Show cover of The Winsome Creationist

The Winsome Creationist

Welcome to The Winsome Creationist, where we explore God’s world using a model-building approach, interact with a gracious tone, and take a firm stand on the literal truth of creation found in God’s Word. Join host Steve Schramm and occasional guests as they explore the mysteries and majesties from creation to the flood, babel to the cross, and everywhere in between.

Tracks

In this episode, we talk about the importance of distinguishing between inspiration, interpretation, and implications when reading the Biblical text. We use examples such as the literal days of Genesis 1, death before sin, and the statements of Jesus regarding creation.00:00 Introduction and Purpose01:58 Understanding Inspiration, Interpretation, and Implications07:50 Example 1: The Days of Genesis 117:44 Example 2: Death Before Sin25:03 Example 3: Statements of Jesus on Creation31:51 Conclusion and Upcoming Book

11/14/24 • 32:37

In this episode of the Winsome Creationist podcast, Steve discusses the concept of 'mere young age creationism,' a term inspired by C.S. Lewis and articulated in his upcoming book. This concept aims to foster unity among creationists by focusing on core beliefs, such as Yahweh's transcendence and the six-day creation model, while not requiring agreement on other debated topics like original sin or dinosaurs in the Bible.

10/10/24 • 33:32

In this episode of the Winsome Creationist podcast, I dive into the origins of the show and share my personal journey in creationism, starting with my initial exposure in 2014. I introduce my new mission to promote a kinder, more respectful approach to debates around creationism. I'm excited to announce my upcoming book, *The Winsome Creationist: A Fresh Take on the Origins Debate*, which is set to release in the first quarter of next year. I'll walk you through the book's structure, its chapters, and the innovative perspective it aims to bring to the creationist conversation. I'll also hint at an exciting new project I'm working on to help fund creationist initiatives, with a grand reveal planned for early next year. Stay tuned, as I'll be sharing some materials from the book that will be available for download soon.00:00 Welcome to the Winsome Creationist Podcast00:39 My Journey into Creationism03:03 The Creation Academy and Beyond07:01 Exciting New Initiatives09:04 Announcing My New Book11:27 Book Outline: Part One19:15 Book Outline: Part Two26:55 Looking Forward

9/12/24 • 28:35

In this episode of the Winsome Creationist, host Steve addresses a thought-provoking question from a listener named Ravi. The query revolves around why the majority of Christians are evolutionists and the existence of non-religious converts to creationism. Steve delves deep into the assumptions behind Ravi's question, discussing statistical data, the complexity of belief systems, and the interplay between evidence and worldviews. He also examines historical perspectives and the nature of scientific thought regarding evolution and creationism. Join us to gain insights into answering complex questions about creationism in a thoughtful and respectful manner.00:00 Introduction to the Winsome Creationist00:30 Listener Question from Ravi02:01 Unpacking the Complex Question03:45 Examining Christian Evolutionists09:49 Non-Religious Converts to Creationism12:25 The Role of Evidence and Worldview17:27 Historical Context and Final Thoughts20:13 Conclusion and Farewell

8/22/24 • 20:55

Join host Steve on The Winsome Creationist as he sits down with Michael Zwaagstra to explore his journey in education and creationism. They dive deep into maintaining Christian beliefs while engaging with scientific discussions, the evolution of creation research, and the need for humility and accuracy in science. The episode also covers biblical interpretation, understanding different Christian viewpoints, and building creationist models. Tune in for practical tips on approaching the creation topic with balance and nurturing a deeper understanding of faith and science.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:47 Guest Background and Professional Life03:07 Christian Engagement in Secular World04:04 Science and Faith: A Controversial Intersection09:52 Early Interest in Creationism12:44 Debating Creation and Evolution18:50 Challenges in Creationist Arguments22:34 Modern Creationist Research and Perspectives43:19 The Book of Job and Scientific Insights45:06 Debating the Scientific Relevance of Job50:46 Personal Reflections on Creationism53:22 The Evolution of Creationist Thought01:04:13 The Importance of Model Building in Creationism01:10:03 Teaching Creationism with Balance01:17:55 Practical Advice for Aspiring Scholars

8/8/24 • 82:50

In this episode of The Winsome Creationist, Steve welcomes back Dr. Phil Dennis to discuss the necessity of general relativity over special relativity in understanding light and gravitational effects in the universe. Dr. Dennis explains the difference between the two models, using visual aids and real-world examples, including gravitational lensing and light deflection near black holes. The conversation also touches on the implications for creationist starlight solutions, the flaws of special relativity assumptions, and teases a future discussion on Dr. Danny Faulkner’s Dasha theory.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:40 Special vs. General Relativity03:14 Exploring Light Deflection04:24 Real-World Implications of General Relativity10:04 Gravitational Lensing and Black Holes23:38 Einstein's Elevator Thought Experiment33:33 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

7/25/24 • 33:44

In this episode of The Winsome Creationist, we examine a clip from Dr. William Lane Craig discussing Young Earth Creationism. We explore Craig's stance on the weaknesses of the evolutionary paradigm, his admission of creationist points, and his critique of Young Earth Creationism as a viable model. We delve into the history of creationist arguments, the evolution of these ideas, and the need for developing and supporting creationist models in science.00:00 Introduction: Is William Lane Craig Right About Young Earth Creationism?00:32 Analyzing William Lane Craig's Statements01:55 Creationists' Long-Standing Arguments06:02 The Problem with Creationist Alternatives07:21 The Need for New Creationist Models08:21 Old Earth vs. Young Earth Perspectives10:22 Conclusion: Inviting Dr. Craig to Consider Young Earth Creationism

7/11/24 • 13:02

Welcome to another episode of the Winsome Creationist. Today, we're diving into one of the most frequently asked questions in creationism: Where did Cain get his wife? Despite being asked this countless times, it’s a question that still surprises many, including a biblically astute friend of mine who saw it on her TikTok feed recently.In this episode, we’ll explore:00:00 Introduction and Importance of Cain’s Wife Question02:15 The Origin of the Question05:30 Scriptural Evidence for Cain's Wife08:45 Exploring Extra-Biblical Theories12:20 The Genetic Viability Before and After the Flood15:40 Biblical Consistency and Family Marriages19:30 Addressing Common Misconceptions22:50 The Importance of Scriptural Context28:10 Concluding Thoughts and TakeawaysJoin me as we delve deep into this topic and provide a comprehensive, biblical, and winsome answer. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts and comments on YouTube!

5/28/24 • 17:39

Join me and Dr. Phil Dennis for a thought-provoking exploration of time concepts through the lenses of Christianity and creationism. We delve into the contrasting views of presentism and eternalism, dissecting their cultural, philosophical, and theological implications. With a focus on visual aids and movie references, we navigate through scientific theories and theological beliefs, unraveling the mysteries of time travel and its compatibility with Christian theology. Tune in for an engaging discussion that challenges traditional notions and sheds light on the intersection of time, faith, and science.00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup00:52 Diving Into Presentism vs. Eternalism04:06 Understanding Time: Presentism, Eternalism, and Beyond08:42 The Science Behind Time Theories17:45 Exploring the Implications of Eternalism and Presentism24:54 Debunking Misconceptions in Special Relativity42:22 Addressing the Real-Time Universe Debate48:18 Exploring the Eternalist Universe: Concepts and Theories49:08 The Big Crunch and Universe Expansion Theories50:46 Eternalism vs. Presentism: A Deep Dive58:25 Theological Implications of Eternalism01:18:14 Time Travel and Its Philosophical Challenges01:27:05 Concluding Thoughts on Time, Space, and Theology

5/11/24 • 92:06

Description:Join me on this episode as I introduce a new approach to addressing disagreements between biblical teaching and modern science. I've developed a four-step process aimed at fostering a faithful exploration of these issues. First, we examine our philosophical pre-commitments. Then, we ensure an accurate understanding of the biblical text. Next, we consider if there's a direct ancient world referent or if the phenomenon could affect today's world. Finally, we assess if a creationist model explains the phenomenon effectively. By following this method, we can navigate these complex topics with clarity and integrity. Tune in to explore how this approach can guide your understanding of science and Scripture.00:00 - Introduction: Exploring Science and the Bible01:12 - Introduction to the Four Moves: A Methodological Approach02:43 - Move 1: Philosophical Pre-commitments - Analyzing Personal Beliefs07:26 - Move 2: Understanding the Biblical Text - Interpretation and Context12:29 - Move 3: Ancient World Referents - Cultural and Historical Context20:12 - Move 4: Creationist Models - Seeking Alternative Explanations28:41 - Conclusion: Applying the Method and Encouragement to Explore

4/25/24 • 22:05

This episode of the Winsome Creationist podcast focuses on refining the approach to discussing creationism, specifically addressing the use of logic in debates around creation and evolution. A tweet by Scott Aniol is critically examined, highlighting issues around the interpretation of biblical passages on creation and the gospel. The episode argues against using flawed logic or taking biblical texts out of context within creation debates. Additionally, it stresses the importance of maintaining a sound, logical approach when discussing creationism, aiming to improve the quality of dialogue within the community.00:00 Introduction to Elevating Creationist Conversations00:52 Exploring the Creation Debate and Future Content02:06 Drawing Inspiration from Apologetics for Better Conversations03:46 Addressing the Earthly vs. Heavenly Belief Dilemma05:03 Analyzing the Logical Fallacies in Creation Arguments16:47 The Importance of Sound Logic in Creationism Discussions17:38 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Engagement

4/11/24 • 18:32

Welcome back to the Winsome Creationist podcast! In this episode, Dr. Phil Dennis and I dive deep into the intricacies of relativistic physics and the nature of space-time intervals. Drawing on historical context and Einstein's insights, we dissect the notion of conventionality in measurements and highlight the importance of eliminating coordinates to reach objective conclusions. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the true nature of space-time intervals and the quest for a deeper understanding of our cosmos.0:00 - Introduction to the episode and the distant starlight problem.2:15 - Recap of past discussions on the Anisotropic Synchrony Convention (ASC) and the Creation Time Coordinates (CTC) model.4:30 - Introduction to Phil's general relativity-based model.6:50 - Addressing comments and questions from previous episodes.8:00 - Delving into the conventionality of measurement units and standards.12:30 - Clarifying misconceptions about the ASC and the objective reality of distances.16:45 - The significance of clocks and the measurable speed of light.21:20 - Debunking the claim of inability to measure one-way speed of light.25:35 - Discussing the implications of changing units of measurement.29:50 - Importance of coordinate systems and interpreting Minkowski space.34:00 - Analyzing the implications of coordinate system choices on the perception of distances.38:15 - A look at GPS technology to refute ASC premises.42:00 - New Horizons mission and the practical impact of time dilation.45:55 - Final thoughts on the logical contradictions within the ASC model.50:10 - Addressing the impact of general relativity on star displacement and universe age.55:00 - Closing remarks and encouragement for future scientists.

3/28/24 • 49:52

In this fascinating conversation, Steve sits down with Dr. Marcus Ross, a skilled paleontologist, educator, and owner of Cornerstone Educational Supply. They dive into a riveting discussion about the concept of infinite game thinking as applied to creationism, the constant battle between creationism and evolution, and how this approach has shaped the way we engage with these theories. Dr. Ross also gives interesting insights into many topics, including the representation of Young Age Creationists in scholarly literature, the finite and infinite games concept, playing creationism as an infinite game, and perspectives on the historical Adam and Eve. Don't miss this engaging dialogue as these two brilliant minds explore these topics and more!Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction5:30 - Dr. Marcus Ross and Steve discuss his involvement in creationist podcasts and conferences 15:25 - The role of kindness and respect in Creationism25:00 - Delving into the issues surrounding Historical Adam 35:10 - Introducing the concept of 'infinite games' in creationism45:40 - How science should focus on the creation, not the Creator55:05 - ConclusionRemember to subscribe for more insightful conversations and hit the bell to be notified when new content is uploaded. Don't forget to like, share, and leave your comments below. We'd love to hear from you!

3/14/24 • 47:11

In this episode of Winsome Creationist, the host is joined by Dr. Phil Dennis to discuss the Anisotropic Synchrony Convention and the concept of creation time coordinates. They delve deep into the implications of these theories, focusing on the struggle with the light travel time problem in relation to the creation of the universe. They discuss the issues of special relativity, general relativity, and the importance of approaching these theories with the overarching feature of the creation in mind. The episode also includes an explanation of the ideas of causality, simultaneity, and how they might be misunderstood in existing models. As a preview to future discussions, they touch on the need for a general relativity solution to tackle the light travel time problem.00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Series00:09 Discussion on Anisotropic Synchrony Convention and Creation Time Coordinates00:31 Addressing Questions and Challenges00:56 Exploring the Model and Its Implications05:53 Analyzing the Model within the Presentist Paradigm07:10 Understanding the Distances in the Universe07:51 The Light Travel Time Problem08:12 The Issue of Relativistic Physics and Metrics11:14 The Paradox of Ticho's Model12:16 The Implications of the Model18:37 The Contradiction between Secularist Models and Ticho's Models21:34 The Speed of Light within Models32:32 The Presentist View of the Speed of Light33:38 The Issue of Absolute Time35:51 The Reality of Coordinates36:22 Understanding Ticho's Use of Coordinates40:06 Exploring the Concept of Causal Independence40:33 Analyzing the Time Coordinates Explanation43:02 Debunking the Causal Independence Argument43:27 Unpacking the Concept of Hyperbolic Surfaces44:22 Understanding the Creation Timeline in Ticho's Model45:45 Questioning the Causal Link in Ticho's Model46:29 Challenging the Relevance of Causal Independence49:30 Addressing the Issue of Simultaneity58:26 Debating the Specialness of Earth's Location59:05 Critiquing the Big Bang Model01:04:18 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead01:05:33 Discussing the Importance of General Relativity

2/22/24 • 68:05

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Dan Biddle, a fascinating individual who became a creationist later in life. He shares his personal journey, challenges, and discoveries that led to a profound shift in his faith. We delve into topics like dinosaur soft tissue evidence, the Genesis account, and the upcoming flood movie, "The Ark in the Darkness." Get ready for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Biddle!

2/8/24 • 31:53

In this video, we engage in a comprehensive discourse addressing Gavin Ortland's views on the biblically narrated flood's extent - was it global or merely local? Our response dissects Ortland's argument and counters it with textual, historical, and scientific evidence, as well as ancient flood legends, to reinforce the idea of a global flood as caused by cosmic sin. We underscore the importance of context in biblical interpretation, challenging Ortland's declaration that a local flood reading is the 'natural' one. While we robustly defend the global flood theory, we maintain that the crux of the Christian faith lies in Jesus, not flood interpretations. It's crucial to respect differing perspectives. Despite disagreements, our should (as Gavin’s channel declares) unite us, not divide us.00:00 Introduction and Context00:00 The Debate: Global vs Local Flood00:10 Response to Gavin Ortland's Views00:48 The Speed of Video Playback00:59 Diving into the Flood Debate01:07 Addressing Controversial Topics01:41 The Influence of Bill Maher on the Debate02:36 The Role of Science in Understanding the Bible03:18 The Importance of Biblical Interpretation04:34 The Role of Apologetics and Unity05:27 The Orthodox Views on the Flood08:51 The Impact of the Flood on Humanity13:40 The Historicity of the Flood14:15 The Language Used in the Bible to Describe the Flood28:25 The Table of Nations and the Flood33:26 Addressing Objections to the Local Flood Interpretation33:52 Skepticism Towards Science and Its Impact on Christian Beliefs35:00 The Influence of Modern Science on Interpretations of the Flood36:50 The Role of Ancient Readers and Their Interpretation of Scripture37:37 Miracles in the Flood Story38:50 The Logistics of Animal Care on the Ark40:13 The Role of Evolution in Young Earth Creationism42:36 The Challenges of Fitting All Animals on the Ark01:02:32 The Historicity of the Flood Story and Its Extra-Biblical Attestations01:08:32 Concluding Thoughts: The Importance of Interpretation and the Authority of Scripture

1/26/24 • 70:35

Join me in this thought-provoking episode as we delve deep into the debate over the age of the Earth, exploring the significance of genealogies in Genesis chapters five and eleven. Young earth creationists argue for a 6,000-year-old Earth based on these genealogies and unravel the challenges posed by skeptics. Could a fascinating account in Genesis 47 where Jacob converses with Pharaoh, raising questions about Jacob's knowledge of his ancestors' ages, be the key to understanding how to read these genealogies?

1/11/24 • 16:17

Should we reinterpret Scripture to align with scientific discoveries? In this brainstorming session, with a focus on separating the realms of understanding scripture and science, this episode examines historical missteps and current controversies in understanding Scripture, science, and how they relate to one another. 

12/28/23 • 32:41

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, I engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Phil Dennis, a retired physicist with expertise in various scientific disciplines. Together, we explore the Anisotropic Synchrony Convention (ASC) and its impact on our understanding of time, space, and the universe. Delving into the historical roots of ASC, its philosophical connections, and adoption by notable figures, we tackle theological and philosophical challenges, particularly regarding its alignment with eternalism. The discussion touches on time travel, the Lorentz transformation, and the potential clash between ASC and empirical evidence. We dissect mathematical representations of the ASC transform, emphasizing the Minkowski interval as an invariant in spacetime. The ASC's assumptions, specifically regarding the isotropy of the speed of light, are scrutinized for logical consistency. The podcast concludes with a comparison of eternalism and presentism, highlighting their theological implications. Additionally, we provide visual aids to illustrate the differences in how time is perceived in these philosophical frameworks. The episode offers valuable insights for physics enthusiasts, philosophy buffs, and anyone curious about the mysteries of the universe, challenging conventional thinking and encouraging a deeper understanding of time and space.

12/14/23 • 92:33

Gavin Ortlund from @TruthUnites (on YouTube) is a gracious and kind Christian brother. I disagree with his take on origins though, and I think a response to his latest video critiquing Is Genesis History? is warranted. I hope all who see this understand my heart toward the situation and find this to be a helpful (even if long!) contribution. Links mentioned: Gavin's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5lk4kYOu_k&pp=ygUNZ2F2aW4gb3J0bHVuZA%3D%3D My article responding to Luke Nix: https://www.steveschramm.com/coming-to-grips-with-history-a-response-to-luke-nix-and-cross-examined/ Todd Wood's response to the "false dichotomy" charge: http://toddcwood.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-false-dichotomy.html Kurt Wise's conference lecture around "The Age of Things": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhjfajPdotA&pp=ygUXYWdlIG9mIHRoaW5ncyBrdXJ0IHdpc2U%3D

12/7/23 • 82:06

Join me and guest Mark Ward in the Winsome Creationist podcast as we delve into New Testament passages supporting creationism. Explore Matthew 19 and Mark 10:6, where Jesus references Adam and Eve, with insights on Greek nuances. We discuss the moral responsibility of Bible readers and the challenges of demanding exhaustive precision from Scripture. Then, journey through Romans 5 and 8, exploring theological implications, the question of animal death before the fall, and the interconnectedness of human and cosmic redemption. Mark Ward brings a thoughtful and respectful approach to biblical hermeneutics, creationism, and more in this engaging episode.

11/23/23 • 60:16

In this episode of "The Winsome Creationist" podcast, we're excited to welcome Pat Mingarelli, the author of the devotional book "Drawing Near: Experiencing God and His Creation." Pat is a seasoned photographer with a background in photojournalism and a career with "Worldwide Challenge" magazine. He has traveled the world, capturing ministries for Campus Crusade for Christ and various college campuses. His speaking ministry, "Creation Speaks," explores how God is revealed through creation. Pat now runs "The Visual Bible Verse of the Day" website, featuring daily photos of God's creation, Bible verses, and short devotions."Drawing Near" is a beautiful combination of Pat's nature photography, relevant Bible verses, and thoughtful devotions, inviting readers to connect with God's creation and His presence. Join us as we delve into the world of nature photography, spirituality, and connecting with God through the beauty of creation. Pat Mingarelli shares his insights on how nature can lead us to moments of awe and wonder, drawing us closer to the divine.

11/9/23 • 55:47

Welcome to another intriguing episode of "The Winsome Creationist." In this candid and thought-provoking discussion, we delve into the complexities of ancient Near Eastern worldviews and their implications for our understanding of the Bible. I take you on a journey through the nuances of this subject, exploring questions like, "How much is too much?" and "Does an ancient Near Eastern worldview invalidate certain biblical interpretations?"

10/26/23 • 15:54

In this episode, we delve into the ongoing debate in the creationist community about their relationship with evolutionary ideas. Our guest, Christian Ryan, a geology student and writer for the New Creation blog, sheds light on the historical evolution of creationist thought.We discuss species fixity's evolution, early hybridization ideas, and historical figures like José de Acosta who questioned species fixity in the 1500s.Exploring contemporary controversies, we highlight figures like Kurt Wise and Todd Wood, who propose hypotheses to explain transitional fossils and variations within kinds. We emphasize examining data from both scriptural and scientific perspectives and avoiding mere criticism of evolution without offering alternatives.Ultimately, this episode encourages a thoughtful approach to reconciling biblical history with science. Christian also shares insights into his ongoing geology and creation science projects. For more discussions, visit the New Creation blog. Join us for a deep dive into faith, reason, and Earth's history.

10/12/23 • 57:46

Does the Bible REALLY teach Young Earth Creationism? In this episode, we're responding to the top biblical objections raised by Michael Jones with Inspiring Philosophy.

9/29/23 • 76:27

Does the Bible REALLY teach Young Earth Creationism? In this episode, we're responding to the top biblical objections raised by Michael Jones with Inspiring Philosophy. 

9/14/23 • 80:49

Creationists have far too long been focused on the wrong questions. If we spend all of our time demanding answers from God, instead of openly exploring his creation, we will craft answers that satisfy our doubts rather than expand our thinking about who God really is and what he is trying to do.

8/24/23 • 11:50

Was Adam real or just an archetypal figure that we can refer to as a character of literature, but who never really lived? That question is at the forefront of many people's minds today. Some people think that we're even reading Adam back into Genesis from our own modern worldview. In this video, we're going to discuss that and see if it holds up to historical scrutiny.

8/10/23 • 14:54

There is promising creation research happening across many disciplines, but more resources and education are needed to advance these fields further. I was encouraged by the caliber of researchers and young people I saw at the conference! Tune into this episode to hear some of my biggest points and takeaways from the conference.

7/28/23 • 36:11

In this episode, I discuss the claim that distant starlight poses a problem for a young creationist view. I answer a listener's question about passages that say God "stretched out the heavens."   I argue there are important considerations when interpreting these poetic passages. Overall, I advocate a non-concordist, phenomenological reading of such poetic passages, rejecting a literal concordist view that maps Bible verses to modern cosmology. I stress interpreting the Bible consistently, using evidence from other creationist arguments about genre and interpretation. Enjoy the show!

7/13/23 • 21:35