The Natasha Crain Podcast

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

Sean and I discuss some fascinating subjects from a new book he edited called Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture: A Biblical and Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking about God. Sean is a professor of Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is the author, editor, or co-author of more than 20 books and has one of the top apologetics YouTube channels. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736989277/Sean's website: https://seanmcdowell.org/Get Unshaken Conference Tickets: https://unshakenconference.com/

In today’s episode, I talk with Melissa Dougherty about her groundbreaking new book, Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World. As I said in my endorsement of the book, "Happy Lies is the most important book that Christians don't know they need. Melissa connects dots that give readers a wealth of aha moments and provides invaluable insights that bring clarity to some of the most pervasive errors in the church. As a bonus, she does it all in a writing style that makes it fun and engaging to read."Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Lies-Movement-Probably-Self-Obsessed/dp/0310368863Subscribe to Melissa's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDougherty

My new book, When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square, is out TODAY! In this brief episode, I tell you a bit about the book and answer the question some are asking: Does the culture actually hate Christians?GET YOUR COPY TODAY!Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Culture-Hates-You-Persevering/dp/0736984313ChristianBook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/culture-persevering-christians-hostile-public-square/9780736984317/pd/984311?event=BRSRCG|PSEN

Today I’m addressing the following tweet from someone who is troubled by Christians and others who are concerned about public policy related to transgender issues: “For all those who are terrified of trans people and believe this is more important than any other issue, can you please let me know just once when a trans person harmed you? One personal, specific story please.”

Welcome to my first quick response episode, in which I respond briefly to popular claims I see online that sound good and draw in a lot of Christians, but fail from a biblical and/or logical perspective.Today, I respond to a Tweet from Rev. Benjamin Cremer, a progressive Christian on X who has quickly been gaining influence with a lot of people. Here’s the post:“Dear Christian, If your religion is really about 'saving souls' then you wouldn’t demand for it to be legislated. Because making someone follow your religion by force of law against their will is an extremely effective way to ensure they reject your God in their hearts."Before you listen, see if you can identify three types of errors: logical, civic, and biblical.

Today I’m talking with my good friends from the Center for Biblical Unity, Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager, about their new book, Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism. Ever since 2020, there have been all kinds of discussions about race in the church, and unfortunately a lot of those discussions have included some very unbiblical ways of thinking. I’m so grateful that Krista and Monique have written this excellent and accessible book that counteracts culture's problematic ideas. In this conversation, we cover all kinds of topics, like:What is the difference between anti-racism, racial reconciliation, and biblical unity?Should the church see disparities between races as evidence of racism?Why haven’t churches been better at biblical discernment with respect to identifying unbiblical ideas about race and racism?How much should the church be addressing racial justice? Is it mostly a “progressive” issue?Is a “colorblind” approach the best solution? Should all churches be multiethnic?And much more.Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Unity-Biblical-Answers-Questions/dp/0736990895Learn more about the Center for Biblical Unity here: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/

Today I talk with Seth Gruber about his new documentary that exposes the "hidden history of the secular moral revolution and the architects of our current culture of death." Seth's documentary and corresponding book are called The 1916 Project and reveal the long, devastating trajectory of how we got to where we are today as a culture that celebrates the choice to kill preborn babies. The film and book are both amazing, and I highly recommend them.Seth and I also discuss the importance of Christians voting in this election and why, even with Trump's weakened stance on abortion, there's no moral equivalence between his and Harris's platforms. You can watch The 1916 Project documentary for FREE now until the election on X! Go here: https://x.com/1916projectfilmLearn more about The 1916 Project and how you can screen it at your church: https://the1916project.com/Get The 1916 Project book: https://www.amazon.com/1916-Project-Lyin-Witch-Were/dp/B0D79VN7VMConnect with Seth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sethdgruber/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sgruber91Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethgruberofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SethGruberShow

What is the state of Christian colleges today? Is a Christian college education worth the money? How should parents evaluate a given Christian college to determine if it’s biblically sound? What are some signs that a school is going progressive? These are just a few of the questions I discuss with my guest today, Dr. Everett Piper. Dr. Piper was president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University for 17 years, during which time he led his school from relative obscurity to a position of national recognition and influence. He presently serves as a contributing columnist for The Washington Times and his commentary on religion, education, leadership and politics is featured in local and national media outlets coast to coast. Dr. Piper is also the author of the national best-selling book, Not a Daycare: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth.Website: dreverettpiper.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/dreverettpiper

J. Warner Wallace, a cold-case homicide detective and best-selling author, dives into unique insights on life from his experiences investigating death. He discusses how relationship choices shape life trajectories, emphasizing intentionality in partnerships. Wallace also explores finding meaning in suffering and the importance of personal growth through trauma. Additionally, he highlights the balance between compassion and wisdom in helping others, along with the transformative role of prison ministry in fostering faith and change.