Is something I want to change.

See, we’re all on our particular blogs, blogging about topics all over the spectrum.

I want to do something about this – get all the apologetics blogging in one place – at least “pointing to” from one place.

That place will not be here. Not because I’m not willing to do it – but because it has to be a cooperative effort by multiple members of the blogosphere in order for it to be something less than an overwhelming task for a single person, or even a few people. Trust me – I could spend all night, every night, on the Daily Cut – and still not cover more than a portion, or anything close to a full treatment of apologetics.

I’m talking about a BIG group blog. With forums, with all the little doodads and resources a major site can offer. I just bought a big webhosting package that can do it with ease – and I’ll volunteer to pay for it, or whatever. What I want, though, is unity, and centrality. Not for “purity” or anything – or to conform it to my own direction; But, in order to present a unified front to the world – of Christianity united in defense of it’s principles, in opposition to a hostile, ever-increasing bevy of worldviews. This must, and this has to be, done, for apologetics to become effective, and noticeable.

How do I think this can be accomplished?

1) A user-friendly, well-appointed, organized central blog. A “clearing house” for blog-based apologetics work – or otherwise, for that matter.

2) A supporting website with all the resources we need, and a central archive of apologetics work by the members and/or contributors.

3) Forums, for formal and informal debates.

4) “Departmental” focus. See, there are a great deal of possible topics to defend, and many worldviews, and sub-sets of those worldviews, to do “stronghold demolition” on. I think there should be “departments” which take on their “specialties” – this way, we can all tailor our strengths, and shore up each other’s weaknesses. I’m weak, for example, in creation vs. evolution/bioethics. I’m weak in Biblical “problems” defenses. I’m strong(er) in anti-humanism, philosophy (to an extent), and offensive “take it to the opponent” apologetics. So, under this plan – I’d be in the “humanism” department, for instance.

5) A central location to host Vox Apologia. Now, I know most Carnivals have a “migratory” setting. However, we need to decide something. Is the purpose to highlight blogs and bloggers, or to provide a topical defense of Christianity, and it’s tenets? We can still use posts on individual blogs – but if we’re going to have a large group blog set up specifically for this purpose – let’s use it to host, so that we aren’t sending people hither and yon any more than possible. Note: This isn’t a specifically targeted thing. I’m throwing out an idea for public consumption.

6) A central “fortress” for skeptics to attack/object to. See, if there’s nothing concrete to attack, and the battles go on piecemeal, we’re never going to be unified, or act in like manner. If there is a central “fortress”, we can BOTH defend from within it, and make sallies from it.

Get the idea? If enough of us are in one place, we can present that unified front – and act in concert and cooperation.

7) Give skeptics a place to aim their skepticism. Not at us per se, but to the Christians who minister in this way, to answer their honest questions. If we don’t answer, they may be hard-pressed to find an answer from Christianity these days, sadly. I’m not saying “apologists are the only ones who can answer skeptics” – I’m saying that we can both improve our study, our skills, and our witness, by giving them the opportunity, with people who want to do it, and have a heart to do it. In addition, we can provide a group that can “take the heat” better than most – and, thus, take the heat off of people not as used to taking it. Face it – if you’re an apologist/debater – you’re used to getting zinged by the other side. Constantly. if you haven’t developed a thick skin – you need one, posthaste 😀

There’s some general ideas, as far as the philosophy goes, and the needs I want to meet.

So, here’s my logistical ideas, thus far.

URL: voxapologia.org – or, weaponsofwarfare.org (to steal Andrew’s title – I WANT him in on this!)

Group members (to start with)

10

Topics: (departments?)

Atheism, Agnosticism, Cults, Humanism, “Life” issues (Euthanasia, Abortion, etc.), Doctrine/Theology, Biblical studies (defending the Bible as Truth, with a capital T), “Objections” answered, Debates

Things I want to include:

Invitations to skeptics to ask questions, and have it discussed as a “main” topic.

A formal debate forum.

A language moderated “informal” debate forum.

A “skeptics corner” – where skeptics can ask, atheists can challenge, and we can answer.

An expanded version of my “Daily Cut”, where we can put a *lot* of people on the task – and really get a good cross-section of apologetics on the web, and especially, in the blogosphere – daily.

Please, discuss, and give me some ideas and feedback. I’m going to do this – but I need your elp and input.

So get to it.

P.S. – I’m on instant messengers, if anyone wants to chat with me in the evening. Go to my main site: – look to your right – all my im information is there. Click, and talk. Or, email me. rk AT razorskiss DOT net

Perhaps the greatest thing I have taken from Schaeffer is as follows: For a Christian to act like a Christian, towards the world as well as other Christians – they must follow two important principles in their thought life.

1. Take every thought captive to the mind of Christ. This means that every single thought – in every area of our lives – must be in conformance with those of Christ. All too often I have seen this verse be used to castigate our thought life as the deeper motive behind our sinful actions – which is true, to an extent. It usually is linked to the teaching of Jesus that even a sinful thought is sin. This leaves us wondering – how can we escape, then? Well, let me ask you something. Upon what basis are we being re-taught how to think as Christ would think? Are we being taught this? Are we willing to learn this? We see the results of non-Biblical, un-Christlike thinking all around us – and even in our own lives. How is, though, that you retrain your thoughts? God renews our minds – this is one part of it. We must, however, put in the effort to think on topics in accordance with what the Bible says about them. Which means that we must study all topics, at all times, with prayer and meditation, from a Biblical perspective. We must try to think, and actually think – as God would. Will we succeed perfectly? Will we even succeed at all in ourselves? No. I have found, however, that since I have started an earnest study into “God’s thinking”, that I have been thinking better, thinking more clearly, and thinking of things “from the perspective of Biblical truth” much, much, much more often than I would have ever dreamed. It’s extraordinary how God has honored my commitment to study how I should think. When Solomon asked for wisdom – God gave it to him – and praised him for it. Should we do any less?

2. We are not only to learn to think as God would, but we must recognize and confront (lovingly, but firmly) the thinking that is not of God. There are several reasons for this. We must know the “language” (or, better, thought-forms) of our surrounding culture well enough to be able to confront what is there – and not a misrepresentation of what is there – and bear witness to the Truth of God in that culture. (Although this analogy “breaks” in a couple points – it may be useful to some as a general direction.) We must, if we are to instruct others about God and His Truth, be able to recognize and identify the arguments originating from this antithetical, distorted “truth” that confronts us. Once we know how they think, (and we must be able to recognize, identify, and refute futile thinking) we can then show them God’s Truth – and be able to contrast True Truth and distorted truth. We must be grounded – really and truly grounded – in True Truth, in order to counter the distortions of it. So, we must both know Truth, but how to recognize deviations from that Truth. In order to recognize a lie – the Truth must be understood. It must be understood to such a degree that it is not only defended as Truth, but simultaneously used on the offensive against distortions – or lies.

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I just put a poll up on my main site, because I’m curious as to what the answers would be.

I’d like you to do me a favor, and disseminate this poll, so I can get a good cross-section.

The question is: “What is the target of your apologetics?”

Update:

Fixed the link, and the poll..

Click this link to visit, and vote. Thanks!

P.S. – Here’s an interesting quote.

Basically, apologetics is equivalent to theology in sneakers. It means getting the hay down off the loft and down to where the cows can eat it. Anyone can ‘do’ apologetics. All it takes is a willingness, a little work, and the Spirit of God in you.

Introduction to Apologetics, CARM.org

A post at the Bible Archive gave me a interesting link to an atheistic site – which asks questions of God.

The questions are here.

The answers thus far are here.

The intro to the page says this: “God, if you truly exist, we have a few (dozen) questions for you. Why don’t you answer them for us? P.S. Any of your followers are welcome to answer these too. This is just the start of questions we have and there are obviously some we neglected in this version. So, all atheists, please submit your questions to be added to the list. And… “God”, you’re omniscient, so you know how to contact us, but for your followers and the atheists… Go here… CONTACT US.”

Also, on the page, it says: “God…

Sorry if these questions sound a little sarcastic. It’s just that we’ve been asking these for a very long time and we haven’t heard from you yet. Are you listening?”

My answer: Yes.

My challenge: Apologists! This is what we do. Go forth! Email, (or trackback to this post) your answers – and I’ll list them for you in a single post.

I want to make it clear: Please, please be careful to be a good witness, and a defender of the faith. God doesn’t give points for good arguments. He just expects us to give an answer – His answer.

(HT: Bible Archive.)

It’s perhaps one of the most interesting questions in Christendom. “If you have never heard the Gospel – what happens to you?”

Well, there’s several verses which pertain to it. There’s several schools of thought.

Here is my take.

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19)

God’s creation testifies to His existence. Also:

” For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from (by) faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

It’s not brain surgery, in my humble opinion. Whatever men need to know about God – He has revealed. I’ll say along with James Holding: “Those who want to know it, will be given the knowledge needed for salvation. Those who seek God will have God sufficiently revealed to them.”

Also, as he notes: “Nevertheless, it is not lack of hearing the Gospel that causes condemnation; it is sin that causes condemnation, and it is not hard to arrive at a deduction that sin is offensive to whatever powers one may suppose to be at hand (indeed, the religious history of sacrifice and penance suggests a broad awareness of this!) and that there needs to be some connection or bridge in order to achieve a reconciliation.”

One last thing: Jesus said, Himself, that the Gospel is hidden from those who think themselves wise.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”

I’m not interested in a “God isn’t fair” argument. God is NOT fair. He is Just, and He is Merciful. All deserve His Justice – by which all sin results in death. So, regardless of whether they heard the gospel or not – they are condemned. However, God is also merciful – so, He offers a chance to be saved from His Justice, by His Mercy. This is the Gospel. Are all granted the specific mercy of hearing the Gospel? No. Do you need the Gospel to be saved? Well… not exactly. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” But does the Gospel contain that? Yes. In today’s society, it’s hard to imagine someone who has not heard the Gospel. In far countries, and in foreign lands, it is possible noone has heard. From what missionaries tell us, though – it is more frequent to see a foundation laid in that place for the Gospel, than it is to not see one.

So, my basic wrap-up?

Who are we to say what happens?

If God grants us the Gospel, we are recipients of His mercy. He grants that mercy to whomever He will. We all deserve Justice. Some receive His mercy. Even that is much, much more than we deserve.

So… who knows? Our goal should be to “go, tell it on the mountain – over the hills and everywhere”. Only God knows exactly what happens. All I know is that His Justice – AND His Mercy – are utterly, inconceivably far above mine. Second-guessing either is just as utterly foolish.

Hookflash has an answer to my reply in his comments section.

This is a continuation of this discussion. Click “more” below to read the entire entry. It’s a bit long for a full post on the front page.

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– In response to Hookflash vs. World‘s Carnival of the Godless entry.

In your post, you presented the argument from Evil.

The Argument from Evil essentially goes like this: If God is willing but not able to prevent evil, then he is not omnipotent. If he is able but not willing, then he is not benevolent. If he is neither able nor willing, then why call him God? If he is both able and willing, then why is there evil?

Well, let me give you an example, from the theology I know, to answer that argument, and see what you think, ok?

Let’s take it at a run. Should you be interested in the dialogue after that, we’ll continue. It’s a tough one – most good questions are.

———-

I’m interested in why you are reducing the individual questions to either-or. I’m also curious as to why you are making the assumption that those two choices are, in fact, the only two options in those particular cases.

I would define “free will” per the dictionary: “The power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will.”

Note the “or”. Let’s focus on the second half of that. “unconstrained by the divine will”, as that is the meaning pertinent to the discussion. Every will is, by necessity, not entirely free. Circumstances impinge, and always will. Within those circumstances, we have the ability to choose our own course of action, to the extent to which we are able.

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When we talk about “Euthanasia”, we have to make one thing perfectly clear.

It’s very simple. “Euthanasia” is a Euphemism, defined as “The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.”

What is offensive about Euthanasia? It is the act of murder, ostensibly conducted either at a person’s request, or for “their own good”.

That is what is offensive about Euthanasia. Permit me to be Southern Baptist for a moment, and let you know what I’d call it: “A stench in the nostrils of God.”

My thesis? Euthanasia has no Biblical basis, nor does it even remotely fit God’s will, in any way, shape, or form.

Get the picture? Good. We’ll move on.

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I’m going to steal shamelessly from the name of the late 80’s “missile defense program”, in my initial offering of an idea.

Now that we’re moderately organized, apologists – we need to start targeting, and spreading out to practice apologetics.

I have a couple theories on how to do so.

1. We need to start “teaming up”.

2. We need to start identifying the people we plan on reaching out to.

3. We need to start identifying the people we need to defend the Gospel from, and to.

So, there’s a few ideas, thrown into the wind. Now, let’s flesh them out.

Teaming up:

I’d like to mention a verse I made in an earlier post: “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three {strands} is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

This concept is especially important to those of us who actively defend the faith – sometimes in hostile settings. I can point to a host of times, in my own experience, where just one single, solitary friendly word worked worlds of encouragement. Even more welcome is a brother or sister, who can stand back to back with you, and assist you – and you him/her. It is invaluable, when debating, defending, or explaining the Word – and even more so in a hostile setting – which is where those of us who are active, offensively (in a tactical sense) minded apologists are likely to be.

I encourage you to find someone, or someones, of a like mind, and a like spirit, to “team up” with, when you do “on the spot” apologetics. On a forum I often debate on, I created a group called “Shade Tree Apologists”, in order to assist the Christians who debate on this forum. It’s proven unbelievably encouraging and effective – because, like that strand of three cords, it is not easily broken. It allows you to have backup, to have a slightly different perspective, an encourager, and a comradeship.

Don’t forget the great bit of wisdom above.

Identifying:

I have a challenge for you. Find at least 3 “secular”, 3 agnostic, or 3 atheistic journals/blogs this week. Pick whichever suits your style of apologetics. Now, start commenting. Get to know them. Interact – make their day. Preferably, find a low traffic blog (especially you higher-ranked bloggers), and make their day even further by giving them a nod in your sidebar.

Several “encouragement” opportunities, and a way to “let your light shine before all men”. See how that works. I’m going to try an experiment, to see how the idea of “salting the blogosphere” works, in practice. Who’s with me? I’ll round up your results in my “Daily Cut” posts, as you do so. That’s the other reason I wanted the aggregator…

Targeting:

Also, I encourage you to find at least one blog with a worldview antithetical to the Christian worldview. Disagree, trackback, and dialogue. At least one “defense” per week should be our goal, in my humble opinion. Don’t you think? Now, not all of us are _active_ apologists. If your gifts correspond to this type of thing – go for it. If they _DO NOT_, ignore this. My opinion, at least. Another option: disagree, trackback, and continue the dialogue blog to blog, instead of in their comments section. I dunno. See what works. It’s an experiment 😀

So… who wants to try this?

The first question: What does “being salt” mean?

Well, I wrote a bit on this some time ago, in a post entitled “On Salt” – so I’ll plagiarize myself first, and go from there.

Salt is many things, but let’s look at a few things that salt has always been, historically, and in the Bible.

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