Welcome to our 'Pub'!

Our 'Pub' refers not to a bar with beer, but a platform for Publications - food for thought!

Find links to various publications (videos and articles) on relevant issues relating to God, life and society. There is an ideological competition over the minds of human beings and we should be well-informed. Ignorance is not bliss, but irresponsibility. Seeing things from different perspectives is vital for more objective opinions. Leave us your feedback and raise points for discussion.

Enjoy your stay at the 'Pub'!

Topic: SCIENCE, EVOLUTION, GOD, THEMISM, MEANING

Dr Stephen Meyer spoke to Piers Morgen about the content of his bestselling book Return to the God Hypothesis. Among other arguments for existence of an intelligent mind who designed the universe is that of fine tuning in the universe: ‘the universe is incredibly finely tuned against all odds to make life possible,’ Meyer states. There is a better explanation than the ‘multiverse’ theory, people like Elon Musk and astrophysicists hold, and that is that of a designer behind any object or machine that does the fine tuning. Intelligent Design is the best explanation. Similarly, the code in our DNA points to an author, just as computer programmes require a programmer, as Bill Gates also argued. Beyond physics and science, the existential questions of life are even more important to people. The metaphysical realities should make us realise there is more than the material world. Have a listen.

Topic: FREE SPEECH, HATE SPEECH, LGBTQ

'Free speech is an integral part of any democratic society. Everyone should be free to express their own beliefs without fear of government punishment or censorship,' ADF published on the case against Dr Päivi Räsänen (MD and MP) and Bishop Juhana Pohjola in Finland for voicing their position on an issue related to "Pride 2019." They faced criminal charges, but were cleared of all charges. Paul Coleman wrote, 'The cross-examination bore all the resemblance of a ‘heresy’ trial of the Middle Ages; it was implied that Räsänen had ‘blasphemed’ against the dominant orthodoxies of the day.' Truly, freedom of speech must go both ways, and religious freedoms of expression must be protected by the courts as they are by law.

Topic: ANTI-SEMITISM, HISTORY, ISRAEL

This short video explains anti-Semitism, its reasons and its mutations. The late Lord Jonathan Sacks seeks to make sense of an old phenomenon that has often been so contradictory throughout history, yet so vile in its expressions. As a very basic definition he says that 'Antisemitism is persecuting Jews and denying them the right to exist collectively with the same rights as everyone else.' The prejudice of anti-Semitism is like a virus that has mutated over time. Today, 'anti-Zionism is the new anti-Semitism,' Jews being hated for their state and denied its existence. The persecutors have often sought to justify its aggression and violence against Jews. Scapegoating the Jews for the ills of society has been the common underling factor of hatred and persecution of Jews. Read more on Anti-Semitism in our study on 'the longest hatred of human history.' Also, read more on The Holocaust and Zionism and Israel.

Topic: GOD, FAITH, THEISM, AGNOSTICISM, PSYCHOLOGY

A brilliant explanation by a former Agnostic from Yale University, raised in the Greek Orthodox religious Tradition, on why he became a Christian. Eric Metaxas was a son of Greek immigrants to the USA, working menial jobs to put him through Yale University. Eric felt 'lost' as an Agnostic, yet sought the meaning of life through literature. Then he had a dream that was a major turning point in understanding Divinity... have a listen!

Topic: GOD, FAITH, THEISM, ATHEISM

Read about the interesting journey of a radical atheist who found faith in God through her studies. 'As a child Stefani was a thinker, deeply concerned about the meaning of life,' but 'In her home, religion was for “stupid and weak people”, so looking towards God was out of the question... Her hunger for answers drove her to the library where she found a home with books of philosophy and science. She wanted to make sense of the world and of her own life but she discovered that “the Universe was cold and dark and nothing” and humans were “just fleshy organisms that blob around until we die”. Yet, her profound desire for meaning never left.' In her searching she reached the following conclusion: '“I think so much of truth is about stability. Truth is about having a rock to stand on for a lot of people. I didn’t like the rock I was standing on... Her doctoral supervisor, Professor Alister McGrath, helped her to see how “incredibly intelligent, rational, deep and rich” life was in Christianity.' Read her story.

Topic: GOD, FAITH, HISTORY, EVIL

Dennis Prager and Jordan Peterson having an interesting discussion on faith, God, history, human capacity for evil and how to be happy despite the tragedies of life. Despite the capacity for evil, like in the Nazi or Communist era, there is divinity in human beings, too, Peterson claims. Prager relates speaking to students who believe that human beings are 'basically good,' and explains why this is only possible because they live in such a good country, and points out how the younger generation isn't informed enough about the evils of history. Both great thinkers agree that eliminating God has negative consequences on human morality. Have a listen.

Topic: THEISM, JESUS, HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY

William Lane Craig has an interesting and intelligent discussion with Ben Shapiro on the historical evidence of Jesus' resurrection: Have a listen.

Another important discussion took place between William Lane Craig and Jordan B. Peterson on morality in philosophical terms: Have a listen.

Topic: THEISM, ATHEISM, SCIENCE

Can science answer everything? 'Science is brilliant but limited,' says Oxford professor of Mathematics John Lennox. He claims that 'faith' is not believing things without evidence, but a commitment where there is evidence. Early modern scientists were mostly believers in God and expected to find laws in nature because they believed in a Law-giver, a Creator. He paraphrases the late Rabbi Sachs who said that science takes things apart to see how they work, religion puts them together to see what they mean. Lennox says that science can answer many questions, but not the question of meaning. In a simply analogy: Matilda made a cake; scientists can explain the cake and what it's made of, but only Matilda can reveal why she made it. The same is true of science and God. Meaning and purpose for life come from the Creator. The atheist notion of a universe that created itself from nothing is absurd to Lennox's scientific brain. He prefers explanations that make sense. Have a listen to this brilliant interview on faith and science.

Topic: THEISM, ATHEISM, SCIENCE

Oxford professor of Mathematics John Lennox gave a convincing speech at Oxford Union on why he believes in God and the existence of God, as well as that God is real and worthy to be trusted. Lennox shares his rational belief and the rationality of evidence-based theism. The founders of Oxford, Lennox states, 'saw no contradiction between faith in God and the utmost excellence in rational inquiry.' Lennox refers to the fact that the great scientists of the passed explored nature and expected laws in nature because they believed in a Lawgiver (God as Creator). He disputes the claims of modern-day scientists who want us to choose between God and science. Isaac Newton did not explain away God after discovering the law of gravity. For Albert Einstein, 'the only incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.' Lennox sees a connection between the human mind doing science and nature and its laws being discovered and explained by it, both coming from the intelligent mind of the Creator. Have a listen!

Topic: FREE SPEECH, HATE SPEECH

A short and brilliant speech by actor Rowan Atkinson, better known as Mr Bean, on free speech and its importance for our society. With a good sense of humour, Atkinson speaks of ridiculous charges based on vague definitions of 'hate speech' and the need to reform legal frameworks. He quotes former President Obama speaking at the UN, saying, 'Laudable efforts to restrict speech can become a tool to silence critics, or oppress minorities. The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression, it is more speech.' This sums up Atkinson's theses: allowing 'more speech' and building up immunity to have a more robust society.

Topic: WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Chess World Champion Anna Muzychuk from the Ukraine took a clear stance on women's rights by refusing to play in Saudi Arabia, as The Guardian reports. It takes a woman of principle to refuse a title defence and a decent amount of courage to stay faithful to one's values and convictions. The reforms under the new crown prince are welcome developments in terms of women's rights, but much remains to be changed. At the same time, we respect different cultural and religious understandings of social issues, yet protecting women and supporting healthy equality is important.

Topic: PRO-LIFE, ABORTION

An interesting discussion in the abortion debate with a decent dialogue and a good sense of humour despite the sensitivity of the topic. Ben Shapiro brilliantly exposes the lack of logic and double standards of values, and addresses key moral issues such as, What defines a human being? What makes life valuable? Can a person in a coma be killed? What about people with Alzheimers?

Topic: FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE, LGBTQ

ADF International provides an update on the legal battles of Jack Philipps. The baker was taken to court for staying faithful to his conscience and religious values and beliefs. These are protected rights in the USA. No one should be forced to do things against their conscience and convictions, and no one should be taking people to court over it -- but they do. It's troubling to see an aggressive agenda by some LGBTQ advocates. The tolerance they demand is the tolerance they should give. 'Live and let live' is the princinple we should abide by. Despite having landed a victory at the US Supreme Court (2018), Jack faces another hearing at the Colorado Supreme Court.

Topic: EUTHANSIA, ABORTION

ADF International provides an informative video on euthanasia, affirming human dignity. ADF's Robert Clarke (att.) states, '... life is precious and our dignity does not diminish with illness... what kind of society do we want to create?' There are troubling trends with the legalisation on euthanasia. Faith & Future affirms the dignity of human life and finds the recent trend very troubling. What type of values are we promoting when old people are being euthanised for being old or when young people are being euthanised for depression? Investing resources into helping people in need and pain would be the right way forward. We affirm the dignity of humanity created in God's image.