The Blade
By Dr. Peter Rasor
"Sharpening Your Mind - Issues in Philosophy, Theology, and Apologetics"
The BladeMay 04, 2020
00:00
59:15
Critical Race Theory, Part 2: Why It's Important
In this second part to Critical Race Theory, Dr. Rasor discusses the reason why CRT is important. He briefly lays out the consequences and implications of the theory.
Aug 24, 202222:54
Critical Race Theory, Part 1: Just the Facts
What is Critical Race Theory (CRT) really, and how should Christians think about it? This is Part 1 of a three-part series on CRT. This first episode discusses merely the facts of CRT as described in the book Critical Race Theory: An Introduction.
Jul 26, 202227:49
ROSES: A Molinist Approach to Salvation and Sovereignty
Is the Calvinistic TULIP paradigm the only way to understand salvation and sovereignty? In this episode, Dr. Rasor discusses a Molinist approach to this subject with Dr. Ken Keathley as laid out in his book Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach. Rather than TULIP, ROSES is to be preferred.
Aug 25, 202051:17
What's In a Worldview?
What is a worldview? In this episode, The Blade and his colleague Shawn White discuss James Sire's definition of worldview given in his book The Universe Next Door. After dissecting the definition, they turn to a discussion of various worldviews and their implications for one's life.
Jul 24, 202001:09:05
Molinism and Its Objections - Part 2
In this episode, The Blade and Tim Stratton of Free Thinking Ministries continue their discussion on Molinism and its objections.
Jul 17, 202001:12:05
Molinism and Its Objections: A Discussion with Tim Stratton
How should we think of God's sovereignty and human free will? Does Calvinism make sense? What about Arminianism? These questions and others are broached in this 2 part series by The Blade as he discusses with Tim Stratton the concept of Molinism. Molinism seems to be the best understanding of these issues but it is not without its objections.
Jul 09, 202031:44
Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It
The fear of death drives every human, says Dr. Clay Jones. What can we do about it? In this episode, the Blade discusses this issue with Dr. Clay Jones and takes a look at his recently published book Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It.
May 04, 202059:15
Racism and War: Ron Chernow's "Grant"
In this episode, The Blade and historian Brian Regan discuss Ron Chernow's book Grant. What can we learn from the the life of Grant? How should Christians view racism and the Civil War it brought about in American history? The Blade leads a discussion on these questions and more from a Christian perspective.
Apr 27, 202001:18:29
April 22, 2020
Apr 22, 202000:35
Jesus Smoke: Why You Might Be a Consumerist Christian and Not Know It
Consumerism has infiltrated the church. But what is it exactly? Should it be a methodology the church uses to draw unbelievers? In this episode, The Blade discusses these questions and more with minister and apologist Rich Hoyer.
Apr 10, 202001:01:00
No Freedom for You! The Retreat of Western Liberalism
Politically, the West has seen increasing sentiment toward nationalism and a retreat of classical liberalism. What is the cause of this? Is there something that can be done to return to the expansion of freedom across the globe? In this episode, The Blade and historian Brian Regan discuss Edward Luce's book The Retreat of Western Liberalism.
Jun 26, 201901:06:48
Mere Christianity: Essentials and Non-essentials of the Faith
How should we Christians view doctrine? Is all of it "essential?" In this episode, The Blade discusses with Shawn White what ought to be considered the essentials of the Christian faith, or what can be called "mere Christianity." Once the essentials are identified, Christians may be free to disagree and discuss differing views of doctrine that lie outside orthodoxy.
Jun 04, 201954:37
Sorry. Science Doesn't Work Like That.
What is science? How does it really work? In this episode, The Blade discusses the issue of the nature of science. Contrary to popular opinion, science defies definition, but it also must assume quite a bit to be practiced.
Oct 26, 201831:42
The Saints of Zion: An Intro to Mormon Theology by Dr. Travis Kerns
What is Mormonism and what do Mormons believe? What are the differences between orthodox Christianity and Mormonism? The Blade discusses the answers to these questions and the newly released book The Saints of Zion written by author, pastor, and teacher Dr. Travis Kerns.
Oct 03, 201836:08
Is Belief in an Old Earth Atheistic?
If Christians believe that the earth is billions of years old, does this mean they have succumbed to "atheistic science?" Is there ever a time to re-interpret some passages of Scripture in light of scientific evidence? In this episode, the Blade discusses how everyone, including young earth creationists, interpret Scripture in accordance with contemopary scientific theories. In fact, there are times that Christians have changed their understanding of Scripture because of scientific discoveries. And this is a good thing.
Sep 07, 201833:43
Who is God? The Trinity
Who is God? What is he like? In this episode, the Blade discusses the essential nature of God as Trinity--that there is one God who exists as three persons. This doctrine is taught in Scripture and is essential to the Christian faith. The Blade also briefly discusses that this theological truth has always been accepted by Christians and was not developed by the Roman Catholic Church.
Aug 03, 201840:06
Why (Democratic) Socialism is Evil (and Christians Should Reject It)
Is (democratic) socialism morally evil? In this episode, the Blade and historian Brian Regan discuss why (democratic) socialism is evil and why Christians ought to reject it. Ultimately, socialism is theft, extortion, economic slavery, dehumanizing, and leads to totalitarianism and death. With the rise of socialism even within Christianity in America, the Blade discusses how democratic socialism is theologically untenable. The answer is biblical Christianity and sound philosophical reasoning.
Jun 20, 201857:56
Apologetics and Evangelism: The Reveal Conference
Reveal is an apologetics conference held in Louisville, KY ever year. On this episode, the Blade discusses the purpose for this conference with one of its directors, Rich Hoyer. The primary focus of the conference is to train Christians in apologetics for evangelism.
Jun 05, 201831:47
God's Knowledge - Part One: Biblical and Philosophical Considerations
Does God know the future? In this episode, The Blade discusses the biblical and philosophical foundations for God's foreknowledge. Scripture clearly teaches that God knows not only people's thoughts and character, but what is yet to come. This is intrinsic to prophecy itself.
May 16, 201829:22
Science and Faith: Do the Two Go Together?
Are science and faith at war? Is there an inherent incompatiblity between science and Christianity in particular? In this espisode, The Blade shares his presentation "Science and Faith" given at the Smart Faith Apologetics Conference held on April 28, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ. A brief survey of the rise of modern science and some foundational philosophical concepts shows that science and faith go together. In fact, science could not be practiced apart from theism.
May 03, 201847:38
Jack Cottrell: A Theologian's Life and Work
Theologian Dr. Jack Cottrell has influenced many and taught over thousands in his career as a theologian. He has written over twenty books and continues to write theology. In this podcast, The Blade discusses with Dr. Cottrell his life and work as a theologian.
Apr 06, 201801:16:04
The Gospel of Peace
The great Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther, struggled immensely with his salvation. Was he saved? Did he confess all of his sins so he could be forgiven? What if he had forgotten to confess one of his sins? In this podcase, The Blade shares a sermon on the idea that the Gospel is to bring peace in the life of a Christian. Whether one struggles with his salvation or some other issue in life, God desires peace for his children.
Mar 31, 201846:04
Toward Spiritual Maturity
In this episode, The Blade shares a sermon on spiritual maturity. The text for this sermon is Hebrews 5:11-6:3. According to the Hebrews author, spiritual maturity is about having the abilities to teach or explain the Christian faith to others and to discern good and evil. Core Christian doctrine, such as faith, repentance, and baptism, is actually "elementary" and Chritsians need to mature beyond these teachings.
Mar 06, 201837:18
Is Apologetics Useless? A Reply to Pete Enns
Is apologetics useless or is it helpful? Theologian Dr. Pete Enns of Eastern University argues in a recent blog that it isn't very helpful in winning people to Christ. In this episode The Blade and apologist Shawn White discuss Enns' view and conclude that apologetics is helpful if understood properly.
Sep 19, 201752:27
Do We Need Theology?
Is theology Important? Do we really need it? Theology was once considered to be the "Queen of the Sciences," but today it seems that it has been dethroned from its place of prominence. In this episode, The Blade argues that theology is still necessary and we must cultiviate a passion for understanding the deep and rich theological truths of the Christian faith.
Jul 07, 201744:27
Do We Need Apologetics?
Do we really need apologetics or is it just a waste of time? Some Christians and even ministers think it's a waste of time or irrelevant. But is it really? In this episode, the Blade discusses what apologetics is and why Christians need to engage in his area of study. It's not only helpful in evangelism, but it's also helpful for Christians themselves.
Jun 09, 201746:12
Should Christians Divide Over the Age of the Earth?
Is the age of the earth an essential doctrine that Christians must accept? In this podcast, The Blade discusses his new co-authored book with Dr. Ted Cabal entitled Controversy of the Ages: Why Christians Should Not Divide Over the Age of the Earth. Throughout history there have been only two major controversies between science and the Bible and the age of the earth is not one of them.
May 11, 201701:00:03
Divine Omniscience and Human Free Will
How does God's knowledge (divine omniscience) relate to human free will? If God knows what we will do, does this mean that we are not truly free to choose? Are humans merely marionettes with their strings ultimately being pulled by the hands of God? The Blade and guest Tim Stratton of Free Thinking Ministries discuss the different views of divine omniscience and their relationship to human free will. The best explanation seems to be that of Molinism.
Mar 20, 201701:02:36
Does Socialism Lead to Totalitarianism? Hayek and "The Road to Serfdom"
Does socialism lead to totalitarianism? In this episode The Blade discusses the answer to this question with historian Bryan Regan by looking at F.A. Hayek's classical work The Road to Serfdom. Hayek's thesis was that totalitarianism is the logical outcome of socialism. This argument needs to be heard again today just as it was first stated in 1944.
Mar 06, 201701:00:29
The Importance of Thinking
Why is thinking about the big questions in life important? In this continuing discussion on thinking, the Blade lays out several reasons why we ought to pursue thinking to find the one true worldview. Undergirding these reasons is the concept of truth as objective, which stands in contrast to relativism.
Feb 17, 201725:44
Episode 1: Inaugural Podcast - Thinking
This is The Blade's inaugural podcast. In this episode The Blade discusses the importance of thinking. Do we take the time to think about the big questions in life? Such questions include "What is ultimate reality?" and "What is knowledge?" Answers to questions like these can be evaluated by various tests to discern whether they are true or false.
Feb 09, 201724:40