Alan Bloom’s classic (title above) was published in 1984. It could easily have been published this morning with every bit as much relevance as it carried almost 40 years ago. Bloom’s thesis is simple: Think deeply. Think critically. And don’t allow others to do your thinking for you. Refuse to be intellectually bullied. Saul Bellow’s … Continue reading The Closing of the American Mind
Critical thinking
The Hubris of Some Scientists
The hubris of some Scientists. Notice I did not say “the hubris of science”, but "scientists.” Also, note that I said, "some scientists." Because there are a host of scholars within the scientific disciplines who have professed their faith in Christ. (For one solid resource for finding scientists who have placed their faith in Christ, … Continue reading The Hubris of Some Scientists
The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
Preface The topic about which I'm writing is actually nothing new, certainly not unique to modern times. Jesus, himself, told his disciples two millennia ago, "I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith." I try to always document and cite quotes. Some quotes used here were gathered almost nine years … Continue reading The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
The Close-Mindedness of Christians
A couple of years ago, I saw a brief video clip of a popular defender of the Christian faith speaking on a state college campus. As you can imagine, those opposed to the Christian faith arrived at the presentation equipped to expose the speaker for perpetuating what they believe to be a fairy tale, based … Continue reading The Close-Mindedness of Christians
Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 2 of 3
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C.S. Lewis; from an essay written for the Oxford Socratic Club I hold to a biblical worldview because of faith - but it's not blind faith. My faith … Continue reading Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 2 of 3
Small Group Teacher Workshop Notes – April 2021
The Art of Welcoming & The 7 Laws of the Learner, Law No. 1 **for Part 2 of 2 click here. THE ART OF WELCOMING Introduction: Environment carries much more power than we give it credit for. Think back to the theme song to the beloved sitcom, Cheers: ‘Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows … Continue reading Small Group Teacher Workshop Notes – April 2021
How do you know you’re not wrong?
Ever have those types of conversations at coffee shops or via social media? When dialoguing about worldviews (especially in today’s relativistic, “hey, whatever works for you” culture), some deep and reasonable thinking is required. Philosophy is hard. It takes serious mental discipline. (My 'Philosophy of Religion' class, studying the works of Descartes, Hume, Nietzsche, and … Continue reading How do you know you’re not wrong?
Knowing Why You Believe What You Believe
When I began honestly investigating reasons for the Christian faith it changed everything. My faith, over time, became my own. No longer was my answer for being a Christian, "The preacher said it's true," or "Grandma said it's true." It's ok - very ok - to doubt your faith. John the Baptist, according to Jesus' … Continue reading Knowing Why You Believe What You Believe
The Reason for God
A person can neither prove nor disprove the existence of God. What a person with a biblical worldview can do is provide evidence for God’s existence. And there’s plenty of it. Cosmology, teleology, RNA/DNA, human consciousness, just to name a few, all provide hard scientific evidence for a Creator. Further, the historical reliability of the … Continue reading The Reason for God
How Jesus Found Me at Harvard
"Into [my atheistic state], God broke in." What a powerful story from Harvard professor, Mark Shepard. Short article. Enjoy... nw Harvard University is special for me because it is where I first came to know Jesus Christ. Perhaps this should not be surprising. Harvard is a place that reveres truth (Veritas), and Jesus says he … Continue reading How Jesus Found Me at Harvard