Gospel.com Blog

Yesterday we highlighted a few articles from the ministry of Scibel. Today, I thought it would be interesting to read responses to some of those same issues from another ministry in our community, Answers in Genesis.

AiG is primarily an apologetic ministry that seeks to enable “Christians to defend their faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively.” To that end their web site is brimming with resources for anyone who has questions about how their faith might interact with science.

Here’s a little bit more on their ministry from their about us page:

We focus particularly on providing answers to questions surrounding the book of Genesis, as it is the most-attacked book of the Bible. We also desire to train others to develop a biblical worldview, and seek to expose the bankruptcy of evolutionary ideas, and its bedfellow, a “millions of years old” earth (and even older universe).

(more…)

Increasingly, the debate over science and religion–specifically when it concerns origins–has moved beyond the walls of academia. Christians are being asked some tough questions that demand they explore these issues for themselves.

The ministry of Scibel emerged in 1996 out of a paper researching perceptions of science and Christianity. The group that formed called themselves Christian Students in Science (CSIS). Since then, they changed their name to Scibel, but their beliefs on science and religion have remained the same.

Scibel is based upon the principle that, “mainstream Christian faith and mainstream science are in basic harmony.” If you’re interested in learning more about their ministry, I’d recommend reading their About Us page. They do a thorough job of explaining the foundations for their theology and approach to science.

About four months ago, we covered Scibel’s question and answer section on their site. You can read that here. This crop of essays explore some of the tough questions that face us as we weigh the impact of faith on science and vice versa.

Was there really a literal Adam and Eve

To be a real Christian do I have to take the Bible literally?

Does it make sense to believe in miracles?

Is there any evidence that God exists?

Can any Scientists Today Accept that Jesus Rose from the Dead?

“Today, Scibel helps young adults to think about some of the big questions in life - whether they are Christian or not, students or not, or studying science or not.”

What does it mean to be human? It might sound like a cliched question from a Philosophy 101 class, but it’s an important one–how can we make moral decisions about life, death, and ethics if we can’t define exactly what it means to be a human being? The philosophy of “humanism” has taken widespread root in our culture–but do we know what that means?

These are the questions asked by apologist Ravi Zacharias in a moving and insightful talk about his new book The Grand Weaver. Listen to his talk in MP3 or RealMedia. If you couldn’t explain what it means to be human, or what your purpose in life is, Ravi’s talk will give you plenty to think about.

The Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims are encouraged to fast during the day, is underway. It’s a perfect time to get acquainted both with the teachings of Islam and with the various Christian ministries who are working to bring the Good News to the Muslim world. After reading Wikipedia’s overview of Ramadan for the basic facts about the tradition, head over to Arab World Ministries, which has essays about a Christian attitude toward Ramadan, the rationale and history behind Islamic fasting, and the challenges that Christians of Muslim background face during Ramadan.

After that, take a look at the many Islam-related links assembled at the Global Mapping International–links to both Islamic sites and to Christian sites answering them. Lastly, FaithFacts has a detailed essay that compares and contrasts the teachings and claims of Islam and Christianity, as well as an essay that looks at Jesus as portrayed in the Qur’an. Lots of solid information in those links–so during the month of Ramadan, take some time to get to know both the claims of Islam, and the Christian response to those claims!

Is Mormonism a branch of Christianity? Is it a cult? Is it a separate religion entirely? Many people aren’t familiar enough with the teachings and beliefs of Mormonism to answer those questions with confidence. And without an accurate understanding of Mormon beliefs, it’s not possible to talk to Mormons about the disconnects between their faith and Biblical Christianity. Living Hope Ministries has put together a very thorough and readable overview of Mormon beliefs, with several essays addressing different questions you might have about Mormonism. What are the basic tenets of Mormonism? What is the Book of Mormon about? This overview will give you a useful look at the ways that Mormon beliefs are–and aren’t–compatible with orthodox Christianity.

Do Christians and Muslims believe the same thing? Is the Christian God just another name for Allah? If Christians hope to productively talk to Muslims about the similarities and differences between their two faiths, it’s obviously important that Christians have a solid understanding of what Muslims believe. Arab World Ministries has put together a helpful overview of fundamental Islamic beliefs about God, Muhammed, Jesus, and other topics. Don’t be caught off guard the next time somebody suggests that Christianity and Islam are just two branches of the same religion–read through this short essay, and you’ll see how the two religions differ in important ways.

When Brigham Young led his Mormon followers westward to the Utah territory, polygamy was taught as a commandment from God. Today, although the Mormon Church denounces the practice, tens of thousands of Mormon Fundamentalists across North America still hold onto polygamy and other original teachings of Mormonism.

Living Hope Ministries has just released Lifting the Veil of Polygamy, a new film that explores both the history and the modern reality of Mormon polygamy. And more importantly, through compelling and moving testimonies of former polygamists, it shares the amazing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to set people free from all bondage! At the Lifting the Veil website, you can watch an online trailer for the film and read more about the issue of polygamy.