The Natasha Crain Podcast

More and more people are talking about Christian persecution in Nigeria, but reports are often conflicting. Some Nigerians--even Nigerian Christians--claim the reports are entirely false. Others claim it's only an ethnic dispute, not a religious one. Some say U.S. leaders are blowing the story out of proportion in order to work our way in and take mineral rights. Still others say it's just a sad story of "bandits" taking advantage of people for financial gain...not anything resembling a Christian-targeted genocide. What's actually going on?In this episode, I sort all of this out with Judd Saul, Executive Director of Equipping the Persecuted. Judd has been on the ground in Nigeria over a period of 10 years and shares his firsthand knowledge of what the reality is. Mentioned in the Show:This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xcmibUjT2s8Equipping the Persecuted site: www.equippingthepersecuted.orgTruth Nigeria: www.truthnigeria.comFollow Judd Saul on X: www.x.com/juddsaulFollow Equipping the Persecuted on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EquippingThePersecuted

There are many competing ideas for how to solve the homelessness crisis in America, and they're often a product of competing worldviews. Today, I'm joined by Bryan Crain (yes, he's my husband!), president of Orange County Rescue Mission, to talk about the homelessness crisis from a biblical worldview and the Trump administration's recent Executive Order on "Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets." If you've ever wondered what can and should be done to help the homeless AND make the streets safer for everyone else, you don't want to miss this episode.MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:My first episode with Bryan: www.natashacrain.com/the-homelessness-crisis-from-a-biblical-perspective-with-bryan-crain/Conversations on a Bench (OCRM): www.rescuemission.org/conversationsConversations on a Bench (all locations): conversationsonabench.org/Orange County Rescue Mission: www.rescuemission.orgCity Gate Network: www.citygatenetwork.orgMy book, Faithfully Different: www.amazon.com/dp/0736984291Michael Shellenberger's book, San Fransicko: www.amazon.com/San-Fransicko-Progressives-Ruin-Cities/dp/0063093626

Bill Federer, a historian and best-selling author, dives deep into the complex history of how Christianity and politics intersected in America. He explains the shift from self-governance in ancient Israel to the monarchy, and how the Reformation reshaped church authority. Federer discusses the Mayflower Compact and its role in civil governance, along with the evolving interpretation of the First Amendment. He highlights the importance of Christian engagement in public life, arguing that silence in the face of ungodliness equates to consent.

Charlie wasn’t killed just because he was a Christian. Charlie was hated and targeted because he was attempting to influence the public square in a way that would shape society according to biblical views that run contrary to the popular moral consensus. As Christians, we need to understand the difference...and why biblical Christianity is, indeed, a public faith. I break it down biblically in this episode.SHOW NOTES1. Read my social media posts from the following week here:On X: https://x.com/Natasha_CrainOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashacrainauthor/ 2. The following are the recommended ways shared by Turning Point USA to support, donate, and get involved:To support the Kirk family, visit: http://givesendgo.com/kirkfamilyTo make a contribution to TPUSA to further Charlie Kirk’s legacy, visit: http://TPUSA.com/donateTo get involved with TPUSA, visit: http://TPUSA.com/getinvolvedTo start a TPUSA chapter at your college or Club America at your high school, visit: http://TPUSA.com/startachapter

In this episode, I read my recent article, "The One Big Beautiful Bill Isn’t as Unchristian as Everyone Seems to Think." You've surely heard progressives (both Christian and nonbelievers) lament how unbiblical and "against the teachings of Jesus" the OBBB is, especially due to its reduction in Medicaid and SNAP benefits. But is it inherently unjust to take away government benefits from those in need? That's the question I address today.MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:Original article source: https://natashacrain.com/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-isnt-as-unchristian-as-everyone-seems-to-think/My latest book, When Culture Hates You: https://www.amazon.com/When-Culture-Hates-You-Persevering/dp/0736984313Article from The Center for Biblical Unity on "8 Things Christians Can Say and Do Concerning the Illegal Immigration and Deportation Situation": https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/post/8-things-christians-can-say-and-do-concerning-the-illegal-immigration-and-deportation-situation

Mental health is a pressing issue today, with nearly 25% of adults affected. Christians must understand why secular therapy can be problematic, often due to differing worldview assumptions. The conversation critiques secular methods and highlights the challenges Christian counselors face, especially regarding legal restrictions on sensitive topics. Additionally, the importance of aligning therapy with biblical principles is emphasized, urging Christians to evaluate their therapeutic choices critically.

Dr. George Barna, a leading researcher at Arizona Christian University, reveals alarming insights into the understanding of biblical Christianity among self-identified Christians. He discusses the troubling gaps in knowledge, especially about core tenets like the Trinity and the nature of God. Barna emphasizes the shift from traditional beliefs to modern individualism and how this affects faith practice. He also introduces a worldview assessment tool designed to help individuals align their beliefs with biblical teachings, highlighting the vital role of meaningful discipleship.

Dr. Len Munsil, President of Arizona Christian University and an advocate for religious freedom, discusses the alarming compromises facing many Christian colleges today. He shares how Arizona Christian University stands firm on biblical values while emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in student faith. Munsil highlights the critical need for educational institutions to uphold biblical teachings amid cultural pressures and offers insights on defending religious freedoms in higher education.

The website and X account protestia.com got ahold of a training video from Andy Stanley's hugely influential North Point Church on how middle school leaders should respond to trans-identifying kids and their families. The video features Britt Kitchen, the middle school ministry director at North Point, effectively encouraging leaders to affirm trans identities (I say effectively because he doesn't explicitly say that, but it's the implication of all he's presenting). In this episode, I play and respond to 6 brief clips from the video. It's a tragic case study of how unbiblical ideas are being pushed from within the church.Watch the original 6-minute video the clips are pulled from here: https://x.com/Protestia/status/1905574394732118425

Today I’m responding to an X post from author and speaker Preston Sprinkle:“My political theology has allowed me to be so hopeful in this political season. I reject the empire, yet submit to it, because Jesus is king. I embrace and celebrate Christ’s multiethnic kingdom and the many ways we are spreading good in the world. Christians should not be captivated by the binary political playing field that’s been handed to us by Babylon.”I evaluate his frequent political claim that Christians are like exiles in Babylon (an analogy that fails greatly) and address why this quote represents an unbiblical view of politics.Get my new book When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Culture-Hates-You-Persevering/dp/0736984313