Christianity and Critical Race Theory
This paper takes a careful look at critical race theory, and argues that only the Bible offers real hope for the future of race relations.
Did Jesus Really Exist?
Many people today doubt Jesus was a real person. Here are 8 ancient non-biblical sources that provide evidence of his existence.
Finding God in Middle-earth
An exploration of the Christian themes and imagery in 'The Silmarillion' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.
Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites?
We know that nobody is perfect, but don't Christians claim to be 'good people'?
Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
There's a persistent belief that the God of the Qur'an and the God of the Bible are essentially the same. But does this stand up to…
Sharing Jesus with Muslim friends
An introduction to Islamic beliefs and practices, with helpful advice for beginning to share your faith with Muslim friends.
Science or Faith: Do I Need to Choose?
The belief that science and religion are in fundamental conflict runs deep. But is it really as simple as that?
Angels, Wise Men and a Baby: Why Doesn’t God Show Himself?
A look at how the events of the first Christmas show God has given us enough evidence for us to be confident that he is there and that he…
Sharing Jesus with Pagan Friends
An introduction to Pagan beliefs and practices, with helpful advice for sharing the gospel with Pagan friends.
Sharing Jesus with Buddhist Friends
An introduction to Buddhist beliefs and practices, with helpful advice for sharing the gospel with Buddhist friends.
Sharing Jesus with Sikh Friends
An introduction to Sikh beliefs and practices, with helpful advice for sharing the gospel with Sikh friends.
Evil and God: Reflections of a Former Atheist
The existence of evil seems to challenge the idea of an all-powerful God of love. Here is one person's account of grappling with this…
Environmentalism: A Religion Without a Founder
Climate change is one of the key issues of our time. But what should we make of the fervour of the environmental movement?
Studying ... Maths?
What has the God of the Bible got to do with maths? What has maths got to do with the Christian gospel?
Artistic Responses to the Cross Throughout History
How have artists tried to capture the paradoxes of the cross through their work?
Sharing Jesus with Hindu Friends
An introduction to Hindu beliefs and practices, with helpful advice for speaking about Jesus with Hindu friends.
Breaking Dawn: Christianity's First 25 Years
An exploration of the ‘hidden’ first 25 years of the Christian era, examining the impact of Christ upon the ancient world.
Is There Freedom in Running Away with the Circus?
An exploration of the themes in The Greatest Showman, with questions for reflection and discussion.
The Historical Reliability of Mark's Gospel
What reasons do we have to trust Mark's Gospel?
My History Teacher Says 'The Gospels Are Unreliable'
Three questions to ask your history teacher when they claim you can't trust the Gospels.
Where Can We Find Lasting Happiness?
Why is happiness so hard to find? Perhaps we've been looking in the wrong place.
Is 'Science vs God' Fake News?
Science and religion have been locked in battle for centuries, maybe even millennia. Right? Or is there another story?
The Christian Roots of Freedom and Tolerance
A historical argument for linking the growth of freedom with the development of Christianity.
Preparing to Give an Answer
When questions come your way, what will you say? Here are three tips to help you prepare.
Does Science Need God?
Does a Universe that ‘runs itself’ need God? Oddly, the answer to this question is ‘No’. And ‘Yes’.
The Gospel According to Beyoncé
Beyoncé is incredibly popular. What makes her music resonate so deeply with people?
Does Science Have Limits?
Will science lead us to complete knowledge of everything, or are there areas science can't touch?
How Should Christians Vote?
Deciding who to vote for is a big decision. Here are some principles to help you think things through for yourself.
You Don't Need All the Answers
When your friends bombard you with questions, how can you cope? Here's one suggestion to take the pressure off.
Engaging Well with Teachers
When teachers challenge Christianity it's hard to know how to respond. Here are some tips for having a good conversation with them.
My Science Teacher Says 'Science Has Buried God'
What should you say when your science teacher objects to Christianity? This article offers some simple ways to respond.
What in the World Is a Worldview?
Why do people disagree about the big questions? Part of the answer is that we all see the world differently.
My RE Teacher Says 'All Religions Are the Same'
In RE lessons it often seems all religions are equally valid. Here are some suggestions for speaking to your teacher about this.
Answering Questions About Suffering
Helpful pointers for answering questions about the harsh reality of suffering.
How to Muzzle the Gospel at Christmas
Screwtape advises Wormwood on his (anti-)Christmas strategy.
Persuasive Evangelism
A challenging call, based on the Acts of the Apostles, to think about how persuasive our evangelism is.
Studying ... Medicine?
What are the opportunities and challenges of studying medicine as a Christian?
What Scientists Believe
A preliminary summary of some recent research on the religious beliefs of scientists.
Art, the Gospel and What It Means to Be Human
How has the way art depicts humanity changed over time? How should the truths of the Christian view of humanity shape creative practice?
Studying ... Education?
Teaching is full of challenges. How can Christian teachers 'work for the Lord' in a school context?
Studying ... Theology?
How can theology students make the most of their unique opportunities to share the gospel with their course mates?
A Grief Recorded
An exploration of the experience of grief and loss in Sufjan Stevens' album Carrie and Lowell.
Can We Use Social Media for Evangelism?
Review of a new book on Sharing Faith Using Social Media. The book also explores the use of different biblical paradigms for evangelism.
The Sexual Revolution's Long Shadow
The impact of the sexual revolution on society and on Christian thinking - and how to respond.
Studying ... The Social Sciences?
How do subjects like sociology, human geography and anthropology reveal the wonder and brokenness of human culture?
Apologetics as Conversation
Principles from Proverbs to guide our apologetics conversations.
The Roots of Our Gender Identity Crisis
What cultural shifts have led to the current gender debate?
Gender Identity and the Body
What does the biblical view of creation have to say in the transgender debate?
Are You Ready to Give an Answer?
Four implications of 1 Peter 3:15 that will help you stand up and speak out about Jesus.
Navigating the Transgender Agenda
How can Christians respond to questions about 'transgender' issues?
Gender Dysphoria
A medical and biblical exploration of gender issues.
Studying ... Chemistry?
A Christian perspective on studying or working in the field of chemistry.
Science and the New Testament Documents
Review of Dirk Jongkind's talk arguing that the message of the Bible is preserved, despite variations between manuscripts
You Want to Be a Good Apologist?
If you want to be a good apologist, take this advice.
Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
A brief introduction to some of the issues discussed in the Philosophy of Religion and Natural Theology.
Religion and Well-being: Assessing the evidence
Summary from a 2016 Theos Report showing the positive correlation between 'religion' and 'well-being'.
Ben Hur - revenge or redemption?
An introduction to the new Ben-Hur film, with details of resources for churches and other groups.
Modern Old Testament Study
A survey of various aspects of contemporary Old Testament study relating to its reliability and authority.
What are the Top Books to Give a Non-Christian?
Seven book recommendations for giving to non-Christians.
A Prophetic Inspector Calls
What does J.B. Priestley's play An Inspector Calls have to say to us about sin, responsibility and being human?
The Delusions of Atheists
A look at some of the claims of atheists concerning belief in God and how they (mis)use science.
5 Tips for Young Apologists
Sean McDowell shares some important tips for 'young' apologists.
A Christian Engagement of Raunch Culture
Florence Gildea considers the background and consequences to 'Raunch Culture' and offers an alternative Christian view.
Can We Deal With Hard Questions?
Some reflections on helping people handle questions about our faith.
Flipping the meaning of Lent
Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day? The consumerist flip.
New Research on Gospel Contradictions
Sean McDowell interviews Mike Licona on how his research into ancient biographies sheds light onto Gospel contradictions.
The Gospels and the 'so-called' gospels
A discussion of Christian beliefs about the divinity of Jesus and why the New Testament did not include other 'gospels'.
Paul at Athens
An extract from Peter May's book The Search for God: and the Path to Persuasion.
The universe is not an accident
An interview with theologian and scientist Alister McGrath.
Integrity and the Markets
Investment bank chairman and ex-Marxist, explains how his faith makes a difference to his work.
Interview with a Philosopher on Faith and Reason
Interview with philosopher Roger Trigg covering science and philosophy, faith and reason.
Are We Just Naked Apes?
What, if anything, separates human beings from every other species on earth? Are we just naked apes? Or something more?
Whatever Happened in Corinth?
An examination, in the light of 1st century sophistry, of why there seems to be a difference in Paul's apologetics approach between Athens…
Faith and Psychological Wellbeing
An interview with clinical psychologist Rev Dr Joanna Collicutt on faith, delusion and well being.
How Were the New Testament Books Compiled?
Are the New Testament books an arbitrary or personal selection of what was available? Or is there more to it than that?
"The Gospel of Jesus' Wife": a forgery
Why the so-called "Gospel of Jesus' Wife" is a modern forgery.
Posthumanism, technology and immortality
An interview with Professor Brent Waters on posthumanism and its implications.
Get Real
Reality TV now seems to be everywhere. What does it tell us about what is real and what is true? And what does it say about God?
Wars are caused by greed, not religion
An interview with Keith Ward on the reasons for war, the existence of God and the science-religion debate.
Young Nation
Why does the desire to be young again continually re-appear in contemporary culture? What is a Christian response?
Does Astronomy Reveal Joshua’s Long Day?
A popular story gives a salutary warning of the need to check our sources carefully and be careful in the arguments we use.
Do Angels Really Exist?
In the twenty-first century, can people really still believe in angels and demons?
Whydunit?
Why does crime fiction fascinate so many people? What might this show us about people's concerns today.
In the psychiatrist’s care
Consultant psychiatrist Rob Waller talks about his work, as a Christian, in the area of mental health and discusses some related issues.
The Church and the Charter: the forgotten roots of Magna Carta
Examine the role played by Christianity in the Magna Carta.
Good Old Days
What can we learn from the current obsession for nostalgia?
7 Reasons Why Apologetics Might Be Good
7 suggestions for what makes good apologetics
Understanding the New Atheism
A 2-part series on the New Atheism looks at (1) The Straw God and then (2) Attacks on the New Testament.
Reincarnation and the Challenge of Jesus
Considering whether reincarnation makes sense and what Christianity teaches instead.
The New Age Worldview: Is it Believable?
Can we make sense of the New Age worldview?
Why Believe that Jesus is the Only Way?
Is there any reason to believe that Jesus is the only way to God, when there are so many other religions?
What is Truth? (on the Nature and Importance of Truth Today)
An examination of various responses to the question "What is Truth?"
Learning from an Apostle: Christianity in the Marketplace of Ideas
'How to do apologetics' - a lesson from St Paul.
Surprised by Oxford: best book I read in a year
A review of Carolyn Weber's account of finding God at Oxford.
A Royal Ruin: Pascal's Argument from Humanity to Christianity
How can we explain mankind's dueling capacities for debauchery and greatness? Pascal argued Christianity held the answer.
Stephen Fry and God
Ian Paul responds to Stephen Fry's comments on what he would say to God.
A Biblical View of Disability
An examination of Biblical views on disability and disabled people.
Paddington
A film review and discussion guide to 'Paddington'.
Karl Barth and Natural Theology?
An examination of history, evidence, faith, fideism and natural theology.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? This talk addresses 6 misconceptions about the cross and its significance.
Further links: Resurrection - fact or fiction?
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet which asks whether the Resurrection of Jesus was a fact or fiction.
Further links: Angels, wise men, and a baby
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet which asks why the events of the first Christmas show us what God is like.
Are the apocryphal gospels true?
Some reflections on why the canonical Gospels are in the Bible whereas the apocryphal Gospels are not.
Running a Film Discussion Evening
Some guidelines on how to run a film discussion evening and how to choose a suitable film.
Some Thought Provoking Films
A list of some films that will generate some great discussions for a film evening - or just to enjoy with some friends.
Twenty Questions to Consider When Watching a Film
Twenty questions to help us think more carefully about films - or to use in film discussion evenings.
UK General Election 2015
Resources relating to the UK 2015 General Election.
Further links: The arrogance of Christianity
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet 'The arrogance of Christianity: is Jesus the only way?'.
Further links: Crucifixion: con trick to start a religion?
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet on the Crucifixion of Jesus - was it just a con trick?
Further links: Has science disproved God?
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet which asks 'Has science disproved God?'
Further links: How can God allow suffering?
Links to further resources to follow up on the bethinking booklet which asks 'How can God allow suffering?'
Did Christ die on a cross or a stake?
A response to Jehovah's Witnesses who maintain that Jesus died on a stake or post rather than a conventional cross.
Do Christians Hate Homosexuals?
Amy Orr-Ewing tackles the common question: "If Christians are supposed to love everyone, why do they hate homosexuals?"
Are People Plastic?
Peter Sanlon gives a brief introduction to his book on 'Queer Studies'.
Maleficent
'Whispers of Redemption' in Maleficent, Disney's makeover of Sleeping Beauty.
God and Liberty
When Benjamin Franklin introduced his grandson to Voltaire shortly before the latter's death in 1778, that great opponent of the Catholic…
Are we sinners?
What does human society tell us about human nature? Are we essentially good or bad?
The Future for Christianity
Why the case for the truth of Christianity has never been stronger - but Europe is a difficult place to spread that message.
New Atheism's Wardrobe Malfunction
This extract from 'Atheism's New Clothes' responds to the accusation that theology is empty, like the Emperor's New Clothes.
Locke: cracks in the foundations
An examination of a life falling apart in the film 'Locke'.
New Atheism, New Apologetics
How Christian apologetics has used science in its response to the claims of the New Atheists. Boyle Lecture 2014.
Truth, Faith and Hope in Life of Pi – A Philosophical Review
Philosopher Peter S. Williams reviews the Christian, Hindu and Secular Humanist perspectives on themes of Truth, Faith and Hope in the…
Science, Religion and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Would contact with extraterrestrial beings create a crisis of faith? Chris Oldfield reviews 'Science, Religion and the Search for…
Reclaiming Reason from Atheism
If evolution programs our brains for survival, not truth, and humanity evolved to believe in God, how can atheists trust that their…
The Scandinavian Sceptic (or why atheism is a belief system)
Is atheism a claim or simply a non-belief? A comparison to not believing that Sweden exists helps to clarify the issues.
The Arrogance of Christianity: Is Jesus the Only Way?
Explore the challenge of pluralism, relativism, and the unique claims of Jesus in a world of diverse beliefs and perspectives.
Crucifixion: Con Trick to Start a Religion?
Explore why Jesus' death on the cross is central to understanding God’s love, justice, and forgiveness, challenging common misconceptions.
How Can God Allow Suffering?
The existence of evil and suffering in the world is perhaps the most common objection to belief in God. If God is both good and…
Is the Resurrection Fact or Fiction?
My youngest son Hugo used to have an invisible friend called Luke. Luke Skywalker to be precise. Ever since meeting Luke in a film, Hugo…
What is the Bible?
A brief introduction to the Bible – what it is, how it has been put together and what it can mean for people today.
Freud's Dad & Dawkins' Delusion – C.S. Lewis Responds?
"You would think that wouldn't you?" By way of Freud's Father complex and Dawkins' memes, Melvin Tinker examines how C.S. Lewis might…
Did the Events Recorded in the Bible Really Happen?
An overview article linking to specific resources that examine the historical reliability of the Old and New Testaments.
Why Should I Believe God Exists?
An overview of some reasons to believe in God, with links to fuller resources and some recommended books.
What Would Jesus Tweet?
I write a weekly column for The Dallas Morning News as a contributor to their Texas Faith blog. This week we were asked, "What would Jesus…
Last Chance Saloon
The Lone Ranger (2013) has been such a flop at the US box-office that critics are heralding the death of the Western. Are these critics…
Hawking Strikes Again
I hesitate to go back to Stephen Hawking’s book, The Grand Design, as the press coverage at the time was immense and many people…
Multiverse Musings - Is It Testable?
People regularly question whether the multiverse belongs in the arena of scientific investigation. The answers often center on a key query:…
Cold-Case Christianity – a review
Read this book if you want to be prepared to speak to anyone interested in why they can trust the accounts they read in the Gospels. And…
The Trilemma: Lord, Liar or Lunatic?
The atheist website infidels.org hosts a critique of Josh McDowell’s Evidence that Demands a Verdict. The article below responds to…
The Great Gatsby
A review of the film The Great Gatsby.
Chesterton the Apologist
When we think of Chesterton today, we think of Father Brown, the quintessential priest-detective. But, like Conan Doyle, who believed his…
The God Argument by A.C. Grayling – a review
This is a ‘wham-bam, take it or leave it’ book. Prof. Grayling issues terse, often idiosyncratic, definitions without…
What Role for Christianity in 21st Century Politics?
Reflections on the 2013 Cambridge University debate about the future of religion in public life.
The Religion of Baha'i
This article provide an introduction to the Baha'i religion and how it compares to Christianity. If you want to dig deeper, links to…
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
A review of the film The Odd Life of Timothy Green.
A Theology of Florence & the Machine’s Ceremonials
The setting for the video of 'No Light No Light', the second single from 2011's Ceremonials – a traditional church building complete…
Apologetics in 3D
Apologetics is often seen as an 'intellectual' activity, remote from everyday life. Peter S. Williams proposes a more holistic view.
Let There Be Light: Illuminating the Creation / Evolution Debate
The creation / evolution debate takes place not just between Christians and non-Christians but also within the Christian community. In this…
Lincoln
A review of the film Lincoln.
Les Misérables
A review of the film Les Misérables.
The Libet Experiment and its Implications for Conscious Will
Dr Peter Clarke considers whether the experiments of Benjamin Libet call into question the reality of human will. Although quite a…
Studying ... Engineering?
The first time I'd really thought that God might have something to do with being an engineer was sitting in a lecture on the 'Professional…
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The dwarves have all the best songs. Whether they are singing raucous ditties about smashing Bilbo’s best crockery or low, mournful…
Don't Forget About the Baby
At one time, every parent and child knew all about Nativity plays. Many will have memories and photographs of tea-towel-adorned shepherds,…
Skyfall
M (Judi Dench) is nothing if not pragmatic. Before the opening credits of Skyfall have even rolled, she has allowed not one, but two of her…
The Name's Bond
James Bond has been in the spying business for such a long time that he really ought to be up for a long-service award. But the…
Did Jesus Have a Wife?
A response to the controversial claim that Jesus had a wife.
Asylum of the Daleks
"Make them remember you." The Doctor’s advice to Amy and Rory as they faced the Parliament of the Daleks (episode 1: 'Asylum of the…
"Am I Wasting My Time?"
Hugh Ross encourages us to focus more on the direction of travel than the distance covered in our evangelistic contacts. "Do you think I'm…
“(How) Should I Explain my Faith as I Enter University?”
The beginning of university life is filled with uncertainties, and also great opportunities. You will no doubt already have received more…
Archaeology and the Historical Reliability of the New Testament
Peter S. Williams examines the historical reliability of the New Testament in the light of the findings of archaeology. “On the…
A Universe From Someone – Against Lawrence Krauss
A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing (Free Press, 2012), by cosmologist Lawrence M. Krauss, has been lauded…
A Dangerous Method
David Cronenberg built his reputation on making challenging, boundary-breaking films which explore sexuality, violence and death. So…
Transformational Suffering and The Karate Kid
How can we be transformed through suffering? Surprisingly, the eighties cult film The Karate Kid offers some insights. If you're unfamiliar…
'Prometheus' Raises Big Questions
Some thoughts about the film Prometheus and the human search for meaning.
Brontes' "Eternal Powers"
The most recent strain of Brontemania, at large throughout 2011, included major film versions of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights and the…
Is Christianity a Body-Hating Worldview?
Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion[1] is probably the most well known, or notorious, of the populist atheist manifestos that have…
Pontius Pilate - Have the Gospels Got it Right?
Giotto’s famous fourteenth century painting of Pilate [view it here] is an intriguing departure from the popular interpretation of…
Margaret Atwood - Life Without Certainty
Margaret Atwood is one of the most important and influential writers alive today. Her fiction explores and reflects the current cultural…
Studying ... Art? Fine Art?
You've just arrived at art college. It's a pretty exciting time; for the first time in your life you are able to release the shackles of…
Do We Know Why We Are All Equal?
The forthright defence of the permissibility of "after-birth abortion" – infanticide – by two Melbourne-based philosophers in…
If God, Why Evil? – a review
Those who have read many of Norman Geisler’s earlier works will likely recognize that this book is major update of an earlier book,…
Don't All Religions Lead to God?
Faced with a dizzying array of religions, how can anyone say 'this one way is the truth and the only truth’?
The Hunger Games
According to the Romans, ‘bread and circuses’ were the key to keeping a population content. As long as their immediate physical…
A Vogue for Vincent
Vincent Van Gogh is now a solid fixture in our cultural vocabulary. I need only mention sunflowers or a bandaged ear to conjure up his life…
Nothing But a Pack of Neurons?
In this paper, Stuart Judge considers whether discoveries in neuroscience that correlate our mental activity with our brain activity…
From Atheism to Christianity: a Personal Journey
A former atheist's testimony of his journey to Christian belief via the writings of C.S. Lewis.
Understanding The Trinity
Atheists and Muslims often criticise the Christian concept of the Trinity as contradictory, meaningless or false. In this article, Peter S.…
The Grey
I watched The Grey the other night, and thought it was disturbing, haunting, devoid of hope and the best film I'd seen in a long time. The…
War Horse
How do you begin to tell stories about a war which claimed more than fifteen million lives? For children's author Michael Morpurgo, the…
Bible Scandals
David Instone-Brewer's new book The Jesus Scandals not only shows how the life and teaching of Jesus must have shocked his contemporaries…
Dawkins' Delusions: faith and evidence
When I settled down to read Richard Dawkins’ book, The God Delusion, I was surprised at just how much of his book I agreed with. And…
The Iron Lady
An old lady in a headscarf is buying a pint of milk in a local shop. She’s surprised by the price of the milk, and disturbed by the…
Sherlock Holmes
A review of the recent Sherlock Holmes films and BBC TV series.
Was There Really a Star of Bethlehem?
What does the biblical account say about the star of Bethlehem? Is it historically credible?
"Thou shalt not be certain"
Should we be certain about anything to do with God? Is radical uncertainty about God just being respectful of his greatness?
Christian Persuaders Podcasts
12 interviews with leading Christian apologists on communicating the truth and relevance of the Christian gospel.
Stoning and the Cherry Pickers
This article responds to Sam Harris’ assertion that one can justify stoning someone to death for adultery by appealing to the New…
We Need To Talk About Kevin
The colour red suffuses We Need to Talk About Kevin. Red paint is smeared across walls and car window screens, red jam oozes out of…
"Religion causes wars"
The suggestion that, "Belief leads to intolerance and ultimately to conflict" is one of the most popular ideas around, but is it true?
You gotta have faith!
Steve Wilcox begins his apologetics series by examining the principles of faith. ‘Faith’ is considered a dirty word in our…
'On Being' - The Scientism of Peter Atkins
Peter Atkins continues to be one of the more boisterous and outspoken of the Oxford atheists. His promotion of ‘scientism’…
A Christian Response to A.C. Grayling's Against All Gods
A.C. Grayling, Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London, begins his self-described ‘polemic’ against…
Did Einstein Believe in God?
A response to the claim made by Dawkins in 'The God Delusion' and by other atheists that Einstein did not believe in God.
Bill Craig vs A.C. Grayling - Debate
William Lane Craig and A.C. Grayling debate the motion “Belief in God Makes Sense in Light of Tsunamis”.
Richard Dawkins and the Man Delusion
This month England has been taken by storm. Not rain – but riots. Unlike the weather, it came without warning and has left the nation…
Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God?
The most discussed moral argument for God’s existence is currently the argument concerning the ontological basis for objective moral…
If Love Wins, What is Lost? A Response to Rob Bell
'If Love Wins, What is Lost?' gives Paul Coulter's in-depth response to Rob Bell's controversial book 'Love Wins'
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: a discussion guide
The second of the two films adapted from J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter novel begins at the place where the first left us hanging:…
The Bible's Buried Secrets
Professor Alan Millard critiques the BBC series The Bible's Buried Secrets. Dr Francesca Stavrakopoulou presented three BBC TV programmes…
Is Christianity Unscientific?
Neo-atheist Sam Harris alleges that the faith of Christian geneticist Francis Collins is unscientific: James Watson, the co-discoverer…
Unapologetic Christianity - Is God a Monster?
The Bible has become a happy hunting ground for many who want to undermine faith in the God of the Bible. After all, there are a lot of…
'Feeling The Force' - Star Wars and Spiritual Truth
Delve deeper into some of the religious and spiritual aspects behind the Star Wars series.
The Good Book: A Secular Bible – a review
Peter S. Williams offers his thoughts on philosopher A.C. Grayling's The Good Book: A Secular Bible. Note that Grayling lays his book out…
The Way
'El Camino de Santiago' or 'the Way of St. James' spans 800km across France and Spain. With its destination believed to be the burial place…
A.C. Grayling Would Rather Debate Fairies
Why philosopher A.C. Grayling refuses to debate William Lane Craig.
Dawkins Refuses God-Debate with William Lane Craig
The refusal of Richard Dawkins to debate William Lane Craig has attracted criticism from other atheists, one of whom has said it is "Apt to…
Old Testament Mass Killings
Paul Coulter takes an in depth look at the violence in the Old Testament that was commanded by God and asks how we should understand it.
Route Irish - Corruption and Conscience
What happens when people are given free reign to do what they want with impunity? When there are no consequences for their actions because…
Adam and Anthropology
Denis Alexander addresses the theological issues associated with an understanding of Adam who was not the sole genetic ancestor of all of…
Studying ... History?
When people asked me what I studied at university and I told them, there were often a number of generic reactions. Inevitably, I would be…
Doctor Who - Dilemmas of a Time Traveller
A review of Doctor Who, Series 4 starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate.
An Introduction to Christian Apologetics
Paul Coulter introduces different approaches to apologetics and examines how they can help in our own conversations.
Creating Life in the Lab by Fazale Rana – a review
The creation of a simple bacterium with completely synthetic genetic material by Craig Venter and co-workers last year created a huge wave…
Knight and Day
What do we do when opportunities come our way? Do we sit back and watch them pass us by, or do we seize the day and chase our dreams? It is…
The Jewishness of the New Testament
Why a rabbi who considered the New Testament to be anti-Semitic changed his mind. Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein was curious when he observed…
Black Swan
Swan Lake is a beautiful, tragic story. The delicate art of ballet sensitively describes both the joy and turmoil of its main characters.…
The One Big Question: the God of love in a world of suffering
"For as long as I can remember, suffering has been the major block to belief," says Bishop Michael Baughen. He speaks here about his new…
Never Let Me Go
Perhaps a society truly becomes lost when it doesn't know how lost it is. This is the eerie suggestion put forward by Never Let Me Go,…
Why Natural Disasters?
2011 Earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan... 2011 Earthquakes in New Zealand... 2011 Flooding in Queensland, Australia... 2010 Earthquake in…
Is Christianity a Psychological Crutch?
Is Christianity just a crutch for the weak, unintelligent and scared, or is it far more than that?
The Beauty of Books: Codex Sinaiticus
You may have seen the recent programme "The Beauty of Books: Ancient Bibles" on BBC4, 8th February 2011. This well-produced and researched…
The Book of Ecclesiastes – Absurdity Pointing to Meaning
This ancient and fascinating document both intrigues and disturbs its readers. It is so denigrated by some Christians, that they have…
Do Christians Underestimate the Power of Stories?
At a recent Alpha group, frustrated by the complexity of the Bible, someone sighed, "I wish God had written an executive summary." But God…
Catfish
One of the many changes which the Internet has brought into our lives is that it is remarkably easy to masquerade as something we're not.…
Do We Need to Believe in Adam and Eve?
What difference does it make whether Adam and Eve existed or not?
The King's Speech
The King's Speech is book-ended by two speeches. The first is a disaster, a deeply humiliating experience for Prince Albert, Duke of York…
Dialogue in Evangelism
Peter May investigates what it means to preach the Gospel and examines what is meant by dialogue and its value in sharing the Gospel with…
Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Cell biologist Lewis Wolpert has recently attained a measure of notoriety with the British public, primarily through the publication of his…
Messianic Prophecies - First Things First
Jewish believers in Jesus (Y'shua) are often confronted with this ‘question’: If Jesus is the Messiah, didn't he accomplish…
Sherlock
The world's only consulting detective steps into the 21st Century in the BBC series Sherlock. Benedict Cumberbatch portrays the titular…
The Brothers Hitchens
Christopher Hitchens, the celebrated author and polemicist, never got on with his younger brother, Peter. Some siblings, spawned from the…
What Does it Mean to be Human?
Drawing on recent scientific arguments including evolutionary explanations of morality and the latest experiments in neuroscience, as well…
Is There Truth in the Story of Christmas?
Is Christmas just a nice story 'for the children' or an historical fact that affects us all?
The Writing on the Wall
In The Writing on the Wall, Maggi Dawn sets about doing what John Stott called "double listening" – "it means that we’re called…
Have You Got the Whole Story?
If people are going to feel the full force of the claims of Christ on their lives, they need to see the whole story of salvation.
The Gladiator Who Defied An Empire
Pete Atkinson considers the difference the Christianity made to the Roman Empire. 'Are You Not Entertained?' – The Gladiator Who…
Studying ... Sport and Exercise Science?
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…
Lady Gaga
I'm not sure exactly what makes someone a phenomenon, but anyone who has managed to win 62 music awards in two years and has produced a…
Dawkins 'Debates' William Lane Craig
William Lane Craig and Richard Dawkins have finally ended up in a debate on the topic 'Does the Universe Have a Purpose?' at a conference…
Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics
Whatever aspect of ethics you're interested in, the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (KLICE) seeks to provide resources to help…
Corinth and Acts 17
For the context of this article on Paul's evangelistic methods and his use of apologetics, read Acts 17:16-18:17. What Happened at…
Dawkins and the Abuse of History
When Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion was published in 2006, it quickly became the rallying manifesto of what has been termed New…
Horror and 3D
Rachel Helen Smith considers two recent developments in film: horror and 3D. Karl Marx famously claimed, "Religion is the opiate of the…
The Soloist
When newspaper columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) meets homeless, schizophrenic Juilliard-dropout Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Jr. (Jamie…
Conflict Myths: Bishop Ussher and the Date of Creation
There is probably no name more indelibly linked with rigid church fundamentalism than that of Bishop James Ussher (1581-1656), who today is…
Peter Pan Theology
Postmodern liberalism may sound liberating and enticing to its adherents, but it may be no more than a 21st century fairy tale for the…
Inception
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a very unusual sort of criminal. Along with the pragmatic Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), he is paid to…
Toy Story 3
As Andy leaves for college, Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks), space ranger Buzz (Tim Allen) and what remains of the old gang confront the reality…
Stephen Hawking and God
A look at Hawking's claim that modern physics shows we do not require a Creator God.
Conflict Myths: Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was a brilliant mathematician, astronomer and physicist. He was appointed to the chair of Mathematics at the…
Twilight
Vampires are currently one of the biggest phenomena in popular culture. They are central to hit television series like True Blood, Being…
Persuasion – the Centre Piece of Effective Evangelism
Evangelism without persuasion won't convince anybody - how can we put this vital ingredient back where it belongs?
Invictus
The sun rises over the townships of South Africa on 10th May 1994. And the question at the back of everybody's mind is posed aloud by the…
God Questions - a dialogue
God Questions is a record of debate arising out of a correspondence between American Atheist Professor Carl Stecher and English Philosopher…
Fine Tuning the Multiverse Theory
A friend of mine was enjoying a coffee break at an Open University seminar for his philosophy course. Out of the blue, a colleague asked…
Surrogates
‘You can live your life without limitations and become anyone you want to be.’ Disease and injury, ageing and ugliness, death…
Responding to The Goldilocks Enigma
Paul Davies is a brilliant science writer. As an eminent physicist and cosmologist, he knows his subject matter with distinction. Better…
The White Ribbon
‘I don’t know if the story I want to tell you is entirely true,’ confesses the narrator at the opening of Michael…
Testing the Golden Rule
The new atheists have persistently down-played the uniqueness of Christ’s teaching, focussing their attention on Christ’s…
The Resurrection - Fact or Fiction?
The most significant event in history is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the strongest evidence that Jesus is the Son of God. This…
Refreshing Your Apologetics - some suggestions
It often seems difficult to make time for a refresher course – and sometimes the issue is knowing just how and where to start. So…
The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ – a review
A review of Philip Pullman's The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ.
Power Against People: A Christian Critique of the State
The following is an extract from Philip Vander Elst's full paper of the same title. The whole paper can be downloaded from the link on the…
State Expectations
UCCF and bethinking.org offer this paper to encourage consideration of these important political topics, but do not endorse any particular…
Alice in Wonderland
Yet another film foray into Wonderland demonstrates the abiding charm of Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories. But Tim Burton’s…
The Blind Side
Big Mike walks as though every step is an effort. Head and shoulders taller and a good few inches broader than everyone he passes, dressed…
Alive – a review
This is a lovely little book. It is deliberately little; it is a shortened version of Dan Clark’s previous book Dead or Alive? I…
Proof
How do we know who or what to trust? This is one of the key questions of the world we live in today. So many claims compete for our trust:…
Is There No God?
According to atheists, there is no supernatural Power or Being separate from the universe and responsible for its creation. There is…
What to say to Jehovah's Witnesses
Someday it will happen to you. You are about to sit down for a late breakfast on a Saturday morning. The french toast smells delicious! A…
Thinking Christianly About Politics
A politician, a surgeon, an electrical engineer and an anaesthetist once entered into a discussion about which of them represented the…
The Hurt Locker
We imagine war is tough. We know it puts great strain on soldiers. But is war a drug? Even ‘the supreme drug of human…
A Serious Man
Writer / directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest cerebral masterpiece is a fable on the purpose of morality, and the reasons for…
Skins
There are many people who will have switched off during the first five minutes of Skins, E4’s notorious wild-child. The show is…
Spirituality Without God – a review
Rob Cook, who lectures at Redcliffe College, Gloucester, reviews Spirituality Without God: Buddhist Enlightenment and Christian…
“I’m being taken over”
“It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.” So croons popular singer Paolo Nutini in a song on his latest album Sunny Side…
The Case for God – a review
Karen Armstrong was a Roman Catholic nun for seven years before she found she could no longer believe Catholic doctrines. She left her…
Test of FAITH
Test of FAITH is a series of resources investigating the relationship between science and faith, examining questions such as whether…
Ancient Evidence for Jesus from Non-Christian Sources
Do any other ancient documents help to confirm the trustworthiness of the New Testament?
Avatar
The statistics are every bit as mind-boggling as the spectacle. A reported budget of $280,000,000 makes James Cameron’s Avatar one of…
Nativity!
Teachers lurk anxiously behind tinsel-covered curtains; excited children wait for their big moment; and nervous parents hope that their…
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives
Mark Meynell is disoriented by the reality-probing of Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives. There are three deaths. The first is when…
C.S. Lewis and the Language of Apologetics
A look at how the type of language C.S Lewis used made his apologetics so effective.
Torchwood: Children of Earth
The Torchwood team have come a long way since their first rather dubious dealings with extraterrestrial invaders back in 2006. Billed as…
Never Read a Bible Verse
This simple advice will help you answer tricky questions about what the Bible says.
The Myth of Secular Neutrality
Alex Bunn questions the assumption that ‘faith equals bias’. Although his article is based around his own specialty of…
A Long Way East of Eden
A Long Way East of Eden: Could God explain the mess we're in? examines the significance of the ‘God-question' and the impact of…
Studying ... Anthropology and Archaeology
Some thoughts on studying archaeology and / or anthropology as a Christian.
The Invention of Lying
What would the world be like if no one had ever lied? Ricky Gervais's new film, The Invention of Lying, explores this question with the…
Studying ... Physics?
A look at some of the challenges and opportunities for Christians studying Physics.
Jesus, Interrupted – a review
Readers of EN may remember a previous article where I reviewed several books by Bart Ehrman. I observed that Ehrman had previously been a…
Religulous
Bill Maher, a well-known American comedian, satirist and religious sceptic has added this comedy-documentary to the growing number of…
What to say to Mormons
Mike Licona has produced a practical book to help in our apologetics witness to Mormons. The book contrasts the evidence for Christianity…
Fear of Knowledge – a review
Creating a work of philosophy that is both deeply rich in meaning and accessible to a non-philosophically-trained audience is a daunting…
Is Fulfilled Prophecy of Value for Scholarly Apologetics?
During the past twenty years, evangelical Christian apologetics has made significant progress in some areas. Today in the field of…
The Quest for the Historical Israel – a review
Finkelstein and Mazar represent two of the most influential Israeli archaeologists of the present generation. Finkelstein is a professor at…
Three Views on the NT Use of the OT – a review
The Zondervan Counterpoints series continues to produce extremely valuable volumes of the two-, three-, four-, and five-views variety on…
Doubt
‘What do you do when you're not sure?’ Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) opens his sermon with a question which…
Buddhism
For centuries, Buddhism has been the dominant religion of the Eastern world. With the rise of the Asian population in the United States,…
Eat, Pray, Love
Having suffered a drawn-out divorce, a failed rebound relationship and a debilitating bout of depression, Elizabeth Gilbert decides to go…
Can Science Test Prayer?
Greg Koukl explains why he believes that science cannot test prayer.
Transformers
Based on the iconic 1980s cartoon series and film of the same name, Transformers is the story of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), an ordinary…
The Resurrection
This article addresses three common obstacles to believing in the resurrection.
Killing God
Dawn Bundy is a fifteen-year-old English girl. She is not especially attractive, and she doesn’t really fit in. Her best friends are…
Crusader Terrorists?
Don Closson challenges all Christians to consider how we should react to public hostility and attacks. In this day of multiculturalism and…
The Christ Conspiracy
Acharya S is a skeptic with an interest in mythology who has written a book entitled The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold.…
It's Not Me It's You - Lily Allen
A review of Lily Allen's CD It's Not Me It's You.
Bible and Church Conference: the reliability of the NT
A day conference on New Testament historical apologetics affirms the reliability of the New Testament using new lines of evidence.
The Early Church Fathers on Jesus
When the Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) come to your door, if you get into a conversation with them on who Jesus is, you can expect them to…
Last Chance Harvey
A review of the film Last Chance Harvey.
The Zeitgeist Movie
Why should we consider the stories of Osiris, Dionysus, Adonis and Attis as myth, yet think Jesus of Nazareth is history? The answer is…
'The Narnia Code' - an interview with Michael Ward
The Rev. Dr. Michael Ward is an Anglican minister and the author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis. It…
'Angels and Demons'
A review of the film of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
Wicked
The title and witch-themed publicity made me a little unsure about whether a Christian should be joining the crowds flocking to this…
Star Trek
A review of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek film.
The Historic Case for the Trinity
An oft-repeated objection to the Trinity is that the Scriptures provide no theological basis upon which one can build a case for the…
Fictional Absence
In Fictional Absence, Pete Lowman considers the presence and absence of God in English literature. It has been slightly revised for…
The Sweet Words of an Enemy
If your mother claims that you are an honest person, we may trust you that you will do what you say. Yet some reservation is understandable…
Helping Students Think About Apologetics
Some ideas for helping students to think about apologetics and faith.
Wilberforce and Huxley: A Legendary Encounter
The encounter between Bishop Samuel Wilberforce ("Soapy Sam") and T.H. Huxley ("Darwin's bulldog") is often portrayed as a typical example…
Watchmen
A review of the book and film of Watchmen.
Reaching Out to a Non-Christian World
In this series of two talks, Jerram Barrs considers how we can reach out to those living in a non-Christian culture. © Jerram Barrs
Knowing
In 1959, the children of a new elementary school bury a time capsule containing their ideas of what they think the world will be like in…
Exploring The Shack
This resource provides extracts from Dr Paul Coulter's extensive study of The Shack.
Lark Rise to Candleford
It doesn’t take usually take too much persuasion to get me to try a new box set of DVDs, but I have to say that I was a little…
What About Those Who've Never Heard the Gospel?
A look at some of the key Bible verses about the justice of God and the fate of those who have never heard of Jesus.
Did Paul and Constantine invent Christianity?
Some people claim that the apostle Paul and later Emperor Constantine changed the pristine religion preached by Jesus for their own ends.…
Christianity, Space and Aliens
The ongoing scientific quest to explore space – 'the final frontier' – is intimately bound up with the search for 'strange new…
Jesus: considering the options
The doctrine of Christ's divinity is the central Christian doctrine, for it is like a skeleton key that opens all the others. Christians…
Tree-Surgery for Atheists
Recently, Colin Blakemore tried to argue that the relentless march of science was leaving precious little room in which religion could…
Six Enemies of Apologetic Engagement
What are the barriers that prevent people engaging with apologetics today? How can we make people aware of its potential to present the…
1859 and all that...
In 1859, Charles Darwin published On The Origin of Species, and the debate about how his theory of evolution relates to the first few…
No Conflict
In this article, Melvin Tinker explains why he thinks that evangelicals can differ over their approach to understanding creation from…
The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption has earned a reputation for being one of the most popular films of all time. Despite an unimpressive performance…
Evolution & ID Dialogues
This is Part 1 of Peter S. Williams' article 'Intelligent Designs on Science', which is the final paper in a series of interactions between…
Messiah: Jesus, the evidence of history
What historical evidence is there for the life of Jesus and the first Christians?
Inkheart
A review of the film Inkheart.
Does Religion Cause War?
As the situation in Gaza becomes worse by the day, the apologetic challenge this weekend is most likely to centre on the role of religion…
The Original Christmas
'No room at the inn' goes the traditional story. But is that really what the Bible says?
Studying ... Music?
Reflections on studying and performing music - and the challenges this can present for a Christian.
Making Your Mind Up About The How of Creation
Christians agree that God created, but often disagree over how he did it. Here are some pointers to help you think it through.
The Genius of Charles Darwin
A review of Richard Dawkins' The Genius Of Charles Darwin.
Chronicles of Heaven Unshackled
Chronicles of Heaven Unshackled examines the presence (and absence) of God in the English novel, with particular reference to Tolkien and…
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
One of the most moving films of 2008, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a powerful, haunting story about the horrors of the Holocaust.…
The John Lennox - Richard Dawkins Debate
A review of the Lennox - Dawkins debate and the radio interview with Dawkins that followed it The Context I was present at the recent…
Mamma Mia!
A review of Mamma Mia! - the movie.
Can Science Explain Everything?
Scientific naturalism claims that only science provides reliable answers. This article examines the claim.
Debating the Faith
One of the benefits of public debates is that it encourages Christians to engage with the issues raised in these events, think through…
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
A review of The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
God on Trial
Towards the end of God on Trial, broadcast on Wednesday 3rd September 2008 on BBC2, a group of Auschwitz prisoners concluded that God was…
My Booky Wook
A review of Russell Brand's My Booky Wook.
The God Who Wasn't There
Mike Licona responds to the latest attempt by the hyperskeptical community to advance the thesis that Jesus never existed.
Ten Reasons Why Christian Medics Need CMF
Whether you're a first year at medical school, or graduated ages ago, it's always good to consider why you are working in medicine. For…
Isn't the Bible Full of Errors?
Many non-Christians see the Bible as completely unreliable. Here are some tips for addressing this challenge.
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel The Kite Runner, set in the author’s homeland Afghanistan, became a Hollywood blockbuster…
Suffering
Does the problem of suffering deal a fatal blow to the idea of a good, all-powerful God?
Equus
Why do people do the things they do? It’s a question the world’s greatest philosophers, theologians, scientists and doctors…
The Dawkins Letters
The Dawkins Letters are a response to Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion. The author, David Robertson, wrote a series of letters to…
Philip Pullman’s 'His Dark Materials'
To my mind, one of the main interests of Philip Pullman’s controversial trilogy is not specifically related to the books. It lies in…
The Spiderwick Chronicles
A review of the film The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Jumper
A review of the SF film Jumper.
Juno
A review of the film Juno.
I am Legend
A review of the film I Am Legend.
The Resurrection of Jesus and the Witness of Paul
In March 2008, Professor Gary Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor and Chair of the Philosophy and Theology Department at Liberty…
Spooks
A review of the TV series Spooks.
A Media Studies Approach to (Not) Noticing God
A look at how the rise of mass media has helped us create alternative 'electronic universes' – worlds where God has no place.
How does Christianity Relate to Literature?
The act of reading is an act of decoding. Until our everyday habits are disrupted, we don’t realize how complex a process it is. How…
Science Fiction Movies: our new mythologies?
It seems like we can't do without God; or anyway something like him. 'In each of us there is an empty hole in the shape of God', said…
The Resurrection of Christ in Matthew's Gospel
In this article, we shall look at Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Christ in Chapter 28 of his Gospel. In particular we will…
The Golden Compass
A review of the film of Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass.
Studying ... Law?
What are the challenges and opportunities for Christians studying Law?
Who Made God?
A response to the 'Who Made God?' objection to the Cosmological Argument.
God Explained in a Taxi Ride
A review of the book God Explained in a Taxi Ride.
Western Literature and the Death of God
This essay attempts to do two things. Firstly, it seeks to offer a brief tour of some of the developments in western literature,…
The Bourne Ultimatum - "Know Thyself"
A review of the film The Bourne Ultimatum.
Can We Be Free Without God?
Since the days of Lucretius in Ancient Rome, the very idea of God has aroused hostility in the hearts of many who deny or question his…
What Should I Say? Learning to answer our friends' questions
Sometimes we’re nervous about witnessing for Christ because we’re afraid we’ll be asked questions we can’t answer.…
Has Science Disproved Religion?
The real assumption in this question is clear: Surely the discoveries of modern science have proved that biblical religion is untenable.…
Aren't Christians Responsible for Most Wars?
I am often asked how I can believe in God when there have been so many wars caused by religion. The implication is that if only people…
The Absurdity of Life Without God
One of the apologetic questions that contemporary Christian theology must treat in its doctrine of man is what has been called “the…
Two Good Reasons for Believing in God
This article is the text of Peter May's opening speech at a debate held at the University of Birmingham on 22 November 2007. The debate was…
“This House Believes God is a Delusion”
On 22 November 2007, the Birmingham University Debating Society considered the motion: “This House Believes God is a Delusion”.…
Sermons on Job
A series of sermons by Rev Melvin Tinker considering what we can learn about suffering from the book of Job.
The Dating of the New Testament
A careful consideration of the likely dates at which the New Testament documents were written.
Did Jesus Exist?
Are there any substantial grounds to deny that Jesus existed? This article responds to the main arguments.
Recent Perspectives on the Reliability of the Gospels
The usual attempts to defend the historical reliability of the New Testament are often fairly general in nature. These arguments are…
Advice to Christian Apologists
In 1983, when Alvin Plantinga delivered his inaugural lecture as the John O’Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre…
"Faith is about 'just trusting' God isn't it?"
What do people mean when they say that they 'have faith' in God? Is faith anything more than wishful thinking?
The Need for Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline that deals with a rational defence of Christian faith. It comes from the Greek word apologia which means to…
'Mind Viruses and Memes' - thinking errors in a freethinker
My focus in this essay is to illustrate, through a detailed analysis of one particular article, the range of fallacious tactics that are…
Does Science Contradict Religion?
The common assumption that science contradicts religion can be illustrated either from your own personal experience, if this is relevant,…
Theistic Evolution & Intelligent Design in Dialogue
Peter S. Williams responds to Denis Alexander on the issue of the Christian and biblical understanding of evolution and intelligent design.
What You Need to Know about the Evolution Debate
Writing anything on creation and evolution feels akin to sticking a sign on my back reading, ‘Kick me!’ I’m exposing…
Why doesn't God answer my prayers?
How we reply to this complex question will very much depend on who is asking, and we need to be ready to admit that we don’t have all…
Am I Significant in the Universe, or Just an Accident?
Less than two metres tall and only lasting about 70 years — can we matter in a universe that is so big and so old, so dark and so cold?
Jodi Picoult's 'Keeping Faith'
Jodi Picoult is not an author to shy away from controversial topics. Her novels cover issues such as rape, suicide pacts and genetically…
Is Jesus the only way to get to God?
Christians are often accused of being narrow-minded because we assert there is no other way to get to God than through Jesus Christ. People…
Don’t all religions basically teach the same thing?
A man once gave this illustration. He said, “Suppose you take ten men and blindfold them and lead them over to an elephant. You now…
Does It Really Matter What I Believe?
A question we often hear is, "Does it really matter what I believe as long as I believe in something?" Or, "As long as your belief helps…
Don't the resurrection accounts contradict each other?
The New Testament makes the assertion that the truth of Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul…
To What Extent Is the Bible Inspired?
When people talk about the Bible as the inspired Word of God, does it include every book, every word and every detail?
How could fallible men produce an infallible Bible?
One of the most frequent arguments leveled against the infallibility of the Bible is based upon the fact that the Bible was written by…
What does it mean, the Bible is inspired?
The inspiration of the Bible is an extremely crucial topic in today's world. Many talk about the Bible being inspired. But when asked to…
Hasn't the New Testament been changed?
Hasn't the New Testament been changed since it has been copied and recopied throughout history? A common misconception is that the…
The Historicity of the New Testament
How can we know if the New Testament is historically reliable?
What is the document Q supposed to be?
One of the most popular theories in New Testament study is that the Gospel of Mark was written first, and that both Matthew and Luke were…
Where did God come from?
Where did God come from? Don’t we have to assume that if there is God, then there must have been something before Him that created Him?
Why does God allow evil to exist?
Why is there evil in the world if there is a God? Why isn’t he doing something about it?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
A review of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Is there really solid evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?
The followers of Jesus said he had risen from the dead. They reported that he appeared to them during a period of forty days, showing…
How did Jesus view the Old Testament?
We could cite many reasons for the Old Testament being God’s Word, but the strongest argument comes from the Lord Jesus himself. As…
Did Jesus really claim to be God?
A previous article addressed the question, ‘Does the Bible really attest to the deity of Jesus?’ by looking at several…
After God
Pete Lowman asks what happens to the sense of Identity, Purpose, Ethics and Love when a culture tries to live without God.
Does the Bible really attest to the Deity of Jesus?
The Scriptures tell us exactly who Jesus claimed to be and they clearly present Christ as God. The names applied to Christ in the New…
Was Jesus Born of a Virgin?
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ perplexes many people. Why is it such an important belief?
The Blind Men, the Elephant and the Zoo
An alternative version of the traditional story of the blind men and the elephant.
How does a person become a Christian?
Jesus said that to enter the kingdom of heaven a person must be “born again” (John 3:3). This consists of an act of the heart…
Won't God accept people who are sincere in their beliefs?
The Bible says there is a way that seems right to man, but the end of this is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25). In other words, a person…
What hope does Christianity offer the world?
We are living in a day in which people are pessimistic about the future. There have always been pessimists, but now there is a general…
What is the Trinity? Do Christians worship three gods?
One of the most commonly misunderstood ideas in the Bible concerns the teaching about the Trinity. Although Christians say that they…
Hallucination Theories to Explain Jesus' Resurrection?
Dr Gary R. Habermas considers the claims that Jesus' resurrection can be explained away as various forms of hallucination. After a…
Life after God? - The Ethics of Peter Singer
A careful examination and critique of the ethical approach proposed by philosopher Peter Singer.
Can we believe the accounts of the life of Jesus...?
How can anyone believe the New Testament account of the life of Jesus, seeing that it was written so long after His death? There seems to…
How do you know God exists?
Is there truly a God? How can anyone be sure such a being exists? We believe that the existence of God, and questions such as these…
The Divinity of Christ
Is the idea that Jesus is both God and man confusing, unnecessary and wrong?
Worlds of Light and Shade
Fiona Stewart find worlds of light and shade in her review of the film Bridge to Terabithia. Every day before catching the bus to school…
Isn’t the Bible Full of Contradictions?
How should we address apparent contradictions in the Bible? This article tackles some specific examples.
Isn't Science More Rational than Faith?
One of the core arguments of Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion is that religious faith is irrational. “Dyed-in-the-wool…
"There is No Big Picture"
In the tradition of C.S. Lewis's Screwtape, Ian Rose suggests that the ‘Big Lie’ Satan is currently sowing in our society would…
Richard Dawkins Debates Alister McGrath
A review of the Oxford debate between Richard Dawkins and Alister McGrath.
Amazing Grace
Review of Amazing Grace in the light of whether religion is a force for good or for bad.
The Evidence for Christianity
A 40 minute talk presenting evidence for the truth of Christianity. Followed by 30 minutes Q&A.
Jesus – Son of God?
The Gospel writers portrayed Jesus as claiming to be the 'Son of God', but can history verify this and, if so, what did Jesus mean by it?
Has Science Disproved God?
In January 2005, two remarkable events occurred. The first was that Oxford atheist and Darwinian scientist, Richard Dawkins, was publicly…
The Faith Based Dawkins
At the start of 2005, online magazine ‘Edge The World Question Centre’ posed the following question to a number of scientific…
Out of nothing, nothing comes
Who Made God? Everything has a beginning and was caused to exist by something else. But what about God? Who caused Him to exist and when?
A Change of Mind for Antony Flew
Professor Antony Flew, 81 years old, is: “a legendary British philosopher and atheist and has been an icon and champion for…
Dan Brown: Looking Behind the Code
Get to the truth behind Dan Brown's best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code.
Talking about ... Purpose
A review of Al Gore's campaigning film An Inconvenient Truth.
Do only Christians go to Heaven?
Classical evangelical doctrine holds that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, and that those without such faith will be…
Little Miss Sunshine
A Study Guide to the film Little Miss Sunshine.
The Root of all Evil? - The problem with Dawkins' faith
Reviews Richard Dawkins' two part Channel 4 TV programme The Root of All Evil?
Christianity and Science
A response to the accusation that science is the enemy of Christianity.
What is the Image of God?
What does it mean that we are 'made in the image of God'?
True for you, but not for me?
Some people say there is no 'truth', each person decides what is true for them. How might a thoughtful person answer this view?
Apologetics Events
Our listing of apologetics related courses and events.
"Is Seeing Believing?"
Is our own experience the final and only arbiter for what we can accept as true?
Batman and Forgiveness
A review of Batman Begins.
Dr Who - More to Learn
A sample chapter from Back in Time: A thinking fan's guide to Doctor Who.
Relativism: the loss of 'truth'
Two sample chapters from Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Greg Koukl and Francis J. Beckwith.
The Corporation
A review of the film and book The Corporation.
Senses, Superstitions and Spirituality
Reviews of some of Joanne Harris' novels, including Chocolat.
The Resurrection of Theism
Back in the mid-1960's Time magazine ran a cover story for which the magazine's cover was completely black, except for three words…
Does Morality Point to God?
That’s a bizarre topic of conversation, I thought as we sat down to talk over coffee. My atheist friend had just commented,…
The Historicity of the Empty Tomb of Jesus
An examination of both Pauline and gospel material leads to eight lines of evidence in support of the conclusion that Jesus's tomb was…
Can Reading the Papers Make You Go Blind?
A newspaper front page is, in essence, a religious object. Of course that isn't what we think we're buying. But it's what we get. Not with…
No God? No Good
Theism and naturalism are contrasted with respect to furnishing an adequate foundation for the moral life. It is shown that on a theistic…
A Ten Minute Witness
I had a conversation today that I wish you could have eavesdropped on. It was that precious. I was preparing for the show about an hour ago…
"What's Wrong with Sex Before Marriage?"
This article suggests that the question of sex before marriage can raise far wider issues than might at first appear.
Altars to Unknown Gods
John Drane investigates what the New Age is, where its beliefs come from and how Christians can respond to its followers thoughtfully and…
The Gospel of Judas
On the first week of April, 2006, the National Geographic Society announced the discovery of a lost gospel titled, 'The Gospel of Judas'.…
Desperate Housewives
The biggest television hit in the USA since ER first aired has hit UK screens this year. Set in a wealthy and pristine suburban cul-de-sac,…
Talking about ... Political Leadership
Power corrupts. I have heard that phrase a lot in recent conversations. Some have expressed this view when talking about…
The Family Man
A review of some of the ethics in The Family Man TV drama.
The Loss of God in the Novel
English literary history is a curious thing. And one especially curious thing about it is that it contains very little of importance which…
Can we believe the Bible's miracles?
If you've ever been embarrassed by the miracles in the Bible, here are some thoughts to help you respond.
Having Some Faith in the Grey Matter
A review of Ian McEwan's Saturday.
Connecting with the Disconnected
A review of Nick Barham's Disconnected: Why our kids are turning their backs on everything we thought we knew.
Bruce Almighty
What can we learn from the film Bruce Almighty?
Lifeblood
A review of the Manic Street Preachers' Lifeblood album.
Designs on Science
This is an Open Letter to Adam, Tim, Cath and Greg in response to their Discussion in 'Theistic Evolution & Intelligent Design in…
The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God in human flesh. However, some unbelievers, who may or may not believe Jesus…
The Mistake Many Scientists Make
Considering the assumptions that scientists often make without realising it.
"In a scientific age, haven’t we outgrown Christianity?"
Responds to the idea that in a scientific age, people have outgrown the need for Christiainity.
Risen - a sceptic's perspective
Thoughts on the film Risen which looks at the resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of a sceptical Roman soldier.
A Clash of Fundamentalisms
Denis Alexander rassesses Richard Dawkins' two part Channel 4 TV programme The Root of All Evil? as a piece of propaganda. Anyone who is…
Dawkins and the Public Understanding of Scientism
Zoologist Dr. Richard Dawkins (1941-) is ‘materialistic, reductionist and overtly anti-religious.’[1] Charles Simonyi, head of…
"Who am I?"
Who are you? Where does your sense of identity come from?
"Does God exist?"
Some responses to the question 'Does God exist?'
"Christianity is completely irrational and not testable"
Responding to the common objection that Christianity is irrational rather than based on any factual evidence.
"Who is Jesus?"
Who is Jesus? What did he claim? And how should we respond?
"Isn't truth a matter of preference?"
Preference or truth? Is there a difference?
Studying ... Philosophy?
Sometimes subject specific resources can be really helpful. There are a number of resources that will be helpful to you if you are studying…
From Ashes to Glory
Cricket is the new football, or so they say. This year’s [2005] Ashes Test Series between England and Australia has defined the…
Talking about ... Community
When the aliens begin to attack in Steven Spielberg's latest blockbuster War of the Worlds, the panicking public assume that this must be…
Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven offers a very twenty-first century take on twelfth century history. In a war-torn world troubled by religious conflict,…
Religious Pluralism
One of the most perceptive analysts of the consequences of pluralism for the Christian churches is Lesslie Newbigin, who is able to draw on…
Intuition: A Special Way of Knowing
Why is it a national tragedy when 39 people commit suicide? Answering that question tells us something important about the existence of God…
Is it Possible to be a Christian and Believe in Evolution?
It all depends what you mean by the term ‘evolution’. Charles Darwin published the Origin of Species in 1859 as a theory to…
God as Wish Fulfilment?
A central task of apologetics is to create a situation in which it is possible to come to faith. Part of this responsibility involves the…
Assumptions Behind Derrida's Theory of Deconstruction
Derrida lays many of his presuppositions out in a hard but very important essay called 'Structure, Sign and Play' in the Discourse of the…
Postmodernism and the Uniqueness of Christ
There are two elements in our title. Postmodernism and the uniqueness of Christ. What do we mean by them? What exactly is postmodernism?…
Being a Christian in Today's Student Culture
Universities are changing fast. We only have to watch the news to realise that the education system is undergoing massive upheaval at every…
Science - Friend or Foe?
This paper examines the contemporary relationship between science and Christianity. The exaggerated claims of secular scientists and…
Creation and Evolution?
This is the first in a series of interactions between Denis Alexander and Peter S. Williams on the issue of evolution and intelligent…
Is Evolution Atheistic?
When Richard Dawkins wrote that his discovery of evolution had enabled him to be an ‘intellectually fulfilled atheist’, many…
Has Science Eliminated God?
Alister McGrath explains how the atheism of Richard Dawkins is grounded in his understanding of the natural sciences.
Is Jesus the Only Way?
We now live in a 'global village', a multi-faith society where exclusive claims may offend. Many adherents of other faiths are prepared to…
"Jesus - The Son Of Man?"
Although Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God, His favorite self-designation by far was ‘Son of Man’. How do we know that…
Feel: Robbie Williams
A review of Robbie Williams' biography examines his search for value and reassurance.
Atheism and Child Abuse
I woke up this morning to a radio news item about the continuing scandal of child abuse carried out by some Catholic priests during the…
The Tsunami: if God’s so good … why?
2004 was a grim year; innocent tribes-people ruthlessly attacked in western Sudan; hundreds of children brutally murdered in Beslan; Iraq…
"Are human beings just deluxe chimps?"
Some of my friends never tire of pointing out that human beings are just animals. People have been doing this for decades but recent work…
The Jesus We Never Knew
The October 2000 issue of The Atlantic Monthly featured a perceptive, and, to many, a surprising essay on the renewal of evangelical…
What about Hell?
Is the doctrine of hell a hindrance or a help in witnessing? Many evangelicals are ashamed of this biblical doctrine, viewing it as a…
Some Problems with Pragmatism
What do we mean when we say something is true? That it corresponds with reality or that it 'works'? And does it matter which of these we…
Deconstructing a Worldview
How to identify and analyse someone's worldview - affirming what is true and discovering what is in error.
'The Da Vinci Code': a novel
A New Testament scholar reviews Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code.
What is Apologetics?
The Apostle Peter wrote that all Christians need to be ready to give an 'apology' (Greek apologia) or defence of their Christian hope to…
"You Christians are so narrow-minded!"
What could a Christian say in response? Well, wisdom often leads us to follow a certain course of action over many other options. For…
"Jesus' followers fabricated the stories and sayings of Jesus"
In the book The Da Vinci Code the author Dan Brown poses a question and suggests an answer, in a discussion between the characters of…
"That's just your interpretation"
The little robotic sparrow lying on its back twitching occasionally while stuck inside a window at the Tate Modern is a piece by the Danish…
Faith and Facts
I don’t like the word ‘faith.’ Not because faith isn’t valuable, but because it’s often deeply misunderstood.…
No Lost Books of the Bible
Some people claim there are 'lost books' that should have been included in the Bible. Greg Koukl says this view doesn't make sense, whether…
Bosnia, Rape and the Problem of Evil
Greg Koukl responds to a letter to the editor of the L.A. Times in which the writer's pain causes him to ask the age-old question of why…
Preference or truth?
How do you respond when someone says 'Being a Christian is good for you, but I don't need that'? A look at the ramifications our…
'Society Says' Relativism
Some would say 'Legal abortion is now the law of the land – get over it.' But is there a higher law? The Founding Fathers…
Whose Deck is it?
An apocryphal story of Greg Koukl's backyard deck serves to illustrate an important lesson about the nature of human identity. I'm having…
Knowledge and Intuition
In the 19th century novel Far From the Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy listed intuition as the first evidence for the logician. Learn how to…
Did Morals Evolve?
If the answer is yes, then we are in trouble. I have consistently put forth what I believe to be a very strong argument for the existence…
"God can’t possibly exist given the evil in the world!"
“Can God exist?” We often ask this question as we look at the suffering and pain around us, and the question that is really on…
"If you were born in India you would be a Hindu."
There is an old parable about six blind Hindus touching an elephant. One blind man touched the side of the elephant and said it was a…
The Problem of Evil
'Epicurus's old questions are yet unanswered. Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not…
Bridges to the Gospel
Bridges exist in every era, but they can look different from those in the past. Changes in culture may make some ways of doing things less…
The Thomas Factor: Using Your Doubts to Draw Closer to God
Professor Gary R. Habermas wrote this book for 'Christians who doubt' as well as those who are just a little unsure about their faith.