The Alisa Childers Podcast

On today's podcast, I'm publishing the audio from several "short answer" YouTube videos I've published recently. We'll cover Jen Hatmaker's theology of "Judging by the fruit," the true nature of deception, a bad interpretation of "knowledge puffs up," taking the Bible literally, and the political nature of progressive Christianity.

Are some doctrines more important than others? What must someone believe to be saved? What are the beliefs we can agree to disagree about? I discuss these questions and more with the "Theology Mom," Krista Bontrager.

Dave Stovall, a musical director and former member of Audio Adrenaline, shares his compelling journey from progressive Christianity back to historic beliefs. Joined by Bobby Harrington, a lead pastor focused on disciple-making, they dive into the nuances of faith deconstruction and the significance of intentional discipleship. The discussion emphasizes the need for honest dialogue and authentic relationships in navigating spiritual uncertainties. They also explore how social media impacts faith and the critical role of prayer in times of doubt.

New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman has popularized the idea that early Christianity was very diverse in its definition of the gospel, and it was simply the winners of theological debates that got to decide orthodoxy. In this episode, New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger joins me to discuss this idea, and why he and many other scholars disagree with the Bauer/Ehrman thesis. 

Erwin Lutzer, the former senior pastor of Moody Bible Church and a renowned Bible expositor, joins to discuss how Christians can navigate a culture of outrage while staying true to their faith. He explores the impact of societal pressures on Christian values, critiques the influence of Marxism, and cautions against government overreach. Lutzer draws parallels between historical manipulation of freedom and today's challenges, emphasizing the importance of courage and hope in proclaiming biblical truths. He inspires listeners to stand firm amidst cultural hostility.

How should Christians approach the topic of social justice? How can we confront injustice in our culture without compromising biblical truth or adopting unhealthy solutions? Thaddeus Williams joins us to talk about his new book, and take questions from the Alisa Childers Book Club. Join us!

My dad has had truly one of the most interesting lives. As a successful studio singer in Los Angeles as a young adult, rubbing elbows with The Beach Boys, to becoming a hippie living in Hawaii, he encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ at a little country church after searching for God through Eastern Mysticism, LSD, and popular philosophies of the '60s.

In today's podcast we talk about several different questions. Is My Favorite teacher a Progressive Christian? What are some signs to look for? What is the Progressive Christian gospel, and is it really good news? Why did Jesus come when he did? Is social justice biblical justice? I am joined by J. Warner Wallace, Thaddeus Williams, and Sean McDowell to answer some of these difficult questions.

Many people report bad church experiences as one of the reasons they walk away from the faith. Jon McCray joins me to talk about his bad church experience, and how that almost led him into progressive Christianity.

In an online environment where deconstruction stories from contemporary Christian music artists seem to be the norm, Dave Stovall, of the Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline, shares his story of deconstruction into progressive Christianity and back to a historic faith. Dave's unusual story of meeting a local pastor who discipled him out of deconstruction will encourage you in your faith!