Today's interview is with pastor and reformed theologian Douglas Wilson. He talks about his background and influences, his pastoral ministry, apologetics and its role in the local church, how to incorporate apologetics into preaching, encouraging apologetic engagement within the church, his debates with Christopher Hitchens (and the DVD Collision), the presuppositional approach to apologetics, biggest lessons learned from speaking and debating, pitfalls to avoid, advice for apologists, and more.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here (41 min)

Doug's books can be found here. Enjoy.
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Collision is a documentary (website here) following the debate tour of Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson (blog). This series of public debates took place to promote their co-authored book: Is Christianity Good for the World?

Filmed in a choppy, artistic style, this 80-minute documentary dips into various aspects and topics on their debate tour. The non-linear approach to the documentary has the benefit of keeping it interesting and fast-paced. On one hand, the creative aspects add to a gritty, urban feel: shaky cameras, tight close-ups, grainy black and white interspersed with color. On the other hand, some of the choppy close-ups are overdone and become annoying at times. However distracting this may or may not be to the viewer, the content itself is absorbing.

The "story" is told through the meshing together of various debate excerpts and conversations, all centering around the overall topic of is Christianity good for the world? These range from morality and justice, to the coherence of worldviews. The opponents are equally presented, each getting their chance to make their most potent remarks; it's not a one-sided presentation. The goal, it seems, is to make the viewer aware of the questions in the debate and to show where the two worldviews clash. Hence, the title Collision.

For those familiar with Hitchens' style in public debates, this piece will provide an even more interesting look at the man, his personality, and views. Little vignettes and after-debate conversations are entertaining and fascinating. Douglas Wilson comes across as an intelligent, reasonable, and likable personality. He holds his own well enough with Hitchens and seems to earn his respect. The documentary captures a sense of two rivals who respect one another; at one moment clashing in debate, the next moment laughing over lunch about favorite authors.

The Collision DVD will be of great interest to those familiar with apologetic arguments. In particular, this shows more of a presuppositional apologetics approach fleshed out in actual interaction. For those unfamiliar with the arguments, this documentary immerses them in the general issues of the debate while showing the worldviews behind the clash. Because the arguments are not completely developed and the debate is left unresolved, this may be just the kind of DVD to use as a conversation starter.

Douglas Wilson debates Dan Barker on the subject: Does the Triune God Live? By the way, AiD has a running critique of Barker's Bible misrepresentations and misinterpretations. Also, you can hear James White's critique of this debate here.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

[HT: The Apologetic Front]

At the Christian Book Expo 2009, William Lane Craig, Christopher Hitchens, Douglas Wilson, Lee Strobel, and James Denison dialogue on the topic: Does the God of Christianity Exist and Does it Matter?

Video of the forum debate can be found here.
The apologia podcast also did a live recording at the event which is an interesting listen. Get it here.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson debate: Is Christianity Good for the World? Wilson takes a presuppositional approach. Hitchens takes his normal approach. Good interaction. A very interesting debate.

Introduction - MP3
Debate - MP3
Question & Answer - MP3

Full debate PDF transcript here.

Enjoy.