The Lord “Bringing Evil” Means Righteous Judgment

Last updated on: October 25, 2021 at 1:09 pm By Dave Armstrong

The confusion in the verses I shall be examining lies in the multiple meanings of the Hebrew word ra’ (Strong’s word 7451). It’s usually translated as “evil” in English Bible translations (444 times in the KJV), but it has a range of meanings (beyond what we usually understand as wickedness, immoral, sinful, malevolent, hateful, etc.), according to the lexicons, including “disagreeable, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery, sad, unhappy, trouble, grievous, affliction, calamity, distress, injury.” This wide range accounts for the... Read more

Alt-Reality

Last updated on: March 18, 2023 at 6:15 pm By Dave Armstrong

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Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #1: “Hardening Hearts”

Last updated on: October 23, 2021 at 7:01 pm By Dave Armstrong

The late Steve Hays was a Protestant Reformed, anti-Catholic apologist, very active online, who ran the site, Triablogue. In this series of articles, I will be critiquing many portions of a collection of his entitled “Annotated prooftexts [for Calvinism]” (7-7-14). Hays writes in his introductory section: I’m going to quote a number of Reformed prooftexts, in canonical order, then quote interpretive comments by various scholars. . . . Taken by themselves, Reformed prooftexts might seem to beg the question by... Read more

Defenses of Pope Francis

Last updated on: March 18, 2023 at 6:12 pm By Dave Armstrong

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Schubert’s Unfinished (8th) Symphony: Proposed “Finish”

Last updated on: October 22, 2021 at 11:35 am By Dave Armstrong

I came up with this idea a while back. Most people have only heard the famous first two movements. Franz Schubert (1797-1828) also provided a semi-sufficient and partially orchestrated outline for a third movement: a scherzo. So we know to a great degree what his plan was for that. It was completed and orchestrated by Brian Newbould. That leaves the Finale. Wikipedia states: * A fourth movement finale in the home key (B minor) would have been the norm for... Read more

Pearce’s Potshots #51: “ANB” + “Unfair God” Argument

Last updated on: October 22, 2021 at 5:30 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.” His words will be in blue; words of fellow atheist John Loftus in green, and those of eric in purple. ***** Presently, I am responding to his article, “God... Read more

“Gospel of Thomas” Isn’t an Authentic Gospel

Last updated on: October 20, 2021 at 12:04 pm By Dave Armstrong

Dr. David Nicholls, a vehemently anti-theistic atheist, wrote in his deconversion story (i.e., the tale of his exodus from Christianity): When I was about 15, I came across a passing reference to the ‘Gospel of Thomas’. I was confused by this and made inquiries that led me to discover the existence of the ‘New Testament apocrypha’. I went to a religious library, run by the Catholic church in Victoria, which had numerous books about the New Testament apocrypha and I... Read more

Pearce’s Potshots #50: Obsession w NT Imitation (?) of Homer

Last updated on: October 19, 2021 at 11:01 pm By Dave Armstrong

Once Again, Archaeology and Legitimate Historiography (i.e., Known Historical Facts) Refute These Ridiculous Claims 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.” His words will be in blue. Words of Dennis R. MacDonald that he cites, will... Read more

Are Christians Uniquely Averse to Criticism?

Last updated on: October 17, 2021 at 11:41 pm By Dave Armstrong

Former Christian Dr. David Nicholls wrote his deconversion story, entitled, Real Deconversion Story #19 – David N. (10-15-21). His words will be in green. I responded to one particular claim of his, and then PsiCop picked it up from there and counter-replied to my comment. His words will be in blue. ***** I lost count of how many Christians I met who presented a sickly-sweet, caring facade that suddenly disappeared once they realized their faith was being challenged, and their... Read more

Review of 2021 Remix of The Beatles’ “Let it Be”

Last updated on: October 22, 2021 at 2:44 pm By Dave Armstrong

I only care about the new remixes of six out of twelve songs (I agree with Paul’s derision towards the stringed-up Long and Winding Road — done against his will –, thus, the 2003 Let it Be Naked remix gets my vote), and so I’ll be commenting on them only. I always compare in headphones, in order to hear all the sonic details better. Links are to You Tube, so readers can make comparisons. ***** 1) Get Back. I listened... Read more