Volume 36:Issue 4

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CONTENTS:

04 From the Editor
Research in the Age of Wikipedia

06 Response
The Legendary Flat-Earth Bible… The Demonization of Conservatism in Les Misérables… The Philosophical Package Deal of Atheism

08 Practical Hermeneutics
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Matthew 24: “New Light” or New Hermeneutic?

10 Facing the Islamic Challenge: Field-Tested Responses to Five Common Muslim Objections
by David Wood
Effective Evangelism: Because Western apologetics has placed far more emphasis on atheism than it has on Islam, many Christians know little about Islam and do not feel equipped to engage Muslims in dialogue. It should be encouraging to learn, however, that successfully defending the gospel against Muslim objections is a rather easy skill to develop.

18 The Original “Fight Club”: Understanding the Philosophy of Karl Marx
by C. Wayne Mayhall
Philosophical Apologetics: Karl Marx declared that Communist ends “can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communist revolution.” When Marx penned these words in obscurity, his threats seemed like mere bravado. Instead they shaped the twentieth century. Do they still have power in the twenty-first?

24The Great Debate about English Bible Versions: A Call for Realism and Civility
by Dave Brunn
Critical Thinking: Debates about English Bible versions are common, and much of the focus is on “literal” versus “nonliteral” translations; however, versions identified as “literal” are not nearly as literal as is commonly thought. It is fine to discuss and evaluate English Bible versions, but our discussions should be based on real translation practice, not just on philosophical ideals.

32I Love, Therefore, I Am: To The Wonder as Existential Apologetic
by John McAteer
Cultural Apologetics: Terrence Malick’s recent film, To The Wonder, is a tough movie for the average viewer to watch, but it is also a major work of art and one of the most deeply Christian films ever made. This article opens up To The Wonder and makes it more usable for apologetics.

38 Preparing for the Apocalypse: A Look at the Rise of Doomsday Preppers
by Robert Velarde
Cultural Discernment: Despite the abysmally poor track record of doomsday prophets, a growing movement emphasizing survival and preparedness in the face of anticipated widespread catastrophe has begun to garner mainstream attention. How should Christians respond to those who take prepping seriously? Are there theological ramifications?

42The Folly of Answering Distracting Atheistic Arguments
by lay Jones and Joseph E. Gorra
Practical Apologetics: Christian apologists regularly face the temptation to take seriously objections against God’s existence based on patently inadequate reasoning and evidence. It might be more wise and prudent to attune our arguments and replies to the “reasons of the heart” and not only to those of the head.

48 Thoughts on Jason Collins, Homosexuality, and Athletics
by Joe Dallas
Ethical Discernment and Cultural Apologetics: NBA center Jason Collins recently announced his homosexuality, making him the first pro ball player to come out of the closet while still playing. Amidst the chorus of support he’s received, few voices of dissent have been heard. What would JOURNAL ethics contributor Joe Dallas say to Jason if he had the chance? Read on.

54 Reviews
A Summary Critique: Christopher Boehm’s Moral OriginsDirector Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel

58 Viewpoint
Interfaith Worship: How Should Christians Respond?

62 Ask Hank
Is Soul Sleep Biblical?