College Faith

This episode is the first in an intermittent series on majoring in the various academic fields (broadly speaking). My hope is to help you understand more of what is involved in various areas of study, how these fields relate to the Christian faith, and practical advice as you major in this area. My guest for each episode in this series will be someone with many years experience in the field, as well as a robust faith in Christ, and has learned to flourish both academically and spiritually in this field of study. We begin today with a focus on majors in the hard sciences. My guest in this episode is Dr. Bob Kaita, emeritus Senior Physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, where he has conducted nuclear fusion energy research for nearly four decades. Bob has also been the thesis advisor for students who have pursued careers in government and industry as well as academia, mentoring students through their studies in plasma physics. He is a fellow of the American Physics Society, and a recipient of the Kaul Prize for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research and Technology Development for pioneering work in components for fusion devices. Bob is also a fellow and past president of the American Scientific Affiliation, one of the largest organization of Christians in science and engineering. In this podcast we discuss: How Bob first got interested in a career in the sciences How Bob’s coming to faith in Christ in high school connected with his love of science The role Bob’s parents played in helping his pursue a career in science A scientist who followed God’s call that serves as a role model for Bob Career opportunities open to those with degrees in the sciences The importance of having a servant’s heart as a scientist Signs you may be called to be a scientist How Bob’s faith helped him in his studies of physics, rather than be a hindrance Some areas of overlap between faith and physics How Bob thinks about areas of alleged conflict between science and faith The centrality of one’s worldview in interpreting scientific data The exciting future for research in the sciences The grounding of a Christian’s worth as a scientist The valuable role of humility and spiritual formation in the life of a Christian scientist Books and professional societies that help connect faith and science The importance of understanding the relationship between science and the philosophy of science Doing science vs. faith-science integration Why there are so many Christians in the hard sciences The role of imagination in the practice of science The importance of being a good writer as a scientist Why scientists need to understand truth from other disciplines, and vice-versa Limitations of science that believers should be aware of Balancing “follow the science” with complete and blind faith in science The new “priesthood” of scientists, and the resulting backlash against science A final word of encouragement to budding scientists Resources mentioned during our conversation and later suggested by Bob: The American Scientific Affiliation Walter R. Hearn, Being a Christian in Science Other InterVarsity Press books on faith and science P. Moreland and Garrett DeWeese, Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions Robert Wuthnow, The Struggle for America’s Soul: Evangelicals, Liberals, & Secularism Hannah Eagleson (ed.), Science and Faith: Student Questions Explored Elaine Howard Ecklund, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other: Eight Shared Values that Move Us Beyond Fear Textbook: The Crossroads of Science and Faith: Astronomy Through a Christian Worldview Textbook: The Crossroads of Science and Faith: An Introduction to the Science & Faith Dialogue

Intro: My guest in this episode is Dr. Rob Bowman, an expert on cults and heretical Christian sects. He is also a biblical scholar who has, since 1984, written 14 books and dozens of articles defending the truth of Christianity against error. In this podcast we discuss: How Rob got interested in cults while in college How his background as a biblical scholar helps him evaluate cults Secular and religious cults (or ‘heretical sects’) and some examples The warning signs that a group may be a cult The importance of distinguishing between sociological and theological definitions of a cult Mormonism as a case study theologically (especially how they define “God”) and sociologically  The biblical, global, and historic understanding of what constitutes the essentials of the Christian faith An example of a cult becoming a legitimate, biblically grounded denomination and vice-versa Distinguishing strong leadership/authority from cultic leadership/authority How the prophets and Apostles in Scripture model strong but not cultic leadership/authority Good questions to ask to determine if a group is a cult (including the one question you should always start with) How all cults deviate on the nature of Jesus Different things cults mean when they affirm “Jesus is the Son of God” What cults mean by “We only go by the teachings of the Bible”--the role other authoritative texts or unique bible translations in cults Examples of cultic beliefs and practices from Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, and Christian Scientism How most modern-day cults are just repackaged heresies of past centuries Why the three large U.S. cults (Christian heretical sects) arose in the same time and region, the dark side of Revivalism in the Second Great Awakening, and the lesson we should learn How “Restorationism” (the desire to restore the first-century church) lead to the establishment of many cults in the 19th century How “Rationalism” (the desire to only accept what we can fully understand) lead to the establishment of other cults in the 19th century If you discover you are in a cult, how do you get out? The “win-win” question you should ask if you think you are in a cult Websites to help you identify and understand groups that are cults (see websites below) The relationship between biblical illiteracy and a train wreck for your faith The importance of understanding the proper principles of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) to identify and avoid the errors of cults Resources mentioned during our conversation: Institute for Religion Research - resources on cults, apologetic issues, and how to study the Bible Watchman Fellowship - a comprehensive index of cults Bible.org - helpful for resources for studying the Bible

My guest in this episode is Dan Allen, a leader in the Every Campus Coalition, a new initiative to help connect students with all the ministries seeking to serve them during their university years.   In this podcast we discuss: What the Every Campus Coalition is and how it started What campus “Prayer Walks” are, why they are important, and how to participate The goal of establishing a “gospel movement” or “gospel community”  on every campus How the Every Campus Coalition is working toward this goal The importance of partnership among all who seek to minister to university students Some signs of revival and spiritual awaking among students in recent years Common features of gospel movements established on campuses Requirements of those launching gospel movements on campuses How the Every Campus Coalition serves churches, campus ministries, and those providing resources to students  The College Faith Podcast as a new partner of the Every Campus Coalition How the Every Campus Coalition finds unity in diversity among churches and ministries The shared theological and missional commitments of all Every Campus partners  How Every Campus is helping address the increasing mental health issues of students How Every Campus is helping address the challenges students are having connecting with others How students and parents can find a campus ministry through the Every Campus Coalition How churches can be partners in the Every Campus Coalition How campus ministries can be partners in the Every Campus Coalition How content providers can be partners in the Every Campus Coalition A word of encouragement to students A word of encouragement to youth pastors A word of encouragement to parents A word of encouragement concerning the College Faith Podcast and Global Scholars   Resources mentioned during our conversation: EveryCampus.com The Lausaunne Covenant  Global Scholars

My guest today is Jonathan Morrow. Jonathan has been equipping students and parents in biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture for over 16 years, and is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. He holds graduate degrees in Christian thought and is currently the Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship at the Impact 360 Institute and an adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University. Jonathan has authored several books, including Welcome to College, Questioning the Bible, and Is God Just a Human Invention? His book Welcome to College is the best book I’ve seen to help students flourish during their university years. So I’ve invited him to discuss some of the ideas in this book with me today.   In this podcast we discuss: The five ideas defining campus culture* today and how to identify and respond to them (*and broader culture) Understanding “Sexual Revolution 2.0” and how to reframe these issues How some churches are embracing these harmful ideas (and some authors promoting these ideas) “Deconstructing” faith Dealing with the three types of doubt  Examples of students who have flourished due to the principles in Welcome to College  Some problems students face when not understanding the truths in Welcome to College The importance of choosing friends wisely The fallacy of assuming your Christian upbringing prepares you for college The three biblical ways to flourish in college   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Jonathan Morrow, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower’s Guide for the Journey Impact 360 Institute Alisa Childers, Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity JonathanMorrow.org Andy Crouch, The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place JP Moreland, Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology Paul Copan, True For You But Not For Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith Francis Beckwith and Greg Koukl, Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice Nancy Pearcey, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution Carl Trueman, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution (a shorter and easier-to-read version of his The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self) Sean McDowell, “Conservative vs. Progressive: Jesus, Culture, and the Bible (with Brandan Robertson)” (One of Sean’s many YouTube videos on Progressive Christianity) Greg Koukl, Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions

My guest today is Dr. Phil Bishop, Emeritus Professor at the University of Alabama. Due to the pressures he faced as a student and then as a professor at a leading university, Phil has thought much about the whys and hows of managing his time well so as to excel both professionally and spiritually. He shares some of what he’s learned about time management.    In this podcast we discuss: How Phil learned to manage his time well Why learning to manage time well is so important The importance of making time management choices based on priorities   Time management and a weekly day of rest Why we shouldn’t be “crazy busy” Being sure to get what we are paying for at college Tips on saving time by keeping track of documents How working ahead by leveraging a calendar saves time Time management as a stress-reducer The value of learning to say “no” The role of prayer in time management How knowing yourself is essential to managing your time effectively Combining tasks to maximize your time Succeeding by doing small things well through good time management Learning from others who manage their time better than you A practical first step to managing your time better Why Phil wishes he had managed his time a little less and been a bit less “productive”   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Phil Bishop, College Faith Podcast “How To Get Better Grades…and Have More Fun” Simple Gmail Notes (Gmail extension to add personal notes to emails) Boomerang (Gmail extension to help manage emails) Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work Dr. Bishop’s email address: pbishop[at]ua.edu

The college years are pivotal in determining a career path. Beginning with choosing a college and then choosing a major, and often even a specialization, students are faced with many important decisions. It is often challenging for the Christian student trying to discern God’s will in these career choices. It involves determining your calling and having the courage to follow that path. I discuss this with Dr. Gordon Smith, president of Ambrose University and author of Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential. In this podcast we discuss: How Gordon’s own wrestling with career questions lead him to write this book The fundamental paradigm for determining God’s will Does God only “call” people to ministry? Is serving in “ministry” more valued by God? Why or why not? The value of careers that involve “manual” work How Gordon developed a more accurate theology of vocation How others can help you discern God’s will in making career decisions The important difference between your “career” and your “vocation” The four questions that will help you discover your calling The greatest roadblock to discerning your calling The role anger should and should not play in your discernment process The value of the Myers-Briggs [Personality] Type Indicator in your discernment process How to deal with the fear of “missing” God’s call in your career choice Why you should take classes in a wide range of subjects during the first few years of college Releasing the burden of having to nail this all down by the time you graduate Being freed from the “urgency and tyranny of time” in finding and living out your calling How your vocation is tied to your specific time and place The importance of courage in finding and following your calling Resources mentioned during our conversation: Gordon Smith, Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential Gordon Smith, Teach Us To Pray Francis Schaeffer's Trilogy, How Shall We Then Live: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, and his many other books Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov Liam Atchison, “Higher Education 101: How Universities Came to Be and How They Work,” College Faith podcast #3 Gordon Smith, Consider Your Calling: Six Questions for Discerning Your Vocation (for college students) Gordon Smith, Your Calling Here and Now: Making Sense of Vocation (for those in mid-life) Edward P. Hahnenberg, Awakening Vocation: A Theology of Christian Call

Reading is a big part of every student’s life, and so today’s topic is how to read a book. To discuss this with me is Cherie Harder. She not only loves books and reading, but a big part of her role as President of the Trinity Forum is helping others learn to read well and love books as much as she does. In this podcast we discuss: Why Cherie loves books Tips to help students read effectively (to understand well) Some of the challenges to reading well in our day of social media Reading different types of books differently How what you read shapes you How to read in ways that discern truth from error The value of courses in the humanities for non-humanities majors Why it is important to read those we disagree with  The value of reading books from other times and cultures Why to re-read a book now and then The value of reading with others and reading groups How to understand the book’s parts in light of the whole (and vice versa)  The importance of understanding genre (types of writing) When it is important to read an entire book and when it is not important How and when to consult  a book’s online reviews and CliffsNotes Are paper books or ebooks better? How to best read an ebook The value of pleasure-reading Resources mentioned during our conversation: Eugene Peterson, Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading  Alan Jacobs, Breaking Bread With The Dead: A Reader’s Guide to a More Tranquil Mind C.S. Lewis, “On The Reading of Old Books”  Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading The Trinity Forum  (and their “Bookclub Box” and the Trinity Forum Conversations podcast) Jessica Hooten Wilson, Reading for Regeneration (a Trinity Forum Conversation) ________, The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints ________, Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice Maryanne Wolf, Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

My guest today is Dr. Nita Kotiuga, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University. Nita began to think seriously about being formed in the image of Christ during her college years while involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She then served on InterVarsity staff for six years, sharing with students what she had learned about developing intimacy with Christ. So interested was she in understanding and living in light of biblical truth that she went on to earn graduate degrees in theology and spiritual formation, which have positioned her well for her current role.  In this podcast we discuss: What is “spiritual formation”?What are “spiritual disciplines”?How these differ from works that earn or merit God’s love or graceWhy desperation in her spiritual life drove her to explore spiritual formationWhat a “spiritual director” is and is notHow Scripture came “alive” to herWhy Protestants have been wary of spiritual direction The benefits of having a spiritual directorThe centrality of Scripture in the Ignatian method of spiritual direction How skiing helped Stan understand our and God’s roles in spiritual formationHow teaching her kids to swim helped Nita understand our and God’s roles in spiritual formationHow to enter into the stories of the Bible, and why it is important to do soThe importance of journaling  and the best way to do soWatching TV and movies as a way to enter into God’s storyDisciplines of abstinance and of engagementThe relationship between disciplines and different temptations or seasons in our livesThe results of spiritual formationHow to be sure a spiritual director is “legit”Spiritual disciplines students should consider beginning withThe value of examining your day each night  before going to sleepWhat to do if practicing spiritual disciplines isn’t “working” for you   Resources mentioned during our conversation: Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual GrowthThe Chosen (TV series)How to Watch a Movie, Using Top Gun: Maverick as an Example, Drew Trotter on the College Faith podcastDallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes LivesTimothy M. Gallagher, Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with ScriptureDr. Nita Kotiuga’s email: nita.kotiuga@bgu.edu

My guest is Dr. Paul Copan, a noted defender of the faith and professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Paul has authored over a dozen books on apologetics, as well as edited and contributed to many more. He is with me today to discuss this vitally important topic of, in the words of Peter, “giving a reason for the hope within.” (I Peter 3:15) In this podcast we discuss: What is “apologetics”? How Paul got interested in studying apologetics Why it is important all Christian students understand apologetics Understanding Christianity as a “knowledge tradition” rather than just a “belief tradition” Why speaking in terms of “world views” requires atheists to also defend their beliefs Some examples of how non-Christians and Christians have been helped by apologetics Biblical passages that seem to say faith is important, not reason “The problem of evil”--a common objection requiring a response (and a response) The role of the Holy Spirit in apologetics The most important apologetic topics to understand today Old Testament ethical challenges like God possibly commanding genocide Responding to challenges to the biblical view of sexuality The importance of a proper understanding of faith and science How to begin studying apologetics Tips for having good apologetic conversations ”with gentleness and respect” Resources mentioned during our conversation: Paul Copan’s website  www.PaulCopan.com Paul Copan, True For You But Not For Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith _________, Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God _________, Is God a Vindictive Bully? Reconciling Portraits of God in the Old and New Testaments ________, That’s Just Your Interpretation: Responding to Skeptics Who Challenge Your Faith ________, How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong? Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless ________, When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics Paul Copan, et al., eds., Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science _________, Three Views on Christianity and Science _________, The Apologetics Study Bible Paul Copan, Paul Gould, et al., The Worldview Bulletin newsletter Paul Gould, Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World Jana Harmon, Side B Stories: Atheist conversion to Christianity podcast Ruth Tucker, Walking Away From Faith: Unraveling the Mystery of Belief and Unbelief William Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith website Palm Beach Atlantic University: Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion Reasonable Faith campus ministry

My guest today is Mike Schutt, Executive Director of the Worldview Academy. Mike has been thinking, writing, and consulting on worldview formation for over 30 years, including helping law students bring their worldview into the practice of law. His thoughts on worldview and Law have been published in his Redeeming Law: Christian Calling and the Legal Profession (InterVarsity Press, 2007). In this podcast we discuss: What a worldview is Why it is so important to understand worldviews The benefits of living according to the biblical worldview How Mike discovered the importance of worldviews during college  How worldview issues permeate all university classes Ways Christian students have faltered due to not understanding worldviews (especially related to views of knowledge and truth)  How we are shaped by our culture’s worldview, often without knowing it The main worldviews we should understand Understanding worldview as both ideas and loves The relationship of worldview to our actions, wisdom and flourishing Why Christian students struggle so much with the scientific naturalist worldview How to evaluate worldviews and develop a robust and consistent biblical worldview Three simple questions to evalue any worldview claim made in classes or conversations The relationship between spiritual disciplines and living out the biblical worldview Ways your local church can help you develop your worldview Two questions to ask others in your church (or on campus) to find worldview mentors (and eventually mentor others) Why the Christian worldview is superior to all others Ways students can more fully live out their Christian worldview Changing ways students are interacting with Scripture Resources mentioned during our conversation: Albert Wolters, Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview James Sire, The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog Worldview Academy “How to Watch a Movie, Using Top Gun: Maverick as an Example,” College Faith podcast #23 with Drew Trotter James K. A. Smith, You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit C.S. Lewis, “Meditation in a Toolshed” C.S. Lewis, Transposition and Other Addresses Stand to Reason J.F. Baldwin, The Deadliest Monster: An Introduction to Worldviews J. Mark Bertrand, (Re)thinking Worldview: Learning to Live, Think, and Speak in the World Hearts and Mind Books Ashworth, Becker, et al., A Book for Hearts & Minds: What You Should Read and Why Paul Copan, "The Reasonableness of Faith: Why Students Should Study Apologetics," October 2022 College Faith podcast Nancy Pearcy, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcy, How Now Shall We Live? J.P. Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul Gene Veith, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life Gene Veith, Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution Carl Trueman, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution