Episode 122: Is Christianity Unique Among Other Religions? [Part 2] with Dr. Gary Habermas and Daniel Ray

Apologetics Profile

Our culture is arguably more ethnically and religiously diverse than it has ever been in its brief history. Technology in communication and transportation has brought a world of people and ideas to our shores. We can know about events all around the globe in just an instant. We are bombarded with ideas and beliefs that are wholly foreign to our own. The information age can be overwhelming at times.

Our neighbors may be Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist. Where do we begin a dialogue with them? Where can we find a modicum of common ground with our non-Christian friends and neighbors?

On the second part of our discussion with Dr. Gary Habermas about Jesus among other world religions, we unpack a few helpful points about how to thoughtfully engage those outside the Christian faith. What are some areas of agreement upon which we might focus? What makes Christianity unique? Who is Jesus? Who do men say that He is? Who do you say Jesus is?

These the most important questions we can ask ourselves and others and Gary gives us some help in asking and responding to those outside the Christian faith.

Dr. Gary Habermas is a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy and chairman of the department of philosophy at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree (1976) from Michigan State University in history and philosophy of religion with a thesis entitled "The resurrection of Jesus: a rational inquiry," and previously a master's degree (1973) from the University of Detroit in philosophical theology. He has specialized in cataloging and communicating trends among scholars in the field of historical Jesus and New Testament studies. In 1985, Habermas debated the then-atheist and evidentialist philosopher, Antony Flew, on the question of Jesus' resurrection as a literal and historical/physical event, before 3,000 attendees. Five philosophers and five professional debate judges judged the debate. Of the philosophers who judged on the content of the debate, four voted that Habermas won and the other was undecided.... [Before his death in 2010, Dr. Flew converted from atheism to theism.] In his memoir Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi [a former Muslim] relates how Habermas was influential in his conversion, and describes him as looking like "a mix between Santa Claus and an offensive lineman."
GARY HABERMAS RESOURCES:

• Gary Habermas' personal research and publications webpage: GaryHabermas.com
• Gary Habermas' YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HabermasYouTube
• Free E-Book by Gary Habermas: http://garyhabermas.com/Evidence2/Habermas-Uniqueness-of-Jesus-Christ-2016.pdf
• Book - Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation Into the Resurrection of Jesus, (2021) by Dr. Gary Habermas: https://amzn.to/3tvUUzd

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue
• Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds
• Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Religious Pluralism by Lindsey Medenwaldt: watchman.org/Pluralism
• Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu
• Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim
• Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen
• Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism

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