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In this heartwarming episode, Catherine Segars sits down with Jill Wagner, a beloved actress known for her work in Hallmark movies and now on Great American Family, to discuss her latest project and her passion for family, faith, and community. Together, they explore Jill’s dedication to creating entertainment that reflects her core values—especially during the holiday season.
Jill delves into her deeply personal new Great American Family documentary "Christmas on the Farm," premiering on December 23rd. This unique project offers an intimate glimpse into Jill’s life, highlighting the profound role her faith and close-knit community play in shaping her journey. For Jill, this isn’t just another holiday special; it’s a heartfelt reflection of the joy, love, and togetherness that define the Christmas season.
In this uplifting episode, Jill discusses:
· The inspiration behind "Christmas on the Farm," revealing how this special project unfolded.
· Her incredible journey from being a Hallmark favorite to becoming a cherished part of the Great American Family community, a network that champions family-oriented, faith-filled entertainment.
The heartwarming story of inviting a family affected by Hurricane Helene into her home for Christmas dinner and the community who banded together to provide for their needs.Catherine and Jill delve deeply into the role of faith in their lives, reflecting on how it shapes their personal and professional decisions. Jill expresses her gratitude to Bill Abbott, the CEO of Great American Family, for fostering a network that prioritizes values-driven content and supports creators who are committed to producing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.
This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of the importance of aligning personal values with creative pursuits. Catherine and Jill remind listeners that Great American Family is an incredible resource available for those seeking uplifting, faith-forward, and family-centered entertainment for the holidays and beyond.
About the Guest: Jill Wagner is an accomplished actress and producer, known for her work in various television shows and movies. She has recently turned her focus towards faith-based projects, aiming to bring authentic and uplifting stories to the screen. Through her work on Great American Family and her involvement in community-focused initiatives, Jill continues to inspire and spread messages of love, faith, and hope.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Great American Family
Jill Wager Instagram & FacebookStreaming Services: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu
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This Holiday Season, Create a Tradition That Transforms Lives
What if this Christmas, your family could do something more meaningful than decorating the tree or exchanging gifts—something that plants seeds of kindness and changes lives across the globe? Imagine a tradition that not only brings joy to others but also shapes your children’s hearts with a lifelong spirit of generosity.
This holiday, make giving the greatest gift of all.
How can we make this a reality?
Catherine’s guest, Brian Frazier, shares his powerful journey of faith and purpose. With nearly 15 years at World Vision—a Christian humanitarian organization that brings hope to the poor and oppressed—Brian has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of generosity. Inspired by a life-changing trip to India, Brian left a successful career in engineering and banking to dedicate his life to helping others. His commitment even led his family to relocate to Bangalore, India, in pursuit of service.
In this episode, Catherine and Brian explore how families can embrace generosity and make an extraordinary impact through simple acts of giving.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
The Power of Family Giving: Brian shares how involving children in charitable activities—like choosing gifts through World Vision’s gift catalog—can create meaningful family traditions that inspire lifelong habits of giving. World Vision’s Global Impact: Learn how World Vision has sparked transformative change—from creating Mongolia’s first Christian radio station to delivering clean water to villages in Rwanda. Stories That Inspire Hope: Hear about Rachida, an 8-year-old Sudanese refugee who found hope through World Vision’s efforts after losing her family to war. Lives Transformed: Experience the joy of a family in Zambia whose life was forever changed by a goat-herding program, offering them new opportunities and hope for the future. Generosity as a Legacy: Discover how small acts—like sponsoring a child or giving a life-changing gift—can instill values of compassion and selflessness in your children, creating a lasting legacy of generosity. Building Global Bridges: Reflect on how connecting with those in need—whether across the world or in your community—brings hope, fuels dreams, and reminds us of the profound difference we can make together.This episode is an invitation to bring your faith to life this Christmas season through actionable, family-focused giving. Together, we can bridge the gap between affluence and need, offering hope to children around the world while creating cherished family traditions grounded in love and service.
For more information, to sponsor a child, or to explore the gift catalog, visit worldvision.org. Start a tradition of generosity today, and let this Christmas be remembered as the season your family gave the gift of hope.
About the Guest: Brian Frazier is the Executive Director of Team World Vision, a program of World Vision that mobilizes individuals—many of them non-runners—to conquer half and full marathons in support of ending the global water crisis in Jesus’ name. In his role, Brian passionately inspires people to take on physical challenges on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Brian’s unconventional career path began in engineering, transitioned to banking with a focus on microfinance, and ultimately led him to finding his calling in fundraising. Over the course of his career with World Vision, Brian has worked in more than 30 countries. His unique perspective and broad skill set fuel his commitment to advocating for the forgotten and marginalized.
Brian lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Colette. Together, they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Corban, Haddon, Kai, and Niya.
Episode Links:
World Vision Gift Catalog.
Instagram: @worldvisionusa
Facebook: World Vision USA
Twitter: @worldvisionusa
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Few subjects present a greater challenge for parents than teaching children about God’s design for their identity. How do we start these vital conversations without overwhelming our little ones or feeding them information beyond their comprehension?
Catherine's guest, Elizabeth Urbanowicz, has developed a curriculum that helps parents navigate these challenging waters. Elizabeth is the founder of Foundation Worldview, an organization committed to providing Christian parents, educators, and church leaders with the resources they need to teach children to think critically and biblically.
In this enlightening discussion, Elizabeth introduces her new curriculum aimed at kids ages 4-8 called "God's Good Design."
This episode emphasizes:
1. The Importance of Being the First: Introducing children to these topics early helps parents establish authority and provide a biblical perspective.
2. Maintaining Innocence While Informing: Teaching children about God's good design protects their innocence by providing them with the truth before encountering corrupted versions of identity.
3. Living in Truth while Loving Others: Both Catherine and Elizabeth emphasize the need to always love those who disagree while we teach our kids God’s truth about their identity.
4. Resources for Parents and Educators: Foundation Worldview's curriculum and other recommended resources for guiding children and teens in sexuality education from a Christian perspective are highlighted.
Listeners are invited to access these Foundation Worldview resources with a special $10 discount on family licenses using the code PARENT10.
About the Guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth created Foundation Worldview to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
· God’s Good Design curriculum (Use code PARENT10 for a $10 discount on any family license)
· “How Should Christians Talk to Their Kids about Sexuality” by Catherine Segars
· Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
· God’s Design for Sex (series) by Stan and Brenna Jones
· The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality by Luke Gilkerson
· The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality
· The Holy Sexuality Project by Christopher Yuan
Other Episodes with Elizabeth:
Ep. 57: How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview
Ep. 58: 7 Lies Culture is Spreading to Our Kids: Are They Buying?
Ep. 72 What Do Deconstructionists Often Get Wrong about the Faith
Ep. 73: How Can God Forgive Sins Like Abuse, Rape, and Murder?
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Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day.
Strategically celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ central in all the commotion of gatherings, parties, concerts, baking, and buying. Utilizing Advent calendars, candles, and books help us to focus on the magnitude of what Christ accomplished in coming to earth while pointing us toward his return.
Catherine’s guest in this episode, Laurie Christine, has accumulated a wealth of devotional resources that will help enrich your Christmas season by celebrating Advent. Catherine and Laurie start by digging into the history of Advent, and then they highlight the great gift of celebrating God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in line with each candle lit. Laurie also offers devotional and book recommendations for all ages to participate in the wonderful celebration of Advent.
The Meaning of Advent: Learn about the rich historical roots of Advent, dating back to the 6th century, and how its observance can enhance the anticipation of both the first and second coming of Christ. Dive into The Action Bible Christmas: Laurie introduces this fantastic book featuring 25 imaginative stories related to the biblical Christmas story suitable for young children aged 3-9, providing delightful and engaging ways to teach the story of Jesus' birth. Discover Jotham's Journey Series: Catherine and Laurie delve into Arnold Ytreeide’s four-book series that follows fictional accounts of Jesus' birth through the eyes of four different children. With devotional sections and intertwined stories, it’s perfect for family Advent readings! Celebrate with Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: Laurie shares her love for Asheritah Ciuciu’s devotional, which explores the various names of Jesus over four weeks, providing structured readings and activities for each Sunday of Advent. Creating a Jesse Tree: Laurie explains the tradition of the Jesse Tree, tracing Jesus's lineage with ornaments representing biblical figures. A beautiful way to journey through the anticipation of Christ's birth as a family. Resource Roundup: Laurie and Catherine recommend various devotional books and family activities, including "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp and "Remarkable Advent" by Shauna Lettler to help make your Advent season more meaningful.Catherine also shares a heartfelt personal story of finding hope during a difficult time, underscoring the essential themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Laurie Christine’s Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ. In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes devotions and Bible stories for families. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same! Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, just released on Amazon in November.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Laurie Christine's website
Laurie Christine's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en
Laurie Christine has created a wonderful resource for CPCW listeners that contains all of the devotionals and books covered in this episode which can be accessed HERE:
https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/
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Gratitude plays a pivotal role in the life of a Christian, serving as a cornerstone for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. It's not just a fleeting feeling of thankfulness, but a profound, daily practice that transforms our perspectives and opens the door to divine blessings. In fact, gratitude has the power to radically change your future and the future of your family.
But a lack of gratitude can change your future as well.
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Catherine dives into the transformative power of gratitude by exploring how the Israelites failure to be grateful led to a 40-year-detour in the desert, where their humble and benevolent leader actually prayed for God to take him out. Gratitude will open the door for God’s blessings and favor to flow, or it can shut the door to the future God has planned.
Key takeaways include:
· Gratitude in the Bible: The Israelites' ingratitude delayed their entry into the Promised Land by 40 years, showing how a lack of thankfulness can have serious consequences.
· Negative Impact of Ingratitude: Being ungrateful fosters fear, distrust, and idolatry, affecting our relationship with God and others.
· Gratitude as Protection: A grateful heart can shield us from sinful behaviors like greed and obscene talk, aligning our focus with God’s goodness.
· Practical Gratitude: Making a list of things we're thankful for and displaying it can help combat fear and anxiety.
· Daily Gratitude: Incorporating thankfulness into our daily routines can transform our outlook and unlock God's blessings.
· Faith in Tough Times: Even when facing difficult circumstances, practicing gratitude can provide peace and open doors for future blessings.
This episode is filled with biblical insights, personal stories, and practical takeaways to help you and your family choose gratitude over grumbling—even when life gets hard.
Reflecting on biblical stories, personal experiences, and scriptural insights, Catherine uncovers how choosing gratitude over grumbling shapes not just our hearts but our destinies.
To receive Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle for parents with estranged children, click HERE.
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
Psalms 100:4
Ephesians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Galatians 6:7
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In a world where cultural pressures challenge our faith every single day, how can we stay true to our beliefs and be a light in dark times?
Catherine is joined once again by Martyn Ilse, CEO of Answers in Genesis, for a powerful discussion on living faithfully in a "lost culture." Together, they dive into the biblical story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, using it as a guide for standing firm in our faith despite societal pressures and shifting cultural values.
Martyn draws fascinating insights from the experiences of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, explaining how their time in Babylon mirrors the challenges we face today. He discusses how Daniel and his friends were subjected to intense indoctrination, with even their names being changed as an attempt to erase their God-given identities. Catherine explains the meanings of their original Hebrew names versus their Babylonian names, showing how lost cultures always attempt to reshape beliefs by changing the meaning of names.
Despite this, Daniel and his friends held onto their faith. Martyn points out that their story reminds us of the power of staying rooted in our convictions, even when external influences try to sway us.
So, how do we resist compromise and live faithfully today? Martyn offers some practical advice:
Decide ahead of time. Just like Daniel determined not to compromise, setting clear boundaries beforehand can help us stand firm when faced with temptation. Let God shape your future. Daniel didn’t try to plan everything; he trusted God to guide his steps. Live by God’s principles. Focus on doing the right thing and leave the consequences to Him. Live for God’s approval. Instead of seeking validation from others, prioritize God’s opinion and stay mindful of His presence.These timeless lessons are especially valuable for parents, offering wisdom to help prepare the next generation to navigate today’s challenges with faith and courage.
About the Guest: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Other Episodes in this series:
Ep. 126: "What Most Christians Don't Know about Living in a Lost Culture"“Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon”
Answers in Genesis
Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Daniel 3
Matthew 5
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In today's increasingly secular world, many Christians grapple with understanding how to live faithfully amidst cultural changes that stray further from biblical truths. What are the characteristics of a "lost" or "Babylonian" culture, and how can believers navigate these complexities while staying true to their faith?
Catherine welcomes Martyn Iles, the CEO of Answers in Genesis, to delve into these pressing questions.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of primary biblical narratives, Martyn provides a clear analysis of what defines Babylonian culture throughout history and how these traits resonate in modern society. Martyn presents an eye-opening exploration of pride, idolatry, moral decay, and spiritual conflict, offering listeners practical insights and timeless truths for living out their faith in contemporary "Babylon-like" environments.
Martyn notes the striking similarities between ancient Babylon and today's cultural landscape. He emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize these characteristics and remain steadfast, much like Daniel and his friends, who navigated the challenges of living in a godless culture with unwavering faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Pride and Rebellion Against God: Modern culture mirrors the pride and rebellious spirit of ancient Babylon, where self-glorification often trumps humility before God.
2. Idolatry and Self-Worship: Today’s society idolizes self-identity, personal success, and material wealth, paralleling Babylon's historical focus on worshiping created things over the Creator.
3. Fear and Existential Anxiety: Despite advancements, contemporary society is plagued with existential fear and anxiety, drawing a parallel to the uncertainties of Babylonian times.
4. Attempts to Usurp Divine Authority: Humanity’s efforts to control nature and exert god-like influence reflect a deeper rebellion against God's sovereignty.
5. Opposition to the People of God:
o Both ancient Babylon and modern cultures often stand antagonistically against Biblical values and beliefs.
6. The Call to Live Faithfully: The story of Daniel offers a model for Christians to maintain faith and integrity amidst societal pressures and hostility.
Navigating a culture that mirrors the lost characteristics of Babylon can feel overwhelming. But just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we are called to stand firm in our faith, teaching our children to do the same. By recognizing the parallels between ancient and modern times, we can equip our families with the truth and wisdom needed to thrive spiritually in a modern Babylon. We must remember that even in a lost culture, God’s presence and guidance are unwavering.
BIO: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
“Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon”
Answers in Genesis
Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook
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We live in a time when political conversations can be not just divisive, but downright contentious. It feels like maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor amid this politically charged environment is becoming harder by the day, especially with today’s election.
Divisive rhetoric permeates everyday conversations. Families and friendships are straining under political disagreements, and often they break. Television, the air waves, the internet, and social media have become battlegrounds for conflicting political views. With 76% of Americans believing that the country is heading in the wrong direction and 63% of people avoiding political conversations altogether due to potential conflict, our communities and families are under pressure like never before.
Maintaining a grace-filled witness during politically charged conversations is one of the greatest challenges Christians face in today’s polarized world. How do we share our views without losing our cool or compromising our faith?
Catherine tackles the delicate issue of engaging in political discussions in a way that honors Christ by offering 7 practical guidelines. They are:
Prioritize people over political positions. Our faith must lead our political views, not the other way around. Listen to understand. Truly hearing out the other side can bring unexpected empathy and insight. Avoid ridicule and demonstrate honor. Respect is key in sustaining any dialogue. Be constructive. Offering solutions instead of criticism can transform the conversation. Critique methods, not motives. This keeps the focus on actions, not personal attacks. Build bridges. Connection, not conversion, should be our goal. Pray for our country and its leaders. This keeps our efforts grounded in faith.With powerful personal anecdotes, Catherine encourages listeners to embody these principles, offering a path forward for believers to engage in political conversations that reflect Christ’s love. But most importantly, Catherine reminds listeners that neither a donkey nor an elephant can save this country… rather, we need a lamb. A spotless lamb.
To receive a list of Scriptures to pray over our country and a bookmark with our nation’s leaders, subscribe HERE.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
"As a Christian, How Involved in Politics Should I Be?" (by Catherine Segars)
"How The After Party Curriculum Is Sowing Political Confusion in the Church" (by Natasha Crain)
Ephesians 6:12
John 13:35
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Timothy 2:1-2
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There's a topic that the church rarely addresses because it challenges long-held beliefs and practices. That topic is...
Domestic abuse.
And the failure of some church to protect victims.
The statistics and stories are heartbreaking. Churches should be sanctuaries, yet when it comes to domestic abuse, this isn’t always the case. Despite Biblical teaching on love, care, and justice, domestic abuse remains a hushed reality in some Christian communities. Victims often face isolation, shame, and a lack of genuine support inside their faith communities, making it difficult for them to find safety and healing.
In this episode, Catherine is joined by Nancy Pearcey, an acclaimed scholar and author known for dissecting cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Nancy shares her insights on transforming churches into safe havens for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. Her book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes explores the damaging cultural narratives about men and calls for a more biblical understanding of masculinity.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Eileen Gray's Case: The episode opens with the heart-wrenching story of Eileen Gray, illustrating some churches’ failure to support victims of abuse.
Financial Dependency of Churches: Catherine and Nancy discuss how financial dependencies can influence churches to prioritize abusers over victims.
35-Year Longitudinal Study: Nancy mentions a study that found fathers have a significant impact on their children’s faith, especially when they are positively involved.
Critique of Darwinian Theory: Nancy discusses how Darwinian theory and societal stereotypes have contributed to harmful views of masculinity.
Impact of Cultural Influences: The episode looks at cultural figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, who promote toxic masculinity ideals, and the need for a biblical response.
Biblical Understanding of Masculinity: Both Catherine and Nancy advocate for a healthy, biblical view of masculinity and firmly condemn any form of abuse.
Call to Action for Listeners: Listeners are encouraged to ensure their churches are safe havens and to leave any church that advises victims to stay in abusive relationships.
Our churches should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, or you’re passionate about creating safer church environments, don’t miss this compelling discussion.
FULL SHOW NOTES
NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."
EPISODE RESOURCES ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH:
EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser (March 8, 2022)
EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur’s Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show (March 17, 2022)
MacArthur Ministry Employees Defend Child Abuser, Dismiss ‘Screeching’ Pushback (March 24, 2024)
Head of Counseling at John MacArthur’s School: Wife Should Endure Abuse Like Missionary Endures Persecution April 5, 2022Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Awful Patterns of Endangering Abuse Victims (Feb. 9, 2023)
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:
Ep. 122 Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?
Ep. 123 How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women
RESOURCES REFERENCED:
The Moral Animal: Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright
Men and Marriage by George Gilder
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Our modern culture often argues that Christian teachings on marriage and femininity are oppressive or out of touch. But if we peel back the layers of history, we discover a different story. The early Christian faith dramatically improved the lives of women.
In this episode of CP/CW, Catherine is joined by prolific author and apologist Nancy Pearcey, who sets the record straight about the historical impact of Christianity on women. Nancy sheds light on the drastic differences between the treatment of women in ancient societies and the newfound dignity and status they received within the early Christian community.
Key highlights include:
Reformation of Roman Practices: Nancy explains how men in ancient Rome freely exploited women, and how the early church radically opposed this by advocating for the respect and dignity of women in marriage.
Symmetry in Marriage: Hear about the New Testament teachings where Paul promotes equality in marriage, a concept that was unheard of during that time.
Elevated Status: Discover why women found refuge and higher status in the early Christian church compared to ancient Roman society.
Age of Marriage: Learn about how the Christian emphasis on raising the age of marriage from 12 to 18 greatly benefited young girls in the New Testament period.
Jesus' Revolutionary Actions: Nancy takes us through instances in the Gospels where Jesus broke cultural norms by valuing and honoring women, providing a stark contrast to the prevailing views of the time.
Modern Implications: Understand the surprising findings that show committed evangelical couples today experience the lowest rates of divorce and domestic abuse, contradicting the modern stereotype of evangelical men as patriarchal and abusive.
Ongoing Global Impact: Delve into sociological studies that reveal how Christian teachings have empowered poor women more effectively than many modern feminist movements, particularly in developing countries.
Understanding the radical teachings of the New Testament regarding women opens our eyes to the genuine freedom and dignity that Christianity offers. Over centuries, these teachings have profoundly transformed societies, raising the status of women across the globe. The data and historical evidence contradict the contemporary narrative that the Christian faith is oppressive to women. In reality, it provides a transformative power that elevates, empowers, and dignifies women in ways that are both historically and presently significant.
NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:
Episode 122: Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?
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In a world that is openly hostile to masculinity, does our faith offer a remedy? And what do we as Christian parents need to teach our sons and daughters?
Consider these shocking examples of male-bashing in our culture:
*The Washington Post article by gender studies professor “Why Can’t We Hate Men?”
*The New Stateman featured a British feminist writing, “ You can’t live with them. You can’t shoot them.”
*Trendy hashtag #killallmen
*T-shirts emblazoned with “So many men. So Little Ammunition.”
*Books titled: I Hate Men, The End of Men, and Are Men Necessary?
*A USA Today article states: “At today’s universities, masculinity is almost never discussed except in negative terms, usually with the word ‘toxic’ attached.
*John Stoltenberg, author of Refusing to Be a Man says, “Talking about ‘healthy masculinity’ is like talking about ‘healthy cancer.’”
*Hugh Howey tweeted, “Testosterone is the problem… Women should be in charge of everything.”
*Testosterone is “a toxin that you have to slowly work out of your system,” said James Cameron, director of the movie
*Media researcher, Jim Macnamara, conducted extensive content analysis of more than 2000 mass media portrayals of men (including news, feature articles, talk shows, etc.) found that more than 75% of all media representations of men portrayed them as “villains, aggressors, perverts, and philanderers.”
As parents, we are raising our boys in a toxic stew misandry (hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys), and we should be concerned.
Catherine’s guest in this episode, Nancy Pearcey, has written the quintessential book defining the problem when it comes to masculinity in our culture, and she offers the only viable solution. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes walks us through this intricate and critical conversation.
Nancy's personal journey from victimization with an abusive father, to agnosticism and radical feminism, to affirming biblical masculinity gives her a unique perspective on this contentious subject. Nancy unpacks the real roots of so-called "toxic masculinity" and discusses why understanding this topic is pivotal for Christian families today.
Nancy’s Bio: Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."
Nancy Pearcey’s Website
To see full episode highlights, click HERE.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Origins of Toxic Masculinity: Misconceptions abound about toxic masculinity and its origins. Nancy dismantled the myth that it started with 1960s feminism, explaining its roots in the post-Industrial Revolution era. She explores how men, distanced from home-based work, lost their nurturing roles, which led to more egocentric and aggressive behaviors.
Cultural Hostility Towards Masculinity: The episode delves into societal attitudes, giving examples like misandric merchandise and high-profile statements against men. A shocking survey reveals that a significant percentage of men feel victimized by society's hostility towards typical male behavior.
Positive Masculinity Scripts: Nancy emphasizes the importance of promoting the 'Good Man' script—values of honor, duty, integrity, and responsibility—over the toxic stereotypes often portrayed in media and culture. Encouraging men to recognize their innate capacity for good can be more effective than labeling them toxic.
Pandemic's Impact on Fatherhood: The discussion touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic brought men closer to their families. Nancy shares compelling personal experiences and data showing men’s desire for more flexible work arrangements post-pandemic to stay connected with their children and homes.
Balancing Career and Family: Highlighting the historical perspective, Catherine and Nancy discuss how modern families are finding ways to intertwine economic activities with family life, much like the pre-industrial era. They share inspirational anecdotes of men balancing work and family commitments creatively.
Join Catherine and Nancy as they navigate the contentious and critical topic of masculinity, offering hope, clarity, and actionable insights for Christian parents in today’s chaotic world.
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An astronomical number of Christian young people are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. A recent New LifeWay Research survey shows that two-thirds of Christian youth stop attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.
A study from the Assemblies of God shows that “at least half and possibly over two-thirds of Christian young people will step away from the faith while attending a non-Christian college or university.” A similar study from the Southern Baptist Convention “indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college.”
In her recent book, Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer offers a somber reality when it comes to our Christian teens and twenty-somethings: “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return.” (pg. 27)
If the massive youth exodus we are experiencing in the church doesn’t concern us as parents, it should.
In this “Best Of” re-airing of CPCW’s inaugural episode, Catherine breaks down what is happening to youth in our churches, so we as parents can understand how to counteract this trend. And Catherine offers a very encouraging UPDATE on her journey as a parent of a child who has struggled in the faith.RESOURCES & EPISODES REFERENCED:
The Prodigal Bundle (free resource with Scripture list)
Episode 2: What Is the Key for Our Kids to Have an Authentic Faith?
CP/CW Prayer Series:
Episode 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith
Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know
Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer
Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?
BOOKS REFERENCED:
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church… and Rethinking Faith by David KinnamanWhy Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom Bisset
ARTICLES REFERENCED:
See Catherine’s supplemental article on Crosswalk: “Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do About It?”
“Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults,” Lifeway Research
“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is Why,” USA Today
“Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity,” Cold Case Christianity
“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity Today
Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Do you ever look at other families and assume that they have it all together and yours doesn’t?
Do you look at other pristine and put-together moms or dads and think that you are a hot mess?
Do you look at the successes of your friends while focusing on all of your failures?
There is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our family life that can sabotage us as parents—the desire to be “normal.”
That family is perfect. Mine is hanging on by a thread.
That mom is beautiful. I’m embarrassed to leave the house.
That friend is a rock star. I’m a fake.
Through a series of poignant, relatable stories, Catherine explores how this quest for normalcy infiltrates our lives, undermining our parenting and our individual purpose. Our deeply personal struggles and wounds—from infertility and abandonment to financial instability and physical imperfections—heighten the longing to be like "everyone else."
But those lives that appear perfect are far from it. Everyone battles their own unique challenges that keep them from this mythical place called “Normal.”
The pervasive desire for normalcy is a dangerous and sabotaging force. Being normal is a fiction, a fairy tale, a farce manufactured by the enemy of our souls. And on some level, we all struggle with it.
We desperately need a shift in perspective.
Our unique struggles and disabilities are precisely what draw us closer to God, if we will let them.
The lie of “Normal” is one of the devil’s greatest hits, but in our deepest needs and struggles, God’s grace abounds and leads us to true fulfillment and strength.
This episode supplies a much-needed pep talk to break free from the quest for normal and embrace God’s grace in every need.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Normal (Blog) by Catherine Segars
Ep. 119: Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)
Ep. 120: How the Prosperity Gospel Fueled Purity Culture and Undermined Our Parenting (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)
2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:19
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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How has the prosperity gospel influenced purity culture, and what does that mean for parenting today? The connections might surprise you.
Purity Culture, much like the prosperity gospel, promises rewards for adhering to specific behaviors, but it often leads to disappointment and shame. And all too often in the church, parents apply this same type of thinking to their children. Parents assume that they will be rewarded with God-honoring, God-fearing children if they teach their children all the right things and parent the Biblical way. Like with the Prosperity Gospel and Purity Culture, the emphasis is on the outcome, not your child's relationship with God.
In this thought-provoking episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine engages Dr. Lina Abujamra in a candid discussion about the harmful effects of Purity Culture in Christian communities. They highlight how Purity Culture parallels the Prosperity Gospel by creating unrealistic expectations and measuring spiritual worth through outcomes rather than genuine faith and grace.
Episode Highlights:
Purity Culture and Prosperity Gospel: Lina Abujamra draws parallels between purity culture and the prosperity gospel, noting how both promise material or relational rewards for specific behaviors. While purity culture emphasizes sexual abstinence with the promise of perfect marriages and fulfilling sex lives, the prosperity gospel promises material wealth and success for faithful followers. Misplaced Expectations: Both movements often set up unrealistic expectations, leading to disillusionment and shame when life doesn’t unfold as promised. This results in individuals feeling unworthy or questioning their faith when they don’t receive the anticipated rewards. Misogynistic Undertones: Lina and Catherine criticize the misogynistic tendencies within purity culture, where women often bear a disproportionate burden of maintaining purity. Object lessons like the chewed gum or wilted flower are used to shame women, implying that they lose their worth through sexual activity. Biblical Misinterpretations: Both purity culture and the prosperity gospel teachings divert from Biblical truths, focusing more on human efforts and rewards than on God's grace and the transformative power through a relationship with Christ. Impact on Young Believers: Catherine and Lina discuss the generational fallout from purity culture, noting how younger Christians are increasingly rejecting outdated, shaming shaming messages. This shift highlights the need for a more grace-filled, genuine approach to faith that centers on a deep, personal relationship with God.Key Takeaways:
- Parents should teach their children that faith isn't about earning rewards through good behavior, but about nurturing a genuine, loving relationship with Christ.
- Rejecting the false promises of purity culture and prosperity gospel can prevent the deep disappointment and shame that arise from unmet expectations.
- A grace-filled approach to faith that acknowledges personal struggles and imperfection can lead to more authentic spiritual growth and fulfillment.
- Both purity culture and prosperity gospel distort the Gospel's core message by equating spiritual worth with specific outcomes, rather than the inherent value found in a relationship with Jesus.
Guest bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:
Ep. 119 "Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness"
EPISODE RESCOURCES:
“A Statement on I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris
Horatio Gates Spafford - “The Story behind the Hymn It is Well with My Soul”
“The Amazingly Graced Life of John Newton”
Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I was and Who God Has always Been by Jackie Hill Perry
A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption by Becket Cook
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
Matthew 5:8
John 13:35
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Sexual sin remains one of the most prolific yet overlooked issues within the Christian community. Despite the prevalence of church teachings on purity and righteousness, hidden struggles with sexual sin abound. Despite Jesus' promise of freedom in Scripture, pornography, illicit romantic novels and television shows, and sexual indiscretions continue to keep many believers in bondage. Statistics reveal a startling reality:
50% of American Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn annually. 68% of churchgoing men regularly view pornography. 20% of practicing Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn weekly. 15% of Christian women say that they watch porn at least monthly. Only 13% of Christian women say that they never watch porn. 20 % of youth pastors currently struggles w/ porn use. 68% of churchgoing men regularly view porn. 50% of pastors regularly view porn. 76% of Christians age 18 to 24 actively and regularly spend time searching porn sites. The average age kids see porn is 11. 95% of kids see porn by 14 .These hidden battles often lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and a performance-based relationship with God, making it harder to experience His grace, true intimacy, and freedom
In this episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine is joined by Dr. Lina Abujamra, a pediatric ER doctor and founder of Living With Power Ministries, who delves into her own experiences and insights on breaking free from hidden sexual sin. Lina sheds light on how purity culture's unrealistic expectations can lead to a dangerous form of idolatry, causing individuals to ignore deeper issues and seek fulfillment through temporary distractions.
Key Highlights:
Purity Culture’s Impact: Lina unpacks how purity culture sets unrealistic expectations about marriage and intimacy, fostering a performance-based relationship with God. The Danger of Idolatry: Learn why idolizing a perfect life leads many to overlook deeper issues and lean on temporary distractions like TV, movies, and frivolous novels. Dealing with Hidden Sins: Lina emphasizes the necessity of addressing hidden sins openly and highlights the ease of falling into habits like consuming erotic content. Women like Lina have particularly struggled with pornographic novels and desire to be set free. The Importance of Safe Conversations: Lina shares her personal experiences, including the emotional hurt she faced within the church, and underscores the need for transparent discussions in our homes and communities. Sexual Sin in the Church: Catherine and Lina explore the alarming statistics on porn addiction among Christians, including pastors, and the urgent need for transparency.Guest Bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. She has authored several impactful books, including Fractured Faith: Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction, Resolved: 10 Ways to Stand Strong and Live What You Believe, and her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, which offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Featured resource: Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues
Ep. 110 How To Talk To Your Kids about Pornography (w/ Kristen Jensen)
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jensen
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our next episode, where Lina and I dive even deeper into purity culture, the impact of the prosperity gospel on views of sex and our parenting, and the role of shame in sin. This is a journey toward uncovering freedom and truth, one conversation at a time.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Do you know what your family's unique purpose or identity is? Can you and your kids name your family’s core values?
If you feel like a deer in headlights when asked those questions, you aren’t alone.
Families are at the heart of God's plan for the world, serving as unique units designed to fulfill His divine purposes. Yet churches often zoom in on assessing individual callings and miss the bigger picture of the family's role. As a result, most parents never discover their family’s unique God given design or purpose. They never consider what their family’s core values might be.
In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine Segars chats with Derek England, the Executive Director of Family ID. Together, they unpack God’s timeless design for the family and why understanding your family's unique purpose is vitally important.
Episode Highlights:
Family Identity and Purpose: Catherine and Derek dive into how each family has a distinct place in God's plan. They talk about the importance of establishing core family values that guide everything from daily decisions to long-term goals. From Past to Present: The conversation touches on traditional family roles, modern challenges, and key insights from Nancy Pearcey's book, The Toxic War on Masculinity. Creating Core Values: Derek shares his own family's journey in developing core values, values like being radically protective of quality time and maintaining unwavering integrity. Living Intentionally: Emphasizing the need to be intentional, Derek offers practical advice on defining and living out your family’s unique identity and values. Free Resources for Families: Take advantage of Family ID's free tools and resources, including a family assessment and masterclass, available at family-id.com. These resources are packed with activities, short videos, and worksheets to help you uncover your family's special purpose and core values.When the family is strong, each individual member is strong. Family ID helps parents embark on a journey of intentional family living, equipping them with invaluable tools and wisdom to foster a stronger, more unified family dynamic that glorifies God. Explore the divine importance of family in God's plan and begin your intentional family journey at www.family-id.com.
Guest bio: Derek England is the Executive director of Family ID, an organization that is dedicated to transforming families by helping them discover and embrace their family identity, purpose, and direction. Family ID is founded on the belief that every family has a distinct role to play in God’s plan. To equip that plan, Family ID provides a ton of practical tools and resources to guide families in discovering their unique identity, purpose, and core values.
EPISODE RESROURCES:
Family ID
Family ID Facebook Page
Family ID Instagram Page
“That the World May Know” with Ray Vander Laan
The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcy
EPISODIES REFERENCED:
“5 Lies about Motherhood That Most Women Believe” – The Girl Defined Podcast
“I don’t want to have kids… I want to pursue my career” – The Girl Defined Podcast
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
Ephesians 5:25-33
John 17:24
Proverbs 29:18
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Many parents face the dilemma of sending their kids to a secular college or university. These institutions claim to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and yet they only present one view on the most salient issues of our day. In this episode, Catherine shares her disconcerting experience at her oldest child's college orientation at a state-funded school.
At the student orientation, student leader after student leader after student leader shared their name, their major, and their preferred pronouns. No other political references were made. No other religious beliefs were stated. Yet despite claiming a commitment to rigorous intellectual debate and freedom of thought, this school presented only one view on gender. And while insisting on preparing the next generation to live in the “real world,” university faculty and administrators aren’t even preparing kids to live in their “real bodies.”
When Catherine discussed this blatant progressive evangelism on the part of the university with other Christians at the orientation, parents just shrugged this indoctrination off as being “the way it is.”
When “the way it is” is harming children, we have to speak up.
To lay the foundation for this conversation, Catherine explores perspectives on preferred pronouns from both Christian and secular sources. She highlights:
Rosaria Butterfield, a former radical lesbian activist turned Christian, who underscores the impact of using preferred pronouns and affirming false ideologies. Preferred pronouns aren’t a matter of terminology. They are a matter of ideology. No good can come from affirming a false ideology. The viral cancelled article "Pronouns Are Rohypnol," which sheds light on the perception shifts and safety implications associated with preferred pronouns. The tragic story of Richie Herron, a young man who underwent gender reassignment surgery after being groomed by a gender clinic, who highlights the dangers of promoting gender ideology without recognizing the consequences.These tragic stories begin with a small word—a simple, loving, culturally-approved preferred pronoun. But they end in unfair and unsafe spaces for women and girls, excruciating pain, infertility, butchered bodies, and broken lives.
Catherine urges listeners to not remain neutral when it comes to the truth about gender. If our state schools want to claim a standard of diversity, equity, and inclusion, then all views should be represented. They must not claim a DEI standard while practicing uniformity, inequity, and exclusion.
The episode culminates with Catherine sharing her open letter to the university, urging them to uphold true diversity by considering all perspectives and challenging the status quo.
“A truly valuable education should challenge one’s ideology and deeply held convictions, not acquiesce or coddle. Not show favor or bias. Not proudly promote DEI while practicing ideological uniformity, preference, and exclusion. Not embrace bandwagons or reject them without rigorous consideration.”
Christian parents must stand firm in their beliefs, resist pressure to conform to harmful ideologies, and speak up. The next generation won’t hear the truth about who they are if we don’t speak it.
EPISODES REFERENCED:
Episode 115: Exposing the Lost Landscape of Higher Education (w/ David Richardson)
Episode 112: Navigating Tough Conversations about Pronouns with Your Kids (w/ Ryan & Bethany Bomberger)
Episode 49: How Does a Committed Church Kid become a Drag Queen? (w/ Blake Howard)
Episode 50: How Does a Drag Queen become a Minister of the Gospel? (w/ Blake Howard)
EPISODE RESOURCES:
“Why I no longer use Preferred Pronouns—and Why You shouldn’t, either” by Rosaria Butterfield
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith, by Rosaria Butterfield
“Pronouns are Rohypnol,” by Barra Kerr
“Woke Doctors TRICKED me into Gender Surgery—Ritchie Herron” (Andrew Gold/Heretics)
‘I Immediately Experienced Regret’: British Man Recounts Horror of Gender-Transition Surgery,” National Review
“Time to Think—What went wrong at the Tavistock Clinic,” Financial Times
“Transgender to Transformed: Laura Perry's Story,” CBN
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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We are all assuming something about the nature of reality. Our core assumptions exist because there isn’t definitive proof for any belief system. In this thought-provoking episode, Catherine and her guest, David Richardson, take a deep dive into the core assumptions that shape our beliefs about reality. In his first book Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, Dave defines the three primary types of assumers: Type I, Type II, and Type III, each with distinct perspectives on the nature of reality.
Type I Assumers believe in a materialistic world where only physical matter and energy are considered real and important. This perspective is the foundation for understanding the world through a purely physical lens.
Type II Assumers view reality as primarily non-physical, emphasizing beliefs that focus on spiritual or idealistic objectives. This perspective leads to beliefs in spiritual evolution or sociopolitical perfection as driving forces in the universe.
Type III Assumers recognize a dual reality where both physical and non-physical aspects coexist, all created by a higher power. This perspective highlights the importance of acknowledging the Creator and creation in shaping one's view of reality.
The impact of these core assumptions are vast and explain virtually everything that is going on in our world today, like how extreme progressives are siding with radical Islamists on college campuses.
Have you been wondering why that is?
If you look at what Islam teaches, it is the opposite of what Progressivism preaches. They are diametrically opposed. Dave explains how such divergent belief systems are finding a kinship on college campuses across the country. Spoiler alert: It has something to do with their underlying assumptions.
Dave also shares his critical assumptions test, an invaluable evangelistic tool that helps individuals evaluate a person’s core assumptions and their alignment with reality. This test consists of eight questions that prompt someone to reflect on their beliefs about the nature of reality, the origin of knowledge, and the purpose of human existence. By engaging with this test, you can quickly assess what a person believes and see how their core assumptions affirm or deny reality.
Guest bio: David Richardson, author of Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford.
EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:
UC Berkeley’s campus is in turmoil. It’s unlike anything in recent memory – Politico (4/21/24)
BLM spent at least $12M on luxury properties in LA, Toronto – New York Post (5/17/22)
Black Lives Matter Secretly Bought a $6 Million House – New York Mag: Intelligencer ((4/4/22)
Jennifer Fulwiler Testimony - From Atheist to A Daughter of God – Godstrong Faith
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES REFERENCED:
Gen. 11 – The Tower of Babel
Rom. 7:18
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Does the concept of worldview have a fatal flaw baked into the premise? Could the Christian worldview possibly be leading kids away from the faith?
David Richardson, author of Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, reveals the shocking origin of this term and challenges the way it is used by almost everyone in our culture. There is an inherent flaw in the term “worldview” that we need to be aware of, and we need to make sure our kids don’t fall for it.
Those of us who profess a Biblical worldview recognize the underlying concept of absolute truth. However, inherent in the term “worldview” is the idea that the way each individual person views the world is where truth is found. Reality is defined by what we perceive. It is defined by our senses. It is defined by the worldview glasses we choose to put on. So, in other words, reality is defined by our worldview and our worldview is what we choose for it to be. That makes truth subjective, even if our particular worldview maintains that truth is universal.
We have to realize that subjectivity is baked into how most people use the term worldview. We’re not on the same page. We’re not even in the same universe.
In this episode, Catherine and Dave dive into the origins of the term worldview, which was a concept coined by the German Philosopher Immanuel Kant. Then Dave encourages parents to adopt a more nuanced and effective approach based on assumptions rather than rigid and subjective worldviews.
Looking ahead, the podcast promises to delve deeper into the three primary assumption types and their implications for navigating diverse beliefs and perspectives. By equipping parents with a fresh way to engage with differing worldviews, the upcoming episode aims to empower listeners to guide their children's faith journey with clarity and understanding.
Guest bio: David Richardson is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford. His dissertation,
“Accepting Christian Faith in the Academy” was an important exploratory study of the religious attitudes and beliefs of university professors and how to reach them for Christ. He understands education and educators very well. Richardson’s first book, Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You released from Clovercroft Publishing.
Dave's Website: Learn to Discern
EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:
Barna Research: American Worldview Inventory 2024 (Release 3) - Explaining America’s 40-Year Drop in Biblical Worldview- And How to Reverse that Decline
Barna Research: American Worldview Inventory 2024 (Release 2) - Millions of Americans Embrace Common Unbiblical Perspectives, Survey Shows
Barna Research, American Worldview Inventory 2024 Release 1) - America Needs Spiritual Renewal More than a Political Majority
Barna Research: “Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S.” (6/8/18)
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Philosophy Professor Peter Boghossian notoriously claimed that “faith is a cognitive sickness that’s been turned into a moral virtue.” He went on to say that every class is an opportunity to help students lose their faith.
When the instructors our kids sit under in higher education come in with an agenda like that, Gen Z’s sharp exodus from the faith makes sense. A child would have to be well prepared to withstand that kind of onslaught to their faith.
In this episode of "Christian Parent, Crazy World," Catherine delves into the critical question of how higher education is leading Christian kids away from their faith. Her special guest, David Richardson, brings a unique perspective on the landscape of higher education. With over 32 years of experience working with college and university professors, Dave sheds light on the challenges faced by Christian youth in academic settings.
Dave's journey from atheist student to faith in Christ provides a powerful testimony of God's transformative work on college campuses. His insights into the beliefs and attitudes of professors shed light on the disconnect between faith and academia. Catherine and Dave explore the impact of higher education on the youth exodus from Christianity and the role of Christian parents in navigating this challenging terrain.
The conversation delves into the importance of connecting faith to real-world issues and the need for Christians to live out their beliefs authentically. Hypocrisy and the lack of a tangible connection between God and academic disciplines are identified as key concerns for atheist and agnostic professors.
The episode highlights the historical roots of the formalized discipline of science in Western Christian culture and the role of faith in shaping scientific inquiry. The discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of core assumptions that influence belief systems in the next episode.
As parents grapple with the decision to send their children to secular institutions, Catherine and Dave offer valuable insights into understanding the challenges faced by Christian youth in higher education. By addressing the disconnect between faith and academia, this episode aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children's faith journey in an increasingly secular world.
Guest bio: David Richardson is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford. His dissertation,
“Accepting Christian Faith in the Academy” was an important exploratory study of the religious attitudes and beliefs of university professors and how to reach them for Christ. He understands education and educators very well. Richardson’s first book, Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You released from Clovercroft Publishing.
EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:
Dave's Website: Learn to Discern
Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
5 Views on Apologetics , Steven B. Cowen editor
Expelled: No Evidence Allowed by Ben Stein
Ben Stein Interview with Richard Dawkins
Barna Research: “Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S.” (6/8/18)
Peter Boghossian interview PragerU: “We Should Burn the University System to the Ground
PSU philosophy teacher wants to question students' faith-based beliefs – The Oregonian 11/10/11)
“Should We Challenge the Beliefs of Our Students?” (Sandwalk, 3/9/12)
“Faith No More: Professor Peter Boghossian on Why You Should Kick Your Faith to the Curb” (Portland Mercury, 4/5/12)
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- Daha fazla göster
