“Reply to Calvin” #1: The Elect

Last updated on: March 6, 2017 at 1:05 pm By Dave Armstrong

Historical mixed media figure of John Calvin produced by artist/historian George S. Stuart and photographed by Peter d’Aprix: from the George S. Stuart Gallery of Historical Figures archive [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license] *** This is an installment of a series of replies (see the Introduction and Master List) to much of Book IV (Of the Holy Catholic Church) of Institutes of the Christian Religion, by early Protestant leader John Calvin (1509-1564). I utilize the public domain translation of Henry... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #10: Ecclesiology (Jerusalem Council)

Last updated on: March 2, 2017 at 4:14 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Dr. Geisler analyzes the Jerusalem Council in the context of his response to Catholic claims that “there is a God-ordained... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #9: Images & Relics

Last updated on: March 2, 2017 at 1:06 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: What is conspicuously absent in all of the alleged biblical “precedents” that Catholic apologists use is the... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #8: Veneration; Bowing to Creatures

Last updated on: March 2, 2017 at 12:54 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: Scripture forbids us to bow down in veneration before any creature, even angels (cf. Col. 2:18;... Read more

Bible on Suffering & Hope in the Midst of It

Last updated on: March 1, 2017 at 2:42 pm By Dave Armstrong

Job Speaks with His Friends (Job 2:1-13) [1866], by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1981) *** [all verses: RSV] *** I’ve been inevitably encouraged and spiritually elevated and blessed by reading these passages during times of suffering, for over 35 years now . . . * * * * * Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive,... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #7: Mary’s Assumption

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:07 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: [M]ost Catholic authorities admit that Mary died. According to Paul (Rom. 5:12), however, death is a punishment... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #6: Sinless Mary

Last updated on: March 1, 2017 at 11:27 am By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: Indeed, she [Mary] even presented an offering to the Jewish priest arising out of her sinful condition... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #5: Prayer to Creatures

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:08 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: In fact, there is no real biblical support for this assumption, since prayer is always to God... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #4: Prayer for the Dead

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:09 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: There is no indication in the Bible that anyone ever prayed for another after the person... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #3: Merit & Penitential Suffering

Last updated on: February 18, 2017 at 12:37 pm By Dave Armstrong

Norman Geisler vs. St. Paul Regarding the Treasury of Merit and Redemptive Suffering for the Sake of Others’ Salvation Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman... Read more

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