Christian Parent, Crazy World

There's a topic that the church rarely addresses because it challenges long-held beliefs and practices. That topic is...

Domestic abuse.

And the failure of some church to protect victims.

The statistics and stories are heartbreaking. Churches should be sanctuaries, yet when it comes to domestic abuse, this isn’t always the case. Despite Biblical teaching on love, care, and justice, domestic abuse remains a hushed reality in some Christian communities. Victims often face isolation, shame, and a lack of genuine support inside their faith communities, making it difficult for them to find safety and healing.

In this episode, Catherine is joined by Nancy Pearcey, an acclaimed scholar and author known for dissecting cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Nancy shares her insights on transforming churches into safe havens for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. Her book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes explores the damaging cultural narratives about men and calls for a more biblical understanding of masculinity.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

Eileen Gray's Case: The episode opens with the heart-wrenching story of Eileen Gray, illustrating some churches’ failure to support victims of abuse.

Financial Dependency of Churches: Catherine and Nancy discuss how financial dependencies can influence churches to prioritize abusers over victims.

35-Year Longitudinal Study: Nancy mentions a study that found fathers have a significant impact on their children’s faith, especially when they are positively involved.

Critique of Darwinian Theory: Nancy discusses how Darwinian theory and societal stereotypes have contributed to harmful views of masculinity.

Impact of Cultural Influences: The episode looks at cultural figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, who promote toxic masculinity ideals, and the need for a biblical response.

Biblical Understanding of Masculinity: Both Catherine and Nancy advocate for a healthy, biblical view of masculinity and firmly condemn any form of abuse.

Call to Action for Listeners: Listeners are encouraged to ensure their churches are safe havens and to leave any church that advises victims to stay in abusive relationships.

Our churches should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, or you’re passionate about creating safer church environments, don’t miss this compelling discussion.

FULL SHOW NOTES

NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

EPISODE RESOURCES ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH:

EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser (March 8, 2022)

EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur’s Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show (March 17, 2022)

MacArthur Ministry Employees Defend Child Abuser, Dismiss ‘Screeching’ Pushback (March 24, 2024)

Head of Counseling at John MacArthur’s School: Wife Should Endure Abuse Like Missionary Endures Persecution April 5, 2022Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Awful Patterns of Endangering Abuse Victims (Feb. 9, 2023) 

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Ep. 122 Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?

Ep. 123 How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women

 

RESOURCES REFERENCED: 

The Moral Animal: Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright

Men and Marriage by George Gilder

 

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Our modern culture often argues that Christian teachings on marriage and femininity are oppressive or out of touch. But if we peel back the layers of history, we discover a different story. The early Christian faith dramatically improved the lives of women.

In this episode of CP/CW, Catherine is joined by prolific author and apologist Nancy Pearcey,  who sets the record straight about the historical impact of Christianity on women. Nancy sheds light on the drastic differences between the treatment of women in ancient societies and the newfound dignity and status they received within the early Christian community.

Key highlights include:

Reformation of Roman Practices: Nancy explains how men in ancient Rome freely exploited women, and how the early church radically opposed this by advocating for the respect and dignity of women in marriage.

Symmetry in Marriage: Hear about the New Testament teachings where Paul promotes equality in marriage, a concept that was unheard of during that time.

Elevated Status: Discover why women found refuge and higher status in the early Christian church compared to ancient Roman society.

Age of Marriage: Learn about how the Christian emphasis on raising the age of marriage from 12 to 18 greatly benefited young girls in the New Testament period.

Jesus' Revolutionary Actions: Nancy takes us through instances in the Gospels where Jesus broke cultural norms by valuing and honoring women, providing a stark contrast to the prevailing views of the time.

Modern Implications: Understand the surprising findings that show committed evangelical couples today experience the lowest rates of divorce and domestic abuse, contradicting the modern stereotype of evangelical men as patriarchal and abusive.

Ongoing Global Impact: Delve into sociological studies that reveal how Christian teachings have empowered poor women more effectively than many modern feminist movements, particularly in developing countries.

Understanding the radical teachings of the New Testament regarding women opens our eyes to the genuine freedom and dignity that Christianity offers. Over centuries, these teachings have profoundly transformed societies, raising the status of women across the globe. The data and historical evidence contradict the contemporary narrative that the Christian faith is oppressive to women. In reality, it provides a transformative power that elevates, empowers, and dignifies women in ways that are both historically and presently significant.

NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Episode 122: Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?

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In a world that is openly hostile to masculinity, does our faith offer a remedy? And what do we as Christian parents need to teach our sons and daughters?

Consider these shocking examples of male-bashing in our culture:

 

*The Washington Post article by gender studies professor “Why Can’t We Hate Men?”

*The New Stateman featured a British feminist writing, “ You can’t live with them. You can’t shoot them.”

*Trendy hashtag #killallmen

*T-shirts emblazoned with “So many men. So Little Ammunition.”

*Books titled: I Hate Men, The End of Men, and Are Men Necessary?

*A USA Today article states: “At today’s universities, masculinity is almost never discussed except in negative terms, usually with the word ‘toxic’ attached.

*John Stoltenberg, author of Refusing to Be a Man says, “Talking about ‘healthy masculinity’ is like talking about ‘healthy cancer.’”

*Hugh Howey tweeted, “Testosterone is the problem… Women should be in charge of everything.”

*Testosterone is “a toxin that you have to slowly work out of your system,” said James Cameron, director of the movie

*Media researcher, Jim Macnamara, conducted extensive content analysis of more than 2000 mass media portrayals of men (including news, feature articles, talk shows, etc.) found that more than 75% of all media representations of men portrayed them as “villains, aggressors, perverts, and philanderers.”

As parents, we are raising our boys in a toxic stew misandry (hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys), and we should be concerned.

Catherine’s guest in this episode, Nancy Pearcey, has written the quintessential book defining the problem when it comes to masculinity in our culture, and she offers the only viable solution. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes walks us through this intricate and critical conversation.

Nancy's personal journey from victimization with an abusive father, to agnosticism and radical feminism, to affirming biblical masculinity gives her a unique perspective on this contentious subject. Nancy unpacks the real roots of so-called "toxic masculinity" and discusses why understanding this topic is pivotal for Christian families today.

Nancy’s Bio: Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

Nancy Pearcey’s Website

To see full episode highlights, click HERE.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Origins of Toxic Masculinity: Misconceptions abound about toxic masculinity and its origins. Nancy dismantled the myth that it started with 1960s feminism, explaining its roots in the post-Industrial Revolution era. She explores how men, distanced from home-based work, lost their nurturing roles, which led to more egocentric and aggressive behaviors.

Cultural Hostility Towards Masculinity: The episode delves into societal attitudes, giving examples like misandric merchandise and high-profile statements against men. A shocking survey reveals that a significant percentage of men feel victimized by society's hostility towards typical male behavior.

Positive Masculinity Scripts: Nancy emphasizes the importance of promoting the 'Good Man' script—values of honor, duty, integrity, and responsibility—over the toxic stereotypes often portrayed in media and culture. Encouraging men to recognize their innate capacity for good can be more effective than labeling them toxic.

Pandemic's Impact on Fatherhood: The discussion touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic brought men closer to their families. Nancy shares compelling personal experiences and data showing men’s desire for more flexible work arrangements post-pandemic to stay connected with their children and homes.

Balancing Career and Family: Highlighting the historical perspective, Catherine and Nancy discuss how modern families are finding ways to intertwine economic activities with family life, much like the pre-industrial era. They share inspirational anecdotes of men balancing work and family commitments creatively.

Join Catherine and Nancy as they navigate the contentious and critical topic of masculinity, offering hope, clarity, and actionable insights for Christian parents in today’s chaotic world.

 

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An astronomical number of Christian young people are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. A recent New LifeWay Research survey shows that two-thirds of Christian youth stop attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

A study from the Assemblies of God shows that “at least half and possibly over two-thirds of Christian young people will step away from the faith while attending a non-Christian college or university.” A similar study from the Southern Baptist Convention “indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college.”

In her recent book, Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer offers a somber reality when it comes to our Christian teens and twenty-somethings: “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return.” (pg. 27)

If the massive youth exodus we are experiencing in the church doesn’t concern us as parents, it should.

In this “Best Of” re-airing of CPCW’s inaugural episode, Catherine breaks down what is happening to youth in our churches, so we as parents can understand how to counteract this trend. And Catherine offers a very encouraging UPDATE on her journey as a parent of a child who has struggled in the faith. 

RESOURCES & EPISODES REFERENCED:

The Prodigal Bundle (free resource with Scripture list)

Episode 2: What Is the Key for Our Kids to Have an Authentic Faith?

CP/CW Prayer Series:

Episode 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith

Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?

BOOKS REFERENCED:

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church… and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman

Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom Bisset

ARTICLES REFERENCED:

See Catherine’s supplemental article on Crosswalk: “Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do About It?” 

“Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults,” Lifeway Research

“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is Why,” USA Today

“Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity,” Cold Case Christianity

“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity Today

Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/

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Do you ever look at other families and assume that they have it all together and yours doesn’t?

Do you look at other pristine and put-together moms or dads and think that you are a hot mess?

Do you look at the successes of your friends while focusing on all of your failures?

There is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our family life that can sabotage us as parents—the desire to be “normal.”

That family is perfect. Mine is hanging on by a thread.

That mom is beautiful. I’m embarrassed to leave the house.

That friend is a rock star. I’m a fake.

Through a series of poignant, relatable stories, Catherine explores how this quest for normalcy infiltrates our lives, undermining our parenting and our individual purpose. Our deeply personal struggles and wounds—from infertility and abandonment to financial instability and physical imperfections—heighten the longing to be like "everyone else."

But those lives that appear perfect are far from it. Everyone battles their own unique challenges that keep them from this mythical place called “Normal.”

The pervasive desire for normalcy is a dangerous and sabotaging force. Being normal is a fiction, a fairy tale, a farce manufactured by the enemy of our souls. And on some level, we all struggle with it.

We desperately need a shift in perspective.

Our unique struggles and disabilities are precisely what draw us closer to God, if we will let them.

The lie of “Normal” is one of the devil’s greatest hits, but in our deepest needs and struggles, God’s grace abounds and leads us to true fulfillment and strength.

This episode supplies a much-needed pep talk to break free from the quest for normal and embrace God’s grace in every need.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Normal (Blog) by Catherine Segars

Ep. 119: Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)

Ep. 120: How the Prosperity Gospel Fueled Purity Culture and Undermined Our Parenting (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)

2 Corinthians 12:9

Philippians 4:19

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How has the prosperity gospel influenced purity culture, and what does that mean for parenting today? The connections might surprise you.

Purity Culture, much like the prosperity gospel, promises rewards for adhering to specific behaviors, but it often leads to disappointment and shame. And all too often in the church, parents apply this same type of thinking to their children. Parents assume that they will be rewarded with God-honoring, God-fearing children if they teach their children all the right things and parent the Biblical way. Like with the Prosperity Gospel and Purity Culture, the emphasis is on the outcome, not your child's relationship with God.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine engages Dr. Lina Abujamra in a candid discussion about the harmful effects of Purity Culture in Christian communities. They highlight how Purity Culture parallels the Prosperity Gospel by creating unrealistic expectations and measuring spiritual worth through outcomes rather than genuine faith and grace.

Episode Highlights:

• Purity Culture and Prosperity Gospel: Lina Abujamra draws parallels between purity culture and the prosperity gospel, noting how both promise material or relational rewards for specific behaviors. While purity culture emphasizes sexual abstinence with the promise of perfect marriages and fulfilling sex lives, the prosperity gospel promises material wealth and success for faithful followers.
• Misplaced Expectations: Both movements often set up unrealistic expectations, leading to disillusionment and shame when life doesn’t unfold as promised. This results in individuals feeling unworthy or questioning their faith when they don’t receive the anticipated rewards.
• Misogynistic Undertones: Lina and Catherine criticize the misogynistic tendencies within purity culture, where women often bear a disproportionate burden of maintaining purity. Object lessons like the chewed gum or wilted flower are used to shame women, implying that they lose their worth through sexual activity.
• Biblical Misinterpretations: Both purity culture and the prosperity gospel teachings divert from Biblical truths, focusing more on human efforts and rewards than on God's grace and the transformative power through a relationship with Christ.
• Impact on Young Believers: Catherine and Lina discuss the generational fallout from purity culture, noting how younger Christians are increasingly rejecting outdated, shaming shaming messages. This shift highlights the need for a more grace-filled, genuine approach to faith that centers on a deep, personal relationship with God.

 

Key Takeaways:

- Parents should teach their children that faith isn't about earning rewards through good behavior, but about nurturing a genuine, loving relationship with Christ.

  - Rejecting the false promises of purity culture and prosperity gospel can prevent the deep disappointment and shame that arise from unmet expectations.

- A grace-filled approach to faith that acknowledges personal struggles and imperfection can lead to more authentic spiritual growth and fulfillment.

- Both purity culture and prosperity gospel distort the Gospel's core message by equating spiritual worth with specific outcomes, rather than the inherent value found in a relationship with Jesus.

 

Guest bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Ep. 119 "Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness"

EPISODE RESCOURCES:

“A Statement on I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris

Horatio Gates Spafford - “The Story behind the Hymn It is Well with My Soul”

“The Amazingly Graced Life of John Newton”

Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I was and Who God Has always Been by Jackie Hill Perry

A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption by Becket Cook

 

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Matthew 5:8

John 13:35

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Sexual sin remains one of the most prolific yet overlooked issues within the Christian community. Despite the prevalence of church teachings on purity and righteousness, hidden struggles with sexual sin abound. Despite Jesus' promise of freedom in Scripture, pornography, illicit romantic novels and television shows, and sexual indiscretions continue to keep many believers in bondage. Statistics reveal a startling reality:

 

• 50% of American Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn annually.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view pornography.
• 20% of practicing Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn weekly.
• 15% of Christian women say that they watch porn at least monthly.
• Only 13% of Christian women say that they never watch porn.
• 20 % of youth pastors currently struggles w/ porn use.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view porn.
• 50% of pastors regularly view porn.
• 76% of Christians age 18 to 24 actively and regularly spend time searching porn sites.
• The average age kids see porn is 11.
• 95% of kids see porn by 14 .

These hidden battles often lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and a performance-based relationship with God, making it harder to experience His grace, true intimacy, and freedom

In this episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine is joined by Dr. Lina Abujamra, a pediatric ER doctor and founder of Living With Power Ministries, who delves into her own experiences and insights on breaking free from hidden sexual sin. Lina  sheds light on how purity culture's unrealistic expectations can lead to a dangerous form of idolatry, causing individuals to ignore deeper issues and seek fulfillment through temporary distractions.

Key Highlights:

• Purity Culture’s Impact: Lina unpacks how purity culture sets unrealistic expectations about marriage and intimacy, fostering a performance-based relationship with God.
• The Danger of Idolatry: Learn why idolizing a perfect life leads many to overlook deeper issues and lean on temporary distractions like TV, movies, and frivolous novels.
• Dealing with Hidden Sins: Lina emphasizes the necessity of addressing hidden sins openly and highlights the ease of falling into habits like consuming erotic content. Women like Lina have particularly struggled with pornographic novels and desire to be set free.
• The Importance of Safe Conversations: Lina shares her personal experiences, including the emotional hurt she faced within the church, and underscores the need for transparent discussions in our homes and communities.
• Sexual Sin in the Church: Catherine and Lina explore the alarming statistics on porn addiction among Christians, including pastors, and the urgent need for transparency.

Guest Bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. She has authored several impactful books, including Fractured Faith: Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction, Resolved: 10 Ways to Stand Strong and Live What You Believe, and her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, which offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Featured resource: Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues

Ep. 110 How To Talk To Your Kids about Pornography (w/ Kristen Jensen)

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jensen

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for our next episode, where Lina and I dive even deeper into purity culture, the impact of the prosperity gospel on views of sex and our parenting, and the role of shame in sin. This is a journey toward uncovering freedom and truth, one conversation at a time.

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Do you know what your family's unique purpose or identity is? Can you and your kids name your family’s core values? 

If you feel like a deer in headlights when asked those questions, you aren’t alone.

Families are at the heart of God's plan for the world, serving as unique units designed to fulfill His divine purposes. Yet churches often zoom in on assessing individual callings and miss the bigger picture of the family's role. As a result, most parents never discover their family’s unique God given design or purpose. They never consider what their family’s core values might be.

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine Segars chats with Derek England, the Executive Director of Family ID. Together, they unpack God’s timeless design for the family and why understanding your family's unique purpose is vitally important.

Episode Highlights:

• Family Identity and Purpose: Catherine and Derek dive into how each family has a distinct place in God's plan. They talk about the importance of establishing core family values that guide everything from daily decisions to long-term goals.
• From Past to Present: The conversation touches on traditional family roles, modern challenges, and key insights from Nancy Pearcey's book, The Toxic War on Masculinity.
• Creating Core Values: Derek shares his own family's journey in developing core values, values like being radically protective of quality time and maintaining unwavering integrity.
• Living Intentionally: Emphasizing the need to be intentional, Derek offers practical advice on defining and living out your family’s unique identity and values.
• Free Resources for Families: Take advantage of Family ID's free tools and resources, including a family assessment and masterclass, available at family-id.com. These resources are packed with activities, short videos, and worksheets to help you uncover your family's special purpose and core values.

When the family is strong, each individual member is strong. Family ID helps parents embark on a journey of intentional family living, equipping them with invaluable tools and wisdom to foster a stronger, more unified family dynamic that glorifies God. Explore the divine importance of family in God's plan and begin your intentional family journey at www.family-id.com.

Guest bio: Derek England is the Executive director of Family ID, an organization that is dedicated to transforming families by helping them discover and embrace their family identity, purpose, and direction. Family ID is founded on the belief that every family has a distinct role to play in God’s plan. To equip that plan, Family ID provides a ton of practical tools and resources to guide families in discovering their unique identity, purpose, and core values.

 

EPISODE RESROURCES:

Family ID

Family ID Facebook Page

Family ID Instagram Page

“That the World May Know” with Ray Vander Laan

The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcy

 

EPISODIES REFERENCED:

“5 Lies about Motherhood That Most Women Believe” – The Girl Defined Podcast

“I don’t want to have kids… I want to pursue my career” – The Girl Defined Podcast

 

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Ephesians 5:25-33

John 17:24

Proverbs 29:18

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Many parents face the dilemma of sending their kids to a secular college or university. These institutions claim to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and yet they only present one view on the most salient issues of our day. In this episode, Catherine shares her disconcerting experience at her oldest child's college orientation at a state-funded school.

At the student orientation, student leader after student leader after student leader shared their name, their major, and their preferred pronouns. No other political references were made. No other religious beliefs were stated. Yet despite claiming a commitment to rigorous intellectual debate and freedom of thought, this school presented only one view on gender. And while insisting on preparing the next generation to live in the “real world,” university faculty and administrators aren’t even preparing kids to live in their “real bodies.”

When Catherine discussed this blatant progressive evangelism on the part of the university with other Christians at the orientation, parents just shrugged this indoctrination off as being “the way it is.”

When “the way it is” is harming children, we have to speak up.

To lay the foundation for this conversation, Catherine explores perspectives on preferred pronouns from both Christian and secular sources. She highlights:

• Rosaria Butterfield, a former radical lesbian activist turned Christian, who  underscores the impact of using preferred pronouns and affirming false ideologies. Preferred pronouns aren’t a matter of terminology. They are a matter of ideology. No good can come from affirming a false ideology.
• The viral cancelled article "Pronouns Are Rohypnol," which sheds light on the perception shifts and safety implications associated with preferred pronouns.
• The tragic story of Richie Herron, a young man who underwent gender reassignment surgery after being groomed by a gender clinic, who highlights the dangers of promoting gender ideology without recognizing the consequences.

These tragic stories begin with a small word—a simple, loving, culturally-approved preferred pronoun. But they end in unfair and unsafe spaces for women and girls, excruciating pain, infertility, butchered bodies, and broken lives.

Catherine urges listeners to not remain neutral when it comes to the truth about gender. If our state schools want to claim a standard of diversity, equity, and inclusion, then all views should be represented. They must not claim a DEI standard while practicing uniformity, inequity, and exclusion.

The episode culminates with Catherine sharing her open letter to the university, urging them to uphold true diversity by considering all perspectives and challenging the status quo.

“A truly valuable education should challenge one’s ideology and deeply held convictions, not acquiesce or coddle. Not show favor or bias. Not proudly promote DEI while practicing ideological uniformity, preference, and exclusion. Not embrace bandwagons or reject them without rigorous consideration.”

Christian parents must stand firm in their beliefs, resist pressure to conform to harmful ideologies, and speak up. The next generation won’t hear the truth about who they are if we don’t speak it.

EPISODES REFERENCED:

Episode 115: Exposing the Lost Landscape of Higher Education (w/ David Richardson)

Episode 112: Navigating Tough Conversations about Pronouns with Your Kids (w/ Ryan & Bethany Bomberger)

Episode 49: How Does a Committed Church Kid become a Drag Queen? (w/ Blake Howard)

Episode 50: How Does a Drag Queen become a Minister of the Gospel? (w/ Blake Howard)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

“Why I no longer use Preferred Pronouns—and Why You shouldn’t, either” by Rosaria Butterfield

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith, by Rosaria Butterfield

“Pronouns are Rohypnol,” by Barra Kerr

“Woke Doctors TRICKED me into Gender Surgery—Ritchie Herron” (Andrew Gold/Heretics)

‘I Immediately Experienced Regret’: British Man Recounts Horror of Gender-Transition Surgery,” National Review

“Time to Think—What went wrong at the Tavistock Clinic,” Financial Times

“Transgender to Transformed: Laura Perry's Story,” CBN

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We are all assuming something about the nature of reality. Our core assumptions exist because there isn’t definitive proof for any belief system. In this thought-provoking episode, Catherine and her guest, David Richardson, take a deep dive into the core assumptions that shape our beliefs about reality. In his first book Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, Dave defines the three primary types of assumers: Type I, Type II, and Type III, each with distinct perspectives on the nature of reality.

Type I Assumers believe in a materialistic world where only physical matter and energy are considered real and important. This perspective is the foundation for understanding the world through a purely physical lens.

Type II Assumers view reality as primarily non-physical, emphasizing beliefs that focus on spiritual or idealistic objectives. This perspective leads to beliefs in spiritual evolution or sociopolitical perfection as driving forces in the universe.

Type III Assumers recognize a dual reality where both physical and non-physical aspects coexist, all created by a higher power. This perspective highlights the importance of acknowledging the Creator and creation in shaping one's view of reality.

The impact of these core assumptions are vast and explain virtually everything that is going on in our world today, like how extreme progressives are siding with radical Islamists on college campuses.

Have you been wondering why that is?

If you look at what Islam teaches, it is the opposite of what Progressivism preaches. They are diametrically opposed. Dave explains how such divergent belief systems are finding a kinship on college campuses across the country. Spoiler alert: It has something to do with their underlying assumptions.

Dave also shares his critical assumptions test, an invaluable evangelistic tool that helps individuals evaluate a person’s core assumptions and their alignment with reality. This test consists of eight questions that prompt someone to reflect on their beliefs about the nature of reality, the origin of knowledge, and the purpose of human existence. By engaging with this test, you can quickly assess what a person believes and see how their core assumptions affirm or deny reality.

Guest bio: David Richardson, author of Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford.

EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:

UC Berkeley’s campus is in turmoil. It’s unlike anything in recent memory – Politico (4/21/24)

BLM spent at least $12M on luxury properties in LA, Toronto – New York Post (5/17/22)

Black Lives Matter Secretly Bought a $6 Million House – New York Mag: Intelligencer ((4/4/22)

Jennifer Fulwiler Testimony - From Atheist to A Daughter of God – Godstrong Faith

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES REFERENCED:

Gen. 11 – The Tower of Babel

Rom. 7:18

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