🏛️ Apologetics Fact

Based on analysis of growth rings (dendrochronology), some bristlecone pine trees have been dated at 8,000 years old, contradicting the Biblical timeline of a global flood destroying all life ~4,500 years ago. A new paper published this week brought the 8,000-year result into question, showing that the analysis used to correlate dead and living trees based on the shape and size of the rings could have been impacted by various disturbances. The paper demonstrates several simulations that produce the same patterns in trees that were less than 4,500 years old.

🗣️ Quote

"Government is founded not on force, as was the theory of Hobbes; nor on compact, as was the theory of Locke and of the revolution of 1688; nor on property, as was the assertion of Harrington. It springs from the necessities of our nature, and has an everlasting foundation in the unchangeable will of God." — James Otis

🏅 Person: Peter Francisco (1760-1831)

Affectionately known as the "Giant of the Revolution," he was born in the Azores before being kidnapped at the age of 5, brought to Boston, and eventually adopted by Patrick Henry's uncle. Standing 6'6", he enlisted at the age of 16 and eventually joined Col. William Washington's cavalry. Washington ordered a 6-foot broadsword which Francisco used to deadly effect at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, where he personally killed 11 redcoats. At one point in the battle, a British bayonet pinned his leg to the horse; Francisco responded by pulling the blade out himself and then splitting the British soldier's head down to his shoulders with his broadsword. Later in life he served as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Virginia legislature, which adjourned out of respect upon his death in 1831.

📕 Book: The AItheist

This brief fictional story features what so few Christian books achieve: a logical, bounded narrative. The book tells the story of a former Christian turned atheist who is asked to convince a powerful AI that Christianity is wrong. Acceptably well written and containing a surprising amount of genuine apologetics information, this light read is refreshingly enjoyable in the often cringe-worthy genre.