ThoughtLetters filed under By Topic
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Published
April 27, 2022
Volume 32 • No. 3 • May-June, 2022 Download PDF
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April 27, 2022
Volume 32 • No. 2 • March-April, 2022 Download PDF
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Published
April 26, 2022
Volume 32 • No. 1 • January-February, 2022 Download PDF
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November 30, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 6 • November-December, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
November 30, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 5 • September-October, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
June 22, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 4 • July-August, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
June 22, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 3 • May-June, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
March 26, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 2 • March-April, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
March 26, 2021
Volume 31 • No. 1 • January-February, 2021 Download PDF
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Published
November 11, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 6 • November-December, 2020 Download PDF
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November 11, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 5 • September-October, 2020 Download PDF
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Published
November 11, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 4 • July-August, 2020 Download PDF
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Published
May 29, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 3 • May-June, 2020 Download PDF
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Published
April 21, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 2 • March-April, 2020 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
April 21, 2020
Volume 30 • No. 1 • January-February, 2020 Download PDF
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Published
December 20, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 6 • November-December, 2019 Download PDF
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Published
December 18, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 5 • September-October, 2019 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
December 18, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 4 • July-August, 2019 Download PDF
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Published
May 8, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 3 • May-June, 2019 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 13, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 2 • March-April, 2019 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 13, 2019
Volume 29 • No. 1 • January-February, 2019 Download PDF
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Published
November 15, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 6 • November-December, 2018 Download PDF
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Published
November 15, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 5 • September-October, 2018 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 29, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 4 • July-August, 2018 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 29, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 3 • May-June, 2018 Download PDF
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Published
March 20, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 2 • March-April, 2018 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 20, 2018
Volume 28 • No. 1 • January-February, 2018 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
November 8, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 6 • November-December, 2017 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
November 8, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 5 • September-October, 2017 Download PDF
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Published
November 8, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 4 • July-August, 2017 Download PDF
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Published
November 8, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 3 • May-June, 2017 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 22, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 2 • March—April, 2017 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 22, 2017
Volume 27 • No. 1 • January—February, 2017 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
November 30, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 6 • November-December 2016 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
November 30, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 5 • September-October 2016 Download PDF
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Published
June 15, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 4 • July-August 2016 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 15, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 3 • May-June 2016 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 15, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 2 • March-April 2016 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 15, 2016
Volume 26 • No. 1 • January-February 2016 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
December 24, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 6 • November-December 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
September 7, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 5 • September-October 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
September 7, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 4 • July-August 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
June 23, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 3 • May-June 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 4, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 2 • March-April 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
March 4, 2015
Volume 25 • No. 1 • January-February 2015 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
October 17, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 6 • November-December 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
October 17, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 5 • September-October 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
October 17, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 4 • July-August 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
April 28, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 3 • May-June 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
April 28, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 2 • March-April 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
January 7, 2014
Volume 24 • No. 1 • January-February 2014 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
October 28, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 6 • November-December 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
September 13, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 5 • September-October 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
July 11, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 4 • July-August 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
May 1, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 3 • May-June 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
May 1, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 2 • March-April 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
May 1, 2013
Volume 23 • No. 1 • January-February 2013 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
November 27, 2012
Volume 22 • No. 6 • November-December 2012 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
October 1, 2012
Volume 22 • No. 5 • September-October 2012 Download PDF
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AIIA
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Published
September 25, 2012
Volume 22 • No. 4 • July-August 2012 Download PDF
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Published
July 3, 2012
Volume 22 • No. 3 • May-June 2012 Download PDF
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admin
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January 1, 2012
Volume 22 • No. 1 • January-February 2012 Download PDF
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November 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 6 • November-December 2011 Download PDF
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September 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 5 • September-October 2011 Download PDF
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July 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 4 • July-August 2011 Download PDF
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May 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 3 • May-June 2011 Download PDF
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March 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 2 • March-April 2011 Download PDF
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January 1, 2011
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 21 • No. 1 • January-February 2011 Downlaod PDF
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November 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 6 • November-December 2010 Download PDF
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September 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 5 • September-October 2010 Download PDF
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July 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 4 • July-August 2010 Download PDF
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May 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 3 • May-June 2010 Download PDF
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March 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 2 • Mar-Apr 2010 Download PDF
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January 1, 2010
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 20 • No. 1 • Jan-Feb 2010 Download PDF
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November 1, 2009
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 19 • No. 6 • Nov-Dec 2009 Download PDF
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September 1, 2009
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 19 • No. 5 • Sep-Oct 2009 Download PDF
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Published
July 1, 2009
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 19 • No. 4 • July-August 2009 Download PDF
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Published
May 1, 2009
Volume 19 • No. 3 • May-June 2009 Download PDF
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Published
March 1, 2009
by Rick Carver Rick Carver is AIIA’s Associate Director. He is also senior pastor of County Road Baptist Church in New Limerick, Maine. He, his wife Cathleen, and their five children live in Houlton – where I-95 ends. Today we are hearing a lot about a movement known as the Emerging Church. What is it? […]
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January 1, 2009
AREOPAGUS PROCLAMATION Volume 19, No. 1 January-February, 2009 Category: C&WR Theosophical Deception by Daryl E. Witmer As is the case with all original articles written for AIIA about non-Christian worldviews, we welcome examination by, and response from, readers who are themselves adherents of the belief system in review – in this case, theosophy. […]
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Published
November 1, 2008
AREOPAGUS Proclamation Volume 18, No. 6 • Nov-Dec, 2008 by Daryl E. Witmer Every year, often just as Christmas or Easter are approaching, the secular media invests a great deal of effort to trot out the big bad dogs of skepticism as regards the veracity of the Bible and/or the historicity of the Biblical Jesus. These […]
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September 1, 2008
AREOPAGUS Proclamation Volume 18, No. 5 Sep-Oct, 2008 TOWARD A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF IMMIGRATION by William E. Cripe, Sr. Bill Cripe has been AIIA’s Resource Associate for Social Issues for the past eight years. He is husband to Barbara, father of their three grown children, a writer, and senior pastor of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville, Maine, […]
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July 1, 2008
by Daryl E. Witmer Yes , certainly it’s possible for someone to affirm faith in God and evolution. I know many who do. But in order to do so, one must circumvent the traditional definition of the term ‘God’ or ‘evolution’ or both. Which makes taking this position a mistake. Now I’m assuming […]
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May 1, 2008
by Daryl E. Witmer QUESTION: What exactly is Spiritual Formation? On its face, spiritual formation seems to refer simply to the growth and development of one’s spiritual life and awareness. In this sense, spiritual formation is the common ambition of all religions, not just Christianity. But in a more formal sense, and in a strictly […]
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March 1, 2008
Volume 18 • No. 2 • March-April, 2008 Download PDF
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Published
January 1, 2008
by Daryl E. Witmer A: Well, for starters, we would have to disagree with the characterization of God as ever having been cruel. Q: Then you should read Psalm 137: 9, 1 Samuel 15:3, and Ezekiel 9:6. In each of those texts, God appears to either bless or actually outright order pregnant women to be […]
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November 1, 2007
by Daryl E. Witmer If Jesus never claimed to be divine at all, one could probably justifiably dismiss Christianity as the phony (albeit phenomenal) result of legends about Him which grew and spread subsequent to His death. But such postulates have often been roundly refuted, Biblically and extra-Biblically. The case for the reliability of Scripture […]
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September 1, 2007
by Daryl E. Witmer No. Only the words originally recorded by the human authors of Scripture were uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Copies and translations of those original autographs were never inspired in the same sense of the word. But I’ve been told that the King James Version (KJV) is the only […]
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July 1, 2007
by Andrew Witmer Andrew Witmer, M.A., is an ABD PhD candidate (American History), studying and teaching at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville VA. He is also proprietor of Up Close Audio. Since 2003 he has been an AIIA Resource Associate for matters relating to history and culture. The following piece is original. After Mel […]
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May 1, 2007
by Daryl E. Witmer The best, most direct, simple answer to the question above is: “In order to demonstrate His power, and in order that His name might be proclaimed throughout the entire earth.” The reason that is the best, most direct, simple answer to the question is because it is God’s own answer. See […]
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March 1, 2007
by Dr. David Doherty The New World Translation is the version of the Bible endorsed and used by Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. But is it an accurate translation? We asked David Doherty, B.D., M.B.S., Th.M., D.B.S., Th.D., to address that question. Dr. Doherty was a local church pastor for 13 years before joining the faculty of […]
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January 1, 2007
by Daryl E. Witmer If the title of this article itself qualifies as a really tough question, then the answer is a definite “yes,” because we’re answering it here in a competent manner – an assertion that will hopefully be demonstrated by that which follows. In arriving at an accurate and objective response to the […]
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Published
December 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Volume 17, No. 3 December, 2006 Download PDF
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November 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Volume 17, No. 2 November, 2006 Download PDF
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October 1, 2006
by Dr. Bryant G. Wood Volume 17, No. 1 October, 2006 Download PDF
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September 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Every human has an intellect that is intended to be fully, constructively used. To disengage the mind can actually prove disastrous. Adolf Hitler once said “What luck for the rulers that men do not think.” In terms of the particular worldview which we individually hold, R. C. Sproul has stated: “The […]
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August 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Perhaps the simplest answer to the question above is: “Because Christian doctrine is true, and all truth is exclusivist.” If something is true, then it’s opposite must be ‘excluded” as false. Another answer: “For the same reason that all religions either directly or implicitly hold that their teaching and position is […]
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Published
July 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer SKEPTIC: Isn’t it possible that the whole idea of Jesus being anything more than an extraordinary human and spiritual leader was an evolved product of some earlier exaggerated reports about him? Why couldn’t the belief that Jesus is God be the result of a legend that was sourced in his own […]
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June 1, 2006
by Dr. Tom Woodward Tom Woodward, Ph.D., University of Florida, is a college professor, founder and director of the C.S. Lewis Society (see apologetics.org), and has been an AIIA Resource Associate for Bible & Theology since 2002. Dr. Woodward lives with his wife in Tampa Bay FL. His book, Doubts About Darwin, won the Christianity […]
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May 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Is humanity intrinsically good, or is humanity by nature in deficit to a holy God as the result of a great moral Fall in early human history? NEW AGE VOICES SAY… “Your essential nature is goodness. There is no need for you to ever feel guilt, or to pay attention to […]
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April 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer Critics of the Bible often allege that Scripture contains internal contradictions. Over the years we have responded to many of those allegations in this paper. This month we tackle two more, both of which relate to Holy Week events. ALLEGED CONTRADICTION NUMBER OF DONKEYS DIFFERS The Bible contradicts itself about how […]
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March 1, 2006
by Dr. Wayne Frair Wayne Frair, Ph.D., is past president of the Creation Research Society, professor emeritus in biology at The King’s College, the author of more than 50 research papers, co-author of A Case for Creation, and an AIIA Resource Associate since 2000. The modern Intelligent Design (ID) movement is held to have had […]
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Published
February 1, 2006
Volume 16 • No. 5 • February, 2006 Download PDF
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January 1, 2006
by Daryl E. Witmer The Bible is entirely true. But wasn’t the Bible written by men? So – inasmuch as no man is perfect, how can the Bible be perfect? The men who wrote the Bible were inspired and uniquely guided by the Holy Spirit of God in all of the details of their writing. […]
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December 1, 2005
by William E. Cripe, Sr. Bill Cripe is senior pastor at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville, Maine. He maintains ASCP certification as a registered medical technologist and has been AIIA’s Resource Associate for Social and Ethical Issues since April, 2000. Is prenatal testing wrong? Amniocentesis, ultrasound technology, and even heart rate monitoring all fall […]
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November 1, 2005
by William E. Cripe, Sr. Bill Cripe is senior pastor at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville, Maine. He maintains ASCP certification as a registered medical technologist and has been AIIA’s Resource Associate for Social and Ethical Issues since April, 2000. EDITOR’S NOTE: From July 14-16, 2005, Mr. Cripe attended an international conference on Genetic […]
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October 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer The Quakers are an international religious affiliation also referred to as The Religious Society of Friends or, simply, Friends. Founded by George Fox (inset) in England in the 1650s, today Quakers are thought to number approximately 300,000 worldwide. About one-third of all Quakers live in the United States and Canada. The […]
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September 1, 2005
by Stephen E. Witmer For many years Islamic doctrine and liberal scholarship have alleged that Bible manuscripts have become corrupt over time. Is this true? We asked Stephen Witmer to respond to the charge. Stephen is a graduate of Wheaton College (B.A.), holds an M.Div. and a Th.M. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and is now […]
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Published
August 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer BIBLE SKEPTIC: “You know, your Bible contains scores of verses that mention slavery. But no where does it ever condemn the practice per se.” BIBLE ADVOCATE: “I agree.” BIBLE SKEPTIC: “Well, why not? If the Bible is the word of God, why wouldn’t it condemn such evil?” BIBLE ADVOCATE: “In a sin-fallen world, […]
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Published
July 1, 2005
by Robert T. Pardon Bob Pardon is director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR), and of MeadowHaven, a cult recovery facility, in Lakeville MA (see www.neirr.org). He has been an AIIA Resource Associate since 1995. I recently received an e-mail that contained the following message in its subject line: “URGENT! CRISIS!” My […]
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Published
June 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer In the course of my work as a Christian apologist I am asked many questions about the Christian faith. For answers, I often refer folks, or I personally turn to, the multiple hundreds of books, tapes, web sites, organizations, DVDs, and other excellent apologetic resources that are available today. Following are […]
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Published
May 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer You’ve probably been on the receiving end of the relatively recent, yet enthusiastic, advertising blitz sponsored by The Church of Christ, Scientist. Their campaign has included brief radio testimonials, signs in store windows for spirituality.com, and even strategically placed kiosks in malls, peddling church material. One item regularly promoted by the […]
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Published
May 1, 2005
by Andrew Witmer Andrew Witmer, M.A., is an ABD PhD candidate (American History), studying and teaching at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville VA. He is also proprietor of Up Close Audio. Since 2003 he has been an AIIA Resource Associate for matters relating to history and culture. The following piece is original. A friend […]
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Published
April 1, 2005
by Richard B. Keyes Dick Keyes is director of L’Abri MA, a residential study center in Southborough, Massachusetts. See http://www.labri.org/ mass/home.html. The original L’Abri was founded in Switzerland by the late Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer in 1955 – fifty years ago last month. Mr. Keyes is a graduate of Harvard University, an author, and a […]
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Published
March 1, 2005
Volume 15 • No. 6 • March, 2005 Download PDF
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Published
February 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer From one end to the other, the Bible refers to miracles. There’s the story of Moses parting the Red Sea in Exodus. There’s Elijah calling down fire from heaven on Mt. Carmel. There’s Jesus walking on water, healing the sick, and raising the dead. But are these accounts really credible? Can […]
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Published
January 1, 2005
by Daryl E. Witmer The following exchange is typical of the pattern and content of an actual conversation of this nature between a Christian and a skeptic, based on personal experience and the related accounts of others. MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER Have you read that back issue of the Proclamation that I gave you […]
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November 1, 2004
by Daryl E. Witmer Christians celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ – born into the home of Joseph & Mary, yet God incarnate, Son of God in human form. HOLD IT THERE. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT JESUS WAS REALLY ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE HUMAN SON OF HUMAN PARENTS? Well, if He wasn’t […]
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Published
October 1, 2004
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer The Neo-Darwinian version of evolutionary theory has fallen on increasingly hard times. In its place secularists now attempt to advance alternative ideas of how naturalism alone can explain all that exists. But a mighty foe to naturalism has arisen in the land – the Intelligent Design movement. The movement is […]
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Published
September 1, 2004
by Daryl E. Witmer What follows here is a brief summary of Wiccan belief. In some cases we have followed a particular point with what we believe to be a relevant excerpt from the Bible (in italics), or with a brief comment of our own. We especially welcome the response (favorable or critical) of those […]
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Published
August 1, 2004
by Daryl E. Witmer Following are nine brief starter answers to nine (so-called) Bible problems submitted to our office in 2003 by a pastor who had received them in an e-mail from someone in his congregation. The bracketed Scriptures following the questions are cited as the basis of the alleged contradictions. Were humans created before […]
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Published
July 1, 2004
by Daryl E. Witmer In spite of the fact that Mormons are among the most polite, pleasant, moral, family-oriented, ostensibly reasonable people in the world, the religious views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) with which they choose to affiliate are, in the particulars, highly unorthodox and even – in many […]
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Published
June 1, 2004
by Dr. Thomas Woodward Tom Woodward, Ph.D., has been a professor at Trinity College (Florida) since 1988. He is founder and director of the C.S. Lewis Society. See further at: apologetics.org Dr. Woodward currently lives with his wife in Tampa Bay, FL. His recent work, Doubts About Darwin, just won the Christianity & Culture book […]
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Published
April 1, 2004
by Daryl E. Witmer Christian apologetics isn’t just for theologians, educators, or adults. What follows here is a compilation of apologetic resources for youth (toddler to teen), all of which have been acquired and reviewed for our AIIA Resource Library. This listing should prove helpful to parents, church leaders, Sunday School staff, homeschoolers, and Christian […]
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Published
March 1, 2004
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer The obvious reason that so many scien-tists endorse the theory of macroevolu-tionary process as the best explanation for life origins and development here on earth is because they really believe such to be the case. But is that true, really? Is it possible that there’s a lot more to the […]
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Published
February 1, 2004
Volume 14 • No. 5 • February, 2004 Download PDF
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Published
January 1, 2004
Volume 14 • No. 5 • January, 2004 Download PDF
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Published
December 1, 2003
by Daryl E. Witmer Every year on December 25th hundreds of millions of Christian believers from all over the world enthusiastically celebrate the birth of Jesus. But was Jesus really ever born? Did a first-century Jesus of Nazareth ever actually, historically, exist? Incredible as it may seem, there are those who say “No.” How about […]
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November 1, 2003
by Daryl E. Witmer How did God begin? He didn’t. God never began. “Began” is a time-word. God dwells outside of time. For this reason, the question is inherently irresolvable. “‘Began’ can have no personal meaning for the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity.” -A. W. Tozer in The Knowledge of the Holy God […]
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Published
October 1, 2003
by William E. Cripe, Sr. Bill Cripe is senior pastor at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville, Maine. He maintains ASCP certification as a registered medical technologist, and has been AIIA’s Resource Associate for Social and Ethical Issues since April, 2000. If you’re a Sci-Fi buff you’ve probably seen the 1997 movie Gattaca. The futuristic […]
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Published
September 1, 2003
This month’s article originally appeared in the July/August 2000 issue of Think & Believe, the monthly publication of the Alpha Omega Institute (AOG). It is authored by Dave & Mary Jo Nutting, with Dan Korow, and reprinted here by permission. Contact AOG at PO Box 4343 Grand Junction CO 81502. 1. The Fossil Record The […]
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Published
August 1, 2003
by Daryl E. Witmer Test your knowledge of Shinto with the following 10 questions, then read the answers with commentary that follow. 1. Shinto is the native, traditional, national (i.e. cultural) religion of what country? a) China b) Japan c) Korea 2. Shinto means: a) Sacred shrine b) The way of the gods c) Sunshine […]
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Published
July 1, 2003
by Daryl E. Witmer Here’s our best effort at tackling some of the stickier, trickier questions that come our way from time to time. Try these on your friends as conversation starters. If God is all-powerful, can He create a rock so big that He can’t lift it? No. God cannot do the logically impossible, […]
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Published
June 1, 2003
by Mary Joni Harris This month’s never-before-published article is guest-authored by Mary Joni Harris of Denton, Texas. Joni studied Buddhist teachings independently for three years, having been drawn by Buddhism’s emphasis on peace, know-ledge, and self-awareness. She first contacted AIIA in August of 2002, having read and related to our web-posted article, Ten Questions for […]
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Published
May 1, 2003
Volume 13 • No. 8 • May, 2003 Download PDF
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Published
April 1, 2003
by Daryl E. Witmer The doctrine of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is critical to the Christian faith. But is the evidence conclusive? Numerous alternative scenarios have been postulated over the years. Here are four-with a correspondent response: POSTULATE #1 JESUS’ BODY WAS MOVED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION Roman or Jewish authorities moved the […]
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Published
March 1, 2003
by Dr. Tom Woodward Tom Woodward, Ph.D., has been a professor at Trinity College of Florida since 1988. He is founder and director of the C.S. Lewis Society. See further at: apologetics.org Dr. Woodward currently lives with his wife in Tampa Bay, FL. He was first designated an AIIA Resource Associate for Bible & Theology […]
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Published
February 1, 2003
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer MONISM – defined as the view that reality is a unified whole and that all existing things can be ascribed to, or described by, a single concept or system. It is the doctrine that mind and matter are reducible to the same ultimate substance or principle of being. PANTHEISTIC MONISM […]
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Published
January 1, 2003
An original interview with respected archaeologist, Bryant G. Wood Bryant G. Wood, Ph.D., is Director of Associates for Biblical Research (check biblearchaeology.org) and editor of Bible & Spade journal. He is adjunct professor at a number of educational institutions. He presently continues extensive archaeological field work. He and his wife Faith live in Harrisburg PA. […]
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November 1, 2002
by Daryl E. Witmer EDITOR’S NOTE: This month’s issue of the Proclamation features the third in a three-part series of articles on reasonable solutions to difficult Bible texts. There are many alleged discrepancies in Scripture but, given the right resources, we are convinced that there are sensible ways to unravel every one of them. This […]
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October 1, 2002
by Daryl E. Witmer EDITOR’S NOTE: This month’s issue of the Proclamation features the second in a three-part series of articles on reasonable solutions to difficult Bible texts. There are many alleged discrepancies in Scripture, but given the right resources, we are convinced that there are sensible ways to unravel every one of them. This […]
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September 1, 2002
by Daryl E. Witmer EDITOR’S NOTE: This month’s issue of the Proclamation features the first in a three-part series of articles on reason-able resolutions of difficult Bible texts. While there are many alleged discrepancies in Scripture, we believe that – given the right resources – there are sensible ways of unraveling every one. This series […]
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Published
August 1, 2002
Volume 12 • No. 12 • September, 2002 Download PDF
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July 1, 2002
Compiled by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Director Think about this or a moment… If the Bible really is the inspired Word of a Creator-God who has chosen to reveal critical truth to humanity in written form, you would then expect this God to see to it that the Bible survives, right? You may say that […]
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June 1, 2002
Compiled by Daryl E. Witmer an-thro-po-cen-tric – adj. 1. Regarding human beings as the central element of the universe. 2. Interpreting reality exclusively in terms of human values and experience. Somewhere recently I read the testimony of an individual whose family had narrowly escaped serious physical harm. In a spirit of gratitude, the writer concluded […]
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May 1, 2002
The First Law of Thermodynamics “In any process, energy can be changed from one form to another (including heat and work), but it is never created or destroyed.” The Second Law of Thermodynamics In a spontaneous irreversible process, the total entropy of the system and its surroundings always increases. For any process, the total entropy […]
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April 1, 2002
An insightful interview with Robert T. Pardon, M.Div., Th.M. Bob Pardon is director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) in Lakeville MA (see www.neirr.org), and has been an AIIA Resource Associate since 1995. The Nation of Islam (NOI) is most commonly defined as a quasi-religious, U.S.-based, black nationalist organization with an estimated […]
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March 1, 2002
by Daryl E. Witmer “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘…go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’” – from I Samuel 15:2-3, NASB So what’s up with this, man? […]
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February 1, 2002
by William E. Cripe Is there more of an agenda to alternative medicine than tends to meet the eye? Is it possible to sell the soul in an effort to heal the body? Here is an insightful exposŽ by Bill Cripe – pastor, registered medical technologist, and AIIA Resource Associate for Social Issues. The very […]
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January 1, 2002
by Daryl E. Witmer Historically, Christian orthodoxy has derived its definition of sin from the Bible. And the Bible has this to say about sin: Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and […]
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Published
December 1, 2001
by Daryl E. Witmer The following article is based, in part, on an actual exchange that I had with a skeptic during the Fall of 2001. DEW: Well, who was -or is- Jesus of Nazareth to you anyway? Are you suggesting that He was deliberately lying as regards His claims to be God (i.e. John […]
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Published
November 1, 2001
Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, once said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.” -Matthew 7:13, NASB QUESTION If it is true that many more people on this planet will end up spiritually […]
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October 1, 2001
This month’s article is reprinted with permission from Think & Believe, the official bimonthly publication of the Alpha Omega Institute, PO Box 4343, Grand Junction CO 81502. Editors: Dave & Mary Jo Nutting. Do you and your children have answers for the most commonly used “proofs” of evolution? It would obviously take more space than […]
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September 1, 2001
by Daryl E. Witmer The following is addressed primarily to our friends and readers who claim an affiliation with Roman Catholicism. What does Romanism say? In November of 1544, in the northern Italian community of Trent, the Roman Catholic Church convened its 19th ecumenical council. The Council of Trent officially lasted from December of 1545 […]
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August 1, 2001
by Daryl E. Witmer The following article is addressed primarily to those Jews among our friends and readers who remain unconvinced that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah and, therefore, the Son of God. “He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom […]
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July 1, 2001
by Daryl E. Witmer The following article is addressed primarily to those of our friends who are affiliated with one of the following three faith systems: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), i.e the Mormons – with over 10 million members worldwide. Community Of Christ (COC) – the brand new, official name […]
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Published
June 1, 2001
by Dr. Wayne Frair The following excerpts are drawn from a far more extensive chronicle of Dr. Frair’s spiritual and scientific pilgrimage that is also available at no cost from AIIA. What follows here is an original, never-before-published article. Dr. Frair has been an AIIA Resource Associate since 2000. He is author of more than […]
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May 1, 2001
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April 1, 2001
by Robert T. Pardon Bob Pardon is director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) in Lakeville MA. NEIRR was founded in 1991. Rev. Pardon has been an AIIA Resource Associate since 1995. He recently appeared as a consultant on NBC’s national news documentary, Dateline. NEIRR may be contacted directly at 508-947-9571, or […]
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Published
March 1, 2001
by Daryl E. Witmer For nearly a quarter-century now, I have committed myself to a periodic rotation as chaplain-on-call at our local community hospital – Mayo Regional Hospital – in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. One afternoon in the late Spring of 1992 I arrived at the hospital and, as usual, checked in with the charge nurse about […]
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Published
February 1, 2001
by William E. Cripe, Sr. Bill Cripe and his wife, Barbara, live in Waterville, Maine, and are the parents of three grown children. Cripe holds degrees from Dekalb Community College, Georgia State University, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently maintains ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) certification as a registered Medical Technologist. Since 1990 […]
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Published
January 1, 2001
He wouldn’t, He hasn’t, and He won’t -not by ideally preferred choice, that is. Yet in order to honor and preserve the moral, volitional nature of man, God does and will allow (or judge) men to an eternal hell as the final depraved choice of a depraved man’s own attempt to avoid God’s presence. We […]
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Published
December 1, 2000
by Richard B. Keyes Dick Keyes is director of L’Abri, a residential study center in Southborough MA – one branch of an inter-national ministry founded in Switzerland by the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer in 1955. Keyes in also an author and lecturer. Since 1997 he has served as an AIIA Resource Associate for world-views. The […]
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Published
November 1, 2000
On December 17, 1999, I received an e-mail from a man living in south London which said (in part), “I choose not to believe in the incredible hotchpotch of superstition which is Christianity… which is all the more understandable if you come from Northern Ireland, a place where religion has been the excuse for appalling […]
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October 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer In the current series, AIIA is responding to three contemporary challenges leveled at the truth-claims of Christianity. This month we critique the doctrine of humanism and freethinking, as articulated by (and in) three of humanism’s own defining documents. One major proponent of humanist thinking today is the Council for Secular Humanism […]
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September 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer In the current series, AIIA is responding to three contemporary challenges leveled at the truth-claims of Christianity. This month we critique Bible Prophecy: Fulfillment or Failure?, by Tim Callahan, ©1997 Millennium Press, ISBN 0-9655047-0-0, 274pp. Tim Callahan impresses me as a rather reasonable and likable kind of guy. We probably couldn’t […]
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August 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer In this series, AIIA responds to three contemporary challenges leveled at the truth-claims of Christianity. This month we critique Farewell to God: My Reasons for Rejecting the Christian Faith, by Charles Templeton, ©1996 McClelland & Stewart, ISBN 0-7710-8422-6, 256 pp. In recent years a notable number of books have been released […]
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Published
July 1, 2000
Each of the following questions were posed either by our readers (via mail or e-mail), or by those in attendance at one of a number of forums in which AIIA has participated this year. Does God change? Hasn’t He changed the way that He deals with mankind over time? “For I, the Lord, do not […]
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June 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director ALEX ASKS, ROGER RESPONDS So, Roger, as a Christian, your faith is based on the Bible, right? That’s correct, Alex. The Bible is the foundation for my faith, although I would actually prefer to say that the real base and object of my faith is Jesus Christ, not […]
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Published
May 1, 2000
An Especially-for-Skeptics Archeological Tour of Ancient Jericho Dr. Wood is Director of Associates for Biblical Research (ABR), headquartered in Frederick MD. He is adjunct professor at a number of educational institutions. He has been quoted in many national publications, including TIME magazine. He presently continues extensive archaeological field work. He and his wife Faith live […]
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April 1, 2000
Volume 10 • No. 7 • April 2000Download PDF
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March 1, 2000
Volume 10 • No. 6 • March, 2000 Download PDF
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February 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer, with Brandon Pustejovsky One year ago this month – on February 18, 1999 – in the Davies Auditorium at Yale University, the subject “Does God Exist?” was debated by two members of Campus Crusade for Christ and two members of the Yale Society for Atheists, Agnostics, and Humanists. One key element […]
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January 1, 2000
by Daryl E. Witmer, with Sean Smith This month’s feature includes excerpts by Sean Smith of Methuen MA – the first place winner (worth $250 cash) in AIIA’s 1999 Spring Symposium essay contest. Guidelines, award details, and topic information for Symposium 2000 are now available by contacting our AIIA office. TO MAKE THE CASE FOR […]
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December 1, 1999
by Daryl E. Witmer Larry King, the CNN talk show host, was once asked who he would most want to interview if he could choose anyone from all of history. He said, “Jesus Christ.” The questioner said, “And what would you like to ask Him?” King replied, “I would like to ask Him if He […]
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Published
November 2, 1999
by Daryl E. Witmer A straightforward reading of the Bible seems to imply that God created the universe thousands, not billions, of years ago. But many scientists vehemently disagree with that position and contend that the universe is indeed very old. So… who do we believe? Is the Bible misleading or is modern science misled? […]
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November 1, 1999
Compiled by Daryl E. Witmer WHAT IS PANTHEISM? God = All and All = God “Pantheism \Pan’ theism\, n. [Pan- + theism.] Any doctrine, philosophy, or religious practice that holds the universe [cosmos], taken or conceived of as the totality of forces and/or matter, is synonymous with the theological principle of God.” -Universal Pantheist Society […]
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Published
October 1, 1999
by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director In late October, 1998, we received an e-mail message from a good friend and supporter of AIIA. She’d just had a conversation with a high school teacher who stated that, in his opinion, there are numerous discrepancies in the Bible. She was soliciting our help in responding to […]
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Published
August 1, 1999
Volume 9 • Nos. 7 & 8 • July-August, 1999 Download PDF
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July 1, 1999
by Andrew D. Witmer Andrew Witmer is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland IN. He is the son of Daryl and Mary Witmer. Since 1998 Andrew has worked for Mars Hill Audio in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he recently produced, with former National Public Radio senior editor Ken Myers, an audio-documentary on best-selling spirituality literature. […]
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Published
June 1, 1999
An Open Letter to a Prospective Member – by Robert T. Pardon Robert T. Pardon is director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR), which he founded in 1991. Rev. Pardon is also an AIIA Resource Associate. He holds a B.A. in Eastern Religions from the University of Michigan, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell […]
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May 1, 1999
by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director On Saturday evening November 7, 1998, AIIA hosted a Dialogue Dinner with the Muslims at a popular restaurant in Bangor, Maine. While there was no ecumenical objective in the planning of the event, the spirit that evening was cordial, the exchange was open, and a number of areas […]
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Published
April 1, 1999
by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director Years ago a man told me that although he didn’t share my faith in Jesus Christ, he admired it.” It’s always good to see someone sincere in their conviction,” he said. Another man who sat in my congregation Sunday after Sunday for an extended period of time told […]
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March 1, 1999
ALEX ASKS, ROGER RESPONDS Hey, Roger, you say that you’re a Christian. Isn’t it true that you Christians claim to have a corner on the truth? Well, Alex, if by a ‘corner on the truth’ you mean that Christians claim to know that which is absolutely true about who we are and the purpose for […]
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February 1, 1999
by Maryanna Louise Ray of Ripley, Maine This month’s featured article by Maryanna Louise Ray of Ripley, Maine, was awarded first place (worth $250 cash) in AIIA’s 1998 essay contest for youth. Maryanna is the daughter of Pastor & Mrs. David Ray. Second place award (worth $150) went to Teisha Welch of Lee, Maine, and […]
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January 1, 1999
With one exception, the following represents edited excerpts from Passing Showers, a 48-page illustrated booklet first published in 1991-92 that details a number of key insights gained from my 1984-85 ordeal with Guillain-BarrŽ syndrome. Passing Showers was revised, updated, and reprinted earlier this year. It is now cataloged with the Library of Congress and available […]
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November 1, 1998
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer During this final quarter of 1998 the PROCLAMATION has been featuring excerpts from the teaching of three of the most highly revered definers and defenders of the Christian faith to have lived during the 20th century. This month’s answers by the late Dr. Walter Martin are drawn from his classic […]
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October 1, 1998
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer During this final quarter of 1998 the PROCLAMATION is featuring excerpts from the teaching of three of the most highly revered definers and defenders of the Christian faith to have lived during the 20th century. This month’s answers by the ever-popular C. S. Lewis, born 100 years ago this month, […]
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September 1, 1998
compiled by Daryl E. Witmer During this final quarter of 1998 the PROCLAMATION is featuring excerpts from the teaching of three of the most highly revered definers and defenders of the Christian faith to have lived during the 20th century. This month’s answers by the late Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer are all sourced in Dr. […]
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August 1, 1998
Another AIIA Quote Forum – compiled by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director “When I asked my daughter Katie (15 years old): ‘What is one of the names you fear being called at school?’ she replied, ‘Intolerant!’” -Josh McDowell, Tolerating the Intolerable, Josh McDowell Ministry, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International “Jesus was […]
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July 1, 1998
by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director What follows are actual excerpts from an e-mail exchange that I shared with Nelson (name changed to assure anonymity) late last Fall. I have known Nelson personally for many years. We have had numerous conversations about matters of faith. I have responded to many, many of his questions. […]
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June 1, 1998
This month, instead of our regular feature, we are publishing a comprehensive index of every issue of the Proclamation printed since our inaugural edition in April of 1991. Original copies of most issues, including The Maine Witmer Family Report, are still available, but if not we will supply you with a reprint. You may place […]
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May 1, 1998
by Dennis E. Wert, Chairman, Creation Science Fellowship The following piece represents an edited version of a two-part article appearing in the January and February 1998 issues of Origins Insights, a monthly publication of the Creation Science Fellowship (CSF). In that article Mr. Wert responds to 12 common arguments that he has encountered in various […]
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April 1, 1998
Two years ago this Spring-at 7pm on the evening of April 20, 1996-nearly 2000 people made their way into the Alfond Arena at the University of Maine (Orono), to witness a live, unrehearsed Creation-Evolution debate co-sponsored by AIIA and Campus Crusade (Orono). Dr. John G. T. Anderson represented the evolutionist point of view, and Dr. […]
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Published
March 1, 1998
Two years ago this Spring-at 7pm on the evening of April 20, 1996-nearly 2000 people made their way into the Alfond Arena at the University of Maine (Orono), to witness a live, unrehearsed Creation-Evolution debate, sponsored by AIIA. Dr. John G. T. Anderson represented the evolutionist point of view, and Dr. Gary E. Parker presented […]
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Published
February 1, 1998
Again this month we are responding to what is perhaps the most basic and important question that any individual could ever ask: “How do I know that God exists?” In this part of our two-part series we present two more of the four classic arguments for the existence of God-that is, whether, not who or […]
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Published
January 1, 1998
This month and next we respond to what is perhaps the most basic and important question that any human being could ever ask: “How do I know that God exists?” In each part of this two-part series we present two of the four classic arguments for the existence of God – that is, whether God […]
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Published
December 1, 1997
Quote Forum on the Importance of Engaging the Mind In a takeoff on the sometimes overworked and wearied Advent aphorism, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, this month we present another in a series of AIIA Quote Forums, focusing here on a theme that should serve to remind us that every season-including Advent-is certainly […]
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November 1, 1997
An Interview with Robert T. Pardon This month we conclude a three-part series of never-before-published interviews with AIIA’s three Resource Associates, each of whom have training, experience, and expertise in a particular area of apologetics. Robert Pardon is the director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR), which he founded with four others […]
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Published
October 1, 1997
An Interview with Richard B. Keyes This month we continue a three-part series of never-before-published interviews with AIIA’s three Resource Associates, each of whom have training, experience, and expertise in a particular area of apologetics. Richard Keyes is the director of L’Abri in Southborough, Massachusetts (49 Lynbrook Rd 01772 508-481-9101), which he and his wife, […]
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Published
September 1, 1997
An Interview with Dr. Bryant G. Wood First in a series of original interviews with AIIA’s three Resource Associates This month we begin a three-part series of never-before-published interviews with AIIA’s three Resource Associates, each of whom have training, experience, and expertise in some particular area of apologetics. Dr. Bryant G. Wood is currently Director […]
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August 1, 1997
The following conversation is fictitious as presented here, but it is based on many actual conversations and exchanges in which I have participated over the years. Arnie’s responses would represent my own under similar circumstances. Arnie: How’s it going, Joe? Where do things stand in your spiritual search since we last talked? Joe: Well, some […]
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July 1, 1997
Dear Friend, Could we begin by agreeing that it really doesn’t make good sense to just flat-out deny the existence of God? For one thing we don’t know everything. And because we don’t know everything, we really can’t ever be certain that God doesn’t exist. So that fact alone pretty much outrules atheism as a […]
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Published
June 1, 1997
In the final analysis, Christianity cannot be proven. The truth about what Jesus taught, and who He was (and is) must be accepted by faith. But not blind faith.The preponderance of evidence has long afforded a persuasive and convincing case for the veracity of historic orthodox Christian teaching. Thanks to the Internet, that evidence is […]
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May 1, 1997
Can Christianity be proven? No. The Bible says that “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB) But the preponderance of evidence has always built an overwhelmingly convincing case for […]
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April 1, 1997
Holy Week 1997 has come and gone, but what will surely continue throughout the year, and what has always persisted down through the years, is the speculation about whether the Biblical accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth are fully credible. The questions and the objections take many forms, but the bottom line is […]
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March 1, 1997
In very many ways the most basic questions of all about the Christian faith are questions about the Bible. For if the Bible really is an accurate and reliable revelation from our Divine Creator, then almost every other important question about life and truth (Is there a God? Who am I? How did I get […]
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Published
February 1, 1997
In very many ways the most basic questions of all about the Christian faith are questions about the Bible. For if the Bible really is an accurate and reliable revelation from our Divine Creator, then almost every other important question about life and truth (Is there a God? Who am I? How did I get […]
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Published
January 1, 1997
In very many ways the most basic questions of all about the Christian faith are questions about the Bible. For if the Bible really is an accurate and reliable revelation from our Divine Creator, then almost every other important question about life and truth (Is there a God? Who am I? How did I get […]
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Published
December 1, 1996
About once or twice a year newspapers and magazines all across America explode with headlines that seem to place a huge question mark over the historicity of Jesus Christ – Who was He really? What did He really say? Such speculation has enjoyed particular popularity and credibility since 1985 because of the work of the […]
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November 1, 1996
On the evening of April 20, 1996, nearly 2000 people gathered on the campus of the University of Maine (Orono) for a public debate on the scientific evidence for creation vs. evolution. The debate, featuring Dr. John Anderson of the College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor ME) and Dr. Gary Parker of Answers in Genesis […]
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October 1, 1996
I don’t get it. You don’t get what? 1) God is all powerful. 2) God is good. 3) Terrible things happen. I can match any two. But I can’t match all three. What do you mean? Explain. Well, let’s suppose that God is good but not all-powerful. Things have gotten out of hand, way beyond […]
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September 1, 1996
An Open Letter – by Robert T. Pardon The following original piece was written for the Proclamation by AIIA Resource Associate Robert Pardon. Rev. Pardon is founder and executive director of The New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR). He holds an earned Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and an earned Master […]
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August 1, 1996
An Open Letter – by Robert M. Zins The following original piece was written especially for the Proclamation by Rob Zins, director of A Christian Witness to Roman Catholicism. Rob is a graduate of Alma College, BA; Springfield College, M.Ed.; and Dallas Theological Seminary, Th.M. He has published numerous articles on the Roman Catholic religion, […]
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July 1, 1996
Early this year I received correspondence from a good friend in North Carolina. About one month earlier it seems that he had received a letter from an individual suggesting that he try an Applied Kinesiology (AK) experiment. My friend decided to forward the letter here, along with an accompanying paper distributed by Computer Central Clearinghouse […]
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June 1, 1996
This month I’m writing with a special word to those of you among our readers who, to date, remain skeptical about the unique claims of Jesus Christ. Some of you are presently uncertain just what you believe. Others of you remain rather firmly committed to a non-Christian worldview. But either way, if you have been […]
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May 1, 1996
Actual excerpts compiled by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director James R. Spencer once wrote that apologetics are only needed when dealing with hard cases. Then he said, “If they are over 18, they are all hard cases.” Having pastored three churches and raised three sons through most of their teenage years, I can guarantee […]
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April 1, 1996
Last June (1995) we asked our readers to submit examples of the kind of tough questions that they are typically asked about Christianity. We received a good sampling of questions on a wide variety of topics from all across America. In this issue we are publishing the second in a series of those questions, along […]
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Published
March 1, 1996
Last June (1995) we asked our readers to submit examples of the kind of tough questions that they are typically asked about Christianity. We received a good sampling of questions on a wide variety of topics from all across America. In this issue we are publishing the second in a series of those questions, along […]
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Published
February 1, 1996
Last June (1995) we asked our readers to submit an example or two of the kind of tough questions that they’re typically asked about Christianity. We received a good sampling of questions on a wide variety of topics from all across America. In this issue, and for the following two months, we want to publish […]
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January 1, 1996
A Path to Truth or Just Another Vicious Circle? Responding to Taoist Thinking-by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director A number of you reading this paper each month are adherents and/or proponents of one of three major Eastern religious and philosophical traditions-Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism. This month we’re presenting the last part in our series on […]
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December 1, 1995
Ten Questions I’d Ask If I Could Interview Siddhartha Gautama Today by Daryl E. Witmer, AIIA Executive Director A number of you reading this paper each month are adherents and/or proponents of one of the three major Eastern religious traditions-Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This month we’re continuing our series on the same, with the following […]
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November 1, 1995
Some of you reading this paper are adherents and/or proponents of one of the three major Eastern religious traditions-Hinduism, Buddhism, or Taoism. So this month we’re launching a series on the same. The following piece was written especially for the Proclamation by Bob Pardon, founder and executive director of the New England Institute of Religious […]
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October 1, 1995
This month we’re presenting the second of a two-part series on the subject of origins-in this issue dealing primarily with two questions: How long ago, and over how long a period, did creation occur? Just how literally should we interpret Scripture? While making a sincere effort to preserve the integrity of all sources in terms […]
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September 1, 1995
This month we present the first of a two-part series on the subject of origins-in this issue dealing primarily with the question of how, and next month with when. The following rather notable quotations have been accumulated over a period of many years. While making a sincere effort to preserve the integrity and intent of […]
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August 1, 1995
EDITOR’S NOTE Every month this thoughtletter is mailed to hundreds of skeptics, agnostics, and other individuals who (per-haps like yourself) do not necessarily share our AIIA worldview and/or doctrine. While we always welcome response to this paper, we’re particularly glad to hear from those who may sincerely doubt or disagree with what we present, yet […]
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July 1, 1995
To some, the subject of relativism sounds extremely boring. Others tend to associate it with Albert Einstein, confusing the philosophical thoughtform of relativism with the scientific theory of relativity. Here at AIIA, we are inclined to believe that relativism is very possibly the most pressing and potentially destructive deception of our time. Which is one […]
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Published
June 1, 1995
by John M. Frame, Professor of Apologetics & Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (CA) The following imagined and spontaneous exchange between author Frame and “Al”, his seat mate on an airplane, is excerpted here in mid-conversation from chapter nine of a new text, Apologetics to the Glory of God, by John M. Frame, ©1994, […]
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Published
May 1, 1995
The haunting lyrics from the famous 1966 film Alfie, with rather wistful desperation, seek for some viable sense of meaning in the oft times gray, grinding routine of life: “What’s it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? What’s it all about-what’s it all about, Alfie?” Perhaps you ask yourself the […]
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Published
April 1, 1995
Down through the years a wide variety of challenges have been raised regarding the Biblical claim that Jesus of Nazareth was ever truly resurrected from the grave on the third day after His crucifixion and burial. Each of these challenges attempts to demonstrate, in one way or another, that the resurrection was, in fact, a […]
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Published
March 1, 1995
This is the third and final part of a series of articles responding to allegations of Bible discrepancies and contradictions. This month we are providing the solution to a variety of commonly-alleged textual conflicts. A related comment follows. Allegation #1. In Matthew 22:42 (NASB) Jesus says, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son […]
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Published
February 1, 1995
This article is the second in a series of articles that seek to respond to allegations of Bible discrepancies and contradictions. Again this month we are responding specifically to a six-page paper entitled “Errors in Your Holy Book!” that came to us from a man in Brockton, Massachusetts, through a mutual friend in Boston. It […]
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Published
January 1, 1995
One day last April (1994) I received correspondence from my friend, Les, in Boston. In his letter to me Les said that not long before he had met a man in neighboring Brockton who had given him a paper entitled “Errors in Your Holy Book!” Les immediately sent me a copy of this 6-page paper […]
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Published
December 1, 1994
An excerpt from Letters From a Skeptic – a brand new book by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd Between March, 1989, and November, 1991, Dr. Greg Boyd – an associate professor of theology at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota-conducted an intense and lively correspondence with his 70+ year-old father in Lake Placid, Florida. His father, […]
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Published
November 1, 1994
Following are excerpts from an actual exchange of correspondence with an individual – not his real name – during the first two months of this year. 1/12/94 Dear Daryl, We Christians are taught to believe that every word of the Scriptures is inspired by God, which some take to mean literally written by God, but […]
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Published
October 1, 1994
This year, between May and September, I have had no less than four couples already living together ask me to officiate at their wedding. Two of the four had a child. I decided it was time to launch a little first-hand study on the personal moral views of the contemporary cohabiting couple. Did they ever […]
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Published
September 1, 1994
Editor’s Note: this is the third and final part of a three-part series of thoughtletter articles addressed directly to those of our readers who are affiliated with one of three particular religious traditions (Christian Science, The Way International, and Scientology) that clearly and significantly depart from the doctrinal mores of historic orthodox Christianity. One day […]
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Published
August 1, 1994
Editor’s Note: this is the second in a three-part series of thoughtletter articles addressed directly to those of our readers who are affiliated with either Christian Science, The Way International, or Scientology-three religious traditions that significantly depart from the doctrine of historic orthodox Christianity. The following original article is Robert Pardon, Th. M., Executive Director […]
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Published
July 1, 1994
Editor’s Note: this is the first in a three-part series of thoughtletter articles addressed directly to those of our readers who are affiliated with either Christian Science, The Way International, or Scientology-three religious traditions that significantly depart from the standards and doctrine of historic orthodox Christianity. The following original article is by Steven Tsoukalas, Executive […]
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Published
June 1, 1994
Volume 4 • No. 9 • June, 1994 Download PDF
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Published
May 1, 1994
Christians are monotheistic-we believe in one God. But we are also Trinitarian-we believe in a God who is revealed in three Persons. Each Person of the Godhead is fully Divine, yet distinct from one another. The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible per se, but the concept of a Triune God has always […]
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Published
April 1, 1994
The following photo essay is drawn from material presented at the 1993 AIIA Youth Symposium, in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, on April 8, 1993. Quotes below are by Wally Potts, AIIA Resource Associate, and should be credited appropriately if reprinted or re-quoted. Photos are by Lorna Coburn, Sangerville Maine. We invite you to join us for this […]
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Published
March 1, 1994
This is the third and final segment of a three part mini-series of 1994 Proclamation articles particularly addressed to those of you among our readers who are of an Eastern religious, dialectic philosophical, or New Age spiritual persuasion. If you missed either of the first two issues, we’d be glad to mail them to you-free-upon […]
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Published
February 1, 1994
This is the second in a three part mini-series of 1994 Proclamation articles particularly addressed to those of you among our readers who are of an Eastern religious, dialectic philosophical, or New Age spiritual persuasion. If you missed the January issue, we’d be glad to mail it to you-free-upon request. In response to last month’s […]
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Published
January 1, 1994
This opening 1994 mini-series of Proclamation articles is particularly addressed to those friends among our readers who are of an Eastern religious, dialectic philosophical, or New Age spiritual persuasion. Some of you have visited in my home, others of you have corresponded with me privately, and still others whom I have never even met receive […]
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Published
December 1, 1993
My dear friend, Thanks for your letter received just this week. I, too, find the whole subject of probability a most fascinating one. As a matter of fact, I recently purchased a book entitled What the Odds Are, by Les Krantz, ©1992 HarperPerennial. It’s an A-Z collection of the odds on “everything you ever hoped […]
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Published
November 1, 1993
In last month’s Proclamation we ran an excerpt from a widely publicized debate between a Christian and an atheist conducted at the Willow Creek Community Church in Willow Creek, Illinois, in June of 1993. Many arguments on both sides were advanced that night, but the particular question at issue in our printed excerpt was: “What […]
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Published
October 1, 1993
The following excerpt is transcribed from the audio version of a debate held before about 8000 persons at the Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC) in Willow Creek, Illinois, on June 27, 1993. This debate was first broadcast live on The Moody Broadcasting Network. The debater for atheism was Frank R. Zindler, and the debater for […]
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Published
September 1, 1993
A: “No, sir, Christianity is not for me – there are way too many unresolved questions.” B: “Oh, really? For instance?” A: “Well, for one thing, I can’t accept all those contradictions in the Bible.” B: “Bible contradictions? Really? How about giving me an example of one?” A: “Sure. For instance, in, uh, …well, like, […]
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Published
August 1, 1993
An ancient burial cave was recently excavated in Jerusalem. One casket had a name carved on it: “Joseph, son of Caiaphas”. Immediately biblical scholars took notice. The high priest in Jesus’ day was named Joseph, often called Caiaphas. Could these be the remains of the man who handed Jesus over to the Romans? Many archaeologists […]
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Published
July 1, 1993
At approximately 1:37pm on Thursday afternoon, June 3, 1993, a nice Mormon couple walked in and sat down in my living room at the Parsonage. They were probably in their mid-60s. New to the area, they had called twice before, and had even come to the door once, asking to visit. Finally, I agreed. Once […]
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Published
June 1, 1993
On July 1, 1818, a little boy was born in Budapest, Hungary. His mother named him Ignaz. As the boy grew, so did his interest in medicine and the sciences. Eventually, he became a doctor. In his work at the Vienna General Hospital, Ignaz saw many victims of the highly contagious and often deadly puerperal […]
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Published
May 1, 1993
Is the human body the carefully crafted work of an Intelligent Designer or merely the prevailing product of impersonal evolutionary processes? In the ongoing debate between creationists and macro-evolutionists over credible evidences for the origins and development of life on earth, the matter of vestigial organs is often raised. “If an Intelligent God really did […]
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Published
April 1, 1993
“It is the moment before sundown in Jerusalem. On the hill of Golgotha three bodies are suspended on crosses. Two, the thieves, are dead. The third appears so. This is the drugged body of Jesus of Nazareth, the man who planned his own crucifixion, who contrived to be given a soporific potion to put him […]
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Published
March 1, 1993
I believe that it was in 1987 when I first heard about A Course in Miracles. Someone had loaned me a copy and I gave it a brief, cursory, reading. Since then I’ve been following the growing influence of this book in the Western world with great intrigue. Two years ago I purchased a copy […]
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Published
February 1, 1993
Volume 3 • No. 5 • February, 1993 Download PDF
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Published
January 1, 1993
The hall is packed. A feeling of anticipation, even suspense, is in the air. It would seem that the stakes are high. A number of attendees, to date on record as skeptics, have voiced an openness about actually changing their position on matters of faith if the evidence tonight is sufficiently persuasive. And now the […]
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Published
December 1, 1992
People who believe in God are known as theists. People who believe in more than one God are known as polytheists. People who believe that God and nature are one–that somehow God is the grass, the moon, and the stars–are known as pantheists. But in this piece I am addressing those of you among our […]
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Published
November 1, 1992
1805-1887 John Stoltzfus, Sr. In 1872 this man moved from his farm in Gap, Pennsylvania, to Knox County, Tennessee. He was 66 years of age at the time. He was described as a “servant of the Lord”, and a man with “deep spiritual concern for his family and the church”, both of which he went […]
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Published
October 1, 1992
In this article I am particularly addressing those among our neighbors, friends, and readers who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious alliance now totaling over two million members worldwide. Over the years I have come to be personally acquainted with a number of you. In spite of our very significant differences, I have often had to […]
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Published
September 1, 1992
Little Johnny is trudging through the amusement park. His fist is clenched tightly. He is proudly holding onto the string of that great big helium-filled balloon his mother finally agreed to buy him. But suddenly he is jarred by a passer-by. His hand slips. And Johnny’s balloon is …uh, unfortunately, up, up, and away! Not […]
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Published
August 1, 1992
Dear Ted, We have been sending you our monthly thoughtletter for just over one year now. I trust that it has, in fact, been coming before you, and that you have at least occasionally read it with interest. Although we have never met personally, I have been intrigued by what I know of your life’s […]
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Published
July 1, 1992
Is the Bible a good book? Do you really think so? Many folks (perhaps you are among them) with whom I speak tend to question the idea of whether Jonah was ever really swallowed by a great fish. Others whom I know rather doubt the doctrine of a literal, seven-solar-days creation week. And I am […]
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Published
June 1, 1992
A: “Why should I believe that any supernatural intelligence exists outside the realm of space and time as we know it on this planet?” B: “Are you asking me how I know that God exists?” A: “Not necessarily. I’m just asking for some compelling evidence of the existence of any superior Intelligence. Whether or not […]
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Published
May 1, 1992
This month I am particularly writing to those of you who, as friends among our readers, are of the Islamic faith. If we are to believe recent statistics, you are now among ten million Muslims here in the United States, and among close to one billion Muslims worldwide–nearly one of every five persons on this […]
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Published
April 1, 1992
Early last month a man visiting in my home told me that he had once been declared dead. “They had even wheeled me into the morgue”, he said. “But when my mother came in to look at me, she saw me move. So they took me back out and finally brought me around. My mother […]
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Published
March 1, 1992
Volume 2 • No. 3 • March, 1992 (revised to 5/2020) Download PDF
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Published
February 1, 1992
Are there any mistakes in the Bible? Is the Bible TOTALLY without error in ALL that it affirms? Many of us who would say “no” to the first question and “yes” to the second would do so with one major qualification. “In the original autographs”, we would say, “there were/are no errors.” But exactly what […]
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Published
January 1, 1992
The most disappointing and disturbing news to surface in a long while is noted on pages 83-85 of the 1991 Barna Report’s What Americans Believe. According to OmniPoll, an annual tracking survey conducted by the Barna Research Group of Glendale CA in January of 1991, a full 66% of Americans now deny that there is […]
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Published
September 1, 1991
On Monday morning, August 26, 1991, residents of Waterville, Maine, opened their morning newspaper to find a column by Bill Cripe entitled “New Age Advocates Are Entering the World of the Occult.” Bill’s extremely articulate column, “Looking Up”, appears biweekly in the Central Maine Morning Sentinel. On August 26, Bill wrote that the one thing […]
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Published
August 1, 1991
Are the Biblical manuscripts reliable? Skipp Porteous says “no”. In his newly released book, “Jesus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”, author Porteous says that much of the Bible is full of “inconsistencies and contradictions.” He says that the Gospel writers mostly recorded only hearsay. Fifty members of The Jesus Seminar agree. After a six-year study, this […]
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Published
July 1, 1991
“Evolutionists believe in dinosaurs, right?” “Right.” “And you, as a creationist, believe that Darwinian macro-evolutionary theory is incorrect, right?” “Right.” “Then what do you do with dinosaurs?” “I do the same thing with dinosaurs that I do with hot fudge sundaes.” “You do what?!” “Friend, to my knowledge, most evolutionists also ‘believe in’ hot fudge […]
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Published
June 1, 1991
Jesus Christ, a spirit brother of the devil? Jesus of Nazareth, married to Mary Magdalene, engaging in sexual acts with Mary and Martha, secretly fathering children before His crucifixion? What is this, another sacrilegious scene from the controversial movie, The Last Temptation of Christ? No. Believe it or not, this is the teaching of the […]
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Published
May 1, 1991
Volume 1 • No. 5 • August, 1991 Download PDF
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Published
April 1, 1991
Volume 1 • No. 4 • July 1991 Download PDF
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Published
March 1, 1991
It is a matter of record that Jesus of Nazareth claimed to be God. At the approximate age of thirty years, this son of a carpenter began making some absolutely shocking statements about Himself. Eventually, He was routinely going about “making Himself equal with God”. He was accepting without challenge such titles as “Messiah”, “Master”, […]
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Published
February 1, 1991
Stephen Hawking is no dummy. In fact, the brilliant British physicist has even been described by some as “a modern-day Einstein”. And Hawking says billions. So does popular astronomer Carl Sagan. So does National Geographic magazine. So does the PBS’s excellent TV series, Nature. But not everyone says billions. Some say, “No, no. Only thousands.” […]
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Published
January 1, 1991
Volume 1 • No. 1 • April 1991 Download PDF
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