Cross Examined - Page 32 of 125 - An energetic but civil critique of Christianity from an atheist viewpoint

The Argument from Results (a New Atheist Argument)

March 29, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

Here’s a simple argument that concludes, “Probably, all gods are manmade.” Consider the premises to see if it holds up. Read more

Guest Post: The Resurrection and Alternative Facts

March 27, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

155 Comments

Consider two curious events claimed in Matthew to have happened at the time of the crucifixion. Do scholars back up Christians’ claims about them? And how does that empower us to stand up to “alternative facts” in Christian apologetics? Read more

Dating Advice: the FIRST Thing to Figure Out in a Relationship

March 25, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

350 Comments

Read the strange story of the girlfriend who wasn’t there, and see how Christians can be similarly fooled. Read more

Maybe People CAN Change Their Minds After All

March 23, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

206 Comments

We don’t think like Mr. Spock. Biases and rationalizations and errors make our reasoning imperfect. Understanding those imperfections can help those of us trying to get others to change an intellectual position. Read more

A Response to Evolution Deniers: How Complex Comes from Simple

March 20, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

987 Comments

Creationists often say that DNA’s complexity is proof of God, but there are many examples in nature and math of complex coming from simple. Read more

“DNA is a Program, and Programs Demand a Programmer”: a Response

March 18, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

272 Comments

Science rarely lines up for the benefit of the Christian apologist . . . but is this one of those cases? DNA dictates how to make living cells, which are very complicated. DNA works like software. Is it evidence of God the programmer? Read more

A Convincing Holy Book? Not Possible.

March 16, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

671 Comments

Here’s a thought experiment. I doubt it would convince a Christian to change his religion … but shouldn’t it? Read more

25,000 New Testament Manuscripts? Big Deal.

March 14, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

184 Comments

When the conversation turns to the reliability of the New Testament, the number of manuscript copies is likely to enter the conversation. 25,000 copies. That is indeed a lot, but it’s irrelevant. Read more

Limitations in Historical Analysis of the New Testament (2 of 2)

March 10, 2017 By Bob Seidensticker

70 Comments

The New Testament has several important disputed passages. We’ll look at the long ending of Mark here. While historians have some clever tools for deciding between two traditions, the evidence is a little more precarious than one might hope. Read more