tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post3977244780443445132..comments2020-01-20T13:26:38.942-08:00Comments on Investigating Christianity: Outline of William Lane Craig's On Guard--Chapter 1Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02549770321948541384noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post-76978771044127135212012-01-22T07:00:34.069-08:002012-01-22T07:00:34.069-08:00sbkidde, thanks for your comments.
I agree that D...sbkidde, thanks for your comments.<br /><br />I agree that Dr. Craig's arguments are worth considering, and I appreciate how he spells them out very clearly so that their premises, logic, and conclusions can be evaluated more readily. And, if I understand you correctly, I agree that the word "war" inclines its soldiers to violent conflict. This violence may be physical or it may be psychological, but, in any case, it seems likely to do more harm than good.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02549770321948541384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post-7074600902617998672012-01-22T06:17:32.798-08:002012-01-22T06:17:32.798-08:00The arguments of Dr. Craig are worthy of considera...The arguments of Dr. Craig are worthy of consideration. He provides arguments that can be supported or criticized. Argument helps develop understanding when the rules of logic are applied.sbkiddehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15668102777292399781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post-49994883333735449512012-01-22T06:10:48.500-08:002012-01-22T06:10:48.500-08:00I object to the association of apologetics with wa...I object to the association of apologetics with war. Consider how the Islamic term "jihad" has contributed to sectarian conflict. It translates as "spiritual warfare" for non-sectarian theists. It is only extremists who apply it literally as a call for armed conflict. Nevertheless, sectarian judeo-christians have used it as a justirication for military invasion and regime change.<br /><br />Judaic law has always maintained a degree of separation from the civic code of law. It is a moral codification. This separation has good and bad aspects. It is good insofar as idealism is used to keep realism from total immersion in cruelty. It is not so good insofar as too much concession has been granted to the "success" of cruelty in "controlling" society. <br /><br />When we look at the ten commandments separately from the punishment for infraction, we can see a moral code that provides direction for showing love for God by loving others. When it is learned that the death penalty could have been applied based on collaborative accusation, somehow the love of the law is tainted with worldly realism.sbkiddehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15668102777292399781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post-74723592074992184002012-01-20T07:37:57.457-08:002012-01-20T07:37:57.457-08:00Jessica, I agree with you and Craig that Christian...Jessica, I agree with you and Craig that Christians should study the elemental assumptions of their religion and be prepared and eager to defend them in a substantive and respectful manner to non-believers who challenge them. Craig seems to make a solid case for how the Bible itself enjoins Christians to do this, and he also presents cogent extra-biblical arguments for it. And I can think of no better way for Christians to begin equipping themselves for this than to study carefully a book such as "On Guard." <br /><br />Moreover, I can think of no better way for critics of Christianity to examine their assumptions and to bolster their arguments against Christianity than to study the works of formidable apologists such as Dr. Craig and acquire a solid understanding of what it is that they're criticizing. For I believe that it's too often the case that we non-believers criticize simplistic, straw man versions of Christianity, just as many Christians criticize simplistic, straw man versions of non-Christian worldviews. I think we all need to understand one another much better, and, if we disagree, let us know, really know what it is that we're disagreeing with and have sound reasons for that disagreement.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02549770321948541384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792989298976570234.post-80452396382419607432012-01-20T06:06:25.338-08:002012-01-20T06:06:25.338-08:00Interesting...I think he makes some good points. I...Interesting...I think he makes some good points. I believe Christian parents should investigate their faith and the foundations that hold it up and teach those to their children if they desire it to be a faith that continues in their children's lives. <br /><br />I believe that never before has the Christian been more challenged in their beliefs. Our modern times are times of science and reason. Yes, there might be plenty of Christians that are carrying on the torch to future generations but at the same time when it comes to the Christian that goes on to college especially, they will undoubtedly find their views challenged. To have some arguments and reasons that support their beliefs would,I'd imagine, help them considerably deflect the criticisms and help assure them of their faith, which seems one of the primary goals of apologetics. <br /><br />I think Craig gives some pretty good reasons for why the Christian should become familiar with apologetics. Great post. :)Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.com