An engaging and thought-provoking talk by Dr John Bloom, where the mysteries of ancient history come alive! Drawing on decades of research at the intersection of archaeology, history, and ancient texts, Dr Bloom takes audiences on a journey through some of archaeology’s most fascinating discoveries — revealing how physical evidence from the past illuminates the world’s oldest stories and challenges the way we think about history and culture. Whether you’re curious about ancient civilizations, archaeology’s role in uncovering our shared human past, or how discoveries shape our understanding of sacred texts, this talk will inspire you with big ideas from the ancient world brought vividly into the present.

John Bloom, PhD

In this engaging interview, Jonathan Noyes shares his journey from atheism to Christianity, his approach to street evangelism, and practical tactics for engaging in meaningful conversations about faith. Discover how relationships, training, and understanding worldview differences can transform evangelistic efforts.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Noyes and Stand to Reason

02:45 Jonathan's Personal Life and Family

05:28 Exploring New Zealand and Outdoor Activities

08:15 Jonathan's Journey to Christianity

11:06 The Intellectual Struggle of Atheism

13:42 The Role of Apologetics in Faith

16:33 Experiences in Church and Community

19:30 Debating Faith and the Role of Apologetics

22:16 The Transformation of Belief

25:11 Engaging with Atheism in Discussions

29:10 Engaging with Atheism: Role Play and Reactions

32:06 Emotional Control in Conversations

36:46 The Importance of Preparation in Evangelism

40:31 Tactics for Effective Conversations

45:06 Understanding the Problem of Evil

51:39 The Next Generation: Investing in Youth

53:26 Connecting with the Audience: Online Presence and Resources

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, Todd Funk interviews Mark Powell, a former CEO and Christian apologist, about his spiritual journey, the intersection of faith and reason, and the challenges of engaging with skeptics. Mark shares his insights on the nature of suffering, the uniqueness of Christianity, and the importance of personal experience in faith. He discusses the misconceptions skeptics have about Christianity and emphasizes the need for thoughtful dialogue about faith in a modern context.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk interviews Lou Meyer, an experienced evangelist and apologist. Lou shares his spiritual journey, his extensive work in evangelism, and the challenges faced in modern outreach, particularly in relation to Korean cults. He discusses the characteristics of cults, the importance of apologetics, and the need for Christians to understand their faith deeply. The conversation emphasizes the significance of love and community in evangelism, as well as the necessity of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals in a multicultural society.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Amanda Achtman, founder of 'Dying to Meet You', an organization focused on humanizing conversations around death, suffering, and dignity. Amanda shares her unique upbringing, her personal encounters with death, and the motivations behind her advocacy against euthanasia in Canada. The conversation delves into the implications of euthanasia legislation, the cultural perspectives on suffering, and the importance of intergenerational solidarity. Amanda emphasizes the need for compassionate care and the power of personal connection in addressing the crisis of self-esteem and despair that often leads individuals to consider euthanasia. The episode concludes with a call to action for love, support, and resistance against a culture that may normalize death as an option.

In this conversation, Dan Paterson, founder of Questioning Christianity, shares his spiritual journey, the challenges of faith, and the importance of addressing doubts. He discusses the problem of evil, the nature of hell, and the role of emotional intelligence in apologetics. Patterson emphasizes the need for compassion when engaging with skeptics and highlights the significance of community and scripture in maintaining a vibrant faith. He also shares insights into his future projects and the impact of historical Christian thought on contemporary issues.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Brendan Malone, a prominent figure in pro-life education and cultural ethics. They discuss the decline of Western civilization, exploring themes of spiritual collapse, the importance of Christian ethics, and the role of education in fostering a revival. Brendan shares insights from his own spiritual journey, emphasizing the need for a return to foundational truths and the significance of prayer and contemplation in navigating today's cultural challenges. The conversation highlights the hope found in young people returning to faith and the potential for a cultural renaissance through authentic Christian living.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Sam Bloore, exploring his unique journey from medicine to pastoral ministry. They discuss the concept of emerging adulthood, its five key features, and the importance of mentorship and cultural discernment for young adults. Sam shares insights on identity exploration, the need for stability, and the significance of experiencing God in everyday life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, support, and spiritual practices in navigating the challenges of emerging adulthood.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dr. Zachary Ardern, an evolutionary biologist, to explore the complex relationship between faith and science. Zach shares his personal journey from Young Earth Creationism to a theistic evolution perspective, discussing the implications of randomness in evolution and the evidence for common ancestry. The conversation delves into the role of design in the evolutionary process, the theological significance of human origins, and the challenges of maintaining faith in a secular academic environment. Throughout the discussion, Zach emphasizes the importance of viewing science as a legitimate Christian endeavor and the need for open dialogue between faith and scientific inquiry.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk interviews Nic Blackie, a young apologist and director of youth camps and schools for Thinking Matters. They discuss Nic's journey of faith, the challenges of suffering, and the importance of sharing the gospel with young people. Nic shares his experiences in starting a Jesus Club in high school, his passion for youth apologetics, and the influence of Summit Ministries on his approach to ministry. The conversation also touches on the boldness of today's youth, common questions about Christianity, and the significance of having a supportive partner in ministry.