Standing for Truth Debates - Index Page

Upcoming (updated January 7, 2025):

[proposed - date not set] Debate | Chris Date vs. TurretinFan | Lake of Fire and the Second Death

Completed 2024:

2024/12/11: The Nature of Hell Debate | TurretinFan vs. Curious Christianity - Eternal Torment vs. Annihilation

2024/11/16: The Great Total Depravity Debate | TurretinFan vs. Dr. Georges Antonios

2024/09/14: The Great Purgatory Debate | William Albrecht vs. TurretinFan - Is Purgatory Biblical & Ancient?

2024/06/24: The Great Calvinism Debate | TurretinFan vs. Sam Shamoun - Is Limited Atonement Biblical?

2024/06/07: Open Theism Debate | TurretinFan vs. Warren McGrew - Dynamic Omniscience

2024/05/29: DEBATE | Foreknowledge and Free Will - TurretinFan vs. Dan Chapa

2024/05/17: The Great John 15 Debate | Chris Morrison vs. TurretinFan - Free Grace vs. Lordship Salvation

2024/04/22: 2V2 DEBATE  | The Immaculate Conception || William Albrecht & Elijah Yasi VS. TurretinFan & C Jay Cox

2024/03/11:   Bible Translation Debate | King James Only? || Will Kinney vs. TurretinFan

2024/03/08: DEBATE Was the Apostolic Church Monoepiscopal? TurretinFan vs. Craig Truglia

2024/03/02: Soteriology Double Header Night (DEBATE TWO) | 1 John - TurretinFan vs. Charles Jennings

2024/02/19: The Great 2 Peter 2:1 Debate | Pastor Anthony Aquino vs. TurretinFan

2024/01/06: DEBATE | Is Limited Atonement Biblical? - TurretinFan vs. Joshua Pettit

Completed 2023:

2023/12/09: DEBATE | What is the Relationship Between Faith and Works? || Chris Morrison vs. TurretinFan

2023/11/04: The Great Faith Alone Debate | TurretinFan vs. Seraphim Hamilton

2023/10/28: Debate on Original Sin: Romans 5 - TurretinFan vs. Layman Bible Lounge

2023/08/25: 2V2 DEBATE | The Assumption of Mary || William Albrecht & Sam Shamoun VS. TurretinFan & Dan Chapa

2023/07/31: DEBATE | Does Regeneration Precede Faith? || TurretinFan vs. Kevin's Biblical Discussions

2023/05/12: DEBATE | The Veneration of Religious Icons - TurretinFan vs. Craig Truglia

2023/05/20: Soteriology Showdown | 2V2 DEBATE - TurretinFan & Dan Chapa Vs. Charles Jennings & Eli Haitov

2023/04/11: King James Error Debate | Is "Easter" the Wrong Translation? || TurretinFan vs. Nick Sayers

2023/03/10: King James Error Debate | Is "Unicorn" the Wrong Translation? || Nick Sayers vs. TurretinFan

2023/02/08: CALVINISM DEBATE | Is Limited Atonement Biblical? - TurretinFan vs. Pastor Anthony Aquino

2023/02/06: Soteriology Debate | Free Grace Theology vs. Lordship Salvation - Eli Haitov vs. TurretinFan

2023/01/02: King James Only Debate | Is the KJB Free From All Errors? - Nick Sayers vs. TurretinFan

Completed 2022:

2022/12/19: Limited Atonement Debate | What is the True Meaning of 1 Timothy 4:10? - TurretinFan vs. Dan Chapa

2022/12/10: Salvation Debate | Do all Christians Persevere/Endure? - TurretinFan vs. Charles Jennings

2022/10/29: Does John 6 Teach the Calvinist Doctrine of Effectual Calling? - TurretinFan vs. Kelly Powers

2022/09/27: The Hell debate | Does Scripture Teach Eternal Conscious Torment? - TurretinFan vs. Praise IAM

2022/08/31: DEBATE | Annihilation vs Eternal Torment - C. Jay Cox vs. TurretinFan

2022/07/06: DEBATE | The King James Only Controversy || Will Kinney vs TurretinFan

2022/06/11: Soteriology Debate | Do All Christians Persevere to the End? || Francis Turretin vs. Joshua Gibbs

My Friend Dan's Episodes on the same channel:

2024/11/15: SALVATION DEBATE | Can Christians Fall Away and still be Saved? - Ditmar Hoxha vs. Dan Chapa

2024/09/20: The Great Eucharist Debate | Catholic VS. Protestant - Robert Sungenis VS. Dan Chapa

2024/08/28: DEBATE | Is Unconditional Election Biblical? Will Kinney vs. Dan Chapa

2024/06/10: The Great Romans 9 Debate | Vic Rockhill Vs Dan Chapa - Does Romans 9 Teach Unconditional Election?

2024/05/29: DEBATE | Foreknowledge and Free Will - TurretinFan vs. Dan Chapa

2024/05/18: The Great John 15 Debate | Charles Jennings vs. Dan Chapa - Free Grace vs. Lordship Salvation

2024/03/02: Soteriology Double Header Night (DEBATE ONE) | 1 John - Dan Chapa vs. Chris Morrison

2023/12/04: DEBATE | Is Only Initial Justification Required to be Saved? - Praise I AM vs. Dan Chapa

2023/08/25: 2V2 DEBATE | The Assumption of Mary || William Albrecht & Sam Shamoun VS. TurretinFan & Dan Chapa

2023/07/10: DISCUSSION | Limited Atonement - Matt Slick vs. Dan Chapa

2023/05/20: Soteriology Showdown | 2V2 DEBATE - TurretinFan & Dan Chapa Vs. Charles Jennings & Eli Haitov

2023/04/27: DEBATE | Is Total Depravity Biblical? - Dan Chapa vs. Warren McGrew

2023/03/22: Soteriology Debate | What is the best exegesis of James 2? || Dan Chapa vs. Eli Haitov

2023/02/25: DEBATE | Warning Passages of Hebrews - Charles Jennings (Free Grace) vs. Dan Chapa (Lordship)

2022/12/19: Limited Atonement Debate | What is the True Meaning of 1 Timothy 4:10? - TurretinFan vs. Dan Chapa

Limited Atonement - Notes for a Debate on the Subject

Why Limited Atonement?

It’s explicitly taught in Scripture that Christ died for his people:

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Purpose:

Save his people:

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

What “For” Means 

1. “On Behalf of”

Example:

Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

 

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

2. “Because of”

Exodus 22:3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

Ezekiel 18:26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

3. “Instead of”

Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

John 11:49-52 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Metaphors of Scripture

Sacrificial Metaphor

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Redemption Metaphor

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Debt Cancellation Metaphor & Rescue Metaphor

Colossians 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Suretyship Metaphor

Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

Ransom Metaphor

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Commercial Metaphor

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

James White: The Same Sex Marriage Debate vs Codrington

Dr. White debated Graeme Codrington on the topic of same sex marriage (link to debate on SermonAudio). I agreed with Codrington that Dr. White did an excellent job defending the "traditional" view. I wanted to mention a few points that occurred to me in listening to the debate, while encouraging you, my reader, to go listen to the debate for yourself. Also check out the related debate that I mention in my comments below.

1) Heteronomative Scripture
Dr. White made a good point in the debate that it's more than just the "six verses" that specifically call out homosexual practices as sin. Instead, the remainder of Scripture provides a positive presentation regarding sexuality. That positive presentation makes heterosexual relations the norm. That's an important point, because it frames the issue. Within the context of Scripture, the pattern is "husband and wife" not simply life partners.

2) Patriarchal Scripture
Codrington raised the point that Scriptures present a patriarchal model in which there is male headship and even male ownership of wives and children. I noticed a similar issue arise in the debate between Jason Wallace and Scott Dalgarno (link to youtube video of that debate). One thing we need to be prepared to do is to confound Codrington and Dalgarno by affirming that the Biblical norm of patriarchy. Basic consistency does demand this from us - if we are going to affirm the creation ordinance of heterosexual marriage, we should also affirm the creation ordinance of how that heterosexual marriage is to be ordered. There is a sort of perverse consistency to Codrington and Dalgarno rejecting the Biblical norm of heterosexuality, given that they have already rejected the Biblical norm of patriarchy. If Biblical norms for the ordering of society matter, we should hold the. If they don't matter, we shouldn't insist on them.

3) Ownership of Humans in Scripture
Codrington and Dalgarno raised the ubiquitous objection that Scripture doesn't condemn slavery. Again, we need to be prepared to confound these men by affirming the Scripture's position. We are "bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20 and 7:23). We are slaves of Jesus, our master. He owns us. We are his property. We are not absolutely opposed to slavery on Enlightenment grounds, even though we are opposed to any form of slavery that is based on denying the full humanity of people based on their skin color or the like. We recognize that the Bible affirmed that slaves were the property of their masters (e.g. Exodus 21:20-21 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.). Thus, we don't agree with the idea that it is somehow intrinsically immoral for a man to own another man, even though we recognize limitations on that ownership (see the same verses above).

Both Codrington and Dalgarno seem to take for granted that the Bible was wrong on the relationship of masters and slaves, husbands and wives, and parents and children. The "liberal church" has certainly begun to take those debates for granted. We need to be ready to shock them by affirming that the Bible was right on those things.

Formal Debates - Index

Formal Oral Debates

Hell

1. “Some people will not be saved from their sins according to the following passages and their contexts: 2 Thess. 1:9, Matt. 25:41/46, Matt. 18:8, Romans 9:22 and Jude 1:6.” (T-Fan affirmative vs. Jason Pratt) (part 1)(part 2)(part 3)

2. “Unsaved humans will suffer everlasting conscious torment.” (T-Fan negative vs. Ronnie)(part 1)(part 2)

Calvinism

1. "The Bible Teaches Libertarian Free Will" (T-Fan negative vs. Dan Chapa)(google docs with mp3)

2. "The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart" (T-Fan arguing Calvinistic side vs. Louis Ruggiero aka LouRugg)(wma version)(mp3 version)

Roman Catholicism

- With Dan Marcum - Purgatory Debate (mp3)

- With William Albrecht aka GNRHead:

     Marian Debates

1. Assumption of Mary Debate
2. Immaculate Conception Debate
3. Mother of God Debate
4. Perpetual Virginity Debate
5. Veneration of Mary Debate (transcript)(main page)(Follow-Up Part 1)(Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)(Part 6)(Part 7)(Part 8)
6. Is Marian Devotion Intrinsic to Christian Worship? (page with embedded version)

    Other Debates

1. Latria-Dulia Debate (transcript)
2. Veneration of Images Debate (main page - with follow-up)(further follow-up)
3. Augustine Transubstantiation Debate
4. Purgatory Debate
5. Canon Debate (main page)(second main page)
6. Papal Infallibility Debate (main page)
7. Sola Scriptura and Unity Debate (main page)
8. Sola Fide Debate (main page)
9. Is the Apocrypha God's Word? (page with embedded version)

Formal Written Debates

1. Sola Scriptura vs. Roman Catholicism (vs. Matthew Bellisario)(index page)
2. Sola Scriptura vs. Eastern Orthodoxy (vs. "Orthodox")(tagged pages on debate blog)
3. Holy Water Debate (vs. PhatCatholic aka Nicholas Hardesty)(tagged pages on debate blog)
4. Genuine Christian Apostasy Debate (T-Fan negative vs. J.C. Thibodaux)(tagged pages on debate blog)
5. Atonement Debate (vs. "Catholic Nick")(tagged pages on debate blog)
6. Regulative Principle debate (vs. Centuri0n aka Frank Turk)(tagged pages at Cent's debate blog)

-TurretinFan

Free Debates Featuring James White

I was reluctant to post this list, because I'm concerned that people who might otherwise support Dr. White's ministry by buying copies of the debates will just watch them for free.  However, I trust that people who would support Dr. White's ministry by buying his debates will consider doing so in some other way, since his ministry is reliant on support of Christians who support what he's doing.

Moreover, keep in mind that the debates below represent less than a quarter of the debates Dr. White has done.  (see here for a list of debates you can get at store.aomin.org - that list may need to be updated at some point)

1. David Bernard vs. James White, "Are Tongues Necessary?" (informal radio debate on WMCA radio in New York, circa August 18, 2003) (mp3) (Audio-only on Youtube part 1/5)(part 2/5)(part 3/5)(part 4/5)(part 5/5)
2. Jack Moorman vs. James White, "Should we Exclusively Use the King James Bible?" (television debate on Revelation TV, February 2, 2011) (Youtube)
3. Jalal Abualrub vs. James White, "Is Jesus Christ God?" (March 2008) (Youtube - Part 1)(Youtube - Part 2)
4. Nadir Ahmed vs. James White, "Can We Trust What the New Testament Tells Us about Jesus and the Gospel?" (March 21, 2008) (Youtube)
5. Ehteshaam Gulam vs. James White, "Jesus:  A Prophet of Allah or Divine Son of God?" (June 21, 2010) (Youtube)
6. Robert Fastiggi vs. James White, "The Doctrine of Mary Debate" (Youtube - part 1)(part 2)(part 3)(part 4)(part 5)(part 6)(part 7)(part 8)(part 9)
7. Robert Fastiggi vs. James White, "Indulgences Debate" (Youtube)
8. Abdullah al Andalusi vs. James White, "The Big Trinity Debate" (Youtube - part 1)(part 2)(part 3)
9. Abdullah al Andalusi vs. James White, "Does the Trinity Equal Polytheism?" (The "Unbelievable" radio show on Premier Christian Radio)(Youtube - video)
10. Robert Fastiggi vs. James White, "Papal Infallibility Debate" (Youtube)
11. James White vs. Adnan Rashid, "Did Jesus & Mohammed preach the same thing?" (Trinity College) (Youtube - Part 1)(Youtube - Part 2)
12. James White vs. Adnan Rashid "Bible or the Qur'an?" (UCD, Ireland) (Youtube - Part 1) (Youtube - Part 2)
13. NT Wright vs. James White "St. Paul and Justification" (Unbelievable Radio) (Youtube)
14. James White vs Shabir Ally - Did Jesus Claim Deity? (2012) (Youtube)
15. Shabir Ally vs James White - "Is the Bible the inspired Word Of God" (Youtube)
16. James White vs. Robert Sungenis "Predestination Debate 2010" (part 1)(part 2)(part 3)(part 4)(part 5)(part 6)(part 7)(part 8)(part 9)(part 10)(part 11)
17. James White vs. Robert Sungenis "Purgatory Debate 2010" (part 1)(part 2)
18. James White vs. Robert Sungenis "Papal Infallibility Debate" (Youtube)
19. James White vs. Robert Sungenis "Is the Roman Mass a Propitiatory Sacrifice" (Youtube)
20. James White vs. Robert Sungenis "Assumption Debate 2010" (part 1)(part 2)(part 3)(part 4)(part 5)(part 6)(part 7)(part 8)(part 9)(part 10)(part 11)
21. Dr. James White - Two Different Views on Hell Debated (Unbelievable Radio Program) (Youtube)
22. James White vs Zakir Hussain "Is Muhammed Prophesied in the Bible?" (Youtube)
23. James White vs. Sami Zaatari "Was Jesus Crucified?" (Youtube)
24. Dr. Anthony Buzzard vs Dr. James White "Is Jesus God?" (part 1) (part 2) (part 3)
25. Daniel Peterson/William Hamblin vs. James White (Mormonism topic) (Youtube Playlist)

Annihilationism / "Conditionalism" Debate

I recently debated the topic of Annihilationism in the specific form of "Conditionalism."  The debate can found in two sections (link to first part)(link to second part). Thanks very much to Chris Date (the moderator) as well as to Ronnie (my opponent) for this debate.

Ergun Caner Debate Challenge from Adnan Rashid

Adnan Rashid has issued a debate challenge to Ergun Caner.  The point of the challenge, presumably, is to demonstrate Dr. Caner's alleged personal lack of knowledge regarding Islam.  This blog has previously noted a number of errors in Dr. Caner's presentations on Islam.  However, I am not sure what particular value there would be to a debate whose central purpose is to establish or debunk the credibility of one of the debaters.  Nevertheless, if Dr. Caner considers himself an expert on Islam, and thinks he can demonstrate that, this debate challenge provides an opportunity for him to do so.


Adnan uses an interesting turn of phrase in describing Caner's books.  He states: "you have claimed authorship of several books against Islam, such as 'Unveiling Islam' and 'More than a Prophet'."  I wonder whether Adnan is trying to suggest that Caner only claims authorship but did not actually write those books. Adnan further accuses Dr. Caner of presenting a "deliberately distorted caricatured picture of our way of life."

Adnan Rashid is an experienced Muslim debater who has debated some of the prominent Christian debaters in Muslim apologetics: Jay Smith, David Wood, and James White.  Ultimately, my advice to Dr. Caner would be not to take the debate challenge.  While Dr. Caner is an experienced speaker and could doubtless provide an entertaining performance, it may be better for Dr. Caner to leave the debating to people who have that gift.

-TurretinFan

James White vs. Abdullah Kunde - Can God Become a Man?

One person has provided a summary of the debate that recently took place in Australia between Dr. James White and Abdullah Kunde.  (link to summary)  The topic of the debate was, "Can God Become a Man?"  It's not a transcript of the debate, but there is a lot of detail provided.

- TurretinFan

Debate Announcement - Conditionalism Debate

Lord willing, I will be debating Ronnie of Consuming Fire on the topic of what he calls "Conditionalism"  (Debate announcement and chance to submit "audience questions" here.), which evidently holds to the idea that those in hell will eventually be consumed by the fire there (leading others to describe it as "annihilationism").

Debate Announcement

Lord willing, in October, I will be engaged in a debate with a self-styled "Evangelical Universalist." (Here's the announcement.) It is important to distinguish the "Evangelical" Universalists from other kinds, despite the fact that it is not usual to think of Universalists as evangelical. At the announcement link you will find a place where you can, in advance of the debate, leave an "audience" for either my esteemed opponent or myself. Please pray that the debate will edify the people of God and promote the truth. -TurretinFan

Sola Fide Debate - William Albrecht

William Albrecht and I recently debated the topic of Sola Fide (link to mp3).  I hope it will be edifying.  I ended up sticking pretty closely to my previously planned affirmative constructive (link to text of affirmative constructive).  I only used a little material from my previously planned affirmative rebuttal, because although Mr. Albrecht threw out a few unsupported assertions regarding the historical record, he claimed he was not going to address the issue (link to text of planned affirmative rebuttal).

A Quick Comment on the Fastigi Infallibility

The Fastigi vs. White debate took place a number of years ago. I was listening to it today and happened to notice the quotation that is described by Fastigi as the culmination of patristic quotations in favor of papal infallibility. And what was that quotation? It was Chalcedon's comment, which I have already fully explained, "Peter has spoken (to us) through Leo." (parenthetical in Fastigi's quotation) If that's the best that's out there, there really isn't much Rome has to offer by way of historical evidence to support its historical assertions.

Purgatory Debate with Dan Marcum

Yesterday, Dan Marcum (Roman Catholic) and I did a short debate on purgatory. An mp3 of the debate is available. There a number of points within this debate that I would like to comment on, but I thought it would be better to go ahead and post the debate now. My main comment on the debate is that the constructive and conclusion speeches were just too short.

William Albrecht (GNRHead) Index

Since I have done a dozen moderated live debates with Mr. William Albrecht (aka GNRHead), I figured it is time to create an index page for my interactions with him. The first section of the page documents the debates, both those on Marian Dogmas and Other Topics. The second section of the page documents the other interactions we've had - informal debates, discussions, or just Internet back-and-forth. Clicking on the name of the debate should direct you to an mp3 of that debate.

Formal Debates 
Marian Debates

1. Assumption of Mary Debate
2. Immaculate Conception Debate
3. Mother of God Debate
4. Perpetual Virginity Debate
5. Veneration of Mary Debate (transcript)(main page)(Follow-Up Part 1)(Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)(Part 6)(Part 7)(Part 8)
6. Is Marian Devotion Intrinsic to Christian Worship? (page with embedded version)

Other Debates

1. Latria-Dulia Debate (transcript)
2. Veneration of Images Debate (main page - with follow-up)(further follow-up)
3. Augustine Transubstantiation Debate
4. Purgatory Debate
5. Canon Debate (main page)(second main page)
6. Papal Infallibility Debate (main page)
7. Sola Scriptura and Unity Debate (main page)
8. Sola Fide Debate (main page)
9. Is the Apocrypha God's Word? (page with embedded version)

Discussions/Informal Debates
Augustine and the Eucharist

1. Discussion Regarding Augustine and Eucharist (February 11, 2008)
2. Response to Albrecht's Discussion of His Call to Dr. White's Program (November 18, 2008) (Debate Challenge Received)
3. Addressing Typos in Dr. White's Discussion of Augustine and the Real Presence (February 23, 2009)
4. Augustine vs. Albrecht on the Real Presence (February 25, 2009)
5. Augustine vs. Albrecht Again (April 23, 2009)
6. Augustine, Metaphor, Bodily Presence (May 20, 2009)

Alleged Athanasius Quotation
Misquoting Athanasius (February 27, 2009) (First Follow-Up)(Second Follow-Up)(Third Follow-Up)(Index Page for Discussion of Athanasius Misquotation)(Yet Another Steve Ray Patristic Error)

Cardinal Cajetan and the Canon

1. Cajetan and the Canon (May 22, 2009)
2. Albrecht vs. Cajetan - Round 2 (June 10, 2009)

Limited Atonement

1. Limited Atonement (May 26, 2009)
2. Limited Atonement Defended (June 13, 2009)
3. The New Mass Translation (June 3, 2010)

William Lane Craig vs. Sam Harris Debate "Does Good Come From God?"

William Lane Craig recently handily defeated Sam Harris in a debate titled, "Does Good Come From God?" (link to debate) Mr. Harris provided a very limited attempt to ground an atheistic morality in his opening speech. After that, virtually all of his arguments were simply either anti-theistic or simply anti-Christian. Those arguments were pretty clearly off the topic. In fact, they were demonstrated to be off topic in Sam Harris' own response to the very first audience question.

Mr. Harris' defeat was partly due to his approach of being unable to present any grounding for atheistic morality. Partly Mr. Harris' defeat was ensured by Prof. Craig's avoidance of reliance on the premise "God exists."

Mr. Harris' defeat was also partly due to the fact that his attempt to ground morality involved a significant and obvious category error. Mr. Harris argued that the worst possible world would be one in which all sentient beings suffered a maximum amount for a maximum duration. He argued that this "worst case" provides an objective reference point from which morality can be judged. However, that is not a maximally immoral universe, just a maximally unpleasant (for sentient beings) universe.

Prof. Craig pointed out this problem and Mr. Harris' response was extremely weak. He tried to argue that Prof. Craig has to grant Mr. Harris' premise because hell (the realm of the immoral) involves suffering and consequently the aim of mankind is to seek the pleasure of heaven as opposed to the misery of hell. However, this simply confuses the reward/punishment in a particular system with the means by which it is accomplished.

Moreover, for the atheist, this life does not provide heaven/hell-like reward/punishment. Often a person who causes great suffering receives little suffering himself in this life. Moreover, there is no obvious correlation (in this life) between reducing overall suffering and obtaining reward.

Therefore, as Prof. Craig pointed out repeatedly, while an atheist may have morals, he has no foundation for them. He cannot give a reasoned account of his morals. He may think that the Holocaust is dreadful, but he cannot give you an authoritative answer to the question, "Says who!" in response to his moral condemnation.

Mr. Harris didn't do himself any favors by essentially accusing Christians of being psychopaths (and then saying he wasn't doing that -- and then doing it again). However, Mr. Harris delivered his speech in a very calm and measured tone, and maintained his cool despite some fairly solid hits he was taking from Prof. Craig.

-TurretinFan

Why Cross-Examination is Essential - Illustrated

Carl Trueman pointed this out for a somewhat different reason (related to Rob Bell) - but the video below illustrates why cross-examination is so important in debates. In fact, it's why cross-examination is the heart of live debate.

It also illustrates how a properly conducted cross-examination can lead the listener to the truth, even if the cross-examined party is not interested in being truthful.

-TurretinFan

List of Available Debates By Dr. James White

Many of you may know that Dr. James White has done a lot of debates. Many of those debates are available through the Alpha and Omega Ministry's on-line store. I've attempted to provide links to as many of those debates as possible, below. I should note that Dr. White has conducted many other debates as well, as can be seen from his bio page (link to page). And, of course, I should note that not all of the "debates" in this list are formal debates - some are radio debates or discussions, and I have tried to indicate that in the list.

Atheism Debates

1. Is the Bible for Real? | James White vs. Robert S. Dietz and Robert Funk (mp3 or CD)
2. Is the Bible True? | James White vs. Robert Price (DVD, mp4, mp3, or CD)
3. Is the New Testament Evil? | James White vs. David Silverman (Blu-Ray, DVD, mp3, or CD)
4. Call-in Radio Debate | James White vs. ("Fundamentalists Anonymous") Ann McKinney (mp3 or CD)
5. Radio Debate | James White vs. ("American Atheist Society") Brian Lynch (mp3 or CD)
6. Radio Debate | James White vs. ("Freedom from Religion Foundation") Dan Barker (mp3 or CD)
7. Jesus: Myth or Messiah | James White vs. Dan Barker (mp3)
8. The Triune God of Scripture Lives | James White vs. Dan Barker (DVD, mp4, mp3, or CD)

Baptism Debates

1. The Paedobaptism debate | James White and Geoff Volker vs. Gary Johnson and Robert Strimple (mp3 or CD)
2. The Baptism Debate | James White vs. Bill Shishko (DVD, mp4, mp3, or CD)

Biblical Issues

1. Did the Bible Misquote Jesus? | James White vs. Bart Ehrman (mp3 or CD)
2. Is the Bible True? | James White vs. ("Jesus Seminar") John Dominic Crossan (DVD, mp3, or CD)

Calvinism Debates

1. God's Irresistible Grace | James White vs. Dave Hunt (mp3 or CD)
2. Predestination and Election | James White vs. (Church of Christ) Paul Barber (mp3 or CD)
3. The "Read My Book" Debate on Bible Answer Man | James White vs. George Bryson (mp3 or CD)
4. The Calvinism Debate (Two topics: The Will of Man and Limited Atonement) | James White vs. Pastor James Barker (mp3 or CD)
5. Freedom of God in Salvation Debate | James White vs. Steve Gregg (mp3 or CD)
6. The Regeneration and Perseverance Debate | James White vs. Robert Wilkin (mp3 or CD)
7. Who Controls Salvation? | James White vs. George Bryson (DVD, mp3, or CD)

Homosexuality

1. Is Homosexuality Compatible with Christianity? | James White vs. Barry Lynn (DVD, mp3, or CD)
2. Is Homosexuality Compatible with Christianity? | James White vs. John Shelby Spong (DVD, mp3, or CD)
3. The Gay Marriage Debate | James White vs. (Metropolitan Community Church) Dee Bradshaw (mp4 or mp3)

Islam

1. Does the Bible Teach Jesus is God? | James White vs. Sheikh Jalal Abualrub (DVD)
2. Does the New Testament Teach that Jesus is God? | James White vs. Hamza Abdul Malik (DVD, mp3, or CD)
3. Is the New Testament We Possess Today Inspired? | James White vs. Shabir Ally (DVD, mp3, or CD)
4. The Cross Debate | James White vs. Shabir Ally (DVD, mp4, mp3, or CD)
5. The Great Trinity Debate | James White vs. Abdullah al Andalusi (mp3 or CD)

"Jehovah's Witnesses"

1. Is Jesus God or a god? | James White vs. Greg Stafford (DVD, mp3, or CD)

King James Version Only-ism

1. Is the King James the Best Version | James White vs. D.A. Waite (mp3 or CD)
2. Radio Debate - New Age Bible Versions | James White vs. Gail Riplinger (mp3 or CD)
3. Radio Debate - The KJV and the Deity of Christ | James White vs. Thomas Holland (mp3 or CD)

Oneness Theology

1. How Biblical is the Trinity? | James White vs. Robert Sabin (mp3 or CD)

Open Theism

1. Does God Know the Future? | James White vs. John Sanders (DVD, mp3, or CD)
2. Is Knowing Jesus the Only Way to be Saved? | James White vs. John Sanders (DVD, mp3, or CD)

Mormonism Debates

1. Can Men Become Gods? | James White vs. (Mormon) Martin Tanner (DVD, mp3, or CD)
2. Christianity vs. Mormonism | James White vs. Van Hale (mp3 or CD)
3. Defending "Letters to a Mormon Elder" in Salt Lake City | James White vs. Daniel C. Peterson and William Hamblin (mp3 or CD)
4. Is Mormonism Christian? | James White vs. Van Hale (mp3 or CD)
5. Live Call-in Radio Debate in Salt Lake City | James White vs. Van Hale and Alma Alred (mp3 or CD)
6. What is Accomplished in the Atonement? | James White vs. Dennis Potter (mp3 or CD)
7. What is Sin? The Fall of Adam and Its Consequences | James White vs. Gilbert Scharffs (mp3 or CD)
8. ("Discussion") The Bible and Its Origins | James White and Van Hale (mp3 or CD)
9. ("Discussion") The Origins of Christianity | James White and Richard Hopkins (mp3 or CD)

Roman Catholicism

1. Are Roman Catholics Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ? | James White vs. Douglas Wilson (DVD, mp3, or CD)
2. Are the Scriptures the Sole Infallible Rule of Faith? | James White vs. Mitchell Pacwa (mp3 or CD)
3. By Faith Alone? | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
4. Did Mary Have Other Children? | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (DVD, mp3, or CD)
5. Does the Bible Teach Sola Scriptura? | James White vs. Patrick Madrid (mp3 or CD)
6. ("Discussion") Bible Answer Man "Debate" | James White vs. Jimmy Akin (mp3 or CD)
7. ("Discussion") Bible Answer Man "Debate" | James White vs. Tim Staples (mp3 or CD)
8. ("Discussion") Bible Answer Man Discussion before the Papacy Debate | James White vs. Tim Staples (mp3 or CD)
9. How Biblical and Ancient is the Papacy? | James White vs. Mitchell Pacwa (DVD, mp3, or CD)
10. Indulgences | James White vs. Robert Fastigi (mp3 or CD)
11. Is it Possible for a Non-Christian to Enter into Heaven? | James White vs. Bill Rutland (DVD, mp3, or CD)
12. Is the Apocrypha Scripture? | James White vs. Gary Michuta (DVD, mp3, or CD)
13. Is the Bible the Only Infallible Rule of Faith? | James White vs. Tim Staples (mp3 or CD)
14. Is the Mass a Propitiatory Sacrifice? | James White vs. Robert Sungenis (mp3 or CD)
15. Is the Mass Biblical and Ancient? | James White vs. Robert Sungenis (DVD, mp3, or CD)
16. Is the Roman Catholic Priesthood Biblical and Ancient? | James White vs. Mitchell Pacwa (DVD, mp3, or CD)
17. Justification by Faith? | James White vs. Robert Fastigi (mp3 or CD)
18. Justification by Faith | James White vs. Mitchell Pacwa (mp3 or CD)
19. Justification by Faith Debate | James White vs. Robert Sungenis (DVD, mp3, or CD)
20. Papal Infallibility | James White vs. Robert Fastigi (mp3 or CD)
21. Papal Infallibility | James White vs. Tim Staples (mp3 or CD)
22. Papal Infallibility | James White vs. Robert Sungenis (mp3 or CD)
23. Perseverance | James White vs. Jimmy Akin (mp3 or CD)
24. Purgatory: Biblical or Mythical? | James White vs. Peter Stravinskas (DVD, mp3, or CD)
25. Sola Scriptura I | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
26. Sola Scriptura II | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
27. The Apocrypha Debate | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
28. The Boston College Papacy Debate | James White and Rob Zins vs. Robert Sungenis and Scott Butler (mp3 or CD)
29. The Eternal Security Debate | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
30. The Immaculate Conception Debate | James White vs. Christopher Ferrara (Blu-Ray, DVD, mp3, or CD)
31. The Lost Debate (Justification) | James White vs. Art Sippo (mp3 or CD)
32. The Marian Doctrines | James White vs. Robert Fastigi (mp3 or CD)
33. The Marian Doctrines | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp4, mp3, or CD)
34. The Mass | James White vs. Mitchell Pacwa (mp3 or CD)
35. The Papacy | James White vs. Vinney Lewis (mp3 or CD)
36. The Papacy | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)
37. Veneration of Saints and Images | James White vs. Patrick Madrid (mp3 or CD)
38. Was Peter a Pope? | James White vs. Gerry Matatics (mp3 or CD)

N.B. This list is what I could find in the Alpha and Omega Ministries Store (link to store). The store gets updated from time to time, whereas this page may or may not be updated. If you see any corrections that should be made, please let me know.

-TurretinFan