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I guess to speaks to the matter of historicity of the gospel accounts. If John was the last of the OT prophets and the forerunner of Jesus and recognized Jesus as the Christ, why didn't he join his movement to Jesus's? Rather, it looks to me that the gospel writers tried to take ownership of...

Why did John the Baptist continue his separate ministry and group of disciples if he recognized Jesus as God incarnate? In the case where he didn't fully recognize Jesus as the Messiah, why did he have to send messengers to determine this? Was he Jesus's cousin? Why did his disciples exist as...

To say this is to say that there are additional written primary sources or archaeological evidences that attest to Jesus's resurrection. I'm not aware of such things. I'm only aware of the books of the New Testament. All later writings I'm aware of aren't primary sources. I don't know. If the...

What standards were used to recognize divine inspiration of a text?

Is there anyway to post a poll on this topic? I am curious as to what is considered the most foundational source of information or confirmation by everyone. Scriptures? Mystical/Religious Experiences? Church Councils? Logical Arguments? Archaeological Evidence? I will note that these can be...

I don't think they are. If Jesus of Nazareth was God incarnate, died and was resurrected, and his death and resurrection have directly impactful consequences on the world and myself, I want to know about that. I would want some way of confirming some parts of each of these claims: Finding a way...

What of Deuterocanonical texts? How do you establish a canon of scripture in the first place in order to have scripture as a standard?

That system is coherent and has historical momentum, but how do you convince someone who has issues with the source documents of Christianity? The various councils used scriptures and other sources to substantiate their claims. Additionally, what of the councils that disagreed with other...

Yes, but when asked to demonstrate how or why something is true, there are a variety of standards. Some of which don't answer the questions. Thank you for the recommendations. I have looked at most of these things in the past. Ultimately, I tend to end up with more specific questions about the...

Christians have various standards for determining what is true when it comes to doctrine: Some protestants say only what is in Scripture and the Holy Spirit will enlighten the sincere reader. Charismatics may say something similar, but also require a significant emotional experience. Other...

Does God choose what he committed to do? Does he choose his plans and purpose? Are there limits on what he could choose or plan? Once committed, can he change his mind?

Thank you. I have 'watched' the thread in TAW. Give my thanks to Fr. Matt and to anyone else who joins the discussion.

Okay. It's not the content of the Bible for which justification is being asked. God has the opportunity to add to the set of revealed knowledge at any time. I don't understand distinctions you are making or what they are explaining about revelation. The things you've said describe content of...

As would be expected. But why is that what should be expected? Why not drop a hint or quick summary of some information about the workings of the natural world? Why Jesus fullstop? Why not Jesus AND other things? Why not Jesus as revealer of other things? It seems like it would be spiritually...

Accepting the idea that God is in no way dependent or compelled by anything he created, are there things about himself or whatever pre-creation state or 'environment' (for lack of a better word) that do limit his goals in regard to his creation? Does it make sense to say that God was "orderly...

Thank you for the book suggestion; I will take a look. I am unable to post in The Ancient Way because congregational/denominational sub-forums only allow Christian posters. As a non-Christian I can read, but I can't post (there's no buttons for it), even in debate or question sub-forums.

Thank you. However, I don't have the permission to post there or the sub-forums.

True. I asked the question more directly in a post above. Should I repost my question as a new topic? ??

BrainInVat hasn't logged on in 7 years. Germ theory is the idea that most types of diseases are caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.). Humans didn't know about this until the late 19th century. BrainInVat was saying that if Jesus, being God, knew about the usefulness of...

Are there Christians who entertain the notion that God has a greater context or environment in which he exists? Perhaps God needs nothing or is not compelled by anything within the boundary conditions of his environment, but there could be structures in place that are 'out-of-bounds' in regard...