The Alisa Childers Podcast

Megan Basham, an investigative journalist and author of "Shepherds for Sale," discusses the backlash she faced from evangelical institutions after revealing their ideological shifts. She highlights six manipulative tactics used to silence critics, including prediscreditation and emotional outrage. Megan also shares her personal battle with stage 3 colon cancer and reflects on the fight for truth in the face of institutional pressure. Her courage and insights encourage listeners to stand firm and engage thoughtfully, despite potential backlash.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jesse Westwood, founder of the Faith Reframed channel and former NAR participant, discusses the complexities of Christian political engagement. He shares insights from his Anabaptist two-kingdom perspective while debating the implications of Christian nationalism and the dangers of dominionism. The duo also explores the relationship between gospel-centered influence and political action, emphasizing the need for careful engagement to preserve biblical truths and avoid cultural compromise.

John Cooper, lead singer of the rock band Skillet and author of "Wimpy, Weak, and Woke," dives deep into third-wayism and its influence on Christianity. He passionately argues against the idea of neutrality in the face of societal challenges, especially concerning the value of Western civilization. The duo discusses how political displays infiltrate memorials, the implications of standpoint epistemology, and the critiques of Christianity tied to whiteness. Cooper also challenges the concept of moral equivalence in political discourse, urging Christians to engage actively rather than remain silent.

Dr. Everett Piper, former president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and host of The Rebellion podcast, dives deep into the concerning trends in Christian higher education. He discusses how subtle shifts in college rhetoric can lead to a cultural contagion within the church, particularly regarding faith deconstruction and identity issues. Piper critiques the problematic language surrounding gender and sexuality found in institutions like Biola University, calling for vigilance and thorough research by parents when choosing colleges for their children.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Christian apologist Frank Turek dives into the nuances of faith and politics. He explains why political engagement isn't the same as a social gospel and the importance of Christians staying active rather than retreating into neutrality. Frank also touches on his new children's book focused on responsibility and reflects on his personal grief following Charlie Kirk's tragic death. With insights on moral law and government roles, he challenges pastors to speak boldly on pressing issues.

Jon Root, a former contributor at TPUSA Faith, joins the discussion to tackle pressing issues in the church. He highlights the dangers of both '3rd wayism'—which promotes political silence—and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), known for its unbiblical teachings and political ambitions. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of engaging civically while remaining doctrinally grounded, urging Christians to discern truth from error. Jon shares his own journey of leaving TPUSA and the importance of accountability in church leadership.

Ty Jones, a Christian apologist and content creator, delves into the contentious topic of Greek life and its historical ties to Freemasonry. He unveils the rituals and structures of these organizations, raising questions about their compatibility with Christian beliefs. Ty provides crucial advice for students and parents, emphasizing the importance of evaluating spiritual implications, recognizing red flags like secret vows, and understanding the risks of hazing. The conversation melds historical insight and practical wisdom, guiding those considering Greek life.

Reflecting on the Charlie Kirk Memorial, the conversation delves into the bold proclamation of the gospel witnessed at the event. There’s a mix of strong and troubling theology, highlighting the challenges of church silence on critical cultural issues. Alisa shares her thoughts on worship music and the complexities surrounding it. She observes signs of a genuine revival, emphasizing the need for discernment in the face of mixed motives among attendees. Changes to her event participation policy reveal a desire to engage thoughtfully in future discussions.

BJ Mauser, a seminary professor and Dean at Southern Evangelical Seminary, joins the discussion to unravel the intricacies of biblical interpretation. He explains hermeneutics as both an art and a science, highlighting the importance of context in understanding Scripture. The conversation navigates how to discern between descriptive and prescriptive texts and examines the significance of different genres in the Bible. Mauser also offers practical tips for studying the Bible effectively, warning against common reading mistakes that can lead to misinterpretation.

The host reflects on the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, sharing personal insights and urging an eternal perspective amidst sorrow. They delve into the responses from the left, illuminating the ideological battles we face. Conspiracy theories are debunked, including false claims surrounding the incident. The discussion shifts to encouraging courageous conversations on faith and cultural issues while advocating for doctrinal integrity and women's empowerment in faith. Discernment is emphasized, particularly regarding the New Apostolic Reformation.