College Faith

My guest today is Dr. Charles Thaxton, a chemist who is one of the founders of a movement that reframed the debate over evolution and creation. He co-authored The Mystery of Life’s Origin: Reassessing Current Theories, which sparked what has come to be known as the “Intelligent Design” movement in the study of origins. This reframing of the creation/evolution debate has both strong supporters and strong critics. In our conversation we delve into exactly what “ID” is and is not, the data that supports this approach to origins, what critiques are made of this approach, and how he responds to these criticisms. In this podcast we discuss: How he came to co-author The Mystery of Life’s Origin: Reassessing Current Theories How he came to reject the standard chemical explanation of the origin of life (and the experiments that support the standard model, most notably the Miller experiment) How this new view that emerged from his (and other’s) research came to be called “Intelligent Design” (ID) A concise description of ID and “specified complexity” The common scientific methodology between ID and NASA’s search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI) program How discoveries of the DNA code further support the ID thesis The push-back and controversy ID generated among non-Christians The pushback received from some Christians who are “theistic evolutionists” Why he believes all these objections fail How ID differs from “Creationism” The philosophical issues underlying the rejection of ID Why ID is not “religion” or “bringing God into science” Some of the best resources to better understand ID Resources mentioned during our conversation: Charles B. Thaxton, Walter L. Bradley, Roger L. Olson, The Mystery of Life’s Origin: Reassessing Current Theories Thaxton, Bradley, Olsen, Tour, Meyer, Wells, Gonzalez, Miller, The Mystery of Life’s Origin: The Continuing Controversy Stephen C. Mayer, Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design The Discovery Institute Philip E. Johnson, Darwin on Trial Jonathan Wells, Icons of Evolution: Science or Myth? Why Much of What We Teach About Evolution is Wrong *And be sure to read Dr. Thaxton's autobiography A Leg to Stand On, where he shares more of the story!

Today I’m concluding my four-episode series on campus ministries. My guest is Karl Johnson, the Executive Director of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, a unique initiative to minister to students on campuses throughout the U.S. In this podcast we discuss: Karl’s struggle to integrate his faith and studies while at Cornell Why and how Karl established a Christian Study Center at Cornell (Chesterton House) “Residential ministry” as a focus of Chesterton House What Christian study centers are and their core ministry to students Where and how to find a Christian study center The history of Christian Study Centers, going back to L’Abri founded by Francis Schaeffer How study centers specifically serve undergraduate students Christian study center Fellows Programs--a form of “intellectual hospitality” How Christian study centers differ from and compliment other campus ministries The Consortium of Christian Study Centers' shared Statement of Faith (The Apostle’s Creed) How the Consortium thinks about labels such as “conservative,” “progressive, ” and “Evangelical” Christianity Some “heros of the Faith” Christian study centers tend to hold up to students Forms of idolatry Christian students (and their parents) often fail to see while in college How students should understand the relationship between their faith and the university Some examples of how Christian study centers have engaged the university redemptively Resources mentioned during our conversation: Consortium of Christian Study Centers Chesterton House at Cornell University Octet Collaborative at MIT Upper House at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Christian Study Center of Gainesville at the University of Florida Cambridge House Christian Study Center at the College of William and Mary Ligoneer Ministries (an example of a non-university-based Study center) Mark Noll, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind George Marsden, The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship Charles E. Cotherman, To Think Christianly: A History of L’Abri, Regent College, and the Christian Study Center Movement James Davidson Hunter, To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World Veritas Forum Hearts & Minds Bookstore

Dr. Mary Poplin was a self-described “radical progressive Marxist”  professor before coming to faith in Christ by meeting Jesus in a dream. Since then she has worked tirelessly to integrate biblical truth and the field of education as a professor of Education at the Claremont Graduate University. She has also authored numerous books on Christianity and higher education. Here we talk about her most recent book Is Reality Secular? Testing the Assumptions of Four Global Worldviews. In this podcast we discuss: Defining a “worldview”  How she identified the four worldviews and decided to write about them Summarizing the four worldviews: Materialism, Secular Humanism, Pantheism, and the Judeo-Christian worldview Why it is so important for Christians to understand these four worldviews Her journey from a radically secular professor to Christ’s follower Her time volunteering with Mother Theresa, and how this influenced her How God convicted her to begin teaching what is true, integrating biblical truth into her teaching Her assessment of current secular higher education after 40 years as a professor How she had to rethink ideas of “justice” from a biblical perspective  Her struggle to distinguish between Secular Humanism and Christian thought  How Christianity is excluded from higher education Why professors often promote their worldview as the only answer to life’s big questions How her Secular Humanist worldview shaped her thinking about training elementary and secondary school teachers, and how her thinking changed once she became a Christian Advice to students in identifying different worldviews their professors are presenting The best chapters in her book to read for students in the sciences, in the social sciences, the humanities, and the applied sciences How the Judeo-Christian worldview best fosters a flourishing university and society How students can thrive if they have professors promoting other worldviews, and make a difference in the lives of their non-Christian professors How students can find Christian professors like Mary, and the importance of campus fellowships Why going to a “Christian” college doesn’t solve the problem for students Why the university is not really a “marketplace of ideas” Why it sometimes makes sense not to go to college right after high school The historic unity of the university, how it is “dis-integrating” and what can be done about it  Why “getting a job” is not the main reason to go to college Why Critical Theory is the opposite of all the university stands for Resources mentioned during our conversation: Mary Poplin, Is Reality Secular? Testing the Assumptions of Four Global Worldviews Mary Poplin, Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service Works by Steven Smith, University of San Diego School of Law, such as The Rise and Decline of American Religious Freedom, The Disenchantment of Secular Discourse, and Getting over Equality: A Critical Diagnosis of Religious Freedom in America Julie Reuben, The Making of the Modern University: Intellectual Transformation and the Marginalization of Morality Dr. Poplin’s email: mary.poplin@cgu.edu James Sire, The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalogue

In this episode I continue my series on campus ministries. My guest is Ben Nugent, the National Director of the The Navigator’s campus ministry. As a Navigator staff for 21 years, Ben not only brings the perspective of a senior leader of the ministry to our conversation, but many years in Navigator campus ministry himself. He is the best person I know of to help understand how the Navigators minister to university students.  In this podcast we discuss: How Ben first got involved in The Navigators How The Navigators began The number and type of universities where The Navigators serve The Navigators’ Mission The Navigators’ activities on campus designed to fulfill their Mission The Navigators’ ministry distinctives How similar The Navigators’ ministries are campus-to-campus and region-to-region Who is required to affirm The Navigators’ Statement of Faith Where The Navigators fall on the “Conservative to Progressive” continuum “Heros of the Faith” The Navigators hold up to students What The Navigators believe Christian students need to flourish during college The Navigators’ greatest strength and weakness in student ministry How students can take advantage of this strength and compensate for this weakness Whether The Navigators have as set curriculum students go through How The Navigators help students develop a lifelong walk with Christ and ministry The Navigators’ approach to the spiritual disciplines How The Navigators teaches students to be “in the world but not of the world” The Navigators’ approach to “hot button” issues on campus like Critical Race Theory Why “fellowship is always missional” Why students should consider being involved in The Navigators Resources mentioned during our conversation: The Navigators’ website The Navigators’ Statement of Faith Dawson Trotman, Born to Reproduce Dawson Trotman, Dawson Trotman, In His Own Words “Jim Downing: Navigator #6” Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace Jerry Bridges, The Gospel for Real Life The Wheel illustration NavPress Navigators Summer Training Programs

Welcome to another edition of the College Faith podcast, sponsored by Global Scholars. My guest today is Dr. Sean McDowell, Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Sean recently wrote Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture. Since every college student I’ve ever known wonders about and struggles with everything in this books’ title, I’ve invited Sean onto the show to share his wisdom on these issues with you. In this podcast we discuss: Why Sean wrote this book, and how it can help students navigate sexual issues Why there is increasing confusion over sexual issues in our culture The biblical understanding of love, sex, and relationships Sean’s story of flourishing during college and now in his marriage as he applied the biblical sexual ethic The important difference between “freedom from” and “freedom for” in sexuality  How the world would be better if everyone lived out the biblical sexual ethic God’s boundaries as protection and provision Why being in a romantic relationship isn’t the answer to being happy and fulfilled How to avoid and/or resolve conflict over different sexual ethics with your roommate(s) Balancing love and truth when discussing “hot button” issues in sexual ethics (such as transgenderism) and “blowing up the script” The pros and cons of the “Purity Culture” movement Where he sees hope for the future of biblical sexual ethics in both student and cultural flourishing The power of God’s grace for those who have “blown it” in sexual ethics Resources mentioned during our conversation: Sean McDowell, Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture Lisa Michelle, “Surviving Sexual Abuse and Exploitation” on the Think Biblically podcast with Sean McDowell and Scott Rae Lisa Michelle, Unlikely Warrior: A Voice Rising Out of the Darkness of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Joshua Harris, I Kissed Dating Goodbye Rachel Joy Welcher, Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality Rachel Joy Welcher, “What Purity Culture Got Right and Wrong” on the Think Biblically podcast with Sean McDowell and Scott Rae Sean’s website SeanMcdowell.org Sean’s Facebook Sean’s Twitter Sean’s Instagram Sean's TikTok Sean’s YouTube channel Sean and Scott Rae’s podcast Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

This is the second podcast in a series I’m doing on campus ministries. I am interviewing a leader from each, asking them the same questions so that you have an “apples to apples” comparison of the different ministries’ Missions, emphases, distinctives, approaches, and cultures. In this episode I interview a leader with CRU’s campus ministry. He is the first guest I’ve had on the show twice. You first met Roger Hershey when we discussed his book The Finishers on Episode #13. As perhaps the longest-serving staff in CRU’s Campus Ministry (now in his 50th year), I can think of no one better to help us understand CRU’s ministry. Furthermore, Roger is the staff worker who ministered to me during my college years (as well as before and after). Before moving into college ministry he directed CRU’s high school ministry in Cincinnati, which God used to bring me to faith in Christ in 1980. Roger then discipled me during my years at Miami University in the early 80s. Finally, from 1989 to 1992 I had the privilege of serving on Roger’s staff team, and I learned much about leadership from him during those years (I’ve summarized some of what I learned in my article “Three Types of Leaders--Two to Avoid and One to Become”). And even though we haven’t worked together for many years now, I still count him a mentor and dear friend. In this podcast we discuss:  How CRU began CRU’s Mission CRU’s strategy to accomplish this Mission How this strategy is implemented on campus CRUs’ Statement of Faith CRU’s understanding of women in ministry Regional differences in CRU’s ministry on campus Some of the people CRU holds up as role models for students What CRU believes they should offer students through their ministry CRU’s strengths, and how to take advantage of these strengths A unique feature of all CRU conferences   CRU’s weakness, and how to compensate for this weakness How CRU has changed since the ‘70s and 80s related to this weakness, and results of this change The breadth and depth of  CRU’s curriculum taught in small groups How CRU helps students develop lifelong habits to foster growth in Christ Spiirtual disciplines CRU helps students develop Examples of how CRU has shaped students to serve Christ for the rest of their lives How CRU teaches students to be involved in culture  How CRU encourages students to engage the racial tensions prevalent on campus these days (including how CRU undersands and engages Critical Race Theory and the relationship between Social Justice and Biblical justice ) Why students should consider being involved in CRU The challenge of balancing quantity and quality in a CRU campus ministry Resources mentioned during our conversation: CRU.org CRU’s Statement of Faith U.S. Center for World Mission (now Frontier Ventures) Josh McDowell (especially More than a Carpenter and Evidence That Demands a Verdict) Robert Coleman (especially The Master Plan of Evangelism) Norman Geisler (especially I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist) C.S. Lewis William Lane Craig J.P. Moreland Ralph Winters Crawford Loritts James White John Piper Tim Keller Francis Chan Paul Tripp Henry Cloud Richard Niehuhr, Christ and Culture Stan Wallace, “Are You an Artist, a Cheerleader, or a Demolition Engineer? Three Ways Christians Relate to Culture” “CRU Divided Over Emphasis on Race,” Christianity Today, June 3, 2021 “CRU Military Ministry Leader Resigns in Protest of Critical Race Theory,” Capstone Report, August 10, 2021 Stan Wallace, “How Should Christians Understand Critical Theory?” Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice The Jesus Film The Thinking Christianly podcast with J.P. Moreland and Stan Wallace Global Scholars updates

My guest for this episode is Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, professor of Communication at Biola University. His research, writing, speaking, and consulting focuses on how to have healthy and productive conversations with others, from the home to the church to the university to the public square.   Due to his understanding of communication theory, as well as spending many years earning three degrees in public universities, I can think of no one better to help us understand our topic today! In this podcast we discuss:  How the wrong choice of words can easy sabotage communication and relationships Why he began researching how to engage difficult conversations  What a Christian student’s priority in class should be How to earn the right to be heard in class Understanding the insecurities of (especially) teaching assistants and adjunct professors, and how best to build credibility with them The importance of the first thirty seconds when discussing an area of disagreement  Why the stage of the semester makes a huge difference in responding to challenges The two levels of communication: content and relational (tone and respect) The importance of being able to argue the other side of an issue, and “speaking truth in love” The three questions to ask yourself first in order to communicate well and be heard Factors to take into account to determine if and when to speak up The four areas of the “communication climate” essential to having good conversations (including having our perspective heard in class) Times Tim succeeded and failed in applying these principles, and what he learned Applying “treat others as you want to be treated” to relationships and conversations The role of having gratitude and charity toward even those who promote radically anti-Christian views How to use, and not use, email in communicating with professors and fellows students The role of humor, presence, good etiquette, and compliments in building bridges and fostering good conversations A word of encouragement for Christian students at secular universities Resources mentioned during our conversation: G.K. Chesterton Tim Muehlhoff and Richard Langer, Winsome Persuasion: Christian Influence in a Post-Christian World Craig L. Blomberg, Contagious Holiness: Jesus’ Meal with Sinners Tim Muehlhoff, Eyes To See: Recognizing God’s Common Grace in an Unsettled World Other books by Tim Muehlhoff The Winsome Conviction Project (podcast, articles, devotionals) Tim Muehlhoff, “Reclaiming Humor in Uncivil Times” in Christian Scholar’s Review (the example of C.K. Chesterton) Tim Muehlhoff, “How To Have a Difficult Conversation” on YouTube

Welcome to another edition of the College Faith podcast, sponsored by Global Scholars This is the first in a series I’m doing on campus ministries. Over the next six months or so I will be interviewing a leader from each of the major campus ministries, asking them the same questions so that you can have an “apples to apples” comparison of the different ministries’ Missions, emphases, distinctives, approaches, and cultures. I’m beginning this series by interviewing a leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. My guest is Mr. Greg Jao, Executive Vice President--Communications & Mobilization. Greg has over two decades of experience with InterVarsity. He is a former colleague of mine, and I count him as a good friend. In this podcast we discuss: How InterVarsity/USA began, and the sustaining values that resulted The Mission, Purpose, and four Values of InterVarsity The centrality of small group bible studies in InterVarsity chapters InterVarsity’s core distinctives: ethnic diversity, commitment to global missions, and discipleship of the mind Why InterVarsity groups tend to look different regionally and even on the same campus The challenges this differentiation presents, and how InterVarsity responds Why InterVarsity has been forced off a number of campuses in recent years Core elements of InterVarsity’s Statement of Faith, who must affirm it, and why Whether InterVarsity is on the conservative or progressive end of the theological spectrum Some of the “heros of the faith” InterVarsity holds up to students The four things InterVarsity believes students need to flourish during their university years Why InterVarsity puts such emphasis on developing a diverse community InterVarsity’s current strengths and weaknesses InterVarsity’s national strategies to improve on current weaknesses How InterVarsity helps students develop habits to walk with Christ for a lifetime Core spiritual disciplines InterVarsity encourages students to practice Why the “life of the mind” is so important to InterVarsity How students are taught to engage culture with biblical truth How InterVarsity engages racial and justice issues How InterVarsity sees the relationships between biblical justice, “social justice,” and the gospel Why InterVarsity see community as central to their ministry Resources mentioned during our conversation:  Greg Jao, Your Mind’s Mission The Urbana Student Missions Conference InterVarsity/USA’s Website InterVarsity/USA’s Statement of Faith The Emerging Scholars Network Don Everts and Doug Schaupp, I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus James Chong, Real Life: A Christianity Worth Living Out J.I. Packer, Knowing God John White, Daring to Draw Near: People in Prayer Gary Haugen, Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World Stan W. Wallace, “How Should Christians Understand Critical Theory?” A listing of all campus ministries at every university: EveryCampus.com

Welcome to another edition of the College Faith Podcast, sponsored by Global Scholars. My guest today is Roger Hershey, a national traveling speaker and campus ministry consultant with Cru. Roger has ministered to university students for 50 years now, sharing truths and wisdom that has changed the lives of thousands of students. I know this firsthand, because I was one who, now four decades ago, had the privilege of being discipled by Roger while a student at Miami University.  I am thrilled to have Roger on the show and have him share some of his wisdom on this podcast. In this podcast we discuss: What led him and Jason Weimer to write The Finishers Why he believes this generation of students can finish taking the gospel to all people groups How his time in college deepened his vision to be part of fulfilling the Great Commission of Matt. 28:18-20 His challenge to students to reject a posture of entitlement, and their reaction The difference between rights and privileges Breaking free of our “Pea-sized Christianity” and being a “World Christian” Why God often uses students to begin spiritual revivals The Christian Chinese “Back to Jerusalem” movement Defining the “10-40 Window” and why it is important Why understanding the return of Christ should motivate us to be World Christians The role students can play in helping fulfill the Great Commission while still in college The importance of students getting involved in a campus ministry (see https://everycampus.com/ for a list of good campus ministries on your campus)   The three key elements to use when evaluating which campus ministry to join The importance of having the correct understanding of calling and of God’s will Finding one’s “sweet spot”: gifts and strengths, passions, and the needs in the world Seeing our work as having both intrinsic and instrumental value The greatest challenges students face in fulfilling their callings The current confusion between the gospel and social justice, and how this influences students and ministry The cautionary example of the Student Volunteer Movement How the gospel and justice do fit together Why students must understand God’s grace, their identity in Christ, and that God loves them and likes them Living life with an “eternal perspective” Living in light of the Holy Spirit’s leading The centrality of God’s Word and “thinking Christianly” The importance of knowing Christ is the only way to God The three things to look for in a mentor (someone to disciple you)  Resources mentioned during our conversation: Roger Hershey and Jason Weimer, The Finishers The Campus Ministry branch of CRU Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism The U.S. Center for World Missions (Now Frontier Ventures) Greg H. Parsons, Ralph D. Winter: Early Life and Core Missiology Global Scholars David Bryant, In the Gap: What it Means to be a World Christian The Jesus Film Project Wycliffe Bible Translators J.P. Moreland, Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit’s Power Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle: Discovering The Secret of Joyful Giving Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life William Lane Craig on the Problem of Evil Todd Ahren, In This Generation: Looking to the Past to Reach the Present Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice Eric Metaxas, Amazing Grace: William Wiberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery (also a major motion picture) Rob Bell, Love Wins, and response  Roger Hershey’s website, containing his message for students trying to discern God’s call Joshua Project Joshua Project’s Unreached of the Day App Jason Mandryk, Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation

Welcome to another edition of the College Faith podcast, sponsored by Global Scholars. My guest today is Dr. Perry Glanzer, Professor of Education at Baylor University. In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of being an excellent student, which goes far beyond just earning good grades.   Perry earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, and is Baylor’s Professor of Educational Foundations, as well as a Resident Scholar with Baylor’s Institute for Studies in Religion. He has authored, co-authored, or edited a number of important books on the integration of biblical truth and academic studies, including Christianity and Scholarship in Higher Education. In addition, he has published over 75 journal articles and book chapters on topics related to moral education, faith-based higher education, and the relationship between faith and scholarship. Perry is also the current Editor-in-Chief of Christian Scholar’s Review. In this podcast we discuss: Why it is important for Christian students to focus on excellence, rather than rules  How Christian students will benefit by reading his book Identity in Action: Christian Excellence in All of Life What being a good student involves (beyond just getting good grades)Unique challenges Christian students face in being good students The relationship between pursuing excellence and understanding one’s callingWhat steps a student can take to become excellence (beyond just “following the rules”)Learning how to really read--the three levels of readingHow to think well and biblically about the issues discussed in classes and textbooks--”Christian critical thinking”A Case Study: Christian critical thinking and Critical Race TheoryA Case Study: Christian critical thinking and Economic theory How Christian critical thinking is contrary to modern educational philosophy, and how Christian students can swim against this tide  Ways to find mentors among Christian professors in one’s major Why Christian students should consider joining a Christian professional society  Is the cost of college worth it?Perry’s experience teaching in RussiaThe role of our identity in Christ and his grace in the journey toward excellence  Resources mentioned during our conversation: Perry Glanzer, Identity in Action: Christian Excellence in All of LifeMortimer Adler and Charles VanDoren, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent ReadingRon Blue, Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment“How To Get Better Grades and Have More Fun,” College Faith Episode #9 with Dr. Philip BishopChristian Scholar’s ReviewChristian professional societies Christian Scholar’s Review Bibliography on integrating faith and academic disciplinesChristian Scholar’s Review Blog on integrating faith and academic disciplines Mike Metzger, Sequencing: Deciphering Your Company’s DNA (“Ought-Is-Can-Will”)Global Scholars Christian Legal SocietyChristian Medical and Dental AssociationsNurses Christian FellowshipAlasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory