In this series, I will recommend certain scholars and apologists to our readers and listeners. These are people that I believe are worth listening to because they are informed and give good arguments and insights into the subjects that they study, which helps intellectually equip Christians so that they can grow in their own faith and their outreach towards non-Christians. I am not claiming that these scholars and apologists have everything correct, but I think they are intellectual powerhouses that we can learn much from.
Neil Shenvi
Neil Shenvi has his Ph.D in theoretical chemistry from UC-Berkeley and was a research scientist at Yale and Duke University before becoming a homeschooler for his kids. When we look at most of the scientifically trained critics of Christianity like Dawkins, Krauss, Stenger, and others, Christians often rightly notice that their knowledge and credentials as scientists does not make them intellectual heavyweights when it comes to philosophy, ethics, religion, history, theology, or any other subject that connects to apologetics. Scientists who are critics of Christianity often make very elementary blunders because they are simply not well educated or well read in philosophy, theology, biblical studies, or history. Dr. Shenvi, however, is an exception when it comes to scientists. Having read his articles and seen his extensive interactions on Facebook, I can say firsthand that this guy is well versed in philosophy, ethics, and biblical studies. His intelligence, thoughtfulness, winsomeness, and his ability to engage in multiple subjects of inquiry make him a valuable resource to Christians.
His Website
His website is, of course, the best place to look at his content. Neil Shenvi-Apologetics is where you can find his essays, book reviews, talks, notes, and more.
The Resurrection and the Bible
As I've stated, he is well read in subjects outside of science. He has material on evidence for the resurrection of Jesus in multiple places.
Christianity and Science
Being a scientist, he is well qualified to talk about sciences connection with Christianity. He has talks on quantum mechanics and miracles and science and religion that you can check out.
Social Justice
Lately, Dr. Shenvi has been putting most of his time into learning about critical theory and intersectionality and how they have become part of the modern social justice movement. This is an important topic in cultural apologetics. His conclusion is that critical theory is a worldview that, while getting some things right and having some usefulness, has significant incompatibilities with the Christian worldview. These two articles are where you can get his introduction to the ideas of social justice and critical theory and their compatibility with Christianity. You can find his reviews and analysis of the books, Race, Class, and Gender, and Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, as a good start, but he also has other book reviews on the subject to look at. You can also check out his interview on the subject if you would rather listen.
This should get you started on his material. My understanding is that he is also in the process of writing a book defending Christianity, but it is not out yet. I think this guy should have more recognition for his contribution, so I hope this post contributes to that.
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