CrossCurrent Podcasts

Is America losing the true meaning of freedom? As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this urgent episode probes the foundations of liberty, the threats facing our nation, and what it takes to safeguard freedom for our children and generations to come.

In a riveting and timely conversation, host Catherine welcomes Dr. Os Guinness—esteemed philosopher, prolific author of 30+ books, and Oxford-educated scholar—on Christian Parent/Crazy World. As one of the last surviving Western eyewitnesses to the Chinese Communist Revolution, Os Guinness brings a one-in-eight-billion perspective on Marxism, the power of faith amid crisis, and the unique roots of American freedom.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

The Origins of True Freedom

• Explore why the American experiment stands apart from every other revolution in history, and how its “ordered freedom” is rooted not in Enlightenment thinkers, but in the biblical model of the Hebrew Republic (13:42).

• Discover the “Golden Triangle of Freedom”—the idea that freedom requires virtue, virtue requires faith, and faith requires freedom—and why this cycle is essential for a nation to remain free (05:21).

Firsthand Testimony from History’s Crucible

• Hear Os Guinness recount surviving the trauma and reign of terror in Communist China as a child, witnessing trials, executions, and famine that claimed the lives of his own brothers (07:47, 11:28).

• Learn how his experiences shaped an unflinching realism about Marxism and the dangers of revolutionary utopianism (09:09).

Dueling Revolutions: Bible vs. Enlightenment

• Unpack the stark contrast between the American and French Revolutions—their sources, their visions of justice, and why one led to ordered liberty while the other spiraled into totalitarianism (18:25).

The “Long March” Through Culture

• Grasp the strategies used by cultural Marxists to capture education, media, law, family, and religion—aiming to reshape the very core of society (28:02).

• Understand why so many college-bound Christian kids lose their faith, and the urgent need for Christian parents to cultivate resilient worldviews in their children (28:53).

Why Freedom Is Fragile—And How to Guard It

• Be warned: “Freedom is the great enemy of freedom. When we misuse freedom, we will eventually lose it.” (42:10)

• Hear the powerful call to Christian citizens—why voting, cultural engagement, and long-haul disciple-making in families and churches matter now more than ever (34:38).

Quotable Moments & Anecdotes

• “Freedom is not the permission to do what you like. Freedom is the power to do what you ought.” (41:13)

• The story of Derek Prince’s prayer for a leader in WWII—and how God answered, changing the course of history (37:37).

Why This Matters for Christian Parents:
Our children are being taught that freedom means “license”—the ability to do whatever we want. This episode powerfully reframes freedom as a God-given power and responsibility to do what is right. As parents, understanding and passing on the true source and nature of freedom is nothing less than essential—because only faith-fueled virtue can preserve liberty.

About Dr. Os Guinness:
With a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford, Os Guinness is globally recognized for his insight into faith, freedom, and society. Raised in China and forged amid revolution, his lifetime of scholarship and firsthand experience make him uniquely qualified to speak on the future of freedom. His latest book, The Magna Carta o

 Raising a daughter today isn’t easy. Between social pressure, cultural expectations, and questions about identity and self-worth, many parents wonder if they’re doing enough. Dannah Gresh explores how moms can connect deeply with their daughters, guide them with grace, and help them grow strong in their faith and confidence in who God created them to be. 

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We owe it to children to tell the truth and oppose the lies.

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A devastating earthquake hits Venezuela. John and Maria discuss socialist primary victories in New York, a new Gallup poll on religion, the New York Times' Father's Day essay, Canada's speech law, anti-Semitism on the right, and listener questions.

Segment 1 – Venezuela Earthquake; NYC Primaries; Religion in America

• Venezuela earthquake article

• Coverage of New York City primary elections

• Gallup poll on religion in America

Segment 2 – Father's Day; Canada's Speech Law; Anti-Semitism

• New York Times Father's Day essay coverage

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You only get one chance to make a first impression, and your first chapter is making promises to readers whether you realize it or not.

In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast, we're unpacking what separates a page-turning opening from one readers quietly abandon. From creating an emotional connection to building intrigue and setting expectations for the journey ahead, we'll explore the subtle techniques that make readers say, "Just one more chapter."

Whether you're drafting a new novel or revising an old one, this discussion will help you take a fresh look at the opening pages of your manuscript. Plus, we'll leave you with a writing sprint challenge.

Why has the Catholic Church in India become so engaged in environmental initiatives? And what does the wider Indian political context defined by an assertive Hindu nationalism mean for the ability of church actors to pursue environmental agendas? In this episode, we are joined by Kenneth Bo Nielsen and Nihar Gokhale who have examined these questions in the Indian state of Goa, focusing on church activities and outreach in the domain of sustainable agriculture and agroecology.

You can read more about their research on the relationship between Christian environmentalism, agroecology and the rise of Hindu majoritarianism in the edited volume Religion and Ecological Crisis: Responses from Asia, published by Leiden University Press.

Kenneth Bo Nielsen is a Social Anthropologist at the University of Oslo in Norway.

Nihar Gokhale is a DPhil student in International Development at the Oxford Department of International Development.

Mette Halskov Hansen, your host, is a Professor of China Studies at the University of Oslo.

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Prayer often comes with many questions: Why didn’t God answer my prayer? Why does God allow suffering and evil in the world? Why does prayer even matter? Theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer answers each of these concerns with empathy for those who struggle with unanswered prayer as he reminds us of God’s trustworthiness and sovereign plan, firmly based on His promises. He shares that prayer isn’t about changing God’s will but aligning ours with Him, as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

Receive a copy of Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers? A Biblical Guide to God’s Hidden Purposes and an audio download of "Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers" for your donation of any amount!

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