The Don Johnson Radio Show Archives

An Atheist's View of Heaven

November 28, 2011

• Don and Brandon talk with Emery Wang of the A Christian and an Atheist podcast. Emery called in to talk about heaven, specifically his article about why there won't be any flowers there.

The Jesus Myth?

November 7, 2011

• Did the gospel writers never intend for Jesus to be taken as a literal historical figure? Is Jesus a mythical character on par with Harry Potter? Don and Brandon answer these questions and briefly discuss the previous show about Taoism.

Does Taoism Have a Better Answer to the Problem of Evil than Christianity?

October 26, 2011

• David Moser calls into the program from Beijing, China to talk about how Taoism deals with the issues of pain, suffering, and evil in the world. Mr. Moser is the Academic Director at Capital Normal University in Beijing. He holds a Masters and PhD in Chinese Studies from the University of Michigan, with a major in Chinese linguistics and philosophy. He has lived in China for 20 years and has appeared frequently on Chinese television as a foreign expert, host, and occasional performer of Chinese stand-up comedy.

Universalism and the Story of God

October 3, 2011

• Which side of the abortion debate relies on science, reason, and evidence to support its positions and which side uses nothing but metaphysical abstractions and emotional appeals? Don and Brandon discuss articles by Stanley Fish, Deborah Danielski, and a girl who tried to get an abortion at a crisis pregnancy center in arguing that the pro-life position is clearly the one that is concerned about scientific facts.
• Robin Parry thinks all people will ultimately be saved because that conclusion makes the most sense of the rest of the Bible story. Don and Brandon explain why they disagree.

Life, Thrown Over the Fence

September 19, 2011

• Don and Brandon find it hard to argue with the logic of Justice Joanne Veit, who gave Katrina Effert a suspended sentence instead of prison time for strangling her baby boy to death and throwing the body over the fence into the neighbors yard. The judge defended her decision by explaining that Canada does allow abortion and this case isn't really any different. You can find other articles associated with this story here, here, and here.
• David Brooks bemoans the moral individualism among today's youth, George Barna bemoans the religious individualism among today's adults, and L.A. County bemoans the amount of cheating taking place among its teachers. Could all the stories be related? 
• Let's hope Locke Rush's letter to his grandson about religion is not taken seriously.

What a Facebook Friend We Have In Jesus

August 29, 2011

• Is believing in God the same as beliving in space aliens? Bill Keller thinks so.
• Can we read the Bible as basically a bunch of facebook posts from God? (This part of the discussion references articles by William Deresiewicz and Chuck Colson.)
• Why would God punish Jesus for my sins? Don discusses the doctrine of justification and summarizes this paper in arguing that aspects of medieval philosophy led to a misunderstanding of what Jesus did on the cross.

Penn Jillette Doesn't Know and Pregnant Jenny Doesn't Care

August 22, 2011

• Our Jonathan Swift Award for crazy pro-abortion argument of the week goes to Jenny the former mother of twins, who killed one of them in the womb because she had created him in a test tube anyway and besides, she wanted to make sure she had enough love left for the rest of her kids. 
• Penn Jillette says he is an atheist becasue he doesn't know anything about the ultimate issues of life and niether do you.
• Don and Brandon also talk about the "God of the Gaps" and how to approach questions such as "If all the disciples were asleep, who saw Jesus praying in Gethsemene?"

Why Government Can't Fix Nihilism and God Can't Create Thinking Computers

August 15, 2011

• Don comments on the riots in Britain, answers a listener email about whether God could create a computer with free will, discusses how we should approach gaps in scientific theories, and offers some thoughts on how to interpret the first 11 chapters of Genesis. Along the way he references a CNN discussion calling for a fake alien invasion and quotes passages from After America by Mark Steyn, Life After Death: The Evidence by Dinesh Disouza, A Father Who Keeps His Promises by Scott Hahn, and Don's latest book, Life in the Wilderness: Reflections on the Exodus and Our Journey to the Promised Land.

Believing for No Good Reason

August 8, 2011

• Don and Brandon bemoan the rampant anti-intellectualism in the culture (including within the Church). Along the way they reference last week's show, a blog post by Sigfriend Trent, and several emails and facebook posts that Don has run into recently.

Discussion with Jason the Ex-Christian

August 1, 2011

• Don and Brandon take a call from Jason, who abandoned a version of Christianity after 25 years of belief and ministry to became a "secular humanist." A key line from this conversation occurs at around the 1:15 mark: After Don explains what he thinks the universe is all about, Jason replies "If Christianity was about God loving us and us loving God, I would still be a Christian."

On Flowers in Heaven and Faking Your Prayer Life

June 20, 2011

• Don and Brandon respond to an article at losingmyreligion.com on the impossibility of being good in Heaven and answer a listener email about whether or not you should go through the motions of religion even if you don't feel like it.

The Irrationality of "Jesus Movements," Anti-Semitism, and Allowing a Baby to "Choose" its Gender

June 6, 2011

• What are we to make of "Jesus Movements" in which people claim to follow Christ while remaining Muslim, Buddhist, etc.? Don and Brandon discuss the relationship between Christ and culture.
• What is the best explanation for anti-Semitism? Is it evidence that, in fact, the Jews are God's chosen people? What does that mean if they are? Don references articles by Dennis Prager and Paul Johnson in this part of the show.
• A Toronto  family isn't telling anyone the sex of their child in order to preserve the baby's "choice" in the matter. Don suggests this is symptomatic of the base sin of mankind: a refusal to accept our status as creatures.
• At the beginning of this program Don and Brandon address some listener comments about their arguments for Christianity.

The End of the World

May 16, 2011

• Don and Brandon discuss several topics associated with Harold Camping's prediction that the end of the world will start this weekend.

Discussion with Cameron the Atheist

May 9, 2011

• Don gets a call from Cambridge, England and spends the hour comparing worldviews with Cameron.

On Living without Religion, Granting Equal Rights to Plants, and Knowing when not to Cry

May 2, 2011

• Osama bin Laden, Hell, and Atheism
  
  • This part of the conversation includes a reference to Ross Douthat's defense of hell in the New York Times. 
• Living without Religion is out to convince people that atheists can hope, care, and love just like everyone else.
• Bolivia has passed laws giving the natural world equal rights with humans.
• Mike Adams shares his thoughts and feelings on the topic of feelings and thoughts.
  • In this section we reference the Kung Fu Fighting case from Britain.

College Education and the Rise of the Village Atheist

April 11, 2011

• "New atheists" such as Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens like to portray themselves as academically and intellectually superior to Christians. Does this claim stand up to scrutiny? Don and Brandon talk about that in reference last week's debate between Sam Harris and William Lane Craig. Along the way they discuss articles by Dennis Prager, Christopher Ramos, and Conor Friedersdorf.

Debate with Jared the Atheist

April  4, 2011

• Don and Brandon take a call from Jared, who thinks that belief in God is a stupid leap into irrationality.

Heaven, Hell, and the Nature of Eternity

March 28, 2011

• Don discusses Rob Bell's new book Love Wins and talks with caller Justin about whether or not people will be able to sin in Heaven.

Conversation with Bill the Naturalist

March 21, 2011

• Don and Brandon talk with Bill, an atheist caller from Virginia. In a discussion that ranges from bears to objective morality, each man presents and defends some evidences for their worldview.

A Refusal to Love God

February 28, 2011

• Don and Brandon discuss some issues brought up by listeners in the wake of last week's show with Emery Wang, including the notion that sin, at its root, is disordered love.

Discussion with Atheist Emery Wang

February 21, 2011

• Don talks to Emery Wang, founder of losingmyreligion.com and co-host of the podcast A Christian and an Atheist.

Does Science Prove that Religious Belief is False?

February 7, 2011

• Don and Brandon break down atheist Andy Thomson's take on why people believe in gods.

Discussion with Justin the Atheist

January 31, 2011

• Don and Brandon compare worldviews with caller Justin. They discuss, among other topics, why Don thinks Justin's understanding of Christianity is faulty and whether the accuracy of the scientific method is actually evidence for atheism.

Why God Didn't Have More to Say About Slavery in the Old Testament

January 24, 2011

• In response to a listener question about God's seeming disinterest in slavery in the Old Testament, Don and Brandon discuss how God's rules fit into his plan for developing mature people. 
• Should Muslims and atheists fear that Christian politicians will oppress them?

Murder in a Meaningless Universe

January 17, 2011

• On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, at least one segment of the black community is not living the dream.
• Michael Shermer advises us to quit looking for meaning in life and in the process finds moral euqivalance between Jared Loughner's murderous rampage in Tuscon and the death of a few birds.
• An Oregon sports blogger seems to be on to something when he postulates that the reason he is a fan is that it allows him to experience "two of the greatest feelings the human soul can have: hope and redemption."

 

On Bill O'Reilly's Argument for God

January 10, 2011

• Don and Brandon discuss Bill O'Reilly's interaction with atheist Dave Silverman as well as Stephen Colbert's funny response to it. Along the way Don references Apple's rejection of the Manhattan Declaration iPhone app, an article from S.E. Cupp about the arrogance of atheists, and a piece by Daniel Dennett explaining that atheists are less ignorant than most people.

Why Dan Barker Shouldn't be so Confident in his Case against God

January 3, 2011

• Atheist Dan Barker claims to know with certainty that the God of the Bible does not exist. In response to a listener request, Don and Brandon break down Barker's case for his position as he presented it in this debate.

Why Ricky Gervais Needs to Re-think His Atheism

December 20, 2010

• Don and Brandon talk about the difference between emotional and intellectual doubt, then tackle Ricky Gervais' defense of atheism in the Wall Street Journal. Don argues that Mr. Gervais is typical of many atheists: he does not understand sound Christian epistemology, sound Christian theology, or the logical ramifications of the atheistic worldview he is trying to defend.

The Dangers of Easy Believism

December 14, 2010

• Don talks about the dangers of the false doctrine of easy believism, illustrating his point with a story from Don and Brandon's recent tour of the Holy Land. He then catches up on some more listener emails, touching on the relationship between politics, religion and education and discussing whether or not we should pray in the workplace, among other topics. Along the way, he promotes his new book.

Liam Neeson on Aslan and the Apostle Paul on Election

December 6, 2010

• Liam Neeson thinks Aslan stands for Mohammed, Buddha, and "other great spiritual leaders" as well as Jesus.
• Does Romans 9 support the view that God predestines some for salvation and others for damnation? Don offers an interpretation, and references this paper along the way. (You may find this summary chart of Romans helpful as well.)
• A listener inquires about those that have never heard the name of Jesus. Are they sent to Hell without being given a chance at salvation?

"Choice," "Free Choice," and the Misuse of Language

June 24, 2010

• Don and Brandon talk about their discussion with Jeremy on the last show. Only one question left to resolve: Did Jeremy misuse the English language on purpose or was it simply the result of an unfortunate chain of causal determinants in his past?

Conversation with Jeremy Beahan of Reasonable Doubts

May 24, 2010

• In response to listener requests, Jeremy Beahan of Reasonable Doubts comes on the show to address the issues we brought up in our April 19th broadcast and try to clarify his position regarding naturalism and determinism.

Edwina the Dinosaur, Kraken the Sea Monster, and the Need to Broaden the Data Pool

May 10, 2010

• Don and Brandon answer some listener emails regarding their method of argumentation. They also discuss how to know God through his actions in history.

The Problem with being "Spritual but not Religious"

May 3, 2010

• Don and Brandon analyze the popular notion that we should be "spiritual but not religious" and suggest some problems with it. They also discuss how the God of the Bible uses "religion" to bring people into loving relationship with him. Some links that go with the show:
• • "Religious, not Spiritual" by Patrick Dineen
  • Create Your Personal Sacred Text by Bobbi Parrish
  • "The fact of the matter. Or not." by Barry Goldman
  • "Can we talk about faith, not religion?" by Martha Woodroof

Unreasonable Doubt

April 19, 1010

• In response to a listener request, Don and Brandon break down the argument against free will presented by the guys who host Reasonable Doubts.

How to Talk to an Anti-theist

April 12, 2010

• Don and Brandon review some online interactions from the previous week and discuss some principles for talking with anti-theists. They also answer a listener email about the nature of art and why they believe beauty is not in the eye of the beholder.

The Warrior God of Passover and Easter

April 5, 2010

• Don and Brandon discuss President Obama's interpretation of Easter and Passover, noting that the Biblical narrative paints a far different picture than he does. They also answer some listener questions about last week's show and comment further on the different ways that God intervenes in human affairs.

The Relationship between God, Government, and Human Rights

March 29, 2010

• Don discusses the recent discovery of evidence that the ten plagues of Egypt actually happened and why even some Christians don't know what to do with this data. He also clarifies some points from last week's show and expands further on the relationship between God, government and human rights, arguing that government controlled health care is not a human right. Indeed, it takes away human rights. Finally, Don evaluates a speech by atheist Sam Harris about morality.

God, Freedom, and Obamacare

March 22, 2010

• Don and Brandon rant about Obamacare while answering listener questions and comments. They discuss, among other things, whether the New Testament supports nationalized health care, how Christians should respond to the fall of the American Empire, and why Canada seems to have become emasculated. Some links that go with the show:
• • Peter Robinson references Dostoevsky on freedom.
  • James Taranto links Obamacare and eugenics.
  • Mark Steyn points out how a nanny state changes the character of its citizens.
  • NPR suggests the Bible more violent than the Quran.

How Not to Think About Religion

March 8, 2010

• A Christian asks Christopher Hitchens a silly question.
• Mosab Hassan Yousef understands the difference between Islam and Christianity much more clearly than Brad Hirschfield does.
• Susan K. Smith proselytizes for a religion that claims we shouldn't proselytize.
• A listener suggests that Don should be just as skeptical of his own beliefs as he is of Mormon doctrines.

Can One be Talked Out Of Being a Christian?

February 22, 2010

• Don and Brandon talk with caller Brian about whether it is possible to be "talked out of" being a Christian.
• More on the Dark Ages in which we currently live, including a reference to a NY Times piece on kids and boredom and a story about a reporter being fired for believing objective truth actually exists.

On Richard Dawkins and The Mormon Answer Man

January 25, 2010

• In a discussion of the Haitian earthquake, Richard Dawkins claims that Pat Robertson is the only one who understands Christian theology correctly. As part of Don and Brandon's discussion of this, they bring up an article by Ken Connor.
• In response to some questions from listeners, Don and Brandon interact with some recorded material from The Mormon Answer Man.

On MLK, Avatar, and The Finger of God

January 18, 2010

• Don and Brandon discuss Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs about extremism and his enemies, the message of Avatar and the alleged miracles chronicled in the documentary The Finger of God.

Columnists who Don't Understand Religion and Atheists who Don't Know How to Read Books

January 11, 2010

• Don and Brandon talk about Brit Hume's advice for Tiger Woods and the nature of religious discussion in the public square. Don references several articles, including pieces by Tom Shales,  Jenny Block, Kyle Drennen, and Michael Gerson. 
• Contradictions in the Bible? Don and Brandon answer listener questions about biblical difficulties and respond to Jim Merritt's page on infidels.org about why the Bible can't be trusted.

Living in Slavery while Believing You're Free

December 14, 2009

• Don and Brandon clarify some points they made last week about the Manhattan Declaration, discuss the meaning of freedom according to Jesus and answer a listener question about the use of icons in worship, among other things. Along the way Don references John Macarthur's statement on the Manhattan Declaration, the Lawrence Roth article that exposes his misunderstanding of liberty and an ABC News piece about how many Americans think they are god.

The Manhattan Declaration and More

December 7, 2009

• Don and Brandon answer some listener questions about seeking meaning in life and whether or not Christianity makes extraordinary claims that require extraordinary evidence. They also discuss The Manhattan Declaration, a recently released statement from Christian leaders that offers a prophetic call to Christians and the culture.

The Explanatory Power of the Christian Worldview and Intellectual Weakness of Mainstream Media Religion Writers

November 30, 2009

• Brandon shares about the apologetic limitations of 30 minute conversations with one's maintenance man.
• James the Magician hosts a much more effective and entertaining apologetic presentation in Wales this week.
• Don clarifies some points from the discussion last episode with Aaron.
• A columnist in the U.K. offers some bad advice to a woman who is unsure about her faith.
• Sally Quinn displays some ignorance in attacking Sarah Palin's Christianity. (We note David Limbaugh's piece in this discussion.)

Morality and Meaning According to an Atheist

November 16, 2009

• Don and Brandon talk with caller Aaron about whether atheism or theism better accounts for the data our senses provide. Specific topics include how to explain the Fort Hood shooting and whether or not life has any ultimate meaning.

God and Medieval Philosophy

November 9, 2009

• Charles Barkley rants about Christians who judge.
• A listener has a question about whether or not atheism is based on faith.
• Don and Brandon break down Edgar Dahl's assertion that God does not provide a basis for morality. Along the way they discuss the difference between a voluntaristic and intellectualist view of God and how that influences ethics and soteriology.

Is Belief in God a Sign of Dementia?

October 26, 2009

• Don and Brandon weigh in on Gardiner Harris's assertion that scientists believe theism is a sign of mild dementia. They also mention William McGurn's piece in the Wall Street Journal on the subject.
• David Brooks thinks we need to be moral with our money, but can do that without having a moral standard that applies to every other area of life.
• Jonah Golberg's take on poetry and politics can also be applied to religion.