Apologetics Profile

204 The  Baha'i Faith [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and James Walker

Jesus once asked His disciples who they thought He was. Rightly did Peter confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Such a confession was not revealed to Peter by flesh and blood, but by the Father, as Jesus told Him. 

There are adherents of the Bahai'i Faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that began in 1844, who claim they follow the teachings of Jesus too. There are some 8,000 Baha'i centers of worship in the U.S. and many Americans adhere to the Baha'i faith. But who do the Baha'i say that Jesus is? Is he the same Jesus of the Bible? This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews, who continues to unpack the syncretistic and contrary doctrines and practices of the Baha'i faith. 

Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.

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You have probably seen the bumper sticker "COEXIST" made up of several different symbols representing different belief systems and religions. But that bumper sticker is a command, an imperative. The fundamental question about that bumper sticker is "Who is issuing this command?" 

The Baha'i Faith is no exception to this inclusivism. They attempt to affirm that other religions are valid revelations of God and even ascribe to some of the teachings of Jesus. But this inclusivism is not really inclusive, as the only proper interpretation of the world's religions is given through the ultimate authority of the Baha'i faith, Baha’u’llah, who died in 1892. 

This week James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, speaks with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews who gives us an in-depth analysis of the Baha'i faith and why their doctrines of inclusivism and of Jesus are both contradictory and in error. 

Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

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Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

For decades, we have been told a familiar but baleful tale, one that claims scientific discoveries in the cosmos have "dethroned" our human significance in the universe. But is this true? Are we really insignificant? Not at all. Our guest again this week is author & broadcaster Justin Brierley, author of the new book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God -  Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again. Rather than denigrating our uniqueness and specialness as being created in the image of God, and rather than disproving God's existence, science seems to be reminding at least a few leading scientists and cultural intellectuals of the profundity and grandeur of the Christian faith. Is atheism in retreat? Is Christianity making a comeback? Come and see.

Justin Brierley is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Justin has worked in radio, podcast and video for over two decades. Until April 2023 he was Theology & Apologetics Editor for Premier Christian Radio, and hosted the Unbelievable? radio show and podcast as well as the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. Justin was also editor of Premier Christianity magazine from 2014-2018, for which he continues to contribute articles. Justin's first book,  Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm Still a Christian (SPCK) was published in 2017.

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Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Has New Atheism run its course? Are cultural influencers starting to take an interest in Christianity once more? Hear what our special guest has to say this week and next, author & broadcaster Justin Brierley, former host of the long-running UK program Unbelievable? For nearly two decades, Justin has had a front-row seat to some of the most fascinating, congenial, and intriguing discussions between Christians and non-Christians. We recently had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Justin in person here in Texas to discuss his new book The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God -  Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again. His answers may surprise and hopefully encourage you!

Justin Brierley is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Justin has worked in radio, podcast and video for over two decades. Until April 2023 he was Theology & Apologetics Editor for Premier Christian Radio, and hosted the Unbelievable? radio show and podcast as well as the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. Justin was also editor of Premier Christianity magazine from 2014-2018, for which he continues to contribute articles. Justin's first book,  Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm Still a Christian (SPCK) was published in 2017.

Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles:

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

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Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Recognizing just what the personal struggles are like for LDS missionaries is essential for having fruitful and compassionate dialogue with them. How to cultivate that compassionate understanding is but one of the facets of the new book by former LDS Corey Miller and Ross Anderson, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. This is part two of president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker's conversation with Corey and Ross. We hope it may serve as an encouragement to you to engage your LDS friends and neighbors with the truth and love of Christ.

Corey Miller, Ph.D., was born in Utah as a seventh-generation Mormon. His ancestor was a polygamist and one of Joseph Smith’s bodyguards. Miller is president and CEO of Ratio Christi (ratiochristi.org), a campus apologetics evangelism ministry on 125 campuses. He has four graduate degrees and taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy and religion at places such as Purdue and Indiana University. He and his family reside in Indiana.

Ross Anderson was born in Utah and was raised LDS. After leaving Mormonism as a young adult, he earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree. Anderson has served as a church planter and pastor in Utah for four decades. He taught at Salt Lake Theological Seminary and served as a denominational church planting director for the region. Ross is currently a teaching pastor at Alpine Church. He and his wife, Sally, are parents to five adult children.

Related Links: Free links to some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

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Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

A slammed door in the face of Latter-Day Saint missionaries is justification for any Mormon that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church in possession of the only true "restored gospel." But for Christians who extend kindness, compassion, and the love of Christ to missionaries who come to their doorstep, the experience can be life-changing for young LDS missionaries.

This week and next on the Profile, president of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker sits down with former LDS and authors Corey Miller and Ross Anderson to discuss their new book, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. It is a short but helpful and encouraging volume with contributing Christians who are all former Mormon missionaries.

Corey Miller, Ph.D., was born in Utah as a seventh-generation Mormon. His ancestor was a polygamist and one of Joseph Smith’s bodyguards. Miller is president and CEO of Ratio Christi (ratiochristi.org), a campus apologetics evangelism ministry on 125 campuses. He has four graduate degrees and taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy and religion at places such as Purdue and Indiana University. He and his family reside in Indiana.

Ross Anderson was born in Utah and was raised LDS. After leaving Mormonism as a young adult, he earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree. Anderson has served as a church planter and pastor in Utah for four decades. He taught at Salt Lake Theological Seminary and served as a denominational church planting director for the region. Ross is currently a teaching pastor at Alpine Church. He and his wife, Sally, are parents to five adult children.

Related Links: Free links to some of our most popular podcasts on Mormonism, access to some of our key LDS articles and our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

On part two of our conversation with astrophysicist and author Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe (Reasons.org), we discuss his book, Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men. and finish up our conversation about aliens, UFOs, and UAPs, and the problems they pose for a naturalistic worldview.

We also discuss some of the recent findings of the James Webb Space Telescope and how Dr. Ross interprets some of these discoveries in light of Scripture and modern cosmology. A fascinating chat you don't want to miss!

Dr. Hugh Ross is an astrophysicist, founder and senior scholar of Reasons to Believe (reasons.org), an organization that researches and communicates how discoveries about nature harmonize with the words of the Bible. His books include The Creator and the Cosmos, Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Improbable Planet, and Designed to the Core.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

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PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In case you have not been following the news in the recent months, there has been a resurgence of interest in UFOs, UAPs (unidentified anomalous phenomena), and advanced intelligent beings from other dimensions or worlds visiting us. There has also been talk of "non-human biologics", allegedly the remains of the "pilots" of crashed UFOs and UAPs being secretly held by our government.

On the next two episodes of this special combined Good Heavens! and Apologetics Profile we sit down with astrophysicist and author, Hugh Ross, of Reasons to Believe to talk about the book he coauthored on UFOs, UAPs, and aliens, Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men.

Dr. Hugh Ross is an astrophysicist, founder and senior scholar of Reasons to Believe (reasons.org), an organization that researches and communicates how discoveries about nature harmonize with the words of the Bible. His books include The Creator and the Cosmos, Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Improbable Planet, and Designed to the Core.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

If extraterrestrial life existed, how would it impact our faith in Christ? What would it look like? Would it be something like bacteria, plants or animals, or something more resembling intelligent agents like ourselves? Is the Earth specially designed to host biological life or are there other "Earth-like" planets in the universe today? This is part two of our special combined broadcast of Apologetics Profile and Good Heavens! with cosmologist and author Dr. Jeff Zweerink of Reasons to Believe. If you have friends or family interested in the question of extraterrestrial life, you don't want to miss these episodes.

Dr. Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and research scholar for Reasons to Believe (RTB), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff’s work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Source: https://reasons.org/team/jeff-zweerink.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

We have been asking the question as long as we have been able to look up at the stars. Is there life out there in the cosmos? What would it be like? What are the implications for us if there is? And especially, how might extraterrestrial life impact our understanding of the Bible and of the Christian faith. Find out from an expert cosmologist who has asked this question himself. Dr. Jeff Zweerink of Reasons to Believe joins us to We talk with us about his book Is There Life Out There? His answer may surprise you. 

Dr. Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and research scholar for Reasons to Believe (RTB), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff’s work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Source: https://reasons.org/team/jeff-zweerink.

Related Links: Free links to some of our free, 4-page Watchman Fellowship Profiles on religious cults based in part on alleged alien contact:

Additional Resources

FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.

PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook.

SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.

Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.