J. W A R N E R W A L L A C E

Transcription

1 J. W A R N E R W A L L A C E COLD CASE HOMICIDE DETECTIVE AND CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST I was an atheist for 35 years. I was passionate in my opposition to Christianity, and I enjoyed debating my Christian friends. I seldom found them to be prepared to defend what they believed. I became a Police Officer and eventually advanced to Detective. Along the way, I developed a healthy respect for the role of evidence in discerning truth, and my profession gave me ample opportunity to press into practice what I learned about the nature and power of evidence. Throughout all of this, I remained an "angry atheist", hostile to Christianity and largely dismissive of Christians. But if I am honest with you, I'll have to admit that I never took the time to examine the evidence for the Christian Worldview without the bias and presupposition of naturalism. I never gave the case for Christianity a fair shake. When I finally examined the evidence fairly, I found it difficult to deny, especially if I hoped to retain my respect for the way evidence is utilized to determine truth. I found the evidence for Christianity to be convincing. I founded PleaseConvinceMe.com as a transparent resource that tracks my own spiritual journey. From angry atheist, to skeptic, to believer, to seminarian, to pastor, to author and podcaster, my journey has been assisted by my experience as a Detective. I wrote Cold-Case Christianity with a desire to share those experiences with you. It's my hope that my own efforts to detect and articulate the truth will help you to become a better Christian Case Maker.

2 J. Warner and his dad BIOGRAPHICAL DATA J. Warner was born in Los Angeles County and raised in a law enforcement family. He and his wife, Susie, have been together for over 30 years and have four children. They still live in sunny Southern California. EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION J. Warner holds a Bachelor s Degree from CSULB in Design, a Master s Degree from UCLA in Architecture, and a Master s Degree from GGBTS in Theological Studies (all with "Great Distinction"). Jim is also a graduate of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy where he was the "Honor Recruit". PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION J. Warner has been a Police Officer for 25 years. He s served in a number of differing capacities; in the Patrol Division, on the Gang Detail, on the Street Narcotic (METRO) Team, on the Career Criminal Surveillance Team, and on SWAT. J. Warner has been an investigator for 21 years and has been investigating homicides for approximately 16 years. He presently works as a Cold-Case Homicide Detective. CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE Jim has served on local church staff as a Children's Minister and Youth Pastor. He also planted a church and served as the Lead Pastor there for five years. He is the founder of PleaseConvinceMe.com and now serves alongside talented apologists, authors and speakers at Stand to Reason ( J. Warner s Latest: COLD CASE CHRISTIANITY

3 I understand how difficult it is to find the right speaker for your event. As a detective, pastor and Christian apologist, it s my job to communicate difficult concepts in a straightforward way and teach people how to apply the rules of evidence as they examine the claims of Christianity. I ve given presentations at large and small events all over the country. WHAT TO EXPECT from J. WARNER WALLACE Prompt, professional replies to your phone and inquiries. 4 A personal phone call with me prior to your event, so I can talk at length about your needs and desired goals. The goal here is to design a presentation that is both informative and engaging. I want your event to be a success. A robust multi-media presentation designed to meet your needs while examining the issues from an investigative Detective s perspective. 5 An announcement about your event on my blogs and social media channels (if, of course, your event is open to the public and you want the visibility). A customized resource page, provided to your attendees after the event, including links to FREE articles, Bible inserts, audio and video files related to the topic covered at your event. 6 A quick follow-up communication after the event, to make sure I met your expectations. In addition to my and websites (listed on the card above), you can also contact me here: TWITTER: FACEBOOK: PINTEREST:

4 If you would like to have J. Warner speak at your event, here is a list of topics he is prepared to cover. This list is changing all the time. The following multi-media talks can be modified to suit your needs and can be offered as single presentations or grouped into a series of talks: Investigating the Reliability of the Gospels Talks and presentations related to the nature and reliability of the New Testament accounts: The Cold-Case Reliability of the Gospels Examining the eyewitness reliability of the Gospels (90 minutes full media) Are the Gospels reliable accounts of the life, ministry and death of Jesus? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the reliability of the Gospels in a broad overview of his book, Cold-Case Christianity. This session will teach the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence as it makes a four pronged case for the reliability of the eyewitness Gospel accounts. Participants, after applying the template jurors use to confirm the reliability of the Gospels, will emerge with greater confidence. Cold-Case Reliability of the Gospels: Were The Authors Present? Were the Gospels written early enough to have been authored by true eyewitnesses? (90 minutes full media) Were the gospels written early enough to have been written by true eyewitnesses of the events they record? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim constructs a circumstantial case for the early dating of the Gospels. This session examines several first century historical events in an effort to place the authorship of the Gospels in a reasonable timeline. Participants will learn how to make a compelling case for early dating and how to respond to common objections related to the evidence. Cold-Case Reliability of the Gospels: Were The Authors Corroborated? Is the testimony of the Gospel writers confirmed by outside sources and evidence? (90 minutes full media) Why should we trust what the Gospel writers claim; is there any way to corroborate the content of their writings? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines internal and external evidence to determine if the Gospels contain reliable information. This session introduces evidence from unintentional eyewitness support, the proper use of ancient Jewish proper names, ancient nonchristian sources and archaeological support to confirm reliability. Participants will learn how to make a case for Gospel corroboration and respond to common objections.

5 Cold-Case Reliability of the Gospels: Were The Authors Accurate? Did the Gospel writers falsely report anything that would invalidate their testimony? (90 minutes full media) Have the Gospels been altered over time? Are they still accurate? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim studies the historic Christian chain of custody to determine if the content of the Gospel accounts has been changed over time. This session examines the writings of the Early Church Fathers, along with the scribal transmission techniques to investigate the accuracy of the Biblical text. Participants will learn how to make a case for New Testament accuracy and respond to common objections. Cold-Case Reliability of the Gospels: Were The Authors Biased? Were the Gospel writers motivated to lie about their testimony? (90 minutes full media) Can we trust the Biblical authors given that they were Christians, or were they too biased to be trustworthy? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim explains the common motives behind misbehavior (from murders to lesser crimes) and examines the apostles to see if they possessed any of these motives. This session also examines the claim that the Christian identity of the Gospel authors invalidates them as a reliable source of information. Participants will develop a deeper trust of the New Testament documents based on the testimony and lives of the authors. Learning to Become a Good Christian Investigator Talks and presentations providing investigative skills to examine the Christian Worldview: Cold-Case Christianity: Learning Not to Be a Know-It-All Resisting the influence of dangerous presuppositions How much do our presuppositions impact our conclusions when examining the evidence? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the relationship between worldviews and presuppositions. This session will teach the importance of entering every examination without presuppositional biases. Participants will develop an understanding of the powerful bias of philosophical naturalism and the role that this bias plays in preventing a fair assessment of the evidence.

6 Cold-Case Christianity: Learning How to Infer Understanding the role of abductive reasoning How do detectives reason through the evidence at a crime scene, and how can these techniques be employed to examine the Christian worldview? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines abductive reasoning and provides a template for examining the Resurrections of Jesus. This session will examine the competing explanations for the Resurrection and provide guidelines for inferring to the most reasonable conclusion. Participants will develop a proper understanding of the difference between possible and reasonable as they embrace important critical thinking skills. Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Think Circumstantially Respecting the nature of circumstantial evidence What are the important categories of evidence presented in criminal trials and why do these distinctions matter when examining the case for Christianity? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim clarifies the categories of evidence and demonstrates the validity of circumstantial evidence in argumentation. This session will teach participants how to assemble a circumstantial case. Participants will learn how to use circumstantial evidence to make a case for God s existence or for the reliability of the Gospels. Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Test Your Witnesses Evaluating the reliability of witnesses How are jurors instructed to evaluate witnesses who testify in court, and can we apply this criterion to the Gospel accounts? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim provides the courtroom template used by juries to evaluate eyewitnesses. This session will examine the Gospel accounts and address the alleged appearance of contradictions in the context of multiple eyewitness accounts. Participants will emerge with a proper expectation for eyewitness accounts and a strategy by which to examine testimony (including the Gospel eyewitness testimony).

7 Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Hang on Every Word Examining the choice and meaning of language What can Forensic Statement Analysis reveal to us about the Gospels? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim introduces the discipline of Forensic Statement Analysis (FSA) and demonstrates its usefulness in examining the Gospels. This session focuses on the Gospel of Mark as we examine Papias first century claim that Mark chronicled the teaching of Peter. Participants will learn how to utilize FSA and build the circumstantial case supporting Papias claim as they develop confidence that Mark s Gospel is chronicling an eyewitness account. Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Separate Artifacts from Evidence Determining what s important evidentially How can crimes scenes teach us about textual criticism, and what principles can we utilize to examine the reliability of the Gospels? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim describes how detectives separate artifacts from evidence at crime scenes. This session will examine the presence of textual artifacts (copyist insertions and variants) in the Gospel accounts as Jim demonstrates the techniques used to accurate isolate and remove these artifacts from the text. Participants will learn why this approach certifies the reliability of the Gospels; they will emerge with confidence that the Gospels we possess today can be trusted.

8 Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Resist Conspiracy Theories Recognizing the rarity of true conspiracies Is it reasonable that the apostles conspired to lie about the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the attributes of successful conspiracies as he investigates the claim of a first century apostolic plot to lie about Jesus. This session will examine the requirements for such a plot, with specific examples and illustrations from Jim s investigative career. Participants will learn how to respond to this common challenge and grow in their confidence that the apostles were telling the truth. Cold-Case Christianity: Learning to Respect the Chain of Custody Establishing reliability by tracing the evidence How can we be certain that evidence has not been corrupted over time, and what techniques can be applied to the examination of the Gospels to be sure they were not changed over the centuries? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim demonstrates the importance of the Chain of Custody. This session will teach an important principle used by detectives to establish evidence reliability. Participants will learn how to examine the historic writings of the early church to establish a chain of custody for the contents of the Gospels and will emerge with confidence that the Gospels have not changed over time. Cold-Case Christianity: Learning When Enough Is Enough Getting comfortable with your conclusions How can we be sure we ve arrived at the proper inference related to the reliability of the Gospels and the truth of the Christian worldview? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim discusses the nature of evidential sufficiency. This session will describe the important standard of proof (SOP) known as beyond a reasonable doubt and illustrate how we can come to a reasonable conclusion even though we have less than perfect knowledge. Participants will learn how to distinguish between possible doubts and reasonable doubts as they sift through the Christian evidence.

9 Cold-Case Christianity: Learning How to Prepare for an Attack Distinguishing between possible alternatives and reasonable refutations What are the common strategies of defense attorneys and what can these approaches teach us about how to respond to those who challenge the claims of Christianity? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim describes eight common strategies of defense attorneys. This session will then demonstrate the similarities between these approaches and the objections offered by skeptics of the Christian worldview. Participants will emerge with a proper expectation of the resistance they will face and ideas about how to overcome this opposition. Understanding the Importance of Christian Case Making Talks and presentations arguing for the importance of Christian apologetics: Belief That vs. Belief In Discovering the power and confidence of evidence (60 minutes object lesson) What is the difference between believing that something is true and actually trusting in it? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim describes how to deepen one s confidence and trust in the Bible and Christian Worldview. This session utilizes several pieces of equipment from Jim s law enforcement career (including his bullet proof vest) to illustrate the difference between belief that and belief in. Participants will be encouraged to take an additional step of commitment and trust as they learn the important relationship between evidence and confidence. Becoming a Two Decision Christian Deciding to believe and defend the truth (60 minutes object lesson) What is the relationship between evidence, confidence and action? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim describes God s desire for our lives as Christians and examines Peter s call to Christian Case Making in 1 Peter 3: This session investigates the relationship between evangelism and Christian apologetics. Participants will be encouraged to prepare themselves as Christian Case Makers, and will be provided with a strategy for doing so.

10 Investigating the Relationship Between Faith and Science Talks and presentations related to the relationship between science and scripture: The Cold Case Related to Genesis 1 Examining the relationship between special and natural revelation What does Genesis 1 tell us about the nature of the universe and the existence of God? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the claims of Genesis 1:1 and compares these claims with the discoveries of science. This session will also examine the many ways Christians have interpreted Genesis Chapter one over the years. Participants will learn how to process evidential claims and determine which facts are essential (and which are not) as they examine the proclamations of Scripture. Investigating the Scientific Reliability of the Bible Examining the presence of scientific concepts foreshadowed in the Bible Is the Bible a book about science? Does it accurately foreshadow scientific discoveries? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the presence of a variety of scientific principles on the pages of Scripture. This session will demonstrate the scientific reliability of the Bible. Participants will discover hidden scientific truths and come to understand that the Bible s early claims are consistent with later discoveries. Investigating the Case for God s Existence Talks and presentations providing arguments and evidences demonstrating the existence of God: The Cold Case for God s Existence Examining the circumstantial evidence that points to God (90 minutes full media) Is there enough evidence to conclude that we are living in a universe created by a personal God as described in the Bible? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines three lines of evidence from the Cosmological Argument, the Teleological Argument and the Axiological Argument. This session will demonstrate the circumstantial case for the existence of God. Participants will learn how to make three cases for God s existence and respond to common objections.

11 Investigating the Evidence from the Cosmic Crime Scene Examining the evidence for God s existence from the Cosmological Argument Is there any evidence from cosmology that demonstrates the existence of God? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the Cosmological Argument. This session will demonstrate the evidential value of making a case for a universe that has a beginning. Participants will learn how to make this case by articulating four critical pieces of evidence. Investigating the Evidence from the DNA of God Examining the evidence for God s existence from the Teleological Argument Does the appearance of design in biological organisms tell us anything about the existence of God? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the Teleological Argument. This session will demonstrate the presence of design in biology and make the most reasonable inference to the existence of a transcendent intelligent designer. Participants will learn how to identify characteristics of design as they study biological systems and learn to overcome objections to the Teleological Argument. Investigating the Evidence from the Law of God Examining the evidence for God s existence from the Axiological Argument Does the existence of transcendent moral truth require the existence of a transcendent God? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the Axiological Argument. This session will demonstrate the existence of objective moral truth and provide the foundation for God s existence as the best explanation for objective morality. Participants will learn how to make case for objective moral truth and how to overcome objections to this evidence.

12 Investigating the Evidence from the Fingerprints of God Examining the evidence for God s existence from the Anthropic Principle Does the appearance of fine tuning in the universe tell us anything about the existence of God? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the Anthropic Principle. This session will provide evidence of fine tuning in the universe and argue for the existence of a transcendent fine tuner. Participants will survey the laws that govern the universe as they come to understand how the relationships between universal constants require a fine tuner. The Cold Case Problem of Evil Responding to several versions of the evil and suffering in the world How can we reconcile the existence of an all-powerful, all-loving God with the tremendous evil that we see in our world? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines five different forms of evil (moral evil, natural evil, bodily evil, theistic evil and Christian evil). This session will examine the Christian response to these forms of evil and their relationship to an all-powerful, all-loving God. Participants will better understand the role of evil and how to respond to those who cite evil as an objection to God s existence. Investigating the Historicity of Jesus Talks and presentations defending the historicity and existence of Jesus as a real person: The Cold Case Reliability of the Gospels Examining the evidence for the historicity of Jesus (90 minutes full media) Are the Gospels reliable accounts of the life, ministry and death of Jesus? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines the reliability of the Gospels in a broad overview of his book, Cold-Case Christianity. This session will teach the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence as it makes a four pronged case for the reliability of the eyewitness Gospel accounts. Participants, after applying the template jurors use to confirm the reliability of the Gospels, will emerge with great confidence in the reliability of the accounts.

13 Cold Case Resurrection Examining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Why should we believe that Jesus truly rose from the dead? Aren t there other more reasonable explanations? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim examines abductive reasoning and provides a template for examining the Resurrections of Jesus. This session will examine the competing explanations for the Resurrection and provide guidelines for inferring to the most reasonable conclusion. Participants will develop a proper understanding of the difference between possible and reasonable as they embrace important critical thinking skills. Investigating Important Hot Topic Issues Talks and presentations examining controversial issues of our time: The Case for Truth Making a case for objective truth claims and tolerance In a relativistic, pluralistic world, how can we claim anything is objectively true? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim investigates the nature of truth and tolerance. This session will examine alternative theories of truth and provide a truth test to illustrate the difference between material truth claims, moral truth claims and metaphysical truth claims. Participants will learn how respond to relativism in their culture as they come to understand the classic definitions of truth and tolerance. The Cold Case Truth About Mormonism Examining the evidence related to Joseph Smith and the Mormon scriptures (90 minutes full media) Is Mormonism evidentially verifiable? What does the evidence tell us about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim investigates the evidence surrounding Joseph Smith and the Mormon scripture. This session examines the life and cultural setting of Joseph Smith and the translation process involved with the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham. Participants will understand the evidential problems plaguing Mormonism and learn to articulate the false nature of the claims of Joseph Smith.

14 The Case Related to Abortion Examining the case for the pro-life position Abortion is such a controversial issue, and many Christians earnestly try to make a pro-life case from the Bible alone. But is there also a philosophical argument? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim offers a philosophical and evidential pro-life argument. This session will provide persuasive non-biblical arguments for the humanity and personhood of the unborn. Participants will learn how to quickly and convincingly defend the pro-life position. The Case Related to War Examining the Biblical view of deadly force Should Christians be pacifists? What does the Bible say about deadly force? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim investigates the Biblical teaching related to the use of deadly force. This session will provide a template for distinguishing between murder and justified killing. Participants will learn the proper justification for deadly force and extrapolate this understanding to the context of war. Who s Waiting For Your Kids? Examining the cultural environment facing young Christians Why do so many young people walk away from Christianity in their college years? What are the challenges they will face in college? Is there something we can do as a Church to help young people hold on to the truth? In this presentation (utilizing examples from his investigative work), Jim illustrates the challenge facing young college-aged Christians. This session will also provide an important and unique approach to addressing the dilemma. Participants will learn how to protect themselves and their children from being unduly persuaded by the errant secular worldview.

15 WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT J. WARNER "Jim Wallace has a unique way of helping people think logically about God and spiritual things. He thinks like a cop. Being a cold case homicide detective, he puts together the evidence for God in a way everyone can follow. I know Jim, have worked with him as a conference speaker and listen to him on the radio. Jim has a powerful and unique ministry for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bob Vernon, Sr. Assistant Chief of Police (Retired) LAPD; Founder of Pointman Leadership Institute (PLI). "Jim Wallace gives one of the most compelling cases for Christianity that I have ever heard. His work as a police detective has provided him with the proper tools to 'check out' the evidence and come to the logical conclusion. Skeptics and non-skeptics alike will tremendously benefit from his presentation. He has my highest recommendation. Don Stewart, Author and Host of the "Pastor's Perspective" Radio Program "The Church needs more Jim Wallaces. I have worked side-by-side with him in a variety of ministry contexts and have seen firsthand the impact of Jim's work. His experience as a homicide detective gives him a tough-minded approach to the evidence for Christianity. His experience as a pastor provides a tender-hearted approach to people. With both, Jim is able to effectively train Christians to defend the Gospel with intelligence and graciousness. Brett Kunkle, Apologist, Speaker and Student Impact Director at Stand to Reason "Jim is one of the pre-eminent voices in contemporary apologetic Christianity. He combines Biblical accuracy with career law-enforcement experience, providing a practical worldview that cannot fail to educate and inspire. Unique, purposeful, and motivating. John Hall and Kathy Emmons, Hosts of the John and Kathy Radio Show, WORDFM (Pittsburgh)

16 WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT J. WARNER "Jim Wallace is one of the best communicators in the field of Christian apologetics today. He has a solid understanding of the critical issues, while having the rare gift of taking complex and difficult subjects and making them understandable and accessible. He is able to cut through the jargon and give real answers for real-world questions. I have no hesitation whatsoever in confidently recommending his ministry. Brian Auten, Apologist, Podcaster, Writer and Host of Apologetics315.com "It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I can recommend Jim Wallace. Jim spoke at our Annual Men s Ministry Kickoff BBQ and was extremely well received. His message combined with his Police work background was very effective and filled with application. Mr. Wallace's website, PleaseConvinceMe.com is AMAZING. It is perhaps the very best place for multiple resource materials that I have seen. Additionally, Jim is a committed Christian and an easy person to relate to. Jerry Farrow, Chairman of Men s Ministries, Carlsbad Community Church, Carlsbad California "Jim is one of the brightest and most gifted apologists I know. His innovative methods of teaching the Gospel break down very complex biblical truths into easily understood life applicable realities. His zealous mission to help youth become fully devoted followers of Christ, to own their faith, and to share it with those in our post-modern world is contagious. Jim's relationally engaging style of communication and instruction challenges the heart and mind of the youth he equips for the building up of God's Kingdom. Ed LaLonde, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Huntington Beach California "Jim Wallace will be a strong encouragement to your church. He not only ministered to our church but took time to encourage our leaders as well. Jim possesses a rare blend of apologetic expertise combined with the warmth of a pastor s heart. His presentations are engaging from beginning to end in a most relevant and memorable way. Jim isn t just a good idea for a speaker; he is a priority event for any church who desires to explore the gospel in such a way that will aid your people to give a "reasonable answer for the faith that is within them. Rick Baird, Associate Pastor, Lake Hills Community Church, Castaic California

17 DAVID C. COOK PUBLISHERS FOREWARD BY LEE STROBEL LEARN TEN PRINCIPLES OF COLD-CASE INVESTIGATIONS THAT WILL EQUIP YOU TO INVESTIGATE THE CLAIMS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. APPLY INVESTIGATIVE RULES OF EVIDENCE TO THE GOSPELS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE RELIABLE EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS. DEVELOP AN EVIDENTIAL CERTAINTY THAT WILL EMPOWER YOUR FAITH AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.