Elias Ayala

You can’t! I could end the article here since my simple response answers the question. However, I am sure readers will demand an explanation. Fair enough. One cannot avoid being dogmatic in theology, apologetics, philosophy, science, or in any intellectual enterprise. The reality is that we all begin our reasoning somewhere. If we desire to avoid an infinite regression of justifications for each and every belief that we have, we must begin our thinking at a dogmatic first principle. A first principle that is an absolute given. Without this first … Read More »

David Wood vs. Mohammed Hajib – My Response to a Muslims 4 Questions On November 7th, 2018, I attended a debate at York College between a Christian (David Wood) and a Muslim (Mohammed Hajib) on the topic of the Trinity (Christian Position) and Tawhid (Muslim Position). Among the various fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam, this one stands at the heart of our differences, and hence it was a good topic to debate since it strikes at the issue that divides us. First, let us define our terms for those … Read More »

Theological and philosophical dispute is the norm in our world today. Indeed, this is understandable and warranted given the foundational nature of theology and philosophy. Given that theology pertains to what we believe about God and how he has decisively acted in human history, it is no wonder why disagreements on matters of theology are met with vigor and passion. We are talking about God, and since he has revealed himself in the Bible, we want to get things right in regards to what he has spoken. Furthermore, since the … Read More »

Religion and politics are two topics that are sure to cause conflict and controversy. Especially in our current political climate; a climate in which people are very easily offended and angered when disagreement arises. It continually amazes me to observe the complete inability of some people to hold a rational conversation with those they disagree, without getting into a heated and degrading argument. When emotions run high, logic and reason are often thrown out the window. Things are usually no different when discussing religion and spirituality. Mix these elements into … Read More »

Consider the Evidence: A Trial Lawyer Examines the Eyewitnesses in Defense of the Reliability of the New Testament – An Apologist’s Thoughts As an apologist, I deal frequently with evidence and argumentation. The Christian is bombarded with objection after objection to the faith such that evidence and argumentation becomes very important. Unfortunately, the average Christian is ill-equipped to deal with such things and so they often retreat into silence and timidity. However, this need not be the case. The Christian position can be thoroughly defended; indeed, we are commanded to … Read More »

Postmodernism is a philosophical position in which meta-narratives are denied and hence absolute objective truth is illusory. If objective truth does exist, it is not possible for any one person to attain such a God’s Eye perspective on the world. With the denial of such objective truth, what is then highlighted are the individual sub-narratives of every person. People have their own individual truths or individual narratives all of which are equally valid. Unfortunately, such unbiblical denials of objective truth have infiltrated the church and have greatly hindered the effectiveness … Read More »

The longest prophetic utterance of Jesus can be found in what is called the Olivet Discourse. This discourse can be found respectively in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Many have associated these sections of scripture as referring to events that will usher in the Second Coming of Jesus. Indeed, what precedes the coming of the Son of Man are various “signs” of the times, which are to indicate that the time is “near”. Many have sought to interpret these texts with a newspaper in one hand, and an … Read More »

Anyone engaged in apologetics will understand how difficult it can be to stay on topic. Depending on who you are talking with, the conversation can go in a number of directions. Christians engaging with Jehovah’s Witnesses for instance, tend to make the mistake of focusing on non-essential issues that have no ultimate significance as it relates to where the JW and the Christian disagree. This same mistake is done when talking with atheists. The Christian can chase red herrings and run-down rabbit holes while missing key points and opportunities throughout … Read More »