If the Bible is relevant to modern man, it MUST contain prophecy that withstands careful scrutiny. Until recent decades, most claims of that nature could not be verified because the precise dates of ancient events simply could not be known. In this episode with David Rice of San Diego, we examine prophecies in Daniel 9 and the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Revelation and the Psalms, among others. In this episode we will consider the astounding claim that the whole purpose of God is the restoration of the entire planet, and all its people, in a Messianic era about to begin.

The Bible is not afraid of skeptical analysis. In fact, it has welcomed and received more than its share of challenge for the last 150 years, and still enjoys its role as a participant in the march of human progress. The best work of skeptics --  exposing the pride of Christianity and falsehood anywhere -- is precisely what the Bible stands for.

In this episode Jeff Hausmann discusses his upcoming book, "A Mirror Not So Dark" -- a look at the origins of the Bible and the internal prima facie evidence that shows integration, harmony and consistency of message across the centuries of the Bible's composition. 

This is the eighth in our series on "Truth-seeking".

Hal Holbrook has died at 95; Owen shares his Hal Holbrook story, defines skepticism in a positive way, and explores what Christians can learn from skeptics like Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Jacob, Deborah, Tamar, Job and Paul.  He also quotes from the writings of contemporary skeptics like Michael Shermer and Marilyn Price-Mitchell. Why we should teach skepticism and critical thinking to our children, and why skepticism should give us the ability to have constructive dialog about the existence of God while, in Michael Shermer's words, "keeping our emotions in check."

Examples of honest skepticism in action throughout the Bible. The study applies Deuteronomy 17 to today's world, and sees in the words of Abraham, Daniel and the Apostle John, a harmony between questions and faith. Closing with a reading of Mark Twain's War Prayer.

Humans are creatures of habit, and unless we make the acquisition and testing of new information a habit, we will get into a rut. That's the observation of Jeff Hausmann, who was decisively and firmly an Atheist -- for good reasons -- until he encountered information which he confronted, tested, and finally accepted as more persuasive. 

Then, Jeff tells the story of how he settled into a new normalcy of his chosen Christian belief, until he again began to question and test the assumptions he had embraced. 

Is it possible to be a life-long truth-seeker? Can you keep your old friends if you do? Will you make new friends if you keep challenging your own religious assumptions? These are some of the issues we discuss in episode 206 of the Bibdig podcast.

Pastor Carl Ruby found himself so angry and perplexed in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol Riot that he could not write a sermon. He shares the process of sadness and reflection which brought him toward peace and the voice of conscience. Don't miss this exploration of the deep questions and vital principles that Christians as well as non-Christians are learning in the strange times in which we live. We explore the ethics of preaching Bible truths that are viewed as partisan -- and not appreciated by many Christians whose politics run counter to the Bible.

When millions disagree on the most basic questions of truth and falsehood, truth is no longer just an opinion, it's a moral imperative with life or death impact. This episode confronts fellow-Christians on their support of Donald Trump and examines both contemporary and ancient sources. What are the nine thinking errors that the State of Texas teaches young murderers how to overcome? Deceiving, downplaying, avoiding, blaming, making excuses, jumping to conclusions, acting helpless, overreacting, and feeling special.

What is God doing? Is this planet, this troubled world, the end of the story, or the beginning? As we continue our series on truth-seeking, we have looked at how science and facts produce a kind of faith. Now we see how the arts open insights into truth that are elusive when we confine ourselves to the written word of the Bible. The heart of God can often be more clearly seen in music than in the doctrinal teachings that seem to box so many sincere Christians into a notion of a dark and angry deity. We will get to the "proof texts" culture soon. In the meantime enjoy the music... After all, the angels sang of good tidings, great joy, for all people.

What are God's intentions for the human race?  In music -- ancient, classical and contemporary -- we find a more positive and hopeful tone. That's what Tim Krupa and I discuss in this episode. 

Recorded at Cannon Beach, Oregon, with the sounds of the ocean in the background, I hope you enjoy our discussion of the transforming power of music in the lives of both Christians and everyone else.

A postscript discusses three important parts of being a victorious Christian -- honesty, service, and love without hypocrisy. It is episode 203 (Season 2, Episode 3)

Truth seeking is a life and death matter in this era of official lies and deadly disinformation.  But Christians don't own truth-seeking and the faith it leads to. In this episode Owen interviews Hank Lentfer, a writer and philosopher who has written two books that we discuss in the podcast... Faith of Cranes and Raven's Witness -- the Alaska Life of Richard K. Nelson.

Hank tells the story of his journeys as an advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the Arctic. He describes his personal realization that his bitterness toward humans for habitat destruction was going to rob him of the gratitude and joy he needed to share with his unborn child. He had nine months to find that joy and faith, and he found it in the wilderness of their home in Gustavus, Alaska.

The Sandhill Crane is a major part of the story. Every spring and fall they fly over his land, and their 60 million years of unchanging consistency speak volumes of the reliability of the Universe. Even without confidence in a written revelation, faith in the principles of goodness is possible. In a letter Hank writes to his daughter before she is born, he says "A prayer for gratitude. Gratitude is the pool in which all good things gather. It is the combined state of acceptance and humility, awareness and faith, joy and sorrow, compassion and caring. It resonates through an open heart like a finely tuned guitar."

Season two of Bibdig packs a sharpened focus, purposeful topic selection, and expanded guest list. The "big theme" of this season is "Christianity for Grownups".  In this episode Owen Kindig shares the story of his best friend's battle with cancer over fifty years ago, and the impact Owen still feels today. The experience led to a quest for truth, and Owen is not bashful about examining the importance of facts -- objective reality -- to find our way around the Universe, regardless of our religious beliefs. 

Join us for a primer on realistic, mature thinking, and an inspiring launch of a podcast series that promises to be truly thought-provoking.

The shore of the Columbia River on an unseasonably warm February day was the perfect place to open up about how God led four very different friends. Dan was a wandering spirit and an over-achiever. Janet was a self-confident woman who became discouraged with her own relational choices. Claudia was overwhelmed with self-doubt and only gradually adjusted her thinking, while Brent was a confident, happy-go-lucky Canadian who found himself confronted with an entirely new way of looking at the world. Two came to Jesus early in life, two much later. Two were raised in Christian homes, but only one pursued her childhood training throughout life. 

What did God do, and how did God lead them? Where are they headed now, and what is their vision for the future of the human race? This is the big-picture yet transparent, intimate portrait of four people who love God and feel loved by God today.