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Attention: Due to file restructing done in late 2004, the vast majority of these links will no longer be operable. If you need help finding an item listed, please contact me at jphold@earthlink.net.
December 31,
2003
- We close out the year with another brief item on Liberated Christians, this one on how they illicitly wave off OT regulations that affect their, um, "hobbies".
December 29,
2003
- By request, we are beginning an extended look at a website called "Liberated Christians", a putatively Christian website that promotes "polyamory" (free sex among consenting adults). The first in this series will be one I was able to slam easily with resources I had at hand, on the subject, Is nudity natural and wholesome?
December 26,
2003
Hey folks! Been busy here with the holiday (and serving dinner for a dozen)....our 13th anniversary...and the last vestiges of a cold. But we have:
- An update to our article on logical errors...we've redone the introduction, added 3 new fallacies, revised Weak Analogy and Authority-- with thanks to comments by readers, and added Latin names for some (now when W.L. Craig accuses someone of committing Petitio Principii, you can know his opponent is begging the question).
- A response to my bud Kevin Graham on deification. We'd also like to express our sympathies to Kevin upon the recent tragic loss of his beloved pet. "Kuhkee" was a Jack Russell terrier that was a delight to watch. Toby also sends his sympathies.
- A day late, but we have some minor additions to the article on the birth narratives.
December 19,
2003
We have another chapter response to "The Mormon Defense," this one to the chapter on divine embodiment by my friend Kevin Graham. Uh, Merry Christmas, dewd. (grin)
December 16,
2003
December 12,
2003
December 8,
2003
- We have a look at Part 1 of Skeptic X's latest on Biblical inerrancy.
- Now as well, a complete response to PTET in areas of our interest.
- Did items 648-650 on Wally's list. He's slowing down, not us.
December 5,
2003
December 1,
2003
- Oh boy! Michael Ledo issued a response to our critique of Bible Bloopers; see the saga continue here.
- Updated our item on methods of baptism with notes from Adams' Meaning and Mode of Baptism.
November 26,
2003
- We have, by request, a response to a hyper-preterist named Tracy VanWynGaarden who has offered a critique of the partial preterist view.
As might be expected, things will be slow over the next few days because of the holiday...a blessed Thanksgiving to all!
November 20,
2003
November 18,
2003
We are saddened today by news of the death of Bob Passantino, co-leader of the Answers in Action ministry. I spoke with Bob several times on the telephone these past few weeks and he was instrumental in helping me in several areas over the past few years. Our condolences are extended to Gretchen Passantino and to their family.
Notice: Tekton reader Eric Lounsbery will be appearing on "The Infidel Guy" on Friday Nov. 21st at 8:00pm EST, debating Dan "Hasn't Answered a Thing On Tekton Since 1995" Barker. The subject is, "Is Christianity Tenable?" and there will be chances to call in for questions.
November 14,
2003
Welcome to the "new look" on the front page, which we hope will make navigation a little easier. The big announcement today, though, is for those of you who have participated in and enjoyed TheologyWeb as we begin today offering a special chance to support Tekton and TWeb simultaneously. If you'd like to help keep both efforts going, click the link for details. Otherwise:
- To start, I am releasing what I have done so far in reply to an assemblage of Mormon apologists rounded up by my friend Kevin Graham, replying to The Mormon Defenders. There are about 5 essays here now, with more coming later as their work progresses.
- Also did Part 2 and 3 of a new reply to Marshall Gauvin's Fundamentals of Freethought, this one on the resurrection of Jesus and 100 Laundry List contradictions in the Bible.
- Dug out some more references and links on The DaVinci Code, including notes from an associate professor at the U. of Chicago.
- By request: We have a new item for our "What is..." series, What is humility?
November 10,
2003
- We have an updated version of the article on The DaVinci Code which includes an appendix with links and extra points of research contributed by Tekton helpers.
- Also have a new article on historical method using an an example from an event in the Battle of Hastings.
- New TWeb discussion on "God is not a man".
- A reader recommended this humorous satire on Biblical criticism here which we will add as a link under our JEDP section.
Tekton contributor and TheologyWeb "mother hen"  Dee Dee Warren will be a guest on Paul Anderson's radio show The Source which airs every Sunday from 7PM CST on the Kingdom Keys Network Radio, on Sunday November 23 beginning at 8PM. The subject will be TheologyWeb (of course) and focusing on discussing the different eschatology views within orthodox Christianity and orthodox preterism.
November 7,
2003
- By request, we have a review of Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life.
- Also by request, we are starting a short series on freethinker and airplane mechanic Marshall Gauvin's The Fundamentals of Freethought.
- We had a radio engagement on KFUO is St. Louis with Todd Wilken of Issues Etc. You can hear it here; hit the link for the first hour.
Tekton associate and contributor Brent Hardaway dedicates the day of November 9 to the loving memory of his grandmother, Evelyn Hardaway. His own words tell the story: "Her heart was as close to God's as anyone I've ever known, and she touched countless lives. Among her many ministries, she taught the 4th grade girls Sunday School class at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley, CA for over 30 years, including some mother-daughter combinations. Her life was proof that to be great in God's kingdom does not require any great human abilities, just a faithful and humble spirit." Amen!!!
November 5,
2003
- After a year and a month of florting around, Skeptic X finally gets back to dealing with the Land Promise issue some more and explaining why Smurfs are an absolute requirement for a feudal system.
- And speaking of weird things from space, a reader asked us to look at a site about the "sons of Seth" theory. The results here.
November 4,
2003
- Yes, I know some of you are wondering, "So what about that special on The DaVinci Code last night, huh?" Well, Tekton teamed up with Bob and Gretchen Passantino's Answers in Action ministry to produce this critique of the book which also touches on the TV special (which was actually rather tame). So what do I think of the book? Um, pass the Lysol.
- We have a fun-yet-serious reader participation item on contrary claims by critics about Jesus.
- Added some notes to various essays in the Q/Marcan priority series from Bellinzoni's The Two-Source Hypothesis.
- Worked up items 642-647 on Wally's list.
- Guest writer "Phantaz Sunlyk" has an item for us titled An Argument for the Existence of God from the Initial Levels of Reflection. It's deep, so put on your galoshes and thinking cap!
- Guest writer Brent Hardaway also has for us Part 2 of a series of Christianity and capitalism. It's juicy and delicious!
October 31,
2003
Gee, it sure is the right day to respond to Skeptic X on his latest after a 5 month hiatus. Nice costume, X. Huh? It isn't one? Oh....
October 30,
2003
- By request, we have a brief look at Darwin Fish, one of those "you're all bound for hell but me" types whose list I am about to be on.
- Punkish has more for us on Acharya S and the Gospels.
October 28,
2003
- A reader has contributed some extra material for point 16 of The Impossible Faith.
- By request, we have a review of Donald Morgan's list of Bible inconsistencies.
- Here's a surd that will keep us busy. Apparently ChristSites (one of our "voting" sites) is no longer doing votes, so we need to remove the graphic for that from EVERY article (sigh). We also found out that the Bible book search function is awry on most pages, so that will be fixed as well, and we'll take that chance to make some topical links in the sidebars at the same time.
October 23,
2003
Over the next few days I will be working on a background project consisting of an indexed response to a major list of alleged Bible contradictions (like the recent response to Packham).
October 21,
2003
We have a look at a hyper-preterist take on resurrection from eschatology.org.
Special prayer request: Pray that R.B.'s brother would be made well psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
October 16,
2003
- Word was passed to us that a "fundy atheist" named Quibbler had "answered" our Quiz for Skeptics. Tie yourself down.
- We're in Round 3 of debate with "Bud" on TIF (link below).
- Worked up a special item on the question, Does John 20:29 promote a "blind faith"?
- Fellow preterist Dee Dee Warren has allowed us to reproduce here own summary of preterism to use in our article summing it up.
- We have a look at a list of "Bible Absurdities" by prominent SecWeb personage Donald Morgan.
- On TWeb, new discussion on Mark 2:26.
October 14,
2003
If you are reading this, welcome to our new webhost. After a week and a half of my prior one fudging and finding no answers to the site's constant on again, off again problems, I took our business elsewhere and we hope that solves the problem. We'll have some normal uploads as soon as possible.
October 10,
2003
- Added some more to a couple of Q-Marcan priority project essays, based on notes from Farmer's New Synoptic Studies and Downing's Doing Things with Words in the First Century.
- Finished up on Ledo's Bible Bloopers with selections from the part on the NT.
- On TWeb, here's one on copycat Christs and on Mark 2:26. Also entered Round 2 of debate with Bud.
October 8,
2003
The site is apparently still having problems. I've just issued my server an ultimatum -- if we have to move, the site will be offline for a while (24 hours or so) until I get a new host and while propagation occurs.
October 6,
2003
Yes, the site was down for a bit...seems to be OK now.
- Tekton Research Associate "Punkish" has some notes for us on an obscure pagan copycat Christ, "Deva Tat".
- Did up items 622-641 on Wally's list.
October 3,
2003
The next few weeks we have a couple more long-term background projects to work on, including more on the Q/Marcan priority project and a response to my book, The Mormon Defenders. Therefore we will be continuing the pattern of fewer uploads but with more material per upload.
September 26,
2003
Found a couple of articles in scholarly journals that gave me notes for the essays on liberal views of oral tradition, the shortage of paper in the ancient world, on Jesus writing his own material, on Matthew 5 and the Q hypothesis, and the QM hypothesis generally. I will be away for a conference much of next week and there may not be any uploads. I will continue to answer mail and participate on TWeb.
September 23,
2003
- Guest writer J. H. wraps up his comments on James Randi.
- Guest writer W. R. Miller has a special "poundin' it down on the Skeptics" item on The Truthfulness of the Bible
- We have a response to Vincent Sapone of "acfaith.com" on the atonement.
- OK, time to drop the big one: Though it is still in a preliminary stage, enough has been done to where I think I can release the essence of the Q/Markan priority project. The greatest changes have been made to the hub essay, and there will be many more updates over the next three months to the entire collection of essays.
Notice: All links below this point are not changed for our file restructuring and will be non-operable for the time being.
September 19,
2003
- By request we have a look at Stephen Smith, a full preterist who argues for a very odd definition of "spiritual Israel".
- **washing hands*** -- Finished up our look at The Great Dream.
- Added a note to our item on Randel Helms from oral traditional specialist Albert Lord
- More work in the background on Q-Marcan priority. The core essays are mostly set and now it's a matter of adding research notes.
- A reader alerted us to a Part 3 of Paine's Age of Reason we missed; here we have some brief comments only, since much of this Part 3 is merely repetitive.
- On TWeb, new discussions on the Messianic secret and original sin.
September 16,
2003
Special congrats also go to Tekton reader Rachel Ramer, who wrote the cover story for the latest issue of the Christian Research Journal!
September 11,
2003
September 10,
2003
- Posted the first portion of a by-request look at an online book titled "The Great Dream" posted by the folks at apostasynow.com.
- Work continues on the Q/Marcan priority project; here is another sample essay, on the argument from Mark's use of "immediately".
- On TWeb, we have a discussion here on striving and belief and another here on the Trinity, and another here on the relevance of the Bible.
- Punkish earns more gold with some comments on Acharya S and the Gospels.
- Off site, a reader has recommended a review here of a popular fictional work, The DaVinci Code. We have had one inquiry about it; though fiction, this work purports to relate historical facts, and this review nicely debunks that claim.
September 4,
2003
September 2,
2003
- Here's a topical issue: By request we have a look at Dan Barker's critique of the Ten Commandments.
- Background work continues in the Q/Marcan priority series. There are now 30 mini-essays done and there will be at least 50 more. These will all be loaded at once, we anticipate by month's end.
- Got some new links on the personal testimonies page courtesy of a helpful reader.
August 29,
2003
- Kyle Gerkin has graciously converted our debate The Impossible Faith II into HTML for us; you can read it at the link at the bottom of our Scholarly Diplomacy hub page.
- New TWeb encounters:
- Background work also continues on the Q/Marcan priority series.
- Added a note to the essay on the alleged Messianic secret theme, about why Jesus shushed demons.
Special congrats go to Tekton longtime reader J. S. who is getting married this weekend!
August 27,
2003
We now have the option for folks to get the entire site as a download. Check it out here for instructions.
- We have an item on a fellow named John Lynch who wrote me with his "Top Ten" reasons for not being a Christian. This one is discussable on TWeb and there is a link at the end of the article.
- On TWeb as well, we have discussions on:
- We have new additions to You may be a fundamentalist atheist if...
- We have new stuff on Marshall Gauvin thanks to Tekton Research Assistant "Punkish" (Gold Star!) and another reader who originally inspired the article.
- As a token of the huge background project we are working on concerning Q/Marcan priority, we have a sample essay here showing how we will treat each passage analyzed. Finishing these up, along with the rest of the research, will take at least until the end of next month.
- Offline, I have been asked to do a little freelance book review. More on this later.
August 21,
2003
- By request, we have a look at an oldy moldy Christ-myther named Marshall Gauvin.
- Guest writer J. H. has more on what was said lately by James Randi.
- Guest writer "Wildcat" also offers part 2 of a response to Osama Abdallah. Wildcat wishes to thank "Bill the Cat" for information on the Hypsistarians now included in Part 1.
- Guest writer B. Davidson has a review for us of Rodney Stark's For the Glory of God.
- TWeb encounter to report: On Christ and compassion. You can also discuss our article on What is faith? at a link at the bottom of the page.
As part of a link exchange agreement, we also have this plug for a devotional site, LovetheLamb.com. At this time we'd like to invite readers to share their favorite devotional links, which we will add to our personal testimonies section.
August 15,
2003
- We have had an actual intelligent answer to our "quiz for Skeptics" from Peter Kirby, who is more like Kyle Gerkin than like certain persons who will remain unnamed. I have inserted some comments.
- Guest writer "J. H." has some comments for us on a, er, remarkable essay on Christianity by paranormality debunker James Randi, who should have stuck with paranormality debunking.
- Some TWeb encounters to report:
August 12,
2003
- Templated and reviewed files beginning with T and J -- plus some miscellany. All files that should be templated, now are.
- Worked up items 539-600 in Wally's list.
We'll be working on another depth project for the next 2-3 days.
August 7,
2003
- Busy last few days. We reviewed and templated articles with filenames starting with C, G, P and most of T. All we have left now are some of T and all of J.
- Here's the background project we've been working on: It is a reply to a response to Strobel's Case for Faith by one Paul Jacobsen. This includes a TWeb link to discuss the series.
- Added some points to our essay on places only named in the Bible as "errors", making a comparison to secular works with the same sort of "problem".
- Got some TWeb links of interest! You can drop in on the "Eschatology Wrestlefest" here where Tekton contributor Dee Dee Warren is going to bat for preterism. Comments on the debate can be made here.
July 30,
2003
Templated and reviewed articles with file names starting with A, M and R. Also got started on a new background project that will take about a week to complete.
July 29,
2003
- Templated and reviewed articles with file names starting with O and S.
- By reader request we have a look at an article by Michael Martin on human suffering and the acceptance of God.
July 28,
2003
Templated and reviewed articles with file names starting with N. Also have these TWeb discussions to report:
July 25,
2003
Templated and reviewed articles with file names starting with H and L.
July 24,
2003
- Did a foundational piece on the use of silence/snubbing as a rhetorical tactic in ancient practice.
- This one on request. Had some fun putting together a parody/reply to a Norwegian Skeptical site called "bandoli.no" that's mostly sound bites. Special thanks to "Hamster" for help with the graphics!
- Put new templates on, and reviewed, articles with filenames starting with B, D, E and F.
July 22,
2003
July 21,
2003
Today, just updated our oldest article on Inerrancy and Human Ignorance with some notes on translation from Casey's Aramaic Sources of Mark's Gospel. Also, since we're making changes I'll be helping out our reader the best I can without getting in the way by adding our new templates to old articles. Along the way I'll review and make updates as needed. Today I redid articles whose file names begin with I.
July 17,
2003
Yes, you'll no doubt have noticed some changes here...kudos to a reader who is giving us a big hand with this. You can expect to see that some items will be "out of service" as conversions are made. Meanwhile all we have new is entering Round 5 and last of debate with "chsalvia" on Daniel (link below).
July 16,
2003
July 14,
2003
- Tekton contributor Brent Hardaway has begun a series for us on Christianity and
capitalism. We have the preface and an introductory essay.
- Entered Round 4 of debate with "chsalvia" on Daniel (link below).
- Apparently Stephen Van Eck is some sort of masochist, because he
sent me snail mail again. We'd like to
invite him to the 21st century.
July 11,
2003
Uploaded the first of my long-term projects, a commentary/reference on
a list of alleged Bible problems (about 70 pages' worth) by our old friend
Richard Packham.
July 10,
2003
Entered Round 3 of debate with chsalvia on the date of Daniel (link
below).
July 7,
2003
Entered Round 3 with Kyle Gerkin on The Impossible Faith II
(link below). There's also a new TWeb thread here
On Paul and baptism in 1 Cor. 1.
July 2,
2003
Entered Round 2 of debate with "chsalvia" on the Book of Daniel (link
below). Today as well there will be a change in orientation of the upload
schedule. I will be pursuing some long-term projects which will take
several days each to complete and which are tactically best uploaded all
at once. Therefore for a few weeks uploads will be used only to announce
TWeb engagements or any short-term projects that happen along. I expect to
complete one of these long-term projects next week.
July 1,
2003
- There hasn't been much response to our "Special Challenge" feature
over the past 4 months (only 2 takers!) so we're discontinuing it. But
ya'll can still find me on TWeb anytime the gumption kicks in.
- By request, we have a look at a member of SecWeb psychologist Robert
Price's crowd, Darrell
Doughty.
June 30,
2003
- Entered Round 3 of debate with Kyle Gerkin in The Impossible
Faith II (link below).
- Added to and corrected the essay on the gospel according to
Seneca based on a helpful reader's comments.
June 27,
2003
June 26,
2003
- Entered Round 1 of debate with friendly Skeptic "chsalvia" on the
book of Daniel.
June 25,
2003
Spent much of the day at the seminary library. Here's what we have:
June 23,
2003
It looks like I have company from out of state coming, so there may be
no upload tomorrow.
June 20,
2003
Entered Round 2 of debate with Kyle Gerkin on The Impossible Faith
II (link below).
June 19,
2003
June 18,
2003
June 17,
2003
Created an extended addendum to our article on extreme use (abuse) of Sola
Scriptura using the fallacious work of a site called "Apostasy Now!"
as an example of such abuse in action.
June 16,
2003
Began Round 1 of debate/discussion with Kyle Gerkin on The
Impossible Faith Part II. I am helping an elderly member of the
family with a move so this week's activities may be limited.
June 13,
2003
At reader request, we have some comments on an article titled From First Baptist to the
First Century which is an account of a Baptist's conversion to
Orthodoxy.
June 12,
2003
Today was seminary day, so not much:
- Added a few small notes added and changes made to the Q/Marcan priority
project on Luke 15 and 16 passages and data I have gathered since
the last update.
- On TWeb, we have continued to be active in old discussions, plus we
have started one with "Zeus" on the resurrection
body.
June 11,
2003
- Entered Round 5 and last of debate with "skepticbud" on the
authorship of Matthew (link below).
- Updated the Trophy Room parody
for the first time in a while. Check the funny new "Spong Bob Square
Pants" (yes, I said Spong, not Sponge) at the bottom.
June 10,
2003
Added some more material, per reader request, on Edgar
Jones.
June 9,
2003
June 6,
2003
- Got some more wah-wah from Skeptic X on preterism.
- Also responded to Edgar "Just Gimme that Old-Fashioned Fideism"
Jones on an article he wrote addressing our material on Luke 14:26.
Side note to all: TWeb is going to be variably inaccessible for a while
as they move to a new server. The expected return date is Sunday.
June 4,
2003
I will be attending to some family medical needs tomorrow and there may
be no upload. For today:
June 3,
2003
- Did an item on an article by one Sid Green from
Infidels.org on alleged "Hidden History in Acts".
- Did items 496-523 on Wally's list (link below). We expect to polish
the last of Wally off tomorrow.
- Added some notes to the item on Mark 13:32 in light of
some, er, reader comprehension problems.
June 2,
2003
- There was only one taker for our June 2003 special challenge and
we decided to extend it with the same topic into July.
- Did items 471-495 on Wally's list (link below).
May 30,
2003
Did items 446-470 on Wally's list. I will be away for the weekend, back
Monday.
May 29,
2003
Just did items 421-445 on Wally's list (see below) which includes
updates on previous entries based on research done today.
May 28,
2003
Tomorrow is seminary visit day, so any upload will be small.
May 27,
2003
- We have worked up items 361-395 on Wally's list (see below).
- Added a new point to The Impossible
Faith thanks to a reader suggestion.
- On TWeb dropped in on discussion over David
as 7th or 8th son of Jesse and also entered Part 4 of debate with
"Bud" on Matthean authorship.
May 23,
2003
For today just worked up items 335-360 on Wally's list. There
will be no upload Monday because of the holiday; back
Tuesday!
May 22,
2003
- Worked up items 303-334 on Wally's list (link below).
- Added a second addendum to our item on the I AM
statements, addressing another JW apologist.
- On TWeb, got a mess of debates to report, backlogged -- price and
participation may vary!
May 21,
2003
- Worked up items 277-302 on Wally's list (link below).
- Entered Round 3 of debate with "Bud" on Matthean authorship (see
below).
May 20,
2003
- Guest writer "Wildcat" has some updates to his
item on Osama Abdallah.
- Worked up items 231-276 on Wally's list (link below).
- Added a few words to our essay on "I am" in John
to answer a JW essay on the subject.
May 19,
2003
- Worked up items 206-230 on Wally's list (link below).
- Updated the item on the demoniacs with
further insights from Keener's commentary.
- On TWeb, we can watch
a "debate" (guffaw) between several folks (myself included, though I
am on the main Skeptic's "Ignore" list) and a Skeptic X fanatic named
Jim Eisele who is probably one of the least competent Skeptics out there
today. Check the thread and see why. Also entered Round 2 with "bud" on
Matthew's authorship (see below)
May 16,
2003
- Worked up items 171-205 on Wally's list (see below).
- On TWeb, started a new thread on a Skeptic X gaffe
with respect to interpreting NT use of the OT.
May 15,
2003
I have to bring family in for a medical appointment tomorrow, so any
upload will be small.
- Updated and created several essays based on insights from William
Herzog's Jesus, Justice and the Reign of God. Herzog follows in
the steps of the Context Group and brings some unique social-science
insights to the fore. We have new essays on the Jesus Seminar,
on Bultmann and Mark
2:1-12; plus new insights on the use of the 10 Commandments in
Mark 10:17-22.
- More gold stars for Tekton Research Assistant "Punkish" as he dug up
some good stuff on John
Remsburg.
- Worked up items 140-175 on Wally's list (see below).
May 14,
2003
- Made a few additional points addressing Hill's essay (see below).
- Worked up items 109-139 on Wally's list (see below).
May 13,
2003
Tomorrow is seminary visit day; any upload will be small.
May 12,
2003
- Worked up items 29-79 on Wally's list.
- On TWeb, discussed an issue that will be of use to refuting
"divine name" proponents, and also finished debate with "Doc" Alward
(see below).
May 9,
2003
- Started an extended series on a Skeptic named Joe Wallack who thinks
he's Jay Leno. He's actually more like Boris Karloff.
 He features "1001 Errors in the Bible"
and we're going to do at least 25 a day until we are done. Today we did
1-28.
- By request, we have a look at an apostate commentator named Darrell Conder.
- On TWeb, began a thread on a gaffe by Skeptic X with respect to
literary analysis and caught Stevie Carr misrepresenting
an article of ours to attempt to cause dissension. Also entered
Round 4 of debate with "Doc" Alward (see below).
- Guest writer Justin Moser has a piece on logical
fallacies.
May 8,
2003
May 7,
2003
It is now 3 in the afternoon where I am and I have elected to upload a
little early and will be offline a while. Earthlink is having problems
with access numbers in Florida (lucky me!) and I have had to dial into a
number long distance to do this upload. I will be online as little as
possible until this is fixed (supposedly tomorrow!).
- Did a comparative item, with some new information, on the respective
arguments of the Christian ThinkTank's Glenn Miller and the Secular
Web's Richard Carrier on the Lukan census.
- On TWeb, entered conversation on the subject of "three
days and three nights". Also entered Round 3 of debate with "Doc"
Alward (see below).
May 6,
2003
May 5,
2003
- Guest writer "Nick P." has written an item for us on the "Angel of the Lord" in the
OT as a Trinitarian precursor.
- We enter Round 2 of debate with Joseph "Doc" Alward on the time of
Jesus' crucifixion (see below).
- Added a link to the page hosting the Tresmond-Kreuger "Does
God Exist?" debate, providing comments on the debate so far. Being that
it seems the debate is moving slowly, any reader wishing to comment may
now do so.
May 2,
2003
May 1,
2003
- Entered Round 5 and last of debate with "GodisOnePerson" on the
Trinity (see below).
April 30,
2003
Tomorrow is seminary visit day, so any upload will be small. For
today:
- My special challenge had only one taker for the Gospel dates issue.
Where are all the loudmouths? We
will try one last time for a slate of responses on the subject of the book of Daniel.
- Did an item on the subject of the Kingdom of God in
preterist eschatology.
- Guest writer "Wildcat" has another useful item for us from the realm
of Islam, this one addressing a challenge by one Osama Abdallah.
- Guest writer "Phantaz Sunlyk" also has a detailed discussion for us
on the filioque (how
do the Son and the Spirit interrelate?). I have added my own comments as
appropriate.
Side note: It looks like the rainy season is starting here again when
it is possible that my afternoon work will be curtailed by lightning and
thunderstorms now and then. Just to explain possible future gaps.
April 29,
2003
April 28,
2003
The feature today is a parody/response to a discussion thread on
Infudgels.org on the subject, Did Paul steal the money he
collected? Also serves as yet another example of why I don't waste
time on Skeptical discussion forums. This is just Part 1 for now -- more
later.
April 25,
2003
Yes! Still not quite well yet, but I feel better by halves every day.
Sort of like Zeno's paradox. But we have some activity. At reader
recommend, I read some of Pryce-Jones' The Closed Circle, a book on
Arab culture, looking for stuff to parallel to Biblical culture. There
wasn't a whole lot specific, because much of the book was political and
modernist in outlook, but Pryce-Jones says a lot about honor and shame,
and limited good, and how it affects the Arab world. Since it is an older
book I won't do a review, but if you get hold of it, it is a useful read.
Now for what's new here:
April 24,
2003
Still not feeling well, but here's what up:
April 23,
2003
I woke up today with cold-like symptoms and will be limiting my
activities. There will be no new material uploaded today but I plan to
down at least a gallon of orange juice.
April 22,
2003
For today, just an applicational piece
based on the work of a Catholic apologist named Mark Bonocore. Also
started negotiations with Skeptic Joseph Alward for a second debate.
April 21,
2003
April 18,
2003
April 17,
2003
Went to the seminary yesterday and got some books. Tomorrow I need to
bring a relative to the doctor and do some PT work, so there may or may
not be an upload. Meanwhile for today:
- Debate with Kyle Gerkin enters Round 10 and last (see below). Part 2
of the debate will occur at a later date as we both find it convenient.
It's been a great debate and I thank Kyle for the exchange.
- Added an addendum to our article on the use of satire,
on the subject of how polemic was used in Paul's letters and the use of
such polemic as evidence.
April 15,
2003
Happy Tax Day! Done yours yet?
- Entered Round 4 of debate with "Bud" on the rez narratives.
- At reader request, offered an applicational expansion on the essay
on the command "Thou
shalt not kill."
- Added notes to three essays based on readings in Jerry Summey's
'Servants of Satan', 'False Brothers,' and Other Opponents of
Paul. Additions were made on the
use of the word gnosis in
Paul as a sign of Gnosticism; and on Paul's
opponents in 2 Corinthians.
April 14,
2003
April 11,
2003
April 10,
2003
Had to bring in the car for some repair work, so not much today.
- Debate with Kyle Gerkin on The Impossible Faith reaches Round
9 (see link below).
- Added a point to the issue about the time Jesus was
in the tomb to defuse a recent Skeptical attempt at obfuscation.
April 9,
2003
April 8,
2003
- A reader provided some comments on Van Eck's Shiva/Holy Spirit
equation.
- Added a note to the annix article to
respond to a Skeptical point.
- Entered Round 2 of debate with "GodisOnePerson" and "Bud" on
respective issues of the Trinity and the rez narratives (links below).
- Did work on a freelance assignment for a magazine article. More on
this later.
April 7,
2003
April 4,
2003
- Debate with Kyle Gerkin enters Round 8 (link below).
- Our inquiring reader submitted two examples for Romans 14 he'd like us to
consider.
April 3,
2003
- We begin debate on TWeb with "GodIsOnePerson" on the Trinity (link
below). We also enter Round 1 of debate with "Bud" on the rez
narratives.
- Based on a TWeb debate and at reader request, composed an expanded
essay on Romans 14 and
Christian liberty.
- Added some notes from Brent Hardaway responded to criticism of our
Exodus logistics
essay.
- Did another brief item on Nazi Christ-myther Revilo P. Oliver, at
reader request, this time on the Trinity.
April 1,
2003
Just some new stuff on TWeb to report: on Balaam's
donkey, and on the Jesus
myth. We will also start a debate here
Thursday or Friday on Christology, and here
on the rez narratives at such time as my opponent makes a move. Tomorrow
is seminary visit day and there will probably not be an upload. We have
also updated the special
challenge for May 2003 and a new topic, Gospel dates and
authorship.
March 31,
2003
- Debate with Kyle Gerkin enters Round 7 (see link below).
- Finished up the application piece on Frank Zindler.
- Added a little material to the Daniel eschatological
essay on the question, "Did Antiochus fulfill Dan. 9:24-27?"
March 28,
2003
In addition to more TWeb action on threads listed below, we have
another "application piece" in the making for the same reader as
yesterday, on another Zindler article titled "The Twelve". Next week
I will have several hours on non-ministry work to do and uploads may be
spotty.
March 27,
2003
March 26,
2003
- We have an addendum to our article on Jesus: God's Wisdom
answering the question, How does Wisdom
Christology fit with the Nicean Creed?
March 25,
2003
- By request, we have an item on the question, What is holiness?
- On TWeb, we can report a discussion with "Bud" (see below) here
on Romans 14 and Christian "liberty". Debate also enters Round 5 with
Kyle Gerkin on The Impossible Faith (see below).
March 24,
2003
Had a ton of messages in my box (usual Monday) and some action on TWeb
(see below), so not much new otherwise. I have added a paragraph to the Olivet Dicourse article
on Christians leaving Jerusalem during the Roman siege and also added some
notes from Tekton Research Assistant "Gold Star Punkish" on Kenneth Harding. On
TWeb itself we are working on two debates now.
March 21,
2003
- Well now! Got two replies on our article titled Why Skeptics Don't Deserve
The Benefit of the Doubt. One was a very nice comment from fellow
Scholarly Diplomat Kyle Gerkin; the other was a profanity-laced
commentary from a fan of Farrell Till we will call "Bud". Nice, wot?
Anyway see more here.
- Debate with Kyle Gerkin enters Round 4 (see below).
March 20,
2003
March 19,
2003
Today was seminary visit day, so nothing new other than some action on
TWeb links listed below.
March 18,
2003
March 17,
2003
March 14,
2003
- We enter Round 5 (and last) with Joseph Alward (see link below).
March 13,
2003
March 12,
2003
- Debate with Joseph Alward enters Round 3 (see below). We also have
debates going elsewhere: On Acts
7:55-6 and preterism; and now on the Christ
myth.
- Finished item referenced below on preterism.
March 11,
2003
- Debate with Joe Alward enters into Round 2 (see link below).
- More on preterism: continuation of the article linked below, plus at
reader suggestion a summary article on what
preterism is all about.
March 10,
2003
- Today we officially began our formal debates on TWeb with Kyle
Gerkin and Joseph
Alward. Also found a couple of people who have been offered a chance
to talke our Special Debate Challenge, but no official takers yet.
- Also continued our latest response on preterism.
March 9,
2003
- Added some more on Till and preterism.
- A reader noted that there will be a seminar called "RESPONDING TO
BAD ARGUMENTS AGAINST CHRISTIAN BELIEF" featuring Greg Koukl, on
Thursday evening, March 13, from 7:00 to 9:30pm at the Sutherland
Auditorium, Biola University. If you're in the neck of the woods, check it
out!
March 7,
2003
- Time for a new feature! We have a special debate
challenge that we're instituting, and to test it, we're challenging
Christ mythers to debate us on TheologyWeb.
- Speaking of such people, Tekton research assistant Punkish found
some cached comments about our article on Nazi Christ-myther Revilo P. Oliver.
Believe it!
March 6,
2003
- Did SAB on Hebrews, thus ending the
SAB response project. We have also added some final thoughts on our SAB
hub page.
- Added a few lines to the item on Darren Geist with
respect to his use of Scripture.
March 5,
2003
- Worked up SAB on the Petrine epistles and
got started on Numbers. That's the last
of the OT books.
- The formal debate/discussion with Kyle Gerkin is moving right along.
We have Gerkin's response to The Impossible Faith here and this will be
the basis for our discussion, which will begin here
on March 10. There is a link within this thread as well for anyone
wishing to make side comments. Remember to join and read the TWeb rules
before posting, and post only after the debate has started!
- Punkish adds another gold star with comments on Job 13:15 for Kenneth Harding.
Tomorrow is seminary visit day and the upload will also probably be
small.
March 4,
2003
- Did SAB on the
Corinthian letters and on Zechariah and Malachi.
- Expanded the personal testimonies
section to includes a section on testimonies of historical figures, and
books of personal testimony (the latter of which we will work on more as
the week progresses). The former includes some commentary on the current
movie Gods and Generals and the depicted and real life of
Stonewall Jackson. Special thanks to "Bob #1" for his contributions in
this project.
- Offered some reflective commentary on Darren Geist's item on homosexuality.
- Got a couple of new TWeb debates to report: One on Messianic
claimaints and preterism featuring Stevie Carr trying to sow
dissension again, and one which started as as an evasive
Skeptic trying to quiz me on evolution, but has now turned into
broader "why to believe" areas as well. On the side we should have
engaged by next week formal debates with Joseph Alward on lack of data
in Paul's letters on Jesus, and with Kyle Gerkin on The Impossible
Faith.
Update: The young lady for whom prayers were requested earlier
continues to improve. The reader tells us: My warmest and most sincere
thanks to you and to all of those who lifted their voices to the Almighty
on her behalf. I'll never forget that.
March 3,
2003
March 2,
2003
Just added a few notes to the essay on Biblical and Japanese
culture based on observations from two qualified readers, one who
lives in Japan and one who was reared in a similar culture. Our thanks to
them!
March 1,
2003
- Guest writer Justin Moser has a commentary item titled The Most Important
Overlooked Passage in the Bible.
- Doug Krueger has sent his opening statement in the debate with Max
Tresmond, "Does God Exist?" See here for the hub page.
- Tekton research associate Punkish gets a bunch more gold stars for
some notes on Kenneth
Harding. Just look for Punkish's name in lights. [grin]
February
28, 2003
- TheologyWeb is moving to a new server, so all links on it below will
give you a temp page until sometime Sunday.
- Finished up SAB on 2
Samuel and also did up Ecclesiastes and Song of
Songs and started on John . In case you're
wondering what's left: Numbers, Hosea-Joel, Zechariah-Malachi, the
Corinthian letters, Hebrews, and the Petrine epistles. Should have SAB
wrapped up by the end of next week.
- We had some new additions to our You may be a fundy atheist
if... listing. Look for the ones in red and pay special attention to
the new one at the end!
Update: The young lady for whom prayers were requested earlier
has been doing much better. She went through a necessary procedure without
awaking in pain. The family thanks you for your prayers.
February
27, 2003
February
26, 2003
- We have a brief item on one Bob Hill, who seems
to lean towards open theism.
- A new feature item today: We offer a comparison of ancient Biblical and
modern Japanese culture as a corrective to certain hard-headed
Skeptical sorts who seem to think we make up all this stuff about
Biblical culture being different than ours. Ya'll know who you are.
- Did up SAB on Romans.
- Added a link in my article on the role of the law to a new extended
piece by Glenn Miller on the "New
Torah" in Judaism.
February
25, 2003
- Finished up SAB on Jeremiah.
- Need to note two TWeb debates we've been in. One, we have Wayne
Harrington on the skids again (special thanks here to "GrayPilgrim")
and we're talking with Joe Alward on faith
and works.
- Updated our article on Tyre (see debate
below).
- Added a note on a Jewish anti-missionary site's use of Phil. 1:18.
- Added a link to the article on Hesus -- another Gold Star for Tekton
research assistant Punkish!
February
24, 2003
- Continued with the answer to Kenneth Harding on
the OT.
- A reader, J. H., has parodized a Skeptical
"300 Disproofs of God's Existence" used by cetrain Skeptics.
- Started up the Skeptics' Annotated Bible on Jeremiah and
Lamentations.
- Tekton guest writer Dee Dee Warren has issued a challenge to Farrell
Till on TheologyWeb. See it here.
Also we continued with several discussion on the forum listed below.
February
21, 2003
- Yep. None of Till's fans want to take the challenge on the specific
subject, as expected. We therefore consider our debate challenges TO
Till to be closed, and that he has admitted inability by his non-answer.
Summation here.
- But, one of his followers did want to debate on Tyre. See here.
- Finished SAB on 1
Samuel and also did the Pastoral letters and
Philemon.
February
20, 2003
- It's D-Day for the Till clan. If I don't get a letter from one of
them accepting my ostrich/donations challenge -- one or the other -- by
tomorrow morning, we'll assume that none of them wants to defend Till's
arguments on these, and that they can't. I've scanned Till' list
archives, and they do know about it, so that's not an excuse. Anyway I
finished up the item on preterism from yesterday.
- Also got started on SAB on 1 Samuel.
February
19, 2003
- Did up SAB on Esther
and Job.
- More from McTill on preterism -- and
this time, we have some fun stuff. We enact our major policy change of
not naming Till in the response, and also do something else that's sure
to annoy him.
- Started a new TWeb thread on reasons to believe Chrisianity (or not
to, from the point of the Skeptical starter). See here.
Immediate prayer request: Tekton reader Edwin A. requests prayer
for Laura, his 9 year old niece, who had to undergo surgery to remove
about two thirds of her left lung and then had to return to the hospital
for fluid drainage from the lungs. Last Thursday at 4 AM the drainage
process had to be repeated. Laura is again in intensive care now, but will
have to be monitored closely until adulthood.
February
18, 2003
- Finished up on SAB on Genesis.
- Got a start on an answer to Kenneth Harding's
The Authenticity of the Old Testament. Not too far, and we'll
continue tomorrow.
- We have an experimental project --
hosting of written debates. This one is between Maximillian Tresmond and
Doug Krueger on the subject, "Does God Exist?" Feedback on the nature of
the project is welcome. So far all we have is Max's opening statement.
- As of noon today, still no takers from Till's crowd to defend his
ostrich and donations arguments. Just two days to go. Meanwhile the only
member of Errancy so far with the fortitude to directly engage us on a
Biblial topic has been Joe Alward. He has engaged us on threads already
linked to below (David and Goliath, Death of Judas, [Feb. 10] Contrived
Gospel stories [Jan. 28]).
February
17, 2003
Whew! Had about 60 messages in my box this morning, I spent much of
today answering mail...but here's what we got done onsite:
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