I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Does the New Age movement offer a “higher level” of Christianity? Often used interchangeably, New Age and New Thought have appealed to the masses, both in secular society as well as within Christian churches. If New Age practices have somehow managed to creep into your church, can you identify them? Who better to ask about the New Age than someone who actually practiced it? This week, Frank sits down with ex New-Ager, CrossExamined Apologist Team (CAT) member and YouTube phenom, Melissa Dougherty, to talk about some of the key aspects of New Age philosophy, how it rose to popularity in America, and how it’s impacting the American Church. As Melissa shares her testimony, she’ll also answer questions like: What is the distinction between New Age and New Thought? What is the overlap between the New Age and Progressive Christianity? Can the New Age or New Thought be redeemed for the Gospel? How did a Jehovah’s Witness bring Melissa closer to the truth of Jesus Christ? What is God’s role and purpose within the New Age movement?   The idea that you can manipulate the circumstances of your life by finding the ‘true’ meaning of the Scriptures has drawn many to embrace New Age teachings. Believing yourself to have more spiritual power than other Christians may be appealing, but it comes with its own set of consequences. During this episode, you’ll find out these teachings compromise the truth of the Gospel and ultimately downplay the sovereignty, holiness, and providence of God. 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. Melissa’s website: https://www.melissadougherty.co/ Melissa’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaDougherty/ Melissa’s blog post on this topic: https://bit.ly/46WTVuT

Why is it that all societies throughout human history have been plagued by and confronted with universal guilt? That is to say that guilt, which can be defined as the result of violating a moral law that God has put in place, is cross-cultural. But many today suppress their guilt. How can Christians effectively preach the Gospel to a generation that refuses to recognize or even acknowledge its own guilt and depravity? In this midweek podcast episode, CrossExamined Apologist Team (CAT) member, author, and pastor, Dr. Bobby Conway, joins Frank to discuss his doctoral thesis–the implications of guilt and how guilt is in itself an apologetic for the existence of the Christian God. During the interview, Bobby talks about his recent shift from the One Minute Apologist to Christianity Still Makes Sense and also shares how his personal experiences with drug use, alcoholism, and promiscuity as a teenager ultimately led him to faith in Christ. He and Frank answer questions like: How do we know that universal guilt exists and what is the best explanation for its existence? What did philosophers like Nietzsche and Freud believe about guilt? What is the solution for those who struggle with false guilt? What is the distinction between guilt and shame? How does the Gospel offer hope for people who are burdened with guilt and shame?   Legalizing sin has made it extremely convenient to try and ignore all of the guilt that normally follows sinful behavior. But what happens when the consequences of those actions begin to manifest and unfold in the future? Will this lead our culture to further immorality, rebellion and self-righteousness, or to repentance and redemption through the cross of Jesus Christ? By the end of the episode, Frank and Bobby will help listeners discover how universal guilt (although inconvenient), is a gift from God when properly embraced through the lens of the Gospel. 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. Bobby’s website: https://www.christianitystillmakessense.com/

Do you know how to have meaningful conversations with atheists or how to answer their concerns when it comes to science, morality, and evil in the world? Navigating through faith conversations with non-Christians is hard enough, and you don’t want to make them even more difficult by putting yourself in the hot seat. So what’s the best strategy for Christians to use when defending the faith in a culture that is so hostile towards a biblical worldview? Christian apologist, author, and founder of Stand to Reason, Greg Koukl, has spent the last 50 years finding and exposing the flaws in secular worldviews and showing Christians how to be intentional in leading evangelical discussions. This week, Greg joins Frank to talk about his brand-new book ‘Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges‘, a follow-up to his best-selling book ‘Tactics‘. During the episode, Frank and Greg answer questions like: Why isn’t the problem of evil a good argument against God? What is the Overton Window and how is it affecting Christians today? Did the Obergefell Decision in 2015 actually legalize “gay marriage”? How should you respond if someone asks you to provide your preferred pronouns? How does Greg approach the “God of the Gaps” fallacy and slavery in the Bible? How can we know that materialism is false?   ‘Tactics’ taught Christians how to regain control of conversations. ‘Street Smarts’ will go a step further, using the same tactical game plan to tackle today’s most complex issues surrounding sex, gender, and atheism by leading skeptics to acknowledge their own misconceptions through asking a series of thought-provoking questions. Be sure to pre-order your copy of ‘Street Smarts’ 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. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Pre-Order Greg’s book: https://a.co/d/cWRtKsS Download Transcript

How can you increase the chances that your child won’t walk away from the faith when they get older? Most young people who are raised as Christians receive some form of discipleship training within the safety of their home church, rarely having their beliefs challenged by non-Christians. But are the typical youth group pizza parties and “feel good” camp experiences strong enough to sustain their faith once they become adults? In this midweek podcast episode, co-pastor and Maven Christian apologist, Brett Kunkle, joins Frank at CIA 2023 to explain why he developed immersive worldview mission experiences for high school and college students, and how they successfully prepare young Christians to understand and articulate the truth of Christianity to others. During this episode, Frank and Brett answer questions such as: At what age should kids begin learning the basics of Christianity? How are catechisms helpful in discipleship training? What 3 stage process should you consider as you disciple your kids? Why are so many young people apathetic towards Christianity? How do Maven immersive experiences uniquely motivate youth to develop a personal passion for their faith? What activities do kids participate in during a Maven mission trip?   Investing in our children while they are still young is a vital key to increasing the likelihood that they will cling to Christianity into adulthood, and ultimately for life. Maven immersive experiences and mission trips have proven to be life-transforming–equipping students with the tools to engage with others and grow in their faith as they share their faith with secular society. Producing strong Christians is good, but producing strong witnesses and ambassadors is even better! 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. Maven: https://maventruth.com/ More info on Maven Immersive Experiences: https://bit.ly/44UXYGJ   Download Transcript  

Why is it more culturally acceptable to have Drag Queen story hour at a public library than it is to read faith-based books that introduce children to Christian values such as kindness, love, and self-control? Libraries have become the new battleground for the culture war with its secular indoctrination of kids and its censorship of the Christian worldview. But if your local library goes woke, how can you push back against it? Actor, filmmaker, and Christian evangelist, Kirk Cameron, joins Frank this week to discuss his partnership with Brave Books and how they are working together to bring the truth of the Gospel to young children while also advocating for free speech and American patriotism. Kirk also talks about his new children’s books, ‘As You Grow’ and ‘Pride Comes Before the Fall’, while addressing topics like: How did Kirk go from an atheist and secular Hollywood actor to faith in Christ? Why is it important for Christians to know the Bible AND the U.S. Constitution? How can Christians use the legal system to our advantage? How has adversity from the woke mob benefited the Brave Books movement?   Later in the episode, Frank addresses questions from listeners about the plausibility of being “born gay”, whether or not to remain in a denomination that drifts into heresy, and what to do if your child contemplates joining the Amish community. 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: Kirk’s website: https://www.kirkcameron.com/ Brave Books: https://bravebooks.us/ Join the Freedom Island Book Club and get Kirk’s book FREE! https://bit.ly/45n6HRT

What could be worse than being cut off by your adult children (and subsequently grandchildren) because you hold a Christian or conservative worldview? As cancel culture continues to rear its ugly head in all spheres of life, it has sadly breached the walls of social media and corporate America, now managing to creep into the hearts and minds of those who have turned away from a biblical worldview. So, if your child or loved one cancels you because you’re “toxic”, is there anything you can do? In this midweek podcast, Natasha Crain returns for a conversation with Frank about the disturbing “No Contact” trend and its devastating impact on Christian families. This relatively new phenomenon has spread like wildfire, leaving parents and grandparents in turmoil and desperately seeking reconciliation with their children. During this episode, Frank and Natasha touch on questions like: Why are kids more willing to cut off their parents than parents are to cut off their kids? How has the left convinced young people that their conservative parents are toxic? How can parents work to maintain a relationship with their distant kids? What happened to preaching about tolerance? Are there times when it’s necessary to cut people out of your life or even your church?   Being treated as an outcast by your family primarily because of your moral or political views is a situation that seems unthinkable and unbearable, yet is becoming more and more common in our postmodern society. For those who have found (or could find) themselves in this predicament, Frank and Natasha hope to embolden you in this episode to continue to stand for the truth, even as you fight for your family. 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. Natasha’s website: https://natashacrain.com/ The Unshaken Conference: https://unshakenconference.com/ Download Transcript

What options do you have as a Christian when your loved-one deconstructs and decides to walk away from the faith? The trend of deconstructing and embracing a secular mindset has become a phenomenon in western civilization, convincing kids of all ages, spouses, and even parents to turn their backs on Christianity. But is there a practical way for Christians to counteract secularism if or when it hits home? In this week’s podcast, our friends Natasha Crain and Alisa Childers join Frank at CIA2023 to chat about the explosion of deconstructionism, expose some of the major tenets and contradictions within the secular worldview, and discuss how they’re addressing these issues at the Unshaken Conference. During the show, they answer questions like: What are 4 common characteristics of the secular mindset? What is the appeal of claiming “victim status”? What does it mean to deconstruct and what is the driving force behind the process of deconstruction? In what ways has deconstruction destroyed families? Why is deconstruction a threat to biblical Christianity? How can parents intervene if their underage kids show signs of deconstructing or gender dysphoria?   Walking with a loved-one during a faith crisis can be an emotionally taxing and a potentially devastating experience, but try not to freak out! Frank, Natasha, and Alisa will help you to identify some of the early red flags of deconstructionism and provide you with helpful tips that could possibly curtail the process. They also offer encouragement for cases where it seems like all hope is lost. Be sure to visit UnshakenConference.com to find out when the Unshaken Conference will come to a city near you and to find out if your church would be a good fit to host this conference in 2024! 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 Barbie movie is a certified box office hit, but in between the pink sparkles and choreographed dance numbers what message does it send to viewers? Many Christians and conservatives are concerned that the film is another source of woke propaganda and indoctrination. Are they right? Or is it just a feel-good comedy that has received unfair criticism? In this week’s podcast, the ladies of CIA 2023 come together to share their (surprisingly!) varied thoughts and opinions on the movie. Join Phoenix Hayes, Alisa Childers, Natasha Crain, Hillary Ferrer, and Melissa Dougherty as they discuss the good, the bad, and even the humorous moments displayed in the film. Making an analysis from a biblical perspective, the ladies also touch on questions like: Does the movie include any elements of truth? What does it mean to be a woman in today’s world? What is the underlying message of the film? How are families, women, and men portrayed in the movie and by Hollywood in general? How can you prepare and encourage your kids to think critically about movies?   Much more than a movie review, this conversation will touch on issues of radical feminism, toxic masculinity, motherhood, and “the patriarchy”. Whether you’ve seen the film or not, you’ll be sure to enjoy this roundtable discussion as the ladies address many of the recurring themes that lie just beneath the surface of the film and how those themes are direct parallels to what we’re seeing in society 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.

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