is currently a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. His teaching interests include: Epistemology History and philosophy of science Philosophical applications of probability Philosophy of religion BONUS: Tim was also interviewed for one of our meetings of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (www.AtheistChristianBookClub.com) to respond to Bart Ehrman's book, Jesus Interrupted. You can watch that interview here: VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 1 (12-min.): https://vimeo.com/249968983 VIDEO -- Tim McGrew interview Part 2 (8-min.): https://vimeo.com/249969201 FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his conversation with Dylan Manley focusing on the preeminence of Scripture in apologetics and ministry. Known as the Bearded Apologist, Dylan Manley has served in student ministry for almost 20 years. He is a popular speaker and author of youth discipleship curricula. He is currently completing a Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Seminary on the question "What are the fundamental differences between evangelical Christianity and Mormon theological terminology in the 21st Century?"Daniel and Dylan address several critical theological and apologetics topics and answer some key questions: What roll does the Bible play in Christian apologetics? What are some ways doubt can be a tool that ultimately builds faith in God and His Word? How can times of grief, crisis, or doubt become opportunities of ministry, comfort, and sharing the gospel? FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

06 The Benefit of Doubt - Dylan Manley Interview (Part 1 of 2)In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray, staff apologist with Watchman Fellowship, sits down with Dylan Manley in part one of a two part interview. Known as the Bearded Apologist, Dylan Manley has served in student ministry for almost 20 years. He is a popular speaker and author of youth discipleship curricula. His mission is to help students and adults have a better understanding of what they believe about their faith and the Bible as well as why they believe those things. Can doubting their faith actually become a benefit for Christian students? What are the main factors that can turn doubts into strengthened faith? Stay tuned as Daniel and Dylan discuss some ways to encourage Christians who are navigating doubt when challenged by competing ideologies and worldviews.FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

"What are the four marks of a cult?" In this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray concludes his interview with Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on this question. In part one, they addressed the first two "marks" -- Addition and Subtraction. In this episode, they conclude their discussion by exploring the last two "marks" or "patterns" found in cults -- Multiplication and Division. How do religions MULTIPLY the requirements of salvation? In what ways do cults DIVIDE their followers' loyalties?BONUS: Get your free copy of Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile "Patterns in the Cults" here: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdfFREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeSUPPORT: Help support this podcast, become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowshipApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

"What are the four marks of a cult?" In this week's episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray interviews Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on this question. In part one of this two-part podcast, we discuss the definition of the word "cult" and explore the first two "marks" or "patterns" found in cults -- Addition and Subtraction. What does it mean for a religion to ADD to God's word? In what ways do cults SUBTRACT from Jesus?BONUS: Watch James Walker's interview with Branch Davidian cult survivor, Clive Doyle, 25 years after the Waco, Texas gunbattle, standoff and tragic fire that killed most of the members. Watch here: www.watchman.org/CliveFREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeSUPPORT: Help support this podcast, become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowshipApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org© Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Is this a modern miracle actually recorded on tape? Doctors gave Pastor Duane Miller no hope that his voice could be saved. Then the impossible happened - caught on tape - in the middle of reading a Bible verse. Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist of Watchman Fellowship, interviews Duane Miller for this issue of Apologetics Profile. Are miracles possible? Does God still heal?Video Option: You may also watch this podcast here: www.watchman.org/PodHelp us create more content like this. Become a Patreon today for just $1: www.patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

In this episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel Ray interviews Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, on the question "What is Apologetics?" The future of Christianity has always been evangelism. Find out why the future of evangelism may stand or fall on Christian apologetics. Are you ready to defend the Christian Faith? We are offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeHelp make these podcasts possible. Become a Patreon for as little as $1: www.Patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship

In this inaugural episode of Apologetics Profile, Daniel interviews Watchman Fellowship president James Walker. So, why this podcast? We discuss what a Watchman "Profile" is and how Apologetics Profile help equip you to be "salt and light."We are offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeHelp make these podcasts possible. Become a Patreon for as little as $1: www.Patreon.com/WatchmanFellowship