Mama Bear Apologetics

Can we really trust the people who wrote the New Testament? And how can we help our kids confidently answer that question when skeptics challenge the reliability of Scripture?

In this episode of Mama Bear Apologetics, Amy Davison and Dr. Tricia Scribner continue their series on the top 20 reasons Christianity is true by investigating the historical trustworthiness of the New Testament writers. Together, they examine internal evidence, including eyewitness testimony, verifiable historical details, and the character of the apostles, alongside external evidence from archaeology and ancient historians.

From the Pool of Bethesda to the writings of Josephus and the discovery of the Pilate Stone, they explore how historical evidence supports the biblical accounts. Mama Bears will walk away with practical ways to help their kids investigate difficult questions, evaluate skeptical claims, and recognize that Christianity is grounded in real historical events—not blind faith.

• Challenges to New Testament reliability: Examining objections from Bart Ehrman and Charles Darwin concerning Gospel authorship, discrepancies, and historical accuracy.
• Internal evidence of trustworthiness: How John, Paul, and Luke identified their sources and provided details that invited historical verification.
• Eyewitness testimony: Paul's reference to more than 500 witnesses of the risen Christ and Luke's careful documentation of people, places, and events.
• Archaeological confirmation: How discoveries such as the Pool of Bethesda support geographical and historical details recorded in Scripture.
• The character of the apostles: Examining their humility, acknowledgment of personal failures, willingness to suffer, and commitment to difficult moral teachings.
• Non-Christian historical sources: Exploring references to Jesus and early Christianity in the writings of Josephus and Thallus.
• Equipping kids to investigate: Practical ways to encourage children to research historical claims, examine original sources, and think critically about challenges to Christianity.

Scriptures:

• John 1:14
• 1 John 1:1–4
• John 19:34
• 1 Corinthians 15:5–8
• Galatians 1:12–16
• 1 Corinthians 15
• Matthew 5:44
• Matthew 5:28
• Acts 11:28

Books:

• When Critics Ask — Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe
• The Case for Christ — Lee Strobel
• Cold-Case Christianity for Kids — J. Warner Wallace

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

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Is Wildwood a beautifully crafted fantasy adventure or a dark story that parents should approach with caution? This week on Mama Bear Movie Minute, Alexa and Anja unpack LAIKA's stop-motion animated film, exploring its breathtaking artistry, disturbing imagery, and surprisingly rich opportunities for biblical conversations.

From child sacrifice and dark magic to grief, courage, and the desire for control, Wildwood raises important questions about good and evil, the consequences of disobedience, and what it truly means to sacrifice for someone you love. The Mama Bears discuss the film's portrayal of nature worship, its troubling message about hope, and how its themes can open doors to conversations about Jesus' sacrifice and the eternal hope we have in Christ.

With major spoilers ahead, this episode equips parents to think critically about Wildwood and decide whether its mature themes are appropriate for their families.

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

Is Disney's Coven Academy just another magical teen drama, or is it making the occult more appealing to the next generation?

In this Mama Bear Movie Minute, Hillary, Alexa, and Anja examine the show's portrayal of witchcraft, friendship, identity, and the pursuit of power. From covens and spellcasting to the normalization of occult practices, they explore how entertainment can make spiritually concerning ideas seem beautiful, harmless, and even desirable.

The Mama Bears also discuss the biblical differences between seeking control and surrendering to God, the dangers of making friendship our ultimate source of fulfillment, and the importance of teaching kids to recognize counterfeit versions of God's good gifts. Whether your family chooses to watch the show or skip it altogether, this conversation offers practical ways to build discernment and engage your kids in meaningful discussions about faith and culture.

04:48 – Real-World Witchcraft and Ley Lines

07:55 – Finding Covens and the Desire for Control

12:00 – When Dangerous Things Look Beautiful

15:18 – Dark Magic, Power, and Moral Boundaries

21:16 – Friendship, Belonging, and Spiritual Gifts

24:49 – Counterfeit Christianity and Occult Symbols

31:46 – Violence, Desensitization, and Identity

38:52 – The Dangerous Bad-Boy Romance Trope

41:00 – Conversations Every Parent Should Have

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

Witches, demons, and dark magic are showing up in more children's entertainment—but how can Christian parents distinguish harmless fantasy from spiritually dangerous messages? Amy is joined by Alexa Cramer to examine the growing influence of occult imagery and witchcraft in popular shows and movies, including Wednesday, The Owl House, and Halloweentown.

Using the ROAR method, we explore how entertainment can blur the lines between good and evil, appeal to kids who feel misunderstood, and normalize occult practices. We also share practical ways to evaluate media, establish age-appropriate boundaries, and start gospel-centered conversations that help our children recognize deception, embrace biblical truth, and find their identity in Christ rather than worldly promises of power.

• The Rise of Occult Themes in Children's Entertainment — How popular movies and shows incorporate witchcraft, dark imagery, and messages that challenge biblical morality.
• The Appeal of Witchcraft and the Outsider Identity — Why themes of empowerment, belonging, and embracing darkness can particularly appeal to vulnerable or isolated young people.
•  Applying ROAR to Spooky Entertainment — Recognizing underlying messages, offering objective discernment, arguing for a healthier approach, and reinforcing biblical truth.
• Practical Discernment for Christian Families — How parents can distinguish fantasy from depictions of occult practices, establish boundaries, and have age-appropriate conversations without creating unnecessary fear.

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

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Join Hillary, Alexa, and Anja as they revisit the Sanderson sisters and uncover surprising biblical lessons beneath all the spooky silliness!

The Mama Bears explore the movie's portrayal of witchcraft, the importance of sibling relationships, and the biblical contrast between light and darkness. They also discuss the real history of the Salem witch trials, questionable humor, and how entertainment shapes our kids' understanding of right and wrong.

Whether Hocus Pocus is a nostalgic family favorite or a movie you've chosen to avoid, this episode is packed with insights, cautions, and practical conversation starters to help you raise kids who can think biblically about the entertainment they consume. Because being a Mama Bear isn't just about knowing what your kids are watching—it's about teaching them how to recognize truth, identify lies, and exercise discernment in a culture that doesn't always make the difference clear!

03:00 – Should Christians Watch Halloween Movies?

04:00 – Good vs. Evil: How Hocus Pocus Portrays Witchcraft

07:00 – The Dangers of Dabbling in the Occult

09:00 – Biblical Lessons on Sacrificial Love and Sibling Relationships

13:00 – The Salem Witch Trials: Separating History from Hollywood

18:00 – Light vs. Darkness: Biblical Symbolism in Hocus Pocus

21:00 – Halloween, Christian Freedom, and Personal Convictions

26:00 – Inappropriate Content, Sexual Humor, and Movie Ratings

31:00 – Teaching Kids Biblical Discernment Through Movie Conversations

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

In this episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast, we're joined by Alexa to dig into the history of Halloween, from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to the modern American traditions we recognize today. We separate historical facts from popular misconceptions, explore the Christian connections to All Hallows' Eve, and examine how Halloween traditions have evolved over time.

But knowing the history is only half the battle! We also turn to Scripture to discuss the difference between harmless costumes and actual occult practices, why Christians should take divination and necromancy seriously, and how to establish thoughtful boundaries around entertainment and decorations. Most importantly, we talk about extending grace to families who make different decisions about Halloween. Whether your family celebrates with costumes and candy or chooses to abstain entirely, the goal is the same: honor Christ, disciple your children, and stand firm in biblical truth without living in fear.

• The History and Origins of Halloween: Exploring ancient Celtic Samhain traditions, All Hallows' Eve, and how Halloween evolved into today's costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating.
• Christian Freedom, Conscience, and Convictions: Understanding why Christian families approach Halloween differently, respecting personal convictions, and teaching children to extend grace to others.
• Biblical Boundaries and Spiritual Discernment: Examining what Scripture says about witchcraft, divination, necromancy, occult practices, and the importance of discernment in Halloween decorations and entertainment.
• Keeping Christ at the Center of Halloween: Helping children understand God's sovereignty, remembering faithful Christians, creating meaningful family traditions, and using October 31st as an opportunity for evangelism and community outreach.

Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 8:9
• 1 Corinthians 8
• Deuteronomy 18:10–12
• Galatians 5:19–21
• Psalm 139
• Genesis 1:27
• Hebrews 1
• Quotable Quotes

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

Air Doctor

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

• Check out our website
• Buy the Mama Bear Apologetics book (affiliate link)
• Join Our Email List
• Have Us Speak at Your Event

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

In this Mama Bear Movie Minute, Hillary Ferrer and Anja Westerhaus unpack Disney/Pixar's Coco, exploring its beautiful messages about family, legacy, and honoring loved ones alongside concerns about ancestor worship, spirit guides, and the afterlife.

The Mama Bears discuss how parents can appreciate the beauty of Mexican culture while teaching children to recognize spiritual practices that contradict a biblical worldview. They also explore the importance of trusting God's plan for our children, avoiding all-or-nothing thinking, and having meaningful conversations about eternity.

Whether your family has watched Coco or you're deciding if it's appropriate, this episode encourages parents to approach entertainment with biblical discernment, celebrate what is good, and use challenging themes as opportunities to point their children toward Christ.

04:09 – Celebrating Mexican Culture and Honoring Family Legacy

08:56 – Deconstruction, All-or-Nothing Thinking, and Parenting

14:00 – Family Identity, Generational Influence, and God's Justice

20:56 – Día de los Muertos, Ancestor Worship, and Syncretism

29:08 – Biblical Warnings About Necromancy and Spirit Guides

33:23 – Talking to Kids About the Afterlife and Heaven

39:08 – Separating Cultural Appreciation from Spiritual Practices

42:00 – Identity, Control, Idolatry, and Trusting God

45:01 – Teaching Biblical Discernment Without Condemning Culture

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

In this Mama Bear Movie Minute, Hillary, Alexa, and Anja tackle Forgotten Island—and make an unusually direct recommendation to skip it. While acknowledging its colorful animation, Filipino cultural elements, and themes of friendship and belonging, they argue these are overshadowed by demonic folklore, reckless behavior, crude humor, party culture, and unhealthy ideas about relationships.

Using a biblical worldview and the Mama Bear ROAR method, the hosts examine what the movie teaches children to laugh at, admire, and empathize with. They contrast the characters’ rage, impulsiveness, and destructive friendship with biblical warnings about the influence of bad company. They also discuss the movie’s sympathetic treatment of creatures rooted in Filipino folklore, asking whether repeated exposure to frightening or evil imagery can blur children’s spiritual discernment.

Ultimately, the episode encourages parents to recognize that thinking critically about entertainment doesn’t always require watching everything culture produces. Sometimes loving biblically means recognizing what a story asks children to normalize—and choosing to skip it.

In This Episode

05:09 Filipino culture, Christianity, and the rebellious-grandma trope

09:00 Recklessness, disrespect, and what the movie teaches kids to laugh at

13:30 Biblical wisdom about friendship and bad company

04:50 Filipino folklore, demons, and indigenous spiritual beliefs

23:46 Desensitization to disturbing and demonic imagery

25:35 Crude humor, empathy, and spiritual discernment

29:16 Friendship, identity, and unhealthy dependence

32:51 Party culture, YOLO, and dark humor

34:48 Positive reviews, belonging, and the final takeaway

In this special “mamas only” episode, Amy and Anja Westerhaus tackle Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, a novel centered on Natalie, a wildly successful “tradwife” influencer whose carefully curated online persona masks a deeply dysfunctional reality.

Rather than treating the novel’s depiction of faith, marriage, motherhood, and conservative Christianity at face value, Amy and Anja encourage listeners to recognize Natalie as an unreliable narrator. They argue that her pursuit of the perfect home, marriage, family, and online identity reflects a works-based and performative worldview rather than biblical Christianity.

The conversation uses Yesteryear as a jumping-off point for a bigger question: What happens when an aesthetic becomes confused with biblical womanhood? The hosts distinguish between pursuing Christ and pursuing an image of perfection—whether that image involves sourdough, prairie dresses, homesteading, picture-perfect children, or an Instagram-worthy kitchen.

They also turn the critique inward. Christians aren’t immune to comparison, envy, trolling, labeling, or an “us versus them” mentality. Instead, believers are called to treat people—including those with whom they strongly disagree—with dignity, kindness, gentleness, and respect.

Ultimately, Amy and Anja challenge Christian women not to respond to caricatures of Christianity with another caricature. Instead, live differently. Biblical womanhood isn’t a social-media aesthetic or a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. It is faithfulness to Christ expressed through the particular gifts, relationships, responsibilities, and circumstances God has given each woman.

• Tradwife Aesthetics vs. Biblical Womanhood — The hosts distinguish an online image of traditional femininity from biblical faithfulness.
• Social Media & Performative Perfection — Curated content can fuel comparison, envy, and unrealistic expectations about motherhood and homemaking.
• Works-Based Faith vs. Grace — Natalie’s pursuit of perfection is contrasted with salvation by grace and dependence on Christ.
• Rejecting “Us vs. Them” Thinking — Christians are encouraged to resist caricatures, trolling, and dehumanizing labels and instead respond with love, gentleness, and respect.

Scriptures:

• Ephesians 2:8–9
• Luke 6:32–36
• 1 Peter 3:15
• Ephesians 5:25

Our Presenting Sponsor is American Heritage Girls: Visit americanheritagegirls.org/MBA to get a free parenting resource and learn more about what American Heritage Girls is doing.

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Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off your purifier using promo code MBA. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.

• Check out our website
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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Alexa and Anja discuss Breadwinners, a family comedy about a stay-at-home mom whose business takes off and a breadwinning dad who suddenly finds himself managing the home and their three daughters. They explore family teamwork, recognizing individual strengths, adapting to unexpected changes, and being present with your kids.

They also discuss the movie’s “clueless dad” trope, the unequal household load many moms carry, and how families can think biblically about responsibilities and gender roles without becoming overly rigid. Scriptures discussed include 1 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians, Luke 10, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

00:00:00 — Welcome & Breadwinners introduction

00:01:30 — Movie premise and plot summary

00:02:26 — Dad learns to play to his strengths

00:05:21 — Different parenting styles & avoiding micromanagement

00:08:26 — Spiritual gifts, teamwork & family unity

00:10:05 — Growing through stressful family transitions

00:12:10 — Movie concerns: stereotypes & the “dumb dad” trope

00:14:22 — Moms, mental load & unequal household responsibilities

00:18:00 — Conversations to have with your kids

00:19:21 — Gender roles, biblical boundaries & family freedom