How could the German people under Hitler tolerate a government-sponsored genocide that murdered over 10 million souls? How could so many citizens claim ignorance when the smoke of burning bodies drifted over towns, when trains rolled past villages packed with human cargo bound for extermination? Historians have debated the scope of public awareness, but a…
Essential Christianity: Original Sin
Definition and Summary Original sin refers to the inherited sin nature and guilt that all human beings possess as a result of Adam’s first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. It is not merely Adam’s sin, but a condition and legal standing passed down to all his descendants. This doctrine teaches that humanity…
Essential Christianity: the humanity of Christ
Definition of the Doctrine The humanity of Christ affirms that Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Son of God, became truly and fully human. Without ceasing to be God, He took on a real human nature—body, mind, emotions, and will. This doctrine teaches that Jesus was like us in every respect, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).…
The Forgotten Hours of Prayer: A Timely Remedy for a Prayerless Church
Introduction: Sacred Rhythms in a Hectic World In a world obsessed with productivity, efficiency, and constant noise, the idea of pausing to pray at designated hours may seem quaint, even impractical. Yet the ancient practice of observing fixed times for prayer is not a human invention—it is rooted in the Scriptures, developed through centuries of…
Ideological possession and the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky
In an age that boasts of tolerance, enlightenment, and progress, we are witnessing a growing number of people who appear enslaved—not by visible chains, but by their ideas. They speak in slogans, think in hashtags, and react to dissent not with reason but rage. These individuals exhibit a kind of mental and moral captivity that…
Essential Christianity: An Overview
Throughout church history, believers have faced countless challenges to their faith—from heresies in the early church to modern assaults on biblical truth. Yet across the centuries and denominations, certain truths have always defined the boundaries of true, biblical Christianity. These are not peripheral preferences or denominational distinctives, but the essential doctrines—the non-negotiable foundations that all…
Essential Christianity: The Bodily Resurrection of Christ and the Believer
Definition of the Doctrine The bodily resurrection refers to the literal, physical rising of a person from the dead to a glorified, imperishable life. Central to Christian doctrine is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion, which serves as the firstfruits and guarantee of the future resurrection of all who are…
Essential Christianity: The Atonement of Christ
Definition of the Doctrine The atonement of Christ is the central doctrine that explains how sinners are reconciled to God through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, Jesus bore the punishment due to sinners, fully satisfying divine justice and making peace between God and man. Key theological terms include: The 1689 London…
Essential Christianity: The Virgin Birth
Definition of the Doctrine The doctrine of the virgin birth teaches that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary without a human father. This was a supernatural act of God that ensured Jesus would be fully God and fully man, sinless and qualified to be the Redeemer…
Essential Christianity: The Deity of Christ
Definition of the Doctrine The doctrine of the Deity of Christ affirms that Jesus Christ is truly and fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. This means Jesus possesses the fullness of the divine nature (homoousios—of the same substance as the Father), has always existed as God, and…
Essential Christianity – The Trinity: One God in Three Persons
The doctrine of the Trinity stands at the heart of historic Christianity. It is not a speculative theological construct, but a vital, worship-shaping, gospel-defining truth revealed progressively and clearly throughout Scripture. Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, the reality it describes permeates the pages of both Old and New Testaments. In…
Defending manhood—the truth about the woke “toxic masculinity” smear
Introduction: A Nation at War with Its Men In today’s cultural discourse, few terms are wielded with as much venom and imprecision as “toxic masculinity.” Popularized by progressive academics and amplified by corporate media, the phrase has come to represent everything wrong with traditional manhood—assertiveness, strength, leadership, competitiveness, and even stoicism. The assumption is clear:…
Francis Schaeffer encounters an Iglesia Ni Cristo adherent
Introduction: A Mind for Truth, A Heart for the Lost Francis Schaeffer was no ordinary theologian. Dressed in knickers and often sporting a goatee, he was as much a cultural philosopher as he was a Christian apologist. His greatest work, however, was not in lecture halls or on debate stages—it was in the cozy mountain…
Biblical Christianity vs. Iglesia Ni Cristo: a worldview comparison
History of Iglesia Ni Cristo Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or the “Church of Christ,” is a religious movement founded in the Philippines in 1914 by Felix Y. Manalo. Manalo, born into a Catholic family in 1886, explored several denominations—Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Seventh-day Adventist—before claiming a special calling as the last messenger of God in…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a young Jewish student
Introduction: The Apologist from the Swiss Alps Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was a Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and Christian philosopher whose influence shaped a generation of believers to think deeply about faith, culture, and truth. With his distinctive goatee, knickers, and thoughtful gaze, Schaeffer became a prophetic voice to a church drifting toward superficiality and cultural irrelevance.…
Biblical Christianity vs. Judaism: a worldview comparison
History of Judaism Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, tracing its origins back over 3,000 years to the patriarch Abraham, who is considered its founder. God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) laid the groundwork for a chosen people through whom the Messiah would eventually come. Key figures in the development of Judaism…
Greg Bahnsen encounters a Cultural Marxist
Introduction In the landscape of Christian apologetics, few names stand as firmly as Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen. A brilliant theologian and philosopher, Bahnsen was best known for championing and systematizing Cornelius Van Til’s presuppositional apologetics—a bold, intellectually rigorous defense of the faith that confronts unbelief at its root. Rather than merely presenting evidences for Christianity…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a secular humanist
Introduction: The Man Behind the Method Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was a Presbyterian pastor, philosopher, and Christian apologist whose ministry left a profound mark on 20th-century evangelical thought. Born in Pennsylvania, Schaeffer pastored several churches in the United States before moving to Switzerland, where he founded L’Abri Fellowship in 1955 with his wife, Edith. L’Abri (French…
Biblical Christianity vs. Secular Humanism: a worldview comparison
History of Secular Humanism Secular Humanism, as a distinct worldview, arose out of the Enlightenment, a movement in 17th- and 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, science, and individual autonomy. Its ideological roots can be traced to philosophers like David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and later, Charles Darwin. However, the term Secular Humanism began to crystallize in…
Islam and the Left’s assault on Christian civilization
Raymond Ibrahim is one of the most courageous and clear-headed historians of our time. As a scholar of Middle Eastern descent and a fluent Arabic speaker, he brings a unique perspective to the modern conversation on Islam, the Crusades, and the ideological failures of the political left. His writings—rich in historical detail and moral clarity—unmask…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Hindu
Introduction: A Different Kind of Apologetics Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was not a typical apologist. A Presbyterian pastor and theologian, Schaeffer became known for his unique blend of philosophical reasoning, compassionate evangelism, and deep cultural engagement. He founded L’Abri Fellowship in the Swiss Alps in 1955—a community where seekers from all over the world were invited…
Biblical Christianity vs. Hinduism: a worldview comparison
History of Hinduism Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religious traditions, emerging from the Indian subcontinent more than 3,000 years ago. Unlike Christianity, which has a clear founder in Jesus Christ, Hinduism has no single human originator. Its foundations lie in the Vedic tradition, derived from the Vedas, ancient Sanskrit texts that date back…
Biblical Christianity vs. Islam: a worldview comparison
History of Islam Islam began in the 7th century A.D. in the Arabian Peninsula, founded by Muhammad, who was born in Mecca around A.D. 570. Raised as an orphan in a polytheistic culture, Muhammad was exposed to various religious influences, including paganism, Judaism, and Christianity. Around A.D. 610, he claimed to receive revelations from the…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Muslim
Francis Schaeffer and the L’Abri Fellowship Francis Schaeffer was an American theologian, pastor, and Christian philosopher known for his piercing cultural analysis and warm, personal engagement with seekers of truth. Born in 1912 and converted out of agnosticism as a teenager, Schaeffer eventually founded L’Abri (“The Shelter”) in the Swiss Alps in 1955 with his…
Biblical Christianity vs. Jehovah’s Witnesses: a worldview comparison
History of Jehovah’s Witnesses The Jehovah’s Witnesses movement began in the late 19th century under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell, a Pennsylvania-born businessman heavily influenced by Adventist eschatology and restorationist thinking. Dissatisfied with mainstream Christian doctrines—particularly the doctrine of eternal hell and the Trinity—Russell began publishing Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Jehovah’s Witness
Francis Schaeffer was no ordinary apologist. He didn’t storm university campuses with arguments or yell into microphones on street corners. Instead, he invited seekers into his home in the Swiss Alps, served them tea, and engaged them in conversations that could last hours—or weeks. This gentle philosopher-pastor treated people not as evangelistic “projects,” but as…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Roman Catholic
Introduction to Schaeffer’s Apologetic Method Francis Schaeffer’s apologetic method begins by meeting people where they are, with respect and genuine listening. He believed it was crucial to understand an unbeliever’s worldview and then ask careful questions that expose the logical consequences of their beliefs. Schaeffer would gently guide the conversation toward what he called the…
Biblical Christianity vs. Roman Catholicism: a worldview comparison
Roman Catholicism traces its historical development to the early centuries of the Christian Church, but its distinct identity as a religious system took form gradually over time. While Catholics claim the Apostle Peter as their first pope, the formal institution of the papacy, hierarchical priesthood, and sacramental system evolved significantly over centuries. Early Church councils…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Mormon
Francis Schaeffer’s Apologetic Method Francis Schaeffer’s apologetics combined intellectual rigor with personal compassion. He believed that non-Christian worldviews were “roofless”—unable to provide adequate answers to life’s most basic questions. Schaeffer would listen carefully, affirm areas of truth, and then press into the inconsistencies. By showing how unbelieving systems ultimately collapse under their own weight, he…
Biblical Christianity vs. Mormonism (LDS): a worldview comparison
1. History of the Worldview Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith in upstate New York. Smith claimed to have received divine visions beginning in 1820, including a visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ, who told him that all existing…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a progressive Christian
Francis Schaeffer’s Apologetics: A Brief Overview Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was a Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor best known for his profound influence on evangelical apologetics in the latter half of the 20th century. Schaeffer’s apologetic method centered on the principle that Christianity is the only worldview that adequately accounts for reality—what he called “true…
Biblical Christianity vs. Progressive (Woke) Christianity: a worldview comparison
In recent decades, a widening gap has developed between two streams of thought within the church: what is often called progressive or woke Christianity, and the enduring, historical faith of biblical Christianity. While these two systems share certain terminology—grace, justice, love, and gospel—they diverge dramatically in theology, ethics, and authority. This post examines their differences…
Why the “telephone game” analogy of skeptics for the transmission of the Bible is deceptive
For generations, skeptics of Christianity have spread a popular analogy to undermine confidence in the reliability of the Bible: the so-called “telephone game.” In this game, a message is whispered from person to person down a line, and by the time it reaches the final person, the sentence is comically distorted. Critics claim this is…
What Christians need to know about postmodernism
Postmodernism is more than an academic fad or a passing cultural mood. It represents a deeply influential worldview that has radically shaped Western thought, politics, art, literature, education, and even the church. For the Christian thinker, understanding postmodernism is not optional—it is essential. To engage culture, proclaim truth, and defend the faith in today’s climate,…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a postmodernist
Francis Schaeffer, the Swiss-dwelling American theologian, philosopher, and founder of L’Abri Fellowship, was not merely a man of letters. He was a man of compassion and urgency—urgency for truth, urgency for people, and urgency for the cultural moment. Schaeffer’s apologetic method was not a sterile intellectual exercise, nor was it a show of superior reasoning…
Francis Schaeffer encounters an Armstrongite
Francis Schaeffer, one of the most influential Christian apologists of the 20th century, was not merely a scholar—he was a shepherd of souls. His method of “taking the roof off” involved showing individuals the inconsistencies in their worldview and pointing them to the reality of the triune God of Scripture. He understood that people lived…
The two realms: God’s Sovereignty, earthly powers, and the Christian mandate
The Christian life unfolds simultaneously in two realms—one earthly, one heavenly. These are not parallel realities running independently; they are interconnected theaters of a single cosmic drama. The visible world is shaped by invisible powers. The spiritual realm, where Christ reigns supreme and His angels carry out His will, overlaps with the corrupted dominion of…
Speaking the truth in love: how Christians must engage a sinful world
In today’s climate of cultural compromise and spiritual confusion, many professing Christians—especially in so-called “progressive” or liberal churches—have embraced the mistaken belief that love requires silence. That truth must be tempered, dulled, or worse, concealed altogether when speaking to unbelievers. They insist that Christians must only affirm, never confront; that kindness demands affirmation, not correction.…
Biblical Christianity vs. Armstrongism: a worldview comparison
I am a former member of an organization named Worldwide Church of God. My mother joined the organization when I was about six years old. I attended as a child until I was twelve. I began attending again at age 22, following a long period of depression and anxiety related to an existential crisis. Worldwide…
How teachers’ unions became a corrupting force in American public education
For decades, teachers’ unions have presented themselves as guardians of public education—defenders of teachers’ rights, champions of classroom safety, and protectors of the noble vocation of teaching. But behind this façade lies a complex web of political activism, legal obstruction, and ideological subversion that has steadily undermined the quality of public education in the United…
A response to John Stevens letter to the editor 3/6/2025
Truth, Education, and the Constitution: A Response to Mr. John Stevens A recent letter to the editor by Mr. John Stevens attempts a sweeping rebuttal of my previous commentary on the decline of American education and its detachment from constitutional principles, moral truth, and historical accuracy. While couched in tones of moral superiority, the letter…
Francis Schaeffer’s apologetic method: unmasking false worldviews and presenting true Truth
Speaking Truth into the Abyss The 20th century witnessed the erosion of Christian consensus in the West. The rise of relativism, existentialism, postmodernism, and Neo-Marxist ideologies exposed many to spiritual confusion and moral despair. In this cultural upheaval, Francis Schaeffer emerged not merely as a theologian or philosopher, but as a spiritual physician—one who diagnosed…
Francis Schaeffer encounters a Neo-Marxist
Why Worldviews Matter In every generation, Christians face the challenge of communicating the truth of the Gospel in a world awash with competing worldviews. Some are subtle, others are aggressive. In our time, Neo-Marxism—a descendant of classical Marxism, updated with concerns about race, gender, and systemic power—has emerged as a dominant cultural force. It shapes…
Was America founded as a Christian nation? Debunking ten myths and reclaiming the truth
The question of whether the United States was founded as a Christian nation is one of the most hotly contested issues in contemporary cultural and political debates. Progressives and secularists assert that America was founded as a secular republic where religion was to remain a private matter with no bearing on public life. Many Christians,…
How the sixties promised liberation but delivered slavery
The late 1960s marked a turning point in American cultural and moral life. Fueled by political unrest, anti-war protests, and a general rejection of tradition, a series of so-called “liberation movements” emerged, claiming to free individuals from oppressive norms. Feminism, the sexual revolution, gay liberation, and youth rebellion all promised personal autonomy, equality, and self-expression.…
Faith, evolution, and the classroom: a battle for truth in American education
The American public school system has long been a battleground for competing worldviews, particularly when it comes to the origin of life, the nature of truth, and the role of God in human history. Behind every textbook and every curriculum decision lies an underlying philosophy—one that shapes not only what is taught but what is…
How the Neo-Marxists (woke, progressives) persecute Christians in modern America
The United States is undergoing a moral upheaval. A radical revolution rooted in Neo-Marxist ideology is targeting the Christian worldview, and it’s doing so with the force of law, the weight of federal bureaucracy, and the power of cultural institutions. Nowhere is this more evident than in how the left is attacking the Christian faith,…
Be aware of the intentional, deceptive conflation of false gender ideology with real intersex conditions
I recently watched a video of a local school board meeting. A community member mentioned intersex conditions during his three minute allotment. I am not sure what his objective was, but it seemed to be geared towards justifying gender ideology beliefs through conflating them with disorders of sexual development (DSDs), more commonly called intersex conditions.…
What is toxic empathy, and how does it relate to wokeness and gender ideology?
In an age where feelings are often elevated above facts, and emotional affirmation is considered a moral imperative, the concept of toxic empathy offers a necessary warning. Coined and explored by Christian thinkers like Joe Rigney, toxic empathy describes a form of emotional identification that loses its moral bearings. It is not empathy itself that…
Mother’s Day: a biblical perspective on honoring mothers and the importance of parental influence
Mother’s Day is a day set aside to honor the vital role that mothers play in the lives of their children and the broader society. As a day of reflection and appreciation, it holds great significance, not only culturally but also within a biblical framework. In this blog post, we will examine the history of…