When I heard that he said that Ayaan Hirsi Ali was the first of the present atheists to reconsider Christianity and come to embrace it, I always need to make the paralell to the resurrection being first witnessed by women!
The Christian gospel has blessed suffering. Through the sufferings of Christ we have the possibility of redemption. Also, we have the possibility of resurrection. Their will be no pain or tears in the Kingom of Heaven.😊
Ian McGilchrist - one of our great polymaths and the greatest secondary researcher on the planet - says that all his research points to the importance of 3 things for a beautiful life: 1. Links to the transcendent 2. Links to nature 3. Social bonds. We are a nested species. Without the transcendent we will always struggle.
I think the point of your conversation is 100 % correct. It is hard to describe how much hate I personally had for the church and religion in general and I was raised as a roman catholic. I was certain that it was the greatest con ever pulled on mankind. Today I am praying to God on a daily basis in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. And there are more and more, I think, going on the same road. Slowly but surely.
Amazing podcast. Good to bear in mind as you approach God: "You don't have to give up your INTELLECT to trust the Bible, you have to give up your PRIDE!" R.C. Sproul
Hi John and Justin, I found this podcast challenging but encouraging at the same time. My daughter a Christian has been unwell since the age of 4 and is now 28 and has just been through a divorce with a Christian. She has been doubting Gods goodness and does he even care. Personal illness is a long road of suffering everyday and her faith has been tested time and again. She is quite angry at God that he abandoned her and the church community she was in with her husband should have helped her and her husband when she asked for help. I sent her this podcast hoping it will help her to be humble and to see God not as an ogre but a loving graceous Father and to see again the suffering of Jesus for her sake. Robyn B
I doubt these guys will even bother to read your comment. Christians are completely self-interested. One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
Only Catholics understand suffering as the cross that Christ instructs us to embrace. Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matt 16:24) We unite our sufferings to the cross of Christ. Our sufferings make our souls fertile ground to receive graces from God. Through our sufferings we build virtue and overcome vice. The Protestants’ “prosperity gospel” is of the devil. Happiness in this valley of tears is not our goal. Our goal is eternal life.
You may want to go to Glen Scrivner's Speak Life channel and watch a few of his videos. He and Justin Brierly have interviewed each other. His 3-2-1 course seems tailor made for people like your daughter.
I'm sorry for your daughter. But I do hope she finds her way out of the religion she was apparently born into. It can't be easy to have people tell you that your suffering is a good thing! Or is it even worse than that? Some Christians blame suffering on the _victim._ But I don't know what kind of Christian you are, and - as we all know - Christians can't even agree with _other Christians_ about much of anything, let alone the other faith-based people in the world. Your god, if he exists, must be the world's worst communicator, huh? _If_ he exists. If you want advice from an atheist - I know you don't - love your daughter and support her, regardless of what she ends up believing or not believing. Good luck to you both!
Christianity at bottom is an invitation to know our creator and join Him in his mission to unite heaven and earth together by living in communities where we learn to love one another and practice justice and mercy and forgiveness based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I love being part of that community.
Valuable, encouraging discussion. Listening from the perspective of prodigals who have been ‘hurt’ by the failure of the church establishment. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.
Good interview. Nothing better than non extreme Anglicanism but Gospel focused. For me, I find atheism intellectually failing but of course there is so much we do not know. The Divine Mystery.
Quite right we are not alone. Relationship with Jesus give me hope, a relationship based on the love Jesus has for us and a way of becoming a better human being.
I believe Jesus was sent into this dark world to pay the sin debt of His people, a price we could never pay for ourselves. He did this as a free gift for all who believe in Him. I believe Jesus lay down his life for me, i believe He was raised on the third day, i believe He ascended into Heaven and will return again as our King, our Judge. I follow the living God, no other religion has a living God, no other religion offers me a saviour. Why wouldn't i follow Jesus and say i believe, Amen. ✝️🙏💟
And do you have anything distinguishable from wishful-thinking backing that up? Or is that just what you were taught to believe as a child, and you really, really _want_ it to be true?
@@Bill_GarthrightThere is so much evidence for God ( the massive amount of highly complex information in the DNA of a single cell is evidence of a Mind, the fine tuning of the universe, etc) as there is for the Resurrection. Ignoring this evidence is wishful thinking.
Furthermore the huge turning to Christ by those brought up in non-Christian cultures (eg in atheist China or Animist Africa or more recently, in Muslim Iran) gives the lie to your dismissing faith because of it being found in a formerly Christian cultural context. I personally came to faith in spite of a very poorly represented Christian context. It inoculated me with small doses until I came face to face with the genuine Christ. Perhaps the version of God you don't believe in is one I also would reject?
@@2balastair _"There is so much evidence for God"_ OK, if that's actually true, how about *one* specific example? Can you pick *one* of those and *make your case?* Because none of what you rattled off there seems obvious to _me._ Biologists - the experts when it comes to living things - are even less likely than _most_ scientists to believe in a god or gods, and scientists in general are far _less_ likely to believe in a god than people who know little or nothing about that stuff. So it seems more like ignorance is making you think that DNA is evidence of a mind. Indeed, from what I know of it, it's pretty good evidence that it _wasn't_ planned. (But I'm not a biologist, either.) And I don't see how you can think of the universe as fine tuned for our life, when almost all of it is deadly to us. Drop every one of our eight billion human beings randomly, somewhere in the universe, and it's almost certain that every single one would immediately die. How is that "fine tuning"? Finally, if there's good evidence of the Resurrection, I've never heard it. So, again, how about *one* specific example, just *one* piece of good evidence, specific enough and in enough detail that I can judge it for myself? Pick one of these, or pick anything you like. But can you demonstrate that your claims are true with even *one* specific example? _"the huge turning to Christ by those brought up in non-Christian cultures"_ Yeah, that's what Muslims say, too. Do you never watch Muslim videos on RUclips? They're always bragging about the Christians they've converted to Islam. And, of course, Islam _is_ growing rapidly, while Christianity doesn't seem to be growing at all. Of course, that's not because of converts, but just because Muslims tend to have more children. _"I personally came to faith inspite of a very poorly represented Christian context."_ Right. _"Christian_ context." Not Muslim. Not Hindu. I hear this all the time from Christians, Muslims, religious Jews, etc. Sometimes, they even claim that they used to be atheists. And maybe they were? Who knows? They nearly _all_ came back to the religion of their childhood, though. They came back to the particular religion of their tribal culture. (Or else they stayed atheists.) Of course, converts _do_ exist - in every direction. As I say, Muslims are always bragging about the Christians they've converted to Islam. But converts are a relatively small number. The vast majority of the faith-based were just _raised_ to believe in the specific religion and specific god or gods they believe in now. _"Perhaps the version of God you don't believe in is one I also would reject?"_ I don't believe in _any_ of them, and all for the same reason: the complete lack of good evidence (that I've seen, so far) that any god is real, rather than just imaginary. So, again, if you've actually _got_ something distinguishable from wishful-thinking, I'd love to hear it. Just *one* specific example, please. And *make your case.* (If your "version of God" is special, maybe define it for me first? Otherwise, I'll just assume a generic Christian kind of god.)
Disclosure: I write as a human being who is convinced that the Creator of all that 'is', entered human history, historically, in the person of a young male Jew, called Jesus of Nazareth. This 'type' of post (and it is an example of many) is so out-of-touch, and inadequate, for the times in which we live. This is the Church worshipping and congratulating itself. The problem, for Christianity, is not 'atheism', but arguments within the Church, Basically, the problem is between those who treat, and use, the Christian ';scriptures' (the word is important) in exactly the same way that the devout Muslim treats and reads his 'scriptures'; and those who try to follow the Anglican 'Doctrine of Scripture', as espoused by the late Dean of York, Professor Alan Richardson, in 'A Dictionary of Christian Theology' (1969). From the Anglican position, it is possible to derive a lofty view of human beings. in accordance with the Hebrew scriptures, and thus feed in (so Tom Holland) to the development of 'Western Civilisation'. It also happens that this accords with F Hayek's view of the 'accidental' construction of civilisations. No such derivation is possible in the case of 'Religion Number Two' (R2); for from its 'scriptures' (like the Christian ones, merely ancient documents) it is impossible to derive such universal value, such as to lead to a civilisation which is the equivalent of that in the 'West'. Whereas the follower of R2 is obliged to read his 'scriptures' literally (see Koran: House of Imran, vv5 ff), the Christian is free to use hermeneutics and intelligence in the interpretation of scripture. Nor does the Jew or Christian seek to use 'coercion' in the delivery of his/her 'religious' message (in the case of Christians, the 'gospel'; however that is defined). Throughout this article there is an assumption that 'Western' civiliusation was a deliberate construct; based upon the 'Judeo-Christian tradition' (however that is conceived); but from my recent reading of 'The Constitution of Liberty' (F Hayek) no civilisation is the result of design. Civilisations are the accidental result of contributions (many of them by nameless individuals, who did not even know their decisions were having a 'civilisational effect) of human beings who knew, and acknowledged, the limits of their individual knowledge: but who co-operated. Contrast that with Communuism and R2, where the protagonists feel they can design civilisations.
While I am not familiar with the writings of Richardson and Hayek, I agree with your claim (as I understand it) that there is too much biblical literalism in much of Christianity. This leads to a kind of inflexibility, especially -- but not only -- in Protestant Christianity. Much of Catholic Christianity is similarly inflexible, where inerrancy of church teaching is alleged, this being based on both tradition and the bible. So (also in agreement with you, I think) atheism seems to me to be less of a threat to Christianity than internal differences within various Christian denominations, where some rigidly refuse to revise their understanding of what the "good news" is, while others seek more latitude to update traditional formulations of Christian doctrine in the light of contemporary science & common sense. This updating need not throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, but it does seem to me untenable to ignore or reject scientific insights with respect human origins, human sexuality, and the like. As I see it, stubbornly clinging to traditional formulations is probably a primary cause of atheism. Although I could say much more on this theme, I will stop here. God bless you.
@@DK-tk1nu God bless you, too; especially for such a polite response. Many I receive are not so considered and courteous. I consider 'fundamentalisms' of all kind to be pernicious, and both anti-human, and anti-humane. Whether it is 'Scientism' (rampant during the 'covid years'), or one of the religions which claims to derive from texts. There is also the legalistic fundamentalism, currently exemplified by the British 'regime'. If Christians would only return to the man, who is described in the first four books of the New Testament, their 'Christianity' and their 'Church' would be a lot more healthy, a lot more human, and a lot more humane. It would also be a lot less like 'Religion Number 2'. That would be a belief which may attract 'moderns'; and especially young 'moderns'.
There has been a real interest in Biblical studies and archaeology by all kinds of scholars. It is even Jewish archaeologist Israel Finkelstein from Tel Aliv University who argues there is no evidence for the exodus and conquest. Even evangelical scholar Peter Enns takes the same position Digging for Answers Biblical Archaeologists are about as certain as you can be about these things that the conquest of Canaan as the Bible describes did not happen: no mass invasion from the outside by an Israelite army and no extermination of Canaanites as God commanded One thing archaeologists can tell us is whether or not a city was violently destroyed by outside invaders and whether a new group of people took up residence, Battle and destructions of cities leave archaeological footprints - things like soot(if the town was burned0, weapons, smashed pottery, and human bones. Mass migrations of people groups as the Bible describes with Israel entering Canaan would cause some cultural upheaval and leave some sort of remains for archaeologists to dig up and write long books about to help them get tenure. Remember those thirty-one Canaanite towns listed in the Book of Joshua (plus other towns on either side of the Jordan River)? Sixteen towns were destroyed according to the stories in the books of Numbers, Joshua and Judges. Of those sixteen, two or three maybe four cities show signs of violent desctruction at or around the time when Joshua and his army would have been ploughing Canaan(thirteenth centuryBCE about 200 years before the time of King David)). That’s it The towns on the other side of the Jordan River, in Moab, don’t look like they were even occupied at the time. We also read in the Bible that twelve towns were taken over without a fight. But of those twelve only seven were even occupied at the time , according to archaeological findings. And of those same twelve towns that the Bible says weren’t destroyed, three actually do show signs of destruction. In other words, archaeology and the biblical story don’t line up well at all. Jericho, the first of the towns to be razed in the Book of Joshua, is the most famous example. Not only was Jericho minimally inhabited at the best of time, but it had no massive protective walls, which means the biblical story of the “walls of Jericho” tumbling down - at least that’s what a hundred years of digging there has shown us. What most everyone is certain about however, is that the Bible;’s version of events is not what happened. And that puts the question “How could God have all those Canaanites put to death?” in a different light, indeed. He didn’t. From Peter Enns The Bible Tells Me So, pp. 58-60 HarperOne , 2015.
Christianity is not a personal faith. Christianity is a religion. It comprises scriptures, rituals, core institutions (churches, schools, hospitals, theological colleges). As a religion, Christianity provides a framework for basic social structures.
Did the Exodus Happen? The conclusion - that the Exodus did not happen at the times and in the manner described in the Bible - seems irrefutable when we examine the evidence at specific sites where the children of Israel were said to have camped for extended periods during their wandering in the desert. (Numbers 33) and where some archeological indication - if present - would almost certainly be found. According to the Biblical narrative, the children of Israel campled at Kadesh-barnea for thirty eight of the forty years of the wanderings. The general location of this place is clear frm the description of the southern brder of the land of Israel in Numbers 34. It has been identified by archaeologists with the large and well-watered oasis of Ein el-Qudeirat in eastern Sinai, on the border between modern Israel and Egypt. The name Kadesh was probably preserved over the centuries I the name of a nearby smaller spring called Ein Qadis. A small mound with the remains of the Late Stone Age fort stands at the center of this Oasis. Yet repeated excavations and surveys throughout the entire area have not provided even the slightest evidence for aivity in the Late Bronze Age, not even a single sherd left by a tiny fleeing band of frightened refugees. The Bible Unearthed , Israel Finkel stein & Neil Asher Silberman, A Touchstone Book, 2002, p.63.
Raised in the faith, left, spent ten years looking into other faiths, nah, same hypocrisy in them all as christianity, happily lived as an atheist for I guess twenty years, a good healthy time for me, I was able to get the christian indoctrination out of my being, not sure why but found myself on a personal spiritual quest, not an atheist now , still don't believe in anything a christian would call god but very content in my place in our cosmos, best place after atheism that I've been spiritually, a tough path finding it on your own but infinitely more rewarding than living someone's else's spirituality in a religion.
Bart Ehrman a Biblical scholar who I think has appeared in youtube with Brierley discussing the resurrection. Bart suggested one read the gospel accounts horizontally. In Matthew two Marys witness the stone being rolled away and ONE angel sitting on it. In Mark two Marys and Salome arrive see the stone has been rolled away go inside and encounter ONE angel. In Luke several women find the tomb empty and encounter TWO angels. In John Mary comes sees the stone has been rolled away, runs and gets Peter and John who come and check and see the tomb was empty and leave 20:10 Mary looks into the tomb and sees TWO angels. So which is it? One outside sitting on the rock, one inside or two inside. In John's account only one woman arrives (Mary Magdalene). How come Peter and John missed meeting the TWO angels that John's gospel says she spoke with. All very confusing.
You can't make sense of or reconcile parallel gospels, so then you take your input from Bart Ehrman, a Bible skeptic, not a Bible scholar. He is undermining your faith.
@@warnerchandler9826 He is a Bible scholar who has written books that have challenged some scholars. Read Misquoting Jesus:The Story Behind who Changed the Bible and Why. In Matthew (27:44) and Mark(15:32) they mention the two thieves badgering Jesus. In Luke 22:39-43 and long Dialogue. How did Luke remember that if he was there or even Mary? He did not know Pitman's shorthand. Theologians, Philosophers and Neuroscientists examine these verses in their debate as to whether man has a soul. I am interested in truth. An Israeli archeologist Israel Finkelstein in The Bible Unearthed says the Exodus and Conquest did not happen.
There were many enlightend Ones, but Jesus (Yeshua) came because it didn't work well because people miss to teach their children properly. He came to teach at first place. He said: Do not call another but me your teacher. And do not pray to me but to God, your father. ❤ Follow him! ❤
He who wants a physical resurrection is a materialist. If the rebirth of Christ is not inside you but outside of you, you swallowed the fruit of temptation afresh wanting to be an eternal self - like God. If you are not willing to give up your life for the sake of others you do not want to be like God, quite the opposite.
I've got 35 different Christian churches within 5 miles of my house. Why can't Christians agree on anything? Let's start with a simple question. How many books are in the your Bible?
ALL the rules of morality that God has given us in the Bible are for our well-being. They really are for our well-being, and we ignore them at our peril...
Morality is not a set of rules. Morality is the cognitive process of differentiating between human intentions, decisions, and actions that are morally appropriate (ought to occur in a certain dilemma) from those inappropriate (ought not to occur in a certain dilemma). Like all cognitive assessments, moral assessments always and necessarily involve the subject's own considerations. Therefore, morality is _always and necessarily_ SUBJECTIVE. Each and every individual is the sole arbiter of his or her own morality. I, and I alone, determine which human behaviors are moral, amoral, or immoral, just as everyone else does.
@@Theo_Skeptomai Your definition of morality is necessarily flawed by your worldview. The morality to which I refer is very clearly stated in the Bible (both old and new testament), which is the Word of God, and not at all subjective. I am simply stating that they were given for our good, not to "Spoil our Fun" as it were. If we choose to subject ourselves to it, we will benefit materially in our lives. If we choose not to, we almost certainly will do ourselves (and those around us) harm. It is upon these principles that western society is founded.
@gordonicus4637 You haven't a clue as to the contents of my worldview. I will continue reading the rest of your nonsense when you can admit that. And, by cowering away from such correction, which you will, you have saved me time reading your benign drivel. Have a great day. Peace.
@@Theo_Skeptomai Nothing you have said (including your insults) changes my basic point. If we submit ourselves to the morals defined in the scriptures, we will benefit, and the reverse is also true. This is not a theological or philosophical discussion, just facts, born out in the lives of millions of people. Ask Russel Brand, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali and others (who happen to be high profile, of course the majority aren't) whom he mentions in this interview. It's pointless arguing this with me, when it is so obviously proven to be real and true.
Jesus is the truth and the life. He could have been a lot of things ( Jesus the mighty, Jesus the conqueror, Jesus the great) TRUTH! and LIFE! Lies and death are what evil is.
The game is given away here, when John describes the first four books of the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - as "biographies" of Jesus of Nazareth! Look at their beginnings. They are NOT "biographies". Only Matthew and Luke are concerned with the 'infancy narrative', Mark starts with the adult baptism of Jesus, whilst John provides the ultimate (and most beautiful) expression of the theological significance of Jesus. Why these differences? However that is answered, we are not dealing with "biographies".
I would argue the gospels may not be [only] biographies, but they are not less than biographies. Especially given how ancient people defined and understood that genre.
You sell god in the scriptures of constantly making miracles, always in the faces of people, now he need people like you to defend the never seen god, and for the whole of your life, the communication is only one ended!
Just think, 58 Islamic states fund its spread while in the west our governments fund to deconstruct Christianity especially dutch/anglo/ American denominations for over 100 years meanwhile its only survived based on the poorest private donations in the poorest ,highest inflationary period of time the past half a century after the wanting to eradicate it in the richest earliest half .
Excellent commentary John.. You need to study bible on a daily basis to know who G-d is, how He thinks, feels and how He works, it is the only way to have a personal relationship with G-d is to PRAY then study His Word so you can understand 'His language' the way He speaks when He speaks to you because He will use His Words and reasoning that is in the bible. G-d will never contradict His Word so it is important to study the bible to receive His spirit (understanding & knowledge) on things so you can also reason with Him. There is nothing G-d loves most than to 'reason' with His children, He loves to teach us through His Word. Praise the Lord!🎉 "The joy of the Lord is my strength" you become strong by making G-d happy, chrystal clear 💫
What's the difference between an atheist and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury? The atheist is honest about not following the teachings of Christ. It's not atheists you need to be worried about. It is Christians.
I'm exactly the man that you are talking about, I love Jordan Peterson and all the rest. But I just cannot believe that the bible is inspired, it just doesn't seem true to me.
JC is not coming, the return of Christianity is. It starts here. The proper understanding that biblical creation is of spiritual nature, not material nature has been discovered. Biblical creation is metaphors for psychological factors not material and is the creation of Adam.
In terms of suffering I would say pray and cry out to Jesus ask for help and forgiveness and keep doing this till He comes to tell you what's going on and lifts the burden from your heart. By this He will give you the strength to endure your suffering till its over by showing you how it will end and how you will be when its over. In this way He will increase your faith to no end and give you a stout heart and resolute mind to do what He says, what to believe and how to move forward. 'Suffering' is the perfect opportunity to invite G-d to make you into a transcendent being - a child of G-d and heir of the kingdom of heaven (eternal life). But you need to learn how to live forever.
There was no pensions in ancient times, so slavery was important to stop people from starving and civil war, they were essentially workers for their masters and there were biblical laws on how to treat your staff.
One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
Religiosity is declining (in the West, not the rest of the world) and in the midst of unprecedented scientific advancement and abundance people are more miserable, addicted, medicated, mentally ill, su/ic/id/al, and socially fragmented than they've ever been. Secularism has left an impression on modern culture in that it's ushered in what every 20th century dystopian novel warned about, from expansive eu/than/asia regimes to coercive technocratic rule to disintegration of human connections by hedonism and objectification. If God is real, the secularist worldview is false and the path to misery and decline. If God is not real, the secularist worldview is the path to misery and decline.
John, there’s no need to pander to the religious conservatives. Australia has a proud history of secularism; like the UK, conservatism need not be tied to religion
Faith is shameless. I'm astounded at the farcical notion that a deity has any relationship to a believer. Men have always known God as a tool of fiction, propaganda, & rhetoric. The Christ fantasy ignores Jesus saying, "This is a wicked generation seeking signs, the only sign given is Jonah," a believer murdered by a larger number of believers. The King of the Jews is mounted on a stick, because Romans made a parody of the avatar, the icon. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 How can you possibly take faith seriously? How can anyone in their right mind ask others to believe in the existence of a Deity who makes Mormons so Christians will know how Jews feel, having had their literature hijacked. Nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital & indoctrinating children is criminal. The faith vocabulary causes the user to be avoided like the old woman with too many cats. Faith "comes not with peace, but sword." Faith comes with wolves dressed as sheep & preaching to the choir. Faith trades the last cow for a pocketful of magic beans & then expects everyone's appreciation. It is by Faith, Moses becomes the worst navigator in history. Jesus said, it is a wicked generations which seeks signs such as resurrection. Faith is as worthless as fantasyland magic, since you can't tell mountains to move. The "only sign given" in reality "is Jonah": A believer murdered by other believers because he is outnumbered. The context is Jesus seeing a gathering crowd, so it is up to us, to reject religious nonsense, nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital. Believers have no sense of responsibility, or standards. Theologians grant each other doctorates, as if, equal to a science. It is a, have it both ways world, for the believers. It is an authoritarian, fascist world which says: "My sheep hear My voice".
1 Corinthians 9 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
@@Stupidityindex There has been a violent campaign to annihilate Christianity. Those involved in the project have only succeeded in annihilating themselves. Fighting God is not a sensible occupation.
Rebirth of belief in God lol theres always been people that beleive in God but the world don't see them what the world see's is the vain strange men seeking to enter heaven and find blessings smh. A better story lol its documented history. Jesus was not the best candadite He was the Son of God sent from heaven smh.
Yeah, uh... Nope. If you are going to put your faith in "faith," why would you assume it will be faith in the Christian God? It's just as likely to be faith in Allah, or, even more likely, in Communism/Marxism or Critical Race Theory (or "the power of Love" or any other bullcrap you can think of). That's the problem with faith: There is no rationale for what the faith is about (by definition). Go back and think again.
Putting faith is belief. No theist puts their beliefs in beliefs, that’s nonsensical. And everyone has a faith in something. The belief that all life came into existence from nothing is a totally irrational faith.
I can help but admire the absolute optimism this guys has about the revival of Christianity. Literally all evidence points in the other direction but he genuinely thinks Christianity is on the rise. The copium drip is strong on this one.
One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
Monogamy is not from Christianity, and actually undermines the belief of Christ being our Lord. A man being allowed to have more than one wife does not demean women like many are led to believe. It actually is a safeguard for women so they have protection. What we have now is many women forced to depend on society rather than a husband. Marriage is meant to illustrate our relationship with Christ. We depend on Christ for all our needs, and in return obey Him. Monogamy only has destroyed this.
Big respect for justin. Started a podcast before podcasts were really a thing and became the leading debating stage for faith and atheism to interact.
God will comfort us in every suffering, if we open our hearts to Him. He IS "the God of all comfort".
When I heard that he said that Ayaan Hirsi Ali was the first of the present atheists to reconsider Christianity and come to embrace it, I always need to make the paralell to the resurrection being first witnessed by women!
I never heard of this person before.
The Christian gospel has blessed suffering. Through the sufferings of Christ we have the possibility of redemption. Also, we have the possibility of resurrection. Their will be no pain or tears in the Kingom of Heaven.😊
Thank you both, this is one of the best intellectually honest conversations. And very insightful. Much to challenged by, and much to ponder.
Taste and see how good is the Lord, great discussion, thank you
Ian McGilchrist - one of our great polymaths and the greatest secondary researcher on the planet - says that all his research points to the importance of 3 things for a beautiful life: 1. Links to the transcendent 2. Links to nature 3. Social bonds. We are a nested species. Without the transcendent we will always struggle.
A wonderful, hopeful conversation. Thanks both.
This video first appeared yesterday and then disapeared. I am so glad it is back. A fantastic discussion, I have shared with others.
Thanks you for this profound conversation. Glad you put it back up again. There is so much wisdom to be gained from it.
Wonderful interview John and Justin.Such a gift to us.Thank you.
Please more of this topic. It's the gamechanger in thinking that humans aren't able to find solutions in themselves!
Precious! Thank you. Shalom ❤
Well done Justin. Great to see him on the show
John, i would love to be able to vote for you again 😉 blessings for what you are now doing 😅
A most stimulating discussion - very well done John and Justin.
I think the point of your conversation is 100 % correct. It is hard to describe how much hate I personally had for the church and religion in general and I was raised as a roman catholic. I was certain that it was the greatest con ever pulled on mankind. Today I am praying to God on a daily basis in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. And there are more and more, I think, going on the same road. Slowly but surely.
Amazing podcast. Good to bear in mind as you approach God: "You don't have to give up your INTELLECT to trust the Bible, you have to give up your PRIDE!"
R.C. Sproul
Hi John and Justin, I found this podcast challenging but encouraging at the same time. My daughter a Christian has been unwell since the age of 4 and is now 28 and has just been through a divorce with a Christian. She has been doubting Gods goodness and does he even care. Personal illness is a long road of suffering everyday and her faith has been tested time and again. She is quite angry at God that he abandoned her and the church community she was in with her husband should have helped her and her husband when she asked for help. I sent her this podcast hoping it will help her to be humble and to see God not as an ogre but a loving graceous Father and to see again the suffering of Jesus for her sake.
Robyn B
I doubt these guys will even bother to read your comment. Christians are completely self-interested.
One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
Only Catholics understand suffering as the cross that Christ instructs us to embrace.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matt 16:24)
We unite our sufferings to the cross of Christ. Our sufferings make our souls fertile ground to receive graces from God. Through our sufferings we build virtue and overcome vice.
The Protestants’ “prosperity gospel” is of the devil. Happiness in this valley of tears is not our goal. Our goal is eternal life.
You may want to go to Glen Scrivner's Speak Life channel and watch a few of his videos. He and Justin Brierly have interviewed each other. His 3-2-1 course seems tailor made for people like your daughter.
I'm sorry for your daughter. But I do hope she finds her way out of the religion she was apparently born into. It can't be easy to have people tell you that your suffering is a good thing! Or is it even worse than that? Some Christians blame suffering on the _victim._
But I don't know what kind of Christian you are, and - as we all know - Christians can't even agree with _other Christians_ about much of anything, let alone the other faith-based people in the world. Your god, if he exists, must be the world's worst communicator, huh? _If_ he exists.
If you want advice from an atheist - I know you don't - love your daughter and support her, regardless of what she ends up believing or not believing. Good luck to you both!
Lord God be with this woman! Her trials are great Lord, carry her home!
Thank you, that was heartwarming
Christianity at bottom is an invitation to know our creator and join Him in his mission to unite heaven and earth together by living in communities where we learn to love one another and practice justice and mercy and forgiveness based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I love being part of that community.
Praise be to Jesus..the way, the Truth and the life.
Grace leads to faith which leads to religious practice, including reading Scripture with better eyes.
I really hope that this is true 🙏
The only way to know is to try it. Just as you can't know how sweet honey is without tasting it. "Taste and see that the Lord is good!"
Valuable, encouraging discussion. Listening from the perspective of prodigals who have been ‘hurt’ by the failure of the church establishment. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.
Good interview. Nothing better than non extreme Anglicanism but Gospel focused. For me, I find atheism intellectually failing but of course there is so much we do not know. The Divine Mystery.
Quite right we are not alone. Relationship with Jesus give me hope, a relationship based on the love Jesus has for us and a way of becoming a better human being.
These are your best shows
Thank you .
I believe Jesus was sent into this dark world to pay the sin debt of His people, a price we could never pay for ourselves. He did this as a free gift for all who believe in Him. I believe Jesus lay down his life for me, i believe He was raised on the third day, i believe He ascended into Heaven and will return again as our King, our Judge. I follow the living God, no other religion has a living God, no other religion offers me a saviour. Why wouldn't i follow Jesus and say i believe, Amen. ✝️🙏💟
And do you have anything distinguishable from wishful-thinking backing that up? Or is that just what you were taught to believe as a child, and you really, really _want_ it to be true?
@@Bill_GarthrightThere is so much evidence for God ( the massive amount of highly complex information in the DNA of a single cell is evidence of a Mind, the fine tuning of the universe, etc) as there is for the Resurrection. Ignoring this evidence is wishful thinking.
Furthermore the huge turning to Christ by those brought up in non-Christian cultures (eg in atheist China or Animist Africa or more recently, in Muslim Iran) gives the lie to your dismissing faith because of it being found in a formerly Christian cultural context. I personally came to faith in spite of a very poorly represented Christian context. It inoculated me with small doses until I came face to face with the genuine Christ. Perhaps the version of God you don't believe in is one I also would reject?
@@2balastair
_"There is so much evidence for God"_
OK, if that's actually true, how about *one* specific example? Can you pick *one* of those and *make your case?* Because none of what you rattled off there seems obvious to _me._
Biologists - the experts when it comes to living things - are even less likely than _most_ scientists to believe in a god or gods, and scientists in general are far _less_ likely to believe in a god than people who know little or nothing about that stuff. So it seems more like ignorance is making you think that DNA is evidence of a mind. Indeed, from what I know of it, it's pretty good evidence that it _wasn't_ planned. (But I'm not a biologist, either.)
And I don't see how you can think of the universe as fine tuned for our life, when almost all of it is deadly to us. Drop every one of our eight billion human beings randomly, somewhere in the universe, and it's almost certain that every single one would immediately die. How is that "fine tuning"?
Finally, if there's good evidence of the Resurrection, I've never heard it. So, again, how about *one* specific example, just *one* piece of good evidence, specific enough and in enough detail that I can judge it for myself? Pick one of these, or pick anything you like. But can you demonstrate that your claims are true with even *one* specific example?
_"the huge turning to Christ by those brought up in non-Christian cultures"_
Yeah, that's what Muslims say, too. Do you never watch Muslim videos on RUclips? They're always bragging about the Christians they've converted to Islam. And, of course, Islam _is_ growing rapidly, while Christianity doesn't seem to be growing at all. Of course, that's not because of converts, but just because Muslims tend to have more children.
_"I personally came to faith inspite of a very poorly represented Christian context."_
Right. _"Christian_ context." Not Muslim. Not Hindu. I hear this all the time from Christians, Muslims, religious Jews, etc. Sometimes, they even claim that they used to be atheists. And maybe they were? Who knows? They nearly _all_ came back to the religion of their childhood, though. They came back to the particular religion of their tribal culture. (Or else they stayed atheists.)
Of course, converts _do_ exist - in every direction. As I say, Muslims are always bragging about the Christians they've converted to Islam. But converts are a relatively small number. The vast majority of the faith-based were just _raised_ to believe in the specific religion and specific god or gods they believe in now.
_"Perhaps the version of God you don't believe in is one I also would reject?"_
I don't believe in _any_ of them, and all for the same reason: the complete lack of good evidence (that I've seen, so far) that any god is real, rather than just imaginary.
So, again, if you've actually _got_ something distinguishable from wishful-thinking, I'd love to hear it. Just *one* specific example, please. And *make your case.* (If your "version of God" is special, maybe define it for me first? Otherwise, I'll just assume a generic Christian kind of god.)
You do, do you?
great conversation, will rewatch it for sure
God is Spirit. He speaks for himself. He cannot be wished out of existence. 😊
Anderson and Brierly? Nice ;-) Anderson's channel brings us humanistic journalism.
I'd be interested to know how you define 'humanism' :-)
@@rodbfg8357 Anderson is old school, from long experience. The best of Anglo-American tradition.
Thanks, great chat 😊
If only your God turned up once to answer beyond doubt that what religion spouts is beyond reproach?
He has turned up cataclysmically in Jesus, but in a multitude of ways ever since
Brilliant. Thank you.
The Anglican church, however, is not the way forward. It has sold out.
Disclosure: I write as a human being who is convinced that the Creator of all that 'is', entered human history, historically, in the person of a young male Jew, called Jesus of Nazareth. This 'type' of post (and it is an example of many) is so out-of-touch, and inadequate, for the times in which we live. This is the Church worshipping and congratulating itself. The problem, for Christianity, is not 'atheism', but arguments within the Church, Basically, the problem is between those who treat, and use, the Christian ';scriptures' (the word is important) in exactly the same way that the devout Muslim treats and reads his 'scriptures'; and those who try to follow the Anglican 'Doctrine of Scripture', as espoused by the late Dean of York, Professor Alan Richardson, in 'A Dictionary of Christian Theology' (1969). From the Anglican position, it is possible to derive a lofty view of human beings. in accordance with the Hebrew scriptures, and thus feed in (so Tom Holland) to the development of 'Western Civilisation'. It also happens that this accords with F Hayek's view of the 'accidental' construction of civilisations. No such derivation is possible in the case of 'Religion Number Two' (R2); for from its 'scriptures' (like the Christian ones, merely ancient documents) it is impossible to derive such universal value, such as to lead to a civilisation which is the equivalent of that in the 'West'. Whereas the follower of R2 is obliged to read his 'scriptures' literally (see Koran: House of Imran, vv5 ff), the Christian is free to use hermeneutics and intelligence in the interpretation of scripture. Nor does the Jew or Christian seek to use 'coercion' in the delivery of his/her 'religious' message (in the case of Christians, the 'gospel'; however that is defined). Throughout this article there is an assumption that 'Western' civiliusation was a deliberate construct; based upon the 'Judeo-Christian tradition' (however that is conceived); but from my recent reading of 'The Constitution of Liberty' (F Hayek) no civilisation is the result of design. Civilisations are the accidental result of contributions (many of them by nameless individuals, who did not even know their decisions were having a 'civilisational effect) of human beings who knew, and acknowledged, the limits of their individual knowledge: but who co-operated. Contrast that with Communuism and R2, where the protagonists feel they can design civilisations.
While I am not familiar with the writings of Richardson and Hayek, I agree with your claim (as I understand it) that there is too much biblical literalism in much of Christianity. This leads to a kind of inflexibility, especially -- but not only -- in Protestant Christianity. Much of Catholic Christianity is similarly inflexible, where inerrancy of church teaching is alleged, this being based on both tradition and the bible. So (also in agreement with you, I think) atheism seems to me to be less of a threat to Christianity than internal differences within various Christian denominations, where some rigidly refuse to revise their understanding of what the "good news" is, while others seek more latitude to update traditional formulations of Christian doctrine in the light of contemporary science & common sense. This updating need not throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, but it does seem to me untenable to ignore or reject scientific insights with respect human origins, human sexuality, and the like. As I see it, stubbornly clinging to traditional formulations is probably a primary cause of atheism. Although I could say much more on this theme, I will stop here. God bless you.
@@DK-tk1nu God bless you, too; especially for such a polite response. Many I receive are not so considered and courteous. I consider 'fundamentalisms' of all kind to be pernicious, and both anti-human, and anti-humane. Whether it is 'Scientism' (rampant during the 'covid years'), or one of the religions which claims to derive from texts. There is also the legalistic fundamentalism, currently exemplified by the British 'regime'. If Christians would only return to the man, who is described in the first four books of the New Testament, their 'Christianity' and their 'Church' would be a lot more healthy, a lot more human, and a lot more humane. It would also be a lot less like 'Religion Number 2'. That would be a belief which may attract 'moderns'; and especially young 'moderns'.
There has been a real interest in Biblical studies and archaeology by all kinds of scholars. It is even Jewish archaeologist Israel Finkelstein from Tel Aliv University who argues there is no evidence for the exodus and conquest. Even evangelical scholar Peter Enns takes the same position
Digging for Answers
Biblical Archaeologists are about as certain as you can be about these things that the conquest of Canaan as the Bible describes did not happen: no mass invasion from the outside by an Israelite army and no extermination of Canaanites as God commanded
One thing archaeologists can tell us is whether or not a city was violently destroyed by outside invaders and whether a new group of people took up residence, Battle and destructions of cities leave archaeological footprints - things like soot(if the town was burned0, weapons, smashed pottery, and human bones. Mass migrations of people groups as the Bible describes with Israel entering Canaan would cause some cultural upheaval and leave some sort of remains for archaeologists to dig up and write long books about to help them get tenure.
Remember those thirty-one Canaanite towns listed in the Book of Joshua (plus other towns on either side of the Jordan River)? Sixteen towns were destroyed according to the stories in the books of Numbers, Joshua and Judges. Of those sixteen, two or three maybe four cities show signs of violent desctruction at or around the time when Joshua and his army would have been ploughing Canaan(thirteenth centuryBCE about 200 years before the time of King David)). That’s it
The towns on the other side of the Jordan River, in Moab, don’t look like they were even occupied at the time.
We also read in the Bible that twelve towns were taken over without a fight. But of those twelve only seven were even occupied at the time , according to archaeological findings. And of those same twelve towns that the Bible says weren’t destroyed, three actually do show signs of destruction.
In other words, archaeology and the biblical story don’t line up well at all.
Jericho, the first of the towns to be razed in the Book of Joshua, is the most famous example. Not only was Jericho minimally inhabited at the best of time, but it had no massive protective walls, which means the biblical story of the “walls of Jericho” tumbling down - at least that’s what a hundred years of digging there has shown us.
What most everyone is certain about however, is that the Bible;’s version of events is not what happened. And that puts the question “How could God have all those Canaanites put to death?” in a different light, indeed. He didn’t.
From Peter Enns The Bible Tells Me So, pp. 58-60 HarperOne , 2015.
Christianity is not a personal faith. Christianity is a religion. It comprises scriptures, rituals, core institutions (churches, schools, hospitals, theological colleges). As a religion, Christianity provides a framework for basic social structures.
Titus 3:4-7that s.ums it up for me.thank God for His mercy!
Did the Exodus Happen?
The conclusion - that the Exodus did not happen at the times and in the manner described in the Bible - seems irrefutable when we examine the evidence at specific sites where the children of Israel were said to have camped for extended periods during their wandering in the desert. (Numbers 33) and where some archeological indication - if present - would almost certainly be found. According to the Biblical narrative, the children of Israel campled at Kadesh-barnea for thirty eight of the forty years of the wanderings. The general location of this place is clear frm the description of the southern brder of the land of Israel in Numbers 34. It has been identified by archaeologists with the large and well-watered oasis of Ein el-Qudeirat in eastern Sinai, on the border between modern Israel and Egypt. The name Kadesh was probably preserved over the centuries I the name of a nearby smaller spring called Ein Qadis. A small mound with the remains of the Late Stone Age fort stands at the center of this Oasis. Yet repeated excavations and surveys throughout the entire area have not provided even the slightest evidence for aivity in the Late Bronze Age, not even a single sherd left by a tiny fleeing band of frightened refugees. The Bible Unearthed , Israel Finkel stein & Neil Asher Silberman, A Touchstone Book, 2002, p.63.
Raised in the faith, left, spent ten years looking into other faiths, nah, same hypocrisy in them all as christianity, happily lived as an atheist for I guess twenty years, a good healthy time for me, I was able to get the christian indoctrination out of my being, not sure why but found myself on a personal spiritual quest, not an atheist now , still don't believe in anything a christian would call god but very content in my place in our cosmos, best place after atheism that I've been spiritually, a tough path finding it on your own but infinitely more rewarding than living someone's else's spirituality in a religion.
Bart Ehrman a Biblical scholar who I think has appeared in youtube with Brierley discussing the resurrection. Bart suggested one read the gospel accounts horizontally.
In Matthew two Marys witness the stone being rolled away and ONE angel sitting on it. In Mark two Marys and Salome arrive see the stone has been rolled away go inside and encounter ONE angel. In Luke several women find the tomb empty and encounter TWO angels. In John Mary comes sees the stone has been rolled away, runs and gets Peter and John who come and check and see the tomb was empty and leave 20:10 Mary looks into the tomb and sees TWO angels. So which is it? One outside sitting on the rock, one inside or two inside. In John's account only one woman arrives (Mary Magdalene). How come Peter and John missed meeting the TWO angels that John's gospel says she spoke with. All very confusing.
You can't make sense of or reconcile parallel gospels, so then you take your input from Bart Ehrman, a Bible skeptic, not a Bible scholar. He is undermining your faith.
@@warnerchandler9826 He is a Bible scholar who has written books that have challenged some scholars. Read Misquoting Jesus:The Story Behind who Changed the Bible and Why. In Matthew (27:44) and Mark(15:32) they mention the two thieves badgering Jesus. In Luke 22:39-43 and long Dialogue. How did Luke remember that if he was there or even Mary? He did not know Pitman's shorthand. Theologians, Philosophers and Neuroscientists examine these verses in their debate as to whether man has a soul. I am interested in truth. An Israeli archeologist Israel Finkelstein in The Bible Unearthed says the Exodus and Conquest did not happen.
There were many enlightend Ones, but Jesus (Yeshua) came because it didn't work well because people miss to teach their children properly. He came to teach at first place. He said: Do not call another but me your teacher. And do not pray to me but to God, your father. ❤ Follow him! ❤
There has even been questions on the historicity of Abraham because of the anachronisms in the Genesis account.
Stop listening to Bart Ehrman.
@@warnerchandler9826 That was from Israeli archaeologist Israel Finkelstein from the University of Tel Aliv.
He who wants a physical resurrection is a materialist. If the rebirth of Christ is not inside you but outside of you, you swallowed the fruit of temptation afresh wanting to be an eternal self - like God. If you are not willing to give up your life for the sake of others you do not want to be like God, quite the opposite.
Christ ❤
Waiting for the second part about the end of atheism D
I've got 35 different Christian churches within 5 miles of my house. Why can't Christians agree on anything? Let's start with a simple question. How many books are in the your Bible?
ALL the rules of morality that God has given us in the Bible are for our well-being. They really are for our well-being, and we ignore them at our peril...
Morality is not a set of rules. Morality is the cognitive process of differentiating between human intentions, decisions, and actions that are morally appropriate (ought to occur in a certain dilemma) from those inappropriate (ought not to occur in a certain dilemma).
Like all cognitive assessments, moral assessments always and necessarily involve the subject's own considerations. Therefore, morality is _always and necessarily_ SUBJECTIVE.
Each and every individual is the sole arbiter of his or her own morality. I, and I alone, determine which human behaviors are moral, amoral, or immoral, just as everyone else does.
@@Theo_Skeptomai Your definition of morality is necessarily flawed by your worldview. The morality to which I refer is very clearly stated in the Bible (both old and new testament), which is the Word of God, and not at all subjective. I am simply stating that they were given for our good, not to "Spoil our Fun" as it were. If we choose to subject ourselves to it, we will benefit materially in our lives. If we choose not to, we almost certainly will do ourselves (and those around us) harm. It is upon these principles that western society is founded.
@gordonicus4637 You haven't a clue as to the contents of my worldview. I will continue reading the rest of your nonsense when you can admit that. And, by cowering away from such correction, which you will, you have saved me time reading your benign drivel. Have a great day. Peace.
@@Theo_Skeptomai Nothing you have said (including your insults) changes my basic point. If we submit ourselves to the morals defined in the scriptures, we will benefit, and the reverse is also true. This is not a theological or philosophical discussion, just facts, born out in the lives of millions of people. Ask Russel Brand, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali and others (who happen to be high profile, of course the majority aren't) whom he mentions in this interview. It's pointless arguing this with me, when it is so obviously proven to be real and true.
@gordonicus4637 Do you know the contents of my worldview? Yes or no.
You will not answer this straightforward question DIRECTLY. WATCH!!.
Jesus is the truth and the life.
He could have been a lot of things ( Jesus the mighty, Jesus the conqueror, Jesus the great)
TRUTH! and LIFE!
Lies and death are what evil is.
Not hard to believe there is a god of some sort. But much harder to accept god is good and that god gives a flip about us humans.
Maybe you could try reading Genesis chapter 1 and the gospel of John, then report back whether God is good and gives a flip about us humans.
The game is given away here, when John describes the first four books of the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - as "biographies" of Jesus of Nazareth! Look at their beginnings. They are NOT "biographies". Only Matthew and Luke are concerned with the 'infancy narrative', Mark starts with the adult baptism of Jesus, whilst John provides the ultimate (and most beautiful) expression of the theological significance of Jesus. Why these differences? However that is answered, we are not dealing with "biographies".
You are right, the Gospels are not biographies but what is "the game" you're referring to?
@@hanskung3278 The 'evangelical', one narrative only permissible, game.
@@Mark_Dyer1 That wasn't my impression.
Two good books by Bart Ehrman Misquoting Jesus and Forged. In Misquoting Jesus Bart Ehrman deals with the last 12 verses of Mark.
I would argue the gospels may not be [only] biographies, but they are not less than biographies. Especially given how ancient people defined and understood that genre.
Still an atheist here :-)
You sell god in the scriptures of constantly making miracles, always in the faces of people, now he need people like you to defend the never seen god, and for the whole of your life, the communication is only one ended!
Nice
There are actually 72 books of the Bible. But who's counting?
Just think, 58 Islamic states fund its spread while in the west our governments fund to deconstruct Christianity especially dutch/anglo/ American denominations for over 100 years meanwhile its only survived based on the poorest private donations in the poorest ,highest inflationary period of time the past half a century after the wanting to eradicate it in the richest earliest half .
Excellent commentary John.. You need to study bible on a daily basis to know who G-d is, how He thinks, feels and how He works, it is the only way to have a personal relationship with G-d is to PRAY then study His Word so you can understand 'His language' the way He speaks when He speaks to you because He will use His Words and reasoning that is in the bible. G-d will never contradict His Word so it is important to study the bible to receive His spirit (understanding & knowledge) on things so you can also reason with Him. There is nothing G-d loves most than to 'reason' with His children, He loves to teach us through His Word. Praise the Lord!🎉 "The joy of the Lord is my strength" you become strong by making G-d happy, chrystal clear 💫
What's the difference between an atheist and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury?
The atheist is honest about not following the teachings of Christ.
It's not atheists you need to be worried about. It is Christians.
Both.
I understand the pragmatic appeal. But Christianity isn’t true because it works. It works because it’s true.
Prove it...
I'm exactly the man that you are talking about, I love Jordan Peterson and all the rest. But I just cannot believe that the bible is inspired, it just doesn't seem true to me.
JC is not coming, the return of Christianity is. It starts here. The proper understanding that biblical creation is of spiritual nature, not material nature has been discovered. Biblical creation is metaphors for psychological factors not material and is the creation of Adam.
In terms of suffering I would say pray and cry out to Jesus ask for help and forgiveness and keep doing this till He comes to tell you what's going on and lifts the burden from your heart. By this He will give you the strength to endure your suffering till its over by showing you how it will end and how you will be when its over. In this way He will increase your faith to no end and give you a stout heart and resolute mind to do what He says, what to believe and how to move forward. 'Suffering' is the perfect opportunity to invite G-d to make you into a transcendent being - a child of G-d and heir of the kingdom of heaven (eternal life). But you need to learn how to live forever.
1859!? Come on, John... You're not that old 😛
JAMES TABOR
Except that the God of _"christian"_ academia is *not the God of the Bible!*
There was no pensions in ancient times, so slavery was important to stop people from starving and civil war, they were essentially workers for their masters and there were biblical laws on how to treat your staff.
One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
I love Justin, but this is BS. Religiosity is declining, and new atheism left an indelible impression on modern culture
Religiosity is declining (in the West, not the rest of the world) and in the midst of unprecedented scientific advancement and abundance people are more miserable, addicted, medicated, mentally ill, su/ic/id/al, and socially fragmented than they've ever been. Secularism has left an impression on modern culture in that it's ushered in what every 20th century dystopian novel warned about, from expansive eu/than/asia regimes to coercive technocratic rule to disintegration of human connections by hedonism and objectification. If God is real, the secularist worldview is false and the path to misery and decline. If God is not real, the secularist worldview is the path to misery and decline.
Neo atheism is ridiculous. Dawkins is a bigot. Islam will destroy you. I have the popcorn.
John, there’s no need to pander to the religious conservatives. Australia has a proud history of secularism; like the UK, conservatism need not be tied to religion
Nice try. How long exactly 8s that proud history? 100 years? Less? Good luck with that.
Surely Allah is the new game in town?
72 books
I do not believe in Jesus 😊
what are you going to do on judgement day?
@@billwalton4571 Go to the pub.
Faith is shameless.
I'm astounded at the farcical notion that a deity has any relationship to a believer. Men have always known God as a tool of fiction, propaganda, & rhetoric.
The Christ fantasy ignores Jesus saying, "This is a wicked generation seeking signs, the only sign given is Jonah," a believer murdered by a larger number of believers. The King of the Jews is mounted on a stick, because Romans made a parody of the avatar, the icon. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13
How can you possibly take faith seriously? How can anyone in their right mind ask others to believe in the existence of a Deity who makes Mormons so Christians will know how Jews feel, having had their literature hijacked. Nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital & indoctrinating children is criminal. The faith vocabulary causes the user to be avoided like the old woman with too many cats. Faith "comes not with peace, but sword." Faith comes with wolves dressed as sheep & preaching to the choir. Faith trades the last cow for a pocketful of magic beans & then expects everyone's appreciation. It is by Faith,
Moses becomes the worst navigator in history. Jesus said, it is a wicked generations which seeks signs such as resurrection. Faith is as worthless as fantasyland magic, since you can't tell mountains to move. The "only sign given" in reality "is Jonah": A believer murdered by other believers because he is outnumbered. The context is Jesus seeing a gathering crowd, so it is up to us, to reject religious nonsense, nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital. Believers have no sense of responsibility, or standards. Theologians grant each other doctorates, as if, equal to a science. It is a, have it both ways world, for the believers.
It is an authoritarian, fascist world which says: "My sheep hear My voice".
1 Corinthians 9
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Don’t worry you’ll grow up.
Don’t worry you’ll grow up before too long.
@@Stupidityindex
There has been a violent campaign to annihilate Christianity. Those involved in the project have only succeeded in annihilating themselves. Fighting God is not a sensible occupation.
Rebirth of belief in God lol theres always been people that beleive in God but the world don't see them what the world see's is the vain strange men seeking to enter heaven and find blessings smh. A better story lol its documented history. Jesus was not the best candadite He was the Son of God sent from heaven smh.
Yeah, uh... Nope. If you are going to put your faith in "faith," why would you assume it will be faith in the Christian God? It's just as likely to be faith in Allah, or, even more likely, in Communism/Marxism or Critical Race Theory (or "the power of Love" or any other bullcrap you can think of). That's the problem with faith: There is no rationale for what the faith is about (by definition). Go back and think again.
Putting faith is belief. No theist puts their beliefs in beliefs, that’s nonsensical. And everyone has a faith in something. The belief that all life came into existence from nothing is a totally irrational faith.
Reason is the road, faith is the destination.
@@CharlotteMasonMoma LOL, talk about missing the point...
@@rogermenendez4052 Uh, whatever, dude, whatever... Complete nonsense.
@@KRGruner where does life come from, if you’re so smart.
Jordan Peterson secularist ? Lie after lie. This guy wouldn't know the truth if God came down and handed it to him on stone tablets 😂😂😂😂
Sad last attempt by the religious to justify its relevance.
I can help but admire the absolute optimism this guys has about the revival of Christianity.
Literally all evidence points in the other direction but he genuinely thinks Christianity is on the rise.
The copium drip is strong on this one.
One cannot expect much from people who advocate travel, as if progress were made with one foot in a Christian fantasyland. They can talk each other into agreement about their delusion. If fact, no other will bother wasting their time listening to them.
Cope.
Keep dreaming! We will NOT return to believing in the invisible, imaginary friends in the sky!
Boring. Heard it.
No way god is dead for ever😂
No end, aetheism won. Now god botherers try again.
Do actually know how many practicing Muslims there are? You better think again, sunshine.
@@homemaintenance1234 mohammedans do not engage in debate
Monogamy is not from Christianity, and actually undermines the belief of Christ being our Lord. A man being allowed to have more than one wife does not demean women like many are led to believe. It actually is a safeguard for women so they have protection. What we have now is many women forced to depend on society rather than a husband. Marriage is meant to illustrate our relationship with Christ. We depend on Christ for all our needs, and in return obey Him. Monogamy only has destroyed this.