Expertise
If you would like to have Jim give a talk at your event, here is a list of topics he is prepared to cover. The following talks are offered as single presentations or can be grouped into a series of talks:
 Making a Case for the Existence of God
Talks and presentations that provide arguments and evidences that demonstrate the existence of God:
Evidence from the "Crime Scene" (90 minutes)
Is there any evidence from cosmology that demonstrates the existence of God? What does the origin of the universe (the "Cosmological Argument) say about the existence of God?
Fingerprints of God (90 minutes)
What does biology tell us about the existence of God? Does the "appearance" of design in biological systems (the "Teleological Argument") demonstrate that God exists?
The Law and Lawgivers (90 minutes)
Does the existence of transcendent moral truth require the existence of a transcendent God? Is morality (the "Axiological Argument") an evidence that God exists?
Evidence in the Universe (90 minutes)
Does the "appearance" of fine tuning in the universe (the "Anthropic Principal") tell us anything about the existence of God? Is it possible that life could emerge in an un-designed universe?
Establishing a Reasonable Faith
Talks and presentations that articulate and encourage a reasonable and evidential Christian faith:
How the Evidence Becomes Proof (60 minutes)
Why does the evidence for God's existence seem so powerful to some people and so weak to others? Do we, as individuals choose to believe, or does God first call us to believe?
Abduction and the Evidence in the Room (90-120 minutes)
How does "Abductive Reasoning" help us to form an accurate worldview? How can we apply abductive reasoning to the evidence we see in the universe? Which worldview best explains the evidence, Philosophical Naturalism or Christian Theism?
A Wallet, A Dollar and the Existence of God (90-120 minutes)
Can a reasonable discussion about the existence and nature of God begin with a simple prop that happens to be in everyone's pocket or purse?
 Responding to Atheist Objections
Talks and presentations designed to equip Christians to be able to respond to the common objections of skeptics:
Poor Witnesses (60-90 minutes)
Are Theists too biased to be able to look at the evidence fairly? Do Atheists and Philosophical Naturalists have their own biases? Why do Christian often seem so intolerant?
Silly Christians (60 minutes)
Is reason an enemy of faith? Do you have to abandon all reason in order to have faith? Must faith be blind to be authentic?
The Truth About Truth (90 minutes)
Does objective truth exist? Do objective moral truths exist? Does the existence of transcendent objective moral truth demonstrate the existence of God?
The Hope of Science (90-120 minutes)
Has science explained our origin? Have naturalists and atheists overcome the tremendous obstacle of explaining how something can come from nothing, how matter can come from non-matter, and how all life could originate from non-life? Has science demonstrated that unguided evolutionary processes can account for life's diversity?
Not Just a Book (60 minutes)
Can the Bible be trusted? Has the Bible been mistranslated or corrupted over time?
Not Just a Man (60 minutes)
Was Jesus just a man? Did he really live? How was he special? Who did he claim to be?
Can You Hear Me? (60-90 minutes)
Why doesn't God answer all our prayers? Is unanswered prayer an evidence that God does not exist?
Mad World (60-120 minutes)
Does moral evil disprove the existence of God? Does natural evil disprove the existence of God? Does pain and suffering disprove the existence of God?
Short and Sweet (60-120 minutes)
Are you ready to answer the common objections of atheists and skeptics? Are you prepared with brief, targeted answers? Can we provide concise, powerful answers to the most common objections of atheists and skeptics?
 Investigating the Case for the Existence of the Soul
Talks and presentations that provide arguments and evidences for the truth of "substance dualism" and the existence of the soul:
The Real You (60-90 minutes)
Is there any evidence for the existence of the soul? Can the existence of the soul be demonstrated without having to rely on the Bible for proof? What kind of evidence can we offer?
The Biblical Soul (60 minutes)
What does the Bible say about the soul? Does the Bible teach that the 'soul' is immortal? What else can we learn about our nature as living souls from the study of the clearest passages in the Bible related to this issue?
Lost Souls (60 minutes)
What happens to our soul when we die? If souls are immortal and survive death, where do they go when the body dies? What does the Bible say?
Heavenly Beasts (60 minutes)
Do animals have souls? Do animal souls differ at all from human souls? Will our pets be with us in Heaven?
Examining the Existence and Nature of Heaven
Talks and presentations related to the existence and nature of Heaven and the angelic host described in Scripture:
Pearly Gates and Shiny Streets (60 minutes)
What exactly is Heaven like? Can we learn something about God and something about ourselves from studying the nature of Heaven?
Heaven Can Wait (60 minutes)
What does the Bible say about 'purgatory'? Is there a place where we must purge ourselves from any remaining sin before we can be with God in Heaven?
Angels Unaware (60 minutes)
Do angelic beings exist? What does the Bible say about their nature and powers?
Bodyguards (60 minutes)
Is it true that there are Guardian Angels looking over each of us? Are we each assigned a specific angel?
Examining the Existence and Nature of Hell
Talks and presentations related to the existence and nature of Hell, Satan and demonic beings as described in the Bible:
A Really Bad Place (60-90 minutes)
Is there an eternal, conscious hell? Is Hell a place of eternal conscious torment, or are souls in Hell annihilated completely?
How Hot is Hell? (60 minutes)
Are there different degrees of punishment in Hell? Is everyone punished in Hell in exactly the same way? Is there any reason to believe that there are differing degrees of torment in Hell?
Defending Hell (60-90 minutes)
Can the idea of Hell be defended? There are several objections to the Christian notion of Hell. Can these objections be answered?
What's the Deal with the Devil? (60-90 minutes)
Is Satan real? Is the notion of a personal, subordinate power of evil in the universe reasonable? What does the Bible say about this source of evil that we know as Satan?
The Devil's Delight (60 minutes)
What is the nature and strategy of Satan? What are Satan's goals here on planet earth? How does Satan accomplish those goals?
 Examining the Nature of Salvation
Talks and presentations related to God's gift of Grace and the nature of Salvation from the Christian Worldview:
Workin' It Out (60 minutes)
Can I save myself with my own good works? If I am a good person, why do I need to accept Christ as my Savior? Isn't my 'goodness' good enough?
The FAQ's of Christianity and the ABC's of Salvation (60-90 minutes)
Is "Salvation" really a free gift? What does the "Gospel" really mean? What is the meaning of the "Cross"?
The "Sure" Will of God and "Fettered" Free Will of Man (90-120 minutes)
What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and Man's free will? What does the Bible mean when it describes the "will" of God? Can God's will be resisted?
The Best Story (90 minutes)
Did Jesus come to save us or to change the world? Can both goals be accomplished simultaneously?
Examining the Christian Life
Talks and presentations related to the challenging nature of the Christian Faith, Worldview and Life:
Evidential Christianity (60 minutes)
Is the Christian faith an evidential faith? Is faith supposed to be blind? If we require evidence before we believe something, are we asking too much?
Responsive Christianity (60-90 minutes)
What does it mean to be a "Responsive, Evidential Christian"? How are we, as Christians, called to share our faith? Are we called to be evangelists, apologists, or both?
Investigative Christianity (90 minutes)
How can I become a "Case Making Christian"? Can we learn something from criminal investigations that we can apply to our understanding of the Christian Worldview?
Surrendered Christianity (60-90 minutes)
Is belief "that" the same as belief "in"? Some people believe that Jesus lived and they even accept that the Bible contains true history. Isn't that enough?
 Examining the Reliability of the Bible
Talks and presentations related to the nature and reliability of the Old and New Testament Scriptures:
Bible 101: The Transmissional Reliability of the Bible (90-120 minutes)
How do we know that the Bible we have today hasn't been corrupted over time? How was it handled and transmitted through the ages?
Bible 201: The Archeological Reliability of the Bible (90-120 minutes)
Is the Bible is rooted in a history that can be verified archeologically? Does it contain the names of people and places that actually existed in history?
Bible 301: The Prophetic Reliability of the Bible (90-120 minutes)
Is there any evidence that the Bible is supernatural? Is the presence of fulfilled prophecy one such evidence?
Bible 401: The Scientific Reliability of the Bible (60 minutes)
Is the Bible a book about science? Does it accurately foreshadow scientific discoveries?
Bible 501: The Harmonious Reliability of the Bible (60 minutes)
Is the Bible filled with contradictions? Does a proper understanding of hermeneutics (the ground rules for reading ancient scripture) resolve the apparent contradictions? Is the Bible completely harmonious?
Bible 601: The Thematic Reliability of the Bible (60 minutes)
Does the Bible (written by dozens of different authors across thousands of years), reflect a single theme? If so, is this consistency another evidence for the supernatural nature of the Bible?
Bible 701: The Eyewitness Reliability of the Gospel of Mark (90 minutes)
Was Mark a scribe for Peter as history suggests? If so, what does this say about the early dating of the Gospels?
 Examining the Historicity of Jesus
Talks and presentations defending the historicity and existence of Jesus as a real figure in human history:
The "Ripple Effect"(60 minutes)
What should we expect if Jesus really lived? Does the 'ripple effect' we've come to expect from the appearance of key figures in history provide us with a template that we can use to evaluate the historicity of people, including Jesus?
Just Another God? (90 minutes)
Is Jesus simply a re-telling of prior mythologies like Mithras, Osiris and Horus? And is it possible that prior similarities might be used by God in the Incarnation?
Been There, Seen That (60 minutes)
Are there early eyewitness accounts of Jesus? When were the Gospels written? Were they written early enough to be true eyewitness accounts?
The Non-Canonical Jesus (60-90 minutes)
What do the "non-canonical" gospels tell us about Jesus? Many ancient writers co-opted and distorted to the truth about Jesus to accomplish their own purposes. Why aren't these documents considered reliable? Where do they agree and disagree with the canonical Gospels?
Hostile Eyewitnesses (90 minutes)
Is there evidence for Jesus outside the Bible? The Gospels are clearly an eyewitness account of the life of Jesus, but are there any early writings from non-Christians that document the existence of Jesus or His followers?
Reliable Eyewitnesses (60-90 minutes)
Are the Gospels telling us the truth about Jesus? The Gospel writers claim to have witnessed the truth about Jesus. Why should we believe them?
Examining the Nature of Jesus
Talks and presentations articulating the Deity and nature of Jesus according to the Biblical record:
Son of God (60-90 minutes)
Was Jesus really conceived of a virgin? The Bible claims that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. Must Christians believe in the virgin conception in order to be true Christians? Are there adequate responses to the objections of non-believers related to the virgin conception? What is the difference between the virgin conception, the virgin birth and the immaculate conception?
I Told You So (60 minutes)
Who did Jesus claim to be? Many people still see Jesus as just a wise man and moral teacher. But Jesus clearly saw himself as something more. Can he be wise, yet lie about himself?
Superman (60 minutes)
Does Jesus possess the nature of God? Jesus did more than just claim to be God. He demonstrated that He possessed the very nature of God in every way.
Every Knee Bent (60 minutes)
Was Jesus worshiped as God? How did the people who actually met and lived with Jesus respond to Him? Who did they think that He was?
The Truth of the Resurrection (60 minutes)
Was Jesus really resurrected? The Resurrection is the defining miracle in the life of Jesus that identified Him as God Himself. But are there good reasons to believe that the Resurrection actually happened?
Who Do You Say I Am? (90 minutes)
Who is Jesus according to others? Every major religious world view feels compelled to account for Jesus in one way or another. How do the religions of the world describe Jesus? Who is Jesus according to the Jews, Muslims, Bahá'í, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and New Age Believers?
 Examining "Creedal" Christianity
Talks and presentations articulating the importance of Christian Orthodoxy and the need for creeds:
The Need for Creeds (60-90 minutes)
Why do we, as Christians, need creeds? Are there Christian 'essentials'? What role do creeds play in shaping and defining our faith?
Creedal from the Start (60-90 minutes)
How early did the Church accept and recite creeds? Has Christianity always been "creedal" in its nature? Did the earliest believers use creeds as a way to understand and teach the truth?
Truth and Lies (60-90 minutes)
What do we mean when we talk about orthodoxy and heresy? What is Heresy? Are some things simply untrue when it comes to the Christian Faith? Who gets to decide?
The History of Deception (60-90 minutes)
What are some historic heresies that have challenged the Church? What are some of the historic errant beliefs within Christianity? What can we learn from these heresies?
What Do You Say to That? (60 minutes)
How should we respond to heresy? Does the Bible say anything about objective truth and how we are to respond to false teaching?
Examining Christian Orthodoxy
Talks and presentations articulating the orthodox Christian beliefs as they are described in the Bible:
It's All About Me (60 minutes)
Are humans good or bad by nature? Does it really matter (from a Christian perspective)? Why is "Christian Anthropology" so important?
Save Me (60 minutes)
What does Christianity teach about the nature of Salvation? What role do "works" play? Why do Christians believe in "grace" and what does this word truly mean?
The Triune God (60 minutes)
What Is the essential Christian truth about the Trinitarian nature of God? Can this truth be defended?
The God-Man (60 minutes)
What is the essential and necessary truth about Jesus Christ? What must we believe about Jesus to call ourselves Christians?
The End from the Beginning (60 minutes)
What are the essential orthodox Christian views related to the end of the world and Jesus' return? What are the minimum truths that all Christians must believe in order to call themselves Christians?
The Spirit of God (60 minutes)
What is the essential Christian truth about the Holy Spirit? Who and what is the Spirit of God?
God's Family (60 minutes)
What is the essential truth about the Church? What is God's design for the family of God?
 Examining Important "Hot Topic" Issues
Talks and presentations that examine some of the most controversial ethical issues of our time:
Related to the Issue of Abortion
What God Says About Abortion (60 minutes)
Abortion is such a controversial issue, and many Christians earnestly try to make a pro-life case from the Bible alone. But an unbelieving world couldn't care less about the Bible's view of the matter. Is there also a philosophical argument?
Tough Questions About Abortion (60 minutes)
There are many questions to be answered when discussing the topic of abortion. How can we to address the tough issues and understand what to think?
What God Says About ESCR (60 minutes)
Embryonic Stem Cell Research has been a controversial topic for some time now. What does God say about genetic engineering in general?
Related to the Issue of Homosexuality and Same Sex Marriage
What God Says About Homosexuality (60 minutes)
Same Sex Marriage continues to be a hot topic issue in our culture, and one that brings homosexuality into the spotlight. What does God say about homosexuality?
What God Says About Same Sex Marriage (60-90 minutes)
Does the Bible say anything about Same-Sex Marriage? How do we know what God says about the issue? Do all Christians agree?
Should Government Legalize Same Sex Marriage? (60-90 minutes)
Why shouldn't the government allow homosexuals to marry? What is the role of government in this area? Are there any good reasons to limit marriage to heterosexual couples?
Tough Questions About Same Sex Marriage (60-90 minutes)
What can I say to those who support Same Sex Marriage for one reason or another? Are there good responses and answers for those who believe Same Sex Marriage is a good idea?
Related to Other "Hot Topic" Issues:
What God Says About War (60 minutes)
Should Christians be pacifists? What does the Bible say about the use of deadly force? Is there such a thing as a 'Just War?'
What God Says About Racism (60 minutes)
While racism may not be as problematic as it was fifty years ago, there is still much work that needs to be done to help people realize that race has nothing to do with what is 'good' or 'right'. What does God say about the issue of racism?
What God Says About Slavery (60 minutes)
Does the God of the Bible actually support slavery? If not, why does the Bible regulate slavery and remain silent about its abolition?
What God Says About Alcohol (60 minutes)
Is it OK for Christians to drink? How much is too much? What does God say about the use of alcohol?
What God Says About Suicide (60 minutes)
For many Christians, suicide is considered to be an unforgivable sin. But what does the Bible teach about suicide and depression?
 Examining Mormonism
Talks and presentations that examine the history and truth claims of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church:
Mormonism: The Evidential Case (90-120 minutes)
Is Mormonism evidentially verifiable? What does the evidence tell us about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon? Is Mormonism a lie that can be demonstrated evidentially?
The Evidence of Book of Abraham (90 minutes)
Does the Book of Abraham expose Joseph Smith as a fraud? Many Mormons have tried to defend the mistranslation of the Book of Abraham in a number of ways, but are these attempts unsatisfying?
The Evidence of the Kinderhook Plates (60 minutes)
Like the Book of Abraham, the history of the Kinderhook Plates exposes Joseph Smith and his attempt to deceive his followers.
The Evidence of Mormon Prophecy (60 minutes)
A prophet must be tested by the accuracy of his prophecy. While many Christian critics have cited a number of false prophecies of Joseph Smith, we try to be very fair about how we define prophecy and analyze Smith's accuracy.
The Evidence of the Vision (60 minutes)
Did Joseph's story about the first vision change over time, and if so, what were the motives behind this change?
The Evidence of the Evolving Mormon God (60 minutes)
Has the Book of Mormon been altered over time? Do these alterations expose changes in the way that Joseph Smith thought about the nature of God? Why should we trust the Book of Mormon, in light of these changes?
The Evidence of Polygamy (60 minutes)
Mormons will often say that Polygamy was simply a necessity of Mormon history. But this was not the position of the LDS Church or its leaders when Polygamy was taught as a requirement for salvation. What is the truth about Mormon polygamy?
The Impossible Mormon Gospel (60-90 minutes)
Is the Mormon Gospel impossible to attain. Can anyone be saved in Mormon Theology?
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