Elias Ayala

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) A logical fallacy is a discrepancy in reasoning. It is a misapplication of logic and reasoning such that the desired conclusion of a line of argumentation does not necessarily follow. Furthermore, logical fallacies also involve inappropriate appeals to make a certain point. An example of this is the fallacy of an Appeal to Emotion. An appeal to emotion is a faulty application of logic and reasoning since such an appeal, while persuasive to some, has nothing to do with the truth of a person’s … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) The laws of logic are the rules of correct reasoning. If one does not follow these rules of correct reasoning then one would be engaging in irrationality. Of course, irrationality does not produce meaning and truth and hence should not be engaged in by a professing believer in Christ. While it is true that many unbelievers say that Christianity or religion in general is irrational, as Christians we stand firmly against such a notion. It is our position that Christianity is eminently reasonable, rational, … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) The center piece of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection Christianity as a religious movement would have died at its very conception. As the apostle Paul famously wrote: “…and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). For this reason, the resurrection of Jesus is an indispensable feature of the Christian religion and on this very point there are few who would disagree. However, what does … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Not all unbelievers reject Christian evidences. Some unbelievers see the evidence presented as valid and interesting although not convincing to warrant an acceptance of Christian theism. Others reject Christian evidences because they do not see the “evidences” that Christians present as valid evidence. For example, when a Christian presents historical evidence which they think points strongly to the resurrection of Jesus, the skeptic will not accept such information as warranting belief in the resurrection. They will say something to the affect that while interesting, … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Christian theism posits that God is the transcendent cause of the universe. However, within the universe in which we live, we experience many imperfections. I do not think it is controversial to suggest that the world in which we live is NOT perfect. This seems to be an obvious point that can be admitted by Christian theist and skeptic alike. However, skeptics often push back and suggest that if the world bears the mark of its creator, and theists say that God is the … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Was the atonement of Christ necessary? In an ultimate sense, it was not necessary for the Father to send the Son in that it was not necessary for God to save sinners. It is God who shows mercy on whom He wills to show mercy (Romans 9:15). We see the freedom of God in saving others or not in 2 Peter 2:4 where it says, “God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) In apologetics, understanding biblical doctrine is very important. We need to understand what we are defending. A key element within Christian theology is the teaching that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh (John 1:1, 14, Philippians 2:5-8). Knowing what the Bible says about the deity of Christ is important on various levels since there are many who deny that the Bible teaches this doctrine in the first place. Apart from the fact that it is rather easy to demonstrate that the bible does … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) It is true that God knows all things (1 John 3:20), and as such, nothing is a surprise to him. Nevertheless, if God knew from all eternity that Bob would commit some sin in the future, it is not at all inconsistent for God to reveal his displeasure the moment Bob performs the sin within space, time, and history. God can know something will occur in the future, and then reveal his attitude towards it in the present. Christian theism teaches that God is … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) This question is an important one given that it highlights our problem as sinful human beings. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As sinners before a holy and righteous God, we have accrued a debt before him due to our rebellion. Sin is often equated with debt, especially when one reflects upon the Lord’s Prayer. In some translations, the prayer reads “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Or … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) No! Let me explain what I mean. Fossils are what we might call “data”. Data are the facts we observe (i.e. fossil remains). The raw data merely provides us with that which we observe, in this case, the fossil record. However, the data must be distinguished from the concept of “evidence”. Data becomes evidence when it is employed within an argument to support certain premises. When we utilize data to support an argument, then the data becomes evidence if it is used correctly and … Read More »