Apologetics 315 Podcast

🎙️ Show Notes: The Deity of Christ with Robert BowmanThis is a summary of the Apologetics 315 podcast episode featuring an interview with Rob Bowman. Bowman is the president of the Institute for Religious Research (IRR) in Cedar Springs, Michigan, and the author or co-author of 15 books on topics including apologetics, Christology, and the Trinity.This conversation, hosted by Brian Auten and Chad Gross , explores the evidence for the deity of Christ and how believers can be equipped to explain this core doctrine.🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics

• Guest Information: Rob Bowman is the president of the Institute for Religious Research (IRR) and has written or co-authored 15 books, including works on Christology and the Trinity.
• Book Focus: The discussion is based on two of Bowman's books:
  • Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ
  • The Incarnate Christ and His Critics, a Biblical Defense
• The Deity of Christ: The hosts note that this is a critical topic. Bowman emphasizes that the goal for Christians is to have a "real tool" to use in conversations to explain why the New Testament teaches Jesus was God incarnate.

🤔 Addressing Skepticism: Did Jesus Explicitly Claim to Be God?A common skeptical question is why Jesus never explicitly said, "I am God". Bowman responds by noting that Jesus also avoided making other direct claims, such as:

• He never claimed to be Michael the Archangel or an angel of any sort.
• He generally avoided saying, "I am the Messiah".
• His favorite title for himself, "the Son of Man," is never used by him in a first-person singular claim ("I am the Son of Man").

Bowman suggests that Jesus' reticence was because his identity needed to be shown, not just told. He let his words and deeds "add up in people's minds" so that the full picture would be clear after his resurrection. Critics often commit the fallacy of appealing to silence (carpeting what the Bible doesn't say) instead of dealing with what the texts do say.

🚨 Theological Confusion in the ChurchBowman highlights a concerning issue: how many evangelical Christians are actually confused about who Jesus is, with many believing he is a created being. The main reason for this lack of understanding is a serious lack of theological education in congregations. Many pastors avoid "stronger teaching" that challenges people's minds , but a lack of sound doctrine makes Christians vulnerable to "any wind of false doctrine" and skepticism.

🙏 The Apologetic Role of Christ's DivinityThe doctrine of Christ's divinity plays a crucial role:

• Personal Enrichment: Understanding Jesus' person and work is meant to enhance and enrich a Christian's personal relationship with Him, fostering appreciation and love for Christ.
• Honoring Jesus: Jesus is worthy of the same honor that is given to God the Father (John 5:23).
• Answering Skepticism: The evidence of Jesus' resurrection is "overwhelming historical evidence" that validates his claims and the claims of the early church. The incarnation shows that God is not distant, as he got involved in the world to "feel the pain of the world".

🖐️ The HANDS Acronym: A Case for Christ's DeityBowman and his co-author, Ed Komoszewski , created the HANDS acronym as an effective and easy-to-remember way to categorize the lines of argument for the deity of Christ found in the New Testament.

H - HonorsJesus receives divine honors such as worship, prayer (e.g., Maranatha, "Oh, Lord, come," a prayer used by the first Jewish Christians in Aramaic ), and glory. Jesus commanded disciples to love him more than their parents, which in an honor/shame culture, puts him at the level of God.

A - AttributesJesus possesses divine attributes like being eternal (not a created being) and omniscience (knowing the hearts of people to judge them fairly ). He also exhibits human attributes in the Incarnation.

N - NamesJesus is given divine names such as God (sparingly, but used) , Lord (in the context of the Old Testament name Yahweh/Jehovah) , Savior, and the First and the Last. Thomas called Jesus "my Lord and my God" after the resurrection (John 20:28).

D - DeedsJesus performs divine deeds that only God can do. These include: Creation (all things came into being through him) , Forgiving sins on his own prerogative (not merely as a delegate) , Casting out demons and healing with effortless, direct authority, unlike the apostles who did so in the name of Jesus Christ , and Judging humanity at the end of the age.

S - Seat of God's ThroneJesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, ruling over all creation from the very throne room of God. This is considered a "crowning point" in the overall case.The cumulative weight of all five points is what makes the case powerful, arguing that Jesus must be God, as no one else is permitted to do all these things. These points are not superimposed, but are found coordinated together in single passages of scripture, such as Matthew 28:16-20, John 1:1-18, and Colossians 1:12-20.

🔗 Connect with Robert Bowman

• Personal Author Website: robertboman.net
• Ministry Website (IRR): IRR.org for hundreds of free articles on Christianity and other religions

Summary:
In this episode, Brian and Chad talk with Christian apologist and evangelist **Eric Hernandez** about his book *The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Non-Believers*. Eric discusses how evangelism and apologetics intersect, why every believer is called to defend the faith, and how to engage with skeptics effectively and biblically.


Key Topics Covered:
* Eric’s philosophy of evangelism and how apologetics fits into it
* The danger of emotion-based evangelism vs. truth-based evangelism
* Understanding “strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10) as false ideas that block people from knowing God
* Identifying and addressing major worldviews: postmodernism, scientism, and naturalism
* Paul’s example of adapting to the audience (1 Corinthians 9:20–23)
* “The Lazy Approach”: asking the right questions instead of having all the right answers
* The importance of theological triage—keeping the main thing the main thing
* Understanding the **burden of proof**, **rebuttals vs. refutations**, and **logical fallacies**
* Using Colossians 4:5–6 as a biblical foundation for gospel conversations
* How Jesus modeled effective apologetics with both compassion and precision
* Encouragement for Christians who feel intimidated by evangelism or apologetics
* Why apologetics isn’t optional—it’s commanded and part of loving God with all your mind

Quotes:
“If you’re not engaging in apologetics, you are in rebellious disobedience to the Word of God.” – Eric Hernandez

“You don’t need to know all the right answers; you need to learn how to ask the right questions.”

“Evangelism isn’t about winning arguments—it’s about tearing down strongholds.”

Mentioned in This Episode:
* *The Lazy Approach to Evangelism* by Eric Hernandez
* Previous Apologetics315 episode: *Eric Hernandez on the Soul*
* Greg Koukl – *Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions*
* J. Gresham Machen on false ideas as the greatest obstacles to the gospel
* 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5; Colossians 4:5–6

Resources:
* Book: *~[The Lazy Approach to Evangelism on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/)~*
* Eric Hernandez’s YouTube Channel: ~[Eric Hernandez Ministries]
* Support Eric’s Ministry: Details and updates available via his upcoming newsletter and website relaunch

Takeaway:

Apologetics isn’t for specialists—it’s for every Christian. The “lazy” approach isn’t about being passive; it’s about being wise. Ask questions, listen well, keep the main thing the main thing, and let truth do the heavy lifting.


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Guest: Braxton Hunter — President of Trinity College & Seminary, evangelist, apologist, host of Trinity Radio, debate partner with leading atheists including Matt Dillahunty and Dan Barker.
Topics Covered

Braxton’s background and conversion
• Son of a megachurch pastor, early ministry exposure
• Initial desire to be a rock musician before surrendering to ministry
• Seminary training, pastoral and itinerant evangelistic ministry
Shift toward apologetics
• Need to answer skeptics in evangelism contexts
• Classical apologetics and the “two-step” method (God → Christ)
Family and priorities
• Marriage, parenting teenage daughters
• Intentional discipleship at home — prioritizing family over platform
Origins and growth of Trinity Radio
• Started as a simple audio response blog
• Growth through debates (Dillahunty, Barker), collaboration with other creators
• Unique chemistry with Jonathan Pritchett (“good cop / blunt cop” dynamic)
The “Core Facts” initiative for churches
• A two-day on-site training weekend using Braxton’s book Core Facts
• Designed for ordinary church members to gain confidence and competence
• Goal: launch sustainable apologetics groups inside local churches
Approach to debate & online engagement
• Winsome, pastoral tone—credible & charitable without compromise
• “Win the person, not just the argument”
• Strategic preparation and use of AI/thumbnails/titles for online ministry
• Guidance for aspiring Christian content creators
Behind the scenes of major debates
• 8-month preparation for Matt Dillahunty debate
• Note-taking strategy & rehearsing responses
• Intentionally creating tone and rapport without ceding substance

Referenced Resources
Core Facts — Braxton Hunter (2nd edition)
Trinity Radio (YouTube / Podcast)
“Five Views on Apologetics” — Zondervan
TalkAboutDoubts.org — pastoral/apologetic care for doubters

================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
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Summary
In this episode, Brian Auten and Chad Gross welcome back philosopher and author **Peter S. Williams** to discuss his book, *Behold the Man: Essays on the Historical Jesus*. This engaging conversation explores the intersection of worldview, epistemology, and historical scholarship in the search for the real Jesus.

Topics Covered:

• The Structure and Purpose of Behold the Man
A collection of revised essays exploring various historical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of Jesus.

• Worldviews and Historical Inquiry
How modernism, postmodernism, and the emerging metamodern perspective affect approaches to the historical Jesus.
• Epistemology and Openness to Evidence
Why the worldview and theory of knowledge you bring impacts whether you can honestly assess historical claims about Jesus.
  
  
• An Early High Christology in James
Peter argues for early Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity based on linguistic and contextual clues in the Epistle of James.
  
  
• Dating the Gospels – Especially John
Examination of internal and external evidence supporting the traditional dating of the Fourth Gospel and its authorship by the Apostle John.
  
  
• Miracles and the Resurrection
Responding to philosophical objections to miracles, with particular focus on David Hume and the resurrection as a historically reasonable belief.
  
  
• Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Data Approaches
Comparison between Gary Habermas’s minimal facts method and broader evidential strategies in defending the resurrection.
  
  
• Responding to UFO and Ancient Alien Theories
Why Christian apologists should engage with these alternative explanations, and how to challenge them both philosophically and scientifically.
  
  
• Emotional Barriers to Belief
How personal experience and discomfort with change often block serious consideration of evidence—and how to engage that pastorally.
  
  
• The Role of Apologetics in Spiritual Formation
Why apologetics is a signpost, not a substitute, for commitment to Christ. Knowing *about* Jesus is not the same as *following* Him.

================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
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Summary
Chad Gross interviews Dr. Christopher Cloos about the challenging Old Testament violence texts and his recent debate with theologian Randal Rauser. They explore the complexities of interpreting these texts, the role of moral intuition, and the contrasting views of covenant virtue ethics and providential errancy theory. 
The conversation delves into how moral intuitions can inform biblical interpretation while also addressing the potential pitfalls of subjectivity in understanding scripture. 
They explore how moral intuition can be used to interpret scripture, the implications of difficult passages, and the importance of engaging with differing views charitably. The conversation also highlights resources for further learning in this area.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Apologetics and Old Testament Violence
03:02 Dr. Cloos’ Background and Interest in Old Testament Texts
06:06 Debate Overview: Rauser vs. Cloos on Biblical Violence
08:47 Understanding Moral Intuition in Biblical Interpretation
11:55 Covenant Virtue Ethics vs. Providential Errancy Theory
14:54 The Role of Moral Intuition in Exegesis
17:53 Concerns About Subjectivity in Interpretation
20:50 Using Jesus as a Tool for Interpretation
25:58 Epistemic Circularity and Moral Intuition
32:28 Covenant Virtue Ethics and Difficult Texts
40:02 The Role of Hyperbole in Ancient Texts
48:10 Engaging with Different Views Charitably
53:42 Resources for Further Learning
================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at [email protected]

Summary

Brian Auten interviews ultra runner and philosopher Sabrina B. Little. They explore the intersection of endurance sports and ethics, discussing how running can cultivate virtue, expose vice, and serve as a training ground for character development. 
Sabrina shares her journey from philosophy to ultra running, emphasizing the importance of discipline and habit in forming virtues. The conversation delves into the complexities of virtue and vice, the role of sports in moral formation, and the life lessons learned through endurance racing.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Endurance and Ethics
02:07 Sabrina's Journey: From Philosophy to Ultra Running
08:44 Virtue Development Through Endurance Sports
15:16 The Spectrum of Virtue and Vice
19:09 Habit, Discipline, and Character Formation
23:00 Life Lessons from Endurance Racing
25:03 Training for Life: The Christian Race
28:11 Spiritual Disciplines: The Workout for Character
30:29 Lessons from the Desert Fathers
32:41 Understanding Intransigence in Perseverance
36:01 The Balance of Perseverance and Prudence
40:57 Navigating Competitiveness in Athletics
45:15 Character Development Beyond Sports
46:46 Influential Thinkers and Resources

Sabrina Little’s Book: 
The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners
https://www.amazon.com/Examined-Run-People-Better-Runners/dp/0197678696

https://www.sabrinalittle.com
================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
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Summary
In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross speak with Dr. Marcus Ross, a prominent figure in the Young Earth Creationism debate. 
They explore Dr. Ross's background, his journey in paleontology, and the challenges faced by Young Earth Creationists. The conversation delves into the historical context of Young Earth Creationism, the evidence supporting it, and the importance of open dialogue in understanding differing perspectives on creation and evolution. 

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Apologetics 315 Podcast
08:30 - Interview with Dr. Marcus Ross
17:46 - Dr. Ross's Background and Education
18:15 - Understanding Young Earth Creationism
35:02 - Evidence for Young Earth Creationism
39:17 - The Dynamics of Scientific Discourse
41:13 - Exploring Radioactive Dating and Young Earth Hypotheses
53:31 - Young Earth Creationism and Scientific Methodology
58:30 - Interpreting the Fossil Record Through a Young Earth Lens
01:11:01 - Dinosaurs and the Young Earth Perspective
01:16:43 - Punctuated Equilibrium and Paleontology
01:19:07 - Interpreting Data and Scriptural Context
01:23:21 - The Starting Point of Interpretation
01:30:46 - The Challenge of Young Earth Creationism
01:37:51 - Exploring Views on Creation and Salvation
01:44:10 - Collaboration Between Young and Old Earth Creationists
01:52:15 - Resources for Young Earth Creationism
================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Apologetics 315 Podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross welcome back J. Warner Wallace and his son Jimmy Wallace to discuss their new graphic novel, 'Case Files: Murder and Meaning.' 

The conversation explores their journey into comic books, the collaborative process of creating a graphic novel, and the themes of identity and value within the context of law enforcement. They also discuss the challenges of balancing Christian and secular perspectives in storytelling, aiming to create a narrative that resonates with a diverse audience. 

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of identity, particularly within the context of law enforcement and the creative process behind their graphic novel. They discuss the importance of apologetics in storytelling, the challenges of character development, and the impact of fiction on moral understanding. The dialogue also touches on the future of their series and the hope of reaching both Christian and non-Christian audiences through their work.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:09 The Journey into Comic Books
05:49 Creating a Graphic Novel: The Collaboration
09:11 Exploring Themes of Identity and Value
11:50 Balancing Christian and Secular Perspectives
14:54 The Challenges of Writing for Diverse Audiences
20:27 Struggles of Identity in Law Enforcement
22:28 The Role of Apologetics in Fiction
24:40 Creative Process in Graphic Novels
26:48 Character Development and Artistic Vision
30:11 Exploring Meaning in Life and Death
34:45 The Impact of Fiction on Moral Development
38:41 Future Directions for the Series

================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on X, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross discuss the book “Rational Faith” by Stephen T. Davis. They explore the unique approach Davis takes in defending Christianity, emphasizing humility in apologetics and the rational basis for faith. The conversation covers various themes including theistic evolution, the reliability of the Gospels, and arguments for the resurrection of Jesus. The hosts appreciate Davis's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner, making a case for Christianity that is both thoughtful and engaging.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Overview of “Rational Faith” by Stephen T. Davis
02:59 Unique Approach to Apologetics
06:10 Humility in Apologetics
09:01 Theistic Evolution and Christianity
11:56 Faith and Reason in Christianity
15:05 Cosmological Arguments for God's Existence
17:52 The Reliability of the Gospels
21:03 The Resurrection of Jesus
34:42 Conclusion and Future Discussions
================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
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Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auten and Chad Gross welcome Professor Ken Samples to discuss his new book, 'Clear Thinking in a Messy World.' The conversation explores the intersection of logic, critical thinking, and the Christian worldview, emphasizing the importance of discernment and understanding cognitive biases. 

The hosts and Ken delve into the significance of Jesus as a logician and thinker, the role of science and philosophy in achieving objectivity, and the necessity of careful thinking in today's information-saturated environment. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of logic and critical thinking, emphasizing their role as tools for clearer thinking and better work across various fields. 

They discuss the importance of understanding logical fallacies while maintaining a charitable approach in discussions. The conversation also highlights the necessity of character development in education, the value of revisiting great books, and the idea of the church functioning as a school for intellectual growth. Practical steps for fostering a more intellectually engaging church environment are shared, along with insights on mastering topics through worldview thinking and utilizing resources effectively for learning.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
03:30 The Significance of Logic in Christianity
09:55 Jesus as a Logician and Thinker
16:08 The Importance of Discernment in a Messy World
21:58 Understanding Cognitive Biases
29:56 The Role of Science and Philosophy in Objectivity
37:33 The Power of Logic and Critical Thinking
40:08 Understanding Logical Fallacies
48:37 The Importance of Character in Education
49:05 Books That Shape the Mind
56:14 The Church as a School
01:02:58 Mastering a Topic Through Worldview Thinking
01:09:11 Utilizing the Book for Learning
================================
We appreciate your feedback.
If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.
You can follow Brian @TheBrianAuten
And of course, you can follow @Apologetics315
If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at [email protected]