THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY ARTICLES

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May, 2006
Nag Hammadi Gospels(Dr. Norman Geisler)
Some radical critics of the New Testament claim that the Gnostic gospels are equal to those in the New Testament, and that they do not support the resurrection of Christ. The Jesus Seminar places The Gospel of Thomas in their otherwise severely truncated Bible. Both of these conclusions are a serious challenge to the historic Christian Faith. But are they right?

May, 2006
Gnosticism (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler explains the background and teachings of Gnosticism in the encore presentation.

May, 2006
The Dead Sea Scrolls (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran had significant apologetic implications. Dr. Geisler explains how these scrolls actually confirm the accuracy of the texts that we have.

December, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 6 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
This final article address the mistranslations in Philippians 1:23, Matthew 24:3, the translation of the YHWH as Jehovah, as well as other translation errors. (NWT).

November, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 5 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
We continue our examination of Jehovah’s Witness mistranslations by looking at how the New World Translation treats these verses: Colossians 2:9, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:1, and John 1:1. (NWT).

October, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 4 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
How has the Watchtower Society's New World Translation changed Acts 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, and Colossians 1:15-20 in order to avoid the conclusion Jesus is God? (NWT).

August, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 3 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
How and why do the Jehovah’s Witnesses mistranslate John 8:58, Hebrews 9:27, Luke 23:43, and Matthew 27:50 (cf. Luke 23:46)? (NWT).

July, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 2 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
The scholarly Christian community has rendered its verdict on the New World Translation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses: such a translation must not be trusted to accurately convey God’s Word because of its unrelenting biases in translation. The first of several examples of mistranslation and bias are given in this article (NWT).

June, 2005
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 1 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
The Jehovah’s Witnesses constitute a large and aggressive sect which has opposed the doctrines of biblical Christianity from its inception. It is our goal in this series of articles to briefly critique the English translation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower Bible and Tract Society’s The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT).

May, 2005
Life After Death—Part 8 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
What is the biblical view of death? What is the biblical view of the afterlife—that is, life after death?

April, 2005
Life After Death—Part 7 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
What is the cultic view of death? We use the term “cultic” descriptively rather than pejoratively here to refer to those groups that claim a large degree of allegiance to the Bible and yet simultaneously deny its basic teachings. Is there considerable overlap between the cults’ teachings on death and the occult philosophy of death? Is the Christian Church increasingly abandoning the teaching of Jesus and adopting a cultic view of death?

February, 2005
Life After Death—Part 6 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
What are some additional implications of the Near-Death Experiences? What about children who have Near-Death Experiences?

December, 2004
Life After Death—Part 4 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
Can Near-Death Experiences precipitate the onset of psychic powers and contact with spirit guides? Do NDEs frequently represent an initiation into the world of the occult?

January, 2005
Life After Death—Part 5 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
What about reincarnation experiences and the Near-Death Experience? What is the NDE view of God? Are all NDEs positive experiences—or are many hellish?

December, 2004
Life After Death—Part 4 (Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon)
Can Near-Death Experiences precipitate the onset of psychic powers and contact with spirit guides? Do NDEs frequently represent an initiation into the world of the occult?

December, 2004
Poltergeists—An Evaluation of a Demonic Phenomenon, Part 2 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Researchers have connected the poltergeist to mediumism, witchcraft, spiritism and other forms of the occult throughout history, right up to the present. Of scores of incidents recorded or investigated by the late Dr. Kurt Koch, a leading Christian authority on the occult, in every case “occult practices lay at the root of the [poltergeist] phenomena.”

November, 2004
Life After Death, Part 3 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
What messages do people receive during Near-Death Experiences? Do these messages undermine the biblical view of salvation? Can such peaceful, loving experiences be spiritually deceptive?

November, 2004
Poltergeists—An Evaluation of a Demonic Phenomenon, Part 1 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Halloween is over, but the interest in poltergeists and other supernatural phenomena lingers. How should we understand poltergeist experiences?

October, 2004
Life After Death—Part 2 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Are the “beings of light” encountered during the NDE who they claim to be? What message do they give? What do they teach about death and the afterlife?

August, 2004
Life After Death—Part 1 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
We all face death one day, so it’s an important topic to discuss. What effect have “near-death experiences” had on people’s ideas about dying?

August, 2004
Angels, Angels, Everywhere—Part 3 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Are all angels good? Do all angels give messages that are in line with what God tells us in the Bible? The authors note several instances of angelic messages which are contradictory to the Bible!

July, 2004
Angels, Angels, Everywhere—Part 2 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
What is the meaning of the biblical words for “angel”? What are angels? How powerful are angels? What are some popular but false ideas about good angels?

July, 2004
Pantheism—Part 2: An Evaluation (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Pantheism has had a broad and persistent influence in the world. Dr. Geisler talks about some of the positive and negative results of that influence.

June, 2004
Pantheism—Part 1: An Exposition (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Pantheism is the basic “theology” upon which Buddhism is based. Dr. Geisler presents a scholarly exposition of the pantheism in this lengthy two-part article.

June, 2004
Angels, Angels Everywhere—Part 1 (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Why is it important that we know about angels? Just how popular are angels today? Why?

May, 2004
What’s Behind the Sudden Craze Over Angels? (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Angels are EVERYWHERE these days. Angels are good, aren’t they? Isn’t it safe to accept anything an angels tells you? Drs. Ankerberg and Weldon explore the common current myths about angels.

May, 2004
The Alleged Divine Origin of the Qur’an—Part 2 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler presents and critiques a number of arguments often given in defense of the Qur’an, explaining that none of these arguments hold up to close scrutiny.

April, 2004
The Alleged Divine Origin of the Qur’an—Part 1 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Orthodox Islam and historic Christianity both claim their scriptures alone are the inspired word of God—yet they contain mutually exclusive claims. Thus, Dr. Geisler says, it is necessary for the Christian apologist to challenge the divine authority claims of the Qur’an.

April, 2004
The Arguments For and Against Reincarnation (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
The belief in reincarnation is attracting a growing following in the Western culture. Drs. Ankerberg and Weldon critique and answer the major arguments usually used in support of reincarnation.

March, 2004
Christianity, the Resurrection of Christ, and the Mystery Religions (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Is Christianity merely a variation of more ancient religions themes? Is the “resurrection” story based on similar stories about gods rising from the dead? Drs. Ankerberg and Weldon explore the facts in order to settle this argument.

March, 2004
True vs. False Vision and How to Tell Them Apart (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Did the disciples and others really see a risen Jesus, or was it only a vision? Do people really have visions? How can you tell the difference between “godly” visions and false vision? What are some examples of “visions” from the Bible, and from contemporary society?

March, 2004
Christ’s Death—Substitution Legend (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Did Jesus really die on the cross, or was it Judas, Simon the Cyrene, or perhaps just a human figure (but not an actual person)? These are among the substitutes suggested by those who want to deny Christ’s death on behalf of sinners.

February, 2004
Moral Objections to Christ’s Death (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Many critics of Christianity reject the doctrine of salvation through the cross on moral grounds. Dr. Norman Geisler cuts through the arguments to get to the Gospel message.

October, 2003
The Uniqueness of Christ (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler points out a number of ways in which Christ is unique. Not only that, He is proven to be superior to all other religious leaders!
[Editor’s note: Look for special issues of the ATRI Journal in November and December 2003 pointing out more ways in which Jesus Christ is uniquely superior!]

October, 2003
Evidence for the Bible—Part 3 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The final evidences Dr. Geisler provides for the Bible include it’s astonishing unity, archaeological confirmation, and the testimony of those who have been transformed by its message.

September, 2003
Evidence for the Bible—Part 2 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler suggests that, taken as a whole, evidences for the Bible’s claim to be the Word of God are overwhelming.

September, 2003
Evidence for the Bible—Part 1 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The Bible claims to be and proves to be the Word of God. Dr. Geisler explains how the Bible was written. (NOTE: If you would like to do a fuller study of the Bible check out the ATRI Fall Bible School 2003 on this website.)

August, 2003
The Bible and the Homosexual Lifestyle (Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon)
Is it really true that “loving, committed” partnerships should be accepted, whether it’s two men, two women, or a man and a woman? Doesn’t the Bible only condemn homosexual promiscuity as practiced by ancient cults? Ankerberg and Weldon explain why all the major Bible passages related to homosexuality do condemn homosexual relationships, no matter how “loving” they may be.

August, 2003
The Omnipotence of God: Could He Make A Stone So Heavy He Couldn’t Move It? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
I’m sure you’ve heard someone ask the question, but were you stumped for an answer? Dr. Geisler explains why you don’t need to be “moved” by this argument.

July, 2003
The Nature of God—Part 3 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The final installment of this series of articles deals with God’s will—what it is, and what it accomplishes.

July, 2003
The Nature of God—Part 2 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What does God know? Or perhaps it would be easier to list what God doesn’t or cannot know! Here, Dr. Geisler explains some of the things God’s knows, how He knows them, and what He does with that knowledge.

June, 2003
The Nature of God—Part 1 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Natural theology deals with what can be known about the existence and nature of God by natural reason, apart from any supernatural revelation. According to classical Christian theists, all of the essential metaphysical attributes of God can be known by natural reason. Dr. Geisler explains some of those attributes in this article.

June, 2003
Atheism—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler explains some of the basic tenets held by most atheists. While atheists do provide many insights into the nature of reality, some of their tenets do not hold up under serious scrutiny.

May, 2003
Is It Right to Fight? (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
On the heels of the war in Iraq, Dr. Sullivan explains the different positions that have been held by Christians concerning war. Is it always right to fight? Never? Sometimes? How is “just war” determined?

May, 2003
Atheism—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Atheism is not a “one size fits all” category. Dr. Geisler explains the varieties of atheism, and the arguments usually made for holding an atheistic point of view.

April, 2003
The Passover Plot (Dr. Norman Geisler)
First published in the 1960’s, Hugh Schonfield’s The Passover Plot was yet another attempt to explain the Resurrection accounts without accepting the Biblical truth. Dr. Geisler critiques the thesis.

April, 2003
Resurrection Claims in Non-Christian Religions (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Some critics of Christ’s resurrection point to claims that many non-Christian leaders also rose from the dead. If true, the resurrection of Jesus would not be a unique confirmation of his claim to deity. Dr. Geisler explores four of those non-Christian resurrection accounts, and explains why they cannot be compared to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection.

March, 2003
Faith and Reason—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What is the relationship between faith and reason? Are there limits to Reason? Are there things that simply go beyond the power of Reason? Dr. Geisler explores these questions.

March, 2003
Faith and Reason—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The relation of faith to reason is of utmost importance for the thinking believer. Dr. Geisler helps us sort through the arguments involved.

February, 2003
Miracles: Providing Validation for the Christian Faith—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
If a theistic God exists, then miracles are possible. A miracle is a special act of God. Dr. Geisler explains the criteria for allowing miracles as a confirmation of a truth claim.

February, 2003
Miracles: Providing Validation for the Christian Faith—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Unless miracles are possible and actual, there is no way to verify the truth claims of Christianity. This raises the question of the relationship between a miracle and a truth claim. Are miracles an appropriate and valuable confirmation of Christianity’s truth claims?

January, 2003
Miracles: Providing Validation for the Christian Faith—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
How can you identify what is a miracle? Why is it important to know whether an event is an actual miracle? Do miracles provide evidence for God’s existence?

January, 2003
Miracles: Providing Validation for the Christian Faith—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler says that the central claims of Christianity are dependent on the apologetic value of miracles. If miracles have no evidential value, then there is no objective, historical evidence to support he claims of historic, orthodox Christianity.

December, 2002
False Miracles—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler continues and concludes his explanation of the difference between true miracles and those produced by other means.

December, 2002
False Miracles—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler presents several different types of false miracles, or things that are called miracles, but are, in reality, something quite different.

November, 2002
False Miracles—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Distinguishing a true from a false miracle is important to the defense of the Christian faith. For miracles are the unique way God confirms a truth claim to be from Him. But the counterfeit cannot be detected unless one knows the characteristics of a genuine. Dr. Geisler gives us a description and the distinguishing marks of genuine miracles.

November, 2002
Magic and Miracles (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What is the difference between miracles and magic?  Dr. Geisler gives several telling points of differentiation.

October, 2002
Miracle (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler defines a miracle as “a special act of God that interrupts the natural course of events.” Can God perform miracles? Does He perform them? How can we know that miracles are “probable”?

October, 2002
Neopaganism—Part 2 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Neopaganism (e.g., witchcraft, new age groups) claims that it is inclusive. Dr. Geisler disagrees. They claim they are anticreedal. But Margot Adler has written a creed—a set of “basic beliefs”. They claim they do not seek converts—but they cannot resist the urge to propagate their “faith”. These are just a few of the contradictions pointed out in this article.

September, 2002
Neopaganism—Part 1 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Neopaganism is a revival of ancient paganism (see Mithraism). It is a form of polytheism which is manifest in witchcraft, Wicca, occultism and other religions that fit under the New Age umbrella.

September, 2002
Was Christianity Borrowed from Mithraism? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Some contemporary critics of Christianity argue that this religion is not based in divine revelation but was borrowed from mystery religions, such as Mithraism. But an honest reading of the New Testament data shows that Paul did not teach a new religion or draw on existing mythology. Dr. Geisler lays out the argument for us.

August, 2002
The Garden of Eden (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Was the Garden of Eden a real place? Does the answer really matter? Dr. Geisler explains.

August, 2002
How Should We Understand Man? (Paul’s Anthropology from Romans 1-3—Part 4) Romans 2:11-13 (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
It is a very solemn thought that everyone will stand before the awesome God to be judged. There are many who do not fear death, but shake in their boots when they contemplate the possibility of life after death where there is judgment. The question for this article is “How does God judge the religious or moral person?”

July, 2002
The Apocrypha—Part Five (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What role does the Church play in the canonicity of Scripture? Who “decides” what is and isn’t inspired? What is the relationship between the church and the Scripture? Dr. Geisler concludes this series on the Apocrypha with these questions.

July, 2002
The Apocrypha—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Continuing our study of the Apocrypha, this time Dr. Geisler explains more of the historical arguments against the canonization of the deuterocanonical books.

June, 2002
The Apocrypha—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler says that the evidence supports the Protestant canon as the true canon. In this article he gives the historical arguments for the 39 books of the Old Testament, excluding the Apocrypha.

June, 2002
The Apocrypha—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Last time we presented several arguments from the Roman Catholic church as to why the Apocrypha should be accepted. This time, answers to those arguments.

May, 2002
The Apocrypha—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In previous weeks, we’ve been looking at the canonicity of Scripture. Now Dr. Geisler continues by explaining what the Apocrypha is, and gives reason why the Roman Catholic Church includes these books in their Bibles.

May, 2002
The Canonicity of the Bible—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes this discussion with the reminder that tests for canonicity were not mechanical means to measure the amount of inspired literature. Instead the Holy Spirit providentially guided the examination process.

April, 2002
The Canonicity of the Bible—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
We continue looking at the criteria the early church used to help them sort out what books were inspired, and which were not.

April, 2002
The Canonicity of the Bible—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
“Canonicity” refers to the authoritative books inspired by God for inclusion in Holy Scripture. Canonicity is determined by God—not by antiquity, or by any religious community. Dr. Geisler describes the process by which the Early Church Fathers discovered which books should be included in our Bible.

March, 2002
Salvation of the “Heathen”—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Is it fair for God to send people to hell who have never heard the only Gospel by which they can be saved? Dr. Geisler explains that this is really several questions in one. He answers them in turn.

March, 2002
Salvation of the “Heathen”—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Is salvation available ONLY through Christ? If so, how much does someone need to know? Dr. Geisler continues his look at the scriptures related to this subject.

February, 2002
How Should We Understand Man? Part 3 (Rom. 2:6-11) (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
Dr. Sullivan walks through the minefield of the “faith vs. works” argument to present a clear picture of what Paul is teaching in Romans chapter 2. Are men justified by their works? If so, what about faith? If not, why does Paul tell us that God’s judgment is “according to his deeds”?

January, 2002
Is There a “Gospel of Barnabas”? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Muslims often cite “The Gospel of Barnabas” in defense of Islamic teachings. What is the evidence for this work? Is it authentic? Dr. Geisler examines the evidence.

January, 2002
What Is the “Gospel of Thomas”? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
 

.December, 2001
Alleged Errors in Luke (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Luke has been charged by critics with containing significant historical inaccuracies in the narrative concerning Jesus’ birth in chapter 2. Dr. Geisler shows us that, in fact, Luke has proven himself to be a reliable historian.

November, 2001
Hell—Part 2 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What are some objections to the doctrine of hell? Why is the doctrine of hell reasonable? And what are some of the reasons people reject the idea of hell? Dr. Geisler answers these questions this month.

November, 2001
Hell—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Does the Bible teach a literal hell? Why is it reasonable to assume hell exists? Where is hell located? What is it like? How long will it last? Those are the questions Dr. Geisler answers in this month’s article.

October, 2001
Nostradamus (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Did Nostradamus correctly prophesy the attack on New York City? Did he correctly prophesy the rise of Hitler, the California earthquake and other events? Dr. Geisler explains why you need not put too much faith in the predictions of this 16th century French mystic.

October, 2001
Panentheism—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler completes his look at Panentheism, (all IN God—as opposed to Pantheism: all IS God) which is also called process theology.

September, 2001
Panentheism—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Panentheism (meaning all IN God) is not to be confused with Pantheism (all IS God) which we looked at last month. Dr. Geisler explores the roots of this belief system.

September, 2001
How Should We Understand Man? Part 3 (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
One of the most difficult persons to share the gospel with is the moralist. The one who does not do gross sins. The one whom society has dubbed as "good, decent folks." They may even go to church regularly, be active in the church, but they are not saved. Steve Sullivan explains what the Bible says about these people.

August, 2001
Pantheism—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler explains that pantheism is self-refuting, at least all forms that claim individuality is an illusion caused by the mind. For according to pantheism, individual minds are themselves aspects of the illusion and can therefore provide no basis for explaining it!

August, 2001
Pantheism (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Pantheism means "all (pan) is God (theism)." This worldview is held by most Hindus, many Buddhists and other New Age religions, along with Christian Science, Unity and Scientology. Dr. Geisler explains what pantheism is, and how it effects the lives of those who believe it.

July, 2001
Noah’s Flood (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Was the flood universal or local? How could the ark have held all the animals? Could all those animals and Noah’s family really have survived in the ark for so long? Dr. Geisler answers these and other questions regarding the Flood account found in Genesis 6-9.

July, 2001
Christ of Faith vs. Jesus of History (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The distinction between the "Christ of faith" and the Jesus of history is often traced to Martin Kahler (1835-1912). Dr. Geisler explains how various scholars have attempted to explain the gulf they see between the two.

June, 2001
The Quest for the Historical Jesus (Dr. Norman Geisler)
For the past several centuries there have been a number of attempts to identify the historical Jesus and differentiate Him from the Christ of faith. Dr. Geisler explains the different "quests" that have occurred, and what, if anything, they have added to our understanding of Jesus.

May, 2001
How Should We Understand Man? Part 2 (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
Any time one approaches the subject of sin, wrath, judgment and hell, the most frequent questions arises about the "heathen which has never heard." God would not judge someone who has never heard, would He? Dr. Sullivan explores that issue this month.

May, 2001
Annihilationism (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Annihilationism is the doctrine that the souls of the wicked will be snuffed out of existence rather than be sent to an everlasting, conscious hell. Dr. Geisler explores the Scriptures that are used both to support and to refute this issue.

April, 2001
How Should We Understand Man? (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
Would we get a different picture of the nature of man if we looked at ourselves from God’s point of view? Dr. Sullivan begins this new series by looking at how "Paul rakes away the ‘sugar-coated’ niceties and lays bare the diagnosis of man’s problem."

April, 2001
Was Adam a Real, Historical Person? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Critical scholars have claimed that the first chapters of Genesis are myth, not history, that Adam and Eve were not actual living people. Dr. Geisler explores the objections and compares the claim with the numerous references to Adam in the New Testament.

April, 2001
Alternate Theories of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Did the disciples mistake someone else for Jesus? Or did God simply destroy Jesus’ body? Dr. Geisler explains why these alternate explanations do not hold up under examination.

March, 2001
Alternate Theories of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Probably no aspect of the biblical account of Jesus has faced as much opposition as the story of His resurrection from the dead, and rightly so since, as Paul says, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (I Cor. 15:14). But do any alternate theories hold up under scrutiny? Dr. Geisler addresses several in this article.

March, 2001
Biblical Criticism—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler finishes his series on biblical criticism this month. He explains the role of critics, the early church, and the Holy Spirit in the understanding the Bible.

February, 2001
Bible Criticism—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler evaluates modern biblical criticism and explains why the scholar’s bias can influence his findings.

February, 2001
Bible Criticism—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler explains three different forms of biblical criticism: form, tradition and redaction.

January, 2001
The Nature of the Atonement: How Should One View the Cross—Part IV (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
Wrapping up his series on the Word of Faith Movement, Dr. Sullivan looks at Isaiah 53:9 and the misinterpretations that have been make from it.

January, 2001
Bible Criticism (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In the first of a multiple part series, Dr. Geisler begins to look at what is involved in Bible Criticism, and how the conclusions reached can so easily be biased.

December, 2000
Isaiah 7:14—Part Two (Dr. Walter Kaiser)
Dr. Kaiser concludes his article regarding the various interpretations of Isaiah 7:14, a most interesting discussion.

December, 2000
Isaiah 7:14—Would the Messiah be "Virgin Born"? Part One (Dr. Walter Kaiser)
Part one of a paper delivered by Dr. Kaiser on the "single-meaning hermeneutic" [interpretation] of Isaiah 7:14. Even if you have no idea what that means, you will still enjoy reading Dr. Kaiser’s comments!

November, 2000
Free Will (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler explains three categories of human choice and explores the implications arguments and objections to each.

November, 2000
Who Will be Saved, According to the Word of God? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler looks at two passages which often confuse people: Romans 1:19-20 and Romans 5:18-19 to answer the questions "What about those who have never heard the Gospel" and "Will everyone eventually be saved?"

October, 2000
The Reality of Satan (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Many people, even Christians deny the reality of Satan. Dr. Geisler explains why we can’t afford to ignore him, and answers some of the objections raised by critics.

October, 2000
The Nature of the Atonement: How Should One View the Cross? Part III (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
Dr. Sullivan looks at how the Word of Faith Movement interprets 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Ephesians 4:7-10. Can their teachings regarding "ransom-to-Satan" and "recapitulation" be supported by these Scriptures?

September, 2000
The Jesus Seminar (Dr. Norman Geisler)
So many people have been confused by the findings of the Jesus Seminar. Dr. Geisler explains exactly who the scholars are, their purpose, and how they reach their conclusions, to help you evaluate what they say.

September, 2000
Alleged Errors in the Bible—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes this look at errors critics make when they approach the Bible, making demands on it that they would not place on any other literature. He concludes by stressing that the more we know about the Bible, the more we learn we can trust it.

August, 2000
Alleged Errors in the Bible—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler continues his look at the misconceptions critics bring to the table when they consider the Bible—standards that they would not apply to any other book!

August, 2000
Alleged Errors in the Bible—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
"Mistakes come not in the revelation of God, but in the misinterpretations of man." So quotes Dr. Geisler as he looks at some of the ways critics have misread and misunderstood scripture.

August, 2000
Alleged Errors in the Bible—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Many critics delight in pointing out problems, particularly things they see as errors in the Bible. Dr. Geisler begins a look at how you can know the Bible is trustworthy, as well as ways to counter the attacks of the critics.

August, 2000
The Nature of the Atonement: How Should One View the Cross? Part Two (Steve Sullivan)
Steve Sullivan continues his examination of the Word of Faith movement in light of Scripture.

July, 2000
Questions About Other Gods—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This week Dr. Geisler explores Panentheism. Also known as "process theology," panentheism teaches that God is changing. He is in the "process" of becoming all that He can be.

July, 2000
Questions About Other Gods—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler continues this series by looking at how Deists and Pantheists view God, the world, evil, and values.

July, 2000
Questions About Other Gods—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
There are many different "gods" competing for the hearts and minds of people today. The way we think about what God is like and His relationship to the world determines a lot about the way we see other things in our everyday lives. Over the next few weeks we will examine some of these views, beginning with Atheism.

June, 2000
The Death of Christ (Dr. Norman Geisler)
During the Easter season, we are bombarded with articles telling us of the importance of the Resurrection for believers (many of those were on this site!). But what if Jesus didn’t really die on the cross? What if He just fainted? Or faked His death? Dr. Geisler examines the evidence to show that, under the circumstances, death was inevitable.

June, 2000
The Nature of the Atonement: How Should One View the Cross?—Part One (Steve Sullivan)
Steve Sullivan begins a multiple part series on the atonement, focusing especially on the false views of the atonement held by many in the world of faith movement.

May, 2000
The Salvation of Infants: Part 3 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes this series with a discussion of the last two frequently held views regarding the fate of infants who die. Do they go to "limbo"? or do they have an opportunity to be evangalized after death?

May, 2000
The Salvation of Infants—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler continues this series by looking at two more positions held by believers: one is based on God’s "foreknowledge," and the other that "all infants will be saved" on the basis of God’s grace.

May, 2000
The Salvation of Infants—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Do infants who die automatically go to heaven? This question has confounded believers throughout the history of the Church. Dr. Geisler explains the many views that have been held by Christians, and give the strengths and weakness of each view.

April, 2000
Evidence for the Resurrection—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler completes his look at the post-resurrection appearances of the risen Jesus, and looks at some indirect evidence which also points clearly to the fact that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.

April, 2000
Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead (Dr. Norman Geisler)
There are those who say that believing that Jesus actually rose from the dead requires a blind faith. Dr. Geisler says, "NO! It requires looking at the evidence and concluding that, although dead people do not USUALLY rise, in this case the evidence is such that even skeptics can be convinced." What is that evidence? Dr. Geisler explains.

March, 2000
Gnosticism (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What is gnosticism? What do they believe? Are there modern day gnostics, or was this only a first-century problem? Dr. Geisler explains.

March, 2000
Questions about Miracles—Part Five (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes the series about miracles by showing that biblical miracles are superior, and that they are valuable.

March, 2000
Questions About Miracles—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What is the difference between "miracles" and "magic"? What about psychics and others who claim and display "supernatural" abilities? What does the Bible have to say about such things?

March, 2000
Questions About Miracles—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This article asks "Are Miracles Mythological? And begins a discussion of the question: "Are Miracles Definable?"

February, 2000
Questions About Miracles—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
As we continue a look at miracles, Dr. Geisler examines two more questions: Are Miracles Scientific? And Are Miracles Historical?

February, 2000
Questions About Miracles—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What are miracles? Dr. Geisler begins a four-part series on miracles by defining what he means by the word "miracle," then answering the questions: Are miracles possible? and Are Miracles Credible?

February, 2000
Questions on the Sabbath (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler looks at three Scriptures often used to challenge worship on Sunday rather than Saturday. What do Exodus 20:8-11, Acts 17:1-3 and Revelation 14:9-12 have to say about the Sabbath?

February, 2000
The Trinity—Part 5 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes his series on the Trinity with this article. He discusses some of the confusion that arises out of an attempt to understand a triunity, and asserts that "the doctrine of the Trinity…transcends reason without being contrary to reason."

January, 2000
The Trinity—Part 4 (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This article continues a discussion of some of the misunderstanding that have caused Islamic followers to be so opposed to the Christian teaching regarding the Trinity.

January, 2000
The Trinity—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler examines some of the attacks against the "trinity," particularly some of the misunderstandings which have caused Muslims to object so strenuously to this doctrine.

January, 2000
The Trinity—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler continues his discussion of the trinity with "a philosophical defense of the trinity." Which commonly used illustrations are "good" ones, and which should be abandoned because they actually teach a false doctrine?

January, 2000
The Trinity—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
As he begins a series on the trinity, Dr. Geisler explains why, even though the word "trinity" does not appear anywhere in Scripture, the concept is clearly there.

December, 1999
Mary—Fully Human, or Nearly Divine? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler examines some of the passages used by those who think Mary deserves special honor and worship. Is their position biblical?

December, 1999
The Virgin Birth—Part Three (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes this series examining the Scriptural evidence for the virgin birth of Christ by looking at the reliability of the New Testament record, and then the charge that the story is based on mythology.

December, 1999
The Virgin Birth—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
"The Virgin birth of Christ is the perennial target of naturalistic Bible critics…." So writes Dr. Norman Geisler, as he continues tot look at the biblical evidence in support of the virgin birth of Jesus.

December, 1999
The Virgin Birth—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
"The Virgin birth of Christ is the perennial target of naturalistic Bible critics…." So writes Dr. Norman Geisler, as he begins this three part look at the biblical evidence in support of the virgin birth of Jesus.

November, 1999
Substitution (Dr. Steve Sullivan)
We welcome a new author with this article. Dr. Steve Sullivan examines the idea of "penal substitution" in the Old and New Testament to give us a clearer understanding of what Christ did for us on the cross.

November, 1999
The Problem of Evil—Part Four (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler concludes his look at the problem of evil by explaining why some assumptions about evil are mistaken, and why evil is unavoidable.

November, 1999
The Problem of Evil -- Part Three: The Purpose of Evil (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Yes, evil can have a purpose. God can use it for our good. Evil can even, at times, be a byproduct of a good purpose. Read Dr. Geisler’s explanation of why this is so.

November, 1999
The Problem of Evil—Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In this article Dr. Geisler continues his definition of evil—explaining its nature. He also begins a discussion of why God permits evil to continue.

October, 1999
The Problem of Evil—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
"If God is absolutely good, then why is there evil?" This is a question that many have struggled with over the years. Dr. Geisler begins an explanation of how the presence of evil can be compatible with a good God.

October, 1999
The Absolute Nature of Truth—Relative Truth (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This article concludes Dr. Geisler’s discussion of Truth. He explains the problems of "relative" truth, and answers objections.

October, 1999
The Nature of Truth, Part Two (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Part two of Dr. Geisler’s article on the nature of truth may take a little extra time to read and comprehend, but the explanation of what truth is will be well worth the extra effort.

October, 1999
The Nature of Truth—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
What is truth? In this first of three articles, Dr. Geisler first establishes the importance of the nature of truth, then examines what truth is not.

September, 1999
Questions About the Bible (Dr. Norman Geisler)
The final installment in this series explains why the Apocryphal books and the Gnostic gospels are generally not considered canonical. Dr. Geisler also explains, on the basis of manuscript evidence, how you can be sure that "the Bible in your hand is God speaking to you."

September, 1999
How Was the Bible Written? (Continued) (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This article completes the discussion of "Can the Bible be Wrong? And then looks at the issue of canonicity. Who "decided" what books were inspired, and what guidelines were used to determine which books should or should not be included in the Bible as we know it?

September, 1999
How Was the Bible Written? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
This article explores the issue of inspiration, and asks the question, can the Bible be "right" in matters related to salvation, but be "wrong" in matters related to science, geography and history?" Do such errors really make any difference, as long as we only look to the Bible in matters of "faith and practice"?

September, 1999
Questions About the Bible (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In this first of a four part series, Dr Geisler begins to answer the question: "Is the Bible really a revelation from God?" How can we know? Do we have any proof?

August, 1999
Questions About God—Some Objections (Dr. Norman Geisler)
"Can God make a mountain so big that He can’t move it?" This is one of the questions Dr. Geisler addresses as he wraps up this four-part series regarding evidence for God.

August, 1999
Questions About God: What Kind of God Exists? (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In previous articles Dr. Geisler examined the evidence for the existence of God. Now he deals with the question, If God exists, what kind of God is He?

August, 1999
Questions About God—Part Two (Does God Exist?) (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In part two of this series, Dr. Geisler looks at the argument from design, the argument from moral law, and the argument from being to further answer the question of whether or not God exists.

August, 1999
Questions About God—Part One (Dr. Norman Geisler)
In a series of four article Dr. Geisler poses two questions: Does God Exist? and "If God exists, what kind of God is He?" This article will begin to answer the question "Does God Exist" by looking at the "Argument from Creation."

July, 1999
Biblical Inerrancy (Dr. John Weldon)
This four-part series examines the arguments for inerrancy of the Scriptures. Why is it important? What is inerrancy? What is the difference between inerrancy and inspiration?

July, 1999
Biblical Inerrancy (Dr. John Weldon)
This four-part series examines the arguments for inerrancy of the Scriptures. Why is it important? What is inerrancy? What is the difference between inerrancy and inspiration?

July, 1999
Biblical Inerrancy (Dr. John Weldon)
This four-part series examines the arguments for inerrancy of the Scriptures. Why is it important? What is inerrancy? What is the difference between inerrancy and inspiration?

July, 1999
Biblical Inerrancy (Dr. John Weldon)
This four-part series examines the arguments for inerrancy of the Scriptures. Why is it important? What is inerrancy? What is the difference between inerrancy and inspiration?

July, 1999
Genesis 1:26-27: Are we "Little Gods" and Other Misinterpretations (Dr. Norman Geisler)
Dr. Geisler examines various misinterpretations of these verses, and explains why they are wrong.

June, 1999
The Issues Surrounding the Doctrine of Justification That Divide Catholics and Protestants (Dr. John Ankerberg)
This four-part series examines some of the differences in belief regarding the doctrine of Justification, especially as it relates to the Catholic church. Key terms are defined.

June, 1999
The Issues Surrounding the Doctrine of Justification That Divide Catholics and Protestants (Dr. John Ankerberg)
This four-part series examines some of the differences in belief regarding the doctrine of Justification, especially as it relates to the Catholic church. Key terms are defined.

June, 1999
The Issues Surrounding the Doctrine of Justification That Divide Catholics and Protestants  (Dr. John Ankerberg)
This four-part series examines some of the differences in belief regarding the doctrine of Justification, especially as it relates to the Catholic church. Key terms are defined.

June, 1999
The Issues Surrounding the Doctrine of Justification That Divide Catholics and Protestants (Dr. John Ankerberg)
This four-part series examines some of the differences in belief regarding the doctrine of Justification, especially as it relates to the Catholic church. Key terms are defined.