The 2008 PCM Podcast Archive

The 2008 PleaseConvinceMe.com Audio Podcasts

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Podcast Number Eighty

The Reliability of the Eyewitness Accounts of the Gospels
December 28th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the Gospels from the perspective of their value as eyewitness testimonies. Why should we trust the Gospels when there are other competing versions of the story of Jesus?

Podcast Number Seventy Nine

Christmas Special (Evidence for Jesus Outside the Gospels)

December 21st, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the 'pagan' and Jewish records of the life of Jesus. Is there any evidence for the life of Jesus aside from the Christian Gospels? Was Jesus a real historical figure?

Podcast Number Seventy Eight

Listener Email on Conservatism (and Abortion)

December 15th, 2008 

In this podcast, we read some email related to our podcast on "Conservatism" and we also address questions and comments on the issue of abortion.

Podcast Number Seventy Seven

Defining Conservatism

December 7th, 2008 

In this podcast, we read and respond to listener email related to our December Blog post on the nature and characteristics of "Conservatism".

Podcast Number Seventy Six

Are Christians Biased in Their Reasoning?

December 1st, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a look at the issue of 'bias'. Are Christians too biased to examine the evidence for God fairly? Do non-believers also have a bias? Does science itself have a bias? We also answer listener email comparing Christianity to Mormonism and examining the Transcendental Argument.

Podcast Number Seventy Five

Is Reason an Enemy of Faith?

November 23rd, 2008 

In this podcast, we look at the role that reason, rationality and evidence play in the life of the Christian. Must people of faith abandon their need for evidence? Is 'true' faith blind? Jim also answers some recent listener email related to faith, reason, conservatism and Thanksgiving.

Podcast Number Seventy Four

Bible Contradictions and an Evil God

November 17th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a look at ten principles necessary for the proper reading of the Bible as we examine a number of apparent Bible contradictions and the claim that the God of the Old Testament is cruel and evil.

Podcast Number Seventy Three

Does the Existence of Pain and Suffering Disprove the Existence of God?

November 10th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of pain and suffering as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. Also, Jim discusses the election of 2008 and makes a few observations from a Christian worldview.

Podcast Number Seventy Two

Should Government Recognize and Legalize Same-Sex Marriage?

November 1st, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim reviews some basic principles to help Christians think about priorities surrounding the fall election of 2008, and we discuss the role that government should play in establishing and legalizing same-sex marriages.

Podcast Number Seventy One

Does the Existence of Natural Evil Disprove the Existence of God?

October 27th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of natural evil as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. How can such a God exist and allow natural evil to exist in our world? Also, Jim discusses the importance of prioritizing issues as we approach the General Election, and responds to a listener email.

Podcast Number Seventy

Does the Existence of Moral Evil Disprove the Existence of God?

October 20th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim talks about the problem of moral evil as an obstacle to faith in an all-powerful and all-loving God. How can such a God exist and allow moral evil to exist in our world? Also, Jim discusses the role of Government and personal responsibility as the election approaches.

Podcast Number Sixty Nine

Answering Objections to the Transcendental Argument for the Existence of God

October 13th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim and Jimmy discuss common objections to the Transcendental Argument for the existence of God.

Podcast Number Sixty Eight

Introduction to the Transcendental Argument

October 6th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim introduces the Transcendental Argument for the existence of God, responds to email concerning objections to the Anthropic Principle and talks about the sometimes 'hidden' nature of God as he interacts with his children today.

Podcast Number Sixty Seven

The Difference Between Evidence and Proof

September 29th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the difference between 'evidence' and 'proof' and respond to listener email about the statistical probability argument and the importance of apologetics in the Christian life.

Podcast Number Sixty Six

The Statistical Probability Argument for the Existence of God

September 22nd, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the statistical probabilities for life in the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer several email objections to the Anthropic Principle.

Podcast Number Sixty Five

Reimagining Church (Interview with Frank Viola)

September 15th, 2008 

In this podcast, we interview Frank Viola and talk about his new book, "Reimagining Church". Frank has written this book as a follow-up to his controversial, "Pagan Christianity". He offers some concrete direction for those of us who would like our church experience to more closely resemble the first century Church.

Podcast Number Sixty Four

Answering Objections to the Anthropic Principle
September 8th, 2008 

In this podcast, we continue to talk about the Anthropic Principle and examine the fine tuning of the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer several objections to the Anthropic Principle and answer some listener email.

Podcast Number Sixty Three

Examining the Issue of Abortion

September 2nd, 2008 

In this podcast, we review the scientific, philosophical and Biblical case for the pro-life argument. Can a good case be made for the fact that life begins at conception? Also, we talk a bit about the nature of political 'flip-flopping'.

Podcast Number Sixty Two

A Conversation with Bob the Atheist (Regarding the Issue of Abortion)

August 25th, 2008 

In this podcast, Jim talks with "Bob the Atheist" about the issue of abortion. It's an excellent chance to compare philosophical views related to the issue of human rights and the debate over the beginning of life. It may also provide listeners with an example of a purely philosophical approach to the topic.

Podcast Number Sixty One

The Anthropic Argument for the Existence of God

August 18th, 2008 

In this podcast, we talk about the Anthropic Principle and examine the fine tuning of the universe as an evidence for the existence of God. We also answer listener email.

Podcast Number Sixty

Three Motives That Can Cripple the Truth

August 11, 2008

In this podcast, we talk about three motives that can inhibit the reception of our message. As skeptics listen to our case, do they suspect that something other than our love for God (and for them) is motivating us? Are our motivations stripped of the three drives that lie at the heart of any crime?

Podcast Number Fifty Nine

Interview with Don Stewart (Apologist, Author and Bible Explorer)

August 5th, 2008 

In this podcast, we interview Don Stewart and talk about his own personal journey as an apologist, and the importance of apologetics in the Church today. We also read some listener email related to podcast lists, the nature of arguments, and international apologetics.

Podcast Number Fifty Eight

Answering Objections to the Axiological Argument for the Existence of God

July 28th, 2008 

In this podcast, we we take a brief look at some of the objections to the classic Axiological Argument for the existence of God, talk about the role of line by line expository Bible teaching, answer listener email and review what's on Jim's iPod.

Podcast Number Fifty Seven

More Bible Belt Wisdom

July 18th, 2008 

In this podcast, we read listener email from the Bible Belt and continue our discussion of what many are defining as "Complacent Christianity".

Podcast Number Fifty Six

Observations from the Bible Belt

July 13th, 2008 

In this podcast, we discuss some random observations about Christian life in the Bible Belt, and recent news articles on archaeological discoveries in Israel, and biological predispositions toward homosexuality.

Podcast Number Fifty Five

The Axiological Argument for the Existence of God

June 27th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the evidence for God that can be found in the existence of transcendent moral truths. Are there any moral truths that transcend all of humanity? If so, what kind of moral law giver would be required to account for moral truths of this nature? Is the existence of morality evidence that God exists?

Podcast Number Fifty Four

Why in the World Would You Evangelize in Utah

June 20th, 2008 

In this podcast, we interview seven Christian missionaries who have traveled to the state of Utah to share the Gospel of Grace with Mormons. Why are we trying to evangelize Mormons? Aren't they Christians too? And how should we begin to do such a thing?

Podcast Number Fifty Three

Interview with Don Overstreet (House Church Planting and Urban Service)

June 14thth, 2008 

In this podcast, we interview Don Overstreet and talk about church planting, house churches, urban ministry and the Christian life in the context of small community.

Podcast Number Fifty Two

Our 1 Year Anniversary - Where We've Been and Where We Hope to Go

June 9th, 2008 

We celebrate 1 year together in this podcast as Jim talks a little bit about his personal journey, the creation of PleaseConvinceMe.com and his hopes for the future!

Podcast Number Fifty One

Religious Relativism, Foundations for the Axiologicial Argument

June 4th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the emerging religious relativism in our culture and begin to set the foundation for absolute morality (in preparation for our discussion of the Axiological Argument)

Podcast Number Fifty

Examining the Christian Science Worldview

May 28th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine Christian Science as a Worldview and take a look at how it answers the three basic questions all worldviews must answer. We also examine some of the inherent philosophical problems that Christian Science must resolve. Jim is joined by his son, Jimmy, for some role playing to help illuminate the issues.

Podcast Number Forty Nine

Listener Email (Flagellum Evolution, Dawkins and Teleology, Pastors and House Churches)

May 21st, 2008 

In this podcast, we read some listener email and talk about the evolution of the Flagellum, statements made by Richard Dawkins, the nature of the House Church and the role of the Pastor.

Podcast Number Forty Eight

Answering Objections to the Teleological Argument

May 15th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a brief look at some of the objections to the classic Teleological Argument for the existence of God. Does the "appearance of design" necessitate the existence of a designer?

Podcast Number Forty Seven

The Teleological Argument for the Existence of God

May 5th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a brief look at the classic Teleological Argument for the existence of God. Does the world around us exhibit the "appearance of design", and if so, what is the best explanation for this appearance?

Podcast Number Forty Six

Common Concerns About House Churches

April 28th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine some of the common concerns that people have when they consider the House Church and the role that it can play in America today.

Podcast Number Forty Five

An Apologetic for House Churches

April 20th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the condition of the Institutional Church in America and examine the relationship between the purpose for God's People and the role of the House Church. Are there good reasons to start house churches?

Podcast Number Forty Four

Listener Email (The Earth's Age, Moses, Archeology, Polygamy and the FLDS)
April 14th, 2008 

In this podcast, we review the FLDS view of polygamy and read some listener email, answering questions about the need for apologetics, the age of the earth, and the archeological evidence for Moses and the Exodus narrative.

Podcast Number Forty Three

Interview with Frank Viola, Author of Pagan Christianity
April 1st, 2008 

In this podcast, we interview Frank Viola and talk about his controversial new book that examines the pagan roots of many of our church practices in an effort to liberate believers to be all that they are designed to be as Children of God and as the Bride of Christ

Podcast Number Forty Two

Thoughts on Evolution and Creationism (in Response to Brian Dunning)
March 30th, 2008 

In this podcast, we respond to some of the issues raised by Brian Dunning in his lecture (How to Debate a Creationist) and Q&A session.

Podcast Number Forty One

An Atheistic View of Young Earth Creationism 2 (Brian Dunning Q and A)
March 23rd, 2008 

In this podcast, we listen to the question and answer session that followed Brian Dunning's (from Skeptoid.com) presentation of "How to Debate a Creationist".

Podcast Number Forty

An Atheistic View of Young Earth Creationism (Brian Dunning Presentation)

March 16th, 2008 

In this podcast, we listen to Brian Dunning of Skeptoid.com as he presents a lecture entitled, "How to Debate a Creationist". The lecture is designed to prepare atheists to engage "Young Earth Creationists".

Podcast Number Thirty Nine

Thoughts on Moral Grounding (in Response to Bobbie Kirkhart)

March 9th, 2008 

In this podcast, we explore some thoughts and responses related to Bobbie Kirkhart and her explanation for moral grounding from an atheistic worldview.

Podcast Number Thirty Eight

Moral Grounding from an Atheist Worldview 2 (Bobbie Kirkhart Q and A)

March 3rd, 2008 

In this podcast, we listen to the Q and A session from atheist speaker and leader, Bobbie Kirkhart, as she defends her explanation for moral grounding from an atheistic worldview

Podcast Number Thirty Seven

Moral Grounding from an Atheist Worldview (Bobbie Kirkhart Presentation)

February 25th, 2008 

In this podcast, we read a listener email and listen to a presentation from atheist speaker and leader, Bobbie Kirkhart, as she provides an explanation for moral grounding from an atheistic worldview (the Q and A session from this talk will be posted in Podcast 38)

Podcast Number Thirty Six

The Best Story (Alternative Gospel Presentation)

February 16th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine our response to James Choung's "Big Story" presentation of the Gospel. Our version retains the orthodox mission of Jesus as it describes the transformational power of the Gospel.

Podcast Number Thirty Five

Defenses Offered for the Book of Abraham

February 12th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the Mormon Scripture known as the "Book of Abraham". This book is a powerful piece of physical evidence that demonstrates the fact that the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, lied and misled his people, building a faith system on fictional accounts rather than accurate translations of ancient documents. This podcast examines some of the defenses that Mormon authorities offer for the mistranslation.

Podcast Number Thirty Four

Is There Direct Physical Evidence That Mormonism is False?

Febuary 12th, 2008 

In this podcast, we examine the Mormon Scripture known as the "Book of Abraham". This book is a powerful piece of physical evidence that demonstrates the fact that the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, lied and misled his people, building a faith system on fictional accounts rather than accurate translations of ancient documents.

Podcast Number Thirty Three

The Big Bang As An Act of God

January 27th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a look at the Big Bang Theory and examine its relationship to Christian Creationism. Is the theory consistent with the Biblical creation claims?

Podcast Number Thirty Two

Answering Objections to the Cosmological Argument

January 20th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a brief look at some of the objections to the classic Cosmological Argument for the existence of God. Is there truly a beginning to space, time and matter? Are current scientific theories proving that a "beginner" or "first cause" is unnecessary?

Podcast Number Thirty One

The Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God

January 20th, 2008 

In this podcast, we take a brief look at the classic Cosmological Argument for the existence of God. Does the fact that all space, time and matter has a beginning mean that there must be a "beginner"?

Podcast Number Thirty

Salvation is a Free Gift, The Meaning of the Cross, A Question About the Soul
January 7th, 2008 

In this podcast, we trace key Biblical verses that describe Salvation as a free gift and describe the role of the Cross of Christ. We also answer listener email about evidence for the existence of the soul.