Of all the notable experts out there in Christian Apologetics Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. J.P. Moreland, and Dr. Clay Jones would have to fall at the top of the list. I was fortunate enough to have had the privilege of studying under these guys during my time in Biola University’s Christian Apologetics Graduate Program. Each of them, in their own unique way, have profoundly contributed to the defense of the Gospel both here and worldwide. Their expertise, life experiences and relationship with the Lord make them the most qualified to debate with atheists, defend against critics, and present answers to difficult questions from a culture swimming in relativism. They are able to boldly give the reasons for the hope that they have in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15) and teach others how to do the same.
Please take some time to watch and listen to these remarkable Apologists talk on three totally different, yet extremely important topics: Arguments for Christianity as a reasonable faith, using our minds to know and love God, and the problem of evil, probably the most difficult to address. They have greatly influenced my walk with Christ, I hope they will yours too!
1. Dr. William Lane Craig is one of the most articulate, intelligent and scholarly individual I have ever heard speak, both in the Christian and secular arenas. He has debated with the top atheists and Muslims of our day and, in my view, has never lost. His has a gift of logically presenting answers to difficult questions while gracefully taking down his opponent. His website reasonablefaith.org has a variety of material to help everyone in their Christian walk and you can view many of his debates via YouTube.
Dr. Craig is currently a Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University. He has authored or edited over thirty books as well as over a hundred articles in professional journals of philosophy and theology. In 2016 Dr. Craig was named by The Best Schools as one of the fifty most influential living philosophers. He has also written curriculum and video shorts for kids and I highly recommend his user friendly book and study guide called “On Guard.”
Watch and listen to Dr. Craig’s insightful 58 minute presentation: Key Arguments for a Reasonable Faith
2. Dr. J.P. Moreland is one of my favorite professors and speakers and I learned so much from him during my time at Biola. He is an eloquent and thoughtful teacher who walks you through logical processes to come to conclusions based on objective truth. He uses science, philosophy and common sense to point out faulty teachings found in many of the conclusions about origin, purpose and destiny taught in our secular schools and universities.
Dr. J. P. Moreland is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University in La Mirada, California. He has earned four degrees: a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Missouri, a Th.M. in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, an M. A. in philosophy from the University of California-Riverside, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California. Dr. Moreland has co-planted three churches, spoken and debated on over 175 college campuses around the country, and served with Campus Crusade for Christ for 10 years, and for eight years he served as a bioethicist for PersonaCare Nursing Homes, Inc. headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Moreland has authored or co-authored 30 books, including Kingdom Triangle, Scaling the Secular City, Consciousness and the Existence of God, The Recalcitrant Imago Dei, Love Your God With All Your Mind, The God Question, and Body and Soul, all of which I highly recommend reading. He has also published over 70 articles in journals, which include Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, American Philosophical Quarterly, Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Metaphilosophy, Philosophia Christi, and Faith and Philosophy.
Watch and listen to Dr. Moreland’s thoughtful 40 minute presentation: Loving God with All Your Mind
3. Dr. Clay Jones was the first professor I had when I began my studies at Biola University. He is witty, insightful and provides the tools needed to succeed in this program. His expertise is on the problem of evil and suffering and this is arguably the most common question asked of Christians and the hardest one to answer. Dr. Jones has spend years studying this topic and shares his expertise and personal experience that helps you understand the most important thing lacking in our western culture today and that is the fact that we do not have a proper perspective and outlook for the concept of eternity, nor do we prepare for it.
Dr. Jones is currently an Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University. He has a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as an M.Div. and B.A. in Philosophy. He has hosted Contend for Truth, a call-in nationally syndicated talk radio program and has debated many people over the years from various faiths and secular beliefs. Dr. Jones was the executive director of Simon Greenleaf University (now Trinity Law School) and has been on the pastoral staff of two large churches. He has authored apologetic software as well as encyclopedia and journal articles. He is currently writing a book: Why God Allows Evil, and speaks widely on that subject.
Watch and listen to Dr. Jones’ powerful 1 hour presentation: The problem of evil
And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. –Matthew 24:4-5; 24
Join us next week as we begin to look at Christian Apologetics in more depth.
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
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