Sita Slavov is a professor at George Mason University. She grew up in a Hindu family in Houston, Texas. Over time, she explored different faiths, including Zen Buddhism, and eventually embraced Christianity. She has a PhD in economics from Stanford University and now lives in Virginia with her husband, leading a women's Bible study at her church.Episode Summary:Rebecca talks with Sita Slavov about her spiritual journey from growing up in a Hindu family to embracing Christianity. Sita shares her experiences of exploring various faiths, including her deep engagement with Zen Buddhism and her personal struggles during the pandemic. She opens up about how these challenges led her to rediscover God and ultimately accept Jesus.Key Takeaways:Spiritual Exploration: Sita's journey shows the importance of seeking your own answers to life's big questions and being open to exploring different faiths.Challenges and Growth: Personal struggles, like anxiety and the pandemic, can be turning points that lead to deeper spiritual insights and transformations.Community Support: Engaging with a supportive church community can be crucial in one's faith journey, providing answers, support, and a sense of belonging.Open-Mindedness: It's important to examine evidence with an open mind when exploring faith, as initial skepticism can turn into genuine belief.Notable Quotes:"Faith is really a choice. You don't have to be the same faith as your parents.""Despite dedicating myself to daily meditation and attending rigorous retreats, I struggled to find the answers I sought.""When you fully embrace the gospel, it really is life-changing."Follow:Sita on X.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alan Noble is an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has contributed articles to prestigious publications such as The Atlantic, The Gospel Coalition, First Things, and Christianity Today. He is the author of three books, with his most recent work being "On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living." His academic interests and writings often explore the intersections of literature, faith, and mental health.Episode Summary:Rebecca interviews Dr. Alan Noble, an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, about his latest book "On Getting Out of Bed." They discuss the profound connections between faith, mental health, literature, and the human experience. Alan emphasizes that while contemporary culture often encourages introspection to the point of self-absorption, the Christian faith invites individuals to find meaning and purpose beyond themselves.Key Takeaways:Christianity provides a unique explanatory power for suffering, purpose, and human experience.Support from a compassionate community is crucial for those dealing with mental health issues.The Christian faith offers fundamental objective truths that challenge the inward focus encouraged by contemporary culture.Meaning and purpose in life are reaffirmed by the unchanging love and sacrifice of Jesus, providing hope for all circumstances.Notable Quotes:"Anxiety and depression like to tell you to turn inward on yourself and fold in, but what you need is your world to get bigger." - Alan Noble"There's a profound witness in embracing life and living it for God, even in the midst of suffering." - Alan Noble"We can't stop being useful to God because he never made us to be useful in the first place." - Alan NobleFollow: Alan on Instagram.Purchase Alan's new book: On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of LivingSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Quina Aragon is an accomplished author, editor, and spoken word artist based in Orlando, Florida. She lives with her husband and their daughter. Kina has penned the children’s book trilogy—Love Made, Love Gave, and Love Can—which creatively retells biblical scripture through a trinitarian lens of love. Additionally, she is the author of Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God, a book exploring God's love through scripture and personal reflection. Her work bridges the gap between theological insights and everyday life experiences, engaging readers with powerful meditations and poetry.Rebecca and Quina discuss her latest book, Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God. Quina shares the personal trials and spiritual insights she gained while writing her book over four years, a period marked by significant life challenges.Follow Quina on her social media for more updates:InstagramYouTubePurchase Quina's book: Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of GodCheck out the children's book trilogy by Quina Aragon: Love Made, Love Gave, and Love CanSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Gilman, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, shares his insights on how public speaking played a pivotal role in ending the slave trade, inspired by figures like William Wilberforce. He reflects on his Jewish background and journey to Christian faith while highlighting Wilberforce's determination against immense opposition. Gilman also connects historical advocacy to modern challenges in human trafficking, revealing the ongoing fight for justice and the essence of authentic Christian faith amidst cultural misappropriations.

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is a distinguished historian and a professor at Australian Catholic University. Specializing in early modern history, particularly the intersections of science and religion, Sarah has authored a new book titled "Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age." Her scholarly journey has seen her transition from atheism to Christianity, influenced by intellectual and historical investigations.Episode Summary:Rebecca reconnects with her long-time friend and academic peer, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker. The conversation starts with Sarah's fascinating journey from atheism to faith, accentuated by her academic study of early modern scientists who were devout Christians. A significant part of their discussion touches on Sarah's latest book, "Priests of History," which explores the importance of engaging with Christian history in meaningful ways.Rebecca and Sarah reminisce about their time at Cambridge, where Sarah began questioning her atheism under the influence of historical studies. Sarah details significant turning points, including her profound experience at an American church, which ultimately led her to embrace Christianity. Finally, the discussion shifts to the essential themes of Sarah's book, highlighting the roles Christians can play in stewarding history meaningfully.Key Takeaways:Rethinking Atheism through History: Sarah's research into early modern scientists who were devout Christians challenged her preconceptions about the incompatibility of science and faith.Intellectual Conversion: Encounters with prominent atheists and deep reflections on moral and ethical underpinnings propelled Sarah towards questioning atheism and exploring Christianity.Profound Spiritual Experience: A powerful experience at a church in the U.S. catalyzed Sarah's acceptance of Christianity, reinforced by reading works like CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity."Importance of Christian History: Sarah's book "Priests of History" emphasizes the significance of engaging with Christian history to ground our faith and understand contemporary issues better.Practical Implications:The conversation extends to reflecting on how Christians today can incorporate historical understanding and spiritual rhythms into their daily lives for a more robust faith experience.Notable Quotes:"I remember sitting in church and having this experience of being invited into and called into a relationship with a God from whom I guess I just realized I had always been running away from." -Sarah Irving-Stonebraker"I think the story that best accounts for the profound and beautiful striving for good and the tremendous brokenness I observed in human history is Christianity." -Sarah Irving-StonebrakerVisit: Sarah's websiteFollow: Sarah on XPre-order: Sarah's new book Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric AgeSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca engages in a profound conversation with Rachel Gilson, author and theologian, on navigating the complexities of raising Christian children in an LGBT-affirming world. Reflecting on her newest book, "Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus' Truth and Love", Rachel shares the impetus behind her writing and the life experiences that shaped her perspectives.Throughout the episode, Rebecca and Rachel deeply explore the challenges that today's Christian parents face. They address the growing cultural shifts around sexuality and gender identity, especially how Christian sexual ethics, which was once seen as respectable, is now often perceived as suspicious or even harmful. Using personal anecdotes and sobering reflections, Rachel elaborates on why it's essential to start conversations about faith and sexual ethics early, fostering an environment where children feel safe to ask challenging questions. Join us as they walk through practical steps for discipling children with grace, authenticity, and Jesus-centered loveRachel Gilson is a noted author and speaker specializing in Christian sexual ethics. She serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture at Cru, a dynamic missionary organization. Rachel is also in the advanced stages of completing her PhD in public theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Her acclaimed book, "Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next" is considered a valuable resource on Christian sexual ethics. Rachel is passionate about helping Christians navigate complex cultural issues with a gospel-centered approach.Key Takeaways:Navigating Cultural Shifts: Rachel sheds light on how Christian parents can stay true to biblical principles while adapting to today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.Early Conversations: Discover why it’s crucial to start talking to your kids about sexuality and faith early on, and how to weave these discussions into the fabric of the gospel.Authenticity and Compassion: Rachel advocates for a genuine approach to parenting—living out Christian values in a way that radiates love and compassion.Practical Parental Guidance: Get actionable advice on preparing your children to engage thoughtfully with diverse beliefs about sexuality they’ll encounter in their daily lives.Community Support: Learn how leaning on your church community can provide invaluable support and wisdom as you raise your kids in faith.Visit: Rachel's websiteFollow: Rachel on XPre-order: Rachel's new book Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming WorldSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

In season 5 we will explore important questions like how to talk to kids about sexuality, the relevance of Christianity's history today, and how faith can help with depression and anxiety. We'll also discuss perspectives on immigration, slavery in the Bible, women's right to choose, and Buddhism as a path to peace. Rebecca will talk with various friends and experts to see how their faith shapes their thoughts and lives.For more insights, you can sign up for weekly emails at rebeccamclaughlin.org

Rebecca McLaughlin wraps us the season by answering questions asked by listeners!Questions Covered in This Episode:What does the Bible say about what it is to be a woman? Can we define it across all cultures and time?I have a daughter who has drifted from the faith as she embraced LGBT and has now been with a girl for 3 years and they are talking about marriage. I want to make a last stand of sorts for her life but don’t know how to do it.What would the advice be if this woman still identifies as a Christian?How should we navigate a church that values marriage, romance, and the biological family above all things? They won't admit it explicitly but from what they do and say it is implied.What would be the right response to someone who told me that she was okay with just having God and her husband?What advice would you give on choosing a local church? What if you disagree with second-tier issues?What are some of the lead causes for the divergence of young men and women toward increasingly conservative and liberal views respectively? How should the church address this?How would you respond to someone who used to hold a Christian sexual ethic but are now affirming?How is it reasonable that we are held responsible for sinning when we inherit a sinful nature from birth?What 3 pieces of wisdom and encouragement would you give to young Christian evangelists?Resources Mentioned:Ephesians 5, Genesis 1, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 5:9–13Follow Us:Instagram | TwitterProduced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Kyle Worley to discuss how Christians are called to interact with others.Questions Covered in This Episode:Where does the ethos of discussing truth with grace to others with differing opinions or ideas come from?Why is there a difference between what Christians are called to (Colossians 3) and the way they live and interact with others?How do you shepherd people as we enter into a season with more intense political debate and differences?What is the future of Confronting Christianity?Kyle, what is your new book coming out?Guest Bio:Kyle Worley is the pastor of Mosiac Church in Richardson, TX. He previously served at The Village Church, cohosts the Knowing Faith podcast, and is the author of Pitfalls: Along the Path to Young and Reformed. Kyle and his wife, Lauren, have one daughter.Resources Mentioned:Colossians, Philemon, 1 Peter 3:15-16“Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin“Home with God” by Kyle Worley Follow Us:Instagram | TwitterOur Sister Shows:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Starting Place | Tiny TheologiansConfronting Christianity is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michael Graham joins Rebecca McLaughlin to discuss the decline in American church attendance, highlighting historical trends and reasons behind it. They explore the importance of welcoming newcomers to church and emphasize the benefits of reconnecting with a local church community for spiritual and practical growth.