Podcast appearances and mentions of luke barnes

As human beings we occupy a wondrously peculiar size in the cosmos. With our unique stature, we are able to see and comprehend scales of the universe at the inconceivably huge and the unimaginably small. We here at Good Heavens! believe God has arranged this peculiar state of affairs and wants us to know and delight in what He has made.  The heavens are telling of His glory and we want to be a part in getting His word and the works of His hands out there for everyone to contemplate, consider, and enjoy. On this very special episode of Good Heavens! Dan had the remarkable opportunity this month (January) at the Defend 2025 apologetics conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to have a fun and inspiring chat with not one, but two professionally and popularly published doctors of the cosmos (at the same time!), one who studies the subatomic scale and one who studies galaxies, some of the largest entities in the cosmos. Dr. Michael G. Strauss is a particle physicist at CERN and the University of Oklahoma and Dr. Luke Barnes is a researcher and lecturer of cosmology and astrophysics at Western Sydney University in Sydney, Australia. Both have published works at the professional and popular levels. It was a wonder and a privilege to get them both at the table together to hear their insights about the structure of the universe at the large and small scales and how they see God in all of it. Here on part one, we chat about the standard models of cosmology and particle physics, the wonder of stars, and the unsolved mysteries facing doctors of the cosmos today. Whether you are a theist, non-theist, or take a young earth or old earth perspective as a Christian, we hope you'll find these episodes encouraging and informative. Above all, we hope it will inspire you to have thoughtful and respectful dialogue with others with whom you might disagree. Good Heavens! this was a fun conversation. We hope you'll enjoy it as much as Dan did putting it together for you! Soli Deo Gloria. More about Luke More about Michael Luke's books  Michael's book Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

How might things like "spooky action at a distance" or mysterious as "dark matter" point us to the glory of God? Whether you are a theist or a non-theist or a Christian who believes in a young or an old universe, we can all agree on at least one thing. The universe is a fascinating place in which we find ourselves. That the universe is intelligible to us is even more remarkable. But here at Good Heavens! we like to think the cosmos is more than just fascinating. We believe, as the Bible reveals, that the physical cosmos, at both the incredibly large and infinitesimally small scales, reveal to us something about God's invisible attributes. As both the psalms and Isaiah tell us, the whole of the heavens and earth are filled with the glory of God. Often we are told that Christianity and science cannot possibly go together, however. But hopefully our special guests will continue to dispel that misconception. As mentioned on part one, Dan had the remarkable opportunity this month (January) at the Defend 2025 apologetics conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to have a fun and inspiring chat with not one, but two Christians who are professionally and popularly published doctors of the cosmos (at the same time!), one who studies the subatomic scale and one who studies galaxies, some of the largest entities in the cosmos. Dr. Michael G. Strauss is a particle physicist at CERN and the University of Oklahoma and Dr. Luke Barnes is a researcher and lecturer of cosmology and astrophysics at Western Sydney University in Sydney, Australia. Both have published works at the professional and popular levels. It was a wonder and a privilege to get them both at the table together to hear their insights about the structure of the universe at the large and small scales and how they see God in all of it. Here on part two, we chat about spooky action at a distance, the mystery of dark matter, and we'll glean some insights as to how we as Christians can have conversations about our differences in relation to the age of the universe. Good Heavens! this was a fun conversation. We hope you'll enjoy it as much as Dan did putting it together for you! Soli Deo Gloria. More about Luke More about Michael Luke's books  Michael's book Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

You have probably seen the picture of Earth taken by the Voyager I satellite on Valentine's Day in 1990. It looks like nothing more than a little pixel, just a tiny point of light hanging in a beam of sunlight, like a mote of dust. Long before NASA presented this iconic image to the public, however, the late Medieval poet Dante had imagined the Earth would appear as a mere point of light in comparison to the rest of the cosmos. Many Medieval thinkers had gifted and extraordinary insights into the nature of reality, many of which laid the foundation for modern science in the West. Contrary to popular belief, the Medieval Era was a fruitful time of innovation and invention. This week, we continue to dispel some modern misconception about Medievals with author and historian James Hannam. James Hannam is a historian of the relationship between religion and science in the United Kingdom. He is the author of God's Philosophers - How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science (published in the US as The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution) and The Globe: How the Earth Became Round. James is also a full-time tax consultant. You can find out more about James and his work on his website: www.JamesHannam.com.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray.: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Astrology by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Astrology Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Richard Dawkins by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Dawkins Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

You have likely heard the term "the Dark Ages" to describe the period of history from about 450 A.D. to 1450 A.D. And you have likely heard a historian or science popularizer or two suggest that it was primarily the Christian Church of the time which was the root cause of suppressing true scientific knowledge of the physical cosmos. Medievals were ignorant, superstitious, and didn't do much of anything scientifically significant for nearly a thousand years. Our guest this week, author and historian James Hannam, says that this disparaging caricature of the Medieval Era is entirely wrong. This week's episode tackles the influence of Aristotle, the development of the university, and the idea of purpose in Medieval natural philosophy. James Hannam is a historian of the relationship between religion and science in the United Kingdom. He is the author of God's Philosophers - How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science (published in the US as The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution) and The Globe: How the Earth Became Round. James is also a full-time tax consultant. You can find out more about James and his work on his website: www.JamesHannam.com.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray.: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Astrology by Marcia Montenegro: www.watchman.org/Astrology Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Richard Dawkins by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Dawkins Watchman Fellowship's complete Profile Notebook demo video: www.watchman.org/Demo Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

262 Who's Afraid of the Multiverse? [Part 2] with Dr. Jeff Zweerinkapologetics, apologetics profile, Jeff Zweerink, Daniel Ray, Watchman Fellowship, multiverse, Reasons to Believe, fine-tuning, big bangOur guest again this week, astrophysicist and author at Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org) Dr. Jeff Zweerink, tells us that we have nothing to fear, not even the multiverse! Many atheists and skeptics have tried to employ the multiverse as a means of explaining away God as the cause of the existence of our universe. Come and hear what Jeff has to say this week about how creation not only is not threatened by modern science, but how it ultimately can encourage and strengthen our faith when we learn more about it. By faith we know that the physical universe and everything it contains, both seen and unseen, are all ultimately declaring the glory of God. This week we conclude our discussion about Jeff's 2008 book, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and a senior research scholar for Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff's work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff has also made many media appearances, on television, radio, and in print. He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

The universe is a fantastically wondrous place. There are more things in heaven and earth than are often dreamt of in our philosophies, to paraphrase Hamlet a little bit. And for the many things we can observe in the physical universe, science sometimes struggles to come up with an explanation as to what is really going on. How much more mysterious are those things which we cannot see? How should Christians think about things that the science of the heavens tells us cannot be seen, such as the idea of the existence of many different universes? That's the question we tackle this week and next on the broadcast with astrophysicist from Reasons to Believe, Dr. Jeff Zweerink. We talk about his 2008 book, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse? So, who is afraid of the multiverse? Come and see! Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and a senior research scholar for Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org), an organization dedicated to demonstrating the compatibility of science and the Christian faith. Jeff's work focuses on helping people of all backgrounds bridge the perceived gap between science and the Christian faith. Jeff has also made many media appearances, on television, radio, and in print. He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. He taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff is also a coauthor on more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosTV Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Book: The Story of the Cosmos by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

What does materialism, Big-Bang cosmology, and Mormonism all have in common? Can we really work toward becoming a god of our own world? What does a mid-twentieth century interpretation of quantum mechanics have to do with Latter-Day Saint theology? And just exactly how can the Gospel help us better understand how to respond to these complex issues? This is part two of our rather unique dialogue with president of Watchman Fellowship and former 4th-generation Latter-Day Saint James K. Walker and astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes, plus some bonus material from some of our previous podcasts you won't want to miss!Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology. With PhD at the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang). Luke, along with Allen Hainline, has also written a contributing chapter to The Story of the Cosmos - How The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth-generation Mormon with over twenty-five years of ministry experience in the field of Christian counter-cult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and The News Hour News with Jim Lehrer. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Is it possible for us to become a god? Do mathematics tell us that there are many universes? Is there any evidence of other universes? This week and next on the Profile, we guarantee that in all of the some five million podcasts out there today, you won't likely find the the topics of Many Worlds, Mormonism, and Multiverses covered in the same episode. The next two episodes will be somewhat unique, but we think they cover a lot of lesser-known ideas that have some overlap. Many who leave the Latter-Day-Saint faith turn to atheism. But neither Mormonism nor an atheistic materialism are in accordance with the true story of the cosmos.Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology. With PhD at the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang). Luke, along with Allen Hainline, has also written a contributing chapter to The Story of the Cosmos - How The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth-generation Mormon with over twenty-five years of ministry experience in the field of Christian counter-cult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and The News Hour News with Jim Lehrer. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality.Related Links: Access additional Watchman Fellowship resources related to this week's podcast: Watchman Fellowship articles on Mormonism: www.watchman.org/LDS Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Tim Martin: www.watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: www.watchman.org/Naturalism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Part two with former 4th-generation Latter-day Saint James K. Walker and astrophysicist and Cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes, plus some bonus surprise guests. Make sure you listen to Part One for fuller context of our conversation! There is a reason the Gospel has often been referred to as "the Greatest Story ever told." Here on part two, we flesh out a little bit more into the ideas of many universes, materialism, Mormonism cosmology, and how they compare to the Christian story and our place within it. Come and see! Free four-page profiles from Watchman Fellowship! Latter-Day Saints https://www.watchman.org/articles/mormonism/ Scientism https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf Carl Sagan's Cosmos https://www.watchman.org/CosmosTV Naturalism https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf Dan's presentation on the Book of Abraham https://youtu.be/GV5elJ_xSck?si=HtMfWVWBj5r675fx Wayne and Dan's book The Story of the Cosmos https://www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology. With PhD at the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of "A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos" and "The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang)", published by Cambridge University Press. Luke, along with Allen Hainline, has also written a contributing chapter to The Story of the Cosmos - How The Heavens Declare the Glory of God (Harvest House).  James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth generation Mormon with over twenty years of ministry experience in the field of Christian counter-cult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. He has spoken at hundreds of churches, colleges, universities, and seminaries throughout the United States and internationally. Luke's Books https://www.amazon.com/Fortunate-Universe-Finely-Tuned-Cosmos/dp/1107156610/ https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Revolutionarys-Handbook-Beat-Bang/dp/1108486703   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

Something a little out of the ordinary for our Good Heavens! family. How about theories in physics and cosmology combined with a discussion about Mormonism and storytelling? Yes! That's a lot to process, but we hope you'll find it mildly interesting and encouraging. This broadcast will also be airing on our sister podcast Apologetics Profile later next month. On this episode and next we'll be featuring our president of Watchman Fellowship, James K. Walker, a former 4th-generation Latter-day Saint in conversation with astrophysicist and cosmologist from Sydney, Australia, Dr. Luke Barnes, discussing many worlds, multiverses and Mormonism. There are also some surprise bonus clips from previous episodes you'll not want to miss! For millennia, man has been telling stories about himself, his origins and the nature of the cosmos. How do they all fit together? What's the right story of the cosmos and how can we know? We think you'll find this episode and next quite fascinating as we dive into these and other topics! Free four-page profiles from Watchman Fellowship! Latter-Day Saints https://www.watchman.org/articles/mormonism/ Scientism https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf Carl Sagan's Cosmos https://www.watchman.org/CosmosTV Naturalism https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf Wayne and Dan's book The Story of the Cosmos https://www.watchman.org/CosmosBook Luke A. Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology. With PhD at the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of "A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos" and "The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang)", published by Cambridge University Press. Luke, along with Allen Hainline, has also written a contributing chapter to The Story of the Cosmos - How The Heavens Declare the Glory of God (Harvest House).  James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth generation Mormon with over twenty years of ministry experience in the field of Christian counter-cult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. He has spoken at hundreds of churches, colleges, universities, and seminaries throughout the United States and internationally. Luke's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Fortunate-Universe-Finely-Tuned-Cosmos/dp/1107156610/ https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Revolutionarys-Handbook-Beat-Bang/dp/1108486703   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

Are we alone in the universe? I had the great pleasure of discussing this fundamental existential question with astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes and philosopher Dr. Jay Richards!  In this exciting discussion, we dove headfirst into the implications of the SETI project, the Rare Earth hypothesis, and the possibility of habitable planets in other solar systems. Together, we explored the probabilities and challenges of the search for extraterrestrial life, taking into account the vastness of the universe and the fine-tuning required for life to exist.  Tune in to find out more about the search for extraterrestrial life! This debate was hosted by the Hoover Institution. Key Takeaways: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:50 Cosmic fine-tuning 00:12:13 The Privileged Planet  00:21:09 When did the fine-tuning take place? 00:28:05 The SETI project  00:30:59 The lack of life on Mars 00:39:40 Why we're so fascinated by this question  00:57:28 Quantum mechanics and Einstein's relativity  01:02:01 Human exceptionalism  01:08:46 Science and religion  01:12:58 Outro Additional resources: ➡️ Check out my incredible colleagues: 

Famed Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once (well, several times actually) claimed Christianity was irreconcilable with the science of the Universe. But there's plenty of scholars who beg to differ.Recorded live in Brisbane at the State Library of Queensland.(01:08) - Show begins (05:42) - Introducing Peter Harrison (08:41) - Did we used to have more Christian scientists? (23:12) - Introducing Sarah Sweet and Luke Barnes (25:05) - Is there room for the supernatural in science? (38:07) - 5 Minute Jesus (49:03) - Do we live in a finely tuned universe? (56:34) - What we've learned - and unlearnt - from science recently (01:03:03) - How far could science take us?

“Are we alone in the universe?” That's the central question we put to astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes, cosmologist Dr. Brian Keating, and philosopher Dr. Jay Richards. Our guests delve into the probabilities and challenges of finding extraterrestrial life, considering the vastness of the cosmos and the fine-tuning necessary for life to exist. They explore the implications of the SETI project, the rarity of Earth-like conditions, and the potential for habitable planets in other solar systems. This discussion is set against the backdrop of broader scientific and philosophical inquiries, including the Big Bang, the multiverse theory, and the role of humanity in the cosmic order. The conversation offers a deep and nuanced perspective on the search for life beyond Earth and what it could mean for our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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To celebrate the end of House of The Dragon S2, let's take a trip back through time to Collective Con 2019, and revisit a trio of interviews with past Game of Thrones actors and stars, including Tom Wlaschiha (Jaqen H'ghar, 06:53), Luke Barnes (Rast, 12:53), and the OG Night King: Richard Brake (19:34)! Enjoy the blast from the past, and come back next week for more! Get early access to future episodes, and listen to hundreds of exclusive bonus episodes (like this one), over on our Patreon Channel. Try a FREE seven-day membership: Here!SUPPORT THE SHOW: MERCH SALE! Get 20% off your next purchase from our merch store by using the discount code: “YOO“Take your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping online at Gotham City Limit!Join our Patreon Community and get VIP treatment, bonus episodes, and other perks and rewards! Try out a free 7-day trial, here. No pressure We read Fan Mail! Send us some Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

Is there intelligent life outside of earth? In this episode, Gabe poses this question and many others to Dr. Luke Barnes, a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. Dr. Barnes is a Christian whose faith inspires him in his work to explore God's unique creation and look for patterns and reasons behind what's happening in the universe as a whole. Tune in as they talk about stars, planets, galaxies, and supercomputer simulations that reveal what would happen if even one particle or force is changed in the universe. Resources: A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos Closer to Truth episodes Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.

During his examination of Jesus, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Earlier in John's account, however, Jesus proclaims that He is "the way, the truth and the life." Yet what if someone rejects Jesus and what He says of Himself? What is truth for them? To whom or to what do they turn? This week we pick up our conversation with philosopher and president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Jamie Dew and examine some postmodern concepts of truth. We are also giving away a copy of Jamie's 2017 book Understanding Postmodernism: a Christian Perspective. Just drop Daniel Ray a line at Dray@watchman.org with a current mailing address (US residents only). Daniel will select one listener at random. Offer valid only for the original week this podcast airs.Dr. Jamie Dew is the president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds two Ph.D. —a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Dew's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from SEBTS and his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies is from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, Ga.Dew's publications include Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, with Paul M. Gould (Baker, 2019); God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views, with Chad Meister (IVP Academic, 2017), How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, with Mark W. Foreman (IVP Academic, 2014), God and Evil: The Case for God in a World filled with Pain, with Chad Meister (IVP Books, 2013), and Science and Theology: An Assessment of Alister McGrath's Critical Realist Perspective (Wipf & Stock, 2014). For more info., visit: nobts.edu/President.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

What is postmodernism? Its tacit influence permeates the media, art, music, literature, history, architecture, and even how many attempt to understand the Bible. Postmodernism tends to be suspicious of history, of objective truth, and of overarching meta-narratives which comprehensively attempt to explain reality. This week and next on the Profile, philosopher and president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Jamie Dew, explains what postmodernism is, how it began, and how Christians can intelligently engage those who adhere to its often contradictory and confusing assertions.Dr. Jamie Dew is the president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds two Ph.D. —a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Dew's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from SEBTS and his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies is from Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, Ga.Dew's publications include Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, with Paul M. Gould (Baker, 2019); Understanding Postmodernism: a Christian Perspective, with Stewart E. Kelly (IVP Academic, 2017), God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views, with Chad Meister (IVP Academic, 2017), How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology, with Mark W. Foreman (IVP Academic, 2014), God and Evil: The Case for God in a World filled with Pain, with Chad Meister (IVP Books, 2013), and Science and Theology: An Assessment of Alister McGrath's Critical Realist Perspective (Wipf & Stock, 2014). For more info., visit: nobts.edu/President.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Postmodernism by Aaron Shamp: watchman.org/Postmodernism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

"What are the chances of that happening?" we often say or hear whenever something remarkable or out of the ordinary takes place. When we use that phrase, we are invoking the design inference, even though we may not exactly call it that. Our guest again this week, philosopher, mathematician and senior fellow at Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture Dr. William Dembski shares with us how his more formalized design inference is indeed rooted in simple, everyday inferences we all make. But he also how it fits into the laws of probability, information theory, and specified complexity as well, making it a rigorous formal argument applicable for intuiting design in the physical cosmos and biology. We further discuss his new, second edition of his landmark 1998 book, The Design Inference.William A. Dembski, a noted mathematician and philosopher, is a Founding and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture and a Distinguished Fellow with the Institute's Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. His most recent books relating to intelligent design include Being as Communion: A Metaphysics of Information (2014), Evolutionary Informatics (2017, co-authored with Robert Marks and Winston Ewert), and the second edition of The Design Inference (2023, co-authored with Winston Ewert). For more info, visit BillDembski.com.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

For centuries Western natural philosophy, theology and the scientific tradition widely accepted that the physical cosmos and life within it was the creation of God. Arguably one of the most influential works which usurped the belief in God as the Creator was Charles Darwin's 1859 publication On the Origin of Species. It undoubtedly provided many with the intellectual framework for atheism, naturalism, and materialism. But in the late 20th and early 21st century, the concept of intelligent design has made a cultural comeback. This week and next we sit down with Dr. William Dembski, one of the leading founders and proponents of the Intelligent Design movement, to discuss his new, second edition of his landmark 1998 book, The Design Inference.William A. Dembski, a noted mathematician and philosopher, is a Founding and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture and a Distinguished Fellow with the Institute's Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. His most recent books relating to intelligent design include Being as Communion: A Metaphysics of Information (2014), Evolutionary Informatics (2017, co-authored with Robert Marks and Winston Ewert), and the second edition of The Design Inference (2023, co-authored with Winston Ewert). For more info, visit BillDembski.com.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

How do we know that what we believe about Christianity is true? Our guest again this week, author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi gives us some helpful and insightful ways to give a defense to those who ask of us how we know our faith in Christ is true. We continue to discuss his 2022 book, Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity.Dr. Neil Shenvi grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation. He became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at U.C. Berkeley on quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem. In 2015, he quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, He presently serves as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy). He is also the author of Critical Dilemma - The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideologies Implications for the Church and Society.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

God has revealed Himself to us through His Spirit, through what He has created, through His word, and through His Son. The evidence of His existence is manifold. He did not lavish us with so much so that we might think His existence is something of a mere intellectual curiosity, but so that He might bring dead people back to life. Author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi discusses with us his 2022 book, Why Believe? A Reasoned Approach to Christianity.Dr. Neil Shenvi grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation. He became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at U.C. Berkeley on quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem. In 2015, he quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, He presently serves as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy). He is also the author of Critical Dilemma - The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideologies Implications for the Church and Society.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Two of the main challenges to the Christian faith today come from science and from textual criticism. Does the science of the universe disprove God's existence and have textual critics of Scripture once and for all demonstrated that the Bible is historically unreliable? If we aren't scholars in this area, how can we even begin to engage these objections, especially when many seem so antagonistically opposed to the Bible today? The key is asking the right questions, which our guest again this week, author, apologist, and founder of Stand to Reason ministries Greg Koukl, has a wealth of experience in doing. Greg shares with us some of the wisdom he has gleaned from Jesus's agrarian parables to encourage you in your engagement with non-believers. Greg Koukl founded  Stand to Reason (str.org)  in 1993 and currently serves as president. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including CThe Story of Reality-How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics-A GamePlan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air.  Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

It seems to be more and more difficult in today's divisive culture wars to have civil and meaningful conversations with non-Christians. While we certainly do not wish to change the message of the Gospel, it is important to understand what are the sort of fruitful approaches to sharing our faith that can help at least begin such conversations. Evangelism is not what it used to be. On the next two episodes of the Profile we talk with author, apologist, and founder of Stand to Reason ministries Greg Koukl about his latest book, Street Smarts. Greg gives us wisdom for how to engage those on the outside by means of understanding the nature of gardening. Greg Koukl founded  Stand to Reason (str.org)  in 1993 and currently serves as president. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including CThe Story of Reality-How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics-A GamePlan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air.  Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

While Wayne and Dan are certainly no professional cosmologists, they believe that scientists who study the universe need a bigger conceptual boat. There are "monsters" out there in the deep that don't seem to fit the current Big Bang dingy models of how the universe came into existence and slowly developed over 13.8 billion years.  One astrophysicist has suggested the universe is more like 26 billion years old. Others believe there is no need to change the current age. What is the average person walking down the street to think of all this?  As we learned last week, there was that curious star named Methuselah which seems to be older than the universe itself. But how could that be? One thing Methuselah tells us is that the ways in which astronomers and cosmologists measure the age and distance of objects in the universe is somewhat elastic and subjective. And now, with new images coming down from the James Webb Space Telescope, it seems that the problems with measurements in the sciences of the heavens are once again coming into focus. Just how old is everything? Does anyone really know? Are explanations for how the universe came to be about to be overturned?  Come and see! Dan's article on Naturalism https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf Article by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray on Scientism https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf Is the universe 13.8 or 26.7 Billion Years old? An article from the cosmologist who believes the universe is over 26 billion years old Wayne's article on the James Webb Space Telescope (with pictures) https://creationanswers.net/answersblog/2022/08/25/images-from-the-james-webb-space-telescope/   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

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We are all familiar with the concept of tuning, particularly in regard to musical instruments. We know that to “stay in tune” means to play with the right pitch and to harmonize with other instruments. Even the untutored ear knows when a piano is out-of-tune: something sounds out-of-balance and disjointed. Sounds that only roughly track […] The post Life in a Finely Tuned Universe with Luke Barnes appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Wayne and Dan's generation, you probably have at least heard of the band Chicago. They have a few catchy tunes with some interesting titles, like 25 or 6 to 4 and Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is? What do these songs have anything to do with the universe? Plenty! If Chicago were writing new songs today, they might do a remake of 25 or 6 to 4 and call it 26 or 13 Point 8. Turns out the age of the universe is up for discussion once again, raised by images of deep-space objects taken by the James Webb Space Telescope and a study published recently suggesting that the universe is some 26 billion years old, almost double the current age of 13.8 billion years. As Chicago sings in in 25 or 6 to 4, "Dancing lights against the sky...Staring blindly into space...Wondering how much I can take...Searching for something to say..." So as you're walking down the street one day, and someone comes up to you and asks you what the age of the universe is, you can ask them "Does anybody really know how old it is?" then share our podcast with them! That would be a timeless courtesy Wayne and Dan would both greatly appreciate! So if you don't know where you are, can't see past the next step, or have no time to look around and are being pushed and shoved by people, come and take a break with Wayne and Dan as they help give you the big picture of what it all means, all for the glory of God in Christ (1 Cor. 10:31). Dan's article on Naturalism https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdf Article by Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray on Scientism https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdf  Is the universe 13.8 or 26.7 Billion Years old? https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/universe-13-8-or-26-7-billion-years/ Wayne's article on the James Webb Space Telescope (with pictures) https://creationanswers.net/answersblog/2022/08/25/images-from-the-james-webb-space-telescope/   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

206 Dr. Richard Howe and Daniel Ray Discuss Philosophy and Theology [Part 2] What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem? Much in every way, as bad philosophy has made a number of inroads into the Church today, including philosophical assumptions about how scholars and laypersons alike ought to interpret and understand the Bible. Objective truth about the historicity and teaching of Scripture is being routinely questioned and jettisoned by higher academics. How should we respond? Our guest again this week Dr. Richard G. Howe, professor of philosophy at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares with us in a winsome and meaningful way how we need to cultivate a habit of applying sound philosophical and theological thinking to counter the baleful trends besetting our culture today. Richard G. Howe (RichardGHowe.com) is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Provost, Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics, and Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics. In their free time, Richard and his wife Rebekah enjoy international travel.Link to Richard's brother Thomas Howe's book, Objectivity in Biblical Interpretation, mentioned in this episode.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Science offers us a great deal of remarkable insights to the nature of the physical world. From distant galaxies to the DNA in our bodies, the world is replete with God's handiwork. But not everyone sees it this way. Scientists who do not believe in God will often offer explanations for why they think God likely does not exist, but when they do, they are not using the methods and tools of science to do so, they are making philosophical arguments.This week and next on the profile, our guest is Dr. Richard G. Howe, professor of philosophy at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, conversationally helps us to understand how philosophy and theology go together in equipping us to us discern and respond to the empty philosophy and deceit of our confused postmodern milieu.Richard G. Howe (RichardGHowe.com) is a writer as well as a public speaker and debater in churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues concerning Christian apologetics and philosophy. He is Provost, Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics, and Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Howe is Past President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics. In their free time, Richard and his wife Rebekah enjoy international travel.Link: The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith featuring Richard's article as quoted in this episode.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

I'm joined by Dr. Luke Barnes. He comments on an animated video produced by Reasonable Faith that explains and defends the Fine-Tuning Argument.

This week we wrap up our conversation with authors Doug Groothuis and Ike Shepardson about their latest book The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word - An Introduction to Classical Apologetics. They offer some very practical and encouraging wisdom in how to effectively and compassionately engage in apologetics.Douglas Groothuis (PhD, University of Oregon) is professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado, where he heads the apologetics and ethics masters degree program. His articles have been published in journals such as Religious Studies, Philosophia Christi, Themelios, Christian Scholar's Review, Inquiry, and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has written numerous books, including Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, and Truth Decay. https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/Andrew “Ike” Shepardson (Ph.D., University of Toronto) leads the B.A. and M.A. programs in Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University and is associated faculty at Denver Seminary. Ike is an elder at Living Way Fellowship in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. His work has been published in Philosophia Christi, Quadrum, The Denver Journal, Orthodoxy in Dialogue, and the Toronto Journal of Theology. He is author of Who's Afraid of the Unmoved Mover?: Postmodernism and Natural Theology and coauthor (with Douglas Groothuis) of The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word. His website is ikeshepardson.com.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

This week and next we talk with authors Doug Groothuis (GROW-tice) and Andrew "Ike" Shepardson about their new book The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word - An Introduction to Classical Apologetics and how vitally important apologetics remains for us today.Douglas Groothuis (PhD, University of Oregon) is professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado, where he heads the apologetics and ethics masters degree program. His articles have been published in journals such as Religious Studies, Philosophia Christi, Themelios, Christian Scholar's Review, Inquiry, and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has written numerous books, including Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, and Truth Decay. https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/ Andrew “Ike” Shepardson (Ph.D., University of Toronto) leads the B.A. and M.A. programs in Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University and is associated faculty at Denver Seminary. Ike is an elder at Living Way Fellowship in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. His work has been published in Philosophia Christi, Quadrum, The Denver Journal, Orthodoxy in Dialogue, and the Toronto Journal of Theology. He is author of Who's Afraid of the Unmoved Mover?: Postmodernism and Natural Theology and coauthor (with Douglas Groothuis) of The Knowledge of God in the World and the Word. His personal website is ikeshepardson.com.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Christian apologetics is not just a matter of crafting intellectual arguments and those who engage in Christian apologetics are not just computorial information machines dispensing facts. Our guest again this week,  author, pastor, and professor of theology at Dordt University, Dr. Justin Bailey, continues sharing his ideas from his 2020 book Reimagining Apologetics - The Beauty of Faith in a Secular Age (www.PJustin.com/Books/Reimagining) that apologetics should include a much more holistic approach that involves not only logic and reason, but the imagination as well.Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey iis associate professor and chair of the theology department at Dordt University. He works at the intersection of theology, culture, and ministry, and his written work has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review, and the International Journal of Public Theology. He is the author of Reimagining Apologetics (IVP, 2020) and Interpreting Your World (Baker, 2022). He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, and he has served as a pastor in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Anglo-American settings.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

187 Reimagining Apologetics [Part 1] with Dr. Justin Bailey and Daniel RayWhat role does the imagination play in Christian apologetics today? How can we effectively implement a more holistic and imaginative approach in giving a defense for our faith in an ever-increasingly secular society? Our guest this week and next, author, pastor, and professor of theology at Dordt University, Dr. Justin Bailey, discusses these questions with us from his 2020 book Reimagining Apologetics - The Beauty of Faith in a Secular Age (www.PJustin.com/Books/Reimagining).Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey iis associate professor and chair of the theology department at Dordt University. He works at the intersection of theology, culture, and ministry, and his written work has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review, and the International Journal of Public Theology. He is the author of Reimagining Apologetics (IVP, 2020) and Interpreting Your World (Baker, 2022). He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, and he has served as a pastor in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Anglo-American settings.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.orgAgnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Divine Hiddenness by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Hiddenness Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.apologetics, apologetics profile, Watchman Fellowship, Reimagining Apologetics, Justin Bailey, Daniel Ray, atheism, agnostic, skeptic, beauty, imagination, Christianity, Jesus, God

Pat is joined by Dr. Luke Barnes to discuss the fine-tuning argument. A Fortunate Universe: https://amzn.to/3N2bmlY  Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  

Cosmologist and astronomer Dr. Luke Barnes examines the Reasonable Faith animated video on the Fine-Tuning Argument. Dr. Craig responds.

Does science rule out any possibility of the supernatural? Do natural properties and causes account for everything that exists? This episode is part two of Brady Blevins' and Daniel Ray's discussion critiquing the worldview of philosophical naturalism from a Christian perspective.Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist with Watchman Fellowship, is a featured speaker and writer with the ministry. He also serves as the editor of our Profile Notebook. He holds a BS in Bible and Pastoral Ministries from Arlington Baptist College, a MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University and a Doctorate in Educational Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/BradyBlevinsBio.pdf.Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, is a speaker, writer, and podcast producer with the ministry. He holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University and an MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Baptist University. He is coeditor and cowriter of The Story of the Cosmos, How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/DanielRayBio.pdf.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

See the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/bRCLzMS8Rck Is there evidence for God in the origin of Universe? What were Aristolte's contributions to science? How does a scientist come from a Young Earth Creationist background. Luke Barnes co-authored with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos published by Cambridge University Press. The book explores the last forty years of scientific evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. This has profound implications about how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature.  Luke A. Barnes is a Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology at Western Sydney University. He earned his PhD from the University of Cambridge, he has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of "A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos" and "The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang)". He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He has also published papers on the philosophy of science, and regularly engages in public outreach through public speaking, articles in the popular press, and social media. He has modeled galaxy formation in a cosmological context with supercomputer simulations, and connected those simulations to observations with modeling of radiative transfer (particularly Lyman alpha emission and absorption) and realistic models of IFU observations. twitter.com/lukebarnesastro 00:01:57 What is Luke's reaction to the Eric Lerner claim that the JWST proves the big bang never happened? 00:03:35 About the book “A Fortunate Universe” and what is “Fine Tuning” of the Universe? 00:06:11 Is the fine-tuning of the universe required for life? 00:08:00 How can we overcome an anthropic bias to the fine-tuning argument ? 00:13:30 What are some of the most salient principles or physical constants that, if different, would “break” the universe and prevent life from happening? 00:19:05 Is there a convincing argument for a teleological, intelligent creator? 00:24:30 Back to basics, what is this "science thing" anyway? A brief history of science 00:29:37 Which books would you most recommend for your students? 00:31:09 How does the universe get fine-tuned? Is there a fine tuner? John Wheeler and “At Home in the Universe 00:33:41 What have you changed your mind about? Connect with Professor Keating:

Do natural properties and causes account for everything that exists? Does science rule out any possibility of the supernatural? In this two-part podcast, Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray discuss the worldview of philosophical naturalism.Dr. Brady Blevins, Senior Apologist with Watchman Fellowship, is a featured speaker and writer with the ministry. He also serves as the editor of our Profile Notebook. He holds a BS in Bible and Pastoral Ministries from Arlington Baptist College, a MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University and a Doctorate in Educational Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/BradyBlevinsBio.pdf.Daniel Ray, Staff Apologist at Watchman Fellowship, is a speaker, writer, and podcast producer with the ministry. He holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University and an MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Baptist University. He is coeditor and cowriter of The Story of the Cosmos, How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. For more information: www.watchman.org/staff/DanielRayBio.pdf.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Naturalism by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Naturalism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

For Christians, what is the proper way to think about bioethics and bioengineering? What moral limits should be placed upon bioengineering research and development? Will science give us the ability to live forever, apart from God Himself? On part two of our conversation with philosopher, apologist and author, Dr. Douglas Groothius (GROW-tice), we unpack some ways through these questions and help equip you to give a defense in such important discussions. Douglas Groothuis earned his PhD from the University of Oregon and has been a faculty member at Denver Seminary since 1993. He has also taught at The University of Oregon and Metro State University, in Denver. He has authored thirty academic articles in journals such as Philosophia Christi, Religious Studies, Sophia, Bibliotheca Sacra, and Academic Questions. He has also written for Christianity Today, The Christian Research Journal, The Journal for Christian Legal Thought, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and many other publications. He has authored thirteen books, including Unmasking the New Age, The Soul in Cyberspace, Truth Decay, On Jesus, Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, Walking through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher's Lament, I Love You to the Stars (a children's book written with Crystal Bowman), Christian Apologetics, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics. and The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word an Introduction to Classical Apologetics (2022) with Andrew I. Shepardson. He has contributed numerous entries to reference volumes such as The Dictionary of Christianity and Science, The Apologetics Study Bible, The Evangelical Dictionary of World Religions, and the textbook, Problems in Value Theory.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/TranshumanismProfile.pdf Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Our guest this week and next, philosopher Dr. Douglas Groothuis (pronounced GROW-tice), unpacks and helps us better understand the foundation behind these ideas and shows us that we as Christians have no reason to fear contributing sound biblical and theological answers to these important topics.Douglas Groothuis earned his PhD from the University of Oregon and has been a faculty member at Denver Seminary since 1993. He has also taught at The University of Oregon and Metro State University, in Denver. He has authored thirty academic articles in journals such as Philosophia Christi, Religious Studies, Sophia, Bibliotheca Sacra, and Academic Questions. He has also written for Christianity Today, The Christian Research Journal, The Journal for Christian Legal Thought, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and many other publications. He has authored thirteen books, including Unmasking the New Age, The Soul in Cyberspace, Truth Decay, On Jesus, Christian Apologetics, Philosophy in Seven Sentences, Walking through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher's Lament, I Love You to the Stars (a children's book written with Crystal Bowman), Christian Apologetics, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics. and The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word an Introduction to Classical Apologetics (2022) with Andrew I. Shepardson. He has contributed numerous entries to reference volumes such as The Dictionary of Christianity and Science, The Apologetics Study Bible, The Evangelical Dictionary of World Religions, and the textbook, Problems in Value Theory.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Transhumanism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: watchman.org/TranshumanismProfile.pdf Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Our guest this week on Apologetics Profile, Christian philosopher Dr. Paul Gould, sits down with us to provide the True and Good Story of why the laws of the universe exist in the first place and why there is order, unity, harmony, and beauty at the heart of modern science's quest for a theory of everything. Paul wrote his latest book, A Good and True Story, with the atheist and skeptic in mind. Instead of an amalgam of dry, philosophical syllogisms and isolated factoids, Paul weaves together a compelling story of clues that point us all toward the greatest Story ever told. .Paul M. Gould is an associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the M.A. Philosophy of Religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Gould earned his doctorate in philosophy from Purdue University. He is the author or editor of ten scholarly and popular-level books including Cultural Apologetics, Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, and The Story of the Cosmos. He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School's Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith, and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. He is a widely sought-after speaker in apologetics and philosophy. He speaks regularly at universities, churches and ministries around the country, including Summit Ministries, the C.S. Lewis Institute and the Evangelical Philosophical Society's annual apologetics conference. He is married to Ethel and has four children.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile we sit down with Christian philosopher, avid outdoorsman, and father, Dr. Paul Gould to talk about his latest book A Good and True Story. It is an apologetic work written in the prose of story and narrative, written with unbelievers and skeptics in mind. Paul translates the philosophical and scientific arguments into an inviting and compelling story - a great book to share with your atheist or skeptic friends or family members.  .Paul M. Gould is an associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the M.A. Philosophy of Religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Gould earned his doctorate in philosophy from Purdue University. He is the author or editor of ten scholarly and popular-level books including Cultural Apologetics, Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, and The Story of the Cosmos. He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School's Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith, and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. He is a widely sought-after speaker in apologetics and philosophy. He speaks regularly at universities, churches and ministries around the country, including Summit Ministries, the C.S. Lewis Institute and the Evangelical Philosophical Society's annual apologetics conference. He is married to Ethel and has four children.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Carl Sagan's Cosmos by Daniel Ray: watchman.org/CosmosTV Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Knowing what you believe, why you believe it and how to compassionately share your faith in Christ are invaluable hallmarks of being ambassadors for Christ and His kingdom. On part two of our conversation with apologist and author Greg Koukl, we explore the problems with truth and morality in a naturalistic worldview and how we as believers can and should take time to understand these problems in giving a defense of our faith. Hear how Greg encourages us to put "pebbles of truth" in the shoes of those who do not believe.Greg Koukl founded Stand to Reason (str.org) in 1993 and currently serves as president of the organization. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality — How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between (amzn.to/3AtHtnR); Tactics — A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (amzn.to/3hXCLYW) and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air (amzn.to/3X9nu7A).Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

If contemporary astrophysics and cosmology has demonstrated anything conclusively about the nature of our universe it is   (1) We have a very special and unique place here on earth to observe and learn more about the universe and   (2) It requires intelligent agents to create even the simplest models of our universe or other theoretical universes.  In short, despite what popularizers of science tell us, we are indeed significant in the cosmos and there is an intelligent being behind and beyond the cosmos.  As Christians, we know that the Creator of the cosmos Himself came down to us in the Person of His Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. All things came into being through Him, but sinful humanity did not recognize or know Him.  Can man invent a universe and live in it? Can we live as though our lives are really insignificant? The simple answer to both questions is no.  On this episode of Good Heavens! Wayne and Dan discuss two basic problems with modern cosmology:   (1) Creating theoretical universes and   (2) Declaring human beings to be cosmically insignificant.  Some thoughtful resources to strengthen and encourage you on these topics.  A new video by Dan called "Fine Tuning is Dangerous" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqdvgQ2mrpk Dan's interview with Steven C. Meyer, author of The Return of the God Hypothesis (Two Parts).  https://goodheavens.podbean.com/e/return-of-the-god-hypothesis-part-1-with-stephen-c-meyer/ https://goodheavens.podbean.com/e/return-of-the-god-hypothesis-part-2-with-stephen-c-meyer/ Dan's interview with Dr. Luke Barnes, coauthor of A Fortunate Universe https://goodheavens.podbean.com/e/a-conversation-with-dr-luke-barnes/ Book: Cosmology without God? https://www.amazon.com/Cosmology-Without-God-Problematic-Theology/dp/1532636849/ James Walker's interview with former high-ranking scientologist Mike Render (Two Parts) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-11-06T23_00_00-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-11-13T23_00_00-08_00 Original presentation from Dr. Sean Carroll, "God is not a Good Theory" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew_cNONhhKI   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

Christian apologist Greg Koukl's best-selling book, Tactics, has had remarkable success since it was first published in 2000. Greg's counsel and advice for how to formulate "a Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions" continues to be an encouragement for many. On this two-part conversation, Watchman's staff apologist Daniel Ray talks "tactics" with Greg, as he shares more invaluable insights from his own personal experience in engaging unbelievers with the gospel.Greg Koukl founded Stand to Reason (str.org) in 1993 and currently serves as president of the organization. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality — How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between (amzn.to/3AtHtnR); Tactics — A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (amzn.to/3hXCLYW) and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air (amzn.to/3X9nu7A). Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

FREE AUTOGRAPHED BOOK -- For a chance to receive a free signed copy of Travis Dickinson's new book, email Daniel Ray with your name and a physical mailing address at DRay@watchman.org. One recipient will be selected at random (USA only).If doubt is a virtue, then would it not be virtuous  to doubt our doubts? Doubting your doubts about your faith in Christ is what our guest this week, Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University Dr. Travis Dickinson, suggests we do. His latest book, Wandering Toward God - Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions (uhop.me/Wandering), is a helpful companion to have as you navigate your way through questions and doubts about your faith. Neither a celebration nor a denigration of doubt, Wandering Toward God offers a biblical perspective about how to navigate the darkness of doubt. Travis shares from his own personal struggles wisdom for how to negotiate the wandering path of doubt and uncertaintyDr. Travis Dickinson (TravisDickinson.com) holds a Bible Certificate from the Wisconsin Campus of Cairn University, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Alaska Bible College, a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University. He later received his Master of Arts in Philosophy along with a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Dr. Dickinson is the author of four books. His two most recent titles are Logic and the Way of Jesus: Thinking Critically and Christianly (B & H) (see our podcast interview on that book here and here), and Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions (IVP, October 2022) which we discuss in this episode.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

"Wandering Toward God Finding Faith Among Doubts and Big Questions" with Travis Dickinson [Part 1]When it comes to doubting your faith, there are two extremes. One is to embrace and celebrate doubt as a virtuous and infallible foundation for epistemological bliss. The other extreme is that any form of doubt is sin and should not ever be entertained in the mind of a believer. But what does the Bible say? What about the doubts of John the Baptist, Thomas, and the disciples?Our guest this week and next, Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University Dr. Travis Dickinson, shares with us his insights and experiences with doubt in his new book Wandering Toward God - Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions (uhop.me/Wandering). Travis helps doubters negotiate a wandering (but entirely biblical) path between the two extreme notions of doubt.Dr. Travis Dickinson (TravisDickinson.com) holds a Bible Certificate from the Wisconsin Campus of Cairn University, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Alaska Bible College, a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University. He later received his Master of Arts in Philosophy along with a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Dr. Dickinson is the author of four books. His two most recent titles are Logic and the Way of Jesus: Thinking Critically and Christianly (B & H) (see our podcast interview on that book here and here), and Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions (IVP, October 2022) which we discuss in this episode.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Atheism by Dr. Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Agnosticism by W. Russell Crawford: watchman.org/Agnostic Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Scientism by Dr. Luke Barnes and Daniel Ray: watchman.org/Scientism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: watchman.org/Ehrman Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.Apologetics, Christianity, doubt, faith, atheism, agnosticism, skeptic, Watchman Fellowship, apologetics profile, Daniel Ray, Travis Dickinson, philosophy

Yes, that's plural. Multiverses. I have spoken many times before on this podcast about "the multiverse". Indeed it is a central theme of ToKCast and a thread running through both the Fabric of Reality and The Beginning of Infinity. But here we discuss other kinds of multiverse - Max Tegmark's 4 species of multiverse. To what extent do they count as science? Are they testable? Does that matter? I found this one a lot of fun.   As an alternative to Max Tegmark's work on all this, the lesser known but perhaps more specialised Luke Barnes (@lukebarnesastro on Twitter) focusses on Fine Tuning in cosmology. His website https://letterstonature.wordpress.com/luke/ is prolific when it comes to this issue and he takes on the problem from a vast array of perspectives.  This is Sabine Hossenfelder & Luke Barnes debating "The fine tuning of the Universe: Was the cosmos made for us?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OoYzcxzvvM And this is him "against" Sean Carroll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJEWg1ifUCg These discussions with Luke (a relative unknown) up against "celebrity" physicists can be really interesting for a couple of reasons sociologically. Luke's no-nonsense Aussie attitude against a continental European in the first instance and an American in the second instance is just worth noticing for the subtle cultural differences (very subtle perhaps!) and also because Luke, as I say, is highly specialised on this particular problem of fine tuning of the laws of physics. Sabine and Sean understand the basics of this - but it's not their day to day work. It is Luke's and so that difference is telling at times. Finally here is Luke's discussion with Robert Kuhn of "Closer to Truth" - what I said is my favourite Youtube channel (where you can also find discussions with David Deutsch, Jaron Lanier, Paul Davies and well, almost anyone who's anyone in physics/science/cosmology/philosophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7Ck1y1fx4   Also see his page on the Closer to Truth website which has his background and links to lots of his videos: https://www.closertotruth.com/contributor/luke-barnes/profile Luke may be an Aussie, but I don't actually know him personally - I just happen to think he is a particularly cogent voice on these issues!