Answer by John Mackay and Diane Eager Creation Unfolding: A New Perspective on Ex Nihilo by Ken. P. Coulson, was published by Phaneros Press in 2020. The core idea of Ken Coulson’s work is that he has devised a new explanation of creation, which he calls Supernatural Formative Process Theory (SFPT). The claimed benefit of […]
Category: Theology
TIM KELLER ON EVOLUTION & ADAM: Is evolution compatible with Adam and Eve and the Fall of Man? Keller says it is.
Answer by John Mackay and Diane Eager This question relates to an article by Time Keller on the Gospel Coalition website. Tim Keller (MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan, chairman of Redeemer City to City, and founder of The Gospel Coalition. Tim Keller was […]
PARABLE? Is Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus a parable?
Answer by Diane Eager and John Mackay The account of the rich man and Lazarus is recorded in Luke 16:19-31 and contrasts two very different Jewish people: an extremely wealthy man living an indulgent lifestyle in opulent accommodation, and a poor beggar named Lazarus who suffering from diseased skin (most likely as a result of […]
GENESIS ASSUMPTIONS: A preacher stated Genesis assumes the existence of God. Is this correct?
The original question was: Recently I heard an evangelical pastor preach a message on Genesis, where he told us that the first verse assumes the existence of God. Is this correct? Answer John Mackay and Diane Eager The first verse of Genesis makes the straightforward statement that: “In the beginning God created the heaven and […]
CRYSTAL POWER? Many people believe crystals have spiritual power for health and well-being. Do crystals have any power?
The original questions was:Many religions around the world such as Hinduism and Buddhism place great trust in crystals and crystal power. Many modern people in western societies believe crystals can enhance health and well-being. Do crystals really have real power? Answer by John Mackay From Aboriginal to Zen, crystals from beautiful Amethyst to spectacular Zircons, […]
SYMBOLIC? How do we know Genesis is not a symbolic account of creation with the real point being God did it?
Answer by John Mackay There are several issues here that must be thought through: How do we know when words are symbolic? For example: one generation said: “That was great!” The next gen said: “That was wicked!”, which then became: “This is epic!” Did they mean the same thing? What clues tell us one word […]
GENESIS 3 SERPENT: could it speak, was it changed, and why God did punish it and not Satan?
Answer by John Mackay and Diane Eager. These questions arose from a longer criticism of the events described in Genesis 3, especially the verbal temptation of Eve and God’s judgment on the serpent. The main issues raised were: The serpent is described as a wild animal, and according to today’s scientific classification system it was […]
LIVING IN EDEN: Do we know how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden?
Answer by John Mackay and Diane Eager The short answer is that we are not specifically told in terms of days, months, or years, however, there are clues, which strongly indicate it wasn’t very long. The most obvious one is that Eve was not pregnant at the time they were sent out of the Garden. […]
TIME IN EDEN: The Bible doesn’t say how long Adam & Eve were in the Garden. Does this allow an old earth?
Answer by John Mackay It’s true that some old earthers do argue that since we are not told how many days or weeks Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, this leaves the door open to allow the possibility of an old earth. However, here is one aspect that most people do not […]
HOMOSEXUAL SIN: If homosexuality is sin, why isn’t it sin to eat shellfish, shave beards and work on Saturday?
The original question was: If you claim homosexuality is a sin, then why don’t you refrain from eating seafood, working on Saturdays, shaving your beard, and all the other things found in the Old Testament law? Answer by John Mackay This question is referring to the Law of Moses concerning homosexuality, where it is forbidden […]