What is Special Pleading?

Defining Special Pleading Special pleading (also known as a double standard) is an informal fallacy that occurs when an exception is created to a principle, law, rule, generalization, or something roughly similar to these when we would expect that principle (or whatever it may be) to apply to whatever is being excluded and no rational … Continue reading What is Special Pleading?

Robots & Rationality

Determinists determined to defend determinism often counter the Freethinking Argument by proclaiming that computers seem to be rational and they do not possess libertarian free will. They state this is sufficient refutation of premise (3) of the Freethinking Argument, and therefore, the conclusions: free will exists, the soul exists, and naturalism is false, do not follow. This article exposes … Continue reading Robots & Rationality

TEN Problems with the Canaanite Objection

“Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword” (Joshua 6:21). Why would God command the execution of all the Canaanites (along with the children) in the Old Testament? Many think this is one of the biggest objections … Continue reading TEN Problems with the Canaanite Objection

The Difference Between Internal & External Critiques

Understanding the differences between internal and external critiques is critical for Christian apologists since any and every objection they will face will fall into one of these two categories. Moreover, if one has not sufficiently grasped these concepts, then one will be prone to conflating them or else might have trouble identifying when others commit … Continue reading The Difference Between Internal & External Critiques

The Law of Identity & the Human Soul

Do humans survive the death of their bodies? As a pastor, I have officiated several funerals over the past few years and I have attended many recently. This topic is always sure to come up while talking to the surviving relatives. Questions such as these are regularly asked: Will we see our loved one again? Although the body … Continue reading The Law of Identity & the Human Soul

Lex Luthor’s Lousy Logic

“If God is all-powerful He cannot be good, if God is good He cannot be all-powerful!” – Lex Luthor in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Why does Lex think such a thing? He reaches this conclusion based on all the evil and suffering in the world (especially the suffering he experienced as a child). Lex … Continue reading Lex Luthor’s Lousy Logic

THE GENESIS DEBATE: How Old is the Earth?

One of the greatest debates behind church doors is regarding the first book of the Bible. Christians are split regarding what the author’s original intent of the first three chapters of Genesis really was. Are these “creation days” supposed to be taken literally? In the book, “The Genesis Debate: Three Views on the days of Creation,” … Continue reading THE GENESIS DEBATE: How Old is the Earth?

Is the Cross Cosmic Child Abuse?

Nothing is more exciting than examining the historical evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. Most people are shocked to realize that by employing the historical method, one can conclude that Jesus not only died on a Roman cross but was raised from the dead as well. This is compelling evidence not only that God exists, but also that … Continue reading Is the Cross Cosmic Child Abuse?

Special Pleading With the Kalam Cosmological Argument?

Experientially speaking, one of the most common reasons popular-level atheists give for their rejection of the Kalam Cosmological Argument (from hereon, KCA) is their belief that the argument relies on its defender committing the fallacy of special pleading. Special pleading occurs when an exception is given to a principle (or something roughly equivalent such as … Continue reading Special Pleading With the Kalam Cosmological Argument?

Libet’s Experiment & Libertarian Free Will

The focus of my graduate studies and one of the inspirations for this website (freethinkingministries.com) is an issue that has been under much dispute for quite some time. What is this hot topic? FREE WILL. Specifically, the topic of my research is in regards to libertarian free will. Many philosophers, scientists, and even theologians reject … Continue reading Libet’s Experiment & Libertarian Free Will