Norman Geisler: Still Being A Bully

[Apologiaphoenix]

Just so anyone knows the latest, Mike Licona put this up recently. http://www.risenjesus.com/speaking-e...moved-web-site

[Sparko]

He sounds desperate.

Is there anyone he hasn't alienated yet?

Then again, if he is spreading lies to harm Mike's business and reputation, that is slander and could probably be a basis for a lawsuit.

[One Bad Pig]

He sounds desperate.

Is there anyone he hasn't alienated yet?

It sounds like he has plenty of allies, unfortunately.

Then again, if he is spreading lies to harm Mike's business and reputation, that is slander and could probably be a basis for a lawsuit.

Could be, but such suits are very difficult to win.

[Christianbookworm]

What would Jesus think of Geisler's behavior?

[RumTumTugger]

very sad CBW since Giesler is not showing love to his fellow followers of Christ because he is so willing to divide over a NON ESSENTIAL.

[Kind Debater]

I'm not defending Geisler's behavior, assuming that what is said on the website is true, but I question whether posting the stuff about Geisler is the best and Biblical way to handle it. I assume Licona has confronted Geisler directly, but why publicly post what Geisler has done to others? I see 1 Cor 6:6 as implying that if/when there are disputes among believers, we shouldn't be airing them publicly.

[Apologiaphoenix]

I suspect Mike has had to do this because enough people have asked about this. Furthermore, the first one to bring this public was in fact Geisler who took a matter that should have been handled in academic circles and made it public. Since then, he has been going after Mike full throttle, even causing him to lose his livelihood. Since the offense is public, the correction needs to be public.

Also, it's a bit problematic to say bad behavior among Christians should not be stated publicly since first off, we are to mark those who cause division among ourselves, and second, 1 Corinthians like other epistles is a letter that would have been read publicly and in it, Paul denounces the behavior of other beliefs. Paul also publicly confronted Peter as he recalls in Galatians 2.

[Raphael]

James White confirms having been on the receiving end of similar behaviour from Geisler.

https://www.facebook.com/prosapologi...36736533017867

So let me confirm Mike Licona's experience here:
http://www.risenjesus.com/speaking-e...moved-web-site
There is one particular national program that I used to be on regularly back in the 1990s...had a great time with the host, did good, fast-paced programs. Then I wrote The Potter's Freedom. And I have never gotten a phone call since then. I know what happened. Geisler and his cadre (a powerful group, believe you me) are unrelenting. But note what is said in that link: Habermas and Copan were removed from teaching at Veritas Seminary? I did not know that. But what is so amazing is that if you go to the Veritas website ( http://www.veritasseminary.com/adjunct-faculty/ ) look at the second person listed: Ergun Caner. Gotta love Pravda Seminary: disagree with Geisler on anything, and BAM, you are gone. Make up a story about your life as a jihadi and growing up in "majority Muslim countries" (when you grew up in Ohio) and yet *remain faithful to Norm,* well...cinnamon Cheerios! All is well.

[thewriteranon]

The more Geisler does, the more I am baffled that anyone continues to listen to him.

[Boxing Pythagoras]

The more Geisler does, the more I am baffled that anyone continues to listen to him.

Despite his bullying tactics, Geisler is still a prolific and authoritative author on apologetics and systematic theology who has been teaching for decades and who founded two popular seminaries. There are some people who would condemn actions like this, but who nonetheless subscribe to Geisler's more academic work.

For example, one of my friends (who runs an apologetics ministry) received his education at Southern Evangelical Seminary where he was able to meet and learn under Geisler, directly. As a result, my friend has always had quite a bit of respect for the man. He certainly isn't happy about the feud between Geisler and Licona-- especially considering that he's also a big fan of Licona's work-- but he still has a lot of love for his old mentor.

[Apologiaphoenix]

I used to attend SES as well and I used to study under Geisler. Today, I have zero respect for him. I sold all the Geisler books that I could. I would prefer to find the academic work elsewhere. I have no wish to support him in any way whatsoever.

[Boxing Pythagoras]

I used to attend SES as well and I used to study under Geisler. Today, I have zero respect for him. I sold all the Geisler books that I could. I would prefer to find the academic work elsewhere. I have no wish to support him in any way whatsoever.

I can certainly understand and respect that. I'm just noting that I also understand why someone might still respect Geisler despite his reprehensible actions. On top of that, the average churchgoer probably has no idea about any of the things Geisler has done to Licona or White or other people with whom he has disagreed, and only know about him by the recommendation of their pastor or an apologist.

For example, my parents and numerous friends from the Church which I used to attend have Geisler's books and recommend him wholeheartedly but they had no idea that Geisler was acting in this manner until I told them. The average Christian, unfortunately, has no idea what is going on in the world of scholarship. They only know that Geisler has been considered an authority for decades.

[Sparko]

For example, my parents and numerous friends from the Church which I used to attend have Geisler's books and recommend him wholeheartedly but they had no idea that Geisler was acting in this manner until I told them. The average Christian, unfortunately, has no idea what is going on in the world of scholarship. They only know that Geisler has been considered an authority for decades.

Yep, I agree with that. Geisler lives off his reputation. People don't follow the controversies he creates and not many people have heard of Licona or the other people he attacks. At my church, most people think of Geisler as some famous apologist who writes books that they sell in the book store. And that is basically all they know.

Pretty sad.

[Bill the Cat]

Yep, I agree with that. Geisler lives off his reputation. People don't follow the controversies he creates and not many people have heard of Licona or the other people he attacks. At my church, most people think of Geisler as some famous apologist who writes books that they sell in the book store. And that is basically all they know.

Pretty sad.

I don't think anyone at my church knows anyone deeper than Josh McDowell or Rick Warren.

[Apologiaphoenix]

I can certainly understand and respect that. I'm just noting that I also understand why someone might still respect Geisler despite his reprehensible actions. On top of that, the average churchgoer probably has no idea about any of the things Geisler has done to Licona or White or other people with whom he has disagreed, and only know about him by the recommendation of their pastor or an apologist.

For example, my parents and numerous friends from the Church which I used to attend have Geisler's books and recommend him wholeheartedly but they had no idea that Geisler was acting in this manner until I told them. The average Christian, unfortunately, has no idea what is going on in the world of scholarship. They only know that Geisler has been considered an authority for decades.

Agree entirely and I agree with Sparko and sympathize with Bill. Too many laypeople just don't pay attention to scholarship. Their church doesn't tell them anything that's going on either so what a shock that Bart Ehrman ends up producing apostates. Sadly, Geisler with his emphasis on inerrancy is only helping him along.