Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin cover image

Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Latest episodes

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May 21, 2024 • 41min

God’s Call to Care For Refugees with Karyn Becker

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Karyn Becker to discuss how we are called to care for refugees and the practical ways we can do so.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is design thinking?As you started out helping refugees, did you think through it in design thinking?How has your faith in Jesus motivated you to spend time with refugees?Can you tell us about the project Dovely?How do you see this model being implemented in other parts of the world?How do I support this project?Why are you a follower of Jesus?Guest Bio:Karyn is a design researcher and strategist helping organizations make business more human through Design Thinking. She’s brought products and services to life during her time at the Mayo Clinic, MIT Media Lab, Johnson & Johnson, REI, and while consulting for a diverse range of firms. Her publications exploring the intersection of business and design have appeared in MIT's Management Review, Quartz, and other global forums. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a design degree from the University of Cincinnati, and is a current Masters of Public Health candidate at Boston University.Most recently, she’s partnered with refugee resettling agencies in the greater Boston area and serves as the founding Director of Dovely, a soon to launch gospel centered, voucher first daycare for refugees.Resources Mentioned:Deuteronomy 10:19Dovely Daycare 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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5 snips
May 14, 2024 • 53min

Is Motherhood a Blessing or Burden? with Julie Ferrell

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Julie Ferrell to discuss motherhood.Questions Covered in This Episode:How did you reflect on motherhood before you were a mom?What would you say to the people who think motherhood is a burden?What would you say to the people who think motherhood is a woman's highest calling?What does it mean that the act of mothering can look different but our calling as moms is the same?What are your thoughts on choosing where your kids go to school?What difference does it make in your parenting that you are a follower of Jesus?What is the best way to disciple your kids?For Christians, does allowing our kids to struggle with others who disagree with their faith, help them grow their faith?What does it mean to be a spiritual mom to others in the church?Guest Bio:Julie Ferrell is a stay-at-home mom with 4 daughters. She and her husband live in the greater Boston area. She graduated from Duke University with a double major in religion and history with a minor in chemistry. Resources Mentioned:Colossians 3:3Jen Wilkin“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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May 7, 2024 • 41min

Does The Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? with Rachel Gilson

Rachel Gilson, a theologian and author, discusses whether the Bible affirms same-sex relationships with Rebecca McLaughlin. They cover topics like personal stories, church support for singles, loving friends while holding beliefs, and exploring theological perspectives on desires and relationships in Christianity.
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8 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 30min

Union with Christ with Sam Allberry

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Sam Allberry to discuss what it means to have union with Christ.Questions Covered in This Episode:What does it mean that Christians are united with Christ?How does union with Christ bring Christians together?How does the Bible describe Christian friendship?What does union with Christ mean for our desire to sin?What prompted you to write this book?Guest Bio:Sam Allberry is a pastor, apologist, and speaker. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?, Why Bother with Church?, 7 Myths about Singleness, and What God Has To Say About Our Bodies.He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and Living Out.Resources Mentioned:1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4, Romans 15:7“7 Myths about Singleness” by Sam Alberry“Is God Anti-Gay?” by Sam Alberry“One with My Lord” by Sam Alberry 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Apr 23, 2024 • 28min

An Ex-Muslim's Guide to Christianity with Kenza Haddock

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Kenza Haddock to share her story of how Jesus changed her life.Questions Covered in This Episode:Tell us about your life story.Was your identity tied to being a Muslim?What changed when you moved to the US?What does “the end times” mean for a Muslim? What does it mean for a Christian?How did you know it was Jesus in your dream?What was it that led you to believe in Jesus?What is Romans 10:9?Why did you have to move away from your family?What would your advice be to people who were raised in a Muslim home and are trying to figure out faith in Jesus?How has your faith in Jesus helped you understand more of yourself in mental health challenges? How has it helped you, help others?How would you as a Christian help others to think better about their Muslim neighbors?Guest Bio:Kenza Haddock is a Christian author, licensed professional counselor, and a board certified pastoral counselor. She is the co-owner of Oceanic Counseling Group LLC, an outpatient mental health agency headquartered in South Carolina. Haddock is a sought-after speaker—she has spoken at conferences and churches, and she has been featured in dozens of news channels, including ABC 15, for her expertise in Christian counseling.Resources Mentioned:Romans 10:9, Hebrews 4:6,1 John 1:9“The Ex-Muslim's Guide to Christianity” by Kenza Haddock 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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5 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 36min

God, Lie Detectors, & The Multiverse with Tom Rudelius

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Tom Rudelius to discuss Tom’s story, the probability of the multiverse, belief in God, and where hope can be found in suffering.Questions Covered in This Episode:How did you become a Christian?How did you originally tie science and academics with your faith once you became a Christian?What areas and topics are you currently researching?Why is it called string theory?Is the idea of the Big Bang incompatible with belief in God?Help us understand where we are today in the Universe in the laws of nature with intelligent life and/or the multiverse.Do most of your colleagues believe in the multiverse? What do they think of people who believe in God?What does Christianity have to offer in terms of facing suffering?Guest Bio:Tom Rudelius completed his undergraduate work at Cornell, earned a doctorate in physics at Harvard, and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Currently a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at the University of California, Berkeley, Tom will begin a faculty position at Durham University in the fall of 2023. His research focuses on string theory, quantum field theory, and early universe cosmology. A man of faith and an avid sports fan, he is frequently requested to speak on topics related to science and faith.Resources Mentioned:Romans 13, Genesis 1, Job“Just Six Numbers” by Martin Rees 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Apr 9, 2024 • 32min

Reforming Criminal Justice With Matthew Martens

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Matthew Martens to discuss if Christianity can help reform the criminal justice system. Questions Covered in This Episode:What is the quick summary of what you are proposing in this book?What does Christianity have to do with the criminal justice system?Why does Christianity have a proposal for reforming the criminal justice system in America?The number of people has increased substantially, what is the reason for that?When you think about where we are today for criminal justice, how is that politically motivated?Is the right Christian response to just let people go freely even if they have done something wrong?How can we tell if someone has truly repented of their crimes?Were you a Christian before you became a lawyer? Did that lead to your decision to become a lawyer?Guest Bio:Matthew Martens has been a lawyer for 27 years after graduating first in his class at the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1996. At the outset of his legal career, Matthew spent two years in Washington, DC serving as a law clerk for a federal court of appeals judge and then to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist at the US Supreme Court.In the years that followed, he has worked both as a federal prosecutor (9 years) and as a criminal defense attorney (13 years). Matthew is currently a partner in the Washington, DC office of one of the world's largest law firms. Along the way, he attended seminary part-time at Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating with a master's degree in biblical studies in 2010. Matthew is currently pursuing a Th.M. in theological ethics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.Resources Mentioned:Romans 13“Reforming Criminal Justice” by Matthew T. Martens 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Apr 2, 2024 • 36min

What Kind of Love Does Jesus Call Us To? with Vermon Pierre

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Vermon Pierre to have a conversation about how God's love for His church deepens our love for each otherQuestions Covered in This Episode:What does your day-to-day life look like as a pastor?How did you become a Christian? What draws you to Christian community?What ethnic background was the church you grew up in?What was your experience with your faith at Princeton?What do you think about the local church theologically? What does that look like practically?Can you share an example where you have seen this lived out?How would you encourage someone who is hesitant to participate in a local church?How can someone be vulnerable in friendship? Guest Bio:Vermon Pierre is a founding pastor and the lead pastor at Roosevelt Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the author of Gospel Shaped Living, Dearly Beloved and a contributor to The New City Catechism Devotional. Vermon is a Princeton University graduate and has a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Dennae live in downtown Phoenix and have five children.Resources Mentioned:“Dearly Beloved” by Vermon Pierre 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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7 snips
Mar 26, 2024 • 30min

Can A Scientist Believe In The Resurrection? With Ian Hutchinson

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Ian Hutchinson to discuss the relationship between science and the Christian faith.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is your scientific research on?When did you become a Christian?Is there a contradiction between the Christian faith and science?How would help someone who thinks miracles are not plausible?What is the strongest piece of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?What would you say to someone who doesn’t think there is a need to choose to believe or not believe?What would you say to someone who feels like it is too late to put their faith in Jesus?Guest Bio:Ian H. Hutchinson is Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His primary research interest is plasma physics, especially the magnetic confinement of plasmas (ionized gases): seeking to enable fusion reactions, the energy source of the stars, to be used for practical energy production. Hutchinson received his B.A. in physics and M.A. from Cambridge University. He then received his Ph.D in engineering physics from Australian National University, where he was a Commonwealth Scholar. In addition to 250 journal articles on a variety of plasma phenomena, Dr. Hutchinson is widely known for his standard textbook on measuring plasmas: Principles of Plasma Diagnostics, and A Student's Guide to Numerical Methods. He has written and lectured extensively on the relationship between science and the Christian faith, and authored the books Monopolizing Knowledge and Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?. Resources Mentioned:1 Corinthians 15:3-8“Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?” by Ian Hutchinson 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Mar 19, 2024 • 47min

Crossfit and Christianity with Irwyn Ince

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Irwyn Ince to have a conversation about CrossFit, Jesus, and where his hope is found. Questions Covered in This Episode:How did you get into CrossFit?Tell us about the community aspect of Crossfit.How did you become a Christian?How did becoming a Christian change your way of thinking?How does the history of race in America impact the way we view church today?What would you say to someone who knows something is missing from their life but thinks that CrossFit is meeting their need for community?How does the reality of hope in the Christian life inform the race you are running now?Guest Bio:Irwyn Ince is a pastor at Grace DC Presbyterian Church, director of the Grace DC Institute for Cross Cultural Mission, and a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. He has contributed to the books Heal Us, Emmanuel and All Are Welcome: Toward a Multi-Everything Church and authored The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best. He and his wife, Kim, have four children.In addition to his passion for his family and for ministry, Dr. Ince is gleefully committed to coffee and CrossFit. When he’s not spending time with his family or preaching and teaching in the church, you can find him coaching classes at a local CrossFit gym in DC.Resources Mentioned:Hebrews 11-13“Hope Ain't a Hustle” by Irwyn Ince 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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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