Why Do You Believe?: Recent Episodes
Southern Evangelical Seminary
Why Do You Believe is the official podcast of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Since 1992, SES has provided integrated training in theology, philosophy, and apologetics to equip believers to proclaim the Gospel, engage the culture, and defend the Truth.
While many modern conservative Christians uphold the idea that there are two genders, they often inadvertently eviscerate the male and female genders by making the masculine and feminine roles interchangeable. If we disregard the specific man/woman directives and differences in scripture, are we really valuing God’s design for us? Specifically, what should biblical womanhood really look like in the 21st century? Is historic Christianity's view of womanhood outdated and oppressive? Join us as we discuss these issues with SES alumna Nora Hale.
In our current cultural context, according to some it is not enough to see all human beings as equally valuable. Those holding such a view insist that one must work towards anti-racism. While that sounds good on the surface, what exactly does this idea entail? Is it a good idea, or is there something else going on here? Join us as we discuss these issues with long-time SES student and friend Melissa Pellew.
We conclude our overview of the new SES infographic "Nine Essential Arguments for Effective Christian Apologetics" by looking at the final three points that seek to demonstrate the truthfulness of Christianity specifically. The foundation has been laid regarding the nature and knowability of truth, the existence of God, and the fact that miracles are at least possible. Join us as SES Provost Dr. Richard G. Howe walks us through the final steps of our apologetic by examining the reliability of the Bible and the reality of Jesus' resurrection.
Last week we discussed the nature of truth, its knowability, and the fact that every aspect of physical reality has a metaphysical nature which we are capable of knowing and communicating about. As we continue our journey through the essential arguments for a complete apologetic for Christianity, we're joined again by SES Provost Dr. Richard Howe to discuss the existence of God and the implications this has to further our apologetic. If there is no God, there can be no Word of God. But how can we know that God actually exists?
We talk a lot about specific issues and nuanced philosophical and theological concepts. But at the end of the day, what are the basic arguments that form the foundation for a solid Christian apologetic? In our post-Christian culture, it is imperative that believers at least know the basics in order to become effective ambassadors for Christ in their proclamation and defense of the Gospel. Join us for this series with SES Provost Dr. Richard Howe as we discuss nine essential arguments for effective Christian apologetics.
Once again, Dr. William Lane Craig, along with Dr. James White, has mischaracterized Aquinas' view of divine simplicity, its importance, and its implications. This matters because divine simplicity, properly understood, is one of the most important doctrines of God from which the other divine attributes properly follow and are understood. SES professor Dr. Brian Huffling will discuss his recent blog post graciously responding to our brothers' continued misunderstanding and mischaracterizations.
A couple of episodes ago we began talking about the book “Answering the Music Man: Dan Barker’s Arguments Against Christianity” written by several of our SES alumni. The book is a response to Dan Barker, the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Barker touts many of the typical, and shallow, talking points common to what has come to be known as the “new atheists." Today, we’ll be talking with three more authors of the book and their specific responses to Barker.
We all know that one of the most well-known and difficult issues facing Christian apologetics is the problem of evil. Book after book has been written on the subject. There is one particular aspect of the problem of evil that is gaining in popularity amongst skeptics and unbelievers. That is the so-called problem of animal suffering. Why would a good God create animals and allow them to suffer in so many horrible ways?. Some, like Alex O’Conner also known as the Cosmic Skeptic on YouTube, go so far as to claim this is the single greatest problem to Christianity. What exactly is the problem of animal suffering, and how should Christians respond?. We’ll be discussing this issue with Dr. Kyle Keltz, SES alum and author of “Thomism and the Problem of Animal Suffering.”
At our National Conference on Christian Apologetics, Dr. Richard Howe debated professing-Christian-music-minister-turned-atheist Dan Barker. Barker is the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. After the debate, two of our SES Ph.D. alumni decided to begin a book project to dive more deeply into answering the many claims and assertions Barker promoted at the debate. The result is a relatively new book entitled “Answering the Music Man: Dan Barker’s Arguments Against Christianity." We’ll be discussing the book with a few of the authors this week and next week.
The seemingly overnight adoption of critical race theory as mainstream, the acceptance of transgenderism and homosexuality, the ideas of safe spaces and hate speech, and even the idea of cultural marxism have been brewing behind the scenes for decades. Namely, these ideas have been taught at the university for years. Finally, those college students have become societal leaders and we are reaping the poisonous fruit of these corrupt ideas. What can be done now, and how do we reach the university for Christ? We’ll be examining these questions with SES alum and Ratio Christi staff member, Aaron Marshall
Dr. William Lane Craig is perhaps the most popular Christian apologist and philosopher today, and of course he is a dear brother in Christ. Ironically, however, he rejects some of the most foundational aspects about the nature of God upon which classical theism rests. We will specifically be looking at the simplicity of God and God's knowledge of the future. What, if any, are the implications of thinking wrongly about these issues? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brian Huffling, Director of the SES Ph.D. program, to analyze Dr. Craig's views on the nature of God.
How can someone help get apologetics training started at their local church, and what are some of the hurdles to look out for? What are the most important apologetics issues every church should equip their members to engage? Join us as we discuss these issues and more with Dr. Ray Ciervo, SES alum, author, and seasoned apologist.
We've discussed some of the classical attributes of God and how we, as limited human beings, can talk meaningfully about the unlimited God. But in modern times, this classical view of God has slowly been abandoned. Why is "God fading away" in this sense, and what implications are at stake with the abandonment of classical theism? Dr. Richard G. Howe, SES Provost, will join us to discuss this important topic.
What does it mean to say God is "good"? Could God be evil? Does God ever change His mind? What does it mean to say that God is everywhere present and all-knowing? Taken at face value, the Bible seems to provide contradictory information about the nature of God. Join us as we continue to discuss these issues as they relate to the attributes of God. We will again be joined by Dr. Doug Potter, SES Assistant Professor of Apologetics and Theology.
Mortimer Adler said, “More consequences for thought and action follow the affirmation or denial of God than from answering any other basic question.” The popular Chris Tomlin song, “Indescribable”, poetically articulates how God is beyond our comprehension. So how can we describe an indescribable God? Thoughts about the existence and nature of God are all over the place, even within the evangelical church. How can we know we are thinking well about God and that we are not in fact guilty of idolatry? What are God’s attributes, and why does it matter that we get this right? For the next two weeks, we’re going to be discussing these issues with my good friend and long-time SES professor, Dr. Doug Potter.
The Apostle Paul says we are to be pitied among all people if Jesus did not in fact rise from the dead. As we come to the time celebrating Easter, how do we know Jesus actually rose from the dead? What evidence is do we have showing us that we can be confident that our hope is not in vain? We discuss this topic with apologist and Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Jonathan McLatchie.
Is there any validity to the never-ending spiral of conspiracy theories that surround the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus every Easter? How should we think about the claims of dying and rising gods from pagan myths and cults? Is Christianity just a copycat of other myths, or did Jesus really rise from the dead? Join us as author and SES alum Allan Di Donato discusses this important topic.
There are lots of questions and concerns regarding the recent COVID vaccines that have been approved for public usage. Should we be worried? Are the conspiracy theories valid? How should Christians think through the issues related to the vaccines so that we can make an informed decision about taking one ourselves? Join us as we discuss these issues with Dr. Fuz Rana, SES adjunct professor and Vice President of Research/Apologetics at Reasons to Believe.
What is the Equality Act, and how will it impact believers living out their Christian convictions? More importantly, what is equality and why does it matter? Should we really strive for equal outcomes across the board? Join us as we discuss these issues with SES alum and president of CrossExamined.org, Dr. Frank Turek.
SES co-founder, Dr. Norman Geisler, is essentially the grandfather of the revitalization of classical apologetics. Join us for this discussion of his legacy with SES alum, and long-time associate of Dr. Geisler, Dr. William (Bill) Roach. He is the author of the new book, "Defending Evangelicalism: The Apologetics of Norman L. Geisler."
What is "progressive Christianity"? Is it compatible with historic Christianity or does it actually present another gospel? Join us for this personal interaction with author, apologist, and former contemporary Christian music recording artist, Alisa Childers. Her book "Another Gospel" chronicles her own interaction and struggle with progressive Christianity.
Happy late Valentine's Day, the day of the year where everyone focuses on "love." But do we really understand what love actually is? We hear the phrase thrown around a lot today that "Love is love." Is that true? What is love, and how do we properly love others? Join us as we dive deeper into natural law with Dr. Timothy Brown as he helps us think through these and other questions.
What are the "Laws of Nature" to which the Declaration of Independence refers? What exactly is natural law, and how should it inform our engagement with the current racial tension, critical race theory, LGBTQ+ issues, and even the notion of social justice in general?
What does it look like from some one to wake up and leave the 'woke' movement? Learn firsthand from the personal story of Monique Duson as she shares about her own experience of leaving critical race theory and learning to think well about current racial issues. She is the founder of the Center for Biblical Unity.
Are you "woke" or awake? We hear a lot today about social justice and being 'woke.' What does that actually mean, and are those notions compatible with biblical Christianity and the Gospel? Join us as we discuss these issues with Dr. Corey Miller, president of the campus ministry Ratio Christi.
Should the BLM riots and ongoing unrest, or the recent Capitol riots, be compared to the American Revolution? When is political violence appropriate? How should Christians think through, and respond to, these issues?
Kathryn Camp joins Eric Gustafson in this podcast to give an update on her ministry including her work with college and career aged young adults.
She's from Zoe Girl; he's from Hawk Nelson. They both struggled through questions and doubt. Now she's an apologist and SES student, and he's a skeptic. Listen to the recording of this honest dialog from a recent Why Do You Believe? LIVE broadcast.
Do animals have souls? Do they go somewhere when they die? In today's podcast, Eric sits down for a chat with Dr. Kyle Keltz to discuss the nature of animal death.
Why should we care about apologetic method? Is it really that important? Dr. Howe and Adam Tucker will recap their recent discussion on apologetic method with our friends from the T.A.G. You're It podcast.
Join us for this dialog on apologetic method with our friends from the "T.A.G. You're It" podcast. All four participants agree that inerrancy is both true and extremely important. However, they defend inerrancy, and Christianity, in very different ways. Is classical or presuppositional apologetics the correct way to defend the truthfulness of Christianity? This was a fun and lively intramural dialog!
David Joiner and J. Warner Wallace join Eric Gustafson virtually to discuss how we can better minister to our youth and answer the honest questions that they have today.
Faced with the COVID-19 Pandemic, how should the church respond? Adam Tucker and Dr. Richard Land discussed this on our first live-streamed podcast!
Today we have a chat with SES alum, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, on how his experience at SES has helped shaped his ministry, as well as looking at how the current COVID-19 Pandemic affects us in our ability to minister. Dr. Gray also shares some memories of his mentor Dr. Norman Geisler.
As we continue to face our new normal of dealing with COVID-19, the question on many people's minds is, "Why would God allow this?" Today, we reach back into the archives of the National Conference on Christian Apologetics and listen to a talk by SES alumna Jill Graham as she addresses the real struggle involved with understanding the goodness of God in light of suffering. We pray you will find the information both helpful and edifying.
Eric Gustafson, Dr. Fazale Rana, and Dr. John Sanford continue the discussion of a recent Earbiscuits podcast from the well known Rhett and Link. In the mentioned podcast, Rhett describes his de-conversion from the Christian faith. Was it a good understanding of science that eroded his faith, or something else? We go deeper.
Eric Gustafson and Dr. Hugh Ross discuss a recent Earbiscuits podcast, from the well known Rhett and Link, wherein Rhett describes his de-conversion from the Christian faith. Was it a good understanding of science that eroded his faith, or something else?
Where are we going with nanotechnology? We invited Dr. Chris Toumey, a Nanotechnology expert, to discuss with us where the field is heading and what we may see in the future.
We showcase another NCCA talk, this time from Dr. Brian Huffling on whether or not God is a moral being.
Listen to a panel discussion with J.T. Bridges, J.P. Moreland, and Jay Richards on the relationship between science, philosophy, and Christianity.
Is automation going to spell the end of the human worker? Unlikely, but we dive into the possibilities with Jay Richards on this subject and others regarding emerging technology in this podcast.
What is transhumanism? Fazale Rana and Kenneth Samples join Eric Gustafson on today's podcast to discuss the future of humanity and its integration with the technology we use every day.
Eric Gustafson kicks off a series on the metaphysics and ethics of emerging technology, starting with an interview with Dr. Timothy Brown on the topic of artificial intelligence. Is it even possible?
Adam Tucker and Eric Gustafson discuss SES's approach to the age of the earth, and why having this discussion at large is important.
This Podcast is a recording from our event, the National Conference on Christian Apologetics.
This week we are sharing a talk from NCCA 2018 with Dr. Benard Mauser, an SES professor.
Adam Tucker goes over three reasons that he is thankful for his education and career at SES.
Adam is joined by Dr. Joel Paulus to discuss the interplay of Christianity and the arts.
Marcia Montenegro, a former astrologer, joins Adam Tucker remotely for some discussion on the reality of Halloween.
Ben Hlastan joined us in the studio (last year) for a chat on the particularities of his ministry in Slovenia, and how it contrasts with what we are used to in the United States.
Adam Tucker and Dr. Richard Howe debrief on Howe's discussion with Mike Licona at this year's conference.
Adam Tucker and Dr. Richard Howe join us in the studio to discuss the details of the dialogue that Ken Ham and Dr. Howe had during the 2017 Apologetic Conference.
Ken Boa speaks with Adam Tucker on how we can change our way of thinking to fully realize our life in the presence of God.
The Bible is the word of God, but does that mean your worldview should be based only on the Bible?
Jeff and Micheal Discuss Prophecy in the New Testament, a main topic found in our new Biblical Studies Lay Institute Courses, available for pre-purchase here: https://ses.edu/biblical-studies-prepurchase
Sibu and Jeff discuss our new Biblical Studies portion of the Lay Institute available for pre-purchase here: ses.edu/biblical-studies-prepurchase In these new courses Sibu is teaching about prophecy in the Old Testament.
Jeff and Micheal go over some of the Johannine writings in anticipation of our soon to come biblical studies lay institute courses from SES!
Dr. J.T. Bridges discusses some of the aspects of how Christians can combat the ideas of a more fluid sexual identity with more scripture alone.
Are the morals all relative in today's world, or are there absolutes that we all generally adhere to?
In this podcast Frank Turek discusses with our host, Alex Joseph, on the growing animosity towards conservative values in academic institutions.
Juan Valdez discusses with Adam on how he has been able to make progress fighting a new wave of religious skepticism in Hispanic communities across the Americas.
In this podcast Cynthia and Alex talk about her humble beginnings just teaching her own children, and how she was driven to provide the answers that they and many others needed.
In this interview with James Damron we go into detail on how his education with SES has helped him through the current ethical problems he and many others are facing in the medical field today.
In this podcast we learn about what brought Dr. H.C. Felder to SES, where his studies have brought him, and what his mission is today.
Adam Tucker and Dr. J. T. Bridges, Academic Dean of SES, discuss what a makes a Christian Philosophy of Education different from contemporary philosophies of education. In this episode, Dr. Bridges elucidates the importance of establishing a proper philosophy of education.
SES provides an education that integrates philosophy and apologetics into every subject matter. Whether you pursue a Masters of Divinity, a Biblical Studies degree, or an Apologetics degree, philosophy and apologetics will be a foundational component in every class. But, how should one integrate those disciplines into their ministry? Today on Why Do You Believe, we interview alumni Dr. Rodney Cripps and Michael Stewart (M.A. Biblical Studies) about how SES uniquely equipped them to serve GraceLife Church of Pineville.
Recently Dr. Scott Oliphint misrepresented Southern Evangelical Seminary in a talk given at ReformCon2016. Academic Dean for SES, Dr. J. Thomas Bridges, is interviewed and clarifies the misunderstandings in Dr. Oliphint's talk and gives a clear description of the actual philosophical and theological convictions held by SES and its faculty.