Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca welcomes back Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley for part two of their conversation about Theology Together. They unpack the Deep Discipleship Program—a tested, church-based framework for theological formation that is both sacrificial and accessible. They discuss lowering vs. raising the bar in ministry, how to call believers into deeper study and practice, and why the church must reclaim the life of the mind as part of following Jesus.Resources mentioned:Deep DiscipleshipYou Are a TheologianFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca welcomes Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley (Knowing Faith) to explore why every believer is a theologian, how women and men learn together in the church, and how practices of grace form us for fellowship with God and one another. They discuss You Are a Theologian, Deep Discipleship, Formed for Fellowship, and Remember & Rehearse—along with church-as-family, Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18), and helping new Christians live inside God’s big story.Resources mentioned:You Are a TheologianDeep DiscipleshipFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt.Resources mentioned:Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morningDesperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hopeVaneetha’s website: vaneetha.comJoni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: AmazonJohn 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): ReadJohn 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha RisnerSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Karen Swallow Prior, an award-winning author and scholar, delves into the concept of vocation beyond glamorous achievements. She discusses how true callings often come from outside ourselves, informed by biblical figures like Paul, Moses, and Jonah. Karen emphasizes the importance of community and service in discerning one's vocation. She challenges the notion of status in favor of finding beauty in everyday tasks. Through integrity and selflessness, she illustrates how ordinary work can be a divine calling, enriching our lives and those around us.

Season 7 of Confronting Christianity is here! Rebecca gives a sneak peek at upcoming conversations—from finding hope in suffering and living faithfully as a single Christian, to confronting anxiety, pornography, and the meaning of Jesus’ death. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single episode.📚 Resources MentionedRebecca’s forthcoming book: How Church Could Literally Save Your Life (Releases October, preorder available)Rebecca's WebsiteWeekly newsletter signupSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Justine shares a fascinating journey through the ups and downs of life, exploring everything from alcohol to yoga and tarot in her search for meaning. Her experiences in vibrant party scenes and reflections on family impact her quest for identity. After feeling lost, a pivotal YouTube video and a prayer lead her to confront her longing for something deeper. Ultimately, she discovers that faith in Jesus offers fulfillment and community, challenging listeners to reconsider their own beliefs and search for truth.

What if rock bottom isn’t the end of the story, but the place where grace runs deepest? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ray Ortlund about the kind of suffering that strips us bare—and the kind of Savior who meets us there. We dig into betrayal, isolation, and the painful honesty of self-examination. Ray shares wisdom from his new book, Good News at Rock Bottom, reminding us that Christianity doesn’t offer a shallow fix—but a Redeemer who walks with us through the wreckage. If you’ve ever felt like your faith is hanging by a thread, this conversation is for you.Buy Ray's Book:Good News at Rock BottomFollow Ray:InstagramSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XBased on his beloved song, Penelope Judd, Shai Linne shares a beautiful allegory to help kids grasp the gospel—that Jesus, like the Prince in the story, enters our broken world and invites us into something new. Using the song’s lyrics, this book offers a creative way to start gospel conversations with the children you love.Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it look like to follow Jesus at Harvard? In this episode, I talk with senior Andrei Comlosan-Pop about coming to faith in high school, navigating life as a Christian at a secular university, and how literature, economics, and community all play a part in shaping a thoughtful, lived-out faith.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XBased on his beloved song, Penelope Judd, Shai Linne shares a beautiful allegory to help kids grasp the gospel—that Jesus, like the Prince in the story, enters our broken world and invites us into something new. Using the song’s lyrics, this book offers a creative way to start gospel conversations with the children you love.Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging conversation, Elizabeth Woodson, a Bible teacher and author, discusses her insights from Galatians and what it means to live free in Christ. She examines the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul from persecutor to advocate, highlighting the elevation of women in his ministry. Elizabeth emphasizes the theme of true freedom versus spiritual enslavement, revealing how faith reshapes our lives and communities. The dialogue also reflects on biblical failures and the compelling nature of Jesus, encouraging a deeper understanding of personal freedom.

Historian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves?Buy Molly's Book:Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald TrumpSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠