Agnosticism, Atheism, Evolution, God, Intelligent Design, Religion, Science

Can Natural Selection Explain Our Advanced Cognitive Abilities?

Nate

Yesterday, I was listening to a recent episode of The Atheist Experience, and it brought up an interesting topic. Russell Glasser was hosting, and he was joined by Neil Carter from Godless in Dixie. A little over halfway through, they had a theist named David call in who wanted to contrast theistic evolution with evolution… Continue reading Can Natural Selection Explain Our Advanced Cognitive Abilities?

Agnosticism, Atheism, Bible History, Bible Study, Christianity, God, Historical Jesus, Religion, Truth

Jewish Disciples Wouldn’t Have Created the Idea of the Resurrection, So It Must Have Really Happened… Right?

Nate

If you've discussed the resurrection with Christians before, then you're probably familiar with the above argument. Since first century Jews didn't believe in a bodily resurrection like Jesus's, then they're no way the disciples would have believed it without actually witnessing it for themselves. William Lane Craig has used this argument several times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpSEZV2EER8#t=7m49s He… Continue reading Jewish Disciples Wouldn’t Have Created the Idea of the Resurrection, So It Must Have Really Happened… Right?

Agnosticism, Atheism, Bible History, Bible Study, Christianity, Historical Jesus

Some Thoughts on Josephus, Jesus, and John the Baptist

Nate

Many people are aware that Josephus, a Jewish historian from the late first century, mentions Jesus Christ. In fact, it's often used as evidence that Jesus really existed. Of course, many of those same people are also aware that Josephus's most detailed mention of Jesus, called the Testimonium Flavianum, has been embellished by a later… Continue reading Some Thoughts on Josephus, Jesus, and John the Baptist

Agnosticism, Atheism, Bible Study, Christianity, Faith, God, Religion

The Book of Job: Serious or Satire?

Nate

I'll let you know up front that this is a longer than normal post, but there was no good way to break it up. Hopefully, you'll find the time it takes to read it well spent. I'm a big fan of Seth Andrews and his podcast The Thinking Atheist. A week or two ago, I… Continue reading The Book of Job: Serious or Satire?

Agnosticism, Atheism, Christianity, Faith, God, Sacrifice

Is Belief in an Afterlife Pragmatic?

Nate

I thought the following comment from Dave (whose blog you should definitely check out) deserved its own discussion thread: I’m almost finished reading a book called Joker One and part way through the book the author (a former marine lieutenant who served in Iraq) starts to talk about God. He is recounting his time in… Continue reading Is Belief in an Afterlife Pragmatic?

Agnosticism, Atheism, Christianity, Faith, God, social media

So Stupid

Nate

Saw this today on Facebook and my blood started to boil. First of all, it was "liked" by one of my family members -- a person who won't discuss our differences. It really ticks me off to see her "like" a statement about truth, when she won't defend that same statement. Secondly, the quote says… Continue reading So Stupid