Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg talks about fundamental differences between Latter-day Saint and Christian theology, explaining that we can’t both be Christian, then he talks to callers about whether being a winsome ambassador is irrelevant if God draws people, and attending a megachurch.   Topics: Commentary: We can’t both be Christian. (00:00) If the Father draws people, then is being a winsome ambassador irrelevant? (32:00) What are your thoughts on attending a megachurch? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference by Robert Millet Jesus, the Only Way: 100 Verses Related Links: Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall LDS View of Atonement Clarified by Amy Hall Is It Possible Some Mormons Are Saved? by Amy Hall “Mormons Aren’t Christians” Is Not an Epithet by Amy Hall

Greg talks to a caller about whether Colossians 1:15 implies that Jesus is part of creation since it says he is the “firstborn,” then he reflects on the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus.   Topics: Does the statement in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus is the firstborn of creation imply he’s part of creation? (13:00) Commentary: The first Christmas and the birth of Jesus (36:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Donate to Stand to Reason Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves The Nativity Story – Film Related Links: Was Jesus the First Created Being? by Tim Barnett Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl Six Reasons to Believe Jesus Is God – Red Pen Logic (Tim Barnett)

Greg talks to callers about whether all values and duties are inherently subjective, whether Paul is making the same point in Ephesians 2:7 and Romans 9:23, biblical justification for Christian Zionism, and how God can be good if he doesn’t save everyone he created.   Topics: How would you respond to the claim that values and duties are inherently subjective since concepts exist only in minds? (04:00) Is Paul making the same point in Ephesians 2:7 and Romans 9:23? (16:00) What is the biblical justification for Christian Zionism? (25:00) How can I make a compelling case for the character of God in answer to the question of why he doesn’t save everyone he’s created even though he’s capable of doing so? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Donate to Stand to Reason “Morality based on God is just another form of relativism.” – Part of November’s Solid Ground Conversations with an Atheist The Bible: Fast Forward – DVD (Also available as a digital download or audio) Related Links: Why Did God Create People if He Knew So Many Would Go to Hell? by Amy Hall

Greg comments on the current conversation on annihilationism and calls for charity when disagreeing with others on this issue, then he answers a question about how to deal with doubts when Christianity seems unlikely to you.   Topics: Commentary: Thoughts on annihilationism (00:00) How do you deal with doubts when Christianity seems unlikely? (36:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Hell Interrupted – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Donate to Stand to Reason

Greg answers a question about the “hermeneutical spiral” and getting an objective meaning from the text, then he chats with a caller who doesn’t believe in God about his objection to Greg’s definition of atheism and why he is currently deconstructing.   Topics: Are you familiar with the “hermeneutical spiral,” and do you think we’re able to get an objective meaning from the text? (05:00) Can we have a conversation about what atheism is? (22:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Related Links: Atheism: More Than Just a Non-Belief by Amy Hall Atheism Isn’t Simply a Lack of Belief by Tim Barnett The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers