BEAR Apologetics

Can You Believe in God Without "Proof?" (Reformed Epistemology)

Heith Terry — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Can You Believe in God Without "Proof?"

Presuppositional Apologetics

Heith Terry — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

A man, an atheist, grapples with the validity of his own reasoning and beliefs, leading to a profound exploration of presuppositional apologetics and the nature of worldviews. The conversation delves into the source of logic, the question of morality, human dignity, and the cross-examination of worldviews.

Takeaways

Presuppositional apologetics challenges the foundational assumptions of worldviews.
The source of logic, the nature of morality, and the concept of human dignity are deeply intertwined with the examination of worldviews.

Chapters

00:00 The Atheist's Dilemma
01:26 The Turnaround
02:26 Presuppositional Apologetics
03:36 The Nature of Worldviews
04:23 The Role of Evidence
13:24 The Source of Logic
18:56 The Question of Morality
23:56 Human Dignity and Meaning
26:51 Cross-Examination of Worldviews

Evidential Apologetics

Heith Terry — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:01:07 GMT

The conversation delves into the evidential approach to apologetics, emphasizing the investigation of evidence to support Christianity's claims. It explores the methodology of evidential apologetics, the examination of the death of Jesus, the consideration of suspects and explanations, the relationship between the resurrection and worldview, objections and cross-examination, and concludes with a recap and a call to investigate the evidence for oneself.

Takeaways

Evidential apologetics emphasizes the investigation of evidence to support Christianity's claims.
The evidential approach creates genuine common ground by presenting evidence and asking for alternative explanations.

Classical Apologetics, part 2

Heith Terry — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation delves into the evidence pointing to Christianity as the best explanation, focusing on classical apologetics. It explores the historical investigation of Jesus, the significance of the resurrection, and the strengths and weaknesses of the classical apologetics approach.

Chapters

00:00 The Case for Christianity
01:21 Introduction to Classical Apologetics
02:16 The Two-Step Approach
03:13 Impact of Classical Apologetics
04:11 Conversion Stories
06:01 Step Two in Classical Apologetics
06:30 Exploring the Identity of Jesus
07:29 Historical Investigation of Jesus
08:28 Revelation of God in History
09:28 Special and General Revelation
12:43 Who Was Jesus?
16:07 Claims of Jesus
23:36 Resurrection of Jesus
38:09 Strengths of Classical Apologetics
40:26 Weaknesses of Classical Apologetics
43:17 Reason and Emotion in Apologetics

Recommended books for further study

Accessible starting points

· Bart D. Ehrman, Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth

· Brant Pitre, The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ

· Gary R. Habermas and Michael R. Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

· Larry W. Hurtado, How on Earth Did Jesus Become a God?

Deeper historical studies

· E. P. Sanders, The Historical Figure of Jesus

· Craig S. Keener, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels

· Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2nd ed.

· Larry W. Hurtado, Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity

Resurrection deep dives and contrasting perspectives

· N. T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God

· Michael R. Licona, The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach

· Dale C. Allison Jr., The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemics, History

· Bart D. Ehrman, How Jesus Became God

Classical Apologetics, part 1

Heith Terry — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation explores the need for God in explaining the universe, morality, and consciousness. It delves into classical apologetics, addressing the existence of God, theism, and the Christian God as the best explanation for the world we live in.

Takeaways

Existence of God as the best explanation
The need for an external source for morality and consciousness

Chapters

00:00 The Need for God in Explaining the Universe
05:45 The Design of the Universe
18:32 The Moral Argument
32:36 Reason and Consciousness

Book Reference:

Representative Classical Apologists

· Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologiae

· Norman Geisler — Christian Apologetics

· William Lane Craig — Reasonable Faith

· R. C. Sproul — Defending Your Faith

Cosmological Argument

· William Lane Craig — Reasonable Faith

· Alexander Pruss — The Principle of Sufficient Reason

· Edward Feser — Five Proofs of the Existence of God

· Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologiae

Teleological Argument

· Robin Collins —The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology

· William Lane Craig — Reasonable Faith

· Stephen C. Meyer — Return of the God Hypothesis; Signature in the Cell

Moral Argument

· C. S. Lewis — Mere Christianity;

· William Lane Craig — Reasonable Faith

· David Baggett and Jerry Walls — Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality

· Paul Copan — Is God a Moral Monster?

Reason & Consciousness Argument

· J. P. Moreland — Consciousness and the Existence of God

· C. S. Lewis — Miracles

· Victor Reppert — C. S. Lewis’s Dangerous Idea

· Argument from consciousness — Moreland

· Argument from reason — Lewis and Reppert

The 5 Major Apologetic Approaches, part 2

Heith Terry — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation explores the final two approaches to evangelical apologetics, comparing their strengths and weaknesses. It provides an in-depth understanding of each approach and its biblical parallels, emphasizing the importance of using these approaches in evangelism and witnessing. The conversation methodically explores the five main apologetics approaches, including Presuppositional Apologetics, Reformed Epistemology, and the Cumulative Case Approach. Each approach is discussed in detail, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and practical application in evangelism and witnessing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of questions, meeting people where they are, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide responses.

Takeaways

Comparison of five major approaches to evangelical apologetics
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each approach Apologetics approaches: Presuppositional, Evidential, Reformed Epistemology, Cumulative Case, and Experiential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Evangelical Apologetics
02:00 Reformed Epistemology
13:13 Cumulative Case Approach
23:03 Summarization of Apologetic Approaches
23:55 Overlap of Apologetics Approaches
29:23 Conclusion

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The 5 Major Apologetic Approaches, part 1

Heith Terry — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:42:29 GMT

Discover the five major approaches to evangelical apologetics and learn how to effectively defend your faith! In this video, we explore classical, evidential, presuppositional, reformed epistemology, and cumulative case apologetics, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

Key takeaways:

Understand the classical apologetics approach and its philosophical foundations.

Explore evidential apologetics and the importance of historical evidence.

Learn about presuppositional arguments and their worldview-based approach.

Discover reformed epistemology and the concept of properly basic beliefs.

Dive into the cumulative case approach and how it combines various lines of reasoning.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:10 Overview of Apologetics
01:00 Classical Apologetics
03:30 Evidential Apologetics
13:30 Presuppositional Apologetics
23:40 Reformed Epistemology

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What Is Biblical Apologetics?

Heith Terry — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

A comprehensive exploration of apologetics, its biblical foundation, purpose, practice, misconceptions, real-life examples, and practical principles. The conversation delves into the role of apologetics in defending and commending the truth of God, emphasizing the importance of humility, spiritual maturity, and the centrality of Jesus Christ.

Takeaways

Biblical apologetics is a faithful explanation and defense of the Christian truth under the authority of Scripture.
Apologetics is not an attempt to replace the Holy Spirit, but a faithful work of explaining, defending, and commending the truth of God.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Apologetics
01:30 Biblical Apologetics
02:57 The Purpose of Apologetics
04:33 Apologetics in Practice
07:11 Misconceptions About Apologetics
13:36 The Role of Apologetics in Real Life
46:11 Practical Principles of Apologetics

Christian Liberty: Where Is the Line Between Conviction and Legalism?

Heith Terry — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation delves into the complex topic of Christian liberty and conscience, highlighting the disagreements and considerations surrounding this issue. It explores the application of Christian liberty, the impact on others, and the balance between personal convictions and consideration for fellow believers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of love, wisdom, and discernment in navigating Christian liberty and conscience.

Takeaways

Christian liberty and conscience are areas of disagreement among Christians.
The application of Christian liberty should be governed by love, wisdom, and consideration for others.

Chapters

00:00 Separation and Personal Boundaries

Can You Lose Your Salvation? Warning Passages, Assurance, and Eternal Security

Heith Terry — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:31:20 GMT

The conversation delves into the debate on salvation, exploring the viewpoints of conditional security and security of the believers. Both sides emphasize the importance of faith, perseverance, and the seriousness of apostasy. The discussion highlights the need to avoid division and hatred, focusing instead on living a life that honors God and produces faith, obedience, and fellowship.

Takeaways

Salvation is a highly debated topic with two main viewpoints: conditional security and security of the believers.
Both sides agree on the importance of faith, perseverance, and the seriousness of apostasy.
The debate on salvation should not lead to division or hatred, but rather a focus on living a life that honors God and produces faith, obedience, and fellowship.

Chapters

00:00 The Debate on Salvation
03:14 Understanding the Two Viewpoints
07:06 Debating Romans 8:38-39
10:50 Analyzing Romans 11:22
13:29 Exploring John 10:28-29
16:20 Interpreting John 15:6
19:20 The Parable of the Prodigal Son
21:17 Avoiding Extremes and Focusing on Faith

Fasting: Biblical Discipline or Misunderstood Practice

Heith Terry — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation delves into the understanding of fasting, its purpose, different forms, and its significance in the New Testament. It also addresses caution and misconceptions about fasting, personal devotion, and corporate fasting. The conversation explores the topics of corporate fasting, liturgical fasting, and charismatic fasting, highlighting the reasons, cautions, observance, benefits, and dangers associated with each type of fasting. It also delves into practical principles for biblical fasting, emphasizing the importance of humility, prayer, and dependence on God.

Takeaways

Fasting is a discipline that teaches dependence on God.
Fasting should be approached with humility and a desire to grow closer to God. Different types of fasting have unique reasons, benefits, and dangers.
Biblical fasting requires humility, prayer, and dependence on God.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Fasting
03:34 The Purpose of Fasting
07:12 Different Forms of Fasting
07:48 Fasting in the New Testament
10:02 Caution and Misconceptions About Fasting
14:14 Personal Devotion and Fasting
21:40 Corporate Fasting
30:27 Corporate Fasting: Reasons and Cautions
32:36 Dangers of Corporate Fasting
33:53 Liturgical Fasting: Observance and Benefits
36:21 Dangers of Liturgical Fasting
40:35 Charismatic Fasting: Spiritual Warfare
51:27 Practical Principles of Biblical Fasting

Harmonizing Faith & Works

Heith Terry — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Bear Apologetics, we dive deep into the tension between Paul and James on justification. Are we saved by faith alone, or do works play a role? Join Heith Terry and guest Jason Thomas as they explore these critical questions and clarify the harmony between these two biblical figures.

Key takeaways:

Understanding the context of Paul and James
The difference between justification and vindication
How faith is demonstrated through works
The importance of context in interpreting scripture

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:54 The tension between Paul and James
01:20 Who is Jason Thomas?
02:10 The four views of salvation
04:18 The Catholic perspective on justification
06:55 The role of works in salvation
10:02 Paul's context in Romans
12:18 James' perspective on faith and works
18:23 The relationship between faith and works
30:16 How Paul and James complement each other
39:50 Final thoughts on justification and works

What's your biggest challenge with understanding justification? Drop it in the comments!

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When the Bible Sounds Contradictory: Can Christians Trust Difficult Passages?

Heith Terry — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The episode explores the topic of apparent contradictions in the Bible and how to address them. It provides principles for handling alleged contradictions and presents case studies to illustrate the application of these principles. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and courage in addressing difficult passages and encourages a deeper study of the Bible.

Takeaways

Principles for addressing alleged contradictions in the Bible
The importance of humility, patience, and courage in addressing difficult passages

Chapters

00:00 Case Studies: Judas' Death and David's Survey

Was Jesus God? The Verses Skeptics Use Against His Diety

Heith Terry — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation delves into the fundamental importance of Jesus's deity in Christianity, the nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine, the interpretation of biblical verses related to Jesus's nature, the harmonization of scripture with Jesus's nature, defending Jesus's deity with scripture, misunderstandings of Jesus's deity, positive biblical cases for Jesus's deity, and key takeaways emphasizing the significance of understanding and proclaiming Jesus's deity.

Takeaways

Jesus's deity is a fundamental principle of Christianity
Understanding the context of biblical verses is crucial for interpreting the nature of Jesus

Chapters

00:00 Key Takeaways

Conviction Without Cruelty: Are Christians to Dogmatic About Secondary Doctrines?

Heith Terry — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The conversation explores doctrinal disagreements and priorities, emphasizing the importance of healthy dogmatism rooted in scripture. It delves into the categorization of doctrinal disagreements and the non-negotiable primary doctrines, highlighting the need for open-minded debate and discussion on doctrinal issues. The conversation delves into the importance of doctrine and the distinction between primary, secondary, and tertiary doctrines. It also explores the challenges and opportunities for cooperation and disagreement within the body of Christ, as well as the advice for navigating denominational disagreements as a new believer.

Takeaways

Doctrinal disagreements can be categorized into three levels: gospel level, church fellowship and ministry practice, and preferences, traditions, or issues of conscience.
Healthy dogmatism should be rooted in scripture and focused on core principles of faith.
Primary doctrines that are non-negotiable include Sola Scriptura, salvation by faith alone, grace alone, and the deity of Jesus Christ.
Disagreements on secondary issues should not lead to a break in fellowship, but tolerance of different beliefs should not lead to compromise.
Debate and discussion on doctrinal issues should be approached with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn. Doctrine matters because truth matters
Understanding the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary doctrines
Unity in the body of Christ is essential despite doctrinal differences

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Dogmatism and Doctrinal Disagreements
32:53 Understanding Doctrinal Importance
44:59 Cooperation and Disagreement
58:48 Navigating Denominational Disagreements

Promo

Heith Terry — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:33:07 GMT

Can Christians disagree on Bible interpretations? BEAR Apologetics, we explore how to navigate conflicting Bible verses and interpretations.

* Discover the importance of understanding different interpretations of Biblical passages.
* Learn how to critically analyze teachings you encounter.
* Gain insights into becoming a better Biblical steward by asking the right questions.

Join us as we break down major interpretations, examine scriptural backing, and encourage you to dig deeper into the Word of God. Don't just take our word for it—BEAR it with Biblical Evidence And Reasoning.

What's your biggest challenge with understanding Bible verses? Drop it in the comments!

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