College Faith

We know “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12). My guest in this episode is Dr. Jeff Foster, who shares his journey from a Christian upbringing to involvement in the occult. Jeff discusses the spiritual battle faced by students and the dangers of the occult, including his personal experiences with a dragon-like entity that offered him power in exchange for his heart. The conversation explores themes of personal trauma, the nature of magic, and the recruitment tactics used by those involved in the occult. Jeff shares his journey through power struggles, community dynamics, and the quest for identity, as well as the internal conflict of living a double life during his college years. The discussion delves into the complexities of understanding scripture and the transformative power of Jesus, culminating in a turning point where Jeff seeks redemption and a new heart. In this conversation, Jeff shares his profound journey of transformation through faith, emphasizing the power of forgiveness and the immediate changes he experienced after coming to Christ. He discusses the importance of discernment in spiritual warfare, highlighting the subtle influences of demonic forces and the necessity of testing ideas against Scripture. Jeff also reflects on the reality of spiritual warfare, the battles faced in the mind, and the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and faithful individuals. Resources mentioned: C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters Sean McDowell’s podcasts Allen Parr, Breaking Through: How Ordinary Believers Experience Extraordinary Freedom Lee Strobel, Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World Chuck Lawless, Putting on the Armor: Equipped and Deployed for Spiritual Warfare William F. Cook III & Chuck Lawless, Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Spiritual Battle 01:54 Jeff’s Early Spiritual Background 06:13 Involvement in the Occult 12:04 The Nature of the Dragon 17:45 The Rules of Power 22:06 The Process of Recruitment 26:59 Understanding Magic 31:04 The Impact of Personal Trauma 39:53 Embracing Pain for Power 41:24 The Struggle with Power and Control 42:03 Community Dynamics and Shared Experiences 43:20 The Allure of Secrets and Power 44:15 Friendships Formed Through Shared Struggles 45:30 The Dragon’s Eye: Perception and Reality 46:29 The Aura of Connection and Exclusion 48:55 Navigating College Life and Identity 50:06 The Journey into Law and Academia 52:04 Confronting the Christian Experience 54:02 The Challenge of Understanding Scripture 56:27 Living a Double Life in College 58:53 The Descent into Darkness 60:51 Family Dynamics and Personal Conflict 62:18 The Decision to Move and Its Implications 64:11 The Life and Teachings of Jesus 66:48 The Revelation of a New Heart 71:10 The Turning Point: Seeking Redemption 74:47 The Power of Forgiveness and Freedom 78:24 Immediate Transformation and New Beginnings 84:42 Discernment in Spiritual Warfare 91:20 Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Its Influences

In this conversation, Bridget Ruth and Stan Wallace explore the complex issues surrounding gender and sexuality from a Christian perspective. They discuss the definitions of key terms such as transgenderism, gender identity, and gender dysphoria, and emphasize the importance of a biblical understanding of gender. The conversation also delves into the cultural evolution of gender ideology, the arguments for pro-trans theology, and practical guidance for students and churches in navigating these discussions. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of the gospel in providing a hopeful vision for identity and human flourishing. Takeaways Bridget Ruth has a personal story that informs her understanding of sexuality. Transgenderism is defined as the belief that biological sex is independent of gender identity. Key terms in the conversation include biological sex, gender identity, and gender dysphoria. A biblical anthropology is foundational for understanding sex and gender from a Christian perspective. Genesis provides the origin story for male and female creation, which is crucial for Christians. Cultural shifts have influenced the understanding of gender and sexuality within the church. Pro-trans theology argues for compatibility with scripture, but this is contested by traditional interpretations. Practical guidance is needed for students navigating gender issues on campus. The gospel offers a better vision of identity and flourishing than cultural narratives. Engaging with these topics requires love, respect, and a commitment to truth. Preparing Students for Gender Discussions on Campus Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Gender and Sexuality 03:02 Understanding Transgenderism and Key Terms 06:01 Biblical Anthropology and the Foundation of Gender 12:02 Cultural Context and the Evolution of Gender Ideology 21:56 Pro-Trans Theology and Its Arguments 30:11 Practical Guidance for Students and Churches 47:02 Navigating Gender Dysphoria and Christian Identity Resources mentioned during our conversation: Bridget Ruth’s website Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution William J. Webb, Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis Stan W. Wallace, “Finding Common Ground in the LGBTQ+ Conversation” Robert S. Smith, The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory Abigail Favale, The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory Nancy R. Pearcey, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality Institute of Biblical Sexuality Walt Heyer, Sex Change Regret website Linda A. Seiler, Trans-Formation: A Former Transgender Responds to LGBTQ Transformed, Linda Seiler, PhD’s website

Paul Gould, a philosopher, author, and founder of the Two Tasks Institute, explores cultural apologetics and Christianity’s appeal as true, good, and beautiful. He discusses recovering an enchanted view of the world, how human longings point toward God, and practicing faith on campus. The conversation also examines student flourishing, cultural engagement, and technology’s effects, including AI’s risks and possibilities.

Are you considering majoring in Business? Are you interested in eventually earning an MBA? What must you understand about this field of study and career, especially as a Christ-follower? In this episode, I discuss these questions and many more with Dr. Mark Washington, the National Director of InterVarsity’s MBA Ministry. For more than two decades, Mark has helped shape the next generation of faith-driven business leaders, working with MBA students and faculty at some of the top business schools in the country. He brings a unique blend of ministry, theology, and business experience to our conversation. In this podcast we discuss: Mark’s journey into an MBA, starting his career in business, and now helping others who are beginning this journey  How his faith influenced him to do an MBA   Where biblical truth was consistent with his MBA studies, and where he found conflict Finding Christian community on campus and in the workplace Unique academic and spiritual challenges that today’s MBA students face Advantages and disadvantages of doing an MBA part-time or full-time Advantages and disadvantages of doing an MBA at a top-30 school Good undergraduate majors to prepare for an MBA (they are not what you think!) How AI is changing the landscape of business, what AI will not change, and how to prepare   Advice on how to earn an MBA a few years after college False advertising by MBA programs to know about How an Executive MBA differs from other MBA programs The pressures of being an MBA student Qualities and character traits helpful to success in an MBA program and a career in business The importance of a correctly grounded identity and worth in Christ while doing an MBA  Positive and negative winds of change within business His advice to 18-year olds about majoring in business, and to undergraduate students thinking about doing an MBA   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Mike Schutt, “A Guide to Majoring in Pre-Law,” College Faith Podcast #64 Faith Driven Investor, Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Solving the World’s Greatest Problems Praxis   The Fellows Initiative The Christian Employee Resource Group The Christian Economic Forum The National Faith and Work Association The Theology of Work Project 

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges facing students today: mental health during the college years. Between academic pressure, anxiety about the future, loneliness, relationships, social media, and the constant pressure to succeed, many students are struggling quietly and wondering how to navigate it all faithfully and wisely. My guest is Brooke Wesley, a licensed clinical social worker, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and co-founder of Bellatore Recovery in the Kansas City area, where she has spent more than two decades helping teens and adults pursue healing and emotional health. Brooke’s passion for this work is deeply personal, growing out of her own recovery journey from an eating disorder. Along the way, she has worked in hospitals, schools, recovery programs, and private practice, and she also helped launch Kansas City’s first transitional living program for women recovering from eating disorders. She’s also the author of Hungry To Be Whole: A Therapist’s Story of Healing from Anorexia, where she shares both her personal story and professional insights into recovery and hope. In this podcast we discuss: How overcoming her own eating disorder led Brooke to want to help others. Factors that contribute to students’ mental health challenges. Signs of good mental health, and how this relates to success in college (and life). Why students can still be lonely while around so many people, and what to do about it. Signs of unhealthy relational dynamics. How a biblical worldview should help frame our understanding of mental health. Correcting common misunderstandings about mental health. How to recognize when it is time to find a mental health professional. How to find a good mental health professional by asking the right questions. The value of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The distinction between anxiety and stress. Specific advice for how parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends can help a student who may be struggling: signs to watch for and how to be helpful. How churches can help students who are struggling. Examples of those who have experienced healing and wholeness as a result of this journey. Proper and improper ways to use AI. Resources mentioned during our conversation: Brooke Wesley and Maureen Rank, Hungry To Be Whole: A Therapist’s Story of Healing from Anorexia College Faith podcast conversations about finding Christian community on campus Aundi Kolber, Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy

Thaddeus Williams, a theology and philosophy professor at Biola and author on confronting injustice, offers a biblical evaluation of modern social justice debates. He discusses critical theory’s rise on campuses, contrasts two understandings of justice, explains Imago Dei as the ground for human dignity, and outlines faithful ways for Christians to engage culture and policy.

In this episode, I’m continuing my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I’m joined by Jaime Noyd, the Director of the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). We discuss what ESN is and how it will be of great help to you if you are considering following God’s call to one day serve Christ as a professor. In this podcast we discuss: How Jamie came to direct ESN Why ESN exists–the vision of the ministry How scholarship can be a sacred calling If students may join ESN if they are not involved in InterVarsity How students can join ESN before they start college Some examples of students greatly helped by ESN Where ESN is going in the next 20 years Questions to regularly ask yourself (or others) in following God’s calling to the professorate The next step to joining ESN Resources mentioned during our conversation: Emerging Scholars Network website Contacting Jamie: [email protected] The American Scientific Affiliation Christian Professional Societies InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministries Cru’s Graduate Student Resources Veritas Forum Communities The Society of Christian Scholars The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students Christianity and Intellectual Inquiry: Thinking as Pilgrimage by Douglas Jacobsen and Rhonda Hustedt Jacobsen The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by A.J. Sertillanges Love The Lord Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. Moreland Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential by Gordon T. Smith The Call by Os Guinness Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student’s Guide to Earning a Master’s or Ph.D. by Robert L. Peters The Thinking Christianly podcast Scholars’ Compass (ESN devotionals) The Biblical Story and the Story of the Academic Disciplines (free with a Society of Christian Scholars membership)

Writing papers is a part of every student’s life. Writing a good one can feel overwhelming. But what if it’s about more than just getting a grade? What if your writing is actually an opportunity to think clearly, communicate truth, and even honor God? In this episode of College Faith, we’re talking about what students need to understand first in order to write well, the essential elements of a strong paper, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and how to approach research, AI, and the writing process with wisdom and integrity. To guide us, I’m joined by Dr. Bruce Barron, an experienced writer, editor, and communications leader who has spent decades helping scholars, students, and public thinkers express complex ideas with clarity and impact. Bruce has served in senior editorial roles with major policy and Christian publications, edited books and academic manuscripts, and coached countless writers from rough drafts to polished, compelling work. His experience at the intersection of careful research, thoughtful Christian engagement, and practical communication makes him an ideal guide for any student who wants to become not just a better writer, but a more faithful one. In this podcast we discuss:  What students should understand first to write a good paper The elements of a good paper The single biggest mistake students make when writing a paper A balanced, biblical approach to your studies, including writing papers Proper and improper ways to use AI when writing How much research for the paper is enough The steps in writing a good paper  The importance of building a good relationship with your professors How to see your studies as an act of worship The most important thing to remember when writing a paper Some ways writing skills impact all of life after college   Resources mentioned during our conversation: BruceBarron.substack.com  Bruce Barron, “On Writing So Well That You Don’t Need an Editor” (Society of Christian Scholars webinar)

In this episode I continue my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I am joined by Charles Askew and Caysie Ashton, campus ministers with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Charles and Caysie bring their unique perspectives to help us better understand the ministry of RUF and whether it might be right for you. In this podcast we discuss: What “Reformed” means How Casey and Chuck got involved in RUF How RUF got started The core mission of RUF How to find a RUF chapter What to expect at a RUF chapter How chapters differ campus-to-campus What is required to be involved in RUF What makes RUF distinct from other campus ministries Why RUF doesn’t have a curriculum that students go through How RUF helps students build deep relationships RUF’s weekly activities for students  RUF’s strengths and weaknesses Why students should look into joining a RUF chapter The importance of just showing up Why we shouldn’t fear the “secular” university Resources mentioned during our conversation: RUF website & various RUF chapter’s Instagram accounts C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (especially “The Golden Book of the Christian Life” section) Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will

There are an estimated 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including your classmates, neighbors, and friends. Many are interested in discussing spiritual topics, including the person of Jesus. But how do we have these conversations–and share the good news about who Jesus really is–without the conversation turning into an argument? Alan Shlemon has an answer that he and many others have found to be very helpful: beginning with the Koran instead of the Bible to break down barriers. Alan is a staff apologist with Stand To Reason, a sought-after speaker on this topic, and my guest on this episode of College Faith. In this podcast we discuss: How Alan got interested in this topic Why we should care about sharing Jesus with Muslims Why Muslims are open to discussing Jesus What our attitude toward Muslims should be Essential Muslim beliefs and practices How to discuss the accuracy of the Gospels What to avoid in conversations with Muslims Alan’s overall strategy to get to Gospel conversations with a Muslim Why the Gospel is “good news” for the Muslim Resources mentioned during our conversation: Stand To Reason website Get to the Gospel with Muslims, Stand to Reason The Cost Muslims Pay for Missing Jesus, Stand to Reason The Quran Gets Crucifixion Wrong, Stand to Reason Is “Allah” Just Another Word for God?, Stand to Reason STR U, Stand to Reason’s free online training program (includes his course on “Engaging Muslims”)