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- Don and Brandon wonder if Dan Savage works for the Ministry of Tolerance. They also discuss President Obama's interpretation of the Golden Rule to support gay marriage, referencing great articles by Denny Burk and Francis Beckwith along the way. Then they analyze to a very interesting segment from Real Time with Bill Maher in which Mr. Maher chats with author and New York Times columnist Ross Douthat about whether Christianity is anti-intellectual, among other things. (4.14.12)
Discussion with Farhan the ex-Muslim Agnostic
- Don and Brandon talk with Farhan Qureshi of beliefrevision.com. Farhan is an ex-Muslim who now is part of a Unitarian Universalist congregation. He describes himself as a truth seeker, a free thinker, an agnostic theist, a relativist, a mystic, an eclectic, a skeptic, a rationalist and an empiricist. (4.30.12)
Why Christianity is more Reasonable and Scientific than Atheism
- Atheists like to present themselves as lovers of reason and science on a crusade to expose the irrationality and superstitious tendencies of religious believers. Don and Brandon spend the show examining this claim. Along the way they read a report from the recent "Reason Rally" by Carl Olsen and listen to part of Adam Savage's speech at that event. They also reference several good books on the subject, including The Book that Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi, The Last Superstition by Edward Feser, and True Reason by Tom Gilson and Carson Weitnauer. Other works to check out: The Soul of Science by Nancy Pearcey, The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark, and How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas E. Woods. (4.2.12)
Religion for Atheists and Promiscuity for Everyone
- An Orange County billboard claims atheists make better lovers because they don't have to worry about anybody watching. What is the actual message here and does it stand up to scrutiny?
- The New York Times' David Brooks reviews Alain de Botton's new book Religion for Atheists.
- Skeptics suggest that they have a better explanation of "spiritual" experiences than Christians do. Don and Brandon refer to Rudoph Otto's The Idea of the Holy in taking a closer look at that claim. (3.19,12)
The Pastor that Rejected Christianity
- Don talks with Wes, a secular humanist chaplain. Wes recently rejected Christianity after 10 years as an evangelical pastor. He has a B.A. in Biblical Studies with a minor in philosophy from Dallas Baptist University and an M.A. in Philosophical Theology from Criswell College. (3.15.12)
Naturalism, Morality, and Free Will
- Scott from Oregon calls in to talk to Don and Brandon about a naturalistic framework for morality that he finds reasonable. The discussion focuses largely on free will and includes references to the new book by Sam Harris of that title. (3-9-12)
- Don and Brandon talk with Emery Wang of the A Christian and an Atheist podcast. Emery called in to talk about heaven, specifically his article about why there won't be any flowers there. (11.28.11)
- Did the gospel writers never intend for Jesus to be taken as a literal historical figure? Is Jesus a mythical character on par with Harry Potter? Don and Brandon answer these questions and briefly discuss the previous show about Taoism. (11.7.11)
Does Taoism Have a Better Answer to the Problem of Evil than Christianity?
- David Moser calls into the program from Beijing, China to talk about how Taoism deals with the issues of pain, suffering, and evil in the world. Mr. Moser is the Academic Director at Capital Normal University in Beijing. He holds a Masters and PhD in Chinese Studies from the University of Michigan, with a major in Chinese linguistics and philosophy. He has lived in China for 20 years and has appeared frequently on Chinese television as a foreign expert, host, and occasional performer of Chinese stand-up comedy. (10.26.11)
Universalism and the Story of God
- Which side of the abortion debate relies on science, reason, and evidence to support its positions and which side uses nothing but metaphysical abstractions and emotional appeals? Don and Brandon discuss articles by Stanley Fish, Deborah Danielski, and a girl who tried to get an abortion at a crisis pregnancy center in arguing that the pro-life position is clearly the one that is concerned about scientific facts.
- Robin Parry thinks all people will ultimately be saved because that conclusion makes the most sense of the rest of the Bible story. Don and Brandon explain why they disagree. (10.3.11)
- Don and Brandon find it hard to argue with the logic of Justice Joanne Veit, who gave Katrina Effert a suspended sentence instead of prison time for strangling her baby boy to death and throwing the body over the fence into the neighbors yard. The judge defended her decision by explaining that Canada does allow abortion and this case isn't really any different. You can find other articles associated with this story here, here, and here.
- David Brooks bemoans the moral individualism among today's youth, George Barna bemoans the religious individualism among today's adults, and L.A. County bemoans the amount of cheating taking place among its teachers. Could all the stories be related?
- Let's hope Locke Rush's letter to his grandson about religion is not taken seriously. (9.19.11)
What a Facebook Friend We Have in Jesus
- Is believing in God the same as believing in space aliens? Bill Keller thinks so.
- Can we read the Bible as basically a bunch of facebook posts from God? (This part of the discussion references articles by William Deresiewicz and Chuck Colson.)
- Why would God punish Jesus for my sins? Don discusses the doctrine of justification and summarizes this paper in arguing that aspects of medieval philosophy led to a misunderstanding of what Jesus did on the cross. (8.29.11)
Penn Jillette Doesn't Know and Pregnant Jenny Doesn't Care
- Our Jonathan Swift Award for crazy pro-abortion argument of the week goes to Jenny the former mother of twins, who killed one of them in the womb because she had created him in a test tube anyway and besides, she wanted to make sure she had enough love left for the rest of her kids.
- Penn Jillette says he is an atheist because he doesn't know anything about the ultimate issues of life and neither do you.
- Don and Brandon also talk about the "God of the Gaps" and how to approach questions such as "If all the disciples were asleep, who saw Jesus praying in Gethsemene?" (8.22.11)
Why Government Can't Fix Nihilism and God Can't Create a Thinking Computer
- Don comments on the riots in Britain, answers a listener email about whether God could create a computer with free will, discusses how we should approach gaps in scientific theories, and offers some thoughts on how to interpret the first 11 chapters of Genesis. Along the way he references a CNN discussion calling for a fake alien invasion and quotes passages from After America by Mark Steyn, Life After Death: The Evidence by Dinesh Disouza, A Father Who Keeps His Promises by Scott Hahn, and Don's latest book, Life in the Wilderness: Reflections on the Exodus and Our Journey to the Promised Land. (8.15.11)
- Don and Brandon bemoan the rampant anti-intellectualism in the culture (including within the Church). Along the way they reference last week's show, a blog post by Sigfriend Trent, and several emails and facebook posts that Don has run into recently. (8.8.11)
Discussion with Jason the Ex-Christian
- Don and Brandon take a call from Jason, who abandoned a version of Christianity after 25 years of belief and ministry to became a "secular humanist." A key line from this conversation occurs at around the 1:15 mark: After Don explains what he thinks the universe is all about, Jason replies "If Christianity was about God loving us and us loving God, I would still be a Christian." (8.1.11)
On Flowers in Heaven and Faking Your Prayer Life
- Don and Brandon respond to an article at losingmyreligion.com on the impossibility of being good in Heaven and answer a listener email about whether or not you should go through the motions of religion even if you don't feel like it. (6.20.11)
The Irrationality of "Jesus Movements," Anti-Semitism, and Allowing a Baby to "Choose" its Gender
- What are we to make of "Jesus Movements" in which people claim to follow Christ while remaining Muslim, Buddhist, etc.? Don and Brandon discuss the relationship between Christ and culture.
- What is the best explanation for anti-Semitism? Is it evidence that, in fact, the Jews are God's chosen people? What does that mean if they are? Don references articles by Dennis Prager and Paul Johnson in this part of the show.
- A Toronto family isn't telling anyone the sex of their child in order to preserve the baby's "choice" in the matter. Don suggests this is symptomatic of the base sin of mankind: a refusal to accept our status as creatures.
- At the beginning of this program Don and Brandon address some listener comments about their arguments for Christianity. (6.6.11)
- Don and Brandon discuss several topics associated with Harold Camping's prediction that the end of the world will start this weekend. (5-16-11)
Discussion with Cameron the Atheist
- Don gets a call from Cambridge, England and spends the hour comparing worldviews with Cameron. (5.9.11)
On Living without Religion, Granting Equal Rights to Plants, and Knowing when not to Cry
-
Osama bin Laden, Hell,
and Atheism
- This part of the conversation includes a reference to Ross Douthat's defense of hell in the New York Times.
- Living without Religion is out to convince people that atheists can hope, care, and love just like everyone else.
- Bolivia has passed laws giving the natural world equal rights with humans.
-
Mike Adams shares his
thoughts and feelings
on the topic of feelings
and thoughts.
- In this section we reference the Kung Fu Fighting case from Britain. (5.2.11)
College Education and the Rise of the Village Atheist
- "New atheists" such as Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens like to portray themselves as academically and intellectually superior to Christians. Does this claim stand up to scrutiny? Don and Brandon talk about that in reference to last week's debate between Sam Harris and William Lane Craig. Along the way they discuss articles by Dennis Prager, Christopher Ramos, and Conor Friedersdorf. (4.11.11)
- Don and Brandon take a call from Jared, who thinks that belief in God is a stupid leap into irrationality. (4.4.11)
Heaven, Hell, and the Nature of Eternity
- Don discusses Rob Bell's new book Love Wins and talks with caller Justin about whether or not people will be able to sin in Heaven. (3.28.11)
Discussion with Bill the Naturalist
- Don and Brandon talk with Bill, an atheist caller from Virginia. In a discussion that ranges from bears to objective morality, each man presents and defends some evidences for their worldview. (3.21.11)
- Don and Brandon discuss some issues brought up by listeners in the wake of last week's show with Emery Wang, including the notion that sin, at its root, is disordered love. (2.28.11)
Discussion with Atheist Emery Wang
- Don talks to Emery Wang, founder of losingmyreligion.com and co-host of the podcast A Christian and an Atheist. (2.21.11)
Does Science Prove that Religious Belief is False?
- Don and Brandon break down atheist Andy Thomson's take on why people believe in gods. (2.7.11)
Discussion with Justin the Atheist
- Don and Brandon compare worldviews with caller Justin. They discuss, among other topics, why Don thinks Justin's understanding of Christianity is faulty and whether the accuracy of the scientific method is actually evidence for atheism. (1.31.11)
Why God Didn't Have More to Say About Slavery in the Old Testament
- In response to a listener question about God's seeming disinterest in slavery in the Old Testament, Don and Brandon discuss how God's rules fit into his plan for developing mature people.
- Should Muslims and atheists fear that Christian politicians will oppress them? (1.24.11)
Murder in a Meaningless Universe
- On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, at least one segment of the black community is not living the dream.
- Michael Shermer advises us to quit looking for meaning in life and in the process finds moral euqivalance between Jared Loughner’s murderous rampage in Tuscon and the death of a few birds.
- An Oregon sports blogger seems to be on to something when he postulates that the reason he is a fan is that it allows him to experience “two of the greatest feelings the human soul can have: hope and redemption.” (1.17.11)
On Bill O'Reilly's Argument for God
- Don and Brandon discuss Bill O'Reilly's interaction with atheist Dave Silverman as well as Stephen Colbert's funny response to it. Along the way Don references Apple's rejection of the Manhattan Declaration iPhone app, an article from S.E. Cupp about the arrogance of atheists, and a piece by Daniel Dennett explaining that atheists are less ignorant than most people. (1.10.11)
Why Dan Barker Shouldn't be so Confident in his Case Against God
- Atheist Dan Barker claims to know with certainty that the God of the Bible does not exist. In response to a listener request, Don and Brandon break down Barker's case for his position as he presented it in this debate. (1.3.11)
Why Ricky Gervais Needs to Re-think His Atheism
- Don and Brandon talk about the difference between emotional and intellectual doubt, then tackle Ricky Gervais' defense of atheism in the Wall Street Journal. Don argues that Mr. Gervais is typical of many atheists: he does not understand sound Christian epistemology, sound Christian theology, or the logical ramifications of the atheistic worldview he is trying to defend. (12.20.10)
- Don talks about the dangers of the false doctrine of easy believism, illustrating his point with a story from Don and Brandon's recent tour of the Holy Land. He then catches up on some more listener emails, touching on the relationship between politics, religion, and education and discussing whether or not we should pray in the workplace, among other topics. Along the way, he promotes his new book. (12.14.10)
Liam Neeson on Aslan and the Apostle Paul on Election
- Liam Neeson thinks Aslan stands for Mohammed, Buddha, and "other great spiritual leaders" as well as Jesus.
- Does Romans 9 support the view that God predestines some for salvation and others for damnation? Don offers an interpretation, and references this paper along the way. (You may find this summary chart of Romans helpful as well.)
- A listener inquires about those that have never heard the name of Jesus. Are they sent to Hell without being given a chance at salvation? (12.6.10)
"Choice," "Free Choice," and the Misuse of Language
- Don and Brandon talk about their discussion with Jeremy on the last show. Only one question left to resolve: Did Jeremy misuse the English language on purpose or was it simply the result of an unfortunate chain of causal determinants in his past? (6.24.10)
Conversation with Jeremy Beahan of Reasonable Doubts
- In response to listener requests, Jeremy Beahan of Reasonable Doubts comes on the show to address the issues we brought up in our April 19th broadcast and try to clarify his position regarding naturalism and determinism. (5.24.10)
Edwina the Dinosaur, Kraken the Sea Monster, and the Need to Broaden the Data Pool
- Don and Brandon answer some listener emails regarding their method of argumentation. They also discuss how to know God through his actions in history. (5.10.10)
The Problem with being "Spiritual but not Religious"
- Don and Brandon analyze the popular notion that we should be "spiritual but not religious" and suggest some problems with it. They also discuss how the God of the Bible uses "religion" to bring people into loving relationship with him. Some links that go with the show:
- In response to a listener request, Don and Brandon break down the argument against free will presented by the guys who host Reasonable Doubts. (4-19-10)
- Don and Brandon review some online interactions from the previous week and discuss some principles for talking with anti-theists. They also answer a listener email about the nature of art and why they believe beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. (4.12.10)
The Warrior God of Passover and Easter
- Don and Brandon discuss President Obama's interpretation of Easter and Passover, noting that the Biblical narrative paints a far different picture than he does. They also answer some listener questions about last week's show and comment further on the different ways that God intervenes in human affairs. (4.5.10)
The Relationship between God, Government and Human Rights
- Don discusses the recent discovery of evidence that the ten plagues of Egypt actually happened and why even some Christians don't know what to do with this data. He also clarifies some points from last week's show and expands further on the relationship between God, government and human rights, arguing that government controlled health care is not a human right. Indeed, it takes away human rights. Finally, Don evaluates a speech by atheist Sam Harris about morality. (3.29.10)
- Don and Brandon rant about Obamacare while answering listener questions and comments. They discuss, among other things, whether the New Testament supports nationalized health care, how Christians should respond to the fall of the American Empire, and why Canada seems to have become emasculated. Some links that go with the show:
How Not to Think about Religion
- A Christian asks Christopher Hitchens a silly question.
- Mosab Hassan Yousef understands the difference between Islam and Christianity much more clearly than Brad Hirschfield does.
- Susan K. Smith proselytizes for a religion that claims we shouldn't proselytize.
- A listener suggests that Don should be just as skeptical of his own beliefs as he is of Mormon doctrines. (3.8.10)
Can One be Talked Out of Being a Christian?
- Don and Brandon talk with caller Brian about whether it is possible to be "talked out of" being a Christian.
- More on the Dark Ages in which we currently live, including a reference to a NY Times piece on kids and boredom and a story about a reporter being fired for believing objective truth actually exists. (2.22.10)
On Richard Dawkins and The Mormon Answer Man
- In a discussion of the Haitian earthquake, Richard Dawkins claims that Pat Robertson is the only one who understands Christian theology correctly. As part of Don and Brandon's discussion of this, they bring up an article by Ken Connor.
- In response to some questions from listeners, Don and Brandon interact with some recorded material from The Mormon Answer Man. (1.25.10)
On MLK, Avatar, and The Finger of God
- Don and Brandon discuss Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs about extremism and his enemies, the message of Avatar and the alleged miracles chronicled in the documentary The Finger of God. (1.18.10)
Columnists who Don't Understand Religion and Atheists who Don't Know How to Read Books
- Don and Brandon talk about Brit Hume's advice for Tiger Woods and the nature of religious discussion in the public square. Don references several articles, including pieces by Tom Shales, Jenny Block, Kyle Drennen, and Michael Gerson.
- Contradictions in the Bible? Don and Brandon answer listener questions about biblical difficulties and respond to Jim Merritt's page on infidels.org about why the Bible can't be trusted. (1.11.10)
Living in Slavery while Believing You're Free
- Don and Brandon clarify some points they made last week about the Manhattan Declaration, discuss the meaning of freedom according to Jesus and answer a listener question about the use of icons in worship, among other things. Along the way Don references John Macarthur's statement on the Manhattan Declaration, the Lawrence Roth article that exposes his misunderstanding of liberty and an ABC News piece about how many Americans think they are a god. (12.14.10)
The Manhattan Declaration and More
- Don and Brandon answer some listener questions about seeking meaning in life and whether or not Christianity makes extraordinary claims that require extraordinary evidence. They also discuss The Manhattan Declaration, a recently released statement from Christian leaders that offers a prophetic call to Christians and the culture. (12.7.09)
- Brandon shares about the apologetic limitations of 30 minute conversations with one's maintenance man.
- James the Magician hosts a much more effective and entertaining apologetic presentation in Wales this week.
- Don clarifies some points from the discussion last episode with Aaron.
- A columnist in the U.K. offers some bad advice to a woman who is unsure about her faith.
- Sally Quinn displays some ignorance in attacking Sarah Palin's Christianity. (We note David Limbaugh's piece in this discussion.) (11.30.09)
Morality and Meaning According to an Atheist
- Don and Brandon talk with caller Aaron about whether atheism or theism better accounts for the data our senses provide. Specific topics include how to explain the Fort Hood shooting and whether or not life has any ultimate meaning. (11.16.09)
- Charles Barkley rants about Christians who judge.
- A listener has a question about whether or not atheism is based on faith.
- Don and Brandon break down Edgar Dahl's assertion that God does not provide a basis for morality. Along the way they discuss the difference between a voluntaristic and intellectualist view of God and how that influences ethics and soteriology. (11.09.09)
Is Belief in God a Sign of Dementia?
- Don and Brandon weigh in on Gardiner Harris's assertion that scientists believe theism is a sign of mild dementia. They also mention William McGurn's piece in the Wall Street Journal on the subject.
- David Brooks thinks we need to be moral with our money, but can do that without having a moral standard that applies to every other area of life.
- Jonah Goldberg's take on poetry and politics can also be applied to religion. (10.26.09)
Bible Burning and the Word of God
- A gaping "loophole" in Utah's homicide law.
- More evidence that Global Warmism is a fideistic religion.
- Paula Kirby wants some evidence of God.
- C.S. Lewis on the way God communicates and the limitations of language.
- Bible burning and the Word of God. (10.19.09)
October 5, 2009
On Loving your Neighbor, Saving the Panda, and Keeping Kids in Church
- Don and Brandon clarify some points they made last week about biblical interpretation and answer a listener question about whether or not loving your neighbor means we have to believe that all nations are equal. They also address a proposal to let pandas die off and discuss the best way to keep kids from abandoning the faith.
September 28, 2009
Don't Try This at Home
Don and Brandon discuss
- An atheist's attempt to defend religion.
- The Episcopal Church's attempt to attract more young people.
- A pastor's attempt to connect Barack Obama and the Antichrist. (Here is John Mark Reynold's excellent piece on this topic.)
September 21, 2009
Addressing Possible Contradictions in the Gospels
- Don and Brandon answer a listener email about a possible contradiction in the gospels. They also discuss the proper way to frame the discussion when talking about this type of issue with atheists.
- Other topics include a listener question about Darwinian ethics, a Newsweek article about whether or not belief in God is "hard-wired" and author Dan Brown's take on science and religion.
September 14, 2009
Why it is not in Government We Trust and More
- Don clarifies some points from last week about Christian political theory and explains why we don't want government running our lives. He illustrates his points with several examples from the news, including stories about Big Brother in England and a California lawmaker who has affairs with lobbyists. Don and Brandon also the nature of education and the government's role in forming out kids, referencing stories about Barack Obama's speech to schoolchildren, and recent decisions to force one student into public school for being too "rigidly" Christian and another to apologize for talking about Jesus.
- Don and Brandon answer a listener email about how to know which scriptures are truly the "Word of God" by discussing the nature of God's revelation to man. Don argues that God reveals much more than just words about himself and that we should understand the "Word of God" as more than just a text.
August 31, 2009
On Free Speech, the Theology of the Health Care Debate, Harvesting Organs from Babies and Biblical Interpretation
- Don and Brandon start by attempting to answer a listener email about what he should do to prepare for his year at a secular university. The resulting conversation is wide ranging, touching on everything from politics to bioethics to Biblical hermeneutics. Don references several articles along the way, including Jonah Goldberg's piece on President Obama's faith, two stories that advocate harvesting organs from aborted babies, and a report from Florida about clothing that doesn't align with the local school district's worldview.
August 3, 2009
Debate with Aaron the Agnostic about The Problem of Evil
- Don and Brandon talk again with caller Aaron, this time about what the existence of evil in the world tells us about whether or not God exists and what he is like if he does.
August 3, 2009
On How to Gather Knowledge and Understand the Trinity
- Don and Brandon discuss listener comments and emails about the difference between data and criteria in worldview epistemology and whether or not the trinity is self refuting nonsense.
July 6, 2009
Rick Warren, Unanswered Prayer and the Problem of Evil
Brandon flies solo and talks about
- Rick Warren's speech at a Muslim gathering.
- More weak arguments against the existence of God at whywontgodhealamputees.com.
- New Age epistemology with a caller.
- The problem of evil in answer to a chat room question.
June 15, 2009
Sound Hermeneutics, New Age Nonsense and Mean Canadians
- Don and Brandon comment briefly on last weeks conversation and discuss some of the different presuppositions Christians hold about the nature of the Biblical text and how that affects interpretation. They also address a listener question about whether or not it is possible to "lose your salvation."
- A new-age daily meditation offers more self-refuting nonsense.
- An atheist video maker explains what would cause him to believe in God. Don and Brandon explain why his approach to the topic is all wrong.
- Are Canadians becoming less nice?
June 8, 2009
Do Don and Brandon Advocate a "Works" Salvation
- Pete calls in and suggests that Don and Brandon have faulty soteriology.
May 26, 2009
Analyzing Historical Critics, Abortion Apologists and False Prophets
- Don and Brandon discuss the Historical Critical philosophy of history, and how it was exhibited in last week's discussion with Aaron as well as the debate with Dr. Price.
- Is abortion like drinking? A commenter on this story thinks so, and wins this week's Jonathan Swift Award.
- Listener Joshua asked us to discuss whether or not it was right to say that the preacher in this video was wrong to kick a guy in the stomach.
May 18, 2009
Discussion with Aaron the Agnostic
- Don and Brandon talk to caller Aaron about whether or not you can approach a topic like the resurrection without some presuppositions about the nature of reality.
May 11, 2009
Discussion with a Caller who Would Like to Import Ideas from Other Worldviews into Christianity
- Don and Brandon talk with David, who wishes more Christians would look to the New Age movement (among other places) for spiritual guidance.
May 4, 2009
Discussion with Atheist Caller Gabriel
- Don and Brandon compare worldviews with Gabriel, an atheist listener who had some questions about their use of the moral argument.
April 27, 2009
The Large Amount of Hypocrisy, Irony and Self Refuting Nonsense in Public Discourse
- Perez Hilton can't tolerate Miss California's "intolerant" views and decides to exclude her from being Miss USA for not being inclusive enough.
- A former Miss California refers to the Bible to support her views while deriding the current Miss California for referring to the Bible to support hers.
- Karen Armstrong thinks the people of Pakistan should abandon whatever religion they currently practice and turn to Sufism because Sufism accepts that whatever religion people currently practice is just fine.
- Why would an atheist want to be officially de-baptised?
- Is there a balance between Arminianism and Calvinism? Don and Brandon discuss a listener email.
April 13, 2009
Answered Prayer and Experiences of the Holy Spirit
- A listener believes god answered his prayer regarding getting a car but is friend objected to his claim, saying it was ridiculous to believe in a God who would answer that silly prayer but not end famine.
- Another listener asks Don and Brandon about whether or not they experience the Holy Spirit in their lives and what that means. During this talk, Don references books by J.P. Moreland and Michael Novak.
March 30, 2009
YouTube Messages
Don and Brandon discuss the message of a couple of YouTube videos, including one of their own.
- The maker of this funny video asks, " If people claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus, shouldn't they all believe basically the same things about him?"
- In The Fire, a video written and produced by Don, a guy tries to save people from a burning building but meets with no success. Some have objected to the message of the video, claiming that comparing a religious truth claim to one about a fire is improper because a fire is verifiable and religions are not. Don and Brandon don't agree.
March 23, 2009
Living in an Idiocracy and Being Ready for the End of the World
- In response to some listener comments, Don and Brandon try to clarify how they use the moral argument.
- Citing Thoms Bertonneau, Janie B. Cheaney and the crew at whywontgodhealamputees.com, Don suggests that we are descending into an age of idiocy and barbarism.
- If that descent is one harbinger (among many) of the end of the world, are you ready for Jesus' return? On what are you basing your confidence? Don and Brandon talk about what the Bible says about being ready.
March 16, 2009
Developing Evolutionary Morality, Keeping the Letter of the Law and Playing Language Games
- A listener asks about how morality might have developed in a world without God.
- The state of Minnesota is selling special "interest-free" loans to Muslims in order to meet the requirements of Sharia law.
- Playing language games with science and bio-ethics.
- A U.N. proposal would criminalize "defamation of Islam".
March 9, 2009
Not Taking Eternity Seriously, Sleeping with Your Girlfriend and More
- If most Americans believe that Heaven and Hell are real places, why are they not more serious about making sure they get to the right place? Since one's eternal destination is easily the most important topic in reality, ensuring one is on the right road should be our obsession, according to Don.
- Does Don think Augustine and Calvin are simpletons? Don and Brandon respond to a listener charge.
- Frank Turek explains that many people reject God because they want to sleep with their girlfriends.
- William Lobdell has a new book out documenting how he lost his religion.
- A listener asks for some advice on how to reach people who don't care about God and don't see their need for him.
March 2, 2009
Discussion with "Wolfinator" about Tolerance and the Road to Heaven
- Don and Brandon spend most of this show talking with caller "Wolfinator" about whether or not all spiritual paths lead to Heaven, among a few other things.
February 23, 2009
Thoughts on God and Ethics from the Devil, Penn Jillette and Nancy Pelosi
- A listener wanted our thoughts on a clip from The Devil's Advocate. The movie makers got the devil right, including the fact that he lies about the nature of God. (warning: profanity in clip)
- Penn Jillette presents his reasons for believing there is no God.
- Don and Brandon address a listener question: "If God knew that most people would go to Hell, how can we say that creating people was good?"
- Can the pro-life position be defeated with just one question?
- A baby is murdered at an abortion clinic. How is this a shock to people?
- Our Jonathan Swift Award for the week goes to Nancy Pelosi, for arguing that a decreased population will be good for the economy.
February 16, 2009
Should We Listen to Our Conscience?
- Don and Brandon address listener emails regarding the two previous shows as well as a question about whether or not they actually believe that we should listen to our conscience. Listener Tomer suggests that they hold to a double standard on the subject.
February 9, 2009
Is Life Fatalistic?
- Don and Brandon continue a discussion Brandon started on the last show. They talk about whether or not life is fatalistic and some of the practical consequences of believing that it is.
January 26, 2009
Does God have a Purpose for Everything that Happens?
- Brandon discusses whether it is right to say that God has a purpose for everything that happens. He argues that it is not and gives some strong biblical evidence in support of his position.
January 19, 2009
Theology and Martin Luther King Jr.
- Don and Brandon discuss whether it is possible to separate theology from social action, as Leora Tananbaum seems to desire. The conversation also includes references to an article about Martin Luther King Jr. by Diane Cameron, a survey of American theological beliefs by the Barna Group, a report about Barack Obama's theology, and Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" Speech.
January 12, 2009
Discussion with "Boredom" about the Evidence Supporting Our Respective Worldviews
- "BoredomConsumesEverything" calls into the Don Johnson Show because he doesn't think there is any evidence to support a theistic worldview.
January 12, 2009
Should We Love Fantasy Stories and Pray About Football?
- Richard Dawkins has taken leave of his position at Oxford to study the effects of fantasy stories on children. He suspects they may be producing a irrational mindset in people that disposes them to more readily fall prey to religion.
- Kurt Steeter speaks for God and tells us to quit praying about football because he has more important things to worry about.
January 9, 2009
Why the Financial Crisis Could Be the Best Thing that Ever Happened to You
- Don presents Jesus' take on the financial crisis. He explains that, according to Jesus, losing the American dream might just be the best thing that ever happened to you.
January 8, 2009
Bigots, Pro-Christian Atheists and More
- Christopher Hitchens thinks Christians are bigots for believing some people go to hell. Heather Mac Donald doesn't think they are, because they must not really believe that whole hell thing.
- ABC News doesn't know the difference between an political evangelical and an evangelist. Unfortunately, neither do many evangelicals.
- Atheist Matthew Parris thinks Africa desperately needs God. (Don brings up this news story about a stoning death in Somalia during the discussion.)
November 13, 2008
More Fascist Tendencies and Irrational Atheist Bus Advertising
- The intolerant, hateful bigots who opposed Proposition 8.
- Pondering the rights of plants in Switzerland.
- Atheist advertising in London and Washington D.C. is supposed to cause people to think. Brandon and Don take a shot at it.
- We address a listener comment on the debate with Dr. Price.
November 7, 2008
Debate with Dr.Robert Price, Part 6
- This is Part 6 of a debate hosted by OpposingViews.net between Don and Dr. Robert Price on the resurrection.
After an introduction by Paul Arends, Don and Brandon discuss the debate to this point and address some of the points brought up by Paul and Dr. Price last week.
October 31, 2008
On the Way to the New Dark Ages
- How Alan Greenspan's worldview helped lead to the economic crisis.
- Is the Bible Illuminated another signpost on the way to a new dark ages?
October 30, 2008
Debate with Dr.Robert Price, Part 5
- This is Part 5 of a debate hosted by OpposingViews.net between Don and Dr. Robert Price on the resurrection.
This episode includes an interview with Dr. Price followed by a commentary by host Paul Arends about where he thinks the debate stands.
October 23, 2008
Gay Marriage, Money and Politics
- Don and Brandon discuss California's Proposition 8, the world financial crisis, and why it is unwise to put your faith in money or politics.
October 15, 2008
Debate with Dr. Robert Price, Part 4
- This is Part 4 of a debate hosted by OpposingViews.net between Don and Dr. Robert Price on the resurrection.
This was supposed to be Dr. Price's chance to respond, but debate host Paul Arends wanted some clarification of some of Don's positions before proceeding. This show, then, is Paul's presentation of some of the problems he has with Don's argument, followed by an interview with Don to get his response. Brandon Ridley also joins Don in that part of the broadcast.
October 3, 2008
Debate with Dr. Robert Price, Part 3
- This is Part 3 of a debate hosted by OpposingViews.net between Don and Dr. Robert Price on the resurrection.
In this episode Paul Arnends interviews Don and gets his response to last weeks discussion with Dr. Price.
September 30, 2008
Just War Theory and Abortion; Salvation, Relationship and Experiencing God; What About People Who have Never Heard about Jesus?
- Don hands out a Jonathan Swift Award to Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite for classifying preborn babies as enemy combatants.
- Don and Brandon discuss some listener emails. Topics include the fate of those people who have never heard about Jesus and the nature of salvation, especially as it relates to one experiencing God in relationship.
September 26, 2008
Debate with Dr. Robert Price, Part 2
- This is Part 2 of a debate hosted by OpposingViews.net between Don and Dr. Robert Price on the resurrection.
In this episode Paul Arnends interviews Dr. Price and gets his response to Don's argument in Part 1 of the debate.
September 26, 2008
How the West is Embracing Fascism. Does the Bible Say You Should Be True to Yourself? Can the Bible Be Reconciled with Evolution?
- Sarah Palin's rise to fame has highlighted the fact that over 90% of preborn babies with Down's Syndrome are killed. Camille Paglia thinks we should call abortion what it is, murder, and embrace it. In the Netherlands, infanticide is celebrated. Don and Brandon continue to catalog the West's embrace of fascism.
- Christian celebrities Ray Boltz and Clay Aiken recently came out as gay, claiming that they needed to be true to who they were. Does the Bible teach this? (Don reads part of a blog post by Tony Woodleaf.)
- Listener Phil asks if the Bible can be reconciled with evolution.
September 19, 2008
Debate with Dr. Robert Price, Part 1
- Don is interviewed by Paul Arnends of OpposingViews.net.
This is part 1 of a debate in which Paul will alternate between interviewing Don and Dr. Robert Price on the subject of the historicity of the resurrection.
Dr. Price is Professor of Theology and Scriptural Studies at Johnnie Colemon Theological Seminary, the founder and editor of The Journal of Higher Criticism, and a Fellow of the Jesus Seminar. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and another PhD in New Testament from Drew University. He is the author of many books including Jesus Is Dead.
September 11, 2008
Pluralism the Religion, More on the Prophecy of Jesus' Return, and Other Listener Email
- Eboo Patell wants us to join the religion of pluralism.
- Don and Brandon continue to interact with a listener about the New Testament writers and the return of Christ.
- More listener emails.
August 15, 2008
The Trustworthiness of NT Authors, The Difficulty of Paranormal Research, and the Arrogance of the "Many Ways to Heaven" Crowd
- Don and
Brandon answer answer some listener
questions, including:
- "If the New Testament writers were wrong about when Jesus was going to return, why should we trust them about anything else?"
- "Shouldn't Christians be leading the charge to investigate paranormal activity? They seem to be leaving that realm to pagans."
- According to a recent study, 70% of religious believers think there is more than one path to eternal life. While at least one expert thinks this position is a sign of humility, Don and Brandon argue that it is actually incredibly arrogant. This discussion veers into the political realm and includes references to an article by Pat Buchanan.
August 8, 2008
Listener Emails on the Relationship Between Experience, Evidence and Faith
- Don and Brandon answer listener email and live chat room questions.
June 5, 2008
Irrational Mormons and Neural Buddhists
- Don and Brandon respond to a Mormon listener who argues that is is wrong to demand rationality and reasonableness from religion.
- Sharon Stone blamed the Chinese earthquakes on karma. Why are people so upset?
- David Brooks thinks the evidence being discovered by neurobiology doesn't bode well for Christianity.
May 21, 2008
Why Does the God of the Old Testament Kill Kids? and More
- A listener asks what to do with the Old Testament accounts of God destroying entire populations.
- The church of green.
- Homosexuality and race.
- Were two fliers who prayed, then landed safely next to a huge "Jesus is Lord" sign after their engine quit just lucky, or did God rescue them?
May 16, 2008
Atheism and Child Murder, Christianity without Christ and More
- Don and Brandon respond to a listener email asking about people who are not interested in reason and evidence when choosing a worldview as well as those who honestly think the reason and evidence point elsewhere than Christianity.
- A discussion of the recent debate between Dinesh D'Souza and Peter Singer.
- Christianity without Christ?
May 8, 2008
Apatheism, Pandering Pastors, Pluralism Sunday, and Atheists Who Raise Christian Kids
- Jonathan Rauch argues that the greatest development in modern religion is "apatheism."
- The pastor who built his church on telling people what they want to hear, and other signs of a weak American evangelicalism.
- The silliness of Pluralism Sunday.
- The atheist who finds it necessary to teach her kid to be a Christian.
May 1, 2008
Trusting in Money but Not Ben Stein
- A new study suggests that conservative Protestants have less wealth than most people. But are they really less secure?
- Within our current cultural framework, what exactly is the case against polygamy?
- Some Darwinists don't like Ben Stein's Expelled because he links the ideology to Hitler. But if Darwinism is true, isn't it linked to everything?
- Richard Dawkins admits that he thinks tribalism, not religion, is the cause of evil. And the cause of tribalism? Evolution. We try to figure it out.
- Oprah Winfrey has "opened her mind" to irrationality.
April 24, 2008
Converting to Islam Because it Feels Good and More
- A U.K. Christian converted to Islam, but doesn't seem to have any good reasons for having done so.
- According to Professor Daniel Dennett, religion is the greatest threat to rationality and science. Don argues that he is actually, and rightly, concerned about fideism, not religion.
- It is fine for environmentalists to use scripture to support there position, but as Patrick McIlerhan notes, they might want to avoid making it up or taking it out of context when they do.
- Senators Clinton and Obama admit they don't know when life begins. Shouldn't that make them anti-abortion?
April 17, 2008
Islamic Arguments against Christianity, Leaving Scientology and Abortion for Art's Sake
- A discussion of some topics that were raised in last week's interview with Stephen Gibson.
- Don and Brandon answer some Muslim arguments against Christianity that were sent in by a listener.
- A T.V. star is mad at Scientology for not delivering on its promises.
- This week's Jonathan Swift award goes to Aliza Shvarts, who allegedly had abortions in order to produce an art project.
April 10, 2008
Interview with Stephen Gibson
- Our guest is Stephen Gibson, founder of Truth Driven Thinking and author of A Secret of the Universe. Mr. Gibson rejected his Christianity due to higher biblical criticism, but has he found a worldview that is better supported by evidence? Don and Brandon try to find out.
April 3, 2008
Atheist Sunday School and Crazy Bishops
- Don responds to a listener email questioning last weeks winner of the Jonathan Swift award.
- The Episcopal Bishop of Washington claims the if Islam is false, so is Christianity and Judaism. Don disagrees.
- Atheist Sunday School?
- Is working for the conversion of Muslims the same as the crusades?
- A listener suggests that since cultural relativism is a fact, perhaps moral relativism is too.
March 27, 2008
The God Particle and More
- In Search of the God Particle: Physicist Steven Weinburg hopes to find a naturalistic explanation for everything.
- Can naturalistic philosophy explain why mediation can change the brain?
- The fallacy of religion?
- The debate over whether or not we should debate about God.
- Atheist Sara Kuhlman is right about bumper sticker religion.
- Our Jonathan Swift Award for this week goes to the opponents of perinatal hospices.
March 20, 2008
The Easter Bunny, Jeremiah Wright, Margaret Sanger and More
- The disturbing trend among preachers to consult their DVD collection for sermon ideas before going to the Bible.
- Hot-cross buns and reincarnation milk: taking a look at Danny Katz's critique of religion.
- Does one have to believe the resurrection actually happened to get something out of Easter? Don, Brandon and Greg discuss a Daily Telegraph article that claims Easter goes beyond religion.
- The Jeremiah Wright story has brought Black liberation theology into the news. The group talk about where it fits within the three main historical views of the kingdom of God.
- As exposed by The Advocate, Planned Parenthood is doing a great job of fulfilling their founder's racist, eugenic vision.
- Don, Greg and Brandon get into a brief debate about pacifism.
March 13, 2008
Religion and Ignorance, Virtue and Freedom
- Is American ignorance
and anti-intellectualism due to religion, as
Susan Jacoby argues,
or is it actually due to a rejection of God, as
Don and Brandon argue.
- San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom offers an example of irrationality.
- Recycle or go to hell?
- Going green for lent?
- More examples of what not to look for when "shopping for God."
- Who does the evidence suggest is right about the Elliot Spitzer adultery case: Cal Thomas or Mary Carmichael?
- The relationship between virtue and freedom.
March 6, 2008
How Not to Read the Bible
After discussing the proposition that Moses was often high on drugs, Don and Brandon offer several examples of what not to do with biblical writings.
- Barack Obama's faulty hermeneutics.
- How rejecting the Bible killed mainline Protestantism.
- The Peace and Justice Bible takes biblical "helps" to a new level of silliness.
February 28, 2008
Are Americans Really Losing their Religion? Or Just Becoming Less Rational About It?
- The American populace is turning away from organized religion, but staying religious nonetheless. Don and Brandon talk about this phenomenon and use Geraldine Brooks' testimony, and the religious fervor surrounding Barack Obama as examples.
- Listener Tomer says that if there is a chance his children are going to end up in hell, it is not worth having kids. Don and Brandon talk about the nature of relationships and the difference between going to hell and getting captured by terrorists.
- Two Orange county cities have posted "In God We Trust" in their municipal buildings. Don finds himself agreeing with Christopher Hitchens on this subject.
February 21, 2008
On Deepak Chopra's New Book, Sex Education, and Outlawing Piglet, Among Other Things
- Why Deepak Chopra's call for a "new" Jesus is unsupportable.
- The faulty presuppositions of the researchers who are investigating why people believe in religion.
- How the irrationality of the Anti-Defamation League and the British Government is causing them to embrace evil.
- Why Keith Olbermann and some members of Congress are completely wrong on sex education and AIDS relief.