The Universe Next Door

By Nick Shalna

Society & Culture Philosophy Religion & Spirituality Christianity

What's The Universe Next Door about?

The Universe Next Door is a program of Apologetics Inc. that seeks to answer your questions on the meaning of life, worldview, and the existence of God.

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The Universe Next Door episodes:

06.11.2024
The Satan in Job Isn't Who You Think It Is [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 6]
Send us a Text Message. Who is "the satan" figure in the Book of Job? Is the term "satan" ever used in the Old Testament to describe the Devil? Where is Satan mentioned in the Old Testament and why does...
06.05.2024
5 Reasons Why I'm Protestant
Send us a Text Message. What are some of the key differences between Protestantism and the Roman Catholic church? How does one's view of Scripture affect their objectivity when studying biblical concepts? Did God ordain or command for there to...
06.02.2024
Q&A: Preterism, Book of Jasher, End of the World
Send us a Text Message. Send in your questions now to information@apologetics for our Q&A; on Friday June 28! Joshua and the Sun Standing Still: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14943176-did-joshua-make-the-sun-stand-still-are-you-sure-you-know-pt-3 Why Did Jesus Say "You are all gods"? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14635232-why-does-jesus-say-you-are-gods Support the Show.
05.21.2024
Did You Know This About CS Lewis? | Dr. Hal Poe
Send us a Text Message. Nick Shalna and Dr. Tom Woodward interview Dr. Hal Poe - CS Lewis expert and descendant of Edgar Allen Poe - on the incredible life of CS Lewis. What tragedies occurred in Lewis's life that...
05.15.2024
On this Rock: What Catholics and Protestants Both Get Wrong [Are You Sure You Know Pt.5]
Send us a Text Message. Was Peter the first Pope? What Rock was Jesus referring to when He spoke to Peter in Matthew 16? What were "the Gates of Hell" and why is this concept crucial for understanding this passage?...
05.14.2024
Was Peter the First Pope and What Rock was Jesus Referring To?
Send us a Text Message. Are Catholics and Protestants both incorrect in their interpretations of the Matthew 16 passage where Jesus says "On this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail?" Join us...
05.07.2024
What You Don't Know about the Transfiguration [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 4]
Send us a Text Message. What was the point of the transfiguration? What is the story intending to communicate and does it have anything to do with us? Why were Moses and Elijah present and why did Peter want to...
04.30.2024
A Scientist and the Complexity of Life | Bill Dembski and Tom Woodward
Send us a Text Message. Nick Shalna is joined by Dr. Bill Demsbki (Intelligent Design Author) and Dr. Tom Woodward (Discovery Institute, Apologetics Inc) to discuss the concept of specified complexity and the update of Dr. Dembski's classic book: The...
04.26.2024
Q&A: Babel Episode, Original Sin and Virgin Birth
Send us a Text Message. Send in your questions for next month's Q&A; to [email protected]! Episodes referenced: Did Joshua make the Sun Stand Still? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14943176-did-joshua-make-the-sun-stand-still-are-you-sure-you-know-pt-3 Babel Response Episode: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14774037-what-definitely-didn-t-happen-at-babel-response-to-kristi-burke-are-you-sure-you-know-pt-1 Original Sin and Child Damnation Episode: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-to-end Support the Show.
04.23.2024
Did Joshua Make the Sun Stand Still? [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 3]
Send us a Text Message. Did the sun stop moving in the sky in Joshua 10, or are we misunderstanding how ancients thought of the sun "standing still"? Does taking a less common view mean you have less faith? Why...
04.17.2024
A Letter on the 'Christ is King' Trap
Send us a Text Message. Join us next Tuesday as we continue our series: "Are you sure you know what that verse means?" For the record, I have a beard and a truck. Support the Show.
04.09.2024
Abraham's Promise: 'As' the Stars in Heaven? [Are you sure you know Pt. 2]
Send us a Text Message. In the second part of the "Are you sure you know whats that verse means?" series, Nick Shalna presents a prominent ancient Jewish view of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15. What does it...
04.02.2024
Trans Visibility Day vs Easter: Which Resurrection will you Recognize?
Send us a Text Message. If you are under the impression that Trans Visibility Day took place on Easter Sunday this year as a coincidence, we hope your mind is changed by the end of this episode. What does this...
03.26.2024
What definitely DIDN'T Happen at Babel (Response to Kristi Burke) [Are you sure you know Pt.1]
Send us a Text Message. In the first episode of the "Are you sure you know what that verse means" series, Nick Shalna responds to a video from a popular Youtuber on the story of the Tower of Babel. What...
03.19.2024
Are You Sure You Know What That Verse Means?
Send us a Text Message. Join us next week for a brand new series on rethinking some popular interpretations that may not capture the full meaning of what the original author and God intended for a passage! What does it mean...
03.12.2024
Former-Psychic: Communicating with Spirits, Tarot Cards, Ouija Boards, Demons | Jenn Nizza
Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered what psychics actually do or where they get their information? Are Ouija Boards and Tarot Cards real? Is it possible to communicate with the dead or with demonic forces? What is...
03.05.2024
Why Does Jesus Say 'You are gods'?
Send us a Text Message. What is going on in Psalm 82 when "Elohim" judges the "Elohim"? Is the intended meaning that God is judging a group of human leaders, or is there something much more significant in this chapter?...
02.28.2024
Were Stars Viewed as Angels in the Bible?
Send us a Text Message. It's common for us to read our modern scientific findings into the text of the Bible, but what did the ancient Israelites actually believe about cosmology and the formation of the earth? Did they believe...
02.27.2024
Former-Psychic Interview Coming Tomorrow
Send us a Text Message. The interview with Jenn Nizza, a former psychic now a Christian believer, will be released tomorrow afternoon! Are Tarot card readings real? Do psychics get their knowledge from demonic forces or are they experts at...
02.23.2024
Q&A: Original Sin, Slavery, Trump, Morality, War in Heaven
Send us a Text Message. Check out this month's Q&A; and send in your question for next month to [email protected] Episodes Referenced: Child Damnation: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-to-end How Original is Original Sin? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine Why Romans 9 is so Highly Debated: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12809463-why-romans-9-is-so-highly-debated-romans-9-11-series Is Jesus the Visible God in the Old Testament? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11524197-is-jesus-the-visible-god-in-the-old-testament-colossians-1-15...
02.20.2024
I Dug Further Into the 'He Gets Us' Campaign
Send us a Text Message. At this point, nearly everyone has seen the famous "He Gets Us" Superbowl ad. In fact, it was probably viewed by over 130 million people. But why has there been so much backlash? Upon further...
02.16.2024
More Inconsistencies with Original Sin and Infant Damnation
Send us a Text Message. Check out this follow-up to the recent episode on infant damnation and original guilt. If Jesus is truly human, how can we say He isn't born with original sin? Does "all mean all" when...
02.13.2024
Do Christians Indoctrinate Their Children? (And is it Abuse?)
Send us a Text Message. What does it actually mean to indoctrinate? Does the Bible encourage abuse of children and shame those who ask questions? Are those who are raised in Christianity taught to avoid critical thinking? Is there any...
02.06.2024
The Age-Old Debate of Child Damnation Needs to End
Send us a Text Message. Why do so many believe that infants and children don't go to be with the Lord if they haven't acknowledged Christ? How does the commonly held view of original guilt play into this dilemma? Are...
01.30.2024
Thinking and Responding to the Growing Trans Movement | Alycia Wood
Send us a Text Message. Nick Shalna interviews Alycia Wood (Speaker at Apologetics Inc) on the topic of the trans movement and how to deal with it as Christians. Most of us wouldn't have a problem agreeing that a girl...
01.26.2024
Q&A: Flat Earth, Canaanite Genocide, One-World Government, Baal
Send us a Text Message. Nick Shalna responds to questions from listeners ranging from topics such as flat earth to spiritual demonic influences. Send your questions to [email protected] for our Q&A; on the last Friday of February! Episodes Mentioned: How Original is...
01.23.2024
The Divine Council is More Practical than you Thought
Send us a Text Message. Are you able to look at the Bible objectively or do you feel the need to skip over intimidating or weird concepts? What do we do with passages suggesting that angels and spiritual beings have...
01.19.2024
Who are the Angels of the Seven Churches in Revelation?
Send us a Text Message. What is different about Revelation compared to other books in the Bible? Have we taken too much of a dry and modern approach to understanding apocalyptic literature? Is there a link between the Seven Spirits...
01.16.2024
Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim and The Spiritual Realm (Who are They?)
Send us a Text Message. We often hear angels described as female creatures with wings. It's common to view demons as those who rebelled alongside Satan at the fall or perhaps even creatures who lost a battle against God's angels....
01.10.2024
The Divine Council and the Significance of 70
Send us a Text Message. Why does the number 70 seem to pop up in crucial situations throughout the Bible? Did God give authority to other 'gods' whom He later judged for accepting worship? What did God intend to do...
01.09.2024
The Return of the Divine Council (Promo)
Send us a Text Message. What significance does the number 70 have in the Bible? Why does this number seem to pop up during some of the most significant events throughout Scripture and how will Jesus redeem His people from...
01.02.2024
Five Skeptic Challenges You (Probably) Aren't Prepared For
Send us a Text Message. Why are there differences in the gospels? Is Genesis 1-11 reliable and what blind spots might I have in that area? Is it possible that the Apostle Paul hallucinated on the road to Damascus and...
12.26.2023
The Top 5 Views I Changed in 2023 (And Why)
Send us a Text Message. What views did you change in 2023? Are there any you've thought more deeply about or had to admit that you didn't have the details right? What Universe Next Door episodes would we recommend from...
12.19.2023
Santa Claus is Coming to Town: What Will You Do? (Jesus, Nicholas of Myra, Odin & Mythology)
Send us a Text Message. Where did the modern idea of Santa Claus come from? Did he derive from a Greek god or a Christian bishop? Did St. Nick punch Arius in the face at the Council of Nicea? Should...
12.12.2023
A Pagan Christmas? Saturnalia and Christmas Trees (Part 1)
Send us a Text Message. Did the modern Christmas holiday borrow its celebrations and festivities from the pagan Roman holiday Saturnalia? What early sources are there to demonstrate this? Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Are Christmas trees forbidden by God in...
12.05.2023
How Should Christians Deal with AI? | John Lennox
Send us a Text Message. How should Christian’s view artificial intelligence? Is it sinful to use it? What different types of AI are there? How concerned should our society be? Nick Shalna is joined by Dr John Lennox to discuss...
11.28.2023
Why You Should Watch the Wingfeather Saga | Brock Starnes and Garrett Taylor
Send us a Text Message. Why should we care about what our children watch on TV? Is it possible for both kids and parents to enjoy watching something filled with purpose and creativity rather than shows that seek to smuggle...
11.27.2023
Tomorrow's Interview and Big Change Coming to The Universe Next Door
Send us a Text Message. Make sure you come back tomorrow for the interview with Brock and Garrett! In the meantime email your Christmas questions to [email protected] And check out some more awesome episodes: The Reformation, Catholic Catechism, and Indulgences:https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13883319-the-reformation-catholic-catechism-and-indulgences Fighting Child Grooming: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13700312-what-it-looks-like-to-fight-child-grooming-billboard-chris-defeating-defeatism-doom-and-groom How Should...
11.20.2023
How to Prove that God Doesn't Exist
Send us a Text Message. What does it mean to exist? If someone asks you if you can prove that God exists, what would you say? What role does evidence play in the life of the Christian? Is faith based...
11.13.2023
DNA: The Orchestra in Your Cells | Dr. Tom Woodward
Send us a Text Message. Do you have any idea of the complexity of each one of your cells? Do you feel like you need a Ph.D. even to begin thinking about DNA and biology? What are some new groundbreaking...
11.06.2023
How Original is Original Sin and Is Mary Divine?
Send us a Text Message. Where does the idea of original guilt come from? Are we punished for the sin of Adam? Was Augustine dependent upon a faulty translation of the Bible? What does the Roman Catholic church believe about...
11.05.2023
Sophie is a 2 Year Girl in the ICU Who Needs Our Help
Send us a Text Message. If you are able to give to help Sophie and her family, please do not hesitate. Also be sure to share the Gofundme link on social media or with friends, family, and church. https://www.gofundme.com/f/sophies-fight-back-to-health?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm;_medium=copy_link&utm;_source=customer Support the...
10.31.2023
The Reformation, Catholic Catechism, and Indulgences
Send us a Text Message. What actually prompted the Reformation and what differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism remain today? Support the Show.
10.30.2023
What did the Reformation Actually Accomplish and is it Over Yet?
Send us a Text Message. What did the figures of the reformation seek to do? Did the Reformation start with Martin Luther or were their other figures lurking in the shadows? What is the Council of Trent and did the...
10.23.2023
Was Jesus Forsaken on the Cross?
Send us a Text Message. Did God the Father forsake Jesus on the cross in order to pay for our sin? Where did this idea come from? What implication does, or would it have if this is true? Nick Shalna...
10.16.2023
Refusing to Stay Asleep in a Woke Culture (Defeating Defeatism Series)
Send us a Text Message. Have you noticed that our culture has undergone significant changes in a direction that you're uncomfortable with? Have you seen the effects of Critical Race Theory in your own workplace, schools, or even your home?...
10.09.2023
What's Being Taught in Schools Might Shock You | Tina Descovich (Moms for Liberty)
Send us a Text Message. What are our children learning about in schools in regard to "sex education"? What surprised and opened the eyes of so many parents when schooling was brought into the home remotely during the COVID lockdowns?...
10.02.2023
What It Looks Like to Fight Child Grooming | Billboard Chris (Defeating Defeatism: Doom and Groom)
Send us a Text Message. What would it look like to speak against child grooming in public places around the world? What would you expect when fighting a largely profitable system based on making critical changes to children's bodies that...
09.25.2023
Defining Christian Nationalism and Exposing the Inconsistencies | With Dr. Bill Roach (Defeating Defeatism Series)
Send us a Text Message. Why does it seem that Christian Nationalism is so difficult to define? Where did the term come from and how do proponents most commonly use it? Is there a precedent for such a concept in...
09.18.2023
The Keys to Being Confident Discussing Difficult Issues | Greg Koukl (Defeating Defeatism Series)
Send us a Text Message. Nick Shalna is joined by Greg Koukl, a master of difficult conversations, to talk about his new book Street Smarts. What are the most significant issues facing our culture today? Are we in a Godless...

What's The Universe Next Door about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Universe Next Door episodes:

The Satan in Job Isn't Who You Think It Is [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 6]

5 Reasons Why I'm Protestant

Q&A: Preterism, Book of Jasher, End of the World

Did You Know This About CS Lewis? | Dr. Hal Poe

On this Rock: What Catholics and Protestants Both Get Wrong [Are You Sure You Know Pt.5]

Was Peter the First Pope and What Rock was Jesus Referring To?

What You Don't Know about the Transfiguration [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 4]

A Scientist and the Complexity of Life | Bill Dembski and Tom Woodward

Q&A: Babel Episode, Original Sin and Virgin Birth

Did Joshua Make the Sun Stand Still? [Are You Sure You Know Pt. 3]

A Letter on the 'Christ is King' Trap

Abraham's Promise: 'As' the Stars in Heaven? [Are you sure you know Pt. 2]

Trans Visibility Day vs Easter: Which Resurrection will you Recognize?

What definitely DIDN'T Happen at Babel (Response to Kristi Burke) [Are you sure you know Pt.1]

Are You Sure You Know What That Verse Means?

Former-Psychic: Communicating with Spirits, Tarot Cards, Ouija Boards, Demons | Jenn Nizza

Why Does Jesus Say 'You are gods'?

Were Stars Viewed as Angels in the Bible?

Former-Psychic Interview Coming Tomorrow

Q&A: Original Sin, Slavery, Trump, Morality, War in Heaven

I Dug Further Into the 'He Gets Us' Campaign

More Inconsistencies with Original Sin and Infant Damnation

Do Christians Indoctrinate Their Children? (And is it Abuse?)

The Age-Old Debate of Child Damnation Needs to End

Thinking and Responding to the Growing Trans Movement | Alycia Wood

Q&A: Flat Earth, Canaanite Genocide, One-World Government, Baal

The Divine Council is More Practical than you Thought

Who are the Angels of the Seven Churches in Revelation?

Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim and The Spiritual Realm (Who are They?)

The Divine Council and the Significance of 70

The Return of the Divine Council (Promo)

Five Skeptic Challenges You (Probably) Aren't Prepared For

The Top 5 Views I Changed in 2023 (And Why)

Santa Claus is Coming to Town: What Will You Do? (Jesus, Nicholas of Myra, Odin & Mythology)

A Pagan Christmas? Saturnalia and Christmas Trees (Part 1)

How Should Christians Deal with AI? | John Lennox

Why You Should Watch the Wingfeather Saga | Brock Starnes and Garrett Taylor

Tomorrow's Interview and Big Change Coming to The Universe Next Door

How to Prove that God Doesn't Exist

DNA: The Orchestra in Your Cells | Dr. Tom Woodward

How Original is Original Sin and Is Mary Divine?

Sophie is a 2 Year Girl in the ICU Who Needs Our Help

The Reformation, Catholic Catechism, and Indulgences

What did the Reformation Actually Accomplish and is it Over Yet?

Was Jesus Forsaken on the Cross?

Refusing to Stay Asleep in a Woke Culture (Defeating Defeatism Series)

What's Being Taught in Schools Might Shock You | Tina Descovich (Moms for Liberty)

What It Looks Like to Fight Child Grooming | Billboard Chris (Defeating Defeatism: Doom and Groom)

Defining Christian Nationalism and Exposing the Inconsistencies | With Dr. Bill Roach (Defeating Defeatism Series)

The Keys to Being Confident Discussing Difficult Issues | Greg Koukl (Defeating Defeatism Series)

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