My Supposed “Papolatry”: Outrageous Reactionary Lies

Last updated on: August 26, 2021 at 12:55 pm By Dave Armstrong

A “Doctoral student in theology” who goes by @johnamonaco tweeted: Of course, normal Catholic sensibility would obviously take issue with the idea that the pope can create/abolish sacraments, sacramentals, & devotions at will. The idea that papal favor is the only thing protecting the Rosary & Sacred Heart devotions from abrogation is insane. (8-25-21) Then he went on to literally attribute such an “insane” notion to me (along with two other papal defenders), as if I believe or would defend it:... Read more

Reply to Engwer’s Alleged “Absence of a Papacy”

Last updated on: August 25, 2021 at 3:23 pm By Dave Armstrong

Protestant anti-Catholic apologist Jason Engwer has attempted several of these sorts of arguments against the papacy. I have (I think) refuted him many times along these lines, especially after he sought to overthrow some of my own arguments in favor of the papacy: Dialogue on Development of Doctrine (Esp. the Papacy) [2000] Dialogue on Doctrinal Development (Papacy & NT Canon) [2-26-02] * Reply to Critique of “50 NT Proofs for the Papacy” [3-14-02] * Refutation of a Satirical “Pauline Papacy” Argument [9-30-03] * Papal... Read more

Genesis 10 “Table of Nations”: Authentic History

Last updated on: November 26, 2021 at 11:39 am By Dave Armstrong

Genesis 10 [all] (RSV) These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth; sons were born to them after the flood. [2] The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. [3] The sons of Gomer: Ash’kenaz, Riphath, and Togar’mah. [4] The sons of Javan: Eli’shah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Do’danim. [5] From these the coastland peoples spread. These are the sons of Japheth in their lands, each with his own language, by their families,... Read more

Acacia, Ark of the Covenant, & Biblical Accuracy

Last updated on: August 24, 2021 at 11:58 am By Dave Armstrong

I am drawing much of the following information from archaeologist and evangelical Protestant James K. Hoffmeier, from his book, Ancient Israel in Sinai: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Wilderness Tradition (New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005). Exodus 25:10, 13 (RSV) “They shall make an ark of acacia wood; two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. . . . [13] You shall make poles... Read more

Natural Immunity from COVID: Four Scientific Studies

Last updated on: August 22, 2021 at 7:11 pm By Dave Armstrong

Dan JM, Mateus J, Kato Y, Hastie KM, Yu ED, Faliti CE, et al. Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for up to 8 months after infection. Science [Internet]. 2021 Feb 5;371(6529). CONCLUSION Substantial immune memory is generated after COVID-19, involving all four major types of immune memory. About 95% of subjects retained immune memory at ~6 months after infection. Circulating antibody titers were not predictive of T cell memory. Thus, simple serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies do not reflect the... Read more

COVID Vaccines, Conscience, & the Pope: a Catholic Dialogue

Last updated on: August 21, 2021 at 12:02 pm By Dave Armstrong

Charlie Fromm-Starkville, a Facebook friend of mine, describes himself as a “traditional Catholic”. This back-and-forth exchange took place on my Facebook page: edited (some sub-threads not included) for the sake of relative brevity and flow of content. His words will be in blue. ***** Pope Francis has endorsed (as he must, because it is solidly established Catholic teaching) the right to conscientious objection: I can’t have in mind all cases that can exist about conscience objection. But, yes, I can... Read more

Quails, Wandering Hebrews, & Biblical Accuracy

Last updated on: March 22, 2023 at 11:10 pm By Dave Armstrong

The material formerly here has been re-worked, modified, and edited and is now included only in my book, The Word Set in Stone: How Archaeology, Science, and History Back Up the Bible (Catholic Answers Press: March 15, 2023) *** Photo credit: Peter Griffin: quail [public domain / PublicDomainPictures.Net] *** Summary: Everything you ever wanted to know about quails in the Bible, but never thought to ask. I show how the accounts of Israelites eating quail line up with their migratory patterns... Read more

Pearce’s Potshots #44: Jairus’ Daughter “Contradiction”?

Last updated on: August 17, 2021 at 1:49 pm By Dave Armstrong

Atheist anti-theist Jonathan M. S. Pearce is the main writer on the blog, A Tippling Philosopher. His “About” page states: “Pearce is a philosopher, author, blogger, public speaker and teacher from Hampshire in the UK. He specialises in philosophy of religion, but likes to turn his hand to science, psychology, politics and anything involved in investigating reality.” This particular post was written by guest contributor David Austin. But since Pearce clearly endorses its contents, I’ll include it as #44 of his never-ending potshots against the... Read more

In Search of the Real Mt. Sinai

Last updated on: August 16, 2021 at 4:19 pm By Dave Armstrong

Fascinating Topographical and Biblical Factors Closely Examined This is a fascinating question to ponder. Most Christians likely think that the location and identity of this mountain is certain: that there is a Mt. Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula and that’s that! In fact, everyone admits that it’s not absolutely certain. 7,497 feet high Jebel Musa (or Jabal Musa or Gebel Musa: “Mount Moses”) is the leading candidate. The Catholic Encyclopedia (“Sinai”) states: [T]he precise location is uncertain. It is Jabal... Read more

Debate: Conscience vs. COVID Vaccines / Natural & Herd Immunity

Last updated on: August 19, 2021 at 5:31 pm By Dave Armstrong

Two days ago I put up an article: Unvaccinated People, Conscience, Condescension, & Coercion (A Vigorous Group Discussion Among Equally Committed Orthodox Catholics). Robert W. Woodman objected to my stated position in the combox and a debate ensued. His words will be in blue. ***** I flatly disagree that the objections of your conscience trump the need to protect the health and safety of society writ large from this pandemic. The idea that we need to be sensitive to people’s consciences... Read more

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