 The rise of the internet has stifled parents' ability to control the types of ideas children are exposed to. This exposure has led to children losing their innocence faster than ever before. How much stock should we put into a local church’s children’s ministry rather than discipling our kids? Matt Markins, president and CEO of Awana, joins us to discuss the necessity of child discipleship and how we can best play a role in faithfully raising children.  Learn more about Awana and Barna's newest project Children's Ministry in a New Reality at awana.org/shop.

Episode 253 | Disappearing Childhood: Matt Markins

THINQ Media (formerly Q Ideas) educates, equips and empowers Christian thought leaders to create conversations that lead to wisdom. 

We do this through our new digital platform, a podcast network, and a series of regional and national events designed to convene leaders around topics that matter to Christians today.  Listen to the THINQ Media Podcast to learn, explore and consider how you can be faithful in our cultural context.

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Do you remember your very first image or concept of God? Your first thoughts about death and the afterlife?  In this episode, Gabe talks to Dr. Melanie Nyhof, a developmental psychologist at Carthage College who conducts cross-cultural developmental research examining the development of religious and cultural concepts.  Gabe and Melanie specifically discuss her research of children’s cognitive development related to how they view God and the afterlife. She explains that in addition to different religious and cultural practices, various other sources can influence a child’s first interpretations and understanding of God, such as TV shows, movies, and even cartoon-like drawings of God in children’s bibles.  Tune in to learn what advice Melanie offers to parents as they help their children cultivate an understanding of and belief in God.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

How Children View God and the Afterlife: Dr. Melanie Nyhof | Episode 273

“...in no way could [the theory of evolution] replace, much less undermine, morality,” says Dr. David Lahti, Assistant Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York.  In this episode, Gabe has a fascinating conversation with David, covering everything from the learned behaviors of birds and what makes birds happy to why young people are leaving the church. They dive into the age-old nature-nurture debate and discuss why scientism cannot explain away morality.  Tune in to hear more about Dr. Lahti’s research and the complexities he’s found at the intersection of idealism, scientism, and cultural relativism.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Lahti Lab Veery Bird Song 

Contributions Science Can and Cannot Make in Understanding Morality | Dr. David Lahti, Episode 272

In this episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Rosalind Picard, a renowned scientist, inventor, engineer, and member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab.  Rosalind helps us define and understand affective computing and what role empathy, emotion, and human connection have in relation to A.I. and other technologies. They talk about the relational and ethical tensions in building technologies that people come to rely on. Rosalind also shares a powerful example of how wearable technologies can save lives.   Listen in as Gabe and Rosalind ask the tough questions around affective computing and discern whether or not we’re becoming more or less human with the help of these technologies.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  Rosalind’s Ted Talk: An AI Smartwatch that Detects Seizures MIT's Media Lab Affective Computing Research Group MIT's MindHandHeart Initiative Center for Neurobiological Engineering 

How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Human Connection: Dr. Rosalind W. Picard | Episode 271

“…the Bible gives us a grounding for what it means for us to be human, but science can give us a bigger window into the mechanics of how we then apply that meaning on a day-to-day basis,” says psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson.  In this episode, Gabe continues our Science and Faith series with Curt, discussing how God has designed our brains to function and how much this design reveals the unique nature of every human being. Curt draws neurobiological correlations to the biblical narrative, specifically about our human need for relationship in order to flourish. He shares how our lack of relationship and community caused by our cell phone and social media usage is driving the mental health crisis.  Tune in to hear what Curt suggests we can do to simplify our lives and foster community, comfort and confidence in ourselves and our children.  Resources:   https://curtthompsonmd.com THINQ Talk: Mental Health Practices, Curt Thompson THINQ Talk: Q&A;: Mental Health + Suicide, Curt Thompson, Scott Sauls, Rebekah Lyons  NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  

What It Means To Be Human: Dr. Curt Thompson | Episode 270

“In the United States, we wait for people to bottom out,” says New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Lisa Miller. But she reminds us “we were built for this,” describing how God designed and equipped us with an awakened brain made of three circuits that we can access: We are guided. We are loved and held. And we are never alone.   THINQ Co-Founder, Gabe Lyons, kicks off our special Science and Faith Series with Lisa, discussing the compelling science and data behind our human capacity for spirituality and how our brains literally become more resilient and robust as we engage in our faith and relationships.  Tune in as Gabe and Lisa dig into how important this truth is for combatting suicide and mental health issues, specifically in our military and our children. You’ll learn ways to encourage and prioritize spiritual development and promote mental and physical health.  Resources:   The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life  The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving US Army TRADOC Leadership Professional Development Webinar:  Spirituality and Health with Dr. Lisa Miller  NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  

Episode 253 | Disappearing Childhood: Matt Markins

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