The Five New Year's Resolutions for Apologists: (1) 2:16 - Stop conflating your specific set of Christian beliefs and practices with mere Christianity. (2) 3:32 - Devote more time to understanding opposing views. (3) 4:09 - Commit to the rigorous pursuit of truth as being the one non-negotiable in apologetic work. (4) 6:09 - Focus on producing quality rather than material that increases impressions, clicks, likes, shares, and retweets. (5) 7:27 - Remember that character is the best apologetic.
I'm afraid these are impossible standards for apologists. A lawyer is only interested in exposing truth when it serves their client. The same for apologists. To paraphrase the famous saying: the time will come when one has to choose between being honest or remaining an apologist. Famous apologists have already made that choice.
@@gergelymagyarosi9285 _A lawyer is only interested in exposing truth when it serves their client. The same for apologists._ I don't think that's quite true. In my case I criticized Cameron Bertuzzi's video, saying that there's a much better argument for atheism available. I even presented that pro-atheism argument in my video.
@MaverickChristian Please explain how this changes anything. Apologist are defender of the faith, not seekers of truth. Their reasoning is directionally motivated.
Randal: Happy New Year. Here is my response to your five points. 1. Stop conflating your belief with Christianity itself. Well, you have to give it your best shot and make the case for it. I don't think it is all up for grabs. "Mere Christianity" can be tricky to discern, but we should try to find the core. Starting with Apostle's and Nicene creed is good, but I want to go deeper. 2. Use the steel man, not the straw man. Indeed. I have tried to do this all along. But some arguments are simply bad, and cannot be strengthened. 3. Pursuit of truth is the ultimate issue. Yes, Jesus said the truth will set us free. John 8:30-31. 4. We need quality over quantity in apologetics. Yes. Beware of expediency over intellectual rectitude. 5. Character is best apologetic. It is necessary for a wise witness, but we need rational arguments as well. The Internet can draw us into pointless trolling. Flee temptations to waste time online with superficial and emotive or nasty responses.
Excellent suggestions and best of luck to you in what sounds like some kind of neo reformation ecumenism. Apologetics really should be limited to an internal, internecine issue. From my perspective as a Jesus loving atheist Christian who would believe if I could I'm curious how you'd respond to this point: beliefs are assumed conclusions. Religious beliefs are metaphysical assumptions. Any apologetic that fails to acknowledge this starting point fails before it begins. So, being prepared to give a reasoned argument for the hope that is within you amounts to explaining why you arbitrarily choose the interpretation that you prefer from among all the others that exist or have existed. Thoughts?
For the record, I personally gave copies of Is the Atheist My Neighbor? to Sean McDowell, Greg Koukl, and Justin Brierley. Doing my part for atheism. 😂
Please try Data Over Dogma podcasts for the new year..Also Blaming Jesus For Jehova by Robert M Price.If you dismiss it you don't really want to think what scholars have to say.
Why do you always attack Christians? Just kidding! I really appreciate your views. I have learned a lot and have sought to change my ways regarding my lack humility and lack of love for the ones I was trying to reach!
Great. Although, this makes me wonder if you decided I'm a "troll" for only agreeing with 90% of what you say, and being vocally opposed to the rest of it?
1. Admit when you're wrong, and be willing to say "You're right, I'm wrong, and I'm sorry." I can count on my wings how many times I've heard apologists say this. 2. Know your book and don't invent new Scripture to prove a point. If you say "The Bible ACTUALLY means this" you're probably writing new Scripture. Atheists and polytheists respect the Bible more than 99% of apologists, because we don't rewrite it. 3. Don't use "possibly" to mean "not impossible but crazy unlikely". We see what you're doing and when your flock does too, it will do much more damage than if you had just admitted "I don't know." 4. Don't be snarky or use playacting gimmicks (like that goober with the red pen). If you want us to take your ideas seriously, present them in a serious matter. It's a joke to me because you treat it like a joke. 5. Don't lie. Be honest. Don't say the Bible doesn't say what it says, or say it does say what it doesn't. Don't make stuff up. It's not that hard. 5 tips from a polytheist. Hope these help, and thank you for your tips as well.
My apologies for saying this here - is there any way someone could possibly contact you in a written form? I tried the email at your website but it seems to not operate anymore :/
1. Sell the sizzle not the steak.2. He'll is not convincing, see 1. 3. Watch Catholic apologetics, they follow what's being recommended in the video, 4. Focus on believers not unbelievers, the 30%non religious believe but left the church and 30%>> 4%. 5. Show don't tell. If your beliefs make better society then show that society. This is a repackaged 1-4.
1. defend the bible being true 2. explain why atheism is not the best view of the evidence 3. encourage people to seek God outside of apologetics (in prayer for example) 4. compliment other Christians like Craig and Turek for their love of God 5. don'tcriticize believers or unbelievers. don't be a rebel rouser
If you cared about quality control, you'd challenge Keith Giles. Instead, acting in the same tribalism you accuse Christians of practicing, you won't question him.
@@davidford15, well, let's start with Keith's argument, in "How Evangelicals Changed the Bible", that an interlinear tells us how something ought to be translated. He based his theology off that problem.
@@davidford15, it is absurd, and Keith was talking about a particular verse with that one. He repeated the claim multiple times over multiple years and, to my knowledge, has never recanted. I've certainly never seen any Progressive Christian challenge him over it.
Since we still have, even as Christians, our old nature to deal with, there are always bound to be " chinks" in our arguments. Truth yes, pursue truth, no fear....but when you find it, it is your responsibility to submit to it.
Thanks. I really appreciate this. I honestly felt your book, "Is the Atheist My Neighbor," one of your best and most thoughtful, among many.
The Five New Year's Resolutions for Apologists:
(1) 2:16 - Stop conflating your specific set of Christian beliefs and practices with mere Christianity.
(2) 3:32 - Devote more time to understanding opposing views.
(3) 4:09 - Commit to the rigorous pursuit of truth as being the one non-negotiable in apologetic work.
(4) 6:09 - Focus on producing quality rather than material that increases impressions, clicks, likes, shares, and retweets.
(5) 7:27 - Remember that character is the best apologetic.
Repentance seen as a hate crime is an anti-Christian act.
I'm afraid these are impossible standards for apologists.
A lawyer is only interested in exposing truth when it serves their client. The same for apologists.
To paraphrase the famous saying: the time will come when one has to choose between being honest or remaining an apologist. Famous apologists have already made that choice.
@@gergelymagyarosi9285 Good thing we can't smell bullsh__ through our computer screens. You're shoveling a ton of it.
@@gergelymagyarosi9285
_A lawyer is only interested in exposing truth when it serves their client. The same for apologists._
I don't think that's quite true. In my case I criticized Cameron Bertuzzi's video, saying that there's a much better argument for atheism available. I even presented that pro-atheism argument in my video.
@MaverickChristian
Please explain how this changes anything. Apologist are defender of the faith, not seekers of truth. Their reasoning is directionally motivated.
Happy New Year Randal. We disagree on a lot, but I appreciate a lot of what you do. All the best
Love thy neighbor is the best sizzle in 2025.
Randal:
Happy New Year. Here is my response to your five points.
1. Stop conflating your belief with Christianity itself. Well, you have to give it your best shot and make the case for it. I don't think it is all up for grabs. "Mere Christianity" can be tricky to discern, but we should try to find the core. Starting with Apostle's and Nicene creed is good, but I want to go deeper.
2. Use the steel man, not the straw man. Indeed. I have tried to do this all along. But some arguments are simply bad, and cannot be strengthened.
3. Pursuit of truth is the ultimate issue. Yes, Jesus said the truth will set us free. John 8:30-31.
4. We need quality over quantity in apologetics. Yes. Beware of expediency over intellectual rectitude.
5. Character is best apologetic. It is necessary for a wise witness, but we need rational arguments as well. The Internet can draw us into pointless trolling. Flee temptations to waste time online with superficial and emotive or nasty responses.
This is a shout out of all our 'Mias' - if you know you know ;)
Bravo!
Happy New Year, Brother Randal! Continue the work. Another excellent presentation. 😊
Excellent suggestions and best of luck to you in what sounds like some kind of neo reformation ecumenism. Apologetics really should be limited to an internal, internecine issue.
From my perspective as a Jesus loving atheist Christian who would believe if I could I'm curious how you'd respond to this point: beliefs are assumed conclusions. Religious beliefs are metaphysical assumptions. Any apologetic that fails to acknowledge this starting point fails before it begins.
So, being prepared to give a reasoned argument for the hope that is within you amounts to explaining why you arbitrarily choose the interpretation that you prefer from among all the others that exist or have existed.
Thoughts?
Near @0:12, comparing yourself to Jesus!
Between @0:35 and @0.56, name dropping!
For the record, I personally gave copies of Is the Atheist My Neighbor? to Sean McDowell, Greg Koukl, and Justin Brierley. Doing my part for atheism. 😂
Ahh, that explains the brief sales spike. :)
Please try Data Over Dogma podcasts for the new year..Also Blaming Jesus For Jehova by Robert M Price.If you dismiss it you don't really want to think what scholars have to say.
Why do you always attack Christians?
Just kidding! I really appreciate your views. I have learned a lot and have sought to change my ways regarding my lack humility and lack of love for the ones I was trying to reach!
Great.
Although, this makes me wonder if you decided I'm a "troll" for only agreeing with 90% of what you say, and being vocally opposed to the rest of it?
1. Admit when you're wrong, and be willing to say "You're right, I'm wrong, and I'm sorry." I can count on my wings how many times I've heard apologists say this.
2. Know your book and don't invent new Scripture to prove a point. If you say "The Bible ACTUALLY means this" you're probably writing new Scripture. Atheists and polytheists respect the Bible more than 99% of apologists, because we don't rewrite it.
3. Don't use "possibly" to mean "not impossible but crazy unlikely". We see what you're doing and when your flock does too, it will do much more damage than if you had just admitted "I don't know."
4. Don't be snarky or use playacting gimmicks (like that goober with the red pen). If you want us to take your ideas seriously, present them in a serious matter. It's a joke to me because you treat it like a joke.
5. Don't lie. Be honest. Don't say the Bible doesn't say what it says, or say it does say what it doesn't. Don't make stuff up. It's not that hard.
5 tips from a polytheist. Hope these help, and thank you for your tips as well.
My apologies for saying this here - is there any way someone could possibly contact you in a written form? I tried the email at your website but it seems to not operate anymore :/
Use the contact form on the website (it works. I just tested it) or dm on twitter.
1. Sell the sizzle not the steak.2. He'll is not convincing, see 1. 3. Watch Catholic apologetics, they follow what's being recommended in the video, 4. Focus on believers not unbelievers, the 30%non religious believe but left the church and 30%>> 4%. 5. Show don't tell. If your beliefs make better society then show that society. This is a repackaged 1-4.
I don’t see them doing any of this, sorry. Especially during this next 4 years, the great age of grifting, dishonesty, and corruption.
You should respond to Wrenched. The amount of bullsh*t they are posting is annoying
"should respond to Wrenched"
About what 2 things?
@davidford15 Wrenched is the king of bs arguments and straw-maning. + Wrenched is a young earther as well
@@The-DO What are 2 topics discussed in his "bs arguments"?
@davidford15 "Jordan Peterson could make Ken Ham's head explode" or the endless clickbait titles "You won't believe this!"
1. defend the bible being true
2. explain why atheism is not the best view of the evidence
3. encourage people to seek God outside of apologetics (in prayer for example)
4. compliment other Christians like Craig and Turek for their love of God
5. don'tcriticize believers or unbelievers. don't be a rebel rouser
If you cared about quality control, you'd challenge Keith Giles.
Instead, acting in the same tribalism you accuse Christians of practicing, you won't question him.
"challenge Keith Giles"
About what?
@@davidford15, well, let's start with Keith's argument, in "How Evangelicals Changed the Bible", that an interlinear tells us how something ought to be translated. He based his theology off that problem.
@@thedavidwolcott "an interlinear tells us how something ought to be translated"
Sounds absurd.
Was Keith talking about a particular verse?
@@davidford15, it is absurd, and Keith was talking about a particular verse with that one. He repeated the claim multiple times over multiple years and, to my knowledge, has never recanted. I've certainly never seen any Progressive Christian challenge him over it.
Since we still have, even as Christians, our old nature to deal with, there are always bound to be " chinks" in our arguments.
Truth yes, pursue truth, no fear....but when you find it, it is your responsibility to submit to it.