I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

When Christians suggest that the Bible is without error, what does that actually mean? And are there really good reasons to believe that the Bible, (specifically the New Testament) is both historically reliable and inerrant? Critics like Bart Ehrman raise challenging and thought-provoking questions about contradictions in the Gospels and Jesus' resurrection, but are they true contradictions or just apparent contradictions? For this week's podcast, Frank sits down with author and Catholic apologist, Jimmy Akin, to talk about his recent debate with the well-known atheist and UNC Chapel Hill professor, Bart Ehrman. Serving as a senior apologist on Catholic Answers, Jimmy will unpack how he used his seasoned debate skills to graciously disarm his opponent while laying out a good case for New Testament reliability and exploring the standards of writing in the first century. During their conversation, Frank and Jimmy will answer questions like: Did the Gospel writers remember and record the exact words of Jesus? Did Jesus have a twin brother who appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection? How do undesigned coincidences point towards New Testament reliability? Why are some of the New Testament events seemingly out of chronological order? Why did Bart Ehrman transition from a conservative fundamentalist Protestant Christian to now identifying as an atheist/agnostic? As Jimmy shares his unique strategy in approaching his dialogue with Ehrman, he'll also drop some insight on the importance of understanding the Bible's historical context, clarify the difference between truth and precision, and touch on why there are a variety of writing styles among the New Testament authors. This laid back and light-hearted podcast episode comes jam-packed with apologetics knowledge bombs so grab your pen and paper and prepare to learn more about what it really means for the New Testament to be reliable! And be sure to watch Akin and Ehrman's full debate on his YouTube channel HERE along with his fascinating podcast, 'Mysterious World'.

Were Harrison Butker’s bold statements during his recent Benedictine College commencement speech worth all of the public backlash he received in response? Although many are now hailing the Super Bowl winning NFL kicker as a hero for speaking up, others are calling for him to be fired from the league altogether. What exactly did he say that caused so much outrage and what biblical truths can we gather from the controversial (and now viral) speech?For this midweek podcast, Frank unpacks Harrison Butker’s words from a biblical worldview and highlights how Butker called out some of the lies, harmful ideologies, and inconsistencies that our culture and national leaders have been feeding us. During this podcast episode, Frank will answer questions like:Does the book of James teach salvation by works?What does the game of football teach us about morality?Do Christians always have to be “nice” in order to be loving?Did Jesus ever engage in politics?How is Joe Biden “neglecting the weightier matters of the law”?Are biblical gender roles oppressive to women?Is comfort the true meaning of life?What are the pros and cons of becoming a Christian? Later in the episode, Frank will share his own personal experience of being canceled in corporate America due to writing his book ‘Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism‘ and how it launched him into ministry full-time. He’ll also talk about the importance of being willing to speak up (like Butker) as a means to fight back against cancel culture and to illustrate TRUE love, even if it comes at a cost.And if you want to learn more about how to stand up for truth in a toxic culture, consider enrolling at Frank’s alma mater, Southern Evangelical Seminary!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.

Why do your kids believe what they believe about the world and the purpose of life? Are you equipping them to make good decisions now and in the future when you’re no longer there to protect them? Will their knowledge of truth, logic, and God’s Word ultimately prevail against the conflicting (and sometimes hidden) messages they might hear from friends, teachers, and TikTok? If you’re a Christian parent, these are the questions that keep you up at night, but have no fear–the great Shanda Fulbright is here! As a mom, former California public school teacher, and certified apologist, Shanda is no stranger to the challenges Christian parents face during these crazy cultural times. In this week’s podcast episode, Shanda and Frank discuss the subtle ways that secular society is indoctrinating or “discipling” today’s youth with destructive and even anti-Christian ideologies. During their discussion, Frank and Shanda will answer questions like: What made Shanda question her faith as a 17-year old raised in the Church and what helped her overcome her doubts? What are the 3 key characteristics of “discipleship” and how is it more than just a religious term? What are 3 ways that the public school system is strategically discipling K-12 students? How did Shanda react when a teacher shared a book about transgender ideology with her son’s class? What do the statistics show about faith in God among America’s youth and their parents and what does that mean for the Church? What are Shanda’s top 3 tips for parents who want to be more intentional about discipling their kids? Parents and other caregivers–consider this your wake-up call! The reality is that your kids are being discipled by someone or some thing. If you don’t disciple them with THE truth, who will? We know you’ll benefit from this week’s podcast episode, and as a follow-up, consider enrolling your middle-school student in one of Shanda’s self-paced courses this summer, or join Shanda LIVE in her ‘Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic‘ PREMIUM course this fall! 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. Shanda’s courses: Is Hell Real? Understanding a Place Nobody Likes to Talk About – Self-Paced Course Let’s Get Real: Examining the Evidence for God – Self-Paced Course Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic – Self-Paced Course Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic – PREMIUM Course Starts 9/9/2024 Other resources mentioned during the episode: Apologetics Curriculum for All Ages – 2nd Grade to Adult! Jonathan Haidt – Research and articles on effects of social media on adolescents

You love your pastor, but why won’t he address crucial cultural, moral, or political issues from the pulpit? Is there anything that you or your church can do about it? Furthermore, what risks lie ahead for faithful pastors who do actually speak out against the culture and rightly stand up for the truth of God’s Word? For this midweek podcast episode, pro-life advocate and political leader, Tony Perkins, returns to talk more about the need for Christians and pastors to engage in political issues, and to defend the biblical worldview in the public square. If your pastor or your church seems totally disengaged from the political world, how can you inspire a change of heart? Why do so many pastors choose to remain quiet on culturally taboo issues like the right to life and natural marriage? And what resources are available for those who want to lead the charge and equip people in the church on where the candidates and parties stand on the most important issues? Frank and Tony will discuss all of this and MUCH more in the conclusion of their talk on faith and politics! 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: Part 1: The Top 3 Reasons Why Christians Should Be Involved in Politics with Tony Perkins Family Research Council: https://www.frc.org/ FRC Action: https://frcaction.org/ Pray Vote Stand: https://prayvotestand.org/ Tony’s website: TonyPerkins.com

Should Christians get involved with politics, or should we just stay out of the way because “religion and politics don’t mix”? While some Christians have the tendency to idolize political influence, others have gone to the opposite end of the spectrum, choosing to completely shy away from engaging in public policy altogether. What does the Bible and common sense have to say about this? This week Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council who has worked with congress and presidents for decades, joins Frank to talk about the need for Christians to take politics seriously and use it as a means to advance the Gospel by protecting religious freedom and to love their neighbors by protecting them from evil for generations to come. As a pro-life/pro-family advocate and political leader with a background in both the U.S. Marine Corps and ministry, Tony will share some valuable insights into the current political landscape, urging Christians to actively participate in shaping laws and policies. During their conversation, Frank and Tony will answer questions like: How did Tony unexpectedly enter the realm of politics and why does he think more Christians should do the same? How can Christians be salt and light in the government and treat it as a mission field? What should Christians do when candidates for each party are morally compromised? How have Christians been negatively impacted by bad policies? What political issues can Christians disagree over? How can Christians and conservatives make real policy gains?   A force for good in Washington, Tony will lay out just a few reasons why Christians should not only get involved in politics, but view it as a form of ministry. He and Frank will also address the latest controversy with Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, explain the distinction between imposing religion and legislating morality, and lay out some of the key platform differences between Democrats and Republicans. And don’t miss the conclusion to this eye-opening conversation as Tony returns next week for the midweek podcast! 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: Family Research Council: https://www.frc.org/ FRC Voter Guides: https://frcaction.org/ iVoterGuide: https://ivoterguide.com/ Tony’s website: TonyPerkins.com

Can Christians learn to love the same way God loves? Cold-case homicide detective turned Christian apologist, J. Warner Wallace, answers that question for us in his brand-new book ‘The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.’ But how exactly did researching some of his own murder investigations lead him to discover the truth about God’s nature and His love for humanity? For this midweek podcast episode, Jim returns to talk more about his new book and to share what he’s learned about marriage, justice, grace, and mercy through his deep study of contemporary true crime. What key quality is needed to be successful in life? Why do so many police officers struggle in their marriage? Why is pride such a dangerous sin? What’s the distinction between shame and guilt? All of these questions and more will be addressed as Frank and Jim wrap up this intriguing and insightful two-part discussion! 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. Order Jim’s Book: The Truth in True Crime Listen to Part 1 of the discussion: The Truth in True Crime with J. Warner Wallace

Have you ever wondered why America is so obsessed with death and murder, or why some of today’s most popular podcasts, shows, and TV networks are all centered around the topic of true crime? What’s the reason for our curiosity with murder and what life lessons can we learn from studying even the worst of these true crime stories? If you’re a true crime junkie, this is the podcast episode for you! This week, our favorite cold-case homicide detective turned Christian apologist and author, J. Warner Wallace, sits down with Frank to talk about the inspiration behind his brand-new book, ‘The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life‘, which explores 15 life-truths that he discovered through his study of the Scriptures and some of his most notorious murder investigations. During their conversation, Frank and Jim will answer questions like: Why are women especially drawn to the genre of true crime? How do men and women view identity differently? What is the true cause of trauma and PTSD? What are two common ways that identity is formed in people? How does humility contribute to human flourishing? Later in the episode, Jim will open up about his own personal journey through an unexpected season of identity crisis and reveal the most shocking discovery he made while writing the book. Be sure to pick up your copy of ‘The Truth in True Crime‘ and come back next week to hear the conclusion of Frank and Jim’s discussion on how true crime exposes certain truths about human nature. 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. Order Jim’s Book: The Truth in True Crime

How is today’s censorship trend affecting your job, your child’s education, and your medical healthcare of all things? And what about the political right? Are they as guilty of imposing censorship on society as the far left? For this midweek podcast episode, Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, returns to speak more about the issue of censorship and how it’s restricting our freedoms in unimaginable and potentially devastating ways. Why are conservatives banning books from school libraries? How is wokism negatively impacting how doctors prescribe medicine? Is the distribution of porn protected under the First Amendment? And why can’t comedians be funny anymore? All of these questions and more will be addressed as Frank and Seth continue this ongoing conversation about the fight for free speech! 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. Listen to Part 1: Censoring The Babylon Bee? with Seth Dillon

What exactly constitutes “free speech” and falls under the protection of the First Amendment? As the political left increasingly advocates for (and often achieves) unconstitutional censorship, the line between what’s permissible and what’s not in public dialogue becomes increasingly blurred. In this age dominated by social media and cancel culture, who ultimately holds the authority in deciding what is or isn’t allowed in the public square? This week, Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, sits down with Frank to discuss concerns about big tech’s role in American censorship, why the Babylon Bee was censored, and how he’s combating it through satire and comedy using his popular Christian news satire website lovingly dubbed, “the definitive source of fake news you can trust”. You’ll also get to hear Seth’s recent congressional testimony where he defended the right to free speech during the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology in Washington, D.C. During their conversation, Frank and Seth will answer questions like: What’s the difference between regulating conduct and regulating speech? Why is the LGBTQ+ community aligning itself with the ideology of Muslim terrorists? What is the “woke mind virus” and why are younger generations more susceptible to it? Does America love dogs more than babies? Why are euphemisms so powerful and how is the radical left using them to their advantage? Why was The Babylon Bee willing to risk being de-platformed from Twitter prior to Elon Musk gaining ownership?   Later in the discussion, Seth will talk about the inspiration and backstory behind some of The Babylon Bee’s most hilarious headlines from this past week, touch on Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent statements about abortion, share some helpful tips on how all content creators can push against big tech’s attempt to silence you on social media, and unpack the worldview that’s motivating the anti-Israel protests on U.S. college campuses. It’s impossible to cram all of these topics into just one podcast episode, so be sure to join Frank and Seth on the upcoming midweek podcast for the conclusion of this important and eye-opening talk on censorship! 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. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology (3/8/2023) – Preserving Free Speech and Reining in Big Tech Censorship

If God exists, then why are there so many church scandals? Why does racism exist and why are Christians so hypocritical? When it comes down to it, why does evil exist at all? In other words, does Christianity still make sense? This week Frank talks with author, philosopher, CIA instructor, and pastor of Image Church, Dr. Bobby Conway about his brand-new book, ‘Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today’s Toughest Objections to Christianity‘, where he documents his battle with unbelief and the steps he took to emerge successfully on the other side with his faith intact. How did a pastor with a thriving church and a national Christian apologetics platform plunge into an intense season of debilitating doubt and narrowly escape full out apostasy? Frank and Bobby will address this in detail throughout their conversation and answer questions like: How did Bobby’s season of doubt affect his life and overall mental health? Are church scandals a valid reason to leave Christianity? Are most Christians guilty of homophobia? Does Christianity devalue women? How are Christians being “love shamed”? Does science trump history? Does the American Church need a reformation? Are you or someone you know feeling trapped in the depths of doubt? Don’t lose hope because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Bobby’s new book will guide you through his own personal journey out of chronic doubt and uncover the answers he found to 20 of the toughest objections to Christianity. Be sure to pick up your copy of ‘Does Christianity Still Make Sense‘ 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. Bobby’s website: Christianity Still Make Sense Bobby’s book: Does Christianity Still Make Sense? Learn from Bobby at CrossExamined Instructors Academy