Seidensticker Folly #77: Free Will & the Bible

Last updated on: January 26, 2022 at 7:16 pm By Dave Armstrong

Atheist and anti-theist Bob Seidensticker runs the influential Cross Examined blog. He asked me there, on 8-11-18: “I’ve got 1000+ posts here attacking your worldview. You just going to let that stand? Or could you present a helpful new perspective that I’ve ignored on one or two of those posts?” He added in June 2017 in a combox: “If I’ve misunderstood the Christian position or Christian arguments, point that out. Show me where I’ve mischaracterized them.” For over three years, we have had (shall we say) rather difficult... Read more

Prophet Daniel & Archaeology

Last updated on: March 22, 2023 at 11:38 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: Daniel in the Lions’ Den (c. 1615), by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Read more

Explicit Biblical Instruction on Saving Souls

Last updated on: January 24, 2022 at 12:31 pm By Dave Armstrong

First, St. Peter (filled with zeal after the Holy Spirit had fallen anew upon and indwelt the disciples on the day of Pentecost) preached the Resurrection of Jesus: Acts 2:31-32 (RSV) “he [David] foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. [32] This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” (cf. 2:24). Then he preached the divinity / deity of Christ: Acts... Read more

Mozart’s Musical Genius & His Catholicism

Last updated on: January 22, 2022 at 3:30 pm By Dave Armstrong

[originally posted on my blog on 27 January 2006: which was Mozart’s 250th birthday, to the day] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) is (needless to say, but I will anyway) of inestimable importance to the world of music and western culture. Those of us who have a musical background all grew up with his music. My sister Judy [who sadly passed away in 2020 and who would have turned 70 on this day that I am re-posting this article] played his... Read more

Masturbation & Blindness?: Fascinating Investigation

Last updated on: January 21, 2022 at 2:48 pm By Dave Armstrong

Warning: graphic (albeit “scientifically expressed”) sexual content. By the way, I’ve written about masturbation and the traditional biblical / Christian moral condemnation of it many times, for those who may be interested. The Christian view on this matter can be defended, and in my capacity as an apologist I do precisely that. There are always two sides to every “story” aren’t there? It’s standard to make fun of the old saw that masturbation causes blindness. Educated Christians love to mock... Read more

Prophet Isaiah & Archaeology

Last updated on: March 22, 2023 at 11:36 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: Prophet Isaiah, by Antonio Balestra (1666-1740) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Read more

Prophet Jeremiah & Archaeology

Last updated on: March 22, 2023 at 11:33 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: Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem (1844), by Horace Vernet (1789-1863) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Read more

Scientific Search for the Garden of Eden

Last updated on: March 22, 2023 at 10:51 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, 320p). *** Photo credit: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden / Adam and Eve in the earthly paradise, by Johann Wenzel Peter (1745-1829) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Read more

Debate: Is Baptism Necessary to Salvation?

Last updated on: January 17, 2022 at 4:56 am By Dave Armstrong

Jerry Smith is a Protestant acquaintance of mine (of the Baptist — or similar — variety, as far as I know), who, years ago, gave a presentation at my house in a group discussion. He is the editor of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (1992): a remarkably encyclopedic and thorough revision of a classic Bible reference work. I was good friends with his brother, the late Martin Smith: a devoted Baptist who often attended my group discussions and was... Read more

Bp. Barron’s Word on Fire Bible (Acts, Letters, & Revelation)

Last updated on: January 14, 2022 at 1:07 pm By Dave Armstrong

I reviewed Bishop Robert Barron‘s The Word on Fire Bible, Volume I: The Gospels on 2 June 2020. This is the follow-up volume, completing the New Testament, called The Word on Fire Bible (Volume II): Acts, Letters and Revelation: a beautiful leather-bound Bible (NRSV version). What general editor Brandon Vogt wrote about the first volume applies to this one as well: Imagine Bishop Barron’s Catholicism film series (art, beauty, culture, Bishop Barron’s genius) all wrapped beautifully around the Scriptures. Then add tons of... Read more

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