I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Is masculinity a bad thing? In popular culture, it seems that it has become socially acceptable to attack men simply for being men! The media has even gone as far as categorizing all forms of male headship and authority in the home as oppressive, tyrannical, and patriarchal. Has the Church contributed to the demonization of all things masculine? And if so, what can we do to stop it? In this week’s podcast, Christian apologist, scholar, and author, Nancy Pearcey joins Frank to discuss her upcoming and unexpectedly controversial book, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, which focuses largely on the origin of “toxic masculinity” as a concept. Frank and Nancy discuss questions like: What historical events led to the rise of “toxic masculinity”? What are the two competing scripts that men struggle with internally? How has Darwinism contributed to “toxic masculinity”? How do Christian men shatter negative stereotypes? What example of masculinity do we find in Jesus? Throughout this episode, Nancy will burst some common myths, encourage men to embrace their masculinity, and also expose the radical ways in which evangelicalism continues to better societies worldwide. The current research shows that Christian men are doing very well in our culture, and it’s time that we applaud them for it! 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/   Download Transcript

What does it mean to be “woke”? This word is being used almost everywhere in our culture today by every side of the political and cultural debate.  But have you ever stopped to define what it really means? In this midweek podcast episode, Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, returns to discuss this sinister and destructive ideology and how the movement has personally impacted the popular Christian satirical platform. Seth also shares how Elon Musk is trying to turn the tide with Twitter when it comes to the current trend of heightened censorship on social media, and explains that when it comes to making jokes, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction! For example, could it be possible that atheists like Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher are showing more courage these days than some pastors? Sadly, that seems to be the case! However, we can continue do our part by exercising our right to speak the truth (with or without humor) regardless of the consequences. 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. Pre-Order the NEW Book ‘The Babylon Bee Guide to Gender’: https://a.co/d/3Z69ASx   Download Transcript

Should Christians incorporate humor or even mockery into their apologetics? The idea of poking fun at another person’s worldview may seem offensive to some. But would you believe that the prophet Elijah and even Jesus Himself used mockery on certain occasions? With so much absurdity running rampant in our society, could humor be a part of the solution? This week, CEO of The Babylon Bee, Seth Dillon, joins the podcast to talk about faith, politics, and the importance of free speech. As Frank interviews Seth, you’ll hear about Seth’s personal journey to faith, and how he came to be the CEO of the popular Christian news satire website lovingly dubbed “the definitive source of fake news you can trust”. In this episode, Frank and Seth answer questions like: Should satire be used as a means to purposely offend people? How has The Babylon Bee managed to draw a non-Christian audience? Why is humor such an effective tool in evangelism? How did The Babylon Bee become friends with Elon Musk? What are the dangers of censorship and why should Christians combat it?   Between Twitter jail and a recent dust up between DeSantis and Trump, The Babylon Bee has ruffled quite a few feathers along the way. Yet they are unrelenting in challenging their audience to reflect on the flaws within our modern culture. This unofficial ministry of mockery has managed to break down barriers through its comedic flare, winning the laughs of Christians and planting seeds of truth in people who would never step foot inside a church! 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. Pre-Order the NEW Book ‘The Babylon Bee Guide to Gender’: https://a.co/d/3Z69ASx  

Did Peter declare that water baptism is a requirement for salvation? In the book of Acts, Peter seems to indicate that all believers must be baptized in order to be saved and yet, the writings of Paul and the teachings of Jesus seem to suggest otherwise. How do we resolve this apparent contradiction? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank responds to one of several hostile emails we received after releasing a 60-second video on the topic of baptism. Using the S.T.O.P. method, Frank walks us through the correct interpretation of Acts 2:38 and provides seven reasons why Christians should NOT regard water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Frank also answers questions like: What is the significance of water baptism? Is the Book of Acts prescriptive or descriptive? Did Peter and Paul have opposing views on baptism? What did Jesus say about baptism? How can Christians have fruitful discussions when we disagree on theological points?   By the end of this episode, you will walk away with a better understanding of the expectations and purpose of water baptism as well as the basics of biblical interpretation. Understanding the Bible can be challenging for all Christians at times but taking a moment to S.T.O.P. and ponder the context will make all the difference! 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.  

Are you unknowingly being misled by false teachers or by misunderstanding certain passages in the Bible? One of the problems with being deceived or misled is that you are unaware that deception is taking place. How can you be assured that you are being led properly so that you can avoid being deceived? In today’s podcast episode, Frank sits down with popular Christian YouTuber and Dallas Theological Seminary graduate, Allen Parr, to discuss his online ministry and the motivation behind his brand-new book, ‘Misled: 7 Lies that Distort the Gospel (and How You Can Discern the Truth)’. Listen as Allen shares one of his own personal experiences of seeing how false doctrine negatively impacted a dear friend. Frank and Allen also touch on questions like: Where did the “Prosperity Gospel” come from? Are physical healing and wealth promised to all believers? Can Christians lose their salvation? How has prophecy been misused? What 3 C’s should Christians remember to avoid misinterpreting the Bible?   Sadly, very few churches teach Christians how to properly interpret the Bible. Allen is actively using this book, his online courses, and his Youtube channel ‘The B.E.A.T’ (which stands for ‘Biblical Encouragement and Truth’), to clear up as many false teachings as possible. Allen Parr will join CIA this year as a course instructor, so consider attending CIA to strengthen your presentation skills! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST along with an EXCLUSIVE interview with Allen about his personal experience as a Christian YouTuber and online content creator, 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. Resources mentioned in this episode: Allen’s book: https://a.co/d/i3j62Sc Allen’s website: https://allenparr.com/ Allen’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3P1kuJ1 Apply for CIA 2023: https://bit.ly/43LsjXo  

This generation of young adults is totally committed to the idea that they are their own authority. Is there a way to help them understand the biblical worldview and also prepare them to defend it against other counterfeit worldviews? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank interviews his friend and current president of Summit Ministries, Dr. Jeff Myers, to discuss this unique organization that has been active for more than 60 years! Summit Ministries focuses on helping teens and young adults to see the world through a biblical lens, regardless of where they are on their faith journey. Frank and Jeff also give practical tips to parents and youth leaders on how to engage this next generation in tough discussions about sexual issues and guide them in their search for objective truth without pushing them away. As you listen, you’ll find out why Summit Ministries has been so successful at giving its participants an unshakeable faith that lasts well into their adult years! Resources mentioned in this episode: Summit Ministries: https://www.summit.org/ The Dr. Jeff Show: https://bit.ly/3OVhn56  

Are miracles possible? Many academics have ruled miracles out completely, claiming that miracles are a violation of the laws of nature. But is that conclusion reasonable? In this week’s podcast episode, Frank provides reasonable arguments to defend the possibility of miracles. There is a popular philosophical assumption among scholars such as Bart Ehrman and David Hume that supernatural intervention is impossible, leading many to only believe in material causes. As Frank reflects on philosophical ideas and specific examples in history and science, you’ll see why miracles are not only possible, but at least likely to have occurred at various points in history. You’ll hear Frank answer questions like: How often do miracles occur in the Bible? Are miracles a violation of natural laws? What is the purpose of miracles in the Bible? What two things must be established in order to prove Christianity is true? What is the greatest miracle in the Bible?   To reject the possibility of miracles or the existence of God, you must concede that humans are nothing more than molecular machines or moist robots. Are you open to allowing a divine foot in the door? 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. Resources mentioned in this episode: Bart Ehrman & Justin Bass – Did Jesus of Nazareth rise from the dead? https://bit.ly/43FK4aA  

How can you witness to someone who is apathetic about Christianity? Those who are apathetic to Christianity often have an “I don’t know, and I don’t care” attitude. What’s the best approach to engage in conversation with them without being a nuisance? In this post-Memorial Day midweek podcast episode, Frank interacts with questions from listeners regarding the best Bible translation, gender dysphoria, and witnessing to those who are hostile or uninterested in God.  He also touches on the topic of when war is necessary in order to restore peace and prevent evil people from overrunning the innocent, and how it relates to the famous command that Jesus gave us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to 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. Resources mentioned in the episode: Christian Ethics by Dr. Norman Geisler: https://a.co/d/1N9yuZM  

How can you help secular people make sense of God? Cultural, emotional, and volitional obstacles often stand in the way of belief for skeptics, even when they are presented with reasonable arguments. How can we address those obstacles to move the skeptic towards faith in Christ? In this special edition ENCORE podcast episode, Frank interviews world renowned pastor and best-selling author, Dr. Timothy Keller, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Recorded back in 2016, Dr. Keller discusses his book ‘Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical’, which includes essential truths that are still relevant for both Christians and skeptics today. This is not your typical apologetics book, because it does more than provide factual evidence for the truth of Christianity. It aims to awaken the sense of transcendence that most of us have latent in our intuitions and desires—meaning, satisfaction, freedom, hope, justice (or a moral compass), and an identity grounded in something stable, something eternal. While we mourn the passing of Dr. Keller, we are truly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to the Church at large and Christian apologetics remain relevant and are sure to have a lasting impact on future generations. Memoriam for Tim Keller: https://bit.ly/3MXMlrS Buy Tim’s book: https://a.co/d/c7JrbG1 Sermons by Tim Keller: https://bit.ly/3IJojP0  

What happens when your job asks you to do something that conflicts with your religious beliefs? Do you just give in because it’s easier than rocking the boat? The same people who say they are fighting for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) often punish or intimidate those who commit the thought crime of disagreeing with transgender ideology (or homosexual behavior) even though these beliefs have NOTHING to do with workplace productivity. And really, why are we even talking about sex at work in the first place?! In this midweek episode, Frank shares what happened when he got fired from his corporate job and gives viewers advice on how they can respectfully engage with a supervisor who is challenging them, including an extensive list of clarifying questions you can present when you are asked to do something that violates your conscience as a Christian. Questions such as: I noticed that our company values tolerance as I do, but what does the company mean by tolerance? Are all employees required to have the same political, religious, or moral beliefs to work here? Does the company think it’s right to force employees to violate their conscience?   If you’re tired of having to hide your conservative or religious beliefs at work as if you live in a totalitarian state rather than America, then this is the episode for you! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned during the episode: Sex at Work?: https://bit.ly/3Olx4SP Alliance Defending Freedom: https://adflegal.org/ Correct, Not Politically Correct (Expanded Third Edition): https://amzn.to/457PyMP   Download Transcript