The Alisa Childers Podcast

In this discussion, Jonathan Morrow, an expert on parenting in the digital age, shares vital insights for parents navigating their children's social media usage. He emphasizes the need for introspection before granting access, highlighting critical questions about motivation and safety. Morrow shares personal anecdotes from parents grappling with screen addiction and the impact on childhood development. He offers practical strategies to promote responsible behavior, resilience, and emotional well-being in kids growing up in a tech-saturated world.

Dr. Paul Copan, a theology expert, joins to explore the intriguing overlap between progressive Christianity and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). He critiques progressive Christianity’s dilution of biblical authority and contrasts it with NAR's focus on the miraculous and prosperity. The discussion unpacks how both movements interpret Scripture through potentially flawed lenses, emphasizing the need for a Christ-centered approach. They also delve into the complexities of God's nature, including mercy and justice, while calling for a return to traditional biblical teachings.

This discussion dives into the deep divides of complementarianism versus egalitarianism in Christian circles. It scrutinizes whether women should hold pastor roles and the implications of their teaching gifts. The complexities of gender roles in church and family are laid bare, exploring scriptural interpretations and the debate on women's leadership. Challenges faced by young women aspiring to teach are also addressed, focusing on personal growth and aligning with church beliefs while valuing their contributions.

Bec Andrew, a brave advocate for faith in the midst of adversity, shares her journey of living with debilitating illness and chronic pain. She opens up about how her struggles shaped her theological beliefs and led her to a deeper understanding of Scripture. The conversation touches on the theology of suffering, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of prayer. Bec encourages listeners to find purpose in their pain and maintain hope, revealing the profound insights gained from her faith journey.

Doreen Virtue, a former top-selling New Age author turned Christian, joins the discussion on the unsettling rise of necromancy in modern churches. She shares her transformative journey from practicing tarot and mediumship to renouncing these practices for biblical truth. The conversation highlights the emotional and theological dangers of communicating with the deceased, urging a critical reassessment of spiritual practices. Virtue warns against misleading teachings that may creep into the church, stressing the importance of discernment and grounding faith in scripture.

Jesse and Kali Westwood share their gripping journey of leaving Bethel church culture. Jesse, a former worship leader at Bethel, and Kali, who faced immense grief after her brother's tragic death, delve into the emotional fallout from their experiences. They discuss the challenges of deconstructing faith, the complexities of miracles, and the pressure of charismatic beliefs. Through personal stories, they advocate for a biblically grounded approach to spirituality, emphasizing critical thinking and authentic grieving processes as essential for reconstructing faith.

Guests Andrew and Kalley Heiligenthal share their heart-wrenching experience after the loss of their daughter Olive and their quest for her resurrection, sparking a worldwide conversation. Tyler Johnson, a Bethel alum, discusses his controversial book on raising the dead, which claims miraculous potential for all Christians. They examine the implications of hyper-charismatic teachings, the importance of grounding faith in biblical truth, and the necessity of discerning God's character in worship. This thought-provoking dialogue challenges traditional interpretations of miracles and divine power.

Listeners grapple with the challenge of persistent attractions that conflict with their faith. The discussion offers biblical insights to navigate habitual sin. Modern deconstruction is contrasted with ancient perspectives, highlighting the shift from objective truths to subjective morality. The impact of social media on belief systems is examined, emphasizing the importance of courage in faith amidst cultural pressures. Ultimately, the conversation fosters a deeper understanding of personal accountability and the complexities of human-divine relationships.

Gary VanRiper, a dedicated pastor and advocate for children's welfare, dives deep into the alarming presence of graphic content in public schools. He shares his successful journey of removing over 150 unsuitable books, demonstrating that community involvement is crucial. VanRiper highlights the emotional impact on families and encourages proactive engagement with school boards. He provides practical steps for others to take action, emphasizing the need for responsible content curation in education and fostering biblical worldviews among children.

Megan Basham, author of "Shepherds for Sale," critiques evangelical leaders for abandoning the truth for leftist agendas, sparking fierce debate. She addresses backlash from those challenging her findings. Frank Turek joins to discuss the implications of progressive theology on church leadership and the ethical repercussions of climate policies on impoverished nations. They delve into the ideological divides within evangelicalism, analyzing the complex legacy of figures like Francis Collins during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and respectful dialogue in the Christian community.