Response to Corey Carswell from North Carolina (Time to read 25 mins)
Today we’re going to examine the claims of a man who openly challenges the truth of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. As Christians, we should never be afraid to examine objections to our beliefs. Christianity is not built upon blind faith, emotions, or traditions. It is built upon the truth of God’s Word and the historical reality of Jesus Christ.
My goal with this rebuttal is not to attack this individual personally, mock him, or question his motives. Rather, I want to carefully listen to what he says and compare his claims to what Scripture teaches. God’s Word must always be our final authority.
The Bible warns that false teaching and deception will increase as we draw closer to the return of Christ. For that reason, we must be discerning. We are commanded to test what we hear, examine every claim, and hold fast to the truth.
With that said, let’s examine these statements one at a time and see how they compare to the truth of God’s Word. I’ve transcript this man’s words (IN BOLD) and beneath each statement, I have provided a biblical response. At the end of this response, I have added one last section called, “Closure”. I pray that this biblical response helps not only other people, but the author of this post as well.
“Getting saved or as Christians call it, “Giving your life to Jesus as the Bible would describe it.”
I want to clarify that the Bible’s primary language is not merely “giving your life to Jesus,” but being saved by grace through faith in Christ. Salvation is not man climbing up to God, but God rescuing sinners through Christ. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). As John Stott said, “Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.
“Let me ask you this. What are you being saved from.”
That is the right question. Biblically, we are saved from sin, death, judgment, the wrath of God, and eternal separation from Him. “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The ultimate issue is not merely what we are saved from, but whom we are saved from: the righteous judgment of a holy God.
“This whole giving your life to Jesus, following the Bible, being a Christian… You were raised and you were born into this belief.”
Being raised around Christianity does not make someone a Christian. Jesus told a deeply religious man, Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Christianity is not inherited by family, culture, geography, or tradition. “To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Paul had religious heritage, but he counted it as loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:4-9).
“This belief that it is out of control, as it is for most people.”
I agree that many people hold religious beliefs thoughtlessly, but that does not make Christianity false. The answer to shallow religion is not abandoning Christ but examining whether the faith is true. Scripture commands examination: “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Bereans were commended because they searched the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s message was true (Acts 17:11).
“Regardless, you were born into it, especially if you were in the Bible belt, you were born to believe that if you didn’t live right, and if you did not give your life to God or Jesus, then you would face eternal damnation, torture and hell for eternity.”
This misrepresents biblical Christianity. The gospel is not “live right or go to hell.” The gospel is that all have sinned, no one can live right enough to earn heaven, and Christ saves sinners by grace. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Hell is real because God is holy and sin is serious, but salvation is offered freely through Christ. Charles Spurgeon said, “Morality may keep you out of jail, but only the blood of Jesus can keep you out of hell.
“Let’s pause and think about this from a logical perspective.”
Christianity does not ask people to stop thinking. Jesus said to love God with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Paul “reasoned” from the Scriptures (Acts 17:2), and Peter told believers to be ready to give a reasoned defense for their hope (1 Peter 3:15). Biblical faith is not blind belief against evidence; it is trust in God based on His revelation, His works, His Word, and the historical resurrection of Christ.
“We know that the earth has been here for billions of years, if not longer. We don’t know how many times civilization has been wiped out.”
Even if someone argues from an old earth, that does not disprove Christianity. The central question is not merely the age of the earth, but whether God created, whether man is accountable, whether Christ rose from the dead, and whether Scripture is true. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God” (Hebrews 11:3). The resurrection of Jesus is the central historical claim of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
“We know that this time, we’ve been here 300,000 years at least.”
The Bible’s authority does not rest on modern dating claims. Christians may discuss chronology differently, but Scripture presents humanity as created by God, morally accountable to God, fallen in Adam, and redeemable only through Christ. “God made from one man every nation of mankind” (Acts 17:26). “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin” (Romans 5:12).
“Christianity, the Bible, Jesus, and all of that, happened approximately 2000 years ago.”
Jesus came into history 2,000 years ago, but Christianity is rooted in God’s eternal plan. Christ was not God’s last-minute idea. He was “foreknown before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). The Old Testament promised the Messiah centuries before His birth (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2; Psalm 22). Jesus said, “Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day” (John 8:56). Christianity is not merely 2,000 years old; it is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.
“Christianity is a little tiny religion in the span of all religions.”
Truth is not determined by age, size, or popularity. Jesus Himself said the way of life is narrow and few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Christianity’s truth rests on the person and work of Christ, especially His resurrection. Paul said if Christ has not been raised, Christianity collapses (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). But if Christ has been raised, then He is Lord, whether many believe or few believe.
“And you know, religion is just the study of God. It’s man’s effort to try to explain God.”
Truth is not determined by popularity, size, or age. Throughout Scripture, God often works through a faithful remnant rather than the majority. Jesus said, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:14). Noah stood against the entire world. Elijah believed he was alone against a nation of idolaters. The early church began as a small group of disciples, yet turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
Christianity is not man’s attempt to explain God. Biblical Christianity teaches the opposite, God has revealed Himself to man.
Christianity and the Bible is just one book, one religion, and one way. And I’m not here to knock that particular path if you choose it, but I’m simply trying to propose thoughts to you.
The first question a biblical Christian must ask is not, “How many religions exist?” but rather, “Which one is true?” Truth is not determined by the number of available options. There are many opinions regarding mathematics, science, and history, yet only one answer can be correct when dealing with objective truth. Jesus Himself did not claim to be one option among many. He declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Peter preached, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
The issue is not whether Christianity is exclusive. Every belief system is exclusive. The real question is whether Christ truly rose from the dead and whether His claims are true. Paul staked Christianity entirely upon the resurrection, saying, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Christianity is not one of many roads to God. Christianity is God’s revelation of the only road to Himself.
This idea that you have to live this certain way, and you have to believe in this man this way, and do these things… or you’re going to get punished.
This statement misunderstands the gospel. Christianity does not teach that people earn heaven by living a certain way. Scripture teaches that all people have already sinned and already stand guilty before a holy God.
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The gospel is not “obey and earn salvation.” The gospel is “repent and believe because Christ has accomplished salvation.” Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Spurgeon said, “The gospel is not a reward for the righteous; it is a gift for the guilty.”
That almost sounds like a way to keep you controlled.
Every worldview places authority over people. Governments control behavior. Society controls behavior. Employers control behavior. Universities control behavior. The question is not whether authority exists. The question is whether the authority is legitimate.
Christianity teaches that God is Creator and Lord of all things (Psalm 24:1). Since He created us, He has the right to define truth, morality, and purpose. Christ does not enslave people. He liberates them from their bondage to sin.
Jesus said, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Then He said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). True freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but the ability to do what we were created to do.
It’s a way to keep a societal image of “we don’t do these things, but we do these things, because of God.”
Sadly, some people have used religion merely for social conformity. Jesus condemned this very thing among the Pharisees. “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). However, hypocrisy does not disprove Christianity. In fact, Christianity exposes hypocrisy more than any other worldview because Scripture repeatedly condemns outward religion without inward transformation.
The existence of counterfeit faith does not invalidate genuine faith.
It’s a way to keep you bound.
According to Scripture, the opposite is true. Before conversion, people are bound by sin.
Romans 6:17 describes unbelievers as “slaves of sin.” After conversion, believers become servants of Christ and are freed from sin’s dominion. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free.”
Christian freedom is not freedom to sin. It is freedom from sin’s mastery.
See Christianity, it broadcasts itself now as a means of faith and freedom, but really Christianity is a prison.
Let me ask you, “If Christianity is a prison, why did the apostles willingly suffer imprisonment, torture, and death rather than deny Christ?” Why did Paul sing hymns while literally sitting in prison (Acts 16:25)? The Christian’s joy is not dependent upon external freedom because Christ has freed him internally. Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
We may lose possessions, reputation, or even life itself, yet still possess peace because we belong to Christ.
Religion is a prison, because you can’t experience God outside of religion.
The Bible distinguishes between false religion and true worship. James 1:27 actually uses the word religion positively, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this…”
The issue is not religion versus spirituality. The issue is truth versus error. Scripture teaches that God is known through His self-revelation, not through subjective spiritual experiences. People often claim spiritual experiences that contradict one another. God’s Word provides an objective standard by which all spiritual claims must be tested.
1 John 4:1 says, “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
As a matter of fact, that’s the way that God would prefer it, and you will find, like I did myself, if you are a Christian, and you are pursuing God. Eventually God will pull you out of church, and out of Christianity.
This directly contradicts Scripture. Jesus established the church. He said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her. The New Testament repeatedly commands believers to gather together. “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25). A person moving away from biblical Christianity is not evidence of spiritual maturity. Scripture warns that some will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1).
The more you study, and the more you see, and the more you know, which is the more your spirit evolves.
The Bible never speaks of spiritual evolution. Instead, Scripture speaks of spiritual regeneration, sanctification, and conformity to Christ. Romans 8:29 says believers are being conformed to the image of Christ.
Biblical growth is not evolving into a higher consciousness. It is growing in the knowledge of God and submission to His truth. Colossians 2:8 warns believers against philosophies that are not according to Christ.
We need a conscious movement, to move over our nation. We need to evolve past religion, and past politics.
The Bible teaches that humanity’s fundamental problem is not political ignorance, lack of consciousness, or insufficient evolution. Humanity’s problem is sin. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” Mark 7:21-23 teaches that evil proceeds from within the human heart. The solution is not collective consciousness but individual repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
None of those things truly matter on the grand scheme of things.
Ironically, Scripture agrees that politics and earthly kingdoms are temporary. However, Christianity teaches that eternal realities matter infinitely. Jesus asked, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
The most significant question is not what happens to nations, but what happens to your soul. It is whether a sinner has been reconciled to a holy God through Jesus Christ. The only thing of real importance is the condition of your soul.
“What does matter that you do like Jesus said and you try to become one with God. You live by morals, you live by a code, you try to stay connected, you pray, and you seek God.”
The Bible certainly teaches morality, prayer, and seeking God. However, Scripture never teaches that a person becomes right with God by living morally or trying harder. The problem is that no one can meet God’s perfect standard.
Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans also goes onto say, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus did not come merely to improve moral people. He came to save guilty sinners (Luke 19:10). Christianity is not self-improvement; it is salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners.
“But the idea that God is going to punish you. Why would God create something in His image and then turn around and punish it.”
The biblical answer is because man was created in God’s image but rebelled against God. A judge does not become guilty of wrongdoing because he punishes lawbreakers. In fact, punishment is part of upholding justice. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “The soul who sins shall die.” Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.”
God’s holiness is as real as His love. The cross itself proves that sin deserves judgment. If sin did not deserve punishment, Christ would not have needed to die. Let us remember that the cross is the greatest display of both the love of God and the justice of God.
“That ideology is a fear tactic created by the Catholic church.”
This is historically inaccurate. Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture. Matthew 10:28 says, “Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Mark 9:48 says, “Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” These teachings came from Christ Himself centuries before later church traditions developed. The doctrine of judgment is not Roman Catholic in origin. It is biblical in origin.
“You have to think, the Catholic church formed the Bible.”
The church did not create Scripture. The church recognized Scripture. The apostles and prophets were inspired by God when they wrote (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The early church did not vote books into existence. They identified the books that already carried the authority of the apostles. A jeweler does not create a diamond by recognizing it. He recognizes what already exists.
“Jesus did not write the Bible.”
That is true in one sense. Jesus did not personally pen a book. However, Scripture teaches that the Bible ultimately comes from God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” And it’s important to note that Jesus IS God.
- John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- John 1:14 goes on to say, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
- After seeing the risen Christ, Thomas said in John 20:28, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus did not correct Thomas, because it was the truth.
- Titus 2:13 says, “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
- Lastly, Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”
To make a note about Scripture itself, John 16:13 says that Jesus repeatedly affirmed the authority of the Old Testament and promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into truth. The focus is not who held the pen when writing the Scripture, but instead it’s who inspired the writers.
“Even the disciples, they did not write their accounts until like 70 years after Jesus.”
Modern scholarship does not support such a broad claim. Most conservative scholars date the Gospels much earlier than that. More importantly, the New Testament was written within the lifetime of eyewitnesses.
Paul’s letters were circulating within decades of Christ’s resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 contains an early creed about the resurrection that scholars often date to within a few years of the crucifixion itself. The evidence is far stronger than critics often admit.
“There have been many people to write Bibles, so to speak.”
Many people have claimed spiritual revelation. The question is not whether claims exist. The question is whether those claims are true. Jesus uniquely fulfilled prophecy, performed miracles, died, and rose from the dead. The apostles were eyewitnesses. There were also hundreds of other witnesses. 1 Corinthians 15:6 says, “Then He (Jesus) appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive…”
Christianity stands or falls on historical events, not merely private spiritual experiences.
“But the Christian Bible is just one religious text.”
The Bible claims something unique. It presents one unfolding story written over approximately 1,500 years by many authors, yet with one unified message centered on God’s redemption through Christ. Jesus said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The question is not whether it is one book among many. The question is whether it is God’s revelation.
“Do not shrink yourself down to one book, one way of thinking, because I promise you… one religion cannot contain God.”
Christians agree that God is infinite and cannot be fully comprehended. However, Scripture teaches that God has truly revealed Himself. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
The fact that God is greater than our understanding does not mean He is unknowable.
“Jesus did not even know what the word Christian was.”
The title “Christian” came later (Acts 11:26), but that proves nothing. Jesus founded the movement that would later be called Christianity. He called people to follow Him, believe in Him, worship Him, and obey Him. The absence of the word does not negate the reality. The word “Trinity” never appears in Scripture either, yet the doctrine is clearly taught.
“Jesus did not have a Bible.”
Jesus had the Old Testament Scriptures and quoted them constantly. “It is written…” appears repeatedly throughout His ministry. Jesus affirmed the authority of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44).
In fact, Scripture teaches that Jesus was the Word. John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.”
*Refer to my notes above, “Jesus IS God”.
“Jesus was a mystic of His time.”
Scripture never describes Jesus as a mystic. Jesus did not teach secret knowledge, hidden consciousness, or spiritual evolution. He publicly proclaimed truth and called people to repentance. “I have spoken openly to the world” (John 18:20). Jesus presented Himself as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the only Savior of sinners.
“Jesus didn’t speak on any of the major topics that a lot of the Christians today are upset about.”
Jesus addressed marriage, sexuality, sin, judgment, truth, repentance, and obedience.
He affirmed God’s design for marriage in Matthew 19:4 says, “Male and female he created them.” In Mark 7:21-23, He condemned sexual immorality broadly. The apostles, whom Christ authorized, expanded on these teachings throughout the New Testament.
“As a matter of fact, King James himself… he was historically a gay man.”
Even if this accusation were true, it would not affect the truthfulness of Scripture. The King James Version is a translation, not the source of Christianity. Jesus is the SOURCE and He is perfect! The authority of Scripture does not depend upon the morality of a king.
God used flawed people throughout biblical history. The truth of God’s Word stands independent of the character of translators or rulers.
“The Christian movement brought about racism.”
Many people have misused Christianity to justify sinful behavior. However, biblical Christianity condemns racism. Acts 17:26 says that God made all nations from one man. Galatians 3:28 says that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek. The solution is not less biblical Christianity but more biblical Christianity.
“If the only thing that matters to you is the Bible and living that way, you are not going to live a very prospering fulfilling life.”
Jesus taught the exact opposite. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The Bible does not promise worldly prosperity, but it promises joy, peace, purpose, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Many believers throughout history suffered greatly yet testified to profound fulfillment in Christ. The missionary, Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
“We are lucky enough now in 2026, to have technology to proofread a lot of these things.”
Ironically, modern technology has strengthened confidence in Scripture. Thousands of ancient manuscripts allow scholars to compare copies and verify the text with remarkable accuracy. The textual evidence for the New Testament exceeds that of virtually every other ancient document.
I’ve been blessed to read, “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” by Josh McDowell with my brother Mike & Joel. I would like to encourage all Christians (and non-Christians) to pick this book up and give it a read. It will seriously open your eyes to how much evidence we have about the Bible, Jesus, Prophecy, Miracles, Resurrection, and many other topics. Christianity is grounded in historical evidence, not blind faith.
“The Bible has been translated so many times that the Bible you read today is not even remotely close to the original words.”
This is one of the most common myths about the Bible. Modern translations are not translations of translations of translations. The ESV, NASB, LSB, NKJV, and others are translated directly from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. The Bible has not passed through a giant game of telephone. Modern scholarship actually gives us access to more manuscript evidence than previous generations possessed.
“It’s not a book that you should pinpoint and follow to the T. It’s a guide.”
Jesus viewed Scripture differently. John 10:35 says, “Scripture cannot be broken.” Matthew 4:4 says that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The Bible presents itself not merely as helpful advice but as divine revelation.
“We don’t know what’s after.”
Left to ourselves, we would not know. However, God has revealed what awaits beyond death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Jesus spoke extensively about eternal life and eternal judgment. The issue is whether we will believe His testimony.
“I believe that energy never dies.”
This is a scientific statement being applied to a spiritual question. Scripture teaches that we are embodied souls created by God. The Bible’s teaching about life after death is rooted in God’s revelation, not laws of physics.
“But the idea that you need to be saved in order to gain God’s approval. That is a man’s doctrine.”
The Bible teaches the opposite. Salvation is God’s doctrine. The entire message of Scripture points to humanity’s need for redemption. Jesus Himself said in Luke 19:10 says “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
The question is not whether man invented salvation. The question is why Jesus repeatedly declared that people needed it.
CLOSURE
As we close, remember that the enemy has not changed his strategy. In the Garden of Eden, Satan did not begin with an outright denial of God. He began with a question, “Did God actually say…?” His goal was to create doubt in the mind of Eve, and he is still using the same tactic today.
Many voices in our culture sound intelligent, persuasive, and confident. They challenge God’s Word, question God’s character, and seek to undermine the truth of the gospel. But we must not build our faith on human opinions, emotional experiences, or popular trends. We must build our lives upon the unchanging Word of God.
Do not allow the world’s skepticism to weaken your confidence in Christ. Saturate your mind with Scripture. Study diligently. Pray faithfully. Test every teaching against God’s Word. The strongest defense against deception is not only knowing what is false, but knowing what is true.
Stand firm. Stay alert. And keep your eyes on Christ.
1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…”
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