Episoder
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In this episode of What is Good, David speaks to Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience and professor at a faith-based university. Together, they discuss practical ways to encourage those who say they are feeling anxious about what is going to happen in the next four years.
TIMESTAMPS:0:36 - Introducing our special guest, Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright
3:52 - Can you think of any irrational fears that you have now or have had in the past?
7:53 - How the idea of this episode came about.
9:35 - What are your thoughts on the unhelpful and sometimes trite advice of well-meaning people?
15:15 - In this day and age, where we've adopted the clinical language of counselors and psychologists, are we using the word "anxiety" correctly?
21:15 - What do you say to someone who is worried about the next for years, when so much of that is out of their control?
30:15 - How do you help someone see the damage of "doomscrolling"?
32:32 - How do you respond to someone who keeps their struggles to themself because they don't want to appear "weak" spiritually or mentally?
37:25 - What are other simple, practical tips to give to those struggling with anxiety?
44:55 - The importance of gratitude to combat negative thinking and it's impact on our emotions and actions.
50:15 - Shoutout to the Counseling Services of Texas Baptists - https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/counseling-services
50:53 - When would you advise someone to go to counseling for feelings of anxiety?
53:29 - What is good?
56:40 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode of What is Good, Katie Fruge and David Sanchez discuss the curriculum of The After Party with one of the co-founders, Curtis Chang. The After Party is a free online course that helps Christians consider the "how" vs the "what" of politics. exploring what the Bible has to say and equipping us to better navigate challenging topics in today's difficult political environment.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:10 - Curtis Chang shares his vision of The After Party
3:50 - How did they decide on the name "After Party" for this content?
8:34 - What scriptures or scriptural principles inspired The After Party's focus?
12:28 - What scriptural principles do you use to help you speak on divisive topics in a productive way?
15:16 - What should our response be to politicians using words like "enemy" to describe their political opponents?
20:30 - What is missing in our theological framework that allows us to mislabel others as our enemy?
23:30 - How should believers navigate the anxiety that people are feeling right now due to our political landscape?
28:02 - What is Good?
33:22 - Outtakes
Want to learn more about The After Party? Visit their website: https://redeemingbabel.org/the-after-party/
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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Mangler du episoder?
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In today's episode of What is Good, Katie and John talk to CLC Commissioner and senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, Dr. Steve Bezner about his new book Your Jesus is Too American. We find out what led him to write this book, discuss some of the main ideas, and of course ask him "What is Good?" Join us for this challenging and thoughtful discussion.
TIMESTAMPS:
2:25 - Katie asks Steve how he first come up with the idea for this book.
5:05 - John asks Steve about the overall tone of the book. Was it intentionally optimistic?
8:40 - Steve provides an overall summary of what the book is about - helping the Church look more like the kingdom of God.
12:12 - John asks Steve about the importance of community and asks him to expound on the idea in his book of "collective effervescence."
19:14 - If Jesus redefines leadership as serving rather than wielding power, how should Christians view the opportunities to obtain power (for example, politically) in order to effect change?
28:03 - How do we reconcile the capitalistic mentality of America with what Jesus had to say about finance?
31:30 - Katie asks Steve to expound on his vision of Christian political involvement, which involves prophecy, embodiment, and participation.
37:00 - Katie shares her thoughts on Steve's chapter on suffering. Steve and John respond.
40:27 - Announcement! Advocacy Day is coming March 3-4, 2025, and Steve is one of our keynote speakers!
43:00 - What is Good?
49:25 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode, John Litzler leads us in asking how to have uplifting family conversations during the holidays. Growing up, there were two things you didn't talk about at the dinner table- politics and religion. Things have changed, and recently politics have become a sore subject during family get-togethers. Is there a way for us to model political discussions that don't lead to anger and division with our loved ones? Let's find out.
TIMESTAMPS:
3:00 - In the past, did your family discuss politics and/or religion at the dinner table? What about now?
9:57 - Do you think hyper-partisanship has in America has gotten worse during our lifetime?
19:07 - We often judge ourselves by our intent, and others by their actions. How do you see that playing out in politics? How do we start to change that mentality with our own family and friends?
25:10 - Many American Christians are finding their identity in politics. How should we find our identity primarily in Christ?
31:58 - During an election season, it is so easy to bear false witness against political opponents. How do we deal with our own tendency towards bias, and how can that improve our family conversations?
43:45 - Other practical tips on uplifting family conversations during the holidays?
50:10 - What is good?
57:05 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode of What is Good, our Director of Hunger & Care, Irene Gallegos, shares with us her passion for public health. She guides us in a discussion of the factors of health and how more impoverished communities will have greater difficulty accessing help in times of need. We discuss what community development ministries to these areas can look like and the various ways the CLC strives to advocate and be a part of the transforming of these communities.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:10 - What type of community did you grow up in?
7:50 - What community factors were involved in your decision to live in the house you do now?
18:05 - Some who serve in less fortunate communities choose to live in them and commit to a missional lifestyle among the people they serve. Others live outside, but still advocate for and support these communities. Scripturally, is one method more Biblical than the other?
31:45 - Explanation of the Cliff of Good Health Analogy
35:05 - What are some specific ways the CLC is involved in helping people fall off the good health? Or, worded differently, how are we involved in systemic issues?
48:45 - What is Good?
57:35 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In today's episode, the CLC discusses helpful biblical principles for making decisions in grey areas. If you are a pastor or even a small group leader, you’ve probably had someone ask you “What does the bible say about _____?” They are not usually wanting to know what is pleasing to God. They want a one verse proof text that shows how they are right and someone else is wrong. Or they want to know what they can get away with. How will the conversation look different if instead of giving a quick answer, we give godly principles based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1 to equip them to make difficult decisions? David Sanchez leads this discussion.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:50 - Topic intro: Examples of grey area issues
8:25 - "What does the Bible say about ___?"
14:15 - Idol meat in 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1
16:26 - Scenario #1 (1 Cor 8:4, 7-12)
19:47 - The Stumbling Principle (1 Cor 8:13)
26:43 - Scenario #2 (1 Cor 10:14-22)
29:44 - The Mastery Principle (1 Cor 10:23; see also 6:12)
36:38 - Scenario #3 (1 Cor 10:24-27)
42:52 - The Offending Principle (1 Cor 10:32-33)
49:23 - The Glorifying Principle (1 Cor 10:31)
56:46 - What is good?
1:02:58 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In today's episode, the CLC discusses a topic that is near and dear to Katie's heart - Disability and Dignity. Two of her three daughters have moderate to severe disabilities, and she has witnessed how the world often views disabilities negatively. In contrast, the scriptures challenge us to view those who have various disabilities as still possessing dignity and to treat them with respect and compassion. The church should show the world the value of human life in how we care for those in our congregations and communities who have disabilities. Katie Fruge leads this discussion.
1:28 - Topic intro
2:13 - Do you have a personal connection to a person with a disability, and did you have one growing up?
4:46 - Thoughts on the broadness of the term disability and its use.
10:00 - Many who have disabilities experience isolation and lack of relationship. Some would even call certain groups who have disabilities unreached people groups. What do you think of this idea?
16:04 - Can you think of examples of disabilities mentioned or on display in the Bible?
20:42 - In John 9, you see that God loves to use people with disabilities to highlight his power, but also how people often view disabilities incorrectly.
34:20 - Have you ever experienced God making much of someone's limitations or even your own?
38:36 - Society tends to implicitly devalue those with disabilities. As Christians, what should be our response to this?
46:45 - 1 Corinthians 12 shows us how the church should view those within our congregations with disabilities not as object of ministry in our church but as participating members of our community. How can we do this practically?
54:45 - What is good?
1:00:22 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode of What is Good, the CLC continues our discussion of the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book addresses the current rise of mental illness among young people and makes the argument that this increase is due to two things. One, the impact of cell phones and social media; and two, the lessening of unsupervised free play during childhood. We had so much to say on this topic that it turned into two episodes. This is part two. The discussion is led by David Sanchez.
0:38 - Chapter 6: the negative impacts of social media on the mental health of girls.
10:52 - Chapter 7: how virtual gaming and online porn impacts the mental health of boys.
19:15 - A great resource: the book Good Pictures Bad Pictures
23:00 - Recent Texas laws on pornography, they're good but they can't block everything.
24:48 - Chapter 12: What else can parents do?
31:38 - Discussion about the shortcomings of the book due to the author's beliefs as an atheist/agnostic.
35:42 - Is collective action possible, and what does it look like?
39:05 - How else has reading this book impacted us?
44:05 - Two other great books: My Tech-Wise Family and My Tech-Wise Life
46:41 - What is Good?
51:05 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode of What is Good, the CLC discusses the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book addresses the current rise of mental illness among young people and makes the argument that this increase is due to two things. One, the impact of cell phones and social media; and two, the lessening of unsupervised free play during childhood. We had so much to say on this topic that it turned into two episodes. This is part one. The discussion is led by David Sanchez.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - CLC released a statement after the Trump assassination attempt on July 13, 2024.
1:20 - Introduction to today's episode
3:52 - Can you remember when you got your first cell phone?
8:42 - How many kids do you have? What age are they? And has this book had any impact on how you plan to raise them?
12:10 - Summary of Chapter 1
13:12 - Chapters 2-3 of the book talk about the value of unsupervised free play. What was your childhood like in this regard?
20:10 - What advantages of free play that the author mentions stood out to you? (Bonus: John's disclaimer - Listeners be aware it is written from an agnostic perspective).
30:10 - When you hear about the dangers of the online world for minors, what are some of the typical examples given?
34:45 - The book mentions four foundational harms of smart phones and social media. (1) Social deprivation, (2) sleep deprivation, (3) attention fragmentation, and (4) addiction. Let's start with us. Which of these harms do you potentially see in manifested your own life?
41:15 - What is Good?
49:26 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In this episode, the team discusses advocacy from a biblical perspective. We ask what makes Christian advocacy different and what examples we find in scripture of advocacy. We also discuss examples we have seen of Christian advocacy and how they have encouraged and inspired us. Our director of Public Policy, John Litzler, leads this discussion.
TIMESTAMPS:
2:09 - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
7:08 - How could you use that power to help others?
11:09 - What's an example of advocacy for others that has impacted your life?
19:05 - What are some things that make advocacy hard, and what are some easy ways to start getting involved?
25:38 - What makes Christian advocacy different?
33:40 - What verses or stories in Scripture that encourage Christian advocacy?
41:40 - How can Christian advocacy help combat polarization in politics?
44:40 - What is good?
50:54 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In today's episode, our CLC directors discuss food insecurity and the ministries that strive to help those who experience it.
Dr. Irene Gallegos, our director of Hunger & Care, leads us in a discussion of what it means to have food insecurity. We also discuss how scripture calls us to give to those in need, and to do so cheerfully rather than out of guilt or from insincere motives. In the midst of our discussion, Irene explains the purpose of the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering (TBHO), and describes some of the amazing ministries that the CLC supports through it, all thanks to the generous gifts of our donors.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:42 - What does your typical grocery shopping experience look like?
8:18 - How close is your nearest grocery store? What classifies as a "food desert"?
11:00 - The purpose of TBHO explained.
12:54 - Who would you say are the "least of these" in our communities?
17:55 - When we consider our abundance and the needs of others, is there a level of guilt and how should we respond to it biblically?
26:37 - The TBHO supports 155 ministries in 2024. What do some of these ministries look like and what services do they offer?
30:10 - Do you think the value of dignity in food distribution matters?
36:52 - How does true generosity differ from charity?
39:50 - Why is it important to view the least of these as being in the image of God?
46:44 - Discussion of food insecurity rates in Texas, and the responses of caring ministries.
50:40 - What is your favorite fact about TBHO or fund-raising opportunity?
57:55 - What is Good?
SHOWNOTES:
Visit the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering website here: https://www.hungeroffering.org/
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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In today's episode, the CLC directors discuss the topic of poverty as addressed in the book of Proverbs.
We look at the different causes of poverty and the effects poverty has on people. We also discuss how Proverbs teaches us that people in poverty still have dignity/worth in God’s eyes. Finally, we ask how we can respond to the call in Proverbs to advocate on behalf of the poor and the vulnerable.
TIMESTAMPS:
2:01 - How many times are the words "poverty" and "poor" mentioned in the book of Proverbs?
4:55 - What causes of poverty are mentioned in Proverbs?
16:18 - Growing up, which of these causes were commonly mentioned or emphasized to you?
19:14 - Do discussions on policies regarding poverty typically take all these different causes into account?
27:34 - What negative effects of poverty are mentioned in Proverbs?
39:10 - What positive effects of poverty are mentioned?
48:00 - How does Proverbs give dignity to the poor?
53:16 - Proverbs calls us to be advocates for the poor. How can we do this today?
58:33 - What is good?
SHOWNOTES:
"There's Hope" by India Arie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bClxgPvGqRg
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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Today we discuss the living conditions of Texas state prisons, over 2/3rds of which do not have central heating or AC. We hear how the extreme heat and cold impacts inmates, guards, and other prison staff. It is a difficult conversation, but one we think needs to be had.
Some Texas lawmakers say they have not approved bills that seek to fix this problem because it's not an issue Texans really care about. We wonder, however, if it's an issue that most Texans just don't know about. We hope today's talk will inform and evoke the compassion of Christ for those living and working in our state prisons.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:44 - What's the hottest/coldest you've ever been, and would you rather be too hot or too cold?
8:20 - History of the state of AC/Heat in Texas prisons
10:31 - What do you think of the quote, "The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons"?
15:15 - What do you think of arguments that it would cost too much for Texas to fix this problem, or that it's a good deterrent for our prisons to be uncomfortable as part of being tough on crime?
21:25 - What have been the hidden costs of not having AC/heat in most of our state prisons?
25:33 - If we believe people are made in the image of God, how is that consistent or inconsistent with the conditions we are placing Texas prisoners in?
32:12 - How might we as Christians view this as a pro-life issue?
38:04 - How does the Bible encourage us to have compassion on this situation?
49:08 - What is Good?
53:23 - Outtakes
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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Today, we discuss being a light for Jesus during an election year and ask what our Christian witness should look like if and when we engage in the discussion of politics, especially online. We find Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to be both challenging and full of wisdom for us, pointing out the ways in which our reactions should be different from the world's because of our relationship with Christ and our identity in Christ.
We look at 5 ways we should set ourselves apart in our behavior and attitudes, and they make an acronym with the word LIGHT. Stick around for the end, because we also have a fun song to help you remember these points.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:30 - Topic introduction - What do we think of Disney live-action remakes? Can we model what a respectful discussion might look like where we potentially have differing opinions?
7:06 - Christians divided on Facebook over the casting of Halle Bailey in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. What type of message are we sending to the world, when this is how we as professed believers behave on social media?
13:35 - Jesus told us we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:16). What does that look like in an election year?
14:46 - L - Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-45)
21:40 - I - Inspect your own eye (Matthew 7:1-5)
27:54 - G - Give like a ninja (Matthew 6:2-4)
34:38 - H - Hear and obey (Matthew 7:24-27)
39:10 - T - Trust God to meet your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)
47:26 - What is Good?
51:27 - The L-I-G-H-T Song
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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Today we are talking about the issue of life, the pro-life conversation, and a Christian holistic response to it in the world and culture that we are living in currently. As believers, we hold to the conviction of the sanctity of human life that as God's creation (Gen 1:27), we all bear his image and have an inherent dignity and value.
During this election year, we will hear about the topic of abortion more and more, especially with the overturning of Roe v Wade, as each state considers what their own legislation will be. Politicians will weaponize this topic as part of their own agenda. Amid this, an overarching question we explore in this episode is how should we as Christians strive to maintain our witness? What does it look like to be pro-life, post-roe?
TIMESTAMPS:
1:20 - Introduction: What are our foundational beliefs on this issue and where are we now as a nation?
5:15 - Do you think of the term "pro-life" more as a political term or a biblical one?
7:17 - Does it seem fair that this issue has become so bi-partisan? Is there a third way to approach it?
10:46 - How can we, as Christians, model compassionate and active listening in these difficult conversations?
16:20 - How have your lived experiences shaped your understanding of the sanctity of life?
26:18 - Since the overturning of Roe v Wade, most major ballot initiatives have been victories for the pro-choice movement. How should we view this development?
28:52 - What efforts can we take to help make abortion unthinkable, and what churches do you see doing this well?
38:56 - Why should Christians be involved in pro-life efforts beyond voting?
45:26 - What role do you see men, specifically, having as we navigate this issue?
53:16 - What is Good?
RESOURCES:
CLC Table Talk: The Hope to Choose Life When The Choice Isn't Easy - YouTube video with Katie & David
Katie & Eve: Choosing Life and Trusting God - YouTube video of Katie and her eldest daughter, Eve
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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For many of us, a regular time of family worship was not part of our experience growing up. It is not something we have had modeled for us, or even been encouraged towards. So, it may feel challenging or even awkward to start now. What could it look like? How do we do it? Why is it important? We hope that today's discussion will help you find answers to these questions. One of our biggest takeaways: no matter what phase of life you are in, it's never too late to start!
TIMESTAMPS:
Introduction
1:33 - Did you experience Family worship growing up?
5:55 - Have you ever heard a sermon of Family Worship or observed a ministry where it was emphasized or encouraged?
Reasons for Family Worship
13:06 - It reminds us that worship is a lifestyle, not an event.
15:25 - It teaches us the importance of setting time aside to spend with God (modeling a quiet time for our kids).
19:08 - It helps build in our kids a biblical worldview.
24:26 - It offers a chance to be a witness when you have guests in your home.
How do we set ourselves up to succeed?
30:35 - Keep it short and simple: a song, a scripture, a prayer.
31:35 - Use age appropriate Bibles for younger children (and rotate with kids of various ages).
34:44 - Don't expect perfection, epic failures are allowed.
36:58 - Find what works for your family and play to their strengths and interests.
42:02 - Use a reading plan, and resist the urge to use this as a time of correction or confrontation.
45:30 - Have a rule to put away all digital devices during this time.
Final Thoughts
48:10 - What is your main takeaway from this discussion?
51:00 - Closing Q&A for David
56:25 - What is Good?
RESOURCES:
Book recommendation: Family Worship - Donald S. Whitney | The Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd-Jones
David's sermon on Family Worship (Aug, 5, 2018) - https://www.meadowridgechurch.org/media/1019061-2487193-1457108/family-worship
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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For years, there have been conversations of workplace wellness in jobs that expose us to trauma. Most of those conversations have focused on how to cope with the negative impacts of trauma. Not until more recently, have people looked at the positive impacts of those experiences. It is this shift in focus that has led to research in what is now called Vicarious Resilience. It is defined as "The positive, professional, and personal growth of trauma workers resulting from their clients' resilience."
In this episode, Dr. Irene Gallegos introduces this idea, shares what she has learned from her own studies in this topic, and gives us a glimpse into one of the ways that she seeks to equip the hunger and care ministries that the CLC supports through our various grants.
TIMESTAMPS:
1:10 - What are some different jobs that you have had?
5:04 - What surprised you about one of those jobs that was challenging?
9:20 - In what ways did those difficulties have a positive impact?
12:15 - In workplace wellness, have we overemphasized the negative impact of trauma exposure?
17:02 - What is Vicarious Resilience?
20:20 - Why are we slower to consider the positive impacts of workplace trauma or stressors?
26:18 - Can you think of examples where you were encouraged by someone else's resilience?
29:13 - How is Vicarious Resilience different from just self care?
37:53 - How does Vicarious Resilience echo the Scriptures?
41:20 - What is Good?
RESOURCES:
On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden & Gift of Living - Alan Noble
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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Episode 1 - We Don't Talk About Lotto
In this episode of What is Good, we discuss gambling; from the predatory practices of entities such as casinos and lottery commissions, to the effects of gambling addiction on individuals and families, to the role of the church and recovery ministries. We note how today's youth are being targeted and ask why this issue is not getting as much attention as others. John Litzler, our director of Public Policy, guides today's discussion, asking our team the following questions in the timestamps below:
0:35 - Introductions
1:41 - What are your earliest memories of gambling and how were you exposed to it?
6:25 - Isn't gambling just harmless entertainment? As Christians, why should we care?
16:11 - Why don't we talk as much about gambling addiction as other addictions, like pornography and substance abuse?
23:32 - Should we be concerned with how gambling is contributing to the mental health crisis and increasing suicide rates?
29:40 - Are you seeing an increase in church ministries that serve those struggling with addictions?
32:07 - What should we think of the predatory practices of casinos and online sports betting?
42:14 - What does the Bible have to say about gambling?
48:28 - What is good?
51:16 - Outtakes
The CLC would love to hear your answers to these questions! If you would like to share, you can e-mail us at [email protected].
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
