Thanks for the suggestions Hack, I'll put those in my queue.

Gospel of Thomas is an interesting read, as well as some of the other Nag Hammadi texts.

the dice man by luke rhinehart

A good history of philosophy gives you one of the best foundations from which to explore different ways of looking at the world. This is especially relevant as you are leaving a religious tradition.

While I haven't read it, I have heard very positive reviews of Anthony Kenny's (a very good philosopher) History of Western Philosophy series and it is the most up-to-date big book history. You can read the whole four volume series if you are especially dedicated, but the big one volume abridgement is probably enough.

I would recommend against Bertrand Russell's History of Philosophy. While Russell is often a delightful writer, and obviously a brilliant philosopher, he is too often sloppy and biased in his presentation of other views here.

Are there any YouTube/iTunes U/other online audio/video material you'd recommend as a good "Intro to Philosophy" series or courses?

Try "The Story of Philosophy" by Will Durant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Philosophy

He does give a good presentation of the ideas of western philosophers and from this you might decide who and what to read based upon your particular insights.

That's interesting. I think it's clear based on the last thread that I made that I need to be better educated in philosophy. One problem I have in understanding philosophy is all the jargon. Is this a good place for a beginner to start? Will I learn the basic concepts and get a good understanding of the basic terms of philosophy with Kenny's series?

you're in college right? just take philosophy 101!

I don't have space for it.

Wise words.

You could read all of these books here, one by one, and at the end, you will be full of faith:

Reasonable Faith
The Case For Easter, by Strobel
The Son Rises, by WLC
Why I Am A Christian

Or you can read all of the books in the posts above, and in the end, be full of doubt.

It all comes down to a conscious choice.
In the end, your rejection or acceptance of God boils down to a decision, as it should be.

If these are the best apologetics have to offer you owe it to yourself to read them imo. Then come here so we can debunk their claims

Don't encourage him.

I already read one of them, and scanned another. I represent their claims. I represent their claims in almost every one of my posts. If you want to debunk these claims, respond to my posts. Thank you.

So these are children's books?

So you posted 4 books and only read one of them? LOL!!!

well and he scanned one. So am I reading your post wrong, doggg, or have you not even scanned two of the books? If so, why not just post the ones you are familar with?

The Bible. I haven't read it but you should.

It's hard to pick one but The Case for Christ by Strobel is powerful. I particularly liked the probability, medical and psychological sections of it.

Louis Lapides is interviewed in the Case for Christ.

More on Lapides' probability check:
http://www.godlikeproductions.com/fo...sage336030/pg1

I doubt you'll watch it, but for others, here's a chapter by chapter, critical review of the above book. Below is the critique of chapter 1:

I missed this little treat the first time round.

This is also available in documentary film format (I think it's on Netflix).

There is nothing powerful or remotely convincing about an argument that is presented from only one side, and this book is clearly written for apologetics themselves (preaching to the choir). How can you not see this? "I used to be an atheist" should be a red flag.

I've no idea how stevelikes2curse was able to make an entire series on this one book!

I don't consider a probability presentation an argument.

Jesus Christ Splendour! At least stay consistent with yourself in a single thread.

It should count for one of the required basic credits or what have you, been too long since I've been in college to remember. You could nix an art class or something along those lines in exchange for it. Would be worth your time.