Why Do You Believe?

The seemingly overnight adoption of critical race theory as mainstream, the acceptance of transgenderism and homosexuality, the ideas of safe spaces and hate speech, and even the idea of cultural marxism have been brewing behind the scenes for decades. Namely, these ideas have been taught at the university for years. Finally, those college students have become societal leaders and we are reaping the poisonous fruit of these corrupt ideas. What can be done now, and how do we reach the university for Christ? We’ll be examining these questions with SES alum and Ratio Christi staff member, Aaron Marshall

Dr. William Lane Craig is perhaps the most popular Christian apologist and philosopher today, and of course he is a dear brother in Christ. Ironically, however, he rejects some of the most foundational aspects about the nature of God upon which classical theism rests. We will specifically be looking at the simplicity of God and God's knowledge of the future. What, if any, are the implications of thinking wrongly about these issues? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brian Huffling, Director of the SES Ph.D. program, to analyze Dr. Craig's views on the nature of God.

How can someone help get apologetics training started at their local church, and what are some of the hurdles to look out for? What are the most important apologetics issues every church should equip their members to engage? Join us as we discuss these issues and more with Dr. Ray Ciervo, SES alum, author, and seasoned apologist.

We've discussed some of the classical attributes of God and how we, as limited human beings, can talk meaningfully about the unlimited God. But in modern times, this classical view of God has slowly been abandoned. Why is "God fading away" in this sense, and what implications are at stake with the abandonment of classical theism? Dr. Richard G. Howe, SES Provost, will join us to discuss this important topic.

What does it mean to say God is "good"? Could God be evil? Does God ever change His mind? What does it mean to say that God is everywhere present and all-knowing? Taken at face value, the Bible seems to provide contradictory information about the nature of God. Join us as we continue to discuss these issues as they relate to the attributes of God. We will again be joined by Dr. Doug Potter, SES Assistant Professor of Apologetics and Theology.

Mortimer Adler said, “More consequences for thought and action follow the affirmation or denial of God than from answering any other basic question.” The popular Chris Tomlin song, “Indescribable”, poetically articulates how God is beyond our comprehension. So how can we describe an indescribable God? Thoughts about the existence and nature of God are all over the place, even within the evangelical church. How can we know we are thinking well about God and that we are not in fact guilty of idolatry? What are God’s attributes, and why does it matter that we get this right? For the next two weeks, we’re going to be discussing these issues with my good friend and long-time SES professor, Dr. Doug Potter.

The Apostle Paul says we are to be pitied among all people if Jesus did not in fact rise from the dead. As we come to the time celebrating Easter, how do we know Jesus actually rose from the dead? What evidence is do we have showing us that we can be confident that our hope is not in vain? We discuss this topic with apologist and Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Jonathan McLatchie.

Is there any validity to the never-ending spiral of conspiracy theories that surround the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus every Easter? How should we think about the claims of dying and rising gods from pagan myths and cults? Is Christianity just a copycat of other myths, or did Jesus really rise from the dead? Join us as author and SES alum Allan Di Donato discusses this important topic.

There are lots of questions and concerns regarding the recent COVID vaccines that have been approved for public usage. Should we be worried? Are the conspiracy theories valid? How should Christians think through the issues related to the vaccines so that we can make an informed decision about taking one ourselves? Join us as we discuss these issues with Dr. Fuz Rana, SES adjunct professor and Vice President of Research/Apologetics at Reasons to Believe.