Debate: Alex O'Connor [atheist] vs. Glen Scrivener

 

Debate: Alex O'Connor [atheist] vs. Glen Scrivener on Morality, Freedom, Slavery and the Bible

https://youtu.be/-ZnVNM8lkGw?si=4pdsU4k2cZo8VECq

How Did Christianity Survive Extinction

 

The following is an interesting take on how Christianity survived. As a Protestant I don't agree with all the conclusions, nor all of the alleged facts. But it does present some of the real factors in why Christianity has survived for 2000 years.

 How Did Christianity Survived Extinction - Listening Documentary
https://youtu.be/lXIiQsEWWu4

 

See also my book review below:  Carrier mentions some of his arguments why Christianity is not evidently a miraculous religion. Though Carrier goes more fully into it in his book "Not the Impossible Faith."

My Book Review of "Why I Am Not A Christian" by Richard Carrier

 

Greatest Stories and AI

 I asked Artificial Intelligence the following question:

As a Christian I believe the greatest story of all is the Christian story. That history is literally "His-Story." Meaning that all of history, not just among humans, but the story in all worlds, multiverses and spiritual realms are part of God's providentially guided Omni-Story. Here's a question I asked various Artificial Intelligences:

In terms of greatness and epic epic-ness and your ability to understand what makes for great story telling name the top 20 stories of both fiction and non-fiction including spiritual/religious stories. But do this as if there were no lines or distinctions of fiction, non-fiction and religious/spiritual stories.

Meta AI said:

Here's my attempt to merge the realms of fiction, non-fiction, and spiritual/religious stories into a single list of the top 20 greatest stories of all time:

1. *The Odyssey* (Homer) - The epic journey of Odysseus, a timeless tale of perseverance and cunning.

2. *The Bible* (Various Authors) - A sweeping narrative of creation, redemption, and the human condition.

3. *The Iliad* (Homer) - The legendary tale of the Trojan War, exploring honor, pride, and the human cost of conflict.

4. *The Mahabharata* (Vyasa) - An ancient Indian epic that delves into the complexities of duty, morality, and the nature of reality.

5. *The Lord of the Rings* (J.R.R. Tolkien) - A high fantasy masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of storytelling and world-building.

6. *The Quran* (Muhammad) - The holy book of Islam, a rich tapestry of spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and historical accounts.

7. *The Epic of Gilgamesh* (Sin-liqe-unninni) - One of the earliest surviving works of literature, a timeless tale of friendship, love, and the quest for immortality.

8. *The Story of Buddha* (Various Authors) - The inspiring life story of Siddhartha Gautama, a journey of self-discovery, compassion, and enlightenment.

9. *The Aeneid* (Virgil) - A foundational epic of Western literature, exploring the mythological origins of Rome and the human condition.

10. *The Diary of Anne Frank* (Anne Frank) - A heart-wrenching, real-life account of hope, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

11. *The Divine Comedy* (Dante Alighieri) - A visionary masterpiece of Italian literature, exploring the realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.

12. *The Count of Monte Cristo* (Alexandre Dumas) - A classic tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, set against the backdrop of 19th-century France.

13. *The Bhagavad Gita* (Vyasa) - A sacred Hindu text, exploring the nature of reality, duty, and spiritual growth through the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna.

14. *To Kill a Mockingbird* (Harper Lee) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel exploring issues of racial injustice, tolerance, and the loss of innocence in a small Alabama town.

15. *The Histories* (Herodotus) - A foundational work of historical writing, chronicling the ancient world and the conflicts between Greece and Persia.

16. *The Arabian Nights* (Various Authors) - A timeless collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales, exploring themes of love, magic, and the human condition.

17. *The Picture of Dorian Gray* (Oscar Wilde) - A philosophical and psychological exploration of vanity, morality, and the corrupting influence of beauty.

18. *The Grapes of Wrath* (John Steinbeck) - A classic novel of the Great Depression, exploring themes of poverty, migration, and the resilience of the human spirit.

19. *The Republic* (Plato) - A foundational work of Western philosophy, exploring the nature of justice, morality, and the ideal society.

20. *Siddhartha* (Hermann Hesse) - A classic novel of spiritual exploration, following the journey of a young Indian prince as he seeks enlightenment and self-discovery.

These stories have transcended their original contexts, speaking to fundamental human experiences and emotions that continue to resonate with audiences across cultures and time.

Grok said:

Here's a blend of stories from fiction, non-fiction, and spiritual/religious narratives, focusing on their epic scale, storytelling quality, and cultural impact:

1. The Iliad by Homer - An ancient epic that sets the standard for storytelling, detailing the Trojan War, with themes of honor, fate, and heroism.
2. The Odyssey also by Homer - Continues with the journey of Odysseus, emphasizing themes of cunning, perseverance, and the return home, deeply influencing Western literature.
3. The Epic of Gilgamesh - One of the oldest known stories, exploring friendship, the quest for immortality, and the human condition.
4. The Bible - Particularly the narratives in Genesis, Exodus, and the Gospels, which have shaped moral, cultural, and literary traditions worldwide.
5. The Mahabharata - An Indian epic that includes the Bhagavad Gita, dealing with duty, righteousness, and the complexities of human and divine interaction.
6. The Ramayana - Another Indian epic, focusing on the life of Rama, themes of duty, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil.
7. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri - A journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, providing a medieval synthesis of Christian theology and human experience.
8. One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) - A collection of Middle Eastern folk tales with Scheherazade's storytelling to prevent her execution, showcasing narrative ingenuity.
9. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu - Often considered the world's first novel, exploring the aesthetic and emotional life of Heian Japan.
10. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy - An epic in scope, detailing Russian society during the French invasion of 1812, focusing on love, war, and philosophical questions.
11. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - A modern epic that explores themes of power, friendship, and the fight against evil through a meticulously crafted world.
12. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville - An adventure that delves into obsession, revenge, and the nature of humanity against the backdrop of the whaling industry.
13. The Aeneid by Virgil - The epic of Aeneas, linking Rome's foundation myth with themes of fate, piety, and the founding of civilization.
14. Beowulf - An Old English epic poem about the hero Beowulf, exploring themes of leadership, heroism, and the battle against monstrous forces.
15. The Quran - Central to Islam, its stories and teachings have profound spiritual, cultural, and literary significance.
16. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - A novel that humorously yet profoundly examines idealism versus realism through the adventures of a deluded knight.
17. Paradise Lost by John Milton - An epic poem reinterpreting the biblical story of the Fall of Man, with rich allegorical and psychological depth.
18. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky - A deep exploration of moral and spiritual questions through the story of the Karamazov family.
19. The Tale of the Heike - A Japanese epic that recounts the struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans, reflecting on the impermanence of power.
20. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - A novel that intertwines personal redemption with social commentary during the backdrop of post-revolutionary France.

These stories are selected for their narrative power, cultural resonance, and the timeless human truths they explore, transcending traditional genre boundaries. Each has contributed significantly to the tapestry of human storytelling, influencing countless other works and continuing to inspire across various cultures and epochs.

ChatGPT said:

Certainly! When we embrace a broader, inclusive perspective on storytelling—one that doesn’t distinguish between fiction, non-fiction, or spiritual narratives—the greatest stories stand as timeless, deeply human, and transcendent works. Here are 20 stories that embody the essence of greatness, each in its own way, with a universal appeal that speaks to the heart, mind, and soul:

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh

   • A foundational myth of human endeavor, immortality, and friendship, this ancient tale explores the journey of a king seeking eternal life, delving into themes of mortality and legacy.

2. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey

   • These twin epics from ancient Greece capture the human spirit in its most heroic and tragic forms. The Iliad reveals the fury and pride of war, while The Odyssey explores the perseverance of the human will.

3. The Bhagavad Gita

   • A profound spiritual and philosophical dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, addressing the nature of duty, righteousness, and the self. Its impact transcends religion, offering wisdom on life's moral dilemmas.

4. The Tao Te Ching by Laozi

   • A classic text of Taoism, its poetic verses explore the balance of opposites, the wisdom of inaction, and the idea of living harmoniously with the universe.

5. The Bible (especially the stories of Genesis, Exodus, and the Gospels)

   • Deeply influential in Western and global thought, the Bible encompasses creation, faith, redemption, and love, with its stories of sacrifice, divine intervention, and the human condition.

6. The Mahabharata

   • A vast epic that delves into dharma (duty), destiny, and divine intervention, the Mahabharata’s narrative is both a grand saga of kings and warriors and a spiritual journey about human ethics and the search for truth.

7. Dante’s Divine Comedy

   • A transcendent journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, this epic poem weaves together allegory, spirituality, and political commentary in its exploration of human redemption and the afterlife.

8. The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

   • A modern, playful reinterpretation of Taoist principles using the characters of Winnie the Pooh, making profound spiritual teachings accessible in simple terms.

9. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

   • A cornerstone of Western literature, this story mixes idealism and absurdity as it follows a man who dreams of chivalric adventure in a world that has outgrown such notions.

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

• A modern spiritual fable that follows a shepherd’s journey to find a treasure, this story resonates with themes of destiny, dreams, and the pursuit of personal legend.

11. The Quran

• The holy text of Islam, regarded as a direct revelation from God, it offers profound wisdom on life, morality, and the nature of existence, often expressed through powerful narratives.

12. The Diary of Anne Frank

• A real-life account of a young Jewish girl’s thoughts and experiences while hiding from the Nazis during World War II, this diary is an inspiring, heartbreaking testament to hope and human resilience.

13. The Odyssey of the West (Alexander the Great’s Campaigns)

• The real-world saga of Alexander the Great’s military conquest, blending history and legend, it shaped cultures and civilizations across continents, capturing the imagination of countless generations.

14. The Story of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

• The life story of the Buddha, his renunciation of royalty, quest for enlightenment, and the teachings that arose from it, forming the core of Buddhist philosophy.

15. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

• Often considered the world’s first novel, this Japanese classic explores the life and loves of the "shining prince" Genji, set against the backdrop of courtly life, love, and the fleeting nature of beauty.

16. The Aeneid by Virgil

• A powerful epic of heroism and destiny, Virgil’s account of Aeneas’ flight from Troy and eventual founding of Rome is both a story of personal duty and a vision of national identity.

17. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

• The iconic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the white whale, blending existential questions, the nature of revenge, and man’s place in the world.

18. The Book of Exodus (Old Testament)

• A powerful narrative of liberation and divine intervention, the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt speaks to themes of freedom, faith, and covenant.

19. The Confessions by Saint Augustine

• A deeply personal and philosophical exploration of sin, grace, and redemption, this spiritual autobiography is one of the foundational texts of Christian thought.

20. The Hero’s Journey (Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth)

• While Campbell’s framework is more of a theoretical study than a single story, it encapsulates countless myths, legends, and even modern storytelling, as it reveals the universal template for personal transformation and growth.

These stories represent the vast spectrum of human experience—epic, personal, spiritual, and historical. Whether mythical, divine, or rooted in real events, they address timeless themes of struggle, transcendence, love, duty, and the pursuit of wisdom.

11 Archaeological Finds for the Gospels (Dr. Titus Kennedy)

 

11 Archaeological Finds for the Gospels (Dr. Titus Kennedy)
https://youtu.be/3vrKCMBdyq8

What If Christianity Never Existed? with Agnostic Tom Holland

 

What If Christianity Never Existed?
https://youtu.be/fg6juMk_d4A

When Did the Exodus Happen? Titus Kennedy and David Falk in Conversation

 

Kennedy and Falk discuss and debate the early vs. late date for the Exodus.

When Did the Exodus Happen? Titus Kennedy and David Falk in Conversation
https://youtu.be/m_f6atkNA3s

Atheist Researcher Debunks the Common Claim that Christians Burned Down the Great Library of Alexandria

 

The following video has two atheists discussing the common but false myth that Christians burned down the great and famous library of Alexandria. I would of course not agree with everything they say. But it's an interesting video that should help refute those atheists who are constantly spreading this myth around. Here's a link to O'Neill's blog History For Atheists where he often debunks atheist myths regarding history [and sometimes about science, etc.]. Again, I would obviously disagree with a lot of what O'Neill says when he criticizes Christianity etc. He's attempts to be an "equal opportunity" "debunker."

Christians burned down the Library of Alexandria is a myth! Tim O'Neill  
https://youtu.be/GKJkjr9S46g

Are the Gospels Fact or Fiction?

A discussion on whether the Gospels are fiction with David Marshall, Lydia McGrew, Tom Gilson and Brad Cooper.

Are the Gospels Fact or Fiction?
https://youtu.be/pPgu8AjBExA
 

Why Earth's History Appears So Miraculous

 

Here's a great article highlighting how even secular scientists have to grapple with the apparently miraculous history of life on earth and its preservation despite so many dangers like asteroids and nuclear winter. From the Christian perspective, the apparent miraculous nature of life on earth actually IS miraculous in both its creation by God and God's providential protection in history.

Why Earth's History Appears So Miraculous by Peter Brannen

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/03/human-existence-will-look-more-miraculous-the-longer-we-survive/554513/

Is the Exodus History? A Conversation with Dr. Titus Kennedy

Is the Exodus History? A Conversation with Dr. Titus Kennedy

https://youtu.be/czUyRQ6rUXw

SEE ALSO:

EP29: Egyptian Evidence for the Exodus w/ Dr. Titus Kennedy and Dr. Steve Meyer, Discovery Institute

https://youtu.be/ZMMxf1HeE0c

Lecture by Dr. James Hoffmeier from Lanier Theological Library on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/24777556

 Lecture by Dr. James Hoffmeier
https://youtu.be/m2vhrK6Wczs

Lecture by Dr. Steven Collins - 

Confirming the Bible Through Archaeology
https://youtu.be/hO8t-jDrF7E

Nothing Fails Like Bible History (REBUTTED) by Trent Horn
https://youtu.be/kc-wpFyb_yo




Exodus Rediscovered: Documentary by Michael Jones
https://youtu.be/dIc7i6eVk7w

Archaeology and the Historical Reliability of the New Testament by Peter S. Williams

Did Christianity give us our human values? Tom Holland & (atheist) A.C. Grayling Discuss

Tom Holland & AC Grayling • History: Did Christianity give us our human values?

https://youtu.be/7eSyz3BaVK8

How St Paul changed the world (Full Show)

NT Wright & Tom Holland •

https://youtu.be/nlf_ULB26cU

Have science, reason and humanism replaced faith? 
 Steven Pinker vs Nick Spencer

https://youtu.be/Ssf5XN5o9q4

See also my blogpost:

The Dark Ages Were Not As Dark As You Have Been Led To Believe

May Christians Celebrate Christmas?

The objection that Christians ought not to celebrate or observe Christmas is usually based on four reasons. 1. It has pagan origins and therefore Christians ought not to observe it. 2. it is a Roman Catholic tradition that involves the Catholic Mass and therefore Protestants shouldn't be involved in it; 3. it violates the Reformed doctrine of the Regulative Principle of Worship; 4. it involves images and statues of Christ as a baby. Which is a violation of one of the Ten Commandments against images of God. Since most professing Christians are, in principle, Trinitarians, Christmas involves images and statues of Christ who is God in the flesh.

I'll answer objections 2-4 quickly, because the main purpose of this blogpost is to address objection 1. Since this issue is:

a.) being used by cultists to lure people away from Christianity, and
b.) by non-Christians (e.g. some atheists) as a case of hypocrisy on the part of Christians.

While I'm a Calvinistic and Continuationist Baptist, and therefore loosely "Reformed", I don't currently hold to the Reformed doctrine of the Regulative Principle of Worship. The reasons for that are beyond the scope of this blogpost. Regarding the claim that Christmas or Christmass is Roman Catholic, I would simply say that when Protestants observe Christmas they usually don't do so in conjunction with the Catholic Mass or other Catholic approaches to worship. So, Protestants can stripe the holiday of Catholic worship. Similar to how most Christians who use the names of the days of the week aren't worshipping Thor on Thursday, or Woden/Odin on Wednesday, or Saturn on Saturday [etc.]. When it comes to the objection that it involves images of Christ, I don't believe it is inherently sinful to have images of Jesus since He was a historical person with flesh, bone and blood. To deny that Jesus can be portrayed in art is to tacitly (usually unintentionally) deny the incarnation. That the Son of God really and truly entered space and time. I don't see a problem in celebrating Christmas so long as it's understood [or at least not denied] that no one really knows how Jesus looked like in the flesh and therefore the images of Christ are artistic suppositions/speculations. And so long as the images aren't being used as aids in worship. While I'm often uncomfortable with images and statues of Christ, I think they are permissible for the stated reason that the incarnation teaches Jesus was not only truly God, but also truly man. A true historical man can be portrayed in art. To deny that Jesus can be portrayed in art is to deny His true humanity.

With that said, here are videos that address the claim that Christmas is pagan.

Christmas is Not Pagan PARTS 1 & 2 by InspiringPhilosophy [Michael Jones]

1. Christmas is Not Pagan (Scripture)
https://youtu.be/ca_Yx3aMCiE

2. Christmas is not Pagan (History)
https://youtu.be/DfcvJWPTY64

Is Christmas PAGAN? In defense of Christmas by Mike Winger
https://youtu.be/ugxJBb0lPXQ

Is Christmas Pagan? by Marie Wood
https://youtu.be/IvW7A8-CqnY

---

InspiringPhilosophy has also DEBATED the issue:

Does Christmas have Pagan Roots? - Michael (of InspiringPhilosophy) vs Ocean Keltoi
https://youtu.be/dlgGHZBFH38

Christmas Trees Are Pagan - Debate!
https://youtu.be/YnTmOOgpYF8

Debate: Is Christmas A Pagan Holiday?
https://youtu.be/8Bg8A3Sa_og

---

InspiringPhilosophy has also been interviewed on the topic:

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? at David Wood's channel:
https://youtu.be/lvXP-6Shq_4

IS CHRISTMAS PAGAN? | "Inspiring Philosophy" Interview at Vocab Malone's channel:
https://youtu.be/uRsSDcUlJfU