I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

When Mormon missionaries come knocking on your door, what will you say? In this week’s episode, we ask 7th generation Mormon, now Christian, Dr. Corey Miller, that question and many others. Corey currently serves as President and CEO of the Ratio Christi college campus ministry and joins Frank to discuss his new book, ‘Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message‘. Being raised as Mormons themselves, Corey and co-author Ross Anderson are familiar with the core doctrines of the Mormon faith and are using this book to help Christians learn how to strategically engage the Mormon community. In this podcast, Corey and Frank discuss questions like: What is the psychology of Mormonism? What are some of the key differences between Christianity and Mormonism? How and why did Corey convert from Mormonism to Christianity? What is Ratio Christi’s mission and strategy for reaching high schoolers, college students, and professors? How can Christians help support Ratio Christi?   In the words of Joseph Stalin, “Ideas are more powerful than guns.” Ratio Christi, which translates to “Reason for Christ”, is actively training young people and educators how to discern between right and wrong ideas through its model of thoughtful Christianity. Using both the heart and the mind has proved to transform the lives of students on campus, with the future hope of transforming the culture of tomorrow and reclaiming the intellectual voice of Christ in universities across the country. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST along with an EXCLUSIVE interview with Corey–where he explains how you can use your apologetics skills to bring the Ratio Christi movement to your local community–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. Resources mentioned in the episode: Ratio Christi website: https://ratiochristi.org/ Corey’s book: https://a.co/d/61qxOV6  

What do we make of religion and politics in today’s ongoing culture war? In the words of Ben Shapiro, “Facts don’t care about your feelings.” But does the left-wing care about the facts? As the far left continues to lead primarily by feelings and emotions, many are shifting away from its current radical extremism and finding solidarity with conservatives. But can liberals and conservatives truly find common ground? In this highly anticipated interview, New York Times best-selling author, comedian, and TV personality Dave Rubin of The Rubin Report joins Frank to share his journey out of leftism and reveals why he’s choosing to use his platform to champion and moderate civil, open conversations between people who have opposing worldviews. They address questions like: How did The Rubin Report get started? If Christianity were true, would Dave become a Christian? How is The Rubin Report different from other political shows? What do classical liberals believe? How has the Democratic Party become the party of government censorship, big tech censorship, and cancel culture? Although Dave identifies as gay, he doesn’t agree with many of the LGBTQ political goals. Why not?   Not afraid to tackle hot-button social and political issues, The Rubin Report has been a safe space for dialogue, challenging viewers from all walks of life. This episode is sure to be a step in the right direction for unity among liberals and conservatives. PLEASE NOTE: Yes, we know that Dave Rubin is an openly gay man. CrossExamined.org does not always agree with and affirm all the held beliefs of our guests. Dave did not agree with everything Frank said when he was on The Rubin Report last month either. However, it is good to have dialogue and ask questions of non-Christian guests to see if they are open to Christ, as you will hear Frank do with Dave. We also welcome guests who can add value to specific topics on which we do agree. Despite our noted disagreements, Dave gets a lot right. Dave’s Books: Don’t Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason Don’t Burn This Country: Surviving and Thriving in Our Woke Dystopia Frank on The Rubin Report: https://youtu.be/1ggnhLrnyPI  

Is unconditional love the same thing as unconditional approval? How do Christians navigate through tough conversations about sexuality with their teenagers? As more and more young people are falling into the trap of placing their identity in their sexuality and gender pronouns, it’s critical that parents and youth leaders be proactive in showing teenagers where their true identity lies. Are there any tools that are available to help them prepare for these conversations in advance? In this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Christopher Yuan joins Frank to discuss his brand-new video curriculum The Holy Sexuality Project, which is designed to disciple teens on biblical sexuality. During this episode, Frank and Christopher address questions like: What is holy sexuality? What did Jesus have to say about sexuality? What are some common myths about homosexuality and the Bible? Why do our sexual preferences matter if it doesn’t harm anyone else? What is God’s purpose for sexuality besides procreation? How did Christopher go from a life in prison to his first day of Bible college?   Christopher knows a thing or two about placing sexuality at the forefront of his identity. Prior to his radical conversion to Christianity, he lived much of his young adult life identifying as a gay man and even spent time in prison. His experience inspired him to help others avoid some of the pitfalls he encountered because of his own identity crisis. Talking about sexuality with teens doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. This affordable video curriculum will take the pressure off adults and help kids understand and embrace God’s ultimate plan for sex and marriage! 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. The Holy Sexuality Project video curriculum for teens: https://holysexuality.com/

What can radio-carbon dating tell us about the timing of the destruction of Jericho? And how much does the archaeology seem to correlate with the biblical narrative? In this midweek podcast episode, author and archaeologist, Dr. Titus Kennedy, returns to continue the discussion on the evidence for Jericho’s destruction and his new research article, The Bronze Age Destruction of Jericho, Archaeology, and the Book of Joshua. Frank and Titus explore more of the archaeological findings that have been discovered near Jericho such as scarabs, the Amarna Letters, pottery, and much more! Should the book of Joshua be considered as a valid historical source for what happened at Jericho? Listen as Titus explains why there is a compelling case to be made for the biblical account of the fall of Jericho. 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. Resources mentioned in the episode: Link to full research article: https://www.mdpi.com/2343846 Evidence for the Exodus (podcast): https://bit.ly/46Oopz1 Top 10 Discoveries About Jesus Outside the Bible (podcast): https://bit.ly/3rufbIj Books by Dr. Titus Kennedy: Unearthing the Bible: https://a.co/d/ecsN1L7 Excavating the Evidence for Jesus: https://a.co/d/8VToSmp The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands (available for pre-order): https://a.co/d/ggOYiiA Download Transcript

Have there been any significant archaeological finds that support the biblical account of the fall of Jericho? Joshua 6 describes the details of the conquest, led by Joshua himself, that took place almost 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt. But what exactly have archaeologists been able to uncover during Jericho’s recent excavations within the last century? In this week’s podcast, archaeologist, author, and Biola Professor, Dr. Titus Kennedy, joins Frank to discuss his new eye-opening research article entitled ‘The Bronze Age Destruction of Jericho, Archaeology, and the Book of Joshua‘ where he analyzes the current existing evidence for the historical destruction of Jericho. Frank and Titus answer questions like: Where is Jericho located and is the site contested? How do archaeologists and scholars determine the dating of the destruction of Jericho? Who are the main players that have contributed to excavations at Jericho? Does the archaeology seem to support or discredit Jericho’s biblical account? What conclusions have different archaeologists come to based on their data and findings?   For decades, skeptics, scholars, and archaeologists have disputed the details of this well-known story in the Bible. But where does the evidence actually lead? Dr. Kennedy has excavated all over the Middle East, and in this exciting new episode, he’ll reveal some of the fascinating artifacts that have been discovered near Jericho, and how these clues corroborate with the biblical narrative. 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. Resources mentioned in the episode: Link to full research article: https://www.mdpi.com/2343846 Evidence for the Exodus (podcast): https://bit.ly/46Oopz1 Top 10 Discoveries About Jesus Outside the Bible (podcast): https://bit.ly/3rufbIj Books by Dr. Titus Kennedy: Unearthing the Bible: https://a.co/d/ecsN1L7 Excavating the Evidence for Jesus: https://a.co/d/8VToSmp The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands (available for pre-order): https://a.co/d/ggOYiiA

Does the government have the right to force Christians (or anyone else) to say or do things that violate their conscience and/or religious views? The Supreme Court recently ruled in the favor of a Christian graphic artist who the Court declared cannot be compelled to create designs with which she disagrees, including same-sex weddings. Was this decision an act of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, or a true act of justice? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank reacts to an insightful article written by Dr. Michael Brown entitled ‘Questions for Those Who Differ With the SCOTUS Decision in Favor of a Christian Graphic Artist’ that addresses the Supreme Court’s ruling in this controversial case. Later in the episode, Frank responds to several listener questions about the deity of Christ, how to pray for loved ones who are embracing sexual immorality, and why God seemingly allowed people to lie in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 16) . 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. Resources mentioned in the episode: Dr. Brown’s article on The Stream: https://bit.ly/3rvtHze  

Why have public schools seemingly abandoned the study of logic? Instead of learning how to think, most kids today are learning what to feel. But if critical thinking is a thing of the past, how can we help the next generation protect themselves against the lies of the culture? Have no fear, Shanda Fulbright is here! A former public-school teacher and certified apologist from Biola University, Shanda joins Frank this week to expose some of the informal fallacies that have become popularized through social media and introduce their brand-new online course called ‘Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic‘. While the PREMIUM version of this course— the one with the live Zoom Q&A sessions— will be conducted for 6-8th graders, adults who have never had a course in logic before will benefit from taking the SELF-PACED course. Frank and Shanda answer questions like: Why is logic more fundamental than Bible interpretation? How has the logic deficit impacted the Gen Z identity crisis? What fallacy is commonly used by Christians? How did Jesus approach logical fallacies in the Bible? How can adults benefit from this course?   Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that we must prepare the next generation to “guard their hearts” by using logic, sound reasoning, and evidence. And that is exactly what ‘Train Your Brain‘ will equip them to do. The PREMIUM CERTIFICATE course begins on 10/2, so be sure to use coupon code: LOGIC2023 to save 20% at checkout when you pre-register your child TODAY! 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. Shanda’s website: https://shandafulbright.com/ Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic: https://bit.ly/3NG09qm  

Many people around the world accuse Christianity of being a white, imperialistic religion that enslaved people of color and set the stage for racism here in the United States. But is the behavior of “bad” Christians a legitimate reason to reject the truth of the Gospel message? In this special Fourth of July midweek podcast episode, Frank addresses this and several other listener questions related to eschatology, transgender ideology, a perplexing ethical dilemma, and learning obedience through suffering. 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. Resources mentioned during the episode: Christian Ethics by Norman Geisler: https://a.co/d/487wxGB The Babylon Bee – If Jesus’ Resurrection Were a Hoax: https://bit.ly/46wdnOM   Download Transcript

Are you afraid to call out immoral behavior in the public square? If your values don’t align with what mainstream society deems “appropriate”, you risk being labeled as intolerant. But is it truly intolerant to warn people if they are putting themselves, other people, or even society at risk? In this week’s podcast, Frank will expose some of the hypocritical and contradictory ideas that have been popularized in modern culture and how choosing to remain silent on these issues actually causes more harm than good. He will also share his own personal experience of being terminated on two separate occasions because of his controversial book Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism. Listen as Frank tackles questions like: What is the distinction between legislating religion and legislating morality? Why is public rebuke sometimes a necessity? What is the mark of a dying society? Are disparities and discrimination the same? How did the Founding Fathers address immorality in the Declaration of Independence?   Ultimately, it is impossible to achieve total moral neutrality. The true question is, are you on the right side of morality? By appealing to the Scriptures, our nation’s history, and true brotherly love, Frank will encourage you to not only do what is right, but also to say what is right while leaving the results to God. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.  

Is Christianity a misogynistic religion that beats down on women? Does the Bible advocate for “toxic masculinity”? Modern culture would like you to believe that. But is that truly the case? In this midweek episode, Christian apologist, scholar, and author, Nancy Pearcey, returns to continue the discussion about her new book, ‘The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes’, and takes a deeper look at some of the questions addressed in Part 1 of the podcast. Frank and Nancy discuss the strengths of both men and women as image bearers of God, and also tackle questions such as: What is the cultural mandate? Does Christian marriage oppress women? Why do so many men dislike church? Why has the Church become so emotion oriented? Why are women becoming more academically and professionally successful than men?   As Nancy explains, solid empirical research is showing that Christianity has an answer to misogyny. Christianity has proven itself to be the best thing that can happen to women and their families and for this reason, Christians should be bold in confronting the false accusations that our faith produces “toxic masculinity”. Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is a professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as “America’s pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.” To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Nancy’s book: https://a.co/d/5YaIN1X Nancy’s website: https://www.nancypearcey.com/