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Four Squares of Apologetics

Wouldn't it be great to recall all the major apologetics arguments when you need them? The Four Squares will help you learn and teach about the reasons Christianity is to be accepted as true, and will give you greater confidence in sharing your faith with others.

Samples
(right click and open in new tab / window to stream or "save target as" to download)

Track 1 - Introduction to the Four Squares
Track 2 - Creation Square

This first CD comes complete with over an hour of instruction (5 tracks) and includes notes (pdf).

Disc 1 - $5.95

Can We Trust the Gospels?

Recently "David" commented on my article about the evidence for the resurrection of Christ. David brought to light some interesting questions that I would like to interact with. So here goes:

Of course, you leave out some very concerning facts here. First and foremost is the fact that no one knows who wrote Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Most assuredly, they were not written by their namesakes, as they were only written between 75 and 150 CE. We also know that they have been translated several times from one language to another, added to and subtracted from and were anything but static right up until the whole thing was "voted" into canonization.

David, it appears your research in this area is limited and biased. I would suggest working through the classic Jesus Under Fire to see the details of what I mean. Long story short, you are making several critical assumptions that do not fit the evidence, especially in regard to the authorship and dating of the Gospels.

As to the canonization process, surely you have studied how it happened? It was not so much a selection process as it was a recognition process. Books were added because of the influence they were already having over the majority of churches, and because of their apostolic authority. The church, in order to protect the integrity of the message, simply official-ized what had already been accepted as he Word of God.

This is just as sure as many linguists and Biblical scholars agree that several of the "Pauline" epistles were more than likely not written by Paul.

There is dispute over some of Paul's letters, in other cases not so much. Just because "many" linguists and scholars agree, does not mean they are correct. There are also "many" who believe that all of Paul's letters in the NT were written by Paul. It isn't a matter of how many scholars can be pitted against the other group, it is a matter of where the evidence points. As for the Pauline letters, the best internal and external evidence points to Paul's authorship.

Moreover, it is quite simple to give the appearance of "prophecy" when events are being told hundreds of years after the supposed prophecy. (Hindsight is always 20/20.)

Not when it comes to where a person would be born (Bethlehem), or how he would die (hands and feet pierced - Ps.22), or many other uncontrollable events. In other words, your point would be valid if the biblical prophecies were not so numerous and specific. These two realities validate the prophecies as authentic.

Consider also the other 200+ "Gospels" that were not admitted into the cannon of the Bible but were readily available at the time. Thomas, Judas, Q, Mary.

David, you should research these "other" gospels very closely. The three biggest problems: 1) They are by and large late-dated documents, 2) The early church was very much aware that these were forgeries and fakes, that is why they were rejected (they were not stupid), and 3) They are the products of the gnostic cult collection of writings. It would be like arguing that the Book of Mormon should be part of the Bible. No it shouldn't, because the doctrine is drastically different. So what about these documents? They offer no serious objection to the truth of the Bible.

Agnosticism and atheism are not heresy. Even Thomas asked for proof before believing and was not rebuffed by Jesus. Jesus simply supplied him with what he needed: concrete evidence.

How are you defining heresy? Thomas was not an agnostic in the technical / philosophical sense of the word. He was agnostic for a few hours about the resurection. Once he got the evidence he was no longer an agnostic. There is ample evidence that Christianity is actually true and that Christ should be followed as Lord. Agnosticism maybe cannot be defined as heresy, but it is a position of a great danger. Read my article on this issue to see what I mean.

David, I've talked to lots of people who hold your basic position on these issues. In my opinion, it seems that the problem is not a lack of evidence, but rather a lack of desire to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Just keep in mind, he has demanded of us that we be his followers. We cannot be neutral observers in this process.

Thanks for interacting. You are in my prayers.

March Update Letter

Friends and Supporters:

Here is part of a note I received from one of my former students:

Dear Mr. Dollar, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your patience in dealing with high school kids while teaching about defending the Faith. I immensely enjoyed my time in your class and it has sparked my desire to serve God in apologetics if not full-time, at least as an opportunity to lead others to the Lord part-time.

It is this kind of feedback that keeps me going! The Lord has given us such a great opportunity at such an important time, to teach youth how to hold fast to the Truth in the midst of an array of false worldviews and religions. Thank you so much for your continued investments to keep this ministry strong.

On the family front, we are facing a tremendous challenge. Page’s position in the missions department at Briarwood has been dissolved. We trust the Lord in this situation, believing that the he will provide our needs, as Proverb 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

With this new situation, we realize that we must be more diligent as fundraisers. Please pray that we would have a proper understanding of our ministry and what it means to fund it. We are not asking for “donations.” We are asking people to invest in the expansion of the Kingdom of God, through the teaching of apologetics.

So we are planning a major fundraising and prayer dinner at our church (Ridgecrest Baptist Church) in the next few weeks. We will be mailing each of you invitations, and there will be food involved. I will also be giving a short presentation of the progress the Lord has brought to this ministry. Page and I hope that each of you who can will come. Your presence will be a powerful show of support.

Finally, keep checking the website (jasondollar.net) for ministry updates. The book Contend should be available mid-May (co-written with Bradley Pinkerton). The first recording describing the Four Squares of Apologetics should also be available in the next few weeks.

We really, really appreciate all your prayers, encouraging words, and investments into our lives. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or ministry needs you might have.

All for Christ,

Jason – Ps. 16:11   

Josh and John Lennox

One of my students from last year has figured out how to get to my heart! Josh attended the recent debate here in Birmingham between Christopher Hitchens and John Lennox. Though he had been out of my class for nearly a year, Josh thought of me! He bought one of Dr. Lennox's recent books, and had him autograph it "To Jason Dollar."

Those of you who have never heard Dr. Lennox before - go here. You will learn much.

Josh also wrote me a very nice and meaningful note which I would like to share here:

Dear Mr. Dollar,

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your patience in dealing with high school kids while teaching about defending the Faith. I immensely enjoyed my time in your class and it has sparked my desire to serve God in apologetics if not full-time, at least as an oppotunity to lead others to the Lord part-time. I had the opportunity to attend a debate at Samford University. I picked up this book and sincerely hope you enjoy it.

A fellow Defender,
Josh

Josh, to be able to invest into your life and see your passion and zeal for the Lord's glory brings me immense pleasure! Thanks so much for the book.

Spring Break Blues

I can't believe it. Spring Break is over. For those of you who don't teach for a living, it's probably hard to understand (since you never get a break). But remember back in school waiting for Spring Break (or AEA) to come? Oh, what a feeling when that Friday finally came and the bell sounded for the final time. Sweet bliss.

Seven days later...

Tomorrow morning, I will see students coming into class at 7:50 AM with dreary, red eyes. They are not allowed to have coffee in class, but they will want it, badly. I will be drinking it right in front of them, and not feeling bad about it!

I'm actually excited to be starting back. I have been able this week to evaluate some of the reasons I teach, and it has hit me again just how incredible a gift I have been given, to play a role in influencing the next generation for the glory of Jesus Christ. This time of year, it is easy to slip into the only-ten-weeks-until-May-31 mindset. But finishing strong is of vital importance when it comes to such weighty, eternal issues.

Audio: Fools for Christ

I don't endorse any of the ads that might pop up on this player (hey, what do you expect? It was free!)

Biography

I'm pretty much just a teacher. I love to teach God's truth to students and show them great respect and love as I instruct them.

A former pastor, I currently teach full time at Shades Mountain Christian School in Birmingham, AL and I work as the youth specialist for the Apologetics Resource Center, a position that gives me the opportunity to teach youth groups, camps, retreats, home school groups, and in other settings. I graduated from Southeastern Bible College and Birmingham Theological Seminary. I'm bald and do a pretty fair Yoda impression.

Most important accomplishment: I married Page. We have four children!

Favorite food: Lots

Favorite team: Atlanta Braves

Place of birth: Carrolton, Georgia

Most meaningful verse: 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near, therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Why apologetics? I am a skeptic at heart. I want proof before I believe something. There is overwhelming evidence that Christianity is the only truth, but I don't think most young people realize that. So here the Lord has me.

High School Clique: It might surprise you that I was a Floater Nerd. Meaning, I felt most at home with the nerds, but I had the ability to float to the other groups a little as well (even the jocks, but not really and not much).

Some Nice Things Folks Have Said - Thanks

“Jason, It was an awesome week with kids solidifying their beliefs and learning to defend them. Thanks for your passion in sharing God's truth!” - Caroline (Camp counselor, Pittsburgh, PN)

“Hey Jason! Thanks for making Middle School Week a great week! We are looking forward to having you back next week for Sr. High!” - Ann Nelson (Ponderosa Bible Camp, Mentone, AL)

“Hey Jason! My name is Hayley, I was TEAM member last week at camp! Your were amazing, I was a little on the not understanding part the first night and then you really started to get into it and I really comprehended it! Thank you so much for coming and speaking!”- Hayley (A camper at Ponderosa Bible Camp, Mentone, AL)

“You and Page made camp a great experience for the young people. Thank you for the apologetics presentation.” - Tom Smith (Pastor, Burry’s Church, Rochester, PN)

“Dear Jason, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you taking your time to come up to Mentone and teach all of us apologetics. I found it all soooooo interesting. I found it a shame that we did not get to finish the notes you gave us. I was looking forward to filling it all out. Oh well. I hope I will be able to use the things you taught us to help defend the Christian faith someday. Thank you again.” - Pamela (Camper at Ponderosa Bible Camp, Mentone, AL)

Speaking

Your group will be challenged

Christians of all ages enjoy learning apologetics. I am available to teach your group, regardless of the size or age.

• Youth meetings
• Camp
• D-now
• Pulpit supply
• Retreat

Or any type of gathering where learning to defend the Christian faith is the goal.

I'm the co-author of the book Contend, which is survey of apologetics on a high school level. My passion is taking difficult to understand concepts and making them easy to grasp, so that God would be honored in our lives.

Read Jason's Bio



Consider having a few sessions on the Four Squares of Apologetics. This method of learning apologetics is designed not only to help people learn how the faith is defended, but to give them the tools to defend the faith for themselves.




EMAIL Me to schedule your apologetics event today.

Links

Apologetics Resources

Academy of Christain Apologetics
Answering Islam
Apologetics Resource Center
Apologetics Wiki
Apologetics.com
Atheist Delusion
Bethinking.org
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministy (CARM)
Christian Worldview Network
Design Inference Website - The Writings of William A. Dembski
Dr. Douglas Groothuis - Free Lectures on Apologetics!
EveryStudent.com
Impact 360
Leadership University
NAMB Apologetics
Probe Ministries
Professor Alister E. McGrath
Reasonable Faith - William Lane Craig
Stand to Reason
Teckton Apologetics Ministry


Must Hear Preaching

Brian Branam
John MacArthur
John Piper
R.C. Sproul

Articles

General Apologetics

• Meeting Your Greatest Need
• Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
• Jesus Christ - the Man Who Said He Was God and Proved It
• Something and Not Nothing: The Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God
• The Problem of Evil and Suffering
• The Problem of Pointless Evil and Suffering
• Teaching Apologetics to High School Students

False Worldviews and Religions

• Peter Gregerson's Wise and Painful Departure from the Watchtower
• Why Jesus Is Trustworthy but Muhammad Is Not
• Examining Agnosticism

Other

• Churches Should Not Split Over Calvinism and Arminianism
• Philosophical Ethics of Christian Hedonism
  

Invest Here
The teaching of apologetics is having a powerful impact on our culture and is a worthwhile investment. Please pray for this ministry and consider financial support. All donations are tax deductible.