Kenneth Samples

Senior Research Scholar

I believe deeply that “all truth is God’s truth.” That historic affirmation means that when we discover and grasp truth in the world and in life we move closer to its divine Author. This approach relies on the Christian idea of God’s two revelatory books—the metaphorical book of nature and the literal book of Scripture.

As a scholar at Reasons to Believe, I have a great passion to help people understand and see the truth and relevance of Christianity’s truth-claims. My writings and lectures focus on showing how the great doctrinal truths of the faith (the Trinity, the incarnation, the atonement, creation ex nihilo, salvation by grace, etc.) are uniquely compatible with reason. This approach reflects the historic Christian apologetics statement, “faith seeking understanding.”

I work to help myself and others fulfill Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

As an RTB scholar I have a great passion to help people understand and see the truth and relevance of Christianity’s truth-claims.

Biography

Philosopher and theologian Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, an organization that researches and communicates how God’s revelation in the Bible harmonizes with science and philosophy.

Kenneth earned a BA in social science with an emphasis in history and philosophy from Concordia University and an MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. Prior to joining RTB in 1997, Kenneth worked for seven years as senior research consultant and correspondence editor at Christian Research Institute, where he regularly cohosted The Bible Answer Man, a popular call-in radio program founded by renowned apologist Dr. Walter Martin. In addition, Kenneth’s articles have been published in Christianity Today, Christian Research Journal, and Facts for Faith, and he holds memberships in the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the International Society of Christian Apologetics.

An intellectual even at a young age, Kenneth’s journey to faith in Christ began in earnest during his teenage years as he wrestled with a deep sense of longing and restlessness. His older brother’s suicide spurred his efforts to seek answers to life’s “big questions.” Eventually, he began reading the Bible and attending church, but it was his sister’s gift of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis that helped Kenneth to truly understand the Christian Gospel and to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying and deeply personal faith.

Today, Kenneth focuses on demonstrating the unique compatibility of Christianity’s great doctrinal truths with reason and logic. He is the author of several books, including Christianity Cross-Examined, Classic Christian Thinkers, and God among Sages. He leads RTB’s Clear Thinking podcast and also writes Reflections, a weekly blog dedicated to exploring the Christian worldview. Kenneth has spoken at universities and churches around the world on such topics as religion and worldview, the identity of Jesus, and Christian apologetics. He has also made guest appearances on programs such as FOX News, Issues Etc., and Stand to Reason.

Upcoming Events

See events with Kenneth Samples and the Reasons to Believe Scholar Team here.

Promotional Items

Download the latest photos of Kenneth Samples. A variety of styles and poses are available to use for outreach event
publicity or in conjunction with a media interview.

Photos

One Sheet


<!–

–>

Biography

Philosopher and theologian Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, an organization that researches and communicates how God’s revelation in the Bible harmonizes with science and philosophy.

Kenneth earned a BA in social science with an emphasis in history and philosophy from Concordia University and an MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. Prior to joining RTB in 1997, Kenneth worked for seven years as senior research consultant and correspondence editor at Christian Research Institute, where he regularly cohosted The Bible Answer Man, a popular call-in radio program founded by renowned apologist Dr. Walter Martin. In addition, Kenneth’s articles have been published in Christianity Today, Christian Research Journal, and Facts for Faith, and he holds memberships in the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the International Society of Christian Apologetics.

An intellectual even at a young age, Kenneth’s journey to faith in Christ began in earnest during his teenage years as he wrestled with a deep sense of longing and restlessness. His older brother’s suicide spurred his efforts to seek answers to life’s “big questions.” Eventually, he began reading the Bible and attending church, but it was his sister’s gift of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis that helped Kenneth to truly understand the Christian Gospel and to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying and deeply personal faith.

Today, Kenneth focuses on demonstrating the unique compatibility of Christianity’s great doctrinal truths with reason and logic. He is the author of several books, including Christianity Cross-Examined, Classic Christian Thinkers, and God among Sages. He leads RTB’s Clear Thinking podcast and also writes Reflections, a weekly blog dedicated to exploring the Christian worldview. Kenneth has spoken at universities and churches around the world on such topics as religion and worldview, the identity of Jesus, and Christian apologetics. He has also made guest appearances on programs such as FOX News, Issues Etc., and Stand to Reason.

Upcoming Events

See events with Kenneth Samples and the Reasons to Believe Scholar Team here.

Promotional Items

Download the latest photos of Kenneth Samples. A variety of styles and poses are available to use for outreach event
publicity or in conjunction with a media interview.

Photos

One Sheet


<!–

–>

Is the Trinity to Be Worshiped?
Historic Christians worship the triune God. Consider this part of the Athanasian Creed (probably written in the fifth or sixth century) that is recited...
Theology
Is God Good All the Time?
Are you ever tempted to doubt God’s goodness when you face suffering? My pastor recently gave a sermon that focused on believers in Christ suffering...
Theology
A Brief Social Media Debate on Abortion
I’m sure many of us have had a heated discussion with someone on the topic of abortion. These kinds of exchanges can generate strong...
Philosophy & Ethics
Sin as a Disorder of the Good
Being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–28) functionally means human beings were created to be lovers and worshipers of God their Creator and Lord....
Theology
An Early Christmas Hymn in the New Testament?
I love the Christmas season and can remember hearing and singing Christmas carols my entire life. The Christian church calendar season known as Advent (“coming”) celebrates...
Theology
3 Science-Related Arguments for God’s Existence
In my studies and reflection, I’ve concluded that there are many cogent arguments—philosophical, theological, and scientific—supporting the existence of the biblical God.1 I also know...
Worldviews
After Death: A New Film about NDEs
Angel Studios’ new film After Death (2023, 102 minutes) is an engaging introduction to the extraordinary phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs). Written and directed by Stephen Gray...
Worldviews
New Evidence for a JFK Conspiracy?
I’ve been studying the John F. Kennedy assassination for more than 50 years. I have more than 50 books on the life, administration, and...
History
How Did the Human Mind Come to Be?
Did mind make nature? Or did nature make mind? Christian theism affirms that an infinite divine mind created the human mind in the Creator’s image,...
Theology