Postmodern Realities Podcast

Humans may disagree on what behaviors are moral, or on the best way to make specific moral decisions. Even so, our fundamental concept of goodness has to come from somewhere. This is what the moral argument for the existence of God addresses. Put simply, morality exists therefore, God exists. For a culture intoxicated by naturalism, morality provides a strong reason to believe in a Creator the prerequisite for belief in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For many Christians, the moral argument can serve as an apologetic starting point for evangelization. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Sarah Geis about her CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL Effective Evangelism article Morality, Therefore God: An Evangelistic Strategy

Emotional religious doubt presents an enigma. Exceptionally prevalent and sometimes excruciatingly painful, religious doubt is experienced by believers in a wide variety of ways. Distraught sentiments often appear habitually as agonized What if scenarios. Viewed in the context of other forms of doubt, there are many differences. However, the common notions of how to progress toward healing doubt are frequently very wide of the mark, and can be counterproductive. For example, Christian evidences by themselves rarely halt the pain. This version of uncertainty generally requires some additional attention to emotive elements, which are the most disruptive feature. In Scripture, we discover many questioning believers as well as much prescriptive advice regarding how to deal with emotional hurt. Combined with some exceptionally helpful principles from contemporary Christian counseling, emotional doubt can often be lessened significantly, or even healed. Further, the resulting discipline can be helpful in other areas of the Christian life, as well. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Gary Habermas about his article When Religious Doubt Grows Agonizing.

We live in a world broken by sin. One manifestation of brokenness is found in those living with disabilities. God shows great affection for the lost, including those who live with brokenness the blind, lame, crippled, etc. It behooves us to ask how we can more effectively respond to this vast and often forgotten population. We ask, How can the church share the Good News with people whose intellectual capacities are affected by disability ? First we affirm that all people are fallen and need redemption in Christ. People who live with disability are no different. We cannot assume they are automatically accepted by God apart from faith in Christ. But we must understand that the range of intellectual disability includes some who can express faith, and others who cannot. Second, for those whose developmental disability allows them to understand, we must contextualize the Good News in ways they can grasp. If they can express faith, however simply, we must help them do so. Romans 10:9 models this simplicity. Gods people must work carefully to communicate essential aspects of faith in Christ in easily understandable terms for those with mental disability. But another difficult question arises concerning those whose intellectual capacity does not allow them to express faith in a verbal manner. Jesus teaching John 15 and Pauls 1 Corinthians 7 offer a way for including in Gods community those whose brokenness is more severe and limiting. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Michael S. Beates about his coauthored CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article Retelling the Old, Old Story Sharing the Gospel with Those Living with Disability.

This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author James N. Anderson about his article The Internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit How Do You Know That the Bible Is Gods Word? Topics covered in this episode include what is meant by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit? Why is it important to know that the Bible is Gods Word, and isnt it enough to just to have faith? Is there any biblical basis for the idea of the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit? Is the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit purely subjective, and does it imply a subjectivist view of knowledge? Is the idea of the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit similar to the Mormon idea of the burning bosom, or are there are important differences? If we know the Bible is Gods Word by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit, then it seems that arguments and evidences become redundant. Are we putting Christian apologists out of a job?

Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty First Century For many years, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mormons have practiced what they call friendshipping. This coined word describes the attitude that Mormons are told to have in their relationships with less active members or those who have no connection whatsoever to the LDS Church. By going out of their way to do kind gestures, Mormons hope to present a positive image of their church and possibly entice friends and neighbors to enter into the missionary lessons. In addition, many Christians are pressured to join the LDS Church when they become involved in romantic relationships with Mormons. While Mormons apparently can date outside their faith as long as their partners are pure and wholesome, they are not supposed to marry nonmembers. Thus, the Christian boyfriend or girlfriend is typically required to join the LDS Church before the relationship can head to the next step, which could be a Mormon temple wedding ceremony. While Christians certainly can and should have friendships with those from other religions, including Mormons, they also need to understand the potential pitfalls when others are trying to convert them to their faith. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Eric Johnson about his CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article Converting Them Softly with Their Words: Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty-First Century.

Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty First Century For many years, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mormons have practiced what they call friendshipping. This coined word describes the attitude that Mormons are told to have in their relationships with less active members or those who have no connection whatsoever to the LDS Church. By going out of their way to do kind gestures, Mormons hope to present a positive image of their church and possibly entice friends and neighbors to enter into the missionary lessons. In addition, many Christians are pressured to join the LDS Church when they become involved in romantic relationships with Mormons. While Mormons apparently can date outside their faith as long as their partners are pure and wholesome, they are not supposed to marry nonmembers. Thus, the Christian boyfriend or girlfriend is typically required to join the LDS Church before the relationship can head to the next step, which could be a Mormon temple wedding ceremony. While Christians certainly can and should have friendships with those from other religions, including Mormons, they also need to understand the potential pitfalls when others are trying to convert them to their faith. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Eric Johnson about his CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article Converting Them Softly with Their Words: Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty-First Century.

Originally a niche medium, anime Japanese animation has experienced a massive explosion in popularity in recent decades. Its cultural influence is widespread, from massive conventions full of truly devoted fans to Hollywoods biggest blockbusters and family films. However, anime can be daunting to explore and understand due to both cultural differences as well as its willingness to feature more mature themes and subject matter than are usually found in American animation including sex and violence. While this is cause for concern, animes willingness to wrestle with serious themes also means that it contains numerous titles that parallel Christian theology in surprising ways, and are worth the discerning believers consideration. Studio Ghibli has become the most celebrated studio in anime history thanks to its beautifully rendered tales full of moral complexity and ambiguity. Ghost in the Shell offers a cyberpunk look at technologys challenges to our definition of what it means to be human. One mans neverending search for atonement and forgiveness is at the heart of Rurouni Kenshins samurai tale. Haibane Renmeis depiction of the wages of sin and selfrighteousness could easily have been lifted from 1 Johns opening chapter. And finally, Attack on Titan is a violent and harrowing look at what it means to live in an apparently materialistic and godless universe. Titles like these not only offer Christians some fascinating explorations of important themes but also provide a way for believers to engage with one of pop cultures most dynamic influences.This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Jason Morehead about his article Unpacking Animes Thematic and Spiritual Depth

Originally a niche medium, anime Japanese animation has experienced a massive explosion in popularity in recent decades. Its cultural influence is widespread, from massive conventions full of truly devoted fans to Hollywoods biggest blockbusters and family films. However, anime can be daunting to explore and understand due to both cultural differences as well as its willingness to feature more mature themes and subject matter than are usually found in American animation including sex and violence. While this is cause for concern, animes willingness to wrestle with serious themes also means that it contains numerous titles that parallel Christian theology in surprising ways, and are worth the discerning believers consideration. Studio Ghibli has become the most celebrated studio in anime history thanks to its beautifully rendered tales full of moral complexity and ambiguity. Ghost in the Shell offers a cyberpunk look at technologys challenges to our definition of what it means to be human. One mans neverending search for atonement and forgiveness is at the heart of Rurouni Kenshins samurai tale. Haibane Renmeis depiction of the wages of sin and selfrighteousness could easily have been lifted from 1 Johns opening chapter. And finally, Attack on Titan is a violent and harrowing look at what it means to live in an apparently materialistic and godless universe. Titles like these not only offer Christians some fascinating explorations of important themes but also provide a way for believers to engage with one of pop cultures most dynamic influences.This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Jason Morehead about his article Unpacking Animes Thematic and Spiritual Depth

After Exodus International, the largest and most prominent ministry to address homosexuality, closed its doors in 2013, the public, both Christian and secular, became more skeptical about the possibility of homosexuals going straight. As a result, a different approach developed, one in which someone who was Christian but same sex attracted could still identify himself as gay but also hold the historic, orthodox biblical view on sexuality. This new approach began showing itself through the writings of authors and teachers Wesley Hill, Nate Collins, Eve Tushnet, Gregory Coles, and Preston Sprinkle, among others. This approach was highlighted at the July 2018 Revoice Conference in St. Louis, a conference that underscored the chasm between those viewing homosexuality as a sin and identity to be renounced, versus those viewing it as a sin to commit but an identity to embrace. Gay Christians were the targeted participants of the conference, and many within the Christian church applauded. Many voiced concerns as well, particularly about the terms the conference employed. In addition to gay Christians, it referred to homosexuals as a sexual minority, advocated spiritual friendships as ways of satisfying unmet needs for deep bonding, extolled the community gay Christians created, and pondered the prophetic voice they had when rebuking the churchs idolatrous emphasis on marriage and family. The conference was birthed by a void felt decades ago when samesex attracted believers felt they had no resource for ministry and support. While Exodus International met that need for years, its closing reintroduced the void, adding to it the question as to whether or not change is possible for Christians wrestling with homosexual temptations. Since much of the terminology used at Revoice squares poorly with Scripture, its terms should be avoided but its participants listened to as they describe a struggle the church should acknowledge. In so doing, Christians should reject the labels Revoice has proposed, while accepting the challenge to respond to their needs.

After Exodus International, the largest and most prominent ministry to address homosexuality, closed its doors in 2013, the public, both Christian and secular, became more skeptical about the possibility of homosexuals going straight. As a result, a different approach developed, one in which someone who was Christian but same sex attracted could still identify himself as gay but also hold the historic, orthodox biblical view on sexuality. This new approach began showing itself through the writings of authors and teachers Wesley Hill, Nate Collins, Eve Tushnet, Gregory Coles, and Preston Sprinkle, among others. This approach was highlighted at the July 2018 Revoice Conference in St. Louis, a conference that underscored the chasm between those viewing homosexuality as a sin and identity to be renounced, versus those viewing it as a sin to commit but an identity to embrace. Gay Christians were the targeted participants of the conference, and many within the Christian church applauded. Many voiced concerns as well, particularly about the terms the conference employed. In addition to gay Christians, it referred to homosexuals as a sexual minority, advocated spiritual friendships as ways of satisfying unmet needs for deep bonding, extolled the community gay Christians created, and pondered the prophetic voice they had when rebuking the churchs idolatrous emphasis on marriage and family. The conference was birthed by a void felt decades ago when samesex attracted believers felt they had no resource for ministry and support. While Exodus International met that need for years, its closing reintroduced the void, adding to it the question as to whether or not change is possible for Christians wrestling with homosexual temptations. Since much of the terminology used at Revoice squares poorly with Scripture, its terms should be avoided but its participants listened to as they describe a struggle the church should acknowledge. In so doing, Christians should reject the labels Revoice has proposed, while accepting the challenge to respond to their needs