Answering Atheists: Slavery and the Bible

Responding to critiques of ancient sacrifices, this teaching explains the purpose of temple offerings, how they reflected reverence and repentance, and why they cannot be equated with modern notions of animal abuse.

Many critics claim the Bible treats women as property. This teaching examines passages often cited to support that idea, such as the tenth commandment and various laws in Deuteronomy. By reading these texts in context, the study shows that wives were not considered property but equal partners and that instructions about marriage, dowry, and redemption actually protect women’s dignity. The teaching concludes that the Bible does not paint women as inferior or property, but affirms their value as "ezer kenegdo," a helper suitable to man.

The design or fine‑tuning argument observes that the fundamental laws and parameters of physics are exquisitely balanced for life. This teaching explores examples of fine‑tuning, such as the precise strength of the strong nuclear force, the gravitational constant, the mass difference between protons and neutrons, and the delicate energy of the Big Bang. It argues that these and many other cosmic “coincidences” are best explained by an intelligent Designer rather than by chance. The incredible order and complexity of the universe therefore point to a purposeful Creator.

When YHWH gave Israel the Promised Land, it appears that He commanded Israel to wipe out entire peoples. This teaching explores those difficult passages and demonstrates that God did not command racial genocide but pronounced judgment on nations whose wickedness had become extreme. The Hebrew ban (ḥērem) called for the removal of corrupt cultures steeped in idolatry and child sacrifice. God patiently warned these nations for centuries (Genesis 15:16) before bringing justice; the commands were acts of righteous judgment, not ethnic cleansing.