The PleaseConvinceMe Apologetics Podcast

PCM Podcast 106 - What Do Christians Believe About the Nature of Man?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:58:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim continues his examination of Christian essentials as we journey through the Apostleâs Creed. What does Christianity teach about the nature of humans? Are we all innately good or are we innately evil? Why does it really matter in the first place, and why must we all agree on this issue? Is there any external evidence to support the Christian position? We also read listener email from Saudi Arabia, talk about the difficulty of witnessing to family members and respond to an atheist objection about âknowing what you believeâ.

PCM Podcast 105 - Is Markâs Gospel an Early Memoir of Peter?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:41:00 GMT

Church History tells us that Mark penned his Gospel from the preaching and teaching of Peter, but is this true? If so, Mark would be a VERY early account that records the observations of an eyewitness! In this podcast, Jim examines the Gospel of Mark from the perspective of external and internal evidence to determine if Mark did, in fact, act as a scribe for Peter. The evidence should give every Christian confidence that the Gospels were written early and that they accurately capture the eyewitness observations of those who knew Jesus best.

PCM Podcast 104 - Our Two Year Anniversary Podcast (Answering Listener Email)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:50:00 GMT

In this podcast, (our 104th episode) Jim is joined by his sons, Jimmy and David, as they answer listener email. What happens to someone when they are hypnotized? Are Christians who are hypnotized more like to be subject to demonic forces? How should the Christian community prepare its young people for the challenge of the University environment? How are we to respond to the challenge of secular humanism and philosophical naturalism? How can we reach those around us with the Gospel in a conversational way? Are there any tools or principles that we can apply to our discussions with non-believers?

PCM Podcast 103 - How Are We To Respond to Heresy?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 16:30:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine Biblical principles that can guide our response to heresy. What should we do when we encounter someone who holds a belief about God that is simply un-Biblical? Are we being divisive when we try to correct a fellow Christian? Shouldnât love and tolerance be our highest value and goal? Isnât it arrogant to think that we are right and others are wrong on matters related to faith? Weâll answer these questions and address some listener email related to the Gospel of Mark and apparent Bible contradictions.

PCM Podcast 102 - Historic Heresies

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:49:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at some historic misconceptions related to the nature of God the Father, Jesus and Salvation. You might be surprised to discover just how many historic errors are repeated today! Weâll examine how past believers have sometimes been confused about the triune nature of God, the divinity of Jesus or the manner in which Christians are saved for Eternal Life. Does it really matter what we believe about these things? Why is it so important? Join us as we look at some classic heresies before we start our in-depth discussion of Christian Orthodoxy!

PCM Podcast 101 - What is Heresy (and What is Orthodoxy)?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:43:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at the issue of âheresyâ. Are there any essential objective truths that Christians simply MUST accept if they want to call themselves âChristiansâ? Are some Christian truths non-negotiable? Is anything âout of boundsâ? Are creeds necessary to protect objective truths within the faith? We address these important questions and answer listener email related to âstreet evangelismâ and âenvironmentalismâ.

PCM Podcast 100 - Have Christians Always Used Creeds?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:49:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at the early use of creeds by those who called themselves âChristiansâ. Have Christians always proclaimed creeds as part of our worship and faith? Is Christianity innately âcreedalâ? Is it possible to be a Christian without accepting some sort of âcreedâ? Jim makes a case for âcreedalâ Christianity as we examine the early and frequent use of creeds within the Christian community.

PCM Podcast 99 - Answering Listener Email

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:21:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a short break to answer listener email related to the reliability and transmission of the New Testament, the evidence from the martyrdom of the apostles, and the nature of apparent discrepancies in eyewitness testimony. We also replay last weekâs radio interview with WORDFM in Pittsburgh as Jim talks about the âNeed for Creedsâ.

PCM Podcast 98 - The Need for Creeds

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 4 May 2009 02:31:00 GMT

Why do we need creeds when weâve already got the Bible? Why would we develop creeds in the first place? Arenât creeds simply divisive and destructive? Donât they cause more heat than light? In this podcast, Jim talks about the continuing need for creeds in a culture that denies the existence of objective truth in the first place. We also answer listener email related to the martyrdom of the apostles.

PCM Podcast 97 - Was Jesus Just a Man (And Did He Live At All)?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:22:00 GMT

In this podcast we look at the man we know as Jesus. Did He really live and exist as the Bible records? Is He a myth? How are we to respond to the objections of atheists, and are there good reasons to believe that the Resurrection really occurred? Weâll look at these issues and answer listener email related to sin and genetic predisposition, and evidence for God from the presence of information in the DNA code.

PCM Podcast 96 - Is the Bible Reliable?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:41:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the reliability of the Bible. Can the New Testament hold up to the scrutiny of skeptics? Is it simply Mythology? Has it been corrupted over time? Is it full of contradictions? Jim examines the reliability of the most attested ancient document known to mankind. We also answer listener email related to moral grounding and the death of dinosaurs!

PCM Podcast 95 - Does the Existence of Dinosaurs Contradict the Teaching of the Bible?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:29:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at the ancient fossil record of life and death before the appearance of mankind. Does this archeological record contradict the Biblical claims related to Adam and Eve, the fall of mankind, and the Biblical description of the Garden? Jim also answers email related to the existence of moral absolutes.

PCM Podcast 94 - Are There Contradictions in the Easter Account?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 17:11:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim interviews pastor and apologist Steven Kingsley, author of âThe Easter Answerâ. Kingsley provides a thoughtful response to atheist Dan Barkerâs âEaster Challengeâ. Are there inherent internal contradictions in the Easter accounts found in the Gospels? Are these contradictions a proof that the Christian claims related to the Resurrection are false? Weâll examine the âEaster Challengeâ and Steven Kinsleyâs âEaster Answerâ in this edition of the show.

PCM Podcast 93 - The Age of the Universe

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:51:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim explores the age of the universe. Does an ancient universe prove that Christianity is false? Does the Bible actually say anything about the age of the Universe? Why are so many Christians committed to the âyoung earthâ position? Jim examines these questions and also answers email about prayer and looks at an article examining the âevolvingâ theory of evolution.

PCM Podcast 92 - Why Doesnât God Answer My Prayers?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:25:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at the nature of prayer. Why does it sometimes feel as though God is ignoring our prayers? What was Jesus trying to teach us in the Lordâs Prayer? Does God consider the prayers of all of us equally, or are there some people he ignores altogether? Weâll mine the scriptures to reason through what the Bible has to say.

PCM Podcast 91 - Issues Related to Evolution, ID and Resistance to the Christian Worldview

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:58:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim answers listener email related to the evidence that supports evolution, the insertion of Intelligent Design Theory in public science curriculum, the role of volitional rebellion when considering the Christian worldview, and secular university efforts to criticize the Biblical perspective. Are there legitimate concerns and doubts related to the theory of evolution? Should Intelligent Design Theory be taught in public schools? Is there an effort being made in secular universities to discredit the Christian worldview?

PCM Podcast 90 - Can Evolution Explain All of Lifeâs Diversity?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sun, 8 Mar 2009 14:33:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim takes a brief look at the theory of evolution and examines some of the evidence that has classically been presented in order to argue for the truth of the theory. Can evolution account for all the diversity that we see in biology today? What is the definition of evolution and has adequate evidence been provided to establish the viability of âmacro-evolutionâ? What is the nature of the evidences that have historically been offered to make the case?

PCM Podcast 89 - Has Science Eliminated the Need for a Creator God?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 2 Mar 2009 04:05:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim examines scientific projects that attempt to create life in the laboratory, including so called âWet Artificial Lifeâ experiments. Have scientists discovered how to create life from non-living matter, and if so, does this endeavor answer questions related to the origin of life in our universe? Is it possible that âlife creationâ projects actually make a better case for theism than they do for philosophical naturalism?

PCM Podcast 88 - The Problem with Darwinism

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:11:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim interviews Michael, a biochemist, and examines the limited explanatory power of Darwinism. Is there any evidence within âsystems biologyâ to indicate that Darwinism is an insufficient explanation for the complexity that exists within molecular organisms? If so, what might better account for the complex and detailed information we find there? Is it possible to be a serious Christian and an impartial judge of the scientific evidence? Are there âsmartâ Christians working diligently in the sciences? Join Jim as he investigates the limits of naturalism and the journey of one Christian biochemist.

PCM Podcast 87 - Answering Objections to the Existence of a Supernatural Creator and Designer

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:04:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim answers challenges related to intelligent design and the origin of life. Isnât it possible that an alien race may have planted the seeds of life here on earth? Isnât there evidence from the oldest rocks on earth that establishes a reasonable timeline for the evolution of life? Doesnât scientific consensus invalidate objections on the part of theists? Doesnât evolution provide the most reasonable explanation for the bacterial flagellum? Jim tackles these tough questions in an effort to establish the reasonable nature of the Christian Worldview.

PCM Podcast 86 - Can Science Explain the Origin of Life?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 9 Feb 2009 04:14:00 GMT

In this podcast we take a detailed look at the atheistic explanation for the origin of life in our universe. Philosophical naturalists have been theorizing about âabiogenesisâ for some time now. Do they have a natural explanation for the origin of life? Does their own evidence support their theories? What is the connection between âabiogenesisâ and Darwinism? How can we, as Christians, being to dialogue with non-believers about the importance of asking the all-important question, âHow did life begin?â

PCM Podcast 85 - Answering Questions About Morality, Salvation, and Intelligent Design

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 3 Feb 2009 02:23:00 GMT

In this podcast, we answer some listener email and try our best to answer the following questions: âAre we falling into moral relativism if we choose to commit a lesser sin to avoid a greater sin?â âCan moral truths originate in the heart of man or does moral truth require a transcendent God?â âIs it fair for God to save a murderer in the last moments of his life, yet let a child who has never heard of Jesus go to hell?â âIsnât it true that Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites?â Join us as we tackle important questions related to faith, ethics and cultureâ

PCM Podcast 84 - Is Intelligent Design Theory unscientific?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:19:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim discusses the controversial issue of Intelligent Design Theory. Is "ID" Theory "unscientific"? What do we mean when we use the word "science" in the first place? Is Intelligent Design a reasonable inference from the scientific evidence found within biological organisms? Can the rules of evidence that are used in other kinds of investigations be applied to the study of our origin? What does good detective work tell us about the possible existence of a supernatural creator?

PCM Podcast 83 - Do Moral Absolutes Exist?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:15:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the existence of moral truth. Are moral truths relative to culture and individuals, or are they absolute and transcendent? Do we, as humans, have the last word related to moral truth, or is there a higher transcendent source of moral authority? How can we, as Christians, begin to make a case for absolute moral truth in a world where relativism reigns?

PCM Podcast 82 - Does Truth Exist (and Can It Be Known)?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:38:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the truth about truth! Does absolute, objective truth exist, or is all truth merely a matter of perspective and opinion? If objective truth does exist, can we ever really know it with any certainty? How are we supposed to determine the truth in the first place? We try to answer these questions and more as we examine the nature of knowledge, belief and truth.

PCM Podcast 81 - Why Are Christians So Intolerant?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 6 Jan 2009 00:28:00 GMT

In this podcast, we talk about the definition of tolerance as we try to understand why our culture often labels Christianity as an intolerant faith system. We also read listener email related to the eyewitness accounts of the Gospels.

PCM Podcast 80 - The Reliability of the Eyewitness Accounts of the Gospels

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:52:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the Gospels from the perspective of their value as eyewitness testimonies. Why should we trust the Gospels when there are other competing versions of the story of Jesus?

PCM Podcast 79 - Christmas Special - Evidence for Jesus Outside the Gospels

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:27:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the 'pagan' and Jewish records of the life of Jesus. Is there any evidence for the life of Jesus aside from the Christian Gospels? Was Jesus a real historical figure?

PCM Podcast 78 - Listener Email on Conservatism (and Abortion)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:02:00 GMT

In this podcast, we read some email related to our podcast on "Conservatism" and we also address questions and comments on the issue of abortion.

PCM Podcast 77 - Defining Conservatism

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sun, 7 Dec 2008 23:17:00 GMT

In this podcast, we read and respond to listener email related to our December Blog post on the nature and characteristics of "Conservatism".

PCM Podcast 76 - Are Christians Biased in Their Reasoning?

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 20:24:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at the issue of 'bias'. Are Christians too biased to examine the evidence for God fairly? Do non-believers also have a bias? Does science itself have a bias? We also answer listener email comparing Christianity to Mormonism and examining the Transcendental Argument.

PCM Podcast 75 - Is Reason an Enemy of Faith?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:04:00 GMT

In this podcast, we look at the role that reason, rationality and evidence play in the life of the Christian. Must people of faith abandon their need for evidence? Is 'true' faith blind? Jim also answers some recent listener email related to faith, reason, conservatism and Thanksgiving.

PCM Podcast 74 - Bible Contradictions and an Evil God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:58:00 GMT

In this podcast, we take a look at ten principles necessary for the proper reading of the Bible as we examine a number of apparent Bible contradictions and the claim that the God of the Old Testament is cruel and evil.

PCM Podcast 73 - Does the Existence of Pain and Suffering Disprove the Existence of God?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:13:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of pain and suffering as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. Also, Jim discusses the election of 2008 and makes a few observations from a Christian worldview.

PCM Podcast 72 - Should Government Recognize and Legalize Same Sex Marriage?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 22:43:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim reviews some basic principles to help Christians think about priorities surrounding the fall election of 2008, and we discuss the role that government should play in establishing and legalizing same-sex marriages.

PCM Podcast 71 - Does the Existence of Natural Evil Disprove the Existence of God?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:16:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of natural evil as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. How can such a God exist and allow natural evil to exist in our world? Also, Jim discusses the importance of prioritizing issues as we approach the General Election, and responds to a listener email.

PCM Podcast 70 - Does the Existence of Moral Evil Disprove the Existence of God?

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:10:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of moral evil as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. How can such a God exist and allow moral evil to exist in our world? Also, Jim discusses the role of Government and personal responsibility as the election approaches.

PCM Podcast 69 - Answering Objections to the Transcendental Argument for the Existence of God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:25:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim and Jimmy discuss common objections to the Transcendental Argument for the existence of God.

PCM Podcast 68 - Introduction to the Transcendental Argument

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:28:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim introduces the Transcendental Argument for the existence of God, responds to email concerning objections to the Anthropic Principle and talks about the sometimes 'hidden' nature of God as he interacts with his children today.

PCM Podcast 67 - The Difference Between Evidence and Proof

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:26:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the difference between 'evidence' and 'proof' and respond to listener email about the statistical probability argument and the importance of apologetics in the Christian life.

PCM Podcast 66 - The Statistical Probability Argument for the Existence of God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:21:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the statistical probabilities for life in the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer several email objections to the Anthropic Principle.

PCM Podcast 65 a - Reimagining Church (Interview with Frank Viola)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:21:00 GMT

In this podcast, we interview Frank Viola and talk about his new book, "Reimagining Church". Frank has written this book as a follow-up to his controversial, "Pagan Christianity". He offers some concrete direction for those of us who would like our church experience to more closely resemble the first century Church.

PCM Podcast 64 - Answering Objections to the Anthropic Principle

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:18:00 GMT

In this podcast, we continue to talk about the Anthropic Principle and examine the fine tuning of the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer several objections to the Anthropic Principle and answer some listener email.

PCM Podcast 63 - Examining the Issue of Abortion

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 12:12:00 GMT

In this podcast, we review the scientific, philosophical and Biblical case for the pro-life argument. Can a good case be made for the fact that life begins at conception? Also, we talk a bit about the nature of political 'flip-flopping'.

PCM Podcast 62 - A Conversation with Bob the Atheist (Regarding the Issue of Abortion)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:10:00 GMT

In this podcast, Jim talks with "Bob the Atheist" about the issue of abortion. It's an excellent chance to compare philosophical views related to the issue of human rights and the debate over the beginning of life. It may also provide listeners with an example of a purely philosophical approach to the topic.

PCM Podcast 61 - The Anthropic Argument for the Existence of God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:04:00 GMT

In this podcast, we talk about the Anthropic Principle and examine the fine tuning of the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer listener email.

PCM Podcast 60 - Three Motives That Can Cripple the Truth

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:02:00 GMT

In this podcast, we talk about three motives that can inhibit the reception of our message. As skeptics listen to our case, do they suspect that something other than our love for God (and for them) is motivating us? Are our motivations stripped of the three drives that lie at the heart of any crime?

PCM Podcast 59 - Interview with Don Stewart (Apologist, Author and Bible Explorer)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 22:15:00 GMT

In this podcast, we interview Don Stewart and talk about his own personal journey as an apologist, and the importance of apologetics in the Church today. We also read some listener email related to podcast lists, the nature of arguments, and international apologetics.

PCM Podcast 58 - Answering Objections to the Axiological Argument for the Existence of God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:08:00 GMT

In this podcast, we we take a brief look at some of the objections to the classic Axiological Argument for the existence of God, talk about the role of line by line expository Bible teaching, answer listener email and review what's on Jim's iPod.

PCM Podcast 57 - More Bible Belt Wisdom

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:06:00 GMT

In this podcast, we read listener email from the Bible Belt and continue our discussion of what many are defining as "Complacent Christianity".

PCM Podcast 56 - Observations from the Bible Belt

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:03:00 GMT

In this podcast, we discuss some random observations about Christian life in the Bible Belt, and recent news articles on archaeological discoveries in Israel, and biological predispositions toward homosexuality.

PCM Podcast 55 - The Axiological Argument for the Existence of God

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:48:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the evidence for God that can be found in the existence of transcendent moral truths. Are there any moral truths that transcend all of humanity? If so, what kind of moral law giver would be required to account for moral truths of this nature? Is the existence of morality evidence that God exists?

PCM Podcast 54 - Why in the World Would You Evangelize in Utah

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:22:00 GMT

In this podcast, we interview seven Christian missionaries who have traveled to the state of Utah to share the Gospel of Grace with Mormons. Why are we trying to evangelize Mormons? Aren't they Christians too? And how should we begin to do such a thing?

PCM Podcast 53 - Interview with Don Overstreet (House Church Planting and Urban Service)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:33:00 GMT

In this podcast, we interview Don Overstreet and talk about church planting, house churches, urban ministry and the Christian life in the context of small community.

PCM Podcast 52 - Our 1 Year Anniversary - Where We've Been and Where We Hope to Go

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 20:54:00 GMT

We celebrate 1 year together in this podcast as Jim talks a little bit about his personal journey, the creation of PleaseConvinceMe.com and his hopes for the future!

PCM Podcast 51 - Religious Relativism, Foundations for the Axiologicial Argument

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 21:15:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine the emerging religious relativism in our culture and begin to set the foundation for absolute morality (in preparation for our discussion of the Axiological Argument)

PCM Podcast 50 - Examining the Christian Science Worldview

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:42:00 GMT

In this podcast, we examine Christian Science as a Worldview and take a look at how it answers the three basic questions all worldviews must answer. We also examine some of the inherent philosophical problems that Christian Science must resolve. Jim is joined by his son, Jimmy, for some role playing to help illuminate the issues.

PCM Podcast 49 - Listener Email (Flagellum Evolution, Dawkins and Teleology, Pastors and House Churches)

jim@pleaseconvinceme.com — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:52:00 GMT

In this podcast, we read some listener email and talk about the evolution of the Flagellum, statements made by Richard Dawkins, the nature of the House Church and the role of the Pastor.