Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Robby Lashua, the former Outposts Director at Stand to Reason and soon-to-be lead pastor, joins the discussion with insights on gratitude and the significance of saying 'thank you.' The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they tackle the controversial question of how God can be viewed as pro-life while also enacting violence in biblical narratives. Lashua shares reflections on leadership transitions and the value of community in faith, all while emphasizing the importance of deeper understanding and interpretation.

Explore the controversy surrounding the 'He Gets Us' campaign and its portrayal of Jesus, including critiques of sensitive themes like abortion. Delve into the theological insights of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and its impact on human choice. Unpack the nature of Job as a poetic narrative rather than a historical account, and ponder whether God experiences pain watching creation suffer in Hell. The discussion wraps up with thoughts on God's goodness and the philosophical implications of divine self-exaltation.

Engaging in online discussions can feel daunting, especially when balancing reasoning with persistence. The show tackles the concept of entropy as possible evidence for the universe's beginning, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony when challenged. Practical tips for making conversation less awkward during evangelism are shared, along with a powerful question to challenge views on unborn life. Personal anecdotes enhance the understanding of navigating faith conversations in today's cultural landscape.

The discussion dives into the complex nature of Jesus being both God and man, tackling how this duality works. It explores whether disordered desires equate to sin and examines the influence of Satan on thoughts. The podcast also clarifies the baptism of the Holy Spirit, indicating that it's not just about laying on hands. Lastly, it addresses the implications of John 16:13, considering the disagreements among apostles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in today’s interpretation of truth.

Craig Hazen, Chief Strategy Officer of Stand to Reason and founder of Biola's master's program in Christian apologetics, joins the conversation. He dives into the intriguing question of divine guidance in our lives. Does a lack of special instructions from God imply indifference on His part? The discussion critiques traditional beliefs about God's whispers and emphasizes a reliance on Scripture for decision-making. Hazen also highlights the importance of mentorship in apologetics and invites audience participation in upcoming youth events.

In this conversation, Sean McDowell, an Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of cancel culture. He emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication and understanding personal biases when discussing contentious issues. Sean also advocates for steelmanning opponents' arguments for more productive dialogue. The discussion includes how to approach sensitive topics like sexuality with grace and the need for charitable engagement in debates, fostering meaningful conversations despite differences.

Join Jonathan Keller, President and CEO of the California Family Council, as he dives into the contentious Proposition 3, which addresses marriage equality in California. Keller raises concerns about the vague legal language that could redefine marriage and impact individual rights. He discusses the implications for minors and the potential recognition of polyamorous families, warning of long-term societal consequences. The conversation also emphasizes the moral responsibility of Christians to engage in voting, advocating for informed choices that align with foundational values.

Explore how trauma survivors can find healing by viewing their experiences through a biblical lens. Delve into the complexities of tithing and the importance of balancing support for the church with family needs. Discover how God's love is described in personal, individual terms rather than generalizations. Finally, navigate the nuances of communication, particularly in sign language, highlighting the importance of understanding intent and context in conveying faith.

The discussion sparks intrigue as it examines claims linking abortion bans to rising infant mortality rates, critiquing media narratives. The conversation transitions to the teleological argument, questioning if conceding low probabilities undermines intentional creation. Engaging with callers, the host tackles the challenge of convincing a former Jehovah’s Witness about Jesus' uncreated nature, navigating theological complexities with care. Each topic invites reflection on ethics, faith, and the intersection of science and belief.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about whether the A-theory and B-theory of time is a false dichotomy, particularly in relation to God's nature. Explore why Jesus had to suffer before his death and uncover the biblical basis for atonement. The complexities of gender dysphoria are examined, comparing its societal acceptance to issues like anorexia. Finally, the podcast challenges listeners to consider how to verify their faith objectively, ensuring they haven't fallen into self-delusion.