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We have another round of excellent questions from our viewers at Bellator Christi.com. On today’s podcast we answer the following questions that were submitted to us at the website:
From Seeking Answers 123abc3
1) Why don’t Christians observe circumcision?
2) Why don’t Christians observe the sabbath?
3) When did the New Testament times (i.e. when Old Testament commands were no longer required to be followed but New Testament commands were to be followed instead) begin? Was is the moment Jesus died for our sins?
4) How would you respond to someone who claims that circumcision and the sabbath were commanded by God for God’s people on a permanent basis and were meant to be observed permanently? Is this true? How do we reconcile the New Testament teachings on this with the Old Testament teachings on this (i.e., it was meant to be on a permanent basis, how do we reconcile the New Testament teachings on this)?
From Kerry:
What would have happened if Judas had not turned in Jesus?
From New Guy abc1234 (referencing an article from the Telegraph that claimed that Paul’s conversion was either from an epilepsy or a fireball strike):
The article states ‘A documentary about St Paul has infuriated Christians by suggesting that the apostle’s conversion on the road to Damascus may have been caused by an epileptic fit’ How would you respond to this claim?
7) The article also states ‘An even more bizarre theory, suggested by Dr John Derr, an American earthquake expert, is that Paul could have been struck by a bolt of electro-magnetic energy, similar to ball lightning, released by an earthquake. The programme quotes scientists saying that such an event could have triggered what Paul would believe to be a mystical experience, as well as leaving him blind for several days.’ [I also came across this article ‘Was Saint Paul struck blind and converted by lightning?’ by Bullock JD (Department of Ophthalmology, Wright State University, School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7801224 which claims ‘In the Bible, St. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was struck blind by a light from heaven. Three days later his vision was restored by a “laying on of hands.” The circumstances surrounding his blindness represent an important episode in the history of religion. Numerous theories have been proposed to account for this event which has been the subject of interest of theologians, philosophers, artists, and physicians. A lightning strike could explain all of the features of this episode.’ How would you respond to this claim also? I would very much appreciate your response to these claims, especially claim 2). Hope you can help. God bless p.s. The best response I could find online was https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/epilepsy-as-religious-experience which seems to respond to claim 1) more than claim 2). I was hoping you could also respond to the above claims or build on the response found in this article.
To submit your question to Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com/submit-a-question-to-bellator-christi/and fill out the form. Your question may be featured on a future podcast or article.
About the Host
Brian Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is currently in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. Brian is full member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics and the Christian Apologetics Alliance. Brian has been in the ministry for over 14 years and serves as the pastor of Huntsville Baptist Church in Yadkinville, North Carolina.
About the Podcast
The Bellator Christi Podcast is a bi-weekly production of BellatorChristi.com and is protected under Creative Commons copyright. All rights reserved. The interview and commentary episode of The Bellator Christi Podcast is published each Sunday, with a weekly sermon published later in the week (normally on Thursdays). The theme song is “Crucified,” written by John and Michaela Lemonis, performed by Crosby Lane, and produced by Mansion Entertainment (https://crosbylane.com). The views expressed on this podcast may not represent those of Bellator Christi or its affiliates. Be sure to subscribe to BellatorChristi.com to receive all the articles and podcasts in your inbox for free. Also, be sure to check out The Bellator Christi Podcast on iTunes, TuneIn, Stitcher and Google Play to subscribe for free.
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I don’t see why a combination of natural event cannot be blended in with supernaturalism, such as Jesus sending a lightning bolt to shake up (and sson separate?) Saul and his companions, while focusing on calling Saul to his service. Like Jhn.12:28-9, Saul heard the message, while those not called heard only static, eardrums reverberating (I’ve been reading Daniel Wallace on this). Even a vision could be given within Paul’s head (think Peter’s kosher vision). Had a bolt caused permanent visual damage, God could have healed that supernaturally (Jhn.9:3). Incidentally I suspect that having dumped him in Damascus, his companions bolted as he became a hot potato. The vision would have begun to change his theology (confirming Stephen), but given the heads up—confirmed (if needed) by deific healing—he would have gone back to his Bible and, born anew, had the spirit’s help to understand the scriptures in the light of resurrection. Like you, I do not see how unblended with supernature, a purely naturalistic explanation would cover the data.
Great point, Steve!