Does the Bible Count as Evidence?

One of my students recently asked me:

“How do we know any of this is true?  You know, without just relying on the Bible?”

That is a good question – and a common one.  It is influenced by a form of skepticism which is common among modern agnostics.  This form of skepticism treats the Bible as a single “religious text” and then dismisses it as having no evidentiary value.
 
If you have ever heard someone say…

“Can you show me any of this stuff from actual historical sources?  Can you give me some source other than your holy book?”

… you have encountered this form of skepticism.
 
Today I want to take a look at that attitude.  Is it reasonable?   And how should we use the Bible when talking to skeptics?

Recipe: The Lentburger

Last year I decided to give veggie-burgers a try during Lent.  Much to my surprise, I liked them a whole lot.  That is to say... after I put my own spin on it.

Tonight I'd like to share with you my own creation - the Lentburger.

How Does a Catholic Read: 1Peter 3:20

Recently I had the idea to canvas some of my non-Catholic Christian friends and ask, "What verses of the New Testament do you think Catholics simply don't get?  You look at it and think, 'Are Catholics unaware of this verse?  What do they do with this?'"

One passage suggested to me was 1Peter 3:18-21 – a passage which concerns the role of Baptism in one’s salvation.  So today we're going to examine the passage, apply it to the controversy... and answer the question:

"What the heck does a Catholic do with 1 Peter 3:18-21?"

Third Pro-Life Presentation Video

Last Thursday I gave the final Pro-Life presentation for the teens at our parish.  Enjoy!

How Does a Catholic Read: Romans 10:9

Recently I had the idea to canvas some of my non-Catholic Christian friends and ask, "What verses of the New Testament do you think Catholics simply don't get?  You look at it and think, 'Are Catholics unaware of this verse?  What do they do with this?'"

One passage suggested to me was Romans 10:9 – a text which is often used to support a certain version of the doctrine of justification.  So today we're going to examine the passage, apply it to the controversy... and answer the question:

"What the heck does a Catholic do with Romans 10:9?"

How Does a Catholic Read: 1 Timothy 2:5

Recently I had the idea to canvas some of my non-Catholic Christian friends and ask, "What verses of the New Testament do you think Catholics simply don't get?  You look at it and think, 'Are Catholics unaware of this verse?  What do they do with this?'"

One passage suggested to me was 1Tim 2:5  – a verse which can be used to challenge the Catholic practice of confessing sins to a priest*.  So today we're going to examine the passage, apply it to the controversy... and answer the question:

"What the heck does a Catholic do with 1 Tim 2:5?"

How Does a Catholic Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Recently I had the idea to canvas some of my non-Catholic Christian friends and ask, "What verses of the New Testament do you think Catholics simply don't get?  You look at it and think, 'Are Catholics unaware of this verse?  What do they do with this?'"

The first passage which was suggested to me was 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – a text which is often used to support the doctrine of "Sola Scriptura".  So today we're going to examine the passage, apply it to the Sola Scriptura controversy... and answer the question:

"What the heck does a Catholic do with 2 Timothy 3:16-17?"