Clear Thinking Christianity
The Apology to the LGBT Community that Needs an Apology
June 6, 2017 • Tim Barnett
This is an apology to the LGBT Community for a recent video titled 'Confessions of a Christian Nation – LGBTQ Discrimination.' The short, six-minute video features Brian McLaren, Greg Boyd, Brian Zahnd, and Bruxy Cavey. It’s an apology that itself needs to be apologized for.
Did the Council of Nicea Invent the Deity of Christ?
December 20, 2016 • Tim Barnett
Despite claim to the contrary, the facts overwhelmingly confirm that the deity of Christ was not invented at the Council of Nicea. In fact, Jesus’ words and actions led the disciples to the only reasonable conclusion: Jesus is God. And this belief was passed down through church history.
Being Tactical with Jehovah's Witnesses
December 19, 2016 • Tim Barnett
In our discussions with Jehovah’s Witnesses, we need to be tactical. That is, we need to anticipate their typical maneuvers to better guide the conversation. This will give us the best opportunity to be effective in making a lasting impact.
Answering the Galileo Myth
December 15, 2016 • Tim Barnett
I recently gave a talk at the University of Toronto on the topic of science and faith. I argued that modern science was birthed out of a theistic worldview. But if this is the case, why did the Roman Catholic Church persecute Galileo for doing science?
Is Theistic Evolution a Contradiction in Terms?
July 8, 2016 • Tim Barnett
On a recent episode of the Stand to Reason weekly podcast, a supporter of STR took issue with one of the ways Greg Koukl and I argue against theistic evolution. Specifically, the caller did not agree with our argument that some forms of theistic evolution are a contradiction in terms. What I’d like to do is model for you how I would respond.
Did Jesus Rise Physically from the Dead?
April 1, 2016 • Tim Barnett
When a Jehovah's Witness tells you that they believe in the resurrection of Jesus, they mean something very different than what Christians mean. They believe that Jesus only rose spiritually from the dead, not physically. This month I want to offer an argument from Scripture for the physical resurrection of Jesus.
Helping Students Think about the Evidence for Evolution
March 1, 2016 • Tim Barnett
This month, I want to offer you is a helpful way for categorizing the evidence that is offered in support of macroevolution. By identifying which group any particular evidence belongs to, you will be able to offer a general response. After assessing numerous arguments for evolution, I have found that each falls into one of three categories: exaggerated extrapolations, egregious errors, and equivocal evidence.
Was Adam a Historical Person?
February 22, 2016 • Tim Barnett
There are a host of reasons why I believe Christians should not embrace macroevolution. Among the most serious is the theistic evolutionist’s rejection of a historical Adam. In this podcast, Tim walks through three biblical reasons why denying a real Adam creates many more problems than it solves.
Why I Don't Speak About Absolute Truth
January 10, 2016 • Tim Barnett
As Christian ambassadors we must strive to be as effective as possible at communicating our point of view. This entails using accurate and helpful terminology. This month Tim explains why he avoids using the absolute truth, and, instead, opts to speak about objective truth.
Is Eternal Punishment Just?
December 1, 2015 • Tim Barnett
Is it just for God to sent billions of people to Hell for eternity for a finite number of sins committed while on Earth? Does this punishment really fit the crime? Many people don't think so. However, this comes from a misunderstanding of both man's sin and God's holiness. This month Tim takes this challenge head-on.
Jesus Is Jehovah
November 10, 2015 • Tim Barnett
What is the best argument to use with a Jehovah's Witness? Is there a way to simplify the issue so you don't get sidetracked when they come to your door? In this months podcast, I offer one of the most persuasive passages to use with a Jehovah's Witness from their own Bible.