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Bethinking.org brings together some of the best possible resources to help you to understand, defend and communicate the Christian faith.http://bethinking.org/feed.xmlhttp://bethinking.org/Images/feeds/Latest_Thumb.jpg Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those wh http://bethinking.org/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-4-persuading-the-hard-hearted.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those who appear 'hard-hearted', to awaken an awareness of their need for the Gospel through various creative means. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the esse... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those who appear 'hard-hearted', to awaken an awareness of their need for the Gospel through various creative means. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the esse... Os Guinness Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:00:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-683 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. One By One Our Gods Have Failed Us Can we do without God in the twenty-first century? [ http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-6-our-gods-have-failed-us.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. One By One Our Gods Have Failed Us Can we do without God in the twenty-first century? [Back to Contents] At the end of the millennium, our western culture feels, as Thomas Hardy suggested, like a cemetery of dreams. And the dreams have died at a moment of global environmental cris... Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:59:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-651 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effec http://bethinking.org/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-3-how-to-communicate.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effectively in apologetics. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate in apologetics Part 4: Persuading the ... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effectively in apologetics. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate in apologetics Part 4: Persuading the ... Os Guinness Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:48:04 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-682 One of us Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Empathy, incarnation, greed, environment, colonialism Film title: Avatar Director: James Cameron Screenplay: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Dis http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/introductory/avatar.htm One of us Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Empathy, incarnation, greed, environment, colonialism Film title: Avatar Director: James Cameron Screenplay: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Cinema Release Date: 17 December 2009 (UK); 18 December 2009 (USA) Certificate: PG-13 (USA); 12A (UK) Contains moderate violence and intense battle scenes The s... Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:33:31 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-685 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Bibli http://bethinking.org/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-2-a-biblical-basis.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Biblical basis for apologetics, from both Old and New Testaments. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Biblical basis for apologetics, from both Old and New Testaments. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate... Os Guinness Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-681 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Love After God: 'Has it not become colder?' [Back to Contents] 'Maybe there's a God, http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-5-love-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Love After God: 'Has it not become colder?' [Back to Contents] 'Maybe there's a God, maybe there isn't. It doesn't matter much.' But as we've seen, it does matter. And the long-term loss – and gain!– to us looms largest in the area of life that has become central to our culture... Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:37:58 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-650 Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by th http://bethinking.org/suffering/intermediate/since-evil-exists-how-can-i-believe-in-a-loving-god.htm Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by the ludicrous pomposity of Papa Doc and ill-served by incompetent and corrupt administrations since, rates among the outstanding examples of failed states. Gang warfare ruled the streets, crime was... Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by the ludicrous pomposity of Papa Doc and ill-served by incompetent and corrupt administrations since, rates among the outstanding examples of failed states. Gang warfare ruled the streets, crime was... Peter May Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:26:39 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-684 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apol http://bethinking.org/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-1-what-is-it.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apologetics and highlights some of the limitations that can apply to apologetics. As we listen, it is worth considering to what extent these criticisms and limitations of apologetics apply to our own... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apologetics and highlights some of the limitations that can apply to apologetics. As we listen, it is worth considering to what extent these criticisms and limitations of apologetics apply to our own... Os Guinness Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:07 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-680 Nativity redeemed Author: Holly Price Keywords: Christmas, nativity, Jesus, Christianity, belief, celebration, culture, schools, rivalry, ambition Film title: Nativity! Director: Debbie Isitt Screenplay: Debbie Isitt Starring: Martin Freeman http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/introductory/nativity.htm Nativity redeemed Author: Holly Price Keywords: Christmas, nativity, Jesus, Christianity, belief, celebration, culture, schools, rivalry, ambition Film title: Nativity! Director: Debbie Isitt Screenplay: Debbie Isitt Starring: Martin Freeman, Ashley Jensen, Jason Watkins, Marc Wootton Distributor: E1 Entertainment (UK) Cinema Release Date: 4 December 2009 (UK) Certificate: U (UK) Contains no material likely to offend or harm I... Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:27 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-678 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Truth after God 'There are no facts' [Back to Contents]    'What about the http://bethinking.org/truth-tolerance/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-4-truth-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Truth after God 'There are no facts' [Back to Contents]    'What about these conventions of language? Are they really the products of knowledge, of the sense of truth? Do the designations and the things coincide? Is language the adequate expression of all reali... Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-649 The sheer impossibility of eternity Author: Mark Meynell Keywords: Afterlife, universe, God, science, imagination, atheism, theism, possibility Book title: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives Author: David Eagleman Publisher: Canongate (UK) Panthe http://bethinking.org/resurrection-miracles/intermediate/sum-forty-tales-from-the-afterlives.htm The sheer impossibility of eternity Author: Mark Meynell Keywords: Afterlife, universe, God, science, imagination, atheism, theism, possibility Book title: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives Author: David Eagleman Publisher: Canongate (UK) Pantheon (USA) Publication Date: 2009 Buy Sum from Amazon.co.uk or from Amazon.com There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consi... Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:30:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-677 The Apologetic of Humility "The throne of humility must be the heart. I do hate, of all things, that humility which lives in the face." Charles Spurgeon[1] Good literature helps us by crystallizing our own dilemmas. One of the most complex ch http://bethinking.org/spirituality/intermediate/the-apologetic-of-humility.htm The Apologetic of Humility "The throne of humility must be the heart. I do hate, of all things, that humility which lives in the face." Charles Spurgeon[1] Good literature helps us by crystallizing our own dilemmas. One of the most complex characters in all of American literature is the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. This Puritan minister earnestly wants to lead his flock into holiness and mor... Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:00:50 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-637 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Ethics After God 'Is there still an above and a below?' [Back to Contents] 'There are a http://bethinking.org/right-wrong/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-3-ethics-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Ethics After God 'Is there still an above and a below?' [Back to Contents] 'There are altogether no moral facts… Morality is merely an interpretation of certain phenomena – more precisely, a misinterpretation…' – Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols[1] 'There are no moral facts'. The ... Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:46 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-648 In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses the issue of absolutism. In today's society, absolute truth is thought to be the enemy of freedom. But truth is more important than you think, freedom is a lot more complex than you think, and Jesus is a lot http://bethinking.org/truth-tolerance/intermediate/absolutism-dont-we-all-have-to-find-truth-for-ourselves.htm In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses the issue of absolutism. In today's society, absolute truth is thought to be the enemy of freedom. But truth is more important than you think, freedom is a lot more complex than you think, and Jesus is a lot more liberating than you think. Surrendering to God's absolute truth gives you a deeper, richer freedom in every area, without oppression. ©  2006 Timothy J. Keller This resource is use... In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses the issue of absolutism. In today's society, absolute truth is thought to be the enemy of freedom. But truth is more important than you think, freedom is a lot more complex than you think, and Jesus is a lot more liberating than you think. Surrendering to God's absolute truth gives you a deeper, richer freedom in every area, without oppression. ©  2006 Timothy J. Keller This resource is use... Timothy J. Keller Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:00:05 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-676 “… Christianity tends to transform and resolve rather than simply oppose these other world stories and your job as a writer is to show how that happens.”   In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses writers on what it means to write from a Chr http://bethinking.org/your-course/intermediate/writing-from-a-christian-worldview.htm “… Christianity tends to transform and resolve rather than simply oppose these other world stories and your job as a writer is to show how that happens.”   In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses writers on what it means to write from a Christian worldview. You can’t make sense from facts without using them to create a story, and you can’t make sense of a story without putting it into the context of a macro-level worldview. All ... “… Christianity tends to transform and resolve rather than simply oppose these other world stories and your job as a writer is to show how that happens.”   In this talk, Dr Timothy J. Keller addresses writers on what it means to write from a Christian worldview. You can’t make sense from facts without using them to create a story, and you can’t make sense of a story without putting it into the context of a macro-level worldview. All ... Timothy J. Keller Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:12 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-675 Making this a war Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Morality, ethics, children, sacrifice Programme title: Torchwood: Children of Earth Writer: Russell T. Davies, John Fay and James Moran Director: Euros Lyn Starring: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Gare http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/introductory/torchwood-children-of-earth.htm Making this a war Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Morality, ethics, children, sacrifice Programme title: Torchwood: Children of Earth Writer: Russell T. Davies, John Fay and James Moran Director: Euros Lyn Starring: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Kai Owen, Peter Capaldi, Nicholas Farrell Production company: BBC Wales Broadcaster: BBC One DVD Distributor: 2entertain (UK); BBC Warner (USA) DVD release date: 13 July 2009 ... Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:00:22 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-640 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Purpose & Desire After God 'Are we not wandering through an infinite nothing?' [Back http://bethinking.org/who-am-i/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-2-purpose-desire-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Purpose & Desire After God 'Are we not wandering through an infinite nothing?' [Back to Contents] What are we living ‘for’? Where are we wanting to go, what is there worth doing? ‘Are we not wandering through an infinite nothing?’ It’s Nietzsche’s ‘post-death-of-God’ question; ... Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:00:38 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-647 Never Read a Bible Verse If there was one bit of wisdom, one rule of thumb, one single skill I could impart, one useful tip I could leave that would serve you well the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the single most important practical ski http://bethinking.org/bible-jesus/introductory/never-read-a-bible-verse.htm Never Read a Bible Verse If there was one bit of wisdom, one rule of thumb, one single skill I could impart, one useful tip I could leave that would serve you well the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the single most important practical skill I've ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse. That's right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least. My Radio Trick When I'm on the rad... Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:09 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-672 Dr Timothy J. Keller considers the doctrine of the Word through reflections based around Psalm 19. God's Word is perfect and true, and we can measure everything by the standard of Scripture. God reveals himself to us through nature, throu http://bethinking.org/bible-jesus/intermediate/the-doctrine-of-the-word.htm Dr Timothy J. Keller considers the doctrine of the Word through reflections based around Psalm 19. God's Word is perfect and true, and we can measure everything by the standard of Scripture. God reveals himself to us through nature, through the written Scripture, and through Jesus' actions. In these ways God enables us to learn about him. Scripture points to Jesus and as Jesus becomes more real to us, Scripture also becomes 'mor... Dr Timothy J. Keller considers the doctrine of the Word through reflections based around Psalm 19. God's Word is perfect and true, and we can measure everything by the standard of Scripture. God reveals himself to us through nature, through the written Scripture, and through Jesus' actions. In these ways God enables us to learn about him. Scripture points to Jesus and as Jesus becomes more real to us, Scripture also becomes 'mor... Timothy J. Keller Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:30:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-671 The myth of secular neutrality Alex Bunn questions the assumption that ‘faith equals bias’. Although his article is based around his own specialty of medicine, his argument is relevant to the issues that face all Christians. People of faith are o http://bethinking.org/truth-tolerance/intermediate/the-myth-of-secular-neutrality.htm The myth of secular neutrality Alex Bunn questions the assumption that ‘faith equals bias’. Although his article is based around his own specialty of medicine, his argument is relevant to the issues that face all Christians. People of faith are often accused of irrational bias. Some ethicists go further to argue that the morally neutral demands of the secular state should always supersede doctors' personal beliefs. They would even deprive ... Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:15:49 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-661 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Identity After God Who Am I? What Am I Worth? [Back to Contents] What are the most i http://bethinking.org/who-am-i/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-1-identity-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Identity After God Who Am I? What Am I Worth? [Back to Contents] What are the most important questions in your life? Do you identify with this? The point is, who are you? Not why or how, not even what. I can see what, perhaps, clearly enough. But who are you?... Occasionally... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:01 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-646 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Identity after God Chapter 2: Purpose & Desire After http://bethinking.org/who-are-you-god/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-contents-introduction.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Identity after God Chapter 2: Purpose & Desire After God Chapter 3: Ethics After God Chapter 4: Truth After God [coming soon] Chapter 5: Love After God [coming soon] Chapter 6: One by One Our Gods Have Failed Us [coming soon] Chapter 7: Roots... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-645 "Just playing sport?" Being a student of Sport and Exercise Science, it is important that you are prepared for three years of questions like, “So do you just play sport all day?” and other insinuations that this particular course is not th http://bethinking.org/your-course/introductory/studying---sport-and-exercise-science.htm "Just playing sport?" Being a student of Sport and Exercise Science, it is important that you are prepared for three years of questions like, “So do you just play sport all day?” and other insinuations that this particular course is not the height of academia. It may be as much of a shock to you as to others that there is actually work involved in a sport science degree. It’s really varied and generally interesting because it’s all ... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:23:34 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-643 Lying, loving and the truth Author: James Musson Keywords: Truth, love, lying, religion, superficiality, honesty, afterlife Film title: The Invention of Lying Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Screenplay: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Sta http://bethinking.org/culture-worldview/introductory/the-invention-of-lying.htm Lying, loving and the truth Author: James Musson Keywords: Truth, love, lying, religion, superficiality, honesty, afterlife Film title: The Invention of Lying Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Screenplay: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K. Distributor: Warner Bros. (USA); Universal Pictures (UK) Cinema Release Date: 2 October 2009 Certificate: PG-13 (USA); 12A (UK) Co... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:01:01 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-636 Studying … Physics So what do you study? Physics! What a conversation stopper! You can see the stereotypes go through their mind. In fact you may see many of those stereotypes in yourself or fellow students and almost certainly in some of your lecturers http://bethinking.org/your-course/introductory/studying---physics.htm Studying … Physics So what do you study? Physics! What a conversation stopper! You can see the stereotypes go through their mind. In fact you may see many of those stereotypes in yourself or fellow students and almost certainly in some of your lecturers! As a Christian you seem to be a 'weirdo' amongst your fellow physicists. While as a physicist you seem to be a ‘geek’ amongst your non-physicist friends. Physics has got a reputation for being ... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:59:12 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-644