Atheist lawyer Nico Tarquinio converts because of the evidence for Christianity

Lawyer Nico Tarquinio went from atheist skeptic to Catholic convert via the Unbelievable? show. He also tells Justin what Christmas means to him now.
Nico Tarquinio: / nicodemusapologetics
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[@johanweakley2658]

Fantastic testimony, thank you. I can relate. I was a lukewarm churchgoer when I was introduced to a brilliant man, a Bible believing medical doctor who was an atheist before. He spent the last 20 years studying Scripture and guided me along a path which led me to the true Christ. God sends people on our path, through His grace and mercy.

[@Demortixx]

This is horrific

[@bigfootapologetics]

Justin, thanks again for the opportunity to battle tech issues and talk about my journey! It’s an honor to be on Unbelievable? and to hopefully get people thinking, even if the thing they end up thinking is that people like myself are full of baloney! (That's totally valid, and there was a time in my life I would've thought the same way). This is an amazing show, and I'm so blessed to be part of this community, where skeptics and believers alike can learn from each other and deepen the never-ending debate about religion in today's society.

[@kazamareenkurios8197]

Thank you for your testimony! I am looking forward to your future apologetics videos. May you & your family have a blessed Christmas!

[@bigfootapologetics]

@@kazamareenkurios8197 Gosh, thank you so much - I really appreciate that! I'm praying God can use me to reach others who were in similar situations. If I can even get one person feeling hopeful about the Lord, then it'd be worth it. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!!

[@MojoPin1983]

@@bigfootapologetics Thanks for stepping in and filling the void of bearded apologists; we need more. Ever since William Lane Craig betrayed the apologetics community, about 20 years ago, by shaving his beard, without any prior consultation, there has been a severe lack of an intellectual, follicular defense of Christianity.

[@bigfootapologetics]

@@MojoPin1983 This is 100% the comment I became an apologist and did this interview for. God bless you man, absolutely made my day. Yeah, Jimmy Akin recently debated Dr. Craig and I was absolutely torn, because while I think Dr. Craig had the better argument, Mr. Akin’s glorious red beard was more convincing.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@bigfootapologetics I like your manner of speaking and your honesty. In the spirit of Christmas, may God's peace and love be with you. From Florida..

[@thejohnsonshomeschooljohns7815]

Thank you so much for sharing this testimony. I cried at God's goodness as he told the story of his wife waking him at 4 am. I love listening to apologetics and hearing people debate but a testimony of how God has changed lives never fails to inspire, encourage, and compel me to praise His name. God bless and Merry Christmas!

[@pankaja7974]

@@user-zz8gc4ut6l if your wife had hit menopause and after that if you prayed and had a child, would you then believe ?

[@pankaja7974]

@@user-zz8gc4ut6l I asked "if you prayed" then would you believe ? Ofcourse as an atheist you beleive that a billion atoms simply arranged themselves to form a cell and booted. your thougth are simply chemistry going on in your brain. you actually are not a person 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pankaja7974]

@@user-zz8gc4ut6l 🤣🤣🤣 I am askng you about a hypothetical situation. Had you prayed and if conception happend (post menopause) then would you believe ? I am not talking about situation where you did not pray and whether conception happened or not. BTW you are simply a set of atoms and molecules so your thoughts have no meaning. I may be dimwit according to the chemical reactions going on in your brain but your thoughts are simply chemistry. You believe you are self aware but that is again chemistry. you might also be thinking that I (a different set of atoms and molecules) may be typing this message, but how can you tell ? maybe it is another set of atoms and molecules or maybe the chemistry in your brain is telling you that you are seeing this message. how can you tell the difference ?🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pankaja7974]

@@user-zz8gc4ut6l okay I got the answer. if you prayed and if your prayer was answered you would still not believe in God because you know that there is atleast one menopausal woman that you know who has got pregnant. So you will attribute your case also to the fact that there is non-zero probability for any event and therefore however low that probability is you will hang onto that cause you just dont want to believe in God!! it is not your fault actually cause your brain is hardwired to perform reactions in that way. what happens your brain atoms and molecules will react in a way so as to reject all evidence and instead hang onto remote possibilities. If you asked for I cannot even prove that I exist. There is always a NON-ZERO probablity that these things are simply playing out in your head 🤣🤣🤣🤣 in other words you are INSANE !!

[@pankaja7974]

@@user-zz8gc4ut6l oh of course - it is simply impossible that a divine being put together the cell but it is far far more probable that a billion atoms and molecules simply arranged themselves and booted and started dividing 🤣🤣🤣🤣 nobody stop you from believing that. The only question is do you BELIEVE that happened ? if you do then you are a moist robot. Your thoughts have no meaning. You calling me names is actually chemistry going on in your brain. You are held hostage by your brain cells. You are a lump of cells that another lump of cells (Richard Dawkins) is controlling 🤣🤣🤣🤣 you only "know" what your brain chemistry is telling you. There is no way for you to know otherwise.

[@Vigula]

Wow! God bless you Nico and your family, and thank you for sharing your story.

[@JesusLovesTheLost]

This is such an amazing testimony! God bless you and your family brother!

[@bernadettematera-stacey1982]

Wow, Nico, I am from Boston too, and an Italian Catholic family! No great coincidence because there are lots of us, but I left Boston in 1986, to live first in California, and then in 1988 in Australia. Your description of sitting through mass so you could go home and have Nonna's meatballs really took me back! God bless you and keep you.😊

[@Muffynbear-bs7fh]

He's from Southbridge.

[@BionicLatino]

“So I was in an emotionally vulnerable time in my life so I began to seek confirmation of my budding spirituality. And lo, I found it. Amazing”

[@MrPeaceGuy54]

Spirituality is ultimately about experience, and all of us have biases. Many beliefs can have reasonable alternatives, and what shapes our choices in such cases are variables like intuitions.

[@simontemplar3359]

The description of being an east coast American Catholic is bang on. I was raised the same way, and I'm from about 45 minutes' drive south of Boston. My mom tried, but i think that for American Catholics there is a generation who had the Roman church rammed down their throats and they rebelled against it. My dad was that way. It took me from college until my mid 40s to return to Christianity. That was after living for about 12 years as a Muslim.

[@pankaja7974]

why would you become a moslame ? didn't you know about the pervfet's escapades ?

[@johnbrown4568]

Retired Cold Case Homicide Detective, J. Warner Wallace, is an amazing "case maker" for the truth...the fact of...the life, death and genuine resurrection of Jesus Christ.

[@JamesMorgan_LifeandText]

Thank you for sharing your testimony - an amazing process of transformation for you and your wife.

[@ruthadams6390]

Ive been following this channel now for about a year and love it! Thank you Justin. This story is amazing and had me emotional.God is amazing.Thank you for sharing

[@tonianoelnoel2227]

Merry Christmas to you two that's an incredible story. God bless you all

[@gnavajr]

WOWSERS! - that was an UNBELIEVABLE unrehearsed, raw, and holy spirit-bathed story that at times (MANY TIMES) I felt unworthy to be listening to such personal insight - thanks, Justin, keep 'em coming!!!

[@rob-890]

He said nothing of worth!

[@20july1944]

@@rob-890 You're an idiot, DEV

[@rob-890]

@@20july1944 What a loving person you are. Really showing your true colours

[@rob-890]

@@20july1944 Also the title suggests evidence will be presented I saw none.

[@20july1944]

@@rob-890 Do you either science or 1st century history? I'd like to discuss the evidence for Christianity based on both of those.

[@rafaelajose530]

Wow I love God’s favors, blessings, miracles, graces, mercy and most of all his Love. God bless and thank you for sharing your story. Never feel afraid to talk about God’s miracle and remember miracles are unbelievable events that only God can create. Glory to God.

[@dukeofdenver]

This was amazing. Thank you so much. God bless this man

[@johnmulvey5121]

Inspiring,encouraging story. Thank you!

[@tigerag29607]

It's so strange but also so beautiful that most Christians have that complete conviction in such a variety of ways... Yet the end result is all the same... God is real and God is good, and it's impossible for you to deny it.

[@mramirez5239]

Tarquinio, here's a request for you to prayerfully consider including the emails, questions and answers you talked about with Kreeft, in a book. We'd love to be so influenced-it sounds like it was theological gold. Thank you for sharing some deeply personal points of your story. I'll come check out your channel. Thank you, both, for this talk.

[@JesusIsKing373]

I loved this video, and his story! Ah, we serve an amazing God✝️💙

[@justinshadrach829]

Really powerful and great story. I can relate to alot of it and Literally hundreds of millions if not billions of christians throughout history have had similar supernatural experiences and prayers answered that can only be that God has heard them.

[@Chirhopher]

Except, Catholics are Not CHRISTians, they are 'catholic'. They pronounced Anathema (Damnation) on GOD'S People; who believe GOD when HE Says We are Justified by Grace, through Faith, in CHRIST alone; turning Apostate and Condemning themselves.

[@justinshadrach829]

@tH3_€r33N_$0c!@L!sT yeah for real I hear that. Im not nieve enough to think that. However, there are plenty of examples (i have many personal ones) in the world that cannot be down to coincedence. When his wife has a dream. You cant throw the baby out with the bath water. I also believe God will work in all peoples lives, not just a christian, if they seek him in earnest he will answer prayer. And sometimes not or not in the way they desire. Again I get what your saying I know plenty of folk who have wanted a child and it not get answered and others who have had treament and it works. I remeber praying for a women who had been praying for 2yrs to get pregnant. When I prayed I had this strong feeling a 100% assurance she would have a baby in her arms the following year......and 2weeks later she was pregnant (this was in June) Other times I have prayed and not had such an assurance and God has not answered. There is an element or mystery which is to be expected. I remember going to a country in Africa and 3 days before we went to a particular village, I had an image appear in my mind of a teenage girl with a parricular hair style wearing a red top and some other random details. I senced as if God was sharing his love for her to me. When we arrived I saw this parricular Girl (exactly as in the vision, even the posture she had) it turned out she had been abused by alot of the boys in the area and felt as though she was not loved by anyone. We shared the message of Gods love for her in Christ and she came the next day to a church with her family. But this doesnt happen all the time..and I dont always understand it. One other time I saw a guy and the phrase 'he is addicted to Porn' came to mind. I didnt want to shame him and so said 'there is no condemnation in christ' then I never saw him again (he was from Norway) 2yrs later I was contacted by him online and he told me 'I had been addicted to porn and everyday was feeling chained and condemned' literally after I had spoken to him....he said he never looked at it again and was now in a band etc and loving life.....was that a coincedence!? This doesnt happen all the time, but if your completely closed to even the chance of the miraculous you will al ways criticise. And sometime miracles are not as spectacular. I means abiogenesis is a bloody Miracle that most naturalists believe occured (non living matter, swished around, bumping into eachother and became living). So getting pregant miraculously when there is already a living organism is more likely than....abiogenesis. 🤣 But I hear your point.

[@justinshadrach829]

Yeah your right! You have all the answers! Maybe the world would be a better place if you told everyone how and what to think!🤣🤣

[@singlecellorganism13]

Fantastic discussion! Thank you

[@oliviaoreilly4645]

God Bless you for doing this show for people like me

[@MarkHunterSolo]

Wonderful story - the slightest crack in our resistance to God’s Word and it will trickle through then gush until the dam finally breaks and we are swimming in His Love and Mercy!

[@bethlemmon]

what a sweetheart! So glad Nico now in the family of Yeshua!

[@shagadad1]

Thanks for an inspiring interview.

[@greyskeptic3961]

Nico has a near opposite journey as me. I think that's pretty neat in itself. I'd love to chat with him sometime!

[@daisysuperdog2814]

Simply awesome.

[@fridge3489]

I like Kreeft too. And Warner Wallace, Lane Craig, and C.S. Lewis. 🙏

[@woolvey]

I was very disappointed in this episode, because the title gave me expectations which were not met. I watched specifically because I wanted to know how Nico defined atheism and how he determined that label fit him. I wanted to know what justification he had for calling himself atheist. I wanted to know what caused his acceptance of Christianity. I wanted to know what evidence he had found that was convincing to him and how it managed to overcome the justification he previously had for atheism. I wanted to know what other options he considered. I found none of this in the video. While he claims he was atheist, he makes several comments about praying to God, going to Mass, looking for answers in Christian/Catholic culture and traditions, which is not something someone would do if they believed God did not exist. He may not have had an active belief in God (and that may be how he is defining "atheist"), but he certainly had tendencies to consider the existence of God. This is not how I usually define "atheist", but there are multiple commonly used definitions. On this point, he also says at one point that he found himself on the opposite side [of Christianity] and was "somewhat disrespectful". There is nothing about atheism that in any way dictates the level of respect or disrespect someone has toward Christianity. Disrespect comes from people who are disrespectful, not people who believe there are no gods. However, I have found this is a common theme in conversion stories, that someone characterizes their prior "atheist period" as disrespectful, rebellious, hateful, selfish, etc., even though most atheists do not display these qualities. It appears he had little religious education as a child. He was neither equipped with the tools to defend Christianity, nor atheism, nor any other position. He talks about rock and metal music influencing him. He talks about knowing no Christians and being surrounded by people who scoffed at the idea of God. When you are ill-equipped to evaluate claims about gods, you are open to indoctrination from any position. Unlike many people who are indoctrinated to believe Christianity, it appears he was indoctrinated to dismiss God by his peers and other environmental influences. This seems to have provided him with a rather shallow position of not being an active believer, but not equipped him to justify the position he found himself in. When he talks about the beginning of his transition to Christianity, he talks of seeking out Christian podcasts, but he doesn't explain why he sought those out specifically. Why did he not search for atheist podcasts, Hindu podcasts, Islamic podcasts? It seems he had a predisposition to thinking Christianity had answers and was true. This could indicate a latent Christianity seeded from early childhood indoctrination or cultural immersion. When he talks about the things he heard in these podcasts, he does not mention how he tried to verify the claims (if at all). He says things like "it made sense to me", which many ideas can if they are presented in isolation from competing ideas. He does not elaborate on how anything made sense or what alternatives (if any) he contrasted them to. He talks about evidence very little, but quotes Peter Kreeft talking about "circumstantial evidence". He is certainly correct in stating there is circumstantial evidence for God, even though there is no objective direct evidence for God. However, as a lawyer, he should know that circumstantial evidence is often wrong, often contradicts direct evidence, and needs to be evaluated against alternative explanations for the evidence in order to ensure the inference being made is the most likely. He doesn't expound on any of this, nor describe any specific circumstantial evidence which was key to his acceptance of Christianity. He specifically mentions the motives of the apostles, but seems to have simply accepted it as true that the apostles did and said what was claimed of them. The consensus of Biblical historians is that none of the authors of the Gospels were eye witnesses to the accounts they provided. All the information we have about the apostles comes from third party accounts, written many decades after the events they describe. He makes no attempt to explain what convinced him the accounts of the apostles were true, what research (if any) he did to confirm the claims. He doesn't seem to consider obvious alternatives (like how people can be motivated by beliefs which are genuine beliefs, but false ones). We know, for example how, in cases like Jonestown and the Waco Branch Davidians, that people can be motivated by strong belief to take extreme action without their beliefs necessarily being correct. It feels like he simply latched on to what he was told without any critical analysis. He also paraphrases Kreeft as saying "If Christianity can't answer any of your questions, then you shouldn't believe in it". I don't agree with this in a literal sense. I don't think any religion, philosophy, or ideology should have to have answers to everything you can question. However, where it claims to have answers, those answers should be consistent with reality, should provide meaningful explanations (which add understanding), and should have supporting evidence and/or reasoning. Again, he did not expound on the specific questions he had, how Christianity addressed those questions, or why he found the answers convincing. He mentions the "problem of evil" making more sense with God, yet he seems to miss the point of the problem. He says (and I'm paraphrasing here) that God wants human suffering in this life as part of his plan for a better afterlife. This would indeed explain why we have suffering, but the point it misses is it does not explain why an omnibenevolent god would want suffering or use suffering as a device in this life. Omnibenevolence means "all loving", which contradicts suffering. This is the essence of the problem of evil. The idea that the suffering is necessary for any speculative reason is undermined by the idea that the god is also supposedly all powerful and all knowledgeable. With these two qualities, there should be means the god can establish to achieve the same goals without the suffering. The final point I want to make is the talk of his wife having a dream about being a mother before waking up and testing for pregnancy. This appears to be an example of how we naturally take personal experiences as special. We are the heroes of our own stories, so when something like this happens to us we see significance where it often does not exist. If this experience is taken in a broader context, it is easier to see how it is not special. I know this because I too had difficulties with my first wife having children. I know how emotional a time it is. I know that it is the number one thing on your mind the entire time. You will dream about it, because that's what you're thinking of. In my case, we both dreamed of being parents and it never happened. This is not uncommon. I know many other people who have tried and succeeded and many who have tried any failed. Some Christian, some atheist, some other religions. The significance of the dream was high to Nico and his wife, but in the context of all the people who have such dreams and the variety of outcomes, the significance is low.

[@20july1944]

Wow, you're a real motor-mouth. Do you bring any relevant education to your theology, which I assume to be atheist.=?

[@mytwocents7481]

Mostly agree. The closest he comes to laying out some milestones in his thinking is at 23:44 where he mentions the motivations of the early Christians and C. S. Lewis' trilemma. That goes by really fast. Early on he said that in a debate involving Bart Ehrman, he thought Ehrman was helping make the case for Christianity. Sadly no details on that.

[@woolvey]

@@20july1944 I didn't talk about any theology. I was explaining why this testimony did not address any of the key aspects of conversion I was interested in. If you have any relevant questions about what I said or if you disagree with any specifics, please let me know.

[@20july1944]

@@mytwocents7481 I assume he means Ehrman takes the NT narrative as a given, albeit without miracles or a resurrection. That's useful for evangelism in that we are not distracted by mythicism, for example.

[@20july1944]

@@woolvey Yes, I'm curious what your theology is.

[@I9s7lam5is-S3tu1pid]

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2

[@christiangadfly24]

I also was raised Christian, became an atheist, and became a Christian again. I'm also a lawyer and also got married young. Fun to see so many similarities here haha. My testimony is on my channel.

[@tubermind]

Heartwarming 😊 as well as a fascinating glimpse of modern life intersecting with ancient faith through Millennial eyes. God is so amazing.

[@marcleysens7716]

No faith without evidence. As Jesus said, the truth will set you free.

[@201950201950]

Praise God 💕

[@barbellenoregon]

Loved his testimony!

[@SDsc0rch]

what a beautiful story ...tears...

[@brucewayner8036]

Emery is awesome saw them many times live. Very cool guys. Good job brother proud of you! Jesus is the only way

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

18:00 minutes in and still not one piece of evidence.

[@sysprogmanadhoc2785]

Exactly. I found his reasoning extremely weak

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@sysprogmanadhoc2785 I think his reasoning was mostly based on experiential and historical aspects. To me, such knowledge can be considered "evidence" but that's my own perception. I respect how others feel. Thanks

[@20july1944]

Shrug -- this wasn't an apologetic presentation, it was a testimony of conversion. I prefer evidence as well, but that's not what this was and Unbelievable isn't obligated to always do that.

[@christiangadfly24]

My testimony might be more up your alley? I ditched humanism because it contradicted materialism. Eventually did a wager for life having meaning. I explain why I reject logical positivism and then go into the historical criteria for the resurrection. My testimony is on my channel.

[@neilcates3499]

Made it through to the end. I did not find anything in this story that was even slightly convincing. This is all about elevating the hits and downplaying the misses. Let's consider some examples: A) A terminally ill child is in a hospital and is prayed for and survives. God did it! B) A terminally ill child is in a hospital and is prayed for and dies. God had other plans. C) A terminally ill child is in a hospital and no one prays for the child. Does god do nothing because no one prays? Does he step in even though no one prayed? No matter what happens it's god's will - so they say. Beyond ridiculous.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

I understand your questions and although I myself struggle with doubts, I do believe that God can and does "step in even though no one prayed". I found his personal story thought provoking. I'm not negating your views. We all have different worldviews. In the spirit of Christmas, I wish you peace. From Florida.

[@neilcates3499]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 I also wish you and nearly everyone on earth a merry Christmas. I just don't believe any of this superstitious mumbo jumbo. We do face real problems on this planet and it seems like the best way to tackle these things is to face what we know to be real and not be looking towards some imaginary being that never did anything. Christianity, the bible, Jesus and god (any god) have so many problems. I could go on for hours about all of the unresolvable problems. However, because they are fiction then those who believe can make up anything to try to resolve all of the problems. Apologists are not constrained by facts or reality.

[@northernlight8857]

i got very dissappointed by this..Lovely person and an interesting story. I was hoping for good reasons ot even good evidence but was served the opposite. But seemed like an awesome person.

[@michaelcorcoran6946]

Just like how he thought Dawkins and Ehrman wouid confirm his bias but served the opposite. Crazy world out there. Who knows whats what.

[@VindensSaga]

You can reply directly to him if you want. It is the first post in the comment section.

[@RobGai72]

Exactly. What is the evidence. Oh yah none.

[@Chirhopher]

It's VERY SAD that Justin is putting rhisnon like a Good thing. Catholics are not CHRISTians. They believe in Salvation by works and pronounced Damnation on Us; as i teach that We are Justified by Grace, through Faith, in CHRIST Alone. In which, they pronounced Anathema on GOD'S People because GOD Judged Them for turning against HIM and HIS People.

[@northernlight8857]

@justanotherguy4382 I was hoping for good reason and most important good evidence. Nothing more and nothing less. If he was turned into a super being that would at least something we could test.

[@airpollotoledo]

I am encouraged.

[@rishalcharles420]

Hey Justin, could you do a series on the Eastern Orthodox faith since they are the 3rd largest denomination (after Catholicism and Protestants) in Christianity and maybe explain their beliefs and why they aren't correct on some aspects of the faith with relation to the Bible

[@pankaja7974]

nobody is correct. all are sinners. People who believe in the Trinity have salvation. People who dont honour Lord Jesus just as they honour the Father, are not welcome in His Kingdom

[@shelleyhender8537]

Hi Rishal - I just saw your text…I was wondering if you checked out any other podcasts about the Eastern Orthodox Church? If not, I can share a few of the channels I watch. I’m a Protestant, but enjoy learning about other denominations. God Bless…I hope you are having a wonderful day!🇨🇦☺🇨🇦

[@shelleyhender8537]

@@rishalcharles420 Hi Rishal ~ You are so welcome my friend…As I’m always willing to share with others about the Christian Faith. We need to discover TRUTH - and I’m so happy to hear that you both enjoy and take investigating various theology and traditions seriously! I wish more people were as interested as you are! As for the “Mariology” and “Intercession of the Saints”, I too am trying to find out more. Recently, I saw 2 really good explanations about both of these subjects. The videos were produced by: Dr. James White of “Alpha and Omega” Ministries” podcast. He produces both audio and video versions of his podcast and debates. He has done both debates and informative videos on these 2 topics. He provides a very honest, in-depth, and thorough approach to Biblical topics, as he is a researcher, professor, and pastor. He has also dialogued extensively and ministered to Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, and many, many others outside “Traditional Christianity”. Dr. Gavin Ortlund is also very, very informative when exploring and offering explanations on “Mariology” and “Intercession of the Saints”. He comes from a Protestant background, but is very open in his dialogue with Catholics and Eastern Orthodox followers/priests. ONE FOR ISRAEL is a Messianic channel that offers a wonderful, enriching Biblical exploration of topics that I have really begun to explore more deeply in the past couple of years. I highly recommend their podcasts - both video and audio. Two of my favourite Messianic Biblical Scholars are on this podcast. Brilliant scholars - both of them! Dr. Craig Evans - a theologian that works on the “National Geographic” team for the “Dead Sea Scrolls” has also taught at various prestigious institutions in Canada, but he recently moved to the US and now resides at Houston Christian University. He offers countless videos! You can search under his name on KZbin and a great number of videos will pop-up. He is truly BRILLIANT, gifted, and humble…A man I definitely respect! If you ever want to know something about the DEAD SEA SCROLLS - he is the scholar to seek out. That being said, he is brilliant on all topics. I wish to have even a fraction of his knowledge! TRUTH UNITES - a channel by Dr. Gavin Ortlund. He has many fascinating, informative, and GRACIOUS discussions with various scholars from various camps, and recently provided a video wherein he talks to a former priest of Eastern Orthodoxy that became a Protestant minister. The former priest also has his own channel, but I am unaware of its name. I can try and find out and then pass along the information to you, if you are interested. “GOSPEL SIMPLICITY” - many explorations of both Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This channel explores these 2 branches of Christianity very heavily, even though he is a Protestant Theologian. The majority of his KZbin followers are Catholics. I truly appreciate his GRACIOUS, informative style. There are also several Catholic channels I watch that do discuss faith with other denominations, but mostly stick to the Catholic content. Three of them are: Pints with Aquinas and Capturing Christianity. However, if you are interested in a quick Homily or pastoral message, I recommend Bishop Robert Baron. I also watch a number of BIBLICAL Archaeology channels that are incredibly interesting and very informative on Biblical finds. I think you would find them interesting. I will only mention 2 for now, but if you wish to know more, I can provide a couple of more. The 2 I think might interest you are: EXPEDITION BIBLE - my favourite Biblical Archaeology channel at the moment! This professor is extraordinary, and like Dr. Evans, he too is an exceptional scholar currently teaching at seminaries in Jordan and the US. He previously taught in Israel for a couple of decades prior to relocation at a seminary in Jordan. I think you will find this channel very thorough and exciting! “Associates For Biblical Research” (B.A.R.) - an Archaeology program that offers videos both online and via TV. They often have Dr. Scott Stripling on their show, as he is Director of Excavations for B.A.R. He is also a professor and Director for Archaeological digs in Israel. He is a Provost/Professor at The Bible Seminary in Texas. As I mentioned previously - I have other channels which I can share, but thought this would be a beginning. Finally - I apologize for this text being extremely long, but I wanted to provide a little “snippet” on each, so you know they are scholars and not just individuals offering their opinions, but actually based Biblically, factually, and in many cases scientifically. Please let me know if you wish to extend the list, as I’m more than willing to offer what I find beneficial and informative. Many Blessings🇨🇦🥰🇨🇦 P.S. I just remembered to mention a FANTASTIC channel by the name: GIVE LIGHT. This is a channel that reveals Islamic doctrine. He is an incredible scholar with knowledge I can only pray to grasp a fraction of! I also adore the host - Reese - as he reaches out to EVERYONE on his channel. He is a former Muslim, so he can provide an extraordinary wealth of knowledge in this area. I’m interested in Islam, as I lived with a dear family who are Muslim, so I’m trying to learn more. Fortunately, they have gone so far as to allow their daughter to marry a Christian and their grandchildren attend “private” Christian schools. They made the decision after getting to know me and my family. As you can guess, they’re were a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions on their part, but quickly realized that Christians are nothing to fear, and now, their children and grandchildren are open to the Christian Faith. I hope to have more dialogue with them, so I can offer an open, honest and loving approach to discussing Faith. I love them dearly, and wish to show them the loving side of Christ via our relationship! I never wish to come across as aggressive or mean! I hope that I was somewhat helpful. Please, let me know if you wish for more videos/channels, and I will try to provide as wide of a variety as possible!🤗

[@shelleyhender8537]

@@rishalcharles420 Hi Rishal ~ I hope that I didn’t overwhelm you with too many KZbin hosts and channels! I truly only wish to help!!☺ Quickly, I wanted to mention that I have to go to the hospital for a while, but hope to return home soon. If you should need to reach out to me, please do, and I will try to help when I can. May God Bless you and keep you and you’re Love Ones in his loving arms!🇨🇦☺🇨🇦

[@stephenkaake7016]

I need someone to help, my life was destroyed, my christmas is pain and suffering, my family wrecked my life, I am punished tortured and abused, I don't want to end my life so I beg God to help, but he says 'people should care' but even God can't get someone to help, so he gave me a gift that I show off to people

[@jessevsm]

I definitely enjoyed this look into Nico Tarquinio's life story. Though, there are a few things said that was a bit confusing or simply incorrect. Maybe it was simply said in error. 22:39 When he talks about circumstantial evidence is actually the strongest and most common form of evidence you have." While I would agree it's the most common form of evidence you may have, it's absolutely not the strongest evidence. By definition, circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence. This is often used to try and push a case towards or against "beyond a reasonable doubt" in a courtroom. But in any case, direct evidence is still the best evidence in court. Also, very few people who've been investigating the claims of Christianity will say that there's "no" evidence for Jesus or the Bible. Nor have I really seen many atheists claim that there are no answers to a number of questions that might arise (as suggested around 26:25). For most of us, we find the answers largely unconvincing or rather poor evidence for many of the claims within. Also, that definition that the "new atheists" use is found within the Bible... Unless you're now saying that particular passage is somehow being misinterpreted? That's usually the response I hear, anyway. Faith is indeed an important part of most any religion. 32:30 Wishful thinking doesn't make more sense than reality. But it's understandable how someone gets there. No one 'wants' to suffer. By thinking what we will get something better after can help us through that suffering. But again, that's merely wishful thinking. It's a common way religious folks justify their faith, but in my opinion, it's not useful for determining if it's actually true or not. 36:54 I did chuckle a bit here. While the concept of what is or isn't indoctrination, teaching a system of beliefs is a fair bit different than teaching mathematics. All in all though, I don't want to belittle Nico at all. I appreciate people's personal stories. We're all shaped by our experiences. And everyone has their own story. I do enjoy hearing them even if it doesn't really do anything to change my own particular viewpoint on the subject of religion. I love listening to the Unbelievable podcast because it does an amazing job of getting Christians and non-Christians together for an interesting discussion and/or debate about various topics. I haven't been listening to the show as long as Nico, but I have been listening for a few years now. I will certainly continue to do so in the future! :)

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

I'm a Christian believer and I appreciate your respectful comments and honesty. I seldom listen to this channel but I'm somewhat open-minded to listen to the worldviews and knowledge of others. If I may ask, do you believe in the existence of God ? You don't have to answer. I'm just curious because I found your comments very interesting. Peace to you in the New Year.

[@20july1944]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 I did not know you are a Christian. You asked me what my scientific and historic evidence for Christianity is, Christian-to-Christian I'm happy to summarize: 1. Ultimately, something must have always existed (in which case it is infinitely old, a brute fact). This is science for theism, requiring an uncaused cause and living organisms add that the cause must be intelligent. 2. Christianity really exploded in the eastern Med in the 35 years between Jesus dying c. 30 AD and Nero blaming Christians for the July 64 AD fire of Rome. Nero wouldn't have blamed a group no one heard of before.

[@joshs2986]

Hi Jesse, appreciate your thoughts. I'd say you are in error in some of your points, if you don't mind me taking a stab at trying to point them out (feel free to push back) 1) You say that the definition of faith "believe without evidence" is found in the bible. I would challenge that. I'm assuming you are referring to Hebrews 11:1? I think in context you realise that it's more talking about believing in something yet not seeing it physically. For instance i have faith my wife loves me. although I can't "prove it" I can show it with evidence. Think more along that line of thought. 2) The indoctrination point. you said " teaching a system of beliefs is a fair bit different than teaching mathematics" I think you miss the point. Mathematics is a system of beliefs. We just think that these system of beliefs are objectively true. So if a father believes God exists and that is true, why shouldn't he be teaching his kids what is true. Does that make sense? Have a good day Jesse!

[@mijf1171]

Thankful for these kinds of videos to help us. Seeking prayer partners or prayer groups on whatsapp.

[@jjcm3135]

Really enjoyable stuff.

[@faithburns8379]

I watch that red line that measures the progress of these messages and I get sad as it gets near the end! I don’t want it to end…

[@horridhenry9920]

This is a good example of why appeal to authority is fallacious. I was expecting that because Nico is a lawyer he would understand evidence and burden and standard of proof. Most evidence is circumstantial, however it has to meet certain standards. The claim is not the evidence. For example the claim that the disciples did not recant in the face of torture and death, is the claim. The person making the claim will have to show that the disciples were asked to recant of specific claims and refused to do so. Yes, some of the disciples died horrific deaths but there is little evidence to support the claim it’s because they refused to recant. We do not know the circumstances of many of the disciples death. As a lawyer Nico would also understand the limitations of hearsay evidence. Most of the stories in the bible are hearsay upon hearsay upon hearsay and would not be admissible in most courts anywhere in the world. Nico’s conversion had little to do with him being a lawyer assessing evidence.

[@ChildofGod98765]

I PRAISE JESUS! Even as I’m struggling providing for my children. I will keep faith. I get harassed and called names simply for sharing my testimony and asking for prayers. But prayers are all I WANT. I fell on hard times because I was fired from my job as a social worker at Forsyth Hospital because I declined the vaccine. I was denied my medical/religious exemption. I declined because of my pre existing health condition lupus and heart disease. I wish I could go back to the hospital but unfortunately the mandate is still in place all hospitals workers must be vaccinated against covid 19 for hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid. I’m waitressing AND I’m SO THANKFUL, but I’m not making nearly as much as I use too. My husband and my parents died years ago. I’m all alone, no family to lean on. As a single mother with two autistic children things are so overwhelming on me because my boys require a lot from me. Every month is a struggle to pay bills and to put food on the table. BUT our Heavenly Father gives me courage to not give up because I want to. I’m so discouraged but even as I face homelessness almost every month and even as I get put down and mocked because of my situation and choice. I will keep faith in God! Please pray for me and my boys. God bless. Merry Christmas.

[@lindamarner3872]

Praying for you. Nothing is too hard for our Lord. Praying that he will redeem your situation as he did got Ruth. Jesus is your Kinsman redeemer.

[@JAMBALAYATALKS]

ChildofGod Saw your post in another Christian video…hope your not scamming people🤔

[@josielovelaposa]

God provides! God bless you thank you for sharing your life 🙏.

[@MariaPerez-uv8mm]

I am so so sorry for what you are going through. God bless you 🙏✝️

[@sysprogmanadhoc2785]

Nah, don't believe your story. You're a shill trying to get converts for the church, aintcha?

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

Wow. Not one piece of evidence presented. That was very disappointing. As a deconvert, I would love to have my faith restored. Clearly I came to the wrong place.

[@youssefalaoui4286]

What about existence itself? Doesn’t that seem Divine to you ?

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@youssefalaoui4286 Do you mean existence of mankind or all creation? Either way, yes I do think God was the Creator of the Cosmos. I even think God created science and gave us the ability to learn about the world around us. In the spirit of Christmas, peace be with you and your family. From Florida.

[@youssefalaoui4286]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 I mean just existence not “an existing thing”. Or in other words; THAT which gives existence to the things. Peace for you and your family, happy Christmas.

[@marielabusch]

Evidence that demands a verdict - Josh McDowell - best book to read as the author was an atheist himself.

[@leonabarkell1809]

Thank you for sharing!

[@kensey007]

The discussion of how secular "America" is and was when the only point of reference is Boston is quite amusing. Grow up in rural Alabama next time and see how things go.

[@kensey007]

True story. I had a dream the other night that I was at the funeral of my friend's dad. I am not close at all to this man and have barely seen him over the last thirty years. I have never dreamed about him before. But, notably, he is perhaps the most religious person I know - - Pentacostal and claims to routinely have personal interactions with God. So I woke up and called my friend to see if his dad was OK. His dad was fine. So, if we are going by dreams as prophecy for proof of God, does this prove there is no God?

[@LPolischuk]

It is so sad that most people have lost the true meaning of "evidence" and "proof".

[@downenout8705]

And the most scary thing is that this guy is a lawyer.

[@VindensSaga]

Not everyone cares about "evidence" or "proof" to believe or wanting to believe. It comes down to their worldview and how their own life have played out. For some people the faith is proof enough and seeing how their own lives changes or other people around them changes is "proof" they need/want. You can downplay this of course because it is your own decision.

[@downenout8705]

@@VindensSaga Obviously the world is full of people who use "faith" as a substitute for reason and evidence, that is why there are so many theists in the world. Thankfully however the civilised world is slowly waking up and leaving this appalling epistemology behind.

[@achyuthcn2555]

@@VindensSaga , Those who "believe" things without considering evidence and proofs are called "$tup!d".

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@VindensSaga I would never "downplay" either your comments or those of the lawyer in this discussion. But then I perceive "evidence" in a different way from those who seek proof within the scientific realm. Is that bad? However I don't negate the desires of others who seek proof through reasoning based on logic and science. I understand their rejection of faith and experience. So I respect others even if they "downplay" the beliefs and worldviews of others. I guess we need to find a way to reconcile simple faith with evidence. Maybe such a task is a waste of time? What do you think? Peace to you... from Florida.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Not convinced by the Moral Argument less by Historical one and Desire One. The Kalam one is nearest but still lacks.

[@christiangadfly24]

I felt the same when I was an atheist.

[@downenout8705]

Perhaps some one would like to help me out and provide the time stamp where the "evidence" for the truth of 1 Corinthians 15: 14 is presented. All I got was the fact he read a lot of apologetics but made very little effort to research with the same vigor the counter arguments. He just seemed desperate to find reasons to believe that Christianity is true, with very little concern as to the veracity of those reasons.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

I also seemingly tend to be "desperate" in my search for reasons behind the truth of Christianity. Im no scholar so I can't negate or refute any counter arguments. Yet learning never stops, does it? So I myself appreciate this discussion and personal story. By the way, I'm not criticizing your comments. I think I understand your concerns. Peace

[@downenout8705]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 I personally start with the evidence and then listen to the arguments that are put forward to show why that evidence is sufficient for me to justify a belief in a proposition. For me, as here, when no evidence is presented I have no starting point. Not me, but "that which is asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence".

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@downenout8705 I like when you said "that which is asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence ". I see nothing wrong with that statement. But do you think we can have a "belief in a proposition" without any evidence or without certainty? I assume you'd say no. Is belief in the existence of God considered a proposition? I assume it is. For me, I think "evidence" can include aspects of philosophy, history, theology, science, and experience. And maybe simple observations of nature, humanity and morality. Do I make any sense? If not, that's okay.

[@downenout8705]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 No one lives their lives with certainty. You cannot be "certain" that the food that you eat won't poison you but you still eat. You would, however never eat something if you "knew" that you had no evidence that it was safe to do so. All you can do is honestly look at the evidence that you have, check its reliability and decide for yourself if you find it sufficient. In my humble opinion, I believe that many Christians, deep down, know that they don't have sufficient evidence to justify their beliefs and that is why they turn to the appalling epistemology of Hebrews 11: 1 faith. I am a simple person, if I want to know the meaning of a word I use a dictionary. I suggest that you compare what you consider to be "evidence" to the dictionary definition. It's seems to me that you are desperate to find anything that you can call "evidence" in order to convince yourself that you have enough to justify your belief in the Christian God. I want to believe as many true and as few false things as possible, do you? Again not mine but "a honest person who learns that they are mistaken, is either no longer mistaken or no longer honest". As a former Christian I am proud to have chosen honesty.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@downenout8705 Thanks. If I may ask, why do you find "faith" as " appalling"? I acknowledge your suggestion that I simply turn to the dictionary for definitions of words and to clarify if my usage of a word is correct. I seldom use a dictionary anymore. I admit I could be mistaken about some beliefs and worldviews that I hold. And I agree that certainty about things is almost impossible. I think Jesus' knowledge about reality was completely accurate but it was "enclosed" within a time and culture so different from ours. Don't you agree? Peace

[@murielsteinmetz4274]

Read "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell, and Reason for the hope Within (brilliant book, multiple Christian philosophers), Scaling the Secular City, The Fingerprint of God, by Ross,, and books/debates by William Lane Craig, it is a wonderful intellectual journey, and it takes you to God!!! pretty much a win win, eternal life in heaven

[@rizdekd3912]

'...eternal life in heaven...' And there's the other shoe...a motive. Fear of death and hope for reward will sway someone's reasoning and make them susceptible to incomplete arguments. What IF there was no heaven to win or hell to shun? What if God existed and Jesus lived and died, but never mentioned going to prepare a place for you?

[@murielsteinmetz4274]

@@rizdekd3912 ??? plain sense of clear text in scripture, there is a heaven there is a reward, and Jesus said he went to prepare a place for us..???????

[@rizdekd3912]

@@murielsteinmetz4274 That doesn't answer my question. That text appears to be added just TO convince folks to believe what those apologists wanted them to believe. It gave them a motive TO convert by promising them 'free beer tomorrow.' That phrase comes from the joke that the guy walks into a bar and sees a sign. "Free Beer Tomorrow.' So...the next day he comes in and asks for his free beer. The bartender chuckles and says, 'we only give free beer tomorrow.' So over the course of time, folks came up with the idea that there was life after death to convince others to buy into their doctrine.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

What was the evidence

[@goldenarm2118]

He didn't mention a lot of it...there is a lot of evidence. But he did mention the circumstantial evidence of asking the question why the apostles pitched such a story to the Jews? What did they get out of doing that? What was their motivation? The answer to this questions shows sincerity and authenticity to what they witnessed. Because they got nothing out of it except suffering and eventual death.

[@NK-wi2xt]

Looks like UK prince just with more hairs:).Wonderful testimony,thanks

[@kevinfancher3512]

Any lawyer should know that an argument is not evidence. 22.5 minutes - still no evidence.

[@ohdehhan]

"If it can't answer your questions, why would you believe it?" Maybe some questions we don't yet know the answers to. Religions you don't believe are true still have answers to life's biggest questions. Does having answers to questions really make it true?

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

I think many religions do indeed have answers that are based on the truth of reality. But I prefer to understand the answers that Jesus gave us. Jesus' followers had lots of questions. Thanks for your thought provoking comments. Peace

[@rizdekd3912]

I don't see how someone can actually claim to have been an atheist and still be lured by the things he listened to. Because in my journey TO atheism from being wholly immersed in Christianity as a young man, I visited all those stops on the way. I was exposed to the various arguments and lines of reasoning in college and in discussions with various Christians. I had to think through, for example, that many of the teachings of Christ are good and in fact were downright progressive FOR HIS DAY. I had no problem with the moral teachings of Christianity but as you say, good morals and answers to life's big questions doesn't make something true on the whole. I had to work through whether life could have naturally arisen and evolved or did it require a creator. Rather than concern myself with whether it could have happened, I concluded that simply positing a creator/designer really didn't solve any of the enigmas and puzzles...it just pushed it back a step...out of the realm where it could actually be studied. And the list goes on...cosmology, ontology, fine tuning, morality...all these things I had to think through and figure how it could/would work without a god or gods or at least realize that positing god doesn't really answer, for example, the problem of ontology or cosmology or fine-tuning. And NOT UNTIL someone actually does that do I feel like they can genuinely call themselves an atheist. They haven't paid their dues and they are susceptible, as this guy was, to being convinced by lines of reasoning he hadn't even thought of before declaring his atheism. Anything less is just not having thought about it enough. If WLC's cosmology argument leaves someone stumped and they think God is a reasonable answer to that...then they hadn't really thought it through.

[@davidfunga]

Well let’s hope their next meeting Nico will recognize the heresies in the Catholic Church and will come to faith knowing Redemption and Salvation only in the works of Christ! The Catholic doctrine of purgatory, Mary, confession to a priest, the pope, etc.. these are all doctrines leading people to hell. This is a good story but when it only goes as far as saying I’m on God’s team or Good I will serve Him… then you do good things. That is all shallow! The next step is trusting ALONE in the works of Christ for the forgiveness of sin! Most Catholics I know when they start reading the Bible ultimately leave the Catholic Church and end up in a good Bible believing Christ serving church’

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

The Catholic Church is the provider of the Bible you rely on. 😂

[@Ancient-Paths]

A lovely man. So, he converted from atheism to Catholicism? We must now pray that he converts to Christianity. There is no mention of the gospel or salvation from sin - which is sad.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

I personally found his manner of speaking and honesty to be thought provoking. Only God is all-knowing and I don't want to judge his relationship with God. Maybe his next discussion will open the door to sharing the Gospel stories. So I have no problem with listening to his personal story and worldviews. In the spirit of Christmas, may God's peace and love be with you. From Florida...

[@Ancient-Paths]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 I was so thrilled by his (or anyone's) testimony, that it was not until I reached the end that I realised he had not actually told us how he was saved. Yes, I do hope he will later tell us what salvation actually means to him - and give the gospel - so others can be saved. Of course, the Catholic gospel is not the same as the eternal gospel. In the spirit of Christ's Mass, God bless you.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

@@Ancient-Paths What do you mean by "the Catholic gospel is not the same as the eternal gospel"? I don't understand what you meant. Thanks.

[@Ancient-Paths]

@@johnbrzykcy3076 The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is a gospel of grace - the free unmerited favour of God. It cannot be earned, merited, or worked for (Ephesians 2:8-9) The Catholic gospel is one of good works .... baptism, penance, prayers to Mary and the saints, indulgences, remaining in the Roman Catholic Church, the Last Rites and finally Purgatory. All these are undertaken to "earn" a person's salvation. However, according to God's Word - none of these can grant salvation - for it is a free gift of God's grace to all who believe..

[@reasonableperson3002]

He mentioned rock, so . . . does he listen to skillet?

[@Chenzo-sb6zu]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@gooser2583]

Ah yes, the Archbishop Rowan Atkinson 😄

[@milliegarrett8459]

His cameo as a humble vicar in four weddings and a funeral was fantastic. So glad he found time off from his ministry to fit in filming. ;)

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

He didn’t look very deeply. The Bible has many contradictions, archeological and historical inaccuracies, and logical and scientific fallacies. These are not difficult to discover.

[@MichaelClarkson84]

I’m struggling to discover them. Can you list them?

[@sysprogmanadhoc2785]

The biggest contradiction of all: the bible does not comport with the reality that we experience. QED

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

@@MichaelClarkson84start with Rationality Rules and MythVision channel here on YT The most obvious is taking the Noah story literally. (Adapted from the older myth of Gilgamesh).

[@grantgooch5834]

@High Priest of the Flying Spaghetti Monster //First, neither Paul or the first Gospel Mark never mention the birth story. In fact, it's not until much, much, much later that Matthew & Luke mention it.// Cool. Also a non-sequitur. If you mean to imply that therefore there was no birth narrative, then that is an Appeal to Ignorance fallacy. //Luke - Joseph & Mary lived in Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem Matthew - Joseph & Mary lived in Bethlehem// Have you even read the birth narratives or did you just read an atheist blog listing alleged contradictions? Matthew doesn't mention where Joseph and Mary lived until chapter 2 when he says Jesus was born in Bethlehem. //Luke - Jesus was born AFTER King Herod's death Matthew - Jesus was born DURING King Herod's rule.// So clearly you haven't read Luke either, since in chapter 1 he clearly says Jesus was conceived during the reign of Herod the Great, not after Herod's death, and in Acts 5 Luke also mentions Judas the Galilean which Josephus associates with the 6 AD census. It's inconsistent with Luke's other clear time indicators that he's talking about the 6 AD census in Luke 2. Only an idiot (or a skeptic, but I repeat myself) would think he made such an obvious mistake or made it up. We can already see from Matthew that there didn't need to be a fictional census to get Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, he just says Jesus was born there. Luke is also clearly referring to Herod the Great in Luke 1 since he refers to the "Herod" in Luke 3 as "Herod the Tetrarch" and also mentions his brother Philip. Herod the Tetrarch is clearly Herod Archelaus, who we know from Josephus was in charge of Judea during the 6 AD census. Regarding Luke's "census", it seems skeptics haven't read Luke either. Luke doesn't say it was a "census", he says it was a "registry". He doesn't say it was a registry of the entire Roman empire, he says it was a registry of "the whole land". He doesn't say everyone had to go to their ancestral home, he says Joseph went to Bethlehem because he was from there. He doesn't say Quirinius was "governor", he says he was a "hegemon". We also know that Herod the Great lost his good standing with Augustus and lost the ability to tax his kingdom directly, meaning it's plausible there was a special directive from Augustus to tax Judea during the reign of Herod the Great. It's entirely plausible (not to mention consistent with all available sources) that Quirinius served as a special emissary of Augustus to oversea a tax registration of Judea near the end Herod the Great's reign or another registry taken following Augustus' assumption of the Patres Patriae title in 2 BC. We know from Josephus that a man named "Sabinus" served in exactly this position after the death of Herod and that he was the same rank as the Syrian governor Varus though he didn't hold that specific office. "Sabinus" is likely a name associated with the Sabine ethnicity which Quirinius was. Also, Quirinius wasn't his actual name, it was his Roman Cognomen. It's possible that Quirinius is actually the "Sabinus" mentioned by Josephus. It's also likely that Herod died in 1 BC and not 4 BC, so don't even bring it up. Looks like you better come up with something else from whatever atheist blog post you got those "hundreds more" from, since these are easily debunked. Given your refusal to participate in discussion with 20July1944 and complete ignorance of early Church History from someone who claims to have been to Seminary, I don't have high hopes.

[@tomyossarian7681]

Private catholic kinder garden, private catholic college, cross above the bed.. I mean, if you are looking for an atheist convert, I can't think of a better background! 😂

[@evanskip1]

Have not listened all, but Sounds like this fits Pinecreek theory of being a Christian?

[@JacquesMare]

A person that spends all his time, everyday lying to make the law work in his favor for money, says he found Jesus............ ok

[@goldenarm2118]

Yep, a dirty, rotten sinner came to a point in his life where he decided to take a sincere look at the evidence. I particularly liked his point that it's called circumstantial evidence. Maybe since you're on this channel you are already on your journey. Additionally, once a person comes to know Jesus, they don't automatically become perfect. It takes time.

[@saracarmichael24]

I am concerned. Great interview, and it seems this man is saved, but Catholics believe in a works salvation, which is not scriptural. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not of works lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

[@dhblue431]

Love this brother.

[@kevinfancher3512]

Thirty-seven minutes. Sorry. No evidence, and I'm out. Good luck with the "lawyering", though.

[@steveweiss7191]

And just what is your conception of the deity you refer to as the god? The very idea that one can prove the existence of your deity undermines the role of "faith" in the religious formulation.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Acceptance of suffering doesnt relieve it or produce miracles. Im proof of that.

[@mynameisnobody3931]

28:40 what's wrong with that? Sounds like a good church

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Weve jordan peterson banging on about his wifes rosaries curing her cancer but ignoring all those who did same and died.

[@ecology1st]

This channel blocks almost all rebuttals of religion. Comments are rigged, in other words. Don't waste your time on this channel.

[@allenbrininstool7558]

Catholic isn’t Christian

[@simonskinner1450]

I also found evidence for the God of Abraham, and the religion of God and Abraham, and from Paul the law of Abraham. But in my Holy Bible KJV no evidence of Christianity.

[@20july1944]

So do you deny the resurrection? Do you deny Jesus existed?

[@simonskinner1450]

@@20july1944 I have a Ytube video series 'Myths in so-called Christianity', and 'Christianity' itself is a myth. Jesus came to redeem his people who are Jews, and graft Gentiles into the religion of Abraham, and neither he nor Paul started a religion of Christianity.

[@friendlyfire7509]

Isnt it strange though that jews dont except gentiles who are grafted in? Since the L.O.R.D made both jews and gentiles. Are "Christians" jews? But they dont uphold the noahtic commandments, nor the 613 rules upheld by Israeli s. What would you call them?

[@20july1944]

@@simonskinner1450 That's pure semantics. Christianity is the YHWH-based religion that says Jesus is the Equally-divine Son of YHWH. Judaism is the YHWH-based religion that says YHWH is Lord but Jesus is NOT His Equally-divine Son. There are now two YHWH-worshipping religions, divided by perceptions of Jesus.

[@20july1944]

@@simonskinner1450 But I'm still curious -- do you deny the resurrection?

[@AR333]

The argument at 23:15 is pretty weak. I’m surprised he frames it as powerful. You can’t determine truth by motive baiting the person making the claim. Sure people make stuff up for personal gain, and sure they may be less likely to make it up if there is no gain but you have to consider a situation where someone says something that would be to their benefit doesn’t entail that what they are saying is false. The person’s motive alone isn’t the thing you rely on to adjudicate the claim.

[@goldenarm2118]

I think the argument is weak when you gloss over it like he did in the video. But when you actually dig down and ask, what was the apostles' motive, it's difficult to find any other motive than that they were convinced that their witness of Jesus' resurrection was authentic. It's more powerful than you think. No one will die for a lie.

[@AR333]

@@goldenarm2118 Except that it's a complete straw man to say that the critical historical perspective involves the authors making up a conscious lie. The author of Luke-Acts probably thought he was being authentic to the historical Jesus - that doesn't mean he's right. There's also little evidence to suggest that the gospel writers themselves died for the claims - and again, even if they did - the suggestion isn't that they are making up deliberate lies. People go to their graves all the time for causes they believe - that doesn't entail they are right.

[@goldenarm2118]

@@AR333 It's not what they believed in. Its what they say the saw. There is a big difference. I can read the Quran and come to believe that I will be rewarded if I sacrifice my life for Allah. That devotion is real and people do die for that. But the apostles are not dying for what they believe. They are dying for what they say the saw. Dying for what you believe in and dying for what you witnessed are two very different things.

[@AR333]

@@goldenarm2118 You're not addressing the point. If Paul claims that Jesus appeared to him in a vision, the critical historian doesn't say "EITHER he is lying OR he objectively right about his belief". Even if you could historically justify that each apostle was martyred for their faith (itself problematic as a claim) the only place that gets you is they were convinced of X. It doesn't imply X is actually true. And you're not even engaging with the Islamic analogy in good faith - devout followers don't just say 'well i read it, the end" - there is almost always an experiential component. Just like how Mormons say they receive a testimony. This is as much "seeing" as Paul having a vision of Jesus.

[@goldenarm2118]

@@AR333 I think you have somewhat of a point with Paul's vision. I'll concede that. Though I could probably assert that his vision was not 100% personal since others observed something on that same road to Damascus with him. The point that I'm trying to make with the Muslims or the Mormons is that there is a difference between faith and/or unseen spiritual experience(s) and being an eye witness to something. The apostles didn't believe Jesus resurrected. They KNEW he did. Consider doubting Thomas. He said, "Unless I see the holes in his hands and feet, I will not believe." Thomas was being asked to BELIEVE something. He said he wouldn't unless he saw proof. He wanted to see Jesus. Well, Jesus appeared to him, and then he "believed". He knew Jesus raised from the dead because Jesus appeared to him physically. The apostles then began to spread the word based on the eye witness that Jesus resurrected from the dead. I would say Paul could assert the same thing, that he witnessed Jesus, but as conceded, this is a little different. But after all the apostles died off, believers still spread the gospel message. They were not eye witnesses and could only witness to the spiritual experience they had with the risen Christ. This is a much different testimony than the eye witnesses. I'm asking you directly to agree to the distinction between being an eye witness and having only faith or experience, because you seem to be denying the distinction. 11 separate and distinct individuals assert they all saw the same thing. This is completely different than a whole Mormon denomination saying they "know in their heart."

[@rickquade]

"Wouldn't have metal without the book of revelations." Is this satire?

[@kevinfancher3512]

Sixteen minutes in and still just testimony, a.k.a. NO EVIDENCE. I'll keep watching, though.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

The only successful operation i ever had was the one i had as an atheist. Answer that!!

[@AustinOKeeffe]

I was waiting to hear the evidence which reconverted him back to Christianity. Whether he was an Atheist is doubtful since he said he talked to god when he had doubts. Atheists don't believe there is one so we would not have imaginary conversations. He also said he didn't think God should be part of his marriage, but if he was an Atheist he wouldn't say that as you don't believe there is a god to be part of it. So more accurately he grew up Catholic, was a bit of a skeptic then went back to his faith. So the evidence?......He mentioned briefly the Cosmological argument. That has been debunked many times. Then he said that William Craig said the 'motives of the Apostles' is why Christianity is true. There are many religions that were promoted by early believers, does that make them all true? Many cult members died for various religions. Islamic terrorists die for 'Allah'. Does that make the cults and Islam true religions? Also we have little or no historical evidence for the apostles dying for their faith. The Acts stories are not history and most of what is written in it is not backed up by any historical documents. Then he said Craig said if you don't find answers then don't believe. That was convincing? There are so many unanswered questions, I'm surprised a lawyer did not have them. Finally his wife got pregnant with the help of IVF, and that was the final 'evidence'. It was 'God' not IVF from months of treatment beforehand. There is usually a coincidence or an emotional feeling that converts, but little evidence.

[@johnbrzykcy3076]

Even though you found this discussion unconvincing and void of positive arguments, I personally found his personal story as interesting and thought-provoking. No problem. Apologetics is a deep subject and some people prefer a more personal or experiential approach. Anyhow... in the spirit of Christmas, I wish you peace and a healthy New Year.

[@20july1944]

This wasn't an apologetics presentation, it's a personal testimony

[@Xgy33]

Wow, fantastic!

[@stephen2975]

Isn't God so wonderful. Why would he listen to our prayers

[@DubplateArchive]

Im gona start a podcast called “Get to the damn point “

[@tell-it-like-it-is8305]

Jesus appeared and gave him lots of money.

[@justincapable]

A lawyer just said circumstantial evidence is the strongest form of evidence. Even the Gospel accounts would be considered hearsay at best. Now I understand why he likes WLC, because he can just lower his epistemic standard.

[@worldpeace1822]

Just because you listened to atheist podcasts in the past you aren’t an atheist or an agnostic, maybe you are just in a limbo defining your position. Otherwise I’d have been previously a Christian ….

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

I read all of C S Lewis. Was convincing for awhile.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

The number of people who believe on a coincidence is stupid. Akin to reading messages into horoscopes and dreams

[@anarchorepublican5954]

15:51...Archbishop 🎭"Rowan Atkinson"....🙄

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

And he God commanded them to multiply but Sarah couldnt and Elizabeth couldnt. Mary didnt need a man. Lol

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Makes me laugh the Christians who offer to pray for me, light a candke for me but would never offer me one 6 min ride to a supermarket or to n from church even in the winter to help reduce my severe arthritic pain. Hypocrites.

[@KXSocialChannel]

The man was never skeptical about anything. He never learned to question anything, to think for himself, or to doubt anything. He grew up Christian, and remains a Christian, even though he didn't think about it or practice anything for much of his life.

[@damilolataiwo7750]

He was athist mate

[@KXSocialChannel]

@@damilolataiwo7750 I did read the description, but when I listened to his story, it didn’t quite correspond.

[@Danielhill45689]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Invite the people to Islam in the best manner and give the glad tidings and do not cause others to hate you. Make things easy and not difficult and be accomodating and don’t be quarrelsome.”💌💌💌💌

[@johnmonk3381]

Still doesn't make islam true

[@justin10292000]

@Danielhill45689 What part of Islam appeals to you? Is it the 9/11 Islamic terrorists attacks, the "honor" murders, ISIS, the Taliban, suicide bombers and jihadist murderers, treating women worse than dogs, the fact that Mohammed was a pedophile who, at age 53, married a little girl 9 years old? Islam is an evil, horrific and satanic counterfeit of Christianity.

[@Danielhill45689]

@@justin10292000 Everyone is biased about islam because all the information you get is wrong. Islam is not terrorist. Who is the largest colonial state? England, Israel and America. Muslims do not respond without a war. they only respond in self-defense when war breaks out. Now who is the terrorist? According to Islam, a person cannot be married before entering the age of puberty! Your knowledge is wrong.

[@bronxboy47]

Just as perplexing as the notion of something out of nothing is the idea that an all-perfect God could have any unfulfilled desires. This concept of desire in an all-perfect, self-contained godhead has always puzzled me. On the one hand, you have God enjoying his blissful perfection, in need of nothing and, on the other hand, that same blissfully perfect God suddenly gets a creative urge, knowing that if he acts on that urge he will be opening Pandora's Box, a box filled with so much horror and suffering any sane entity would recoil at the thought. And yet, we are asked to believe this omniscient, all-loving godhead opens Pandora's Box anyway when nothing is compelling him to do so. When absolutely nothing is forcing him to abandon his state of bliss, in which there is no evil, no suffering, and no eternal torment, nothing compelling him to end that blissful state to create a nightmare. Is it possible for a godhead to become bored with his perfection? That is a question easily overlooked in the stampede of drama that pours out of the bible from the very first chapter. Again, I ask, what could compel a blissfully perfect, loving god to disturb his eternal bliss to create a place of eternal torment for creatures who never needed to exist? This idea is a hole in the creation story big enough to drive a Mack truck through, and yet Christian drama addicts pretend they don't see it. Any thoughts on this, Justin?

[@NuanceOverDogma]

What is more perplexing is your clownish deep seeded cringe inducing perception of God. It’s obvious you really don’t have an intellectually honest curiosity about the existence of God. Your closed dogmatic mind is made up & you feel the need to put Christians in their place with an ego so inflated it’s almost seems like parody. Your projections of god says more about you than whatever spiteful fantasy you conjured up in your head of who God is to Christians. That's a you problem needing resolution. Your WalterWhite level of resentment stirring inside & boiling over enough to get you to come here {& I bet many other Christian videos} to spew your angst ridden whining. Waving your fist at God hoping someone would notice. Why? does it make you feel superior? Is there nothing better to do than spread your unresolved emotional inadequacies onto other people who find Hope here. I’m asking in the nicest possible way. You’ll need to learn how to show Respect first if you ever want an intellectual honest response showing you Respect. Perhaps try learning the 2,000 years of Christian History with an intellectually curious mind & open sincere heart like how National Geographic used to learn about different native tribes. Learn Christianity’s impact on civilization both Good & Bad by attempting to understand the difference to the causes of each. Like Tuco Salamanca once said "Respect esa, you have to give it to get it”

[@yfcanaan1386]

As sad as it may be for believers to hear.....religions are just an adaptive behaviour that humans evolved to withstand nature.

[@marthaworc7873]

I am having trouble believing Nico. Is anyone else having the same trouble?

[@downenout8705]

Absolutely.