Gateway Church: Findlay, Ohio

Avatar: A Postmodern Pagan Myth (Cultural Apologetics): The movie Avatar is an all-time smash hit not merely because of its special effects, but also because of its mythic potency. The pagan notion of nature worship in opposition to the Judeo-Christian notion of man's dominion over nature is at the heart of the film, fueling a "battle of gods" over the future of the planet. [Brian Godawa]

God on the Brain (Scientific Apologetics): Can brain research explain the origin of morality and religion? According to both religion detractor Richard Dawkins and religion advocates Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman, it can; but whether these scientists are against us or for us, their conclusions are flawed. [Angus Menuge]

Atheists and the Quest for Objective Morality (Philosophical Apologetics): Atheists often argue that they can make moral claims and live good moral lives without believing in god. Many theists agree, but the real issue is whether atheism can provide a justification for morality. [Chad Meister]

Culturally Corrosive Comedy: The Daily Show and The Colbert Report (Cultural Discernment): Comedy Central's The Daily Show starring Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report starring Stephen Colbert routinely skewer conservatives while presenting a cynical view of important issues and events of the day. Nonetheless, in Internet polls people keep selecting Stewart as one of their most trusted newscasters! [Ted Baehr and Tom Snyder]

Are Animists Model Environmentalists? (Critical Thinking): Many environmentalists have claimed that tribal societies are more ecologically sensitive than cultures embracing Christianity, and they have attributed this to the tribes' animistic religious traditions. However, our research on animism suggests different conclusions. Included: an Effective Evangelism sidebar on witnessing to animists. [Dan Story]

Practical Hermeneutics: Recognizing and Interpreting Anthropomorphic Language [Ron Rhodes]

Viewpoint: What's Wrong with Black Theology? [La Shawn Barber]