I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

What are the ins and outs of so-called “gender affirming care?” Although it’s a well-known FACT that it’s biologically impossible for anyone to change their sex, the process for sex trait modification (which can include hormonal drugs, experimental surgeries, and a long list of life-altering and even deadly complications), continues to be promoted by the left as a solution for gender dysphoria. What steps can Christians, conservatives, and concerned citizens take to stop the practice of mutilating perfectly healthy bodies (children included) from happening in our own communities? In this special midweek podcast episode, Dr. Jay Richards from The Heritage Foundation returns to talk about the horrors of “gender transitioning” and the gains that have been made to end the practice on minors once and for all. What are the 4 steps of gender-affirming care (which should be more accurately labeled as ‘gender identity affirming treatment’) and who are some of the surprising allies that have joined Christians and conservatives in the fight against this dangerous social trend? Listen as Jay and Frank answer all these questions and more! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Connect with Dr. Jay Richards Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJayRichards The Heritage Foundation: https://www.heritage.org/staff/jay-w-richards-phd Download Transcript

Is gender ideology (a form of cultural Marxism) actually about saving “trans” kids, or is there an underlying sinister motive behind it? Somehow this specific brand of critical theory has managed to make its way into public schools, pediatric medicine, and now the White House of all places! But is there anything that Christians, conservatives, and concerned citizens can do about it? During this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Jay Richards, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation, Senior Research Fellow at the Discovery Institute, and Executive Editor of The Stream, joins Frank at the recent SES Steadfast conference to discuss the history of gender ideology and how it’s contributing to the crippling of Western society as we know it. During this podcast episode, Jay and Frank will answer questions like: How is compassion being weaponized against Christians? How do we know for certain that sex is binary? Why is it imperative that state and federal laws define biological gender? What are the implications if gender ideology is legalized? Is there a connection between Gnosticism and gender ideology? What is the ultimate goal of gender ideology and critical theorists?   Critical theories like gender ideology and CRT have proved time and time again to be cultural wrecking balls that reject reason. If non-Christians like Bill Maher, Dave Rubin, and Richard Dawkins are emboldened to speak out against this madness, what’s our excuse as Christians? This eye-opening podcast episode will expose the dire need for the Church to SPEAK UP and the inevitable consequences to follow if gender ideology ever takes over. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Connect with Dr. Jay Richards Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJayRichards The Heritage Foundation: https://www.heritage.org/staff/jay-w-richards-phd

Was Hamas most recent barbaric treatment of the Israelis just the result of an age-old land dispute? That’s exactly what radical leftist groups like Black Lives Matter want you to believe, but they couldn’t be more wrong! What if this horrific massacre against innocent civilians by Hamas is giving us a glimpse into the true heart of Islam and the overall worldview of the Middle East? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank confronts many of the myths being spread about the Israeli/Palestinian war(s) with a little help from Ben Shapiro’s most recent responses on YouTube. If the war isn’t actually about a land grab, then what’s REALLY behind such relentless Muslim aggression towards the people of Israel? Frank will address this issue and also touch on questions like: What are 4 FALSE claims being made about the land in Israel? How do we know this is NOT about land? (See the Qur’an, Islamic history and the Hamas charter!) Did Jesus affirm the death penalty? How did Christianity impact the rules of war in modern society? Why shouldn’t we refer to members of Hamas as “animals”? The Jews love life, while Hamas boasts in their love for death. Many of us don’t want to believe that people are so barbaric that they will brutally murder babies in their cribs and torture defenseless civilians. We don’t want to believe that this isn’t just a land squabble. As you’ll find out in this podcast episode, this so-called land squabble and “fight for freedom” is nothing more than a form of propaganda being used to incite worldwide antisemitism. As the details continue to unfold, remember to pray for peace in Israel and for the salvation of everyone, including those who want to see Israel’s demise. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Resources mentioned during the episode: Ben Shapiro’s video: https://bit.ly/46SWkGd Palestinian Authority article: https://palwatch.org/page/34650

How can you negotiate with people who are intent on your destruction and are even willing to commit demonic acts to do so? The world watched in horror as the terrorist organization, Hamas, carried out the brutal attacks against innocent and defenseless Israeli citizens this past weekend, mercilessly slaughtering entire families, raping women, and dismembering young infants and children. Can these heinous crimes that we’ve witnessed offer any insight as to why God ordered the “utter destruction” of the enemies of Old Testament Israel? In light of the recent terror attacks in Israel, Dr. Paul Copan sits down with Frank to reflect on this centuries old conflict and how it relates to some of the events that took place in the Old Testament. Paul will also talk more about his latest book, ‘Is God a Vindictive Bully: Reconciling Portrayals of God in the Old and New Testaments,’ which was written to help Christians better understand the biblical and historical backdrop of the hostility between Israel and the surrounding nations. During the episode, Paul and Frank answer questions like: Why won’t Palestinians make peace with Israel? Why would God order people groups to be killed in the Old Testament? Isn’t that ‘ethnic cleansing?’ What’s going on with Frank’s Israel trip that was planned for November? What are imprecatory prayers and what do they reveal about the human condition and the nature of God? How long did God wait before He brought judgment to Israel’s enemies?   In the words of New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright, “If God is not wrathful, then He is not loving.” As Christians, we should pray for the peace and safety of Israel, pray for the innocent civilians caught in the middle of the war(s), and pray for the salvation of those involved in these attacks. But if God is truly as loving and as just as the Bible describes Him, can He allow such wickedness and evil to go unpunished for those who don’t repent? Absolutely not! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Dr. Paul Copan’s website: http://www.paulcopan.com/ Dr. Paul Copan’s books: https://amzn.to/3RRjXe0

Are racial discrimination and systemic racism widespread problems in America? The horrific tragedy of George Floyd seemingly caused a resurgence of critical (race) theory into mainstream media, which eventually led to an infiltration into public schools, institutions of higher learning, and even churches! But on what grounds should Christians reject it as a viable solution to social issues like racism and sexism? In this midweek podcast episode, Dr. Neil Shenvi and Dr. Pat Sawyer continue their conversation with Frank on critical theory as detailed in their brand-new book ‘Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society.’ Is critical theory covertly pushing for pedophilia? Is criminal law oppressive? What’s the connection between race, sexuality, and social justice according to critical theory? All this and more will be discussed in this follow-up episode! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Neil’s website: https://shenviapologetics.com/ Pat’s website: https://www.patsawyer.org/ Neil and Pat’s book: https://criticaldilemma.com/   Download Transcript  

Has anyone at your church ever claimed that “whiteness is wickedness”, “sin is oppressive”, or “the Bible was written from the perspective of the oppressed?” Outlandish statements like these are a product of what’s called critical theory. You’ve increasingly heard the term used in the media within recent years, but what exactly is critical theory, why is it harmful, and how do you address it if it’s present at your church? In this week’s podcast, Dr. Neil Shenvi and Dr. Pat Sawyer join Frank to unpack the good and the bad of critical theory as detailed in their brand-new book, ‘Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society.’ During the episode, Frank, Neil, and Pat answer questions like: How do proponents of critical theory view morality? What is the distinction between “Social Justice” and biblical justice? Is Oprah Winfrey oppressed? What are some of critical theory’s popular slogans? Is CRT compatible with biblical Christianity? What are the “4 Big Ideas” at the heart of critical theory?   The Gospel should motivate Christians to pursue generosity, holiness, and biblical justice. But we don’t have to embrace the manifold errors of critical theory to do so. Be sure to pick up your copy of Critical Dilemma to learn more about how to identify critical theory in your church and how to stop it dead in its tracks if and when it shows up! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Neil’s website: https://shenviapologetics.com/ Pat’s website: https://www.patsawyer.org/ Neil and Pat’s book: https://criticaldilemma.com/

Is it normal for Christians to experience seasons of doubt? The truth is, doubt can hit any believer at any time, even Christian scholars like Gary Habermas! But are you prepared to do the hard work of combating those false ideas to seek the truth, when so many people in our culture today are jumping ship and taking the easy way out? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank addresses a handful of listener questions surrounding a variety of topics including overcoming our doubts, the legislation of morality, apologetics in the public school system, and much more! Frank will also touch on questions like: Why shouldn’t people who are same-sex attracted identify as ‘Gay Christians’? Can doubt sometimes be a GOOD thing? Are religion and morality the same? What’s going on with Andy Stanley? What do you say when someone calls you transphobic? If you’ve got objections to the faith, don’t panic! For every objection, you can find a reasonable response from people who have struggled with the very same objections, but only if you take the time to look! There’s plenty of faulty objections to go around, but as Frank explains, the key is to follow the facts–not your feelings. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

Ever wondered how the Duck Commander himself, Phil Robertson, became a Christian? Millions of fans came to know and love Phil Robertson and the entire Duck Dynasty clan during the show’s 11-season run, where the family’s Christian faith remained on full display without compromise. But now that the Duck Commander’s backstory is about to hit the big screen, how can longtime supporters of the show contribute to the success of the upcoming film? In anticipation of the brand-new biopic, ‘The Blind‘, Phil and Al Robertson join Frank to talk about Phil’s radical transformation from the “biggest heathen in south Arkansas” to born-again Christian, millionaire, podcaster, and reality TV star. ‘The Blind’ tells the raw, unvarnished truth of the life of Phil and the Robertson family before Phil’s conversion and how the Gospel redeemed him from a life that nearly destroyed his family. During the episode, Frank and the Robertsons discuss topics like: How did Phil react to his onscreen portrayal? How did becoming millionaires impact the Robertson family? What are some of the powerful themes depicted in the film? What projects are Phil and Al Robertson working on now that Duck Dynasty is no longer in production?   Not a Christian film, but a film showcasing the Christian worldview, ‘The Blind’ will appeal to both Christian and non-Christian audiences. If God can reach someone like Phil, why not the prodigals in your life? Be sure to take yourself and a friend to go see ‘The Blind’ in theaters THIS WEEKEND (September 28-30th), so that it can stay in the box office for weeks to come! At the very end of the episode, Frank also takes time to address a listener’s question about Hell. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. The Blind Movie: https://theblindmovie.com/ The Unashamed Podcast: https://bit.ly/3PPmK63

What are the rules for engaging a teenage or adult child who is now identifying as trans, deems you toxic, and then threatens to completely cut you off? The natural reaction to freak out usually makes things much worse. But if this happens in your family, how do you work to salvage the relationship without compromising your faith? Far too many parents and grandparents have been confronted with this unimaginable scenario, leaving them both discouraged and unsure of how to even respond. In this midweek podcast episode, Frank addresses this devastating trend while also providing some helpful tips on how to navigate these difficult situations by answering questions like: How should you approach the situation if you’ve already impulsively freaked out? Should you strive to be your “authentic self”? What is a common factor in most true cases of gender dysphoria? What’s one way to determine if someone is having a head problem or a heart problem? What’s in the best interest of gender dysphoria patients according to John Hopkins psychiatrist, Dr. Paul McHugh?   These conversations are challenging but all hope is not lost! Taking the time to tactfully ask the right questions could better your chances of reaching your loved one, even if they don’t budge immediately. Listen as Frank gives you the tools to help your child (in the most loving way) recognize that his or her position doesn’t quite hold up. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.   Download Transcript  

Do Christians really know the Bible as well as we should? If we’re being honest, reading an ancient set of documents from a culture we don’t understand can be quite intimidating. With that being the case, how exactly should Christians go about getting familiar with the Bible without feeling overwhelmed and discouraged? With only 19% of church goers consistently reading the Bible on a daily basis, it’s no wonder why so many Christians struggle with biblical literacy. Desiring to counteract these low numbers, Pastor Skip Heitzig of Calvary Church in Albuquerque, NM was moved to write, ‘The Bible from 30,000 Feet: Soaring Through the Scriptures in One Year from Genesis to Revelation‘. In this week’s podcast episode, Frank and Skip discuss why the book has been so successful and how it’s giving Christians the confidence to read the entire Bible in a short timeframe–365 days! They answer questions like: What is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? Why are there so many symbols and metaphors in the Bible? Why did Jesus quote from the book of Deuteronomy so often? If Christians aren’t subject to the Old Testament law, can we live how ever we want? What are some practical ways that Christians can incorporate the Bible into a daily routine?   No matter how often you read the Scriptures, there’s always more to learn, so don’t feel intimidated! If you see Bible study as a daunting task, allow Skip to walk with you through all 66 books within the next year. Knowing God and making Him known means spending sufficient time with His Word, and that’s exactly what this book will help you to accomplish. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Skip’s website: https://calvarynm.church/connectwithskip/ Skip’s book: http://www.biblefrom30kbook.com/