“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.”
John 20:1
Atheist vs Christian: Do Ethics Depend on God?
In light of Resurrection Sunday I wanted to share this excellent debate I just watched that I believe will be edifying to those interested. Pastor Jeff Durbin and Dr. James White of Apologia Studios debate self-identified atheist/agnostic/humanists Dr. Deen Chatergee and Jared Anderson, which took place yesterday at the University of Utah. The topic of the debate was the question “Do ethics depend on God?” I believe White and Durbin lay out an extremely effective case against the humanists, demolish their arguments, and give us a brilliant example of how to adequately “answer the fool” (Proverbs 26: 4-5), and to “give a defense for the hope that is in us” (1 Peter 3:15).
The debate is quite entertaining and humorous at times, with notable moments during cross-examination, such as while demonstrating the absurdity of the humanists’ claim that there are no moral absolutes, Durbin asks the question whether or not cannablism is morally acceptable. Anderson in his response makes the ridiculous statement that cannibals too, need to be “part of the conversation”. I almost died. This is the perfect example of what happens when “fools give up knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Also, note at about the 1:09 mark James White hanging his head in disbelief over some of their opponents statements regarding belief in Santa Claus. I digress.
“5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6
Though not specifically a debate over the resurrection per se, what struck me as the most powerful moment in the debate was in the rebuttal of James White when answering the question of why should we believe in the Christian God, when there are “so many gods” to choose from. James White answers clearly: “because we have an empty tomb.” No one else can make this claim. This is the crown jewel of our faith. We have a resurrected Lord!
Happy Easter! Watch and enjoy!