As a dark wave of fatalism and existentialist despair rolled over from Europe in the nineteenth century, one brilliant American thinker dared to stem the tide. What if we are MORE than machines? he asked. What if our choices actually matter? Join us as we explore the impact of psychologist-philosopher William James and his quest to make meaning out of the vibrant life of the mind.

The James Effect

Wrath. It's known as one of the seven deadly sins—and yet Scripture is filled with descriptions of God getting wrathful. So what IS the problem with anger? Shawn Boonstra explores this dynamite emotion and how our personal experiences with anger can cloud our view of heaven's righteous outrage.

The Problem with Anger

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by something so incredibly beautiful, it leaves you with a twinge of sadness? Shawn Boonstra explores this perplexing paradox of how experiencing beauty can produce joy and sadness, all at the same time.

The Heartache of Beauty

Say you've got a set of well-established Scriptures. How exactly do you come along and add a whole NEW set to it? In this week's encore episode, Shawn Boonstra investigates the origins of the New Testament. Did its authors think they were writing Scripture? And what role do councils play in determining whether texts were inspired?

History of the Bible, Part 3

In a pain-choked world, we see the face of evil everywhere. And there's plenty of blame to fling around, which we do. Constantly. But maybe it's time, Shawn Boonstra says, for a good long look at the face in the mirror—half in light, half in shadow.

The Nature of Evil

Atheists love to praise Christopher Hitchens—one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism. But they leave out some pretty critical info that should really change how you evaluate his claims.

Hitchens Wasn't Great, Part 1

How do you really know what you know? How can you be so sure? Shawn Boonstra revisits the writings of Ayn Rand, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

Shrugging Atlas, Part 2

Chances are, she's changed the way you think...and not necessarily in a good way. Shawn Boonstra explores the writings of one of the most influential—and controversial—thinkers in modern American history: Ayn Rand.

Shrugging Atlas, Part 1

A brutal pandemic. Surging unrest. It's happened before...and it'll happen again. But much worse, and on a scale that few people can comprehend.

The Plague

Find out about a secret so big that you can actually bend the universe in your direction...if it's true.

The Center of the Universe

Find out about a small piece of real estate—just 37 acres big—that some people think might spark a global war.

The Temple Mount

What's the point of investing in your future, if everyone's going to die anyway? Shawn Boonstra tackles one of life's biggest questions.

Why Learn?

You might think that miracles are proof enough that God exists—but miracles are not the essence of a meaningful relationship with God. Shawn Boonstra talks about why miracles shouldn’t be the foundation of our faith.

The Problem with Miracles

In a meaningless world, why live? For life itself—according to many. But there could be something even MORE worth fighting for, says Shawn Boonstra.

A Meaningless Life Worth Living

Does the Bible really say Jesus is God? Shawn Boonstra investigates.

God in the Flesh

Casual, transparent conversations about life, spirituality and God. AUTHENTIC is a deep-dive into the nature of love, relationships, emotions and self-awareness. Host Shawn Boonstra answers real existential questions—stuff that everybody wonders about: the meaning of life, living with purpose, and understanding how the great philosophers still impact the way you live today.

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