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Stand to Reason
Stand to Reason’s Greg Koukl and Amy Hall answer questions on ethics, theology, apologetics, and culture from a Christian perspective. Submit your questions on Twitter using the hashtag #STRask.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2024 • 34min
How Would One Argue That a Particular Truth Is Self-Evident?
Dive into a fascinating discourse on self-evident truths and their role in moral reasoning. Explore the balance between personal liberty and the responsibility to obey governing authorities, rooted in biblical principles. The conversation navigates the Founding Fathers' justification for our rights to liberty and happiness. Unpack the tension between intuitive moral truths and historical contexts, all while examining the limits imposed by the Constitution on government power and individual freedoms.

Sep 30, 2024 • 20min
Does the Bible Explicitly Forbid Premarital Sex?
The discussion dives into whether the Bible explicitly forbids premarital sex. It analyzes pivotal passages, challenging common beliefs and emphasizing the moral weight of fornication. The sensual themes in the Song of Solomon are dissected, contrasting historic and modern interpretations. Listeners gain insights on the divine nature of marriage and its role in guiding sexual ethics, sparking a thought-provoking dialogue about intimacy in committed relationships.

Sep 26, 2024 • 21min
Do We Always Need to Make the Case that Christian Morality Is the Best Way to Live?
The podcast dives into the intriguing idea that God's moral requirements might simply reflect loyalty rather than being the best way to live. It questions the doctrine of unforgivable sins and how it aligns with the belief that all sins can be forgiven. The conversation also tackles Mark Twain's poignant query about the morality of praying for Satan, sparking a deeper reflection on grace and redemption. Overall, the discussion blends theology with everyday implications for believers.

Sep 23, 2024 • 22min
How Can I Help Someone Move Away from the Fact-Value Split?
Dive into the nuanced interplay between belief and fact, especially regarding religion and science. Discover how historical knowledge and personal beliefs intertwine, using Jesus' existence as a case study. Explore the quest for verifiable evidence in existential debates, and challenge the demand for strict standards of proof. Reflect on the philosophical implications of verification and the balance between personal experiences and scientific validation. Engage in a thoughtful dialogue that bridges objective facts and subjective beliefs.

Sep 19, 2024 • 21min
What Do I Tell a Child Who Feels Guilty for Not Wanting to Read the Bible?
Explore how to guide a child feeling guilty for not wanting to read the Bible. Discover the historical context of the King James version and its predecessors. Delve into the idea that reading the Bible can foster spiritual growth, despite its initial challenges. Learn creative strategies to inspire a genuine love for scripture and the importance of gradual exposure to diverse stories. Engage with insightful analogies that illustrate the journey of perseverance, much like mastering a musical instrument.

Sep 16, 2024 • 21min
What Would You Say in a High School Graduation Speech?
Questions about what we would say in a high school graduation speech if given the opportunity, how to talk to talk about eternity with a six-year-old who is disturbed by the thought of Heaven never ending, and where Jesus is now if he has a body.
If you had the opportunity to give the high school graduation speech, what would you say?
How should I talk to my six-year-old about eternity when she struggles with the thought of it never ending and says she wishes she would have never been born so she didn’t have to live in Heaven forever?
If Jesus has a body, where is he?

Sep 12, 2024 • 23min
If Holy People Are So Interested in Politics, Shouldn’t Churches Be Taxed?
The debate over taxing churches sparks heated discussion, questioning their political engagement and societal responsibilities. Historical shifts in conservative Christian views on slavery and women's suffrage highlight past misjudgments, raising concerns about future stances on LGBTQ+ rights. The podcast explores the delicate balance between faith and politics, emphasizing the need for fairness in taxation and a deeper understanding of moral evolution. It also tackles the role of religious institutions in community support and their influence on social justice movements.

Sep 9, 2024 • 24min
Why Think the Evidence for the Resurrection Is Strong if Saul Wasn’t Convinced by It?
The discussion delves into why Saul and many first-century Jews found the evidence for Jesus' resurrection unconvincing, exploring psychological influences and societal pressures. It questions why Jesus focused on the Jewish people for His mission, tracing historical and covenantal foundations. The growth of the early church in a skeptical environment showcases the complexities of belief against strong evidence. The podcast also connects biblical figures from Abraham to Jesus, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through history.

Sep 5, 2024 • 21min
Where Did the Essence God Is Composed of Come From?
The discussion explores the philosophical questions surrounding the essence of God. Delve into whether God could choose not to exist and what that means for His nature. Arguments about God's self-existence challenge the idea of Him being composed of parts. Dive into the complexities of convincing non-believers of God's relevance, especially if He seems undetectable and non-interventionist. The dialogue emphasizes the transformative power of a personal relationship with God and His active role in believers' lives.

Sep 2, 2024 • 26min
Isn’t It Better to Do Good for Goodness’ Sake?
The discussion centers on the idea of doing good for its own sake, emphasizing intrinsic moral development over external rewards. It delves into transforming children's understanding of morality from fear of judgment to seeing God as a loving figure. Engaging with doubts about God's character due to perceived violence in the Old Testament, the conversation explores deeper moral concerns. The relationship between justice, love, and divine wrath is examined, alongside the unique character of Jesus, shedding light on His perfect nature compared to other historical figures.