THE QUESTIONS WE ARE AFRAID TO ASK

Awhile back, a multi-millionaire global equity strategist commissioned an international study on human happiness. 

The results were mind-bending. It was discovered that our capacity to BE happy was found in three simple containers. 

The idea is this... if you fail to give attention to ALL three of these "happiness holders," you will be left wanting in this world. 

But here's the catch. The container every American believes will deliver the greatest bliss has the smallest delivery power. And then there is container #3...  it will absolutely floor you. It's the one container every human being on the planet has absolute control over. 

And it is this happiness container that Jesus introduced in his first words... in his very first message to humankind. This podcast is a game changer friends... eighteen minutes of euphoric exploration! 

André Malraux once said, “Man is not what he thinks he is… he is what he hides.” 

And I knew I was hiding. I was the only one on the entire planet that knew who Blaine Bartel really was. I officially hated him. 

He was a coward. He was a hypocrite. He had learned to act a part for fear of losing a family, a church, a paycheck, a reputation… a life. 

When a plumber has a problem with porn, he can get help and keep on plumbing. When a marketer has a problem with porn, he can get help and keep on marketing. 

But when a pastor has a problem with porn, he better keep it under wraps - because after all - pastors aren’t allowed to have problems with porn. Or anything else for that matter. 

We're not the problem people. Were the answer people. And when the answer people start to have problems - in most of the religious world — it’s time to go.

On this episode of Rethink This, we speak directly to church leaders, who all too often find themselves living - and dying - with their secrets. 

You've heard of the "purity pledge" right? 

The evangelical movement introduced "True Love Waits" to a generation of young people a couple decades ago. Here's how it works. Stand up in front of your church or youth group. Make a virginity pledge. No sex until marriage. Put a ring on your finger to seal your vow. Sounds great, right?

But does it really work? How many of these young people actually keep their pledged commitment? And what happens if they fail? You may be surprised by Blaine's challenge to the church -- to rethink this.

In this moving and provocative episode, Blaine dares to ask the question that nobody is asking about Donald J Trump. And the answer will likely surprise you. This 25 minutes of "pod" has HUGE implications. 

I actually hate the word depression. It sounds to quaint. Too manageable.

I would rather it be called monster. Or a f***** sob. 

If that abbreviation offends you, then perhaps you have never suffered through the kind of depression I'm talking about. Because anyone who has, knows it is all that… and worse. 

We are in the midst of a mental health epidemic in America. Pastors of both struggling and thriving churches are taking their lives. More people die from suicide in the United States than homicide. 

How does a cultural icon like Robin Williams, who brought laughter to millions, find life unworthy of continuing?

What can a person do to survive depression and despair? Is it even possible? 

And how can we be there for someone who finds themselves in that deep, dark hole? Are there signs we should look for?

I hope you'll join this important conversation on this episode of RETHINK THIS.   

Within days of the resurrection of Lazarus, the religious henchmen of the day were already planning... to see him die again. 

Contrary to what you might think, religion does not sit well with resurrection. It is too spectacular. It takes the attention off men and shines a spotlight on the divine. 

It is especially offensive when modern day addicts, miscreants and lawbreakers are resurrected from their former lives. The pious want to make sure they've paid in full for their dirty deeds. Forgiveness and grace can't be that easy, right?