One of the most important questions that we as Christian parents can answer for our children (and for ourselves) is, “Are the New Testament documents reliable?” While this podcast in no way represents a comprehensive answer, it is a good intro to the discussion if you have never heard it before. Topics Discussed: Who is […]

MBA Episode 11: Are the New Testament Documents Reliable: an Introduction to Bart Ehrman

Mama Bear Apologetics is a podcast for mothers of biological, adopted, or spiritual children who want to learn about how to defend the Christian faith, help give their children reasons for faith, and understand the worldviews that challenge Christian faith in the first place.

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Could your child's playlist be as influential as their peers? That's the question we tackle, as Taylor Swift's "Tortured Poets Department" sweeps through headphones and homes, stirring a wave of concern among Christian parents. We’re peering into the heart of the matter, unraveling how the melodies and lyrics that echo in our kids' ears might be shaping their worldviews and emotional landscapes. We're not just talking tunes here—we're discussing the seeds of beliefs being planted with every beat and verse they hear. The allure of beats and harmonies isn't simply a matter of taste—it's a powerful force with the capacity to sway moods and beliefs. This episode isn't shy about confronting the myths surrounding the impact of music like Taylor Swift's, challenging the notion that it's all harmless entertainment. Instead, we spotlight the psychological and spiritual battlegrounds within our children's mental health, leaning on both scripture and science to navigate this complex terrain. We're opening up the conversation to equip families with the discernment needed to face the subtle, yet profound, influences their children encounter in their favorite playlists. Navigating the celebrity culture maze becomes all the more important when stars like Swift command not just the airwaves, but also the hearts of their listeners. We dissect the weighty influence wielded by artists over their fanbases, recognizing the fine line between admiration and idolization. By fostering a foundation built on truth, we empower our listeners to guide their children in engaging with culture without losing their footing in faith. It's a call to all parents to anchor their young ones in a faith that withstands the tidal waves of cultural fads and fan fervor.  Main Points CoveredShould I be concerned about my kids listening to Taylor Swift?How does music affect the brain?Art is an expression of worldview.Being a "Swifty" should not be a primary identity statement.Be on guard for yourself and your children so that you aren’t taken in by the culture.Tips for healthily engaging with your kids around music.
People and Resources MentionedRomans 1:18Mark 12:30Romans 12:21 Corinthians 10:5University of Central Florida Article
Thanks to Our SponsorsThe CSB Bible Translation The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Episode 105: 3 Myths About Taylor Swift

SummaryMy heart swells with gratitude when I recall the gentle whispers of wisdom my own mother shared with me, shaping my spiritual path. This Mother's Day, join us as we celebrate the extraordinary influence mothers, both biological, adoptive and spiritual have on nurturing faith. Alongside my friend and ministry partner Alexa, we weave together touching narratives and Biblical wisdom to honor the irreplaceable role of mothers in faith formation. The world often measures success in material wealth and titles, but we want to acknowledge the profound beauty in the simplicity of a faith-filled home. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:26, we discuss the pressures modern moms face, encouraging a return to wisdom, kindness, and the nurturing of young souls. We also discuss the importance of a nurturing church environment that shows respect, equips for the journey, and accepts every mom with open arms. As we wrap up, we offer parenting wisdom and encouragement, acknowledging the various expressions of motherhood and the power of speaking life into our children. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to all the 'mama bears' out there, standing firm in faith and love.to a resource that helps you have those conversations with your children.Main Points CoveredMom’s you are vital in nurturing the faith of your child.You don’t have to “have it all” to have it all.Your church is there for you.
People and Resources MentionedProverbs 31:26https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/https://www.barna.com/research/faith-heritage-faith-practice/https://www.barna.com/research/moms-christians-households/
Thanks to our Sponsors
 The CSB Bible Translation The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Episode 104. Three Encouragements for All Moms on Mother's Day

SummaryOn this episode we are Joined by Christopher Yuan to discuss The Holy Sexuality Project and what led him to create it. Christopher vulnerably shares his story of how he stepped into a homosexual lifestyle and how, as he says, the prayers of his own Mama Bear led to his salvation. We focus on the pivotal role of parents and grandparents in shaping the conversation on sexuality, emphasizing the necessity of home discipleship. Through the lens of Christopher's ministry, we explore why he felt the need to create resources aimed at equipping families to broach these topics from a biblical context. We also discuss the challenges and timing of introducing the concept of sexuality to children and the pressing need for parents to guide their children before the onset of puberty. We recognize the flood of "almost true" information that surrounds our kids on a daily basis, even from the Christian community and the hope of this episode is to not only help provide a biblical context for confronting that messaging but also point you to a resource that helps you have those conversations with your children.Main Points CoveredWhat is the current landscape of the sexuality conversation in our culture?When is right time to talk with your child about sexuality.The importance of clarity over agreement in the conversation of sexuality.What is Side A and Side B as it relates to the Christian conversation on sexuality?What is a biblical view of identity and sexuality?
People and Resources MentionedThe Holy Sexuality ProjectChristopher Yuan's WebsiteJeremiah 29:11Matthew 18:6-14
Thanks to our Sponsors
 The CSB Bible Translation The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally.  Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase. 
Unfamiliar VocabularySide A: Your sexual orientation is unchangeable and is part of your identity that should be accepted.Side B: Your sexual orientation is unchangeable and is a part of your identity that should be deprived.Celibacy (in relation to Side B same-sex orientation): A volitional vocation of being single. (This is a practice primarily informed by the worldview that your sexual orientation cannot be transformed, but is a part of who you are).

Episode 103. The Holy Sexuality Project with Christopher Yuan

SummaryHello, fellow Mama Bears! On this episode we are ROAR'ing through the latest He Gets Us commercial that aired during the Super Bowl at the beginning of this year. We want to take a careful look at what the message is and what it isn't. Our hope is to highlight the importance of sifting through the media we consume, even media that appears wholesome of biblical on the surface. We want to hold the message of the He Gets Us commercial against the scriptures to examine where it does or doesn't line up with what the Bible teaches. We will do walk through each step of our ROAR method to discern what the appropriate steps are for engaging with that message and how to disciple our children accordingly. We're here to empower each other to raise discerning, wise, and loving families. So, let's sharpen our ability to recognize truth under the veneer of messages that surround us, and pass on this legacy of wisdom to our little ones.Main Points CoveredWhat is the He Gets Us campaign?The 4 issues we see with the message of the He Gets Us Super Bowl commercialHow to discern the the false and true messaging in the commercialHow shepherd your children in media consumptionPeople and Resources MentionedHe Gets Us CommercialCommercial ExplanationJohn 13:1-20Luke 22:24Prov 6:16-19James 1:19Colossians 4:6Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Register today at summit.org/roar/. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24.

Episode 102: ROAR'ing Through The He Gets Us Campaign

In this episode of Mama Bear Apologetics, we discuss all things bible translations — Formal, Functional, and Optimal. We also explore the difference between a translations and paraphrases. We delve into the historical sacrifices made by early translators to bring the Bible into the English language and offer guidance on choosing translations that foster faith and understanding, especially for children and new believers. We dissect the balance between literal accuracy and readability, as well as the pros and cons of each type of translation or paraphrase. And we also address the much asked question "What translation do we use at Mama Bear Apologetics?" Finally, we address the "KJV Only" movement — what is it, how should we approach it, and what is the historical context that should come to bear on the topic. This episode invites listeners to broaden their understanding of bible translations and their historical context so that the power and clarity of God's word is not lost in translation.Main Points CoveredHow did we get our translations?Broad categories for translation typesTranslations vs ParaphraseWhat are the pros and cons of each?What to consider in buying a bible for your KidsShould you only read the KJV translation?People and Resources People and Resources MentionedBiblia Hebraica StuttgartensiaLeningrad CodexAleppo CodexUnited Bible Societies Greek NTNovum Testament GraeceUnfamiliar VocabularyFormal Equivalence (Literal Equivalence) Translations: Word for Word as much as possible. This translation seeks to find an English equivalent word for every Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic word.Functional Equivalence (Dynamic Equivalence) Translations: Though for thought as much as possible. This translations translates a phrase as a whole and is not as concerned with preserving the exact same number of words or equivalent grammatical constructions.Optimal Equivalence: This is a blend of both Formal and Functional translation styles. This form uses word for word translation where possible, but switches to thought/phrase whenever the meaning isn’t clear.Paraphrase: This is not a true translation, but rather a retelling of Scripture based on original texts and/or modern translations. It often uses the most common modern idioms.Thanks to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/

MBA Episode 11: Are the New Testament Documents Reliable: an Introduction to Bart Ehrman

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