Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

What happens when you’ve tried everything—and nothing works? In this episode, Justine shares how she searched for meaning through alcohol, relationships, yoga, crystals, and tarot—only to find herself more lost than ever. But a YouTube video, a prayer in Madrid, and a series of quiet nudges led her to confront the truth she could no longer ignore: she needed Jesus. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or clinging to faith, this story of rescue will challenge your assumptions and stir your soul.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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca is joined by Glen Scrivener and Dr. Rob Barward-Symmons to explore a surprising rise in church attendance in the UK—especially among Gen Z and young men. Drawing on new YouGov data, they discuss the impact of immigration, cultural shifts, and the quiet but steady relevance of Christian community in a secular age.Check out the Report:The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendanceFollow Glen:YouTube | XFollow Rob:XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is belief in God just a quirk of the human brain—or is it something deeper? In this episode, I’m joined by theologian Gray Sutanto to explore the insights of cognitive science and what they tell us about our built-in sense of the divine. Drawing from his new book Ascends of the Divine, we discuss the limits of human knowledge, the power of revelation, and how Gray’s own journey to faith shapes his perspective.Follow Gray:Instagram | XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Strange to talk about the deep longings that pull at every human heart—connection, deliverance, destiny—and how they point us to Christ. Drawing from his book "Making Faith Magnetic", Dan helps us think through how to engage our culture with both truth and tenderness. We also explore the vital role of the church in supporting vulnerable children through fostering and adoption, and why even a seemingly secular world is still full of spiritual hunger.Follow Dan:XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when our deepest longings collide with our latest technologies? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Meeks—bioethicist, theologian, and expert on all things strange and complicated at the intersection of sex, robots, and Christian ethics. Drawing on the thought of Augustine, we wrestle with questions of human freedom, love, and the lure of transhumanist dreams. Can a robot be a companion? Should it be? And what does the gospel say to a world eager to remake itself in its own image? Together, we explore how Christianity offers not just a list of “don’ts” but a vision of human dignity far deeper than anything our tech can build.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Russell Cowburn, a Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge University, discusses the intriguing intersection of science and faith. He shares his personal journey as a Christian scientist, arguing that scientific discoveries can enhance the understanding of God rather than detract from it. The conversation delves into historical figures who successfully harmonized faith and science, considers the implications of Jesus' resurrection, and highlights the surprising faith among many American scientists. It's a thought-provoking exploration of belief, especially during Easter.