Recently, Jay Smith was approached in Hyde Park by Br. Paul and was questioned regarding a popular polemical claim regarding God’s power. His claim is that the Christian God is so powerful, that this God can become a man. I have explained in detail why this is an ontologically weak argument. He was then asked by Br. Paul, can the Christian God become Satan? Unfortunately, Jay refused to reply.

Surprisingly, Smith’s friend and admirer, Sam Shamoun found Jay’s claim to be quite heretical. Sam publicly denied the claim that the Christian God can and will do anything. In his publicly damning refutation of Jay Smith, Sam used the Bible to prove his point, he said:

For example, the true God in the Holy Bible plainly and emphatically claims that there are certain things that are impossible for him to do due to his holy and immutable nature:

“for the gifts and the calling of God are IRREVOCABLE.” Romans 11:29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

” in the hope of eternal life that God, who NEVER lies, promised before the ages began—” Titus 1:2 NRSV

“if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he CANNOT deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 NRSV

“In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the UNCHANGEABLE character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two UNCHANGEABLE things, in which it is IMPOSSIBLE that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. ” Hebrews 6:17-18 NRSV

“No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God CANNOT be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one.” James 1:13 NRSV

Sam Shamoun’s refutation of Jay Smith’s heretical teachings about Christ raises an interesting question. If Jay Smith and Sam Shamoun, who have studied for decades about Christianity, and who have worked in polemics for several decades together, can claim that the other is teaching heretical beliefs about God – then who’s the real Christian between them?

Is Sam Shamoun wrong and Jay Smith correct?

Is Jay Smith wrong and Sam Shamoun correct?

Which Christ is the real Christ?

Will the true Christian please stand up?

and God knows best.