Mama Bear Apologetics

Professor Nancy Pearcey, renowned author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity," joins us in this enlightening episode of Mama Bear Apologetics to tackle the complex issues surrounding masculinity, Christianity, and culture at large. We discuss the cultural assault on masculinity and how the church can counteract these negative narratives, providing a balanced view that uplifts men rather than tearing them down. Nancy offers valuable insights, supported by sociological data, that demonstrate how evangelical men who are deeply committed to their faith actually excel as husbands and fathers.We journey through the historical transformations in perceptions of masculinity, from family-centric values to the career-driven ambitions influenced by Darwinian evolution and social Darwinism. Highlighting the troubling narratives from influencers like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, we emphasize the urgency for the church to present a positive and healthy view of masculinity. These secular scripts, often equating manhood with promiscuity and primal behavior, are infiltrating even Christian educational environments, creating conflicting messages for young men about strength and character. We also explore the significant role of fatherhood in nurturing healthy masculinity. This episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and supporting the role of men in the family and the church.Main Points CoveredWhere does the war on masculinity stem from?Is there a difference in “toxic masculinity” between evangelical and non-evangelical men?How the Industrial Revolution changed what the expectation of men in the home was.The difference between a real man and a good man.What does it mean to be a man?People and Resources MentionedNancy Pearcey - Author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity" and "Total Truth."Brad Wilcox - Sociologist at the University of Virginia, cited for his research on evangelical men and family dynamics. Washington Post Article "Why Can't We Hate Men?"The Moral Animal by Robert WrightUnfamiliar VocabularySocial Darwinism: The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection and plants and animals.Andrew Tate: An American-British social media personality, whose views are often seen as mysoginistic and controversial.The Cultural Mandate: Be fruitful and multiply and subdue the Earth.

Exploring the impact of Taylor Swift's music on children's worldviews and emotional landscapes. Debunking myths about music's influence, discussing psychological and spiritual battlegrounds. Examining the fine line between admiration and idolization of celebrities. Encouraging discernment in navigating the influences in children's playlists.

SummaryMy heart swells with gratitude when I recall the gentle whispers of wisdom my own mother shared with me, shaping my spiritual path. This Mother's Day, join us as we celebrate the extraordinary influence mothers, both biological, adoptive and spiritual have on nurturing faith. Alongside my friend and ministry partner Alexa, we weave together touching narratives and Biblical wisdom to honor the irreplaceable role of mothers in faith formation.The world often measures success in material wealth and titles, but we want to acknowledge the profound beauty in the simplicity of a faith-filled home. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:26, we discuss the pressures modern moms face, encouraging a return to wisdom, kindness, and the nurturing of young souls.We also discuss the importance of a nurturing church environment that shows respect, equips for the journey, and accepts every mom with open arms. As we wrap up, we offer parenting wisdom and encouragement, acknowledging the various expressions of motherhood and the power of speaking life into our children. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to all the 'mama bears' out there, standing firm in faith and love.to a resource that helps you have those conversations with your children.Main Points CoveredMom’s you are vital in nurturing the faith of your child.You don’t have to “have it all” to have it all.Your church is there for you.People and Resources MentionedProverbs 31:26https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/https://www.barna.com/research/faith-heritage-faith-practice/https://www.barna.com/research/moms-christians-households/Thanks to our SponsorsThe CSB Bible TranslationThe brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Christopher Yuan joins to discuss The Holy Sexuality Project, sharing his personal journey and the role of parents in shaping sexuality conversations. They explore introducing sexuality to children, clarifying terms, and the importance of biblical perspectives. The discussion highlights the need for home discipleship and equipping families to address cultural influences on sexuality.

In this episode, they analyze the He Gets Us Super Bowl commercial using their ROAR method to discern truth from false narratives. They discuss the importance of guiding children in media consumption and maintaining biblical truth in the face of societal pressures. The chapter descriptions cover topics like humility, discerning truth, and navigating difficult conversations about faith.

In this episode of Mama Bear Apologetics, we discuss all things bible translations — Formal, Functional, and Optimal. We also explore the difference between a translations and paraphrases. We delve into the historical sacrifices made by early translators to bring the Bible into the English language and offer guidance on choosing translations that foster faith and understanding, especially for children and new believers.We dissect the balance between literal accuracy and readability, as well as the pros and cons of each type of translation or paraphrase. And we also address the much asked question "What translation do we use at Mama Bear Apologetics?" Finally, we address the "KJV Only" movement — what is it, how should we approach it, and what is the historical context that should come to bear on the topic. This episode invites listeners to broaden their understanding of bible translations and their historical context so that the power and clarity of God's word is not lost in translation.Main Points CoveredHow did we get our translations?Broad categories for translation typesTranslations vs ParaphraseWhat are the pros and cons of each?What to consider in buying a bible for your KidsShould you only read the KJV translation?People and Resources People and Resources MentionedBiblia Hebraica StuttgartensiaLeningrad CodexAleppo CodexUnited Bible Societies Greek NTNovum Testament GraeceUnfamiliar VocabularyFormal Equivalence (Literal Equivalence) Translations: Word for Word as much as possible. This translation seeks to find an English equivalent word for every Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic word.Functional Equivalence (Dynamic Equivalence) Translations: Though for thought as much as possible. This translations translates a phrase as a whole and is not as concerned with preserving the exact same number of words or equivalent grammatical constructions.Optimal Equivalence: This is a blend of both Formal and Functional translation styles. This form uses word for word translation where possible, but switches to thought/phrase whenever the meaning isn’t clear.Paraphrase: This is not a true translation, but rather a retelling of Scripture based on original texts and/or modern translations. It often uses the most common modern idioms.Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/

SummaryEvery mother's prayer journey is unique, yet bound by a common thread of seeking God's guidance through the chaos and beauty of raising children. Julie and Hillary, walk through the pages of "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears," a new book birthed from the depths of maternal hearts and a collaboration that spans the nation. We reveal the sometimes raw, unpolished dialogues with God that range from the humorous pleas of wanting to use the bathroom in peace to the heartfelt petitions of a mother facing a miscarriage.Hillary and Julie, alongside voices from the Mama Bear community, crafted a tapestry of prayers that we hope speaks to the soul of motherhood. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of this unique creative process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity as we addressed delicate subjects like addiction and family dynamics. Poring over every word, we ensured that our prayers resonated with truth and relevance, offering a lifeline of hope and solidarity for mothers everywhere.As we share personal insights and practical tips for integrating prayer into the daily grind, "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears" is more than just a book—it's a spiritual companion for every season of motherhood. From fill-in-the-blank prompts to theological expertise, we've poured into this project with a shared goal: to empower mothers to foster honest, heartfelt communication with God, and to support one another as we navigate this transformative journey called motherhood. We hope it blesses you!Pre-order the book now at mamabearapologetics.com/bookMain Points CoveredWhy did we write this book?The difference between Honest and Shallow prayers.Creating a collective voice from momsPrayer book creation processHow to use this bookHonest journalingOur favorite, most convicting and hardest to write prayersPeople and Resources MentionedEvery Moment Holy - Douglas McKelvieHonest Prayers for Mama BearsThanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Learn more at summit.org/roar/. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/Quotable Quotes“I think sometimes learning how to do honest prayers often starts with shallow prayers. And so I just want to give mom's permission to pray the shallow prayers, if that's where you are starting." - Hillary Morgan Ferrer"We made it. We're not saying it's perfect, but... our heart's desire was to make sure that these prayers were Theologically sound." - Hillary Morgan Ferrer"I know I thought back on what were some of the times that really drove me to prayer, maybe as a younger mom, as a mom of a teenager, and then even now. I had some opportunities to write some prayers that maybe approach more being a mom of an adult child too, because that's a whole other season there." - Julie Loos

Dr. Jeff Myers from Summit Ministries discusses how Christianity has positively impacted science, justice, and compassion. They debunk myths about Christianity's role in scientific progress and highlight the Christian legacy in adoption, healthcare, and social justice. The podcast emphasizes empowering children with critical thinking skills and showcases the Christian influence in art, science, politics, and education.

Amy and Alexa dive into the Enneagram's impact on faith, family, and identity, questioning its ability to reveal our 'true self'. They dissect its susceptibility to manipulation and its potential ties to New Age beliefs, urging critical evaluation. The discussion delves into its historical origins and controversial connections, highlighting concerns about its influence on Christian beliefs and morality.

Exploring the four types of love - Agape, Storge, Phileo, Eros - and the importance of understanding their distinctions to avoid confusion. Discussing how culture distorts these loves, impacting children's perceptions. Providing examples from literature and movies to illustrate each type of love and suggesting resources for teaching kids about these concepts.