All Rise with Abdu Murray

In this episode, Abdu Murray and Derek Caldwell address two important questions submitted by viewers—one about the origins of Christian belief, and one about sharing the Christian faith with people from different backgrounds. 1. "Is Jesus just a copy of Zoroaster?" We examine the popular claim that Christianity borrowed its key ideas from ancient Zoroastrianism. Did concepts like judgment, resurrection, or a final savior come from Persian religion? We walk through what the historical evidence actually shows and let the scholars speak. 2. "How should we engage people who are more difficult to reach, such as Jews, Muslims, or others who approach faith differently?" We talk about how to have meaningful conversations with people from various worldviews, and how to help your children prepare for the beliefs they will encounter. In this episode, we mentioned several resources. Here are a few in order of their mention: -Derek's blog on the Old and New Testaments and Zoroastrianism: https://embracethetruth.org/blog/was-jesus-just-a-zoroastrian-knockoff/ -Edwin Yamauchi's book, Persia and the Bible (Baker, 1996) -Abdu's conversation with Jewish convert David Shapiro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzcUHwFu3Dk -Mama Bear Apologetics: https://mamabearapologetics.com/ -Cameron and Stuart McAllister's book, Faith that Lasts (IVP, 2021) -The Museum of Created Beauty: https://museumofcreatedbeauty.org/ -Xandra Grieme and Ken Boa's Created Beauty series of books (check out Nebulae here: https://a.co/d/2umJIGs). 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

In this new series, Abdu Murray and Derek Caldwell tackle your toughest—and sometimes bluntest—questions about Christianity, Islam, theology, philosophy, and culture. In today's episode, we address two big viewer questions: 1. "What does it mean when Christians say evil is a 'negation of the good'? Doesn't that minimize real evil?" We unpack the classical Christian understanding of evil—not as something trivial or imaginary, but as a profound distortion of the good—and explain why this view actually amplifies the seriousness of evil rather than diminishing it. 2. "You said most Muslims don't read the Qur'an. That's wrong! Over 3 million Muslims have memorized it, and its early transmission proves perfect preservation!" We respond to this challenge by clarifying what we meant, examining the difference between recitation and comprehension, and discussing what the historical data about the Qur'an's compilation and textual variants really shows. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

In this live university Q&A at Western Michigan University, Abdu Murray engages students in a wide-ranging conversation about belief, doubt, and truth. From cultural identity and politics to science and the soul, Abdu explores whether faith is a leap or a response to something real. Students press him on everything from the "women be silent" passage to the Trinity, from moral questions to science and DNA. Drawing from his journey from Islam to Christianity, Abdu shows how truth isn't just an idea to defend—it's a reality that changes how we see the world and one another. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

In this live audience Q&A at Northend Church, Abdu Murray joins Pastor Mike Sherbino to tackle some of the hardest questions people ask about God, evil, and faith. From the problem of suffering to the reach of grace, from apathy and doubt to conversations with Muslims and Hindus, this open forum explores what it means to trust God when the world feels broken. Abdu also shares from his own journey from Islam to Christianity, and how the hope of Christ transforms not only how we think, but how we see others. Abdu has been a regular guest on Mike Sherbino's "The Perspective with Mike Sherbino." Check out the latest episodes with Abdu here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTZuuZfzG-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFFsGxW6osI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VflIrnm8mN8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9q806h5SCY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87XvD4EgfoM 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

David Shapiro, a former Orthodox Jew turned Christian apologist and host of the Boundless Bible Podcast, shares his fascinating journey from faith to atheism and back to Christianity. He discusses the impact of personal trauma on his beliefs and the pivotal moment that led him to explore Christianity. David dives into the role of the Torah for Christians and analyzes the book of Job, touching on suffering and spiritual growth. He encourages Jewish listeners to read the entire Bible, highlighting prophetic connections between the Old Testament and Jesus.

What do you say when someone asks, "If God is so loving, why do people end up in hell?" In this special Q&A at Times Square Church in New York City, Abdu Murray tackled some of the hardest questions about faith, truth, and the hope found in Christ. From challenges about the Bible's trustworthiness to how Christians can minister to friends in the LGBTQ community, these questions cut to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus in today's culture. Thanks to the efforts of Times Square Church, this evening brought together hundreds of seekers and believers for an honest, unfiltered dialogue. Other questions asked in this episode include: Why trust an old book like the bible? How do we minister to our LGBTQ friends? What's the big difference between Islam and Christianity? Outside of eyewitnesses, what evidence is there for the resurrection? Who were the Nephilim? And more! 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

In this episode of All Rise, we are bringing you a wide-ranging dialogue between Abdu Murray (a former Muslim who is now a Christian) and Fred Stella (a former Catholic who is now Hindu) on life's deepest questions. How did the universe come to be? Why is there evil and suffering? What happens after death—and what role do reincarnation and karma play? Together, in front of a packed audience at Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois, they engage candidly on the Hindu and Christian views of creation, the problem of suffering, the caste system, and the hope of the afterlife. With honesty and respect, this conversation highlights where these two great worldviews differ, but also where they challenge us to think more deeply about truth, justice, and ultimate meaning. Whether you come from a Hindu background, a Christian background, or are simply seeking answers to life's biggest questions, this dialogue will give you fresh insight into how faith traditions wrestle with what it means to be human. This event also includes audience Q&A. Fred Stella is ordained as an Outreach Minister by his local Hindu temple. He also serves as a member of the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group based in Washington, DC, and is an in-demand voice actor. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

In this episode of All Rise, Kyla Gillespie joins us to explore the deeper theological debates surrounding gender and Scripture. Some voices argue that the Bible supports transgender identities—but what do those arguments really say? And how should we think about them in light of creation, redemption, and identity in Christ? With clarity and compassion, Kyla and our hosts explore what Scripture really teaches about gender, creation, and identity in Christ. Far from being a message of exclusion, the Bible offers a vision of wholeness, truth, and redemption that speaks to every human heart. Whether you're wrestling with questions yourself or engaging with friends who are, this conversation will help you see both the strength of the biblical witness and the hope it offers. You can keep up with Kyla and her ministry, Renewed & Transformed, at https://kylagillespie.com/. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

What happens when the identity you built your life around suddenly collapses—and Christ steps in to rebuild it? Kyla Gillespie is a survivor. In this episode of All Rise, we sit down with Kyla, a woman who once identified as transgender but ultimately found truth, freedom, and a new identity in Jesus Christ. Kyla shares her raw and powerful story, not as a political argument, but as a deeply personal journey through pain, searching, and redemption. With honesty and grace, she unpacks what drew her into a false identity, what shattered her illusions, and how God patiently led her back to the truth of who she really is. Her story challenges cultural assumptions around gender, identity, and authenticity. And even more so, it points to the healing love of Christ that meets us when we've come to the end of ourselves. #Identity #Gender #sexuality #Christianity #JesusTransforms You can keep up with Kyla and her ministry, Renewed & Transformed, at https://kylagillespie.com/. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

Was the Scopes "Monkey Trial" ever really about science—or was it a staged showdown with a hidden agenda? In this episode of All Rise, we talk to Dr. Rick Townsend, a historian of ideas whose groundbreaking dissertation uncovers the real story behind one of the most famous courtroom dramas in American history: the 1925 Scopes Trial. For a century, we've been told it was the moment science defeated religion. But what if the real battle wasn't evolution vs. creation—but parental rights vs. elite control? Dr. Townsend walks us through how the trial was orchestrated, how William Jennings Bryan became a media caricature, and how a false narrative took root that still shapes educational debates today. We also explore Mahmoud v. Taylor, a 2025 Supreme Court decision that echoes the same themes 100 years later. Are we still fighting the same battle—just with different labels? Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or just someone tired of being told a one-sided version of history, this episode will change the way you think about the "Monkey Trial"—and what's really at stake in the classroom. Dr. Rick Townsend's PhD Dissertation, "Reconsidering Bryan: William Jennings Bryan's Advocacy of Causes Using Rights-Based Arguments," can be accessed at https://utd-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/3aa73f5e-5985-4a20-8a04-7131c391dffb/content. Dr. Townsend's recent article in Salvo Magazine, "Still Unrefuted," about the anti-evolution arguments of William Jennings Bryan: https://salvomag.com/article/salvo73/still-unrefuted. Salvo Magazine's most recent issue, which includes Dr. Townsend's articles along with several others', can be accessed here: https://salvomag.com/issue/current (note that this link will only go to the correct issue while it is the "current" issue. For future reference, this is issue #73 from Summer 2025). You can keep up with Dr. Townsend through his LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/in/rick-townsend-271b2920. 🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/. Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.