CARM Newsletter 04-05-08

WorldViews A worldview is a set of assumptions and beliefs that a person has which he uses to understand himself, others, society, reality, etc. An atheistic worldview would deny God's existence and therefore deny that we are made in God's image and deny that there are moral absolutes.  An Islamic worldview would include the idea that women can be mortgaged and beaten.  A materialist worldview would say that all things in the universe can be understood according to physical laws and only those laws.

On the other hand, God has given us his word so that we might properly comprehend the world, ourselves, morality, how we got here, where we're going, etc.  Our worldview is shaped by the revelation of Scripture and because it is, we have a proper understanding of our existence, morality, and the universe.  The better you understand and believe Christianity, the better your worldview will be.  This means that you will have an understanding of what God wants of you, how to operate in the world, and how to interpret reality.

Now, no one is without a worldview.  No one is without a set of beliefs that govern their thinking and behavior.  Whether it's atheistic, Islamic, Buddhist, new age, evolutionary, or Christian, you have a set of assumptions, a set of beliefs that form the basis of who and what you think and now.  It follows, that the more you are influenced by the secular, the more your worldview will become corrupted.  Therefore, study the Word of God and believe what it says.  Let your mind and the beliefs be shaped by its truth so you may best honor God.
Atheist Debate
April 17 2008		 I will be in Pensacola Florida on April 17th, to participate in a debate with an atheist.  The topic is "Does God exist?"  Please pray for me that I will represent the Lord properly and bring glory to his name.
  • Debate Location:  11000 University Pkwy (Conference Center bldg 22, so park in Lot 22). Pensacola, FL 32514,  (850) 474-2000
  • Debate Date and Time:  Thursday, April, 17, 2008.  7pm - 9:30 pm
  • Cost:  free
There is a problem.  I don't want to get into the particulars, but the university where this debate was to be held has not followed through with its financial support as expected by the person who arranged this debate.  Therefore, because the atheist opponent has already promoted this event through the national atheist organization and, apparently, many atheists have already purchased airline tickets to attend, the debate must go on.  So, I've really got no other option but to have CARM pick up the tab for my air travel ($576), car rental ($150), hotel costs ($200), and providing a security guard for the event ($160); approximately, $1100 total.  This is something that CARM had not planned on doing and it is leaving us financially strained. 

video cameraAlso, because of this "problem" there isn't anyone to video tape the event since the money isn't there.  I found out today (April 5th) that someone I had hoped would do the video as a backup option, just found out he is being pulled to another, mandatory video shoot.  So, he's out and we have no one to record the video.  We're stuck.  It costs several hundred dollars to hire a videographer and we just don't have it.

So, if any of you would care to help cover the costs, I would greatly it.  You could go to http://www.carm.org/goods/donations.htm and the "General Support for CARM" box to help out.  Please let us know it is for this debate.  Thanks.
Please Support ARM As summer approaches support usually dwindles.  I just wanted to remind you that if you're not already supporting CARM financially, which please consider doing so?  All we ask is a commitment of five dollars a month.  If you are interested in giving up a large Latee once a month for this ministry, please go to http://www.carm.org/goods/donationscarm.htm. Thanks

Also, the Online Schools are great way to get something for supporting CARM.
Head in
the Sand		 head in sandII couldn't pass this up.  This email is just too good to not share.  In fact, it got me thinking that this newsletter might be a great place to show some of the wacko stuff I get every now and then.  Anyway, here it is in the raw.

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"hello. i would like to email you on behalf of one of the end time prophpets of the god of abraham....Traditional christianity has really lost its way...the catholic church is the beast power in revelelation and yet christianity follows its teachings. that is exactly why only 144000 will be resurrected on christs return, to be a part of the the new government that is coming to earth in 2011. everyone else who dies will be resurrected at the end of the first 1000 years of christ's rule in a physical body to learn the truths of god. God has not been trying to save anyone. If he has been, he is doing a lousy job. My words are true and you will see for yourself very soon. starting,  on april 17th the 7 th seal of revelation will be taking effect. the first 4 trumpets will bring a total collapse to the united states and her closest allies within a 6 month period. this is the great tribulation that will last for 3.5 years beginning on april 17th 08. it will begin in the united states and by 2011 only 10 million of the population will be left of the usa. For your own good, the correct day for worship of the eternal is on the saturday, sunday was the original worship of the sun god mithris and also the day of worship for the pagan god baal. you need to repent. This is all true and once again, it is not from me but from the end time prophet of the god of abraham. i want you to keep my email address and when these disastrous events begin to take place, u may believe me and contact me again. Good luck and i hope you live in to the new age that is just ahead."
The Garden

So far, the response to my book The Garden has been very positive. I'm going to continue to submit it to publishers as it usually takes several attempts before one picks up on it. In the meantime you can obtain a copy by going to http://www.carm.org/index/garden.htm.
Biblical Worldview Conference From April 10-12 here in Boise, Idaho, there will be a Biblical Worldview Conference.  I will be speaking on three topics.  They are not yet narrowed down, but they will be, of course, dealing with apologetics, Christianity, etc.  If you are interested in information on the conference, please go to http://www.biblicalview.com.
Online Schools I'd like to remind you that CARM offers three online schools.  A lot of people sign up formouse them and they are one of the ways we use to support this ministry.  If you are interested in learning your theology, learning about false religious systems, and learning about critical thinking all in a logically arranged, self-paced, systematic manner, then please check out the schools.  It is a great way to get something for your support of this ministry. http://www.carm.org/online.htm
CARM Needs Staff CARM needs staff.  In June of next year Ryan Turner will be joining me for full-time ministry.  He's twenty-three and will be graduating with a Masters in Apologetics.  He came out here in June of this year and spent 10 days with me.  He's a great guy and he understands how much CARM can do, and how much help is needed.  I praise God for this young man. 

Are you interested in a ministry opportunity?  I am Looking for people who don't mind working hard, who will have cultists praying against them, who don't mind facing spiritual difficulties, who will have to raise their own support, who can do research, write, don't mind learning the ins and outs of CARM, and are willing to move here to Boise, Idaho.  Glamorous, huh?

I wish I had enough money to hire three people right now.  I need a programmer Web person, an administrator, researchers, writers, video editors, audio editors, etc.  The goals are to produce teaching materials in writing, audio, and video formats.  There is so much to do and I'm absolutely buried.

I know that you might be wondering why we can't do this over the Internet.  Some things can be done that way, but not everything.  I need people on site.  I need people to interact with, to brainstorm with, to sit with for long periods of time and train, to have them do video shoots with me, answer emails, maybe help with radio, etc.  In short, I need to disciple people on how to be better apologists, how to write, and how to do everything necessary to continue this ministry and/or produce their own.

You can be male or female.  You have to agree to the CARM statement of faith, and I prefer people who are educated and/or experienced in their field of expertise.  But I must reiterate; this is not an easy ministry.  It is time-consuming, often unrewarding, frustrating, etc.  But, there are rewards.  You get to know that what you produce will affect thousands of people for years to come.  This ministry is a challenge and it is not for the fainthearted.   Interested?  If so, contact me at [email protected]

Love and Hate Mail

  • Hate Mail
    • Wow! Did you really give the book by Mary Baker Eddy a chance or did you read with intent to condemn.  I have read her book and many others.  It is hard for the normal man to accept the facts that she writes about, but you have no evidence to contradict your biased statement against her.  I have met and known many Christian Scientist and they are the kindest people I know.   I have even tried using Christian Science to heal myself and it has worked at times in my life when I focused on its words.  I do not begin to question this religion, but I do question why you find it important to put it down....Maybe you need to be put under a microscope and lets see how honest you are.  Because unless you sat down at a table with Jesus yourself and he told you that you should condemn people and their religions then you are just a person who needs to condemn to feel better about your self.
    • Your duplicity is laughable.
    • obviously you had a burned out brain at 17 years old, obviously you did not study with Jehovah's Witnesses, if you did, you are now over 100 years old with no memory left.  You really need to get your mind back and study with the Witnesses.
  • Love Mail
    • I I just wanted to thank you for your site, It's great ! and very helpful, keep up the good work.
    • Thanks for your ministry.  I often find myself running to CARM when I am preparing for preaching, counseling clients or working with high school students in our computer lab at the Christian School where I teach.  Your material is quite impressive.  Keep up your insightful work.
    • Matt: I just downloaded my MOAN doc. Thank you very much for a well written treatment of Christian Doctrine. I have read a few pages and looked through the volume and I am very impressed with the material and its clarity. It is great to have something at your fingertips that can help you recall facts, references, and figures when you need it most.
    • Thanks for walking in obedience to Christ and developing this site. I am so glad to have come across it tonight!

Matt Slick
CARM President

 

 

 

 
 
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