Theology and Apologetics Podcast

What Is Atheism? Classical vs New Atheism (Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris) | Five Minute Apologetics

In this episode of Five Minute Apologetics, Dr. Thomas Fretwell launches a new series on atheism by asking what atheism actually is—mere lack of belief, the conviction that God does not exist, or a broader worldview. He explains why Christians should understand atheists’ real views (1 Peter 3:15) to avoid straw man arguments, and previews topics like the history of atheism, classical vs new atheism, leading thinkers, and shared naturalistic assumptions. He surveys classical influences (Hume, Marx, Nietzsche, Russell and the “celestial teapot”) and the early-2000s “new atheism” (Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, Dennett), noting its mockery-driven activism and claiming it is now largely “dead” though its ideas persist online. He then contrasts definitions of atheism as “God does not exist” versus “lack of belief,” discussing burden-of-proof issues and arguing the latter is often a semantic shift.

Sermon on the Mount: Jesus Exposes the Heart Behind ‘Do Not Murder’ (Matthew 5:17–26)
This episode of Theology and Apologetics with Thomas Fretwell continues the Sermon on the Mount by recapping Matthew 5:17–20, emphasizing Jesus’ authority, the enduring authority of every “jot and tittle” of Scripture, and the need for righteousness surpassing the scribes and Pharisees through faith and repentance. It then studies Matthew 5:21–26, explaining that the command against murder addresses not only the external act but the internal heart—anger, hatred, contempt, and demeaning speech (including “raca” and “you fool”)—which make a person liable before God’s ultimate judgment. Drawing from Old Testament law, Cain and Abel, and other passages, the teaching highlights God’s concern for the heart and the image of God in people, urges reconciliation before worship, and warns against ignoring sin until it brings severe consequences, pointing listeners to Christ’s righteousness and “the obedience of faith.”

Become a supporter and get unlimited questions turned into podcasts at: www.patreon.com/theologyandapologetics

YouTube Channel: Theology & Apologetics
www.youtube.com/channel/UChoiZ46uyDZZY7W1K9UGAnw

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr.fretwell?_t=ZN-8w8NXIFTHkc&_r=1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theology.apologetics

Websites:
www.ezrafoundation.org
www.theologyandapologetics.com

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17–20): Jesus Fulfills the Law, the “Shellfish Argument,” and a High View of Scripture
Thomas Fretwell continues the Life of Messiah series through the Sermon on the Mount, recapping the Beatitudes and Jesus’ call to be salt and light, then focusing on Matthew 5:17–20 where Jesus says He did not abolish the Law or the Prophets but fulfilled them. He explains the dispute with Pharisaic oral tradition, distinguishes Torah/Prophets/Writings (Tanakh), and argues Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law, sacrificial system, and prophecies while inaugurating the new covenant and the “law of Christ.” He addresses the common “shellfish” objection by distinguishing laws unique to Israel from moral commands repeated before and after Moses in the New Testament. He emphasizes Jesus’ doctrine of verbal plenary inspiration, warning against setting aside God’s commandments, and concludes that righteousness must surpass the Pharisees’ by faith in Christ, not law-keeping.

Become a supporter and get unlimited questions turned into podcasts at: www.patreon.com/theologyandapologetics

YouTube Channel: Theology & Apologetics
www.youtube.com/channel/UChoiZ46uyDZZY7W1K9UGAnw

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr.fretwell?_t=ZN-8w8NXIFTHkc&_r=1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theology.apologetics

Websites:
www.ezrafoundation.org
www.theologyandapologetics.com

Biblical Command for Christian Apologetics (5 Key Verses) | Five Minute Apologetics

Dr. Thomas Fretwell explains the biblical mandate for Christian apologetics by walking through five key passages that command believers to defend and clarify the faith. Using 1 Peter 3:15, he teaches Christians to honour Christ as Lord, be prepared to give an apologia with reasons for their hope, and respond with gentleness and respect. He then highlights 2 Corinthians 10:5 on destroying arguments raised against the knowledge of God and taking thoughts captive to Christ, noting changing historical challenges to Christianity. Jude 1:3 calls believers to contend for the faith once delivered, emphasising that good apologists must be good theologians. Colossians 2:8 warns against being taken captive by worldly philosophy and empty deception, and Philippians 1:7 links the defence and confirmation of the gospel. He previews a future episode addressing objections to apologetics.

Biblical Command for Christian Apologetics (5 Key Verses) | Five Minute Apologetics

Dr. Thomas Fretwell explains the biblical mandate for Christian apologetics by walking through five key passages that command believers to defend and clarify the faith. Using 1 Peter 3:15, he teaches Christians to honour Christ as Lord, be prepared to give an apologia with reasons for their hope, and respond with gentleness and respect. He then highlights 2 Corinthians 10:5 on destroying arguments raised against the knowledge of God and taking thoughts captive to Christ, noting changing historical challenges to Christianity. Jude 1:3 calls believers to contend for the faith once delivered, emphasising that good apologists must be good theologians. Colossians 2:8 warns against being taken captive by worldly philosophy and empty deception, and Philippians 1:7 links the defence and confirmation of the gospel. He previews a future episode addressing objections to apologetics.