Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rachel Gilson, a theologian and author specializing in Christian sexual ethics, shares insights on raising children in an LGBT-affirming world. She discusses her book on navigating faith and sexuality, emphasizing the importance of early conversations about these topics. Rachel highlights the challenges Christian parents face amid cultural shifts and offers practical steps for fostering open dialogue. With personal anecdotes, she explores resilience in the face of social rejection and the need for compassionate engagement with diverse beliefs.

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.

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

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.⁠⁠⁠⁠