Mark Tapscott

New Academic Survey Of Top Scholarship Declares The Quest For ‘Historical Jesus’ Failed

If you attended college at any time in the past several decades, odds are you were taught some variation of the claim the Jesus of the Bible cannot be documented in history, so the book is really nothing more than a collection of myths, fables and exaggerations written long after His death.

But then this past October along came “Jesus, Skepticism and the Problem of History: Criteria and Context in the Study of Christian Origins,” co-edited by Darrell Bock and Ed Komoszewski. Biola University Apologetics Professor Sean McDowell, writing on seanmcdowell.org, said in a crisp review of the book:

“The editors list a range of facts about Jesus that are affirmed by virtually all historical scholars, including his birth about 6 to 4 BCE, teachings about the kingdom of God, reputation as a miracle-worker, his baptism by John the Baptist, and so on. Continue reading “New Academic Survey Of Top Scholarship Declares The Quest For ‘Historical Jesus’ Failed”

Sean McDowell Explains Why The Martyrdoms Of Jesus’ Disciples Are VIP Today

Among the most significant evidence from logic to support the credibility of the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — is the fact none of the original disciples ever disavowed their claims about Jesus’ life and miracles, including the Resurrection.

The absence of any such disavowal, either documented or merely rumored, is not prima facie proof, but it does provide a weighty addition to the case for the truth of the Bible.

Biola University Professor Sean McDowell looks in the following video at the biblical and secular evidence on the question, lays out the main points of debate and offers conclusions about the significance:

‘God Made Me Fast And When I Run, I Feel His Pleasure’ Do You?

Scotland’s Eric Liddell is best-known these days, where he is known at all, as one of the heroes of the 1981 classic movie, “Chariots of Fire,” thanks to his winning gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Screen shot from “Chariots of Fire’ clip on youtube.com.

What is less well-known is that Liddell was a deeply committed, born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. He came from a missionary family and died of a brain tumor while in Japanese internment in China a few months before the end of World War II.

“Chariots” remains to this day my favorite movie of all time for one scene in particular in which Liddell explains to his critical sister that he will return to the mission work in China, but first he must honor God by competing in the Olympics. Thus his wonderful declaration that “God made me for a purpose. God made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Continue reading “‘God Made Me Fast And When I Run, I Feel His Pleasure’ Do You?”

STAFF MOVES: Look Who’s Getting Promoted On The Hill This Week

Recent Staff Moves, As Reported By Legistorm:

Jake Johnsen has set up shop as Chief of Staff for Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY). Jake is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in political science.

Natalie Johnson, press secretary for Sen. Martha McSally. Screen shot from Facebook).

Natalie Johnson is now Press Secretary for Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ), moving up to the Senate side after serving Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and the House Republican Conference. Natalie’s BA in political science was awarded in 2015 from James Madison University.

Caroline Goodsen has made the move from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to serve as Military Legislative Assistant to Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI). Continue reading “STAFF MOVES: Look Who’s Getting Promoted On The Hill This Week”

Atheist Richard Dawkins Is, Sort Of, Talking Approvingly About Cannibalism, Again

Richard Dawkins is among the world’s best-known atheists, having debated just about every major contemporary Christian apologist, including John Lennox, his Oxford faculty colleague, as well as philosopher William Lane Craig, and Ravi Zacharias.

Whatever you may think about Dawkins’ arguments against the existence of God, or how he performed versus Lennox, Craig or Zacharias, my interest here is in a strange but significantly revealing aspect of the evolutionary biologist’s recent statements about … cannibalism.

Tweeting the link Monday to a Forbes article about the growth of cell-grown meat products, Dawkins observed that “human steak could, of course, be cultured. Would you eat it? I wouldn’t, but it’s hard to say why. It would be cultured from a single nameable person. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall served human placenta, also clone of 1 person, in this case the baby. I wouldn’t eat that either.” Continue reading “Atheist Richard Dawkins Is, Sort Of, Talking Approvingly About Cannibalism, Again”

Here’s The Science Behind Paul The Apostle On Positive Thinking (And Working On The Hill)

Capitol Hill work is often stressful and insecure because in great part so much of one’s ability to succeed depends on others, many of whom either see only their own interests or are actively working against yours.

So, consider what Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Philippians said in giving them — and us — some timely advice about what we focus our minds on. It probably sounds to many today like something Cervantes’ Don Quixote or Voltaire’s Dr. Pangloss would say.

It comes as Paul concludes his letter with this admonition: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Continue reading “Here’s The Science Behind Paul The Apostle On Positive Thinking (And Working On The Hill)”

How Are Your Telomeres Today? Can Faith Actually Help You Live Longer, Healthier?

Unless you are deep into the study of cellular biology, odds are you have no idea that your body is so dependent on telomeres because they are essential to the quality and length of your life.

So what on earth is a telomere? TA Sciences begins by noting that they are “an essential part of human cells that affect how our cells age,” then continues by explaining:

“Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes, like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces.Without the coating, shoelaces become frayed until they can no longer do their job, just as without telomeres, DNA strands become damaged and our cells can’t do their job.”

In other words, when your telomeres can’t do their job, your life is adversely affected, and ultimately ended prematurely. Continue reading “How Are Your Telomeres Today? Can Faith Actually Help You Live Longer, Healthier?”