Think Well

Does God's Word allow for the modern divorce of biological sex and gender identity? What are the core beliefs of the transgender movement? What does Scripture offer on this topic?

Join the conversation as Ryan reviews Samuel Ferguson's new book, "Does God Care about Gender Identity?" and offers practical advice to parents and church leaders. Come bring your questions and gain a deeper understanding for a more compassionate engagement.

Have you been left in shock after reading the comment section on a political post? Online discourse seems to have hit a new low. Today's show will address this polarizing issue.

Instead of testing the teachings that we see, we often resort to torching the teacher. To avoid torching teachers, we need to start with habits of the heart that "help avoid torching teachers and thereby failing to love our neighbors." We will then look at habits of the mind that "help us test teachings and thereby reject what is false and hold fast to what is true." In short, "Cultivating these habits will equip us not just to be civil but to be faithful to the truth and loving to our neighbors--goals to which I would hope every Christian would aspire."

Dr. Rick Langer is my doctoral professor at Biola University where he is a Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology and the Director of the Office of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He specializes in the integration of faith and learning, and has also published in the areas of bioethics, theology and philosophy. He has a passion for helping Christians of all ages understand the connection between the Gospel and all the diverse facets of the created order in which we live. Prior to going to Biola, he served for over twenty years as a pastor at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Redlands, California.

The best way to respond to deconstruction is to have a healthy faith. How do we cultivate that? Join the show to find out and bring your questions!

Many believe the mistaken view that technology is neutral. It can be used for good or for evil, so technology itself must be neutral, right? The issue is that looking at the moral use of technology only considers one key factor. The moral question is important, but we also have to consider how technology is shaping reality and changing us. Today's episode will help you think well about technology from a biblical worldview.

Cold-Case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace has been investigating murder cases for decades. What have these investigations taught him about life and the nature of people? What guiding principles help us to thrive and flourish as human beings? This conversation will look at valuable insights into our human condition that will help you better understand your own identity and the identity of your Creator.

J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case detective, popular national speaker, and bestselling author. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, Wallace provides the tools needed to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.

How do we make sense of Christianity? Why are there so many scandals in the church? Why is it filled with hypocrisy? Why do Christians struggle with mental illness instead of displaying the fruit of the Spirit? How can I believe in God or miracles today? Come join the conversation as we try to make sense of some of the most challenging questions related to Christianity.

Content Discussed:

0:00 Introduction

1:35 Why are so many struggling to make sense of Christianity?

5:02 Is deconversion more of a problem or is there hope with what you see?

9:15 How did your story influence this book?

13:05 What would you say to someone whose Bible reading is the cause of their doubt?

18:15 Are apologists setting up an unrealistic expectation with evidence?

22:33 Evidence and Experience are both necessary

24:00 Why are there so many scandals in the church?

26:41 What can we say to those who have been hurt by those in spiritual authority?

31:15 How do you make sense of the Holy Spirit changing hearts yet not seeing the change in Christians?

37:29 How do you speak to hypocrisy in the church?

41:14 Is there reliable evidence for God's existence?

47:18 How can Jesus be the only way to heaven when so many people haven't heard?

53:47 How can we believe in miracles today?

57:11 How would you encourage those who are struggling to make sense of Christianity?

Does your personal relationship with God count as evidence of His existence, or is there a natural explanation for what Christians experience? Do Christians only see what they want to believe and therefore support the beliefs they already hold? Atheist Armin Navabi addresses the argument "I feel a personal relationship with God, so I know that he is real" in chapter 7 of his book, "Why There Is No God." Today's show will consider his objections as we look at how our relationship with God can be evidence of his existence. Send in your questions for the Q&A at the end and enjoy the discussion!

Can answered prayers be used as evidence for God's existence, or is prayer nothing more than an illusion or placebo effect? Does it help or does it have harmful effects? We continue our series with chapter 6 from Armin Navabi's book, "Why There Is No God."

Content:

0:00 Intro

2:25 What have we covered before?

3:50 The big objection against prayer

5:50 Can prayer be used as evidence for God's existence?

9:38 What do scientific experiments show us about the effectiveness of prayer?

22:15 Why is it problematic to study prayer scientifically?

28:35 Do Christians suffer from confirmation bias?

31:20 Looking for scientific evidence presents a narrow view of knowledge

33:30 Is prayer self-contradictory?

34:45 Does God care about the small problems in your life?

42:04 Why doesn't God always answer prayer?

49:10 When prayer can be used as evidence for God

52:15 Are there harmful effects of prayer?

How should Christians think about cultural issues, and how can we have better conversations with those who think differently? The goal of today's show is to give you different perspectives on cultural issues while modeling a healthy disagreement. Come join the conversation and bring your questions!

Tim Whitaker is the creator and facilitator at The New Evangelicals. Growing up, Tim always felt at home in evangelical spaces – until years later, when his studying and questions caused him to no longer be welcomed at in his church community. Brokenhearted, but undeterred, Tim continued to pursue a deeper understanding of faith, history, theology and the evangelical church. The more he uncovers, the more he realizes the importance of advocating for the marginalized in the church, exploring the full depth and breadth of Christian faith traditions, and holding toxic churches and leaders accountable.

The majority of people around the world believe in some sort of god. Can this be used to show that God exists? Does the fact that religious beliefs are so widespread prove that something about religion is true? Atheist Armin Navabi addresses these questions in chapter 4 of his book, "Why There Is No God." Let's take a deep look and see if the spread of religion means that God exists.