CrossExamined Blog
Tackling today’s toughest questions, these posts explore topics on God, morality, science, and culture.
Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, each article challenges your worldview and sharpens your thinking. Engaging, thought-provoking, and unapologetic, this is a place to dig deeper and follow the truth wherever it leads.
Dismantling Doubt
4. Is the NT True?Is God really there for me? God, do you see? Do you hear my prayer? Experiences such as job loss, broken relationships, mental illness, or any unyielding pain can stir up questions of doubt. Doubt is standing at your door desiring to chip away at your faith. During these seasons of sorrow and pain, many […]
Here Comes the He Gets Us Campaign Again: Why Its Portrayal of Jesus is Still a Problem
Culture and Politics, Theology and Christian ApologeticsLast year, I wrote an article called “7 Problems with the He Gets Us Campaign,” in which I critically responded to the $100 million advertising campaign featuring a website, billboards in major cities, a book, and ads that have been viewed more than 300 million times. Perhaps most visibly, the campaign’s ads were featured in […]
The Need for Cognitive Closure in Dealing with Doubts
Theology and Christian ApologeticsOver the years in my work as a public apologist, I have spoken with many dozens of ex-Christians who have renounced their faith and become atheists, as well as numerous individuals who still consider themselves believers but nonetheless are struggling seriously with intellectual doubts concerning the veracity of the Christian faith. In addition, I have […]
Why We Are Not Best Judges of What Is Good
Theology and Christian Apologetics“Avast yer jabberin, ya bunch a bilge rats!” The voice sounded strange as it reached into the hallway. The speaker was apparently trying to make a point. “Yer division a booty must be… “ he paused to consider his words, “more equitable if ye be wanting to sail with me.” He had my attention. I […]
Timothy’s Tale: Unveiling Undesigned Coincidences In Paul’s Journeys
4. Is the NT True?Because Paul crisscrossed paths with many folks, some repeatedly, it’s quite enlightening to compare how these people are portrayed in the book of Acts with what Paul hints at in his own letters. Among these characters, Timothy stands out as a particularly intriguing figure. In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul mentions sending Timothy, his “beloved and faithful child […]
Our Children: The Greatest Mission Field
Legislating Morality, Culture & PoliticsBe assured that when the knock comes at your door, it will be unannounced, it will be warrantless, and it will come at the most inconvenient time. The social service worker will be polite, but cool and business-like. Despite your confusion, fear, and even anger, you dare not lose your poise because that will ultimately […]
The Sense of Hearing is a Masterpiece of Engineering
2. Does God Exist?, 3. Are Miracles Possible?By Jonathan McLatchie The ear is responsible for two of our most fundamental senses — hearing and equilibrium — the receptors for which are all found inside the inner ear. For an incredible animation of how hearing works, I recommend this YouTube video. Here, I will describe the anatomy of the ear and the biological basis […]
The True Meaning of ‘Headship’ and ‘Head Coverings’ for Women: A Theological Perspective of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Culture and Politics, Theology and Christian ApologeticsIn 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, the apostle Paul addresses the topic of head coverings for women, a subject that has sparked much debate, confusion, and substandard interpretations throughout history. In order to truly understand Paul’s meaning, my goal is to provide a proper exegesis and interpretation that upholds the purity of the text and lends itself […]
In the Image of God: The Battle for Human Identity
2. Does God Exist?, Philosophy of Science, Theology and Christian ApologeticsIntroduction Human origins is a fascinating area of research today. With all the different models for the origins of humanity being proposed, I see an increase in the discussions, both scientific and theological. For everyone reading this post, this area of research should be of utmost interest for you as well. Two critical ideas about […]
The Most Important Question
4. Is the NT True?, Theology and Christian ApologeticsIt wasn’t too long ago we finally finished putting the Christmas decorations away at our house. The process caused me to reminisce about the time we had enjoyed with family and celebrations with our church family both this year and in years past. As each year passes, I am increasingly burdened by the chasm between […]
A Christian Response to a Viral Deconversion Post
1. Does Truth Exist?, 2. Does God Exist?, Legislating Morality, Culture & PoliticsBy Natasha Crain Social media has been a popular place to share deconversion stories over the last few years, and sometimes so many people resonate with those posts that they go viral to some extent (being liked and shared by thousands of people). There’s one that’s being shared all over Facebook right now, written […]
Where Did Guilt Come From?
2. Does God Exist?, Legislating Morality, Culture & PoliticsAs a prosecutor for many decades, I often found myself reflecting on the impact that feelings of guilt have, even upon criminals with lengthy records. Why was it that the guilty wanted to talk about their crime, even after being advised of their rights? Why would those who had “gotten away” nonetheless seek to escape […]
The Satanic Temple Abortion Clinic: A Critical Assessment
Theology and Christian ApologeticsThe Satanic Temple (TST) is at it again. The atheistic left-wing activist group is already known for starting afterschool Satan clubs,[1] erecting unholy statues at government buildings,[2] and trying to carve out religious exemptions to pro-life laws.[3] Now they have opened an online abortion clinic.[4] Abortion clinics are not uncommon. And TST has a history […]
Why Did God Allow Stoning?
Theology and Christian ApologeticsWhen it comes to Bible reading, some passages are more challenging than others. Such is the case with the stoning passages (see Leviticus 20:27; 24:16; Numbers 15:32-36; Deuteronomy 13:6-11; 21:18-21). These aren’t our go-to passages for morning devotionals. Personally, I can understand capital punishment, but stoning as a means to achieving it just seems so […]
A Student is Not Greater Than His Teacher
Apologetics for Parents, Israel, Theology and Christian ApologeticsI still have nightmares about being in college. It usually has something to do with a math final and being unable to graduate without passing it. Why does it always have to be math? I wake up vowing I will never go back to college. One thing that was sure to make or break my […]
Pronoun Mania
Theology and Christian ApologeticsIf you haven’t had a chance to freshen up on the latest gender pronoun trend, be sure to do so by visiting a Starbucks near you. There you’ll be warmly greeted by your barista, who might be your standard he or she but could be he/they, she/they, or they/them. On another visit you might encounter […]
Why People Love a False Jesus
Theology and Christian ApologeticsBy Melissa Dougherty You know something I never see? I never see the average person say that Buddha was made up from stories of ancient pagan gods. Or that Gandhi was actually a Jewish mystic who was misunderstood. Or that Mohammad was an atheist. There’s usually only one historical figure that is distorted more than […]
Has God Warmed Up to Religious Pluralism?
Theology and Christian ApologeticsWe live in an age of a prevailing belief known as “Religious Pluralism”, which says no one religion (especially Christianity) holds the exclusive title to “absolute truth.” Religious pluralism says all religions ultimately lead to one nebulous God, the Creator and Savior of us all. A Way or The Way? Unfortunately today, those who believe […]
The Pulpit Apologist, Pt. 2
Theology and Christian ApologeticsIn my previous blog, I briefly unpacked five ways apologetic preaching can help the church navigate these challenging times, while also sharing four of eight points of what it looks like to apologetically equip our congregations today. In this post, I’ll briefly unpack points five through eight before concluding with a few final thoughts. That […]
What Does it Mean to be “Legalistic?”
Theology and Christian ApologeticsLegalism. What do you think of when you hear this word? Some people might think of someone who is a stick in the mud. Maybe even someone who relies on the Bible too much instead of following their hearts. Some might think of a strict religion with lots of rules. Others say it’s a “spirit” […]
Are Today’s Christians Confused About the Gospel?
Theology and Christian ApologeticsA few weeks ago, I created a post that said, “I love apologetics but apologetics is not the gospel.” It wasn’t controversial at all. Just kidding. Come on! We’re talking about social media; the breeding ground of controversy. As a teacher, I often look for the underlying cause of a misunderstanding. I ask myself, “What […]