All Things

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Latest Episodes:

The American Criminal Justice System Needs Reform: A Christian Proposal with Matt Martens Nov 30, 2023

It is comfortable and easy to remain naive and sheltered from the realities of the American criminal justice system. Hearing the stories of those who’ve been wrongfully held and convicted is heartbreaking. Reading the statistics is shocking. In our democratic republic, we must do better. You and I and all citizens have conferred the responsibility to carry out justice to our elected officials, so it’s on us to hold them to an honest standard.

Listen to this episode of All Things to gain a clear understanding of some of our system’s grossest injustices and how you can begin to think, speak, and act for positive change.

"The United States is the world’s largest jailer…accounting for approximately 19% of the world’s prisoners, but only 4.25% of the world’s population… We need an examination of the machinery, not merely the product, of the criminal justice system." - Matt Martens, lawyer and author of Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal.

"The important point for the Christian in a democratic system is that, because government officials exercise power that we played a role in giving them, our duty to love carries with it a moral obligation to supervise the exercise of governmental power we conferred…You and I have a political relationship, and thus a moral proximity, to the situation.” - Matt Martens

Many thanks to this season’s sponsor, Crossway! https://www.crossway.org/

Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal by Matt Martens: https://www.crossway.org/books/reforming-criminal-justice-hcj/

Keep up with Matt Martens: https://matthew-martens.com/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/martensmatt1

The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks with Dustin Crowe Nov 22, 2023

Do you find yourself grumbling about life, circumstances, work, stress? Are you quick to complain?

Do you have an established routine of giving thanks? Do you know to whom you give thanks and why that matters? What about giving thanks in the midst of a dark trial?

It’s Thanksgiving week and Dustin Crowe and Jen Oshman are diving deep into all of this. We hope you catch this episode before Thanksgiving, but if you don’t, it’ll encourage and equip you anytime of the year!

Stopping a habit of grumbling and cultivating a habit of giving thanks is always a good idea. Not to mention it improves sleep quality, blood pressure, and overall well-being! Who doesn’t want all that? So listen in!

We give thanks to our episode sponsors:

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/

You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches, by Ray Ortlund, Sam Allberry - https://www.crossway.org/books/youre-not-crazy-tpb/

Dwell Differently - https://dwelldifferently.com/

Keep up with author and pastor Dustin Crowe -

On X/Twitter and Instagram - @indycrowe

www.indycrowe.com

The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks: Reclaiming the Gifts of a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Dustin Crowe - https://amzn.to/47A5Y0L

Data mentioned on this episode: https://coachfoundation.com/blog/gratitude-statistics/#:~:text

Gender Roles, Church Mothers, and the Wide Open Arms of the Black Church with Khristi Adams Nov 16, 2023

“Debates about women’s roles in the church are back in the headlines, but a lot of them leave out a large and important group of American Christians: the Black church.” - Khristi Lauren Adams, author, minister, dean, and advocate.

When we read these first lines of a recent Christianity Today article by Khristi Adams, we knew we wanted to hear more. Why do so many of our conversations about the church or the Evangelical church sideline the wisdom and experience of the Black church?

Khristi Adams graciously joins us this week to talk about church mothers, gender roles, and the wide open arms of the Black church. We barely scratch the surface, but it’s a helpful start to a lengthier conversation that would benefit all Christ followers.

Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Crossway - https://www.crossway.org/

Sunday Matters: 52 Devotionals to Prepare Your Heart for Church by Paul David Tripp - https://www.crossway.org/books/sunday...

Khristi Lauren Adams: https://khristilaurenadams.com/

Pre-Order: Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood - https://amzn.to/3QEccFY

Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color - https://amzn.to/3Qzjvif

Unbossed: How Black Girls Are Leading the Way - https://amzn.to/3FWxOIF

Black Girls Unbossed: Young World Changers Leading the Way (for readers ages 9-12) - https://amzn.to/47p34Ma

Resources mentioned in or related to this episode:

The Black Church - from Henry Lewis Gates Jr. - https://www.pbs.org/show/black-church/

Speech given by Jelly Roll when he won best new artist at the CMAs - https://twitter.com/KhristiLauren/sta...

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, by Jemar Tisby - https://amzn.to/479QwZs

Cross-Cultural Adoption Takes More than Love with Brittany Salmon Nov 09, 2023

Should white parents adopt children of color? Today more than 40% of adoptions are transracial, so it’s a conversation we need to have.

November is National Adoption Month, so we’re talking about adoption, ethnicity, adoptee and birth mom voices, and more on this episode with Dr. Brittany Salmon. As an adoptive mom herself, she offers a ton of wisdom and encouragement to adoptive parents. Adoption and cross-cultural adoption can be both hard and beautiful. There are opportunities here, though, for the adoptive family who is ready to commit more than love.

Thanks to our Episode Sponsors!

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/

Dwell Differently: https://dwelldifferently.com/

Keep up with Brittany Salmon: http://brittanynsalmon.com/

It Takes More than Love: A Christian Guide to Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Adoption - https://amzn.to/3MvYDY7

Resources to get involved with Vulnerable Families and Children:

CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests.

https://nationalcasagal.org/

SAFE Families - Safe Families for Children seeks to keep children safe and families together. Safe Families for Children is rooted in faith, fueled by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion, to build a network of caring and compassionate volunteers to support families facing social isolation.

https://safe-families.org/

Embrace Grace - Embrace Grace exists to help inspire and equip the church to love and encourage single and pregnant young women and their families. Women experiencing unexpected pregnancies receive practical, spiritual, and emotional support through our global support groups.

https://embracegrace.com/our-story

Brave Love - A pro-adoption movement dedicated to changing the perception of adoption by acknowledging birth moms for their brave decision.

https://www.bravelove.org/

Project 127 - Helping churches and families in Colorado serve children through faith-based family preservation, kinship care, foster care & adoption since 2004.

https://www.project127.org/

Resources for Foster and Adoptive Parents:

Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care, by Tori Hope Petersen - https://amzn.to/3MvlUcB

Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent, by Jamie Finn - https://amzn.to/47j0HdQ

The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment, by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls - https://amzn.to/47jyfIF

The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family, by by Karyn Purvis, David Cross, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine - https://amzn.to/3QMpmBX

Cam Lee Small - https://therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/

Books from the adopted perspective. Not Christian, but helpful:

Adopting Hope: Stories and Real Life Advice from Birthparents, Adoptive Parents, and Adoptees, by Lorri Antosz Benson - https://amzn.to/3QMUnWA

Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir, by Rebecca Carroll - https://amzn.to/3QtWY6f

All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir, by Nicole Chung - https://amzn.to/3QqGMmr

Research mentioned on the episode:

https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/264526/MEPA-Graphical-Factsheet.pdf

https://time.com/the-realities-of-raising-a-kid-of-a-different-race/

https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-changing-face-of-adoption-in-the-united-states

https://adoptionnetwork.com/adoption-myths-facts/domestic-us-statistics/

New Research Reveals Troubling Inequities in Women’s Ministry: A Conversation with Jen Wilkin Nov 02, 2023

A new survey of churches across the US reveals that only 17% of women’s ministry leaders are in paid staff positions at their churches. Put another way, 83% of women’s ministry leaders serve totally as volunteers. Additionally, only 5% of women’s ministry leaders conduct their planning with the involvement of the wider church staff.

Women’s ministry can be a great joy, but it can also be a heavy burden. Women’s ministry leaders often face variables that are unseen by other church members and leaders. Navigating inequities in pay and involvement in overall church vision and strategy can be isolating.

On this episode of All Things Jen Oshman asks Jen Wilkin tons of women’s ministry questions:

Why it’s beneficial.

Why and how to integrate it within the broader church staff and vision.

Why it’s important that women are paid for their work (Serving is good too! But pay does matter.).

What makes a substantive women’s ministry.

How women who lead as volunteers can begin a conversation about wages with their leadership.

If women should go to seminary if they aren’t guaranteed paid work.

How women who serve in healthy churches can encourage their sisters who don’t.

A gospel-centered perspective on growing women’s ministry, even when it feels tough. .

We cover a lot of ground! If you are a woman in ministry, a woman in church, or a man in ministry, this episode is for you.

Many thanks to our episode sponsor:

Crossway: crossway.org

Behold and Believe: A Bible Study on the "I Am" Statements of Jesus, by Courtney Doctor, Joanna Kimbrel - https://www.crossway.org/books/behold-and-believe-tpb/

Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds, by Jen Wilkin - https://www.crossway.org/books/women-of-the-word-tpb-2/

Word-Filled Women's Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church, edited by Gloria Furman, Kathleen Nielson - https://www.crossway.org/books/word-filled-womens-ministry-tpb/

To learn more about Jen Wilkin’s work: https://www.jenwilkin.net/

Resources mentioned on the epsidoe:

Honor Thy Church Mothers—with Wages: Christianity Today article by Jen Wilkin - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/october/wilkin-women-ministry-leaders-church-staff-wages-lifeway.html

The State of Ministry to Women by LIfeway Research - https://research.lifeway.com/state-of-ministry-to-women/

Resources for growth for women in ministry:

Lifeway Women Academy: Online Courses for Women, by Women - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/lifeway-women-academy

Women’s Ministry Leadership cohort with The Gospel Coalition - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/#cohorts

Simeon’s Trust Online Courses - https://simeontrust.org/online-courses/

Bible Equipping Cohorts - https://bibleequipping.org/cohorts

What is the unborn? And Other Questions to Advance the Pro-Life Movement with Scott Klusendorf Oct 26, 2023

While the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a victory for life, we have so much more work to do. Most Americans are pro-choice and lack a vision for what a truly pro-life society could look like. Pro-life advocates must get better at articulating our position and moving our mission forward with energy and passion.

This episode includes both data and answers to practical questions for our current historical moment when it comes to abortion in the United States.

Be sure to pursue more information and equipping from Scott Klusendorf at the Life Training Institute: https://prolifetraining.com/

Many thanks to our episode sponsor:

Crossway: crossway.org

The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, Second Edition, by Scott Klusendorf: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-case-for-life-tpb-2/

Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More, by Jen Oshman: https://www.crossway.org/books/cultural-counterfeits-tpb/

Keep up with Scott Klusendorf: https://prolifetraining.com/about-speaker/scott-klusendorf/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/11/what-the-data-says-about-abortion-in-the-u-s-2/

https://time.com/6270530/abortion-rates-post-roe/

https://www.axios.com/2023/06/24/abortion-dobbs-roe-wade-supreme-court

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/10000-abortions-prevented-in-first-two-months-after-roe-v-wade-overturned-report/

https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-ban-the-abortion-pill/

Episode 56 of All Things: At-Home Abortions via Telemedicine are Legal in the US—Here's Why That’s Dangerous: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things/id1449943664?i=1000519419295

A Palestinian Brother in Christ Shares His Experience and Perspective: Pastor Marwan Aboul-Zelof Oct 23, 2023

On this bonus episode of All Things we are taking time to listen to the experience of our Palestinian brother in Christ, Pastor Marwan Aboul-Zelof. He shares openly with us what it’s like to be a Palestinian Christian in the Middle East at this time in history.

Pastor Aboul-Zelof was born in the Middle East and has family roots throughout the region. Due to war in his birth country, his family moved to the US when he was a child. While in university, Marwan's desire grew to return to the Middle East for the sake of the gospel. He served as a pastoral intern and church planting resident with Redeemer Church of Dubai and moved to Beirut, Lebanon in 2016 to plant City Bible Church.

Marwan is married to Marci and they have two young boys. He loves to spend time with his family, is a self-proclaimed foodie and coffee connoisseur, and loves walking around and exploring Beirut.

Resources:

As a Palestinian Christian raised in an Israel-loving church, how I see this latest conflict, written in 2021 by Marwan Aboul-Zelof: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/as-a-palestinian-christian-how-i-see-this-latest-conflict.html

Furnace of the Lord: In Support of the Arabs, written by Elisabeth Elliot in 1978: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1978/october-6/furnace-of-lord-in-support-of-arabs.html?share=U3AEfB+KYIW0bhlHn+xFtb3dyK0/S2j5&utm_medium=widgetsocial

Amid Israel-Hamas War, Local Christians Seek Righteous Anger and Gospel Hope, by Jayson Casper, October 11, 2023: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/october/israel-hamas-gaza-war-palestinian-evangelical-messianic-jew.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=article

Marwan Aboul-Zelof on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/theUrbanArab

City Bible Church, Beirut Lebanon: https://www.cbcbeirut.com/

Marwan Aboul-Zelof on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/theUrbanArab

City Bible Church, Beirut Lebanon: https://www.cbcbeirut.com/

Is it Even Possible to Love People Who Drive you Crazy? Finding Real Church Unity with Jamie Dunlop Oct 19, 2023

Almost half of all Christians and pastors associate “unity” with “agreement.”

Almost half of all Christians say they experience unity in their friendships, but only about one-third say they experience unity with their church family. The data bears out what many feel: our local church families are not deeply unified. In fact, we find agreement, harmony, and alliance elsewhere.

How can we, as followers of Jesus—who gave his own life that we might be reconciled to the Father—be truly and deeply reconciled to and united with other believers?

On this episode we’re chatting with Capitol Hill Baptist Church pastor and 9Marks author Jamie Dunlop to talk about loving the ones who drive us crazy—something we all need to be ready to do with voting season on its way.

Many thanks to our episode sponsor:

Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus

Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church, by Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/books/love-the-ones-who-drive-you-crazy-tpb/

Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/authors/jamie-dunlop/

Resources in this episode:

https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-christians-unity/#

Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church, by Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/books/love-the-ones-who-drive-you-crazy-tpb/

Do You See Your Muslim Neighbor? With A. S. Ibrahim Oct 12, 2023

Muslims make up about 1% of our population here in the United States. But what do most of us Americans really know about Islam in general and what do we know about our Muslim neighbors in particular?

A.S. Ibrahim, professor of Islamic studies and director of the Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says most Muslims immigrate to the United States in search of a better life—more freedom, more opportunities, a higher standard of living. As Christians, though, are we prepared to engage our Muslim neighbors and offer true hope?

In this episode of All Things, Dr. Ibrahim helps us unpack some misconceptions we may have about Muslims and some they may have about us. His goal is that you and I and every Christian listener would see Muslims as Jesus sees them. Dr. Ibrahim wants us to make the most of every opportunity to befriend our Muslim neighbors and offer them true Hope. The yoke of Islam is heavy, but the burden of Christ is light.

Many thanks to our episode sponsors:

Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus

Dwell Differently: https://dwelldifferently.com/

Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, by Rosaria Butterfield: https://www.crossway.org/books/five-lies-of-our-anti-christian-age-hcj/

Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/

Keep up with A. S. Ibrahim:

A.S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/

Religions articles by A. S. Ibrahim at World News Group: https://wng.org/authors/a-s-ibrahim

Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/

Resources in this episode:

Crossway Podcast: What Your Muslim Neighbor Misunderstands about Christianity (A. S. Ibrahim) https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-what-your-muslim-neighbor-misunderstands-about-christianity-ayman-ibrahim/

When Muslims Leave the Faith in the Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-muslims-leave-the-faith-11596755143

New estimates show U.S. Muslim population continues to grow at Pew Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/01/03/new-estimates-show-u-s-muslim-population-continues-to-grow/

The share of Americans who leave Islam is offset by those who become Muslim at Pew Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/01/26/the-share-of-americans-who-leave-islam-is-offset-by-those-who-become-muslim/

How many Muslims are there in the United States? At Gordon Conwell: https://www.gordonconwell.edu/blog/how-many-muslims-are-there-in-the-united-states/

Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/

The Good and Dangerous Gift of Authority with Jonathan Leeman Oct 05, 2023

Research and common sense say most of us are suspicious of our authorities. The American way is to be ruggedly individual and totally autonomous. As a people, we don’t like anyone meddling in our own goals and dreams and how we plan to reach them. Making matters worse, examples of terrible authority abound. Daily news headlines reveal bad authorities in our government, police forces, schools, and even churches. Should we do away with authority altogether?

Author Jonathan Leeman says that authority, done biblically, is not only good, but essential to human flourishing. Hey says Jesus is our ultimate model.

On this episode Jen Oshman and Jonathan Leeman discuss the difference between power and authority, how to identify good authority, how to help our kids flourish under good authority, and how to cultivate Christlike authority. The answer to abusive authority is not to do way with it altogether but to understand how God created authority and bestows it for our good.

Special thanks to our sponsor:

Crossway - crossway.org/plus

Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing by Jonathan Leeman: https://www.crossway.org/books/authority-tpb/

Keep up with Jonathan Leeman:

https://www.9marks.org/about/jonathan-leeman/

https://twitter.com/JonathanLeeman

Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing by Jonathan Leeman: https://www.crossway.org/books/authority-tpb/

Resources for this episode:

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/06/06/americans-views-of-government-decades-of-distrust-enduring-support-for-its-role/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/403124/majority-continues-say-government-powerful.aspx

https://www.benefitnews.com/news/25-of-workers-dont-trust-their-employers

Our Culture Feels Chaotic But there’s a 250 year old Reason for That: 1776 with Andrew Wilson Sep 28, 2023

In the 21st century, culture changes fast. It may seem like there’s never been a more tumultuous period in history. But there was one year - 1776 - that changed the social trajectory of the Western world as we know it.

On today’s episode we’re talking with Andrew Wilson about why we are the way that we are. It turns out we in the West underwent some tremendous shaping influences in 1776 that continue to shape us today. Wilson’s desire is “to explain why the modern world is the way it is, so the church can understand, serve and love it better.”

Weaving together history and sociology and philosophy and so much more, today’s conversation will begin to give us the historical lens we need to understand today’s post-Christian trends and respond accordingly.

Special thanks to our sponsor:

Crossway - crossway.org/plus

Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, by Andrew Wilson - https://www.crossway.org/books/remaking-the-world-hcj/

Keep up with Andrew Wilson:

https://thinktheology.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/AJWTheology

Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, by Andrew Wilson - https://www.crossway.org/books/remaking-the-world-hcj/

Resources for this episode:

Welcome: Loving Your Church by Making Space for Everyone, by Jen Oshman - https://amzn.to/3ESIyHG

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/

https://careynieuwhof.com/the-self-awareness-gap-what-non-christian-people-really-think-about-the-church/

Where do Christianity & Mental Illness Collide? With Christian Psychologist Tom Karel Sep 21, 2023

Mental illness has historically been so taboo in the church. Christians struggle to know how our mental health and spiritual health impact one another. Many are paralyzed by the fear of saying the wrong thing. Still others feel ashamed by their own struggles and silently suffer because they fear the judgement of others. Church, this should not be.

With September being National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this is a perfect opportunity to grow in our holistic understanding of mental health and our faith. Listen in to this timely and crucial conversation with Christian Psychologist Tom Karel.

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus

A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-christians-guide-to-mental-illness-tpb/

Tom Karel and David Murray:

A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-christians-guide-to-mental-illness-tpb/

David Murray: https://www.crossway.org/authors/david-p-murray/

Tom Karel: https://www.crossway.org/authors/tom-karel/, https://www.pinerest.org/clinician/tom-karel/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior

https://research.lifeway.com/2018/05/01/13-stats-on-mental-health-and-the-church/

https://www.crossway.org/articles/can-a-christian-have-mental-illness/

https://research.lifeway.com/2013/09/17/mental-health-half-of-evangelicals-believe-prayer-can-heal-mental-illness/

Created in God's Image by Anthony Hoekema: https://amzn.to/48coBZX

Online All The Time: Applying Christian Wisdom to our Digital Connection with Samuel James Sep 14, 2023

In 1997 only about 1 in 5 American adults had been on the internet in the last three months. Today, over 85% are online every single day and 30% say they’re almost constantly online. On average we check our phone every 12 minutes and a large portion of us check ours right when we wake up.

This is a massive shift for humanity over the span of just one generation. Implications are sweeping with everything from increased loneliness despite connectivity, increased depression and self-harm amongst teens, and increased rage and division amongst all of us. Our digital connectivity is shaping our hearts, minds, souls, relationships, and lives.

As Christians, though, we have access to the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God to help us apply wisdom to our time online. Listen in to this helpful conversation with Samuel James, tech-realist and author of Digital Liturgies. Samuel doesn’t offer any quick, pat answers, but he does help us think deeply about our online engagement.

Episode sponsor:

Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus

Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James: https://www.crossway.org/books/digital-liturgies-tpb/

Samuel James:

Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James: https://www.crossway.org/books/digital-liturgies-tpb/

On Substack: https://www.digitalliturgies.net/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/samueld_james

Resources on this episode:

Most data cited is directly from Digital Liturgies.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/25/1171773181/social-media-teens-mental-health

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/14/the-lost-art-of-concentration-being-distracted-in-a-digital-world#

Suffering is the Source of Joy: A Conversation with Joni Eareckson Tada Sep 07, 2023

"No one is immune to suffering. It’s a part of life on this side of heaven, and yet we do all we can to avoid it, numb it, or end it. We in the West have a poor theology and practice of suffering.

On this first episode of the fall 2023 season of All Things, we are joined by Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni is a well-known author, speaker, and advocate who became a quadriplegic over fifty-six years ago as the result of a tragic diving accident when she was just seventeen. She is CEO of Joni and Friends, a global ministry that serves the practical and spiritual needs of people with disabilities. She is also an artist and the author of numerous bestselling books.

Joni reminds us that joy comes through suffering. Her personal stories and practical advice teach us to persevere through pain, fixing our eyes on our Savior, the Man of Sorrows who knows what it is to suffer. This episode is packed with scriptural truth and will minister to all who are weary. Listen, be encouraged, and share with someone you know.

Episode sponsor:

Crossway: crossway.org/plus

Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time by Kevin DeYoung: https://www.crossway.org/books/impossible-christianity-hcj/

Joni Eareckson Tada:

Joni & Friends - Sharing Hope Through Hardship: https://joniandfriends.org/

Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls by Joni Eareckson Tada: https://www.crossway.org/books/songs-of-suffering-hconly/

Resources from this episode:

Cultural Counterfeits by Jen Oshman (information on assisted suicide and abortion were drawn from chapter 4): https://www.crossway.org/books/cultural-counterfeits-tpb/

https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/in-their-own-words-how-americans-explain-why-bad-things-happen/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/397286/poor-life-ratings-reach-record-high.aspx#:~:text=Since reaching a record high,estimated 14 million American adults.

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics

https://drugabusestatistics.org/

https://wng.org/roundups/states-remove-protections-from-assisted-suicide-1690922301

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/reflections-on-50th-anniversary-of-my-diving-accident/

Let's Go Barbie! A Christian Conversation & Critique of the Barbie Movie Jul 27, 2023

Thanks for listening to this Bonus Episode of All Things! Jen is joined by Dr. Christina Crenshaw to discuss the blockbuster Barbie movie, which hit theaters just last weekend. If you’ve already seen it and you’re eager to process it with some girlfriends through a theological lens, this is the conversation for you! Or, if you haven’t seen it, but you’re curious what all the hype is about, we can fill you in. We’re talking feminism, masculinity (or emasculation), motherhood, gender roles and norms, Biblical imagery, Creator and creation, visions of the good life, visits to the gynecologist, and more.

Leave us a comment and tell us what you thought of the movie! We know the opinions out there are limitless!

https://www.drchristinacrenshaw.com/

https://www.jenoshman.com/

Episode 124: With Laura Wifler: People with Disabilities: Seeing What’s Different, Seeing What’s the Same Jun 01, 2023

The conversation surrounding disabilities and people with disabilities is evolving and confusing in the West. On the one hand, we see record numbers of abortions due to parents being afraid or unwilling to bring a child with disabilities into the world. For example 67% of children who *may* have down syndrome are aborted in the United States. On the other hand, conversations about inclusion and access are at an all time high. Do we as a culture value and want to include people with disabilities or are we more eager to end their lives and exclude them from our narratives?

This is a complex conversation and I’m so glad my friend and author Laura Wifler joined me for it. Laura is known for her role at Risen Motherhood, which she founded along with her sister-in-law Emily Jensen, as well as their book and podcast by the same name. Most recently, though, Laura wrote a children’s book called “Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person.”

As a culture, and even as Christian churches and individual followers of Jesus, it seems we are wrestling with whether we are an inclusive or exclusive people. Do we embrace difference or reject it? Do we truly value people with disabilities or do we see serving them as a good deed to accomplish?

Laura helps us to think through all of this, as well as God’s sovereignty, his goodness in the way he makes each person, what it’s like to receive a disability diagnosis as a parent, how to genuinely care for families that include members with disabilities, how to take life one day at a time, what’s waiting for us in heaven, and more. We even discuss whether we should be saying “person with special needs” or “person with disabilities.”

This is a rich conversation including personal stories colliding with cultural trends. I hope you’ll listen and share it with others.

Resources:

Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person by Laura Wifler: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736985758/like-me

Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736976220/risen-motherhood-hardback

You can keep in touch with Laura here: https://laurawifler.com/

Heaven by Randy Alcorn: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780842379427/heaven-hardback

Episode 123: With Dan Darling: When Division is Incentivized May 25, 2023

One major reason unity in our nation, families, and churches is so fragile is because division and cynicism have been incentivized. We all stand to gain a lot when we retreat to our own corners and tribes.

It’s easier to sit in an echo chamber and be told you are right than to wrestle with different perspectives.

Less gracious, more extreme opinions get more clicks, followers, and campaign donations.

It costs us nothing to think ill of the other side, create caricatures, and retreat—but it costs us a lot to move toward one another.

Division pays, but unity requires sacrifice.

On this episode of All Things I’m talking with Daniel Darling, a cultural commentator, author, pastor, and professor, who regularly appears in mainstream media to talk about current events and trends through a Christian lens (you know that’s my fave).

Dan and I talk about:

- Why we bother engaging in culture anyway—especially when it can be costly personally and professionally.

- Why 2020 was such a watershed moment for division amongst Americans.

- How some issues are worth dividing over, but most are not.

- How it’s costly, but so worth it, to fight for unity.

- How Christians will indeed be judged by the outside by how well we love one another on the inside.

- How you and I can determine to be people who fight cynicism and move toward unity.

- How God’s best days are not behind him. He is at work here and now.

- We are called to go (Great Commission) and we are called to love (Great Commandment) and with God’s help, every Christian really can do both!

In a world of cynicism and division, be a hopeful stayer. This conversation is so helpful and encouraging!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age, by Jonathan Leeman: https://amzn.to/3otDdC1

Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Tim Keller: https://amzn.to/3BUb7mA

Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780310366324/agents-of-grace-paperback

A Way with Words: Using Our Online Conversations for Good, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781535995368/a-way-with-words-paperback

The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God's Rich Vision for Humanity, by Daniel Darling: https://amzn.to/3oBDh2u

Keep in touch with Dan Darling at https://danieldarling.com/

With Jamie Finn: Jesus’s Heart is Not Just for the Children: A Deeper Approach to Foster Care May 18, 2023

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and there is so much missing in our national and church conversations when it comes to foster care. I’m loving this chance to increase my own awareness and yours on this episode of All Things. Jamie Finn, who wrote Foster the Family, and runs an organization by the same name, joins me today to talk about all the parties involved in foster care.

Jamie says her perspective and understanding of foster care has changed so much in the past 10 years, during which her family has welcomed home 30 foster children. Her heart used to break only for the children, she says, but her eyes have been opened wide to the burdens and plights of the moms and dads who find themselves having to hand their children over to CPS. Jamie’s heart now breaks for everyone involved and she seeks to do the good, hard, messy gospel work of coming alongside the child’s entire biological family. She preaches us a good word over and over on this episode, so I hope you’ll listen!

This episode is not just for foster parents. It’s for anyone who wants to live a life of meaning and sacrifice and follow Jesus in carrying the cross he has for you. While it’s certainly informative about the breadth of foster care, it will encourage your soul wherever God has you. Have a listen and share with your friends. We all need this truth!

Recommended resources:

Jamie Finn’s ministry: https://www.fosterthefamily.org/

Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent by Jamie Finn: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781540901866/foster-the-family-paperback

Jamie Finn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterthefamilyblog/

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781601422217/radical-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Episode 121: With Chelsea Sobolik: Seeing Every Kind of Woman on Mother’s Day May 11, 2023

Mother’s Day is this weekend in the United States and for most of us that means celebration mingled with some kind of grief. Many women are childless for a variety of reasons: infertility, miscarriage, child loss, they made an adoption plan, they chose abortion, they never married, and more. The reasons are varied and complex and the weight of that is felt especially on Mother’s Day.

Motherhood is a beautiful and worthwhile gift. We celebrate it and praise the Lord for it! At the same time, we acknowledge that our society and our churches often fall woefully short when it comes to conversations and beliefs about motherhood and children.

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik joins us on All Things today to discuss all of this, as well as the intrinsic worth of women no matter their story regarding children. Chelsea is uniquely situated for this conversation because of her own story, plus her years of writing about and advocating for both women and children. She is herself an adoptee and an adoptive mom, at the age of nineteen she learned she could never have biological children, and she works daily on behalf of vulnerable women and children. Her perspective is both deep and wide when it comes to womanhood, motherhood, children, and the worth and dignity of every human life.

This episode will benefit you if:

- You ever wondered what a woman’s role or worth is if she has no children.

- You or someone you love experiences childlessness for any reason.

- You are a friend or ministry leader to women who suffer grief on Mother’s Day and you don’t know what to say.

- You suffer for any reason and you’re looking for hope.

- You struggle to reconcile your losses with a loving God.

- You need a hopeful vision for your future.

Recommended Resources:

Longing For Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780802416124/longing-for-motherhood-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Waiting In Hope: 31 Reflections for Walking with God Through Infertility by Kelley Ramsey and Jenn Hesse: https://amzn.to/42meyxS

Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More by Jen Oshman: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433576324/cultural-counterfeits-paperback

Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736976220/risen-motherhood-hardback

Missional Motherhood: The Everyday Ministry of Motherhood in the Grand Plan of God by Gloria Furman: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433552274/missional-motherhood-paperback

Follow Chelsea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseasobolik/

Episode 120: With Curtis Yee: How Not to be a White Tourist this AAPI Month May 04, 2023

Obviously one 30-minute podcast episode to commemorate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is not sufficient—but I’m hoping you’ll tune in to at least get the month going. On this episode I am joined by my friend and journalist Curtis Yee. Curtis regularly contributes to Christianity Today and Sojourners, as well as other outlets, covering a breadth of topics including Asian American culture, church, and mental health. This conversation is a great introduction to all of that!

Curtis and I talk about:

- The origination of the term Asian American

- The history, distinctiveness, and function of the Asian American church

- What it’s like to move between Asian American church and contexts and the broader American context—burdens, joys, unique experiences.

- How journalism and media affect how we all understand Asian Americans (This is the white tourism part of our convo—so interesting! Don’t be a white tourist this month.)

- The challenges of investigating mental health in Asian American contexts and churches.

Pursue further reading and resources this month! Checkout Curtis Yee’s articles below, as well as a few books and ideas he recommends.

Keep up with Curtis Yee, Journalist here: https://curtisfyee.carrd.co/

Articles by Curtis Yee at Christianity Today:

Asian American Theologian: Our ‘Culture’ Is Not to Blame: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/april-web-only/asian-american-theology-trauma-mental-health-daniel-lee.html

At Gracepoint Ministries, ‘Whole-Life Discipleship’ Took Its Toll: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/september/gracepoint-berkland-asian-american-church-discipleship.html

Cru Divided Over Emphasis on Race: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/june/cru-divided-over-emphasis-on-race.html

Other recommended resources:

The Making of Asian America: A History, by Erika Lee: https://amzn.to/3TJfXLi

Off the Pulpit - A podcast hosted by three Korean American pastors, often about the AA church, but also about the American church in general: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-pulpit/id1530814844

The Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC) seeks to encourage, equip, and empower Asian American Christians and friends of our community to follow Christ holistically. We are committed to amplifying the voices, issues, and histories of Asian Americans in the church and society at large. While the Asian American community is extremely diverse and we cannot speak for every individual and perspective, we aim to spotlight and celebrate the Asian American Christian community as inclusively as possible: https://www.asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com/

Stay True: A Memoir, by Hua Hsu: https://amzn.to/3TP9hLR

Crying in H-Mart: A Memoir, by Michelle Zauner: https://amzn.to/3z5olLR

Episode 119: With Dr. Derwin Gray: How God’s Plan for a Multiethnic Family Can Heal our Racial Divide Apr 27, 2023

Not a week goes by that the US isn’t rattled by a racially-charged news story. Just last week we reeled and lamented the shooting of young Ralph Yarl, a black teen boy who went to the wrong address in Kansas City to pick up his young brothers.

It’s tempting to think such headlines have nothing to do with us, or that we as individuals have nothing to offer our national strife. Christians especially might want to shrink back from the conversation, not wanting to become too political. The racial distance and even division we see in our Christian communities testifies that ethnic unity is not a high priority for us as a whole.

Dr. Derwin Gray, a pastor of a multiethnic church in North Carolina and author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, About Racial Reconciliation, says pastors and seminaries have failed to disciple our generation of Christ followers when it comes to God’s Word and our diversity.

Dr. Gray says, “In western christianity we've turned the gospel into 'Jesus died for your sins and you can go to heaven when you die.’ The gospel is more than simply saving individuals. It's saving individuals who are of different ethnicities to bring them into a family… What we've done in America is we've made a package of ‘here's how you can go to heaven when you die’ versus ‘how do we become the redeemed new people of God for all time.’”

On this episode of All Things we’re diving into both the Bible and culture when it comes to ethnic unity and disunity. Dr. Gray refuses to be siloed into one political camp or the other. Rather, his insight and comments are nuanced and laser-focused on the Kingdom of Jesus.

We talk about:

- Derwin Gray’s fascinating life story: how he played football at BYU and then the NFL, how he came to Jesus, his rigorous theological pursuits, and how he—a chronic stutterer—came to establish multiethnic megachurch with his wife in Charlotte, North Carolina.

- How our vertical reconciliation to God requires our horizontal reconciliation to all people.

- How the Bible is saturated with God’s plan for a multiethnic family.

- How there are indeed demonic powers at work in the world, seeking to keep us divided.

- The cost and joy of pursuing multiethnic ministry.

- Identity in Christ alone, especially when you preach against the cultural grain.

- How to respond to the shooting of Ralph Yarl—you might be surprised by the multifaceted response Dr. Gray gives here. Like I said, he refuses to be siloed and I really appreciate that!

- The benefits of detoxing from media and social media and feasting instead on God’s Word.

- How the church of Jesus is over 2,000 years old and political parties are new and temporary. Let’s be rooted in what will last forever!

Recommended Resources:

How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation by Dr. Derwin L. Gray: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781496458803/how-to-heal-our-racial-divide-hardback

https://www.derwinlgray.com/

Episode 118: With Christina Crenshaw: When Bio Males go into Spaces Hard-Won by Females, Girls Lose Apr 20, 2023

Dr. Christina Crenshaw has a long history of writing, speaking, and working to protect women. What began as work in the anti-trafficking sphere, has evolved into speaking out in defense of women and girls and female spaces. Dr. Crenshaw has endured a lot of online heat and hate for her solid stance that females deserve their own spaces, but her reasoning, strength, and views are based not only on a Biblical worldview, but also biology and plenty of data. On this episode of All Things she offers us so much common sense, wisdom, experience, and commitment to a worldview and practice that protects everyone. I so value her balanced perspective, grace, and nuance. You will hear both grace and truth in this conversation!

If you are concerned about gender identity and spaces, please listen in. Dr. Crenshaw and I talk about:

-The history of feminism —the good and bad of all four waves.

-The impact (good and bad) of critical theory.

-Cancel culture and personally enduring online threats.

-How we need not/should not look for a fight, but engage wisely when these issues impact us, our families, or our communities personally.

-Acknowledging that our fight is not against flesh and blood and it’s not personal—we must engage prayer, God’s Word, and God’s strength.

-The risk and harm girls endure when biological males are allowed into their bathrooms, prisons, shelters, and sports.

-The shifting tide and trends in the UK and how that may be on the horizon for the US.

-Reasons for hope and practical ideas for moving forward.

Recommended Resources:

Dr. Christina Crenshaw on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christinacrenshaw/

Dr. Christina Crenshaw on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrenshawPhD

What God Has to Say about Our Bodies by Sam Allberry: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433570155/what-god-has-to-say-about-our-bodies-paperback

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780735290914/holy-sexuality-and-the-gospel-paperback

God and the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say about Gender Identity? By Andrew T Walker: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781784986940/god-and-the-transgender-debate-2nd-edition-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier: https://amzn.to/3nJ0wqI

Episode 117: The Impact of Jesus is so Pervasive We Don’t Even Notice It Apr 13, 2023

Why do we in the west value things like equality, compassion, and freedom? These virtues are so woven into our DNA they feel automatic to us. Such virtues, however, are not a given across all time and all peoples. There’s a reason we see headlines and collectively cry out, “Consent!” Or demand, “Progress!”

These virtues are the direct result of the holiday we celebrated this past Sunday—Easter.

Our reflex to march for justice or to lift the marginalized come from somewhere. On this episode of All Things I’m talking to Glen Scrivener who wrote The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality. Glen points us back to what he calls the “Jesus revolution”—the way the world (and especially the west) totally changed after Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again.

We dive into history stretching from the Roman Empire to 2023. We trace the birthplace of these virtues in Christianity and see how they impact our current moment.

Glen helps us reflect especially on the value and treatment of women. We cry “Me too” today precisely because we know women deserve to be treated well, protected, and cared for. But why do we think that? The Roman Empire certainly did not—female infanticide was practiced in the first century. Christ and his church came on the scene, valuing life, dignity, and caring for the marginalized. The Jesus revolution changed how women, and all marginalized groups, are seen and treated.

Easter was the beginning of the Jesus revolution—Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is not simply a nice story or tradition. It truly changed everything. If you uphold compassion and equality, it’s because of Jesus and his massive influence over the last 2,000 years.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

Dominion by Tom Holland: https://amzn.to/3TRbyGf

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry: https://amzn.to/3nw2tXh

The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality by Glen Scrivener: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781784987497/the-air-we-breathe-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Follow Glen Scrivener at https://speaklife.org.uk/

Episode 116: Why We Can Believe in the Resurrection and Why it Matters Apr 06, 2023

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then we have no hope, no reason to gather, and no reason to celebrate Easter.

The life, death, resurrection, and second coming of Jesus are all keys to our faith, how we think, and how we live. The resurrection in particular is crucial—did it really happen and how do we know? And why does it matter 2,000 years later?

Listeners are in for a treat on today’s episode because I’ve invited Dr. Michael Kruger, one of the leading New Testament scholars of our day, to join me. Dr. Kruger is a gifted scholar and teacher—and I would know because he was my New Testament professor last semester at Reformed Theological Seminary!

Dr. Kruger and I talk about everything from philosophical foundations for faith, the historical reliability of the resurrection, and the historical reliability of the New Testament scriptures. Our conversation culminates in a worshipful contemplation of our future hope in Christ. One day we too will rise and see Jesus face to face.

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Recommended resources:

Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433572074/surviving-religion-101-paperback

Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the True Meaning of Easter by Timothy Keller: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780525560791/hope-in-times-of-fear-hardback

Is Easter Unbelievable?

Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the Resurrection Story by Rebecca McLaughlin: https://amzn.to/3zxziGe

Episode 115: How to Extend Digital Hospitality to Others on a Self-Focused Platform Mar 30, 2023

“I have the minimalist life. My home is beautiful. Now all I have to do is be LDS and I can be an influencer!”

It was a joke made by a friend over coffee with Elizabeth Santelmann, who you may know as Sunshine in My Nest on Instagram. Elizabeth points to that coffee date as a watershed moment when she realized Christians are missing a massive opportunity to share the light of Christ on social media.

The reality is moms and women flock to Instagram for advice on everything from home decor to raising children to homeschooling. Mormons excel at using social media to spread their message. And it dawned on Elizabeth then that the church should be embracing the same opportunity to give the gospel and grace and all kinds of goodness.

As one of my favorite apologists asks, “Would Christians be willing to do for the Truth, what Mormons are willing to do for a lie?” If we ditch social media altogether we miss out on a harvest-ripe mission field.

But can you use social media for good and not evil? Can it be a place of warmth and hospitality, rather than coldness and condemnation? Elizabeth thinks so, and I think she’s doing it really well!

Elizabeth logs onto social media asking what she can give, rather than what she can get. She enters with a hospitality frame of mind—her desire to see and serve the women on the other side of the screen. She wants them to receive the levity of grace, the freedom of the gospel, the genuine good life in Christ from her squares. She wants women to visit her profile and see compassion, beauty, and true life in Jesus.

If you want to redeem your online presence and use your social media account to love God and love others, listen to this episode for a great place to start.

Additional resources:

Extraordinary Hospitality (for Ordinary People): Seven Ways to Welcome Like Jesus by Carolyn Lacey: https://www.thegoodbook.com/extraordinary-hospitality-for-ordinary-people

Say the Right Thing: How Your Words Can Glorify God and Encourage Others by Carolyn Lacey: https://www.thegoodbook.com/say-the-right-thing

Today’s sponsor: https://www.thegoodbook.com/

Keep up with Elizabeth Santelmann here: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineinmynest/

Listen to Elizabeth Santelmann’s weekly podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunshine-in-my-nest/id1625483086

Episode 114: Why are Women Leaving the Church? Mar 23, 2023

For the first time ever in history, American women are leaving the church faster than men. Millions have left over the last decade, and that was even before the pandemic. Research shows they have left church but they still value their relationship with God. What’s going on?

Ericka Andersen joins us on today’s episode of All Things to discuss this issue, as well as Reasons to Return: Why Women Need the Church and the Church Needs Women—as her new book is titled.

Ericka and I ponder the reasons women have left the church. We live in an increasingly post-Christian society, and the religion of self-help is on the rise. Ericka says secular self-help gurus offer a replacement for religion—but it’s not sustainable. She thinks our attraction to self-help is going to soon run its course, as people are realizing they need more than what’s inside of them to get by.

Ericka says church is often misunderstood. She says church is relationships, friendships, a safety net, where you feel like you have people on your team, and where we learn about God. She says, “When we get together with others we see a part of God that we cannot see ourselves.” Further, “It is the church that God uses to save people—it’s through the witness of the church that people are drawn to Jesus.”

We also tackle church hurt and religious trauma. And we talk through different scenarios for conversing with our friends who’ve left. Ericka helps us imagine how we might invite a friend back to church who has left over politics or shame or sheer busyness. She says the number one reason people return to church is because someone invites them. Ericka exhorts us, “Be someone’s introduction to to Jesus by being there for them without expecting anything in return.”

One bonus element of this episode is when Ericka talks about her journey to sobriety—her transparency is such a gift!

Recommendations from this episode:

Reasons to Return: Why Women Need the Church and the Church Needs Women by Ericka Andersen

Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods by Jonathan Brooks and Sho Baraka

Welcome: Love Your Church by Making Space for Everyone by Jen Oshman

Keep in touch with Ericka at https://erickaandersen.com.

Episode 113: The World Needs Who God Made You to Be Mar 16, 2023

Conversations around women and work are complicated, often heated, and rarely satisfying. The heart of the issue for women is: how can we thrive in our capacity for productive work as well as provide care for others (children, aging parents, and other loved ones). This conversation hit fever pitch during the pandemic and it seems we’ve been in a prolonged season of flux since then.

The conversation in the church feels tense too. There’s been a gap in discipleship regarding women and work for decades now, and trusted voices are few. Not only that, but women often endure conflict or judgment from both sides of the work vs. stay home divide. We need to be having a better conversation.

On this episode of All Things we are having that conversation! Joanna Meyer, the founder of Women, Work, & Calling (an initiative of the Denver Institute of Faith & Work), helps us think biblically and practically about the issues of work and family that women face today. She invites us to think more holistically and it’s so helpful.

We are all made for productive work, so I invite you listen for some soul-deep encouragement.

You can learn more about Joanna Meyer’s work here: https://denverinstitute.org/contributor/joanna-meyer/

You can learn more about Women, Work & Calling here: https://www.womenworkandcalling.com/

Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live): https://amzn.to/3S31jh9

Called Together: A Biblical Look at Gender in the Workplace by Joanna Meyer: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/63855492/calledtogether-final

Women & Work: https://womenwork.net/

Episode 112: Is Time Ours to Manage or God’s to Give? Mar 09, 2023

Do you derive your value and identity from productivity? Do you try to live beyond your limits? Do you try to live a super-human life rather than a human life that is Spirit-filled?

Most of us are constantly asking how we can get more done in the 24 hours a day we each have. We read books, go to workshops, and download apps to help us manage our to-do lists and be as productive as possible. But if we’re honest, I think we also suspect we’re missing the point. Something is off. We work hard and run fast through our day, but we’re usually exhausted and unsatisfied when we come to the end of it. This conversation with Jen Pollock Michel is so helpful in trying to understand work, productivity, and our limitations as humans.

Jen Pollock Michel and I talk about:

* How time management originated in factories with stop watches and how keeping time mechanically is altogether inhuman.

* Whether or not productivity and time management are even for our good.

* How women are often required to manage both shifts—the one at work and the one at home.

* What God’s time is like—he is from everlasting to everlasting, so how does he measure productivity?

* How the posture of time management is really just about control.

* How God is the maker and giver of time. As humans we must receive time in whatever ways God deems is for our good.

* How to confront our own frenetic energy and our idolatrous urgency to produce.

* Considering a practice of gratitude and receiving the limitations in our lives.

* The idea of a Rule of Life—developing routines and habits and practices that will help us to love God and neighbor.

Jen Pollock Michel: https://www.jenpollockmichel.com/

In Good Time, by Jen Pollock Michell: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781540900548/in-good-time-paperback

A Habit called Faith by Jen Pollock Michel: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781540900531/a-habit-called-faith-paperback/?affiliate=jenoshman

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780830845606/the-common-rule-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Episode 111: What was behind the Asbury revival? Can we trust it? Mar 02, 2023

What was behind the Asbury revival? Can we trust it?

On this episode of All Things I am talking with my friend and theologian Missie Branch about:

- Why every woman (and human!) is actually a theologian.

- What caused revival at Asbury University to break out.

- What it looks like to struggle and depend on the Holy Spirit.

- How the Spirit moves when and where he pleases, as he is doing at Asbury.

- The desperation we see in Gen Z.

- The critical spirit we see in the church.

- How to cultivate a spirit of grace and unity in the church.

- What the church is getting wrong and right(!) in this cultural moment.

Missie is the Asst. Dean of Students to Women and Director of Graduate Life at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and also completing her graduate degree in Ethics, Theology, and Culture there. She is also Chair of the Board Trustees at Lifeway Christian Resources and co-host of the Women & Work Podcast. Missie is a wife and mom to four.

Missie Branch: https://www.missiebranch.com/ (https://www.missiebranch.com/)

The Women & Work Podcast: https://womenwork.net/podcast/ (https://womenwork.net/podcast/)

The Whole Woman: Ministering to Her Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength, with a chapter by Missie Branch: https://amzn.to/3SiKm2o (https://amzn.to/3SiKm2o)

Other recommended books and resources: https://us.10ofthose.com/partners/jenoshman (https://us.10ofthose.com/partners/jenoshman)

Episode 110: Finding Jesus in a Barber Shop and the Generations that Follow Feb 23, 2023

You should listen to this episode just to hear how Doug Logan met Jesus. It’s a wild story involving Doug’s barber shop, the rapture, and a fire alarm at 3am—only God! Ever since Doug’s first days of faith in the barber shop, he’s become a pastor, church planter, and President of Grimke Seminary. Doug has a lot to say about the gospel of Jesus, the mission of the church, and how we can better contextualize the gospel for urban ministry. Listen in as we wrap of National Black History Month, and be encouraged by how one man’s faith can blossom into generations of church planters and Jesus followers.

On the Block by Doug Logan: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780802414724/on-the-block-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Urban Apologetics, with a chapter by Doug Logan: https://amzn.to/3kk6qx0

Grimke College: https://grimkecollege.org/

Grimke Seminary: https://grimkeseminary.org/

Episode 109: What do you do when it’s hard to love? Feb 16, 2023

What do you do when it’s hard to love? Or forgive? Or extend patience?

Do you try harder? Vow to do better? Grab another cup of coffee?

Author, editor, and spoken word poet, Quina Aragon, answers that tough question in her third children’s book called “Love Can.” On this episode of All Things we talk about both the goodness and brokenness in all human beings. We talk about God’s provision of the Holy Spirit to help us extend love in a divisive world. Quina’s book and words on this episode will spur you on to love others, with the help of the Spirit.

Lastly, we talk about representation and why it matters in all forms of art. I love Quina’s passion for biblical, historical, and cultural truth and I know you will too!

The following book links are to Jen Oshman’s personal bookstore. All books are discounted and shipping is always only $1!

Love Can is the third book in 3-part series and can be found here for just $12.59: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736974400/love-can

Also checkout Love Made here: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736974363/love-made-hardback?affiliate=jenoshman

And Love Gave for JUST $5 here: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736974387/love-gave-hardback?affiliate=jenoshman

Or all three Love books by Quina for $25.99 here: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/LOVEMGC3PK/love-made-gave-can-pack?affiliate=jenoshman

You can find Quina on Instagram @Quina_Aragon and at her website QuinaAragon.com.

Episode 108: God’s Word, Creativity, & Call to Unity with Portia Collins Feb 09, 2023

Portia Collins loves God’s Word and God’s church. Both loves come through in this episode of All Things. Portia’s words and wisdom provide us with a rich backdrop for continuing our conversations through Black History Month.

Listen in to hear how God’s Word is truly sustenance for Portia’s soul and how it has driven her and her husband to make some really counter-cultural decisions where they live in the Mississippi Delta.

I love Portia’s heart for unity in the church. Her words will undoubtedly challenge you to move beyond your comfort zone, and to do hard things for the sake of God’s glory, to love your neighbor, and for you own good.

Keep up with Portia at https://www.portiacollins.com/ and https://www.sheshallbecalled.com/

Find her work in His Testimonies, My Heritage here: https://amzn.to/3HOApVw

Episode 107: Jasmine Holmes, Checking the Footnotes, and Black History Feb 02, 2023

Author and history teacher Jasmine Holmes is kicking off National Black History Month for us on All Things! Jasmine loves Jesus, her family, and speaking and writing about black history and identity. I think this conversation will serve you well!

Jasmine and I talk about:

An eternal perspective on race and ethnicity.

Where we are as a nation when it comes to our American perspective on race and ethnicity.

Why we even have a Black History Month.

Why it’s important to “check the footnotes” and “read primary sources” when it comes to history.

The state of Florida’s recent rejection of a proposed Advanced Placement course focused on African American Studies.

Some of Jasmine’s favorite black women in history.

And some of the unique issues that come with being a black woman in the 21st century.

Jasmine has so much wisdom and historical knowledge to share. This is a great way to kick off February!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mother to Son, by Jasmine Holmes - https://amzn.to/3JlNA2S

Carved in Ebony, by Jasmine Holmes - https://amzn.to/3HI4Td5

Carved in Ebony Shop - Jasmine’s shop offering products that raise awareness around the lives and work of trailblazing black men and women whose stories are often overlooked - https://carvedinebony.shop/

Keep in touch with Jasmine - https://jasminelholmes.com/

Episode 106: Understanding the Record Number of Migrants at our Southern Border Jan 26, 2023

You’ve undoubtedly seen the photos and videos streaming out of El Paso, Texas. Migrants running across highways, crowds camping out on the streets, and of course the stories of mayors and governors putting immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers on buses and sending them to other places in the United States. The images and headlines are hard to process. I invited Jenny Yang, the Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, onto the episode of All Things to help us sift through what’s going on.

Jenny and I discuss what’s currently taking place at the border, how the situation got to be like it is, what Biden’s visit to El Paso and his newly proposed legislation means, as well as what Christians ought to think about and do about immigration in our country. Jenny’s expert and seasoned perspective is really helpful.

It’s true that monthly encounters between migrants—attempting to cross north into the United States from Mexico—and agents with the US border Patrol are at levels we have not seen for over two decades. In November 2022, for example, 206,239 encounters were reported, with most migrants coming from Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela (https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/01/13/monthly-encounters-with-migrants-at-u-s-mexico-border-remain-near-record-highs/).

World Relief says, “Today, over 100 million people around the world have been forced to leave their home. Each day, that number grows by over 37,000. These families are fleeing for their lives, praying for their safety and desperately seeking refuge. If you’re like us, you believe that everyone deserves a place to call ‘home’. You believe that families and young children deserve safety and security.”

Jenny says, “Advocacy is speaking up with those who are vulnerable to address the underlying causes of injustice and oppression by influencing the policies and practices of people in power. We should love our neighbors on an interpersonal level. But when systemic injustice is at the root of a problem, loving our neighbor means advocacy as well. Advocacy consists of organized efforts and actions seeking to highlight critical issues, influence public attitudes and enact or implement laws and policies. It starts with the reality of “what is” so that a vision of “what should be” can be realized. The ultimate aim of advocacy is to demonstrate the good news of the coming of the Kingdom of God.” (https://worldrelief.org/blog-imagine-what-it-should-be/)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

World Relief - https://worldrelief.org/

Women of Welcome - https://womenofwelcome.com/

Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang - https://amzn.to/3wCa2Nn

Episode 105: Andrew Tate's Impact on Young Men: What to Know, What to Do Jan 24, 2023

When Andrew Tate and his brother were arrested for sex trafficking in Romania last month, it was the first I’d heard his name. But my teen daughters knew exactly who he was because, as they told me, most of the Christian teen boys they know enthusiastically follow Andrew Tate online. I soon found out that Tate was the most Googled name in 2022 and he had over 11.6 billion views on his TikTok account before it was banned for violent content. Why would a man like this be attractive to the teen boys and young men in my community and, evidently, around the world? What’s the draw? And what void or need is Tate evidently filling in their lives?

Tate is a British-American former kickboxer who rose to fame by selling his “successful” lifestyle online. His videos and content include nutrition and body-building advice, luxury cars, throngs of women, and training on how to get independently wealthy. Tate’s Hustler University (now known as Join the Real World) trains young mean in all of the above for a monthly fee.

Behind Tate’s ultra-confident facade and obvious worldly fortune lies a dark side. His wealth comes from trafficking women across the US, the UK, and Romania and coercing them to perform sex acts on camera. Tate boasts he’s had as many as 75 women working for him at one time. Romanian authorities allege Tate, his brother, and two other suspects misled their victims “into believing that they intended to enter into a marriage/cohabitation relationship” while transporting them to Romania and later sexually exploiting them with physical violence and coercion. Romanian police said the men forced the women to perform pornographic content via “physical violence and mental coercion,” using “intimidation, constant surveillance, control and the invoking of alleged debts.”

It’s tempting to quickly move past Tate and think he’s history now that he’s in prison. But the bigger question is, why is he so popular? Why are young men drawn to a clearly violent and misogynistic man? And further, for those of us in the Christian community, how can we disciple our sons and brothers away from this kind of content? What better hope can we offer the teen boys and young men in our lives?

To get at the answers to these questions I invited Vince Greenwald onto this bonus episode of All Things. Vince is the director of student ministry at Immanuel Nashville and a student at Covenant Theological Seminary. Vince has also written for the Gospel Coalition and Rooted, which is an organization that comes alongside churches and parents to disciple teens. Obviously as a youth pastor, Vince is more closely connected to young men than I am, and he’s a writer and thinker, so I knew his perspective would be needed in this conversation! He offers excellent socio-cultural and theological insight.

If you are a parent, teacher, youth worker, or someone in the church who loves teens (hint, that should be all of us!), you do not want to miss this episode. While Tate may fall out of fashion very soon, the cultural issues that have led boys and men to follow him will likely remain. We need to be prepared to lean into that. And, finally, here’s the best news and reason we have hope even in the face of darkness like this: Jesus is on his throne, he is good, and he is all-satisfying to those who come to him. Vince does a great job of bringing us back to what’s eternal and true in this conversation. While we must be prepared, we have every reason to hope.

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility by Ray Ortlund:

Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids by Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark:

Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More by Jen Oshman

Rooted: Advancing Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry

Vince Greenwald on The Gospel Coalition

Episode 104: Love Your Church Jan 19, 2023

What do you think of when you think of your church? What comes to mind—affection, duty, joy, sorrow?

On today’s episode of All Things I’m chatting with Tony Merida and Barnabas Piper. These two men are my brothers in the faith, as well as my coworkers in the broader church, and the three of us want you to love your church! We recently released books at the same time, in the same series. The series is called Love Your Church and the books are meant to be very practical tools for churches to use—hopefully to read together—so that church members, attendees, and leaders can have fruitful discussions about how to love their churches better. Tony wrote Gather, Barnabas wrote Belong, and I wrote Welcome. I thought it would be fun for the three of us to have a conversation together about the state of the church and why we wrote these books.

I especially appreciate how Tony zeros in on the call of scripture to love your church—if you love Jesus, you must love his church. And Barnabas casts a vision for the deep community that can be found at church—a genuine safe space to let down your guard, process life’s ups and downs, and grow with others. I’m grateful for these guys and I’m excited about this series. Be sure to checkout these books plus the free small group kits that are available for each one.

Today’s sponsor: The Good Book Company

The Love Your Church series + Free small group kits

Welcome by Jen Oshman

Gather by Tony Merida

Belong by Barnabas Piper

Episode 103: Following Christ in the midst of Corruption and Collapse in Lebanon Jan 12, 2023

On today’s episode I am joined by Pastor Marwan Aboul-Zelof, the lead pastor at City Bible Church in Beirut, Lebanon. Marwan holds passports to both the US and Lebanon, but he chooses to live in the Middle East with his wife and two young sons, to share the hope of the gospel in a difficult place, which many choose to flee.

Marwan and I discuss what life in Beirut is like amidst government corruption, a failing currency, a population with 80% of people living below the poverty line, and shortages of food, medicine, and electricity. No doubt you recall the explosion of the grain silos in the Port of Beirut in 2022 and the more recent attempts by Lebanese citizens to forcibly remove their money from the country’s failing banks at gun point. While Marwan is honest about the complicated living conditions there, he communicates tremendous hope, firmly rooted in the goodness and faithfulness of our God. He says, “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the hope of Jesus.”

Don’t miss the encouragement in this episode. Take time to learn what life is like for Lebanese citizens, and take time to be reminded of hope that never fails and security that is always sure. There is so much we can learn from our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Beirut.

Keep in touch with Marwan Aboul-Zelof and City Bible Church in Beirut at https://www.cbcbeirut.com.

Episode 102: Christian Nationalism with David Ritchie Jan 05, 2023

Tomorrow is the 2nd anniversary of the riot or insurrection at the United States Capitol. Additionally the January 6th Congressional Committee just finished its work and referred former President Donald Trump to the Department of Justice on four criminal charges relating to that day. Nationalism and Christian nationalism are on our minds again, as they have been nearly nonstop for the past two years.

On today’s episode of All Things, Pastor and Author David Ritchie helps us look at Christian nationalism through a Biblical lens. Ritchie says nationalism is a disordered love. You can have an ordered love of nation—that’s called patriotism. But nationalism is when one’s love of country becomes one’s hope and vision for their future or safety or fundamental security.

Ritchie shows us that nationalism itself is a religious shell that encases a political vision. Nationalist movements advance with religious fervor, even summoning people to worship and the adoration of a messiah figure.

Christian nationalist movements co-opt and utilize Christian language and categories to advance their cause. Christian nationalists elevate individuals to the category of messiah—someone who will deliver us. In the US in particular we have looked to George Washington, or Barack Obama, and more recently Donald Trump as salvation figures for our nation. When someone says, “Donald Trump is God’s man,” we as Christians should pause at the very least and reflect on what it means to assign salvific qualities to a politician.

As Ritchie shows us in this episode, the stakes are high. To whom are we devoted? For what future vision are we living? Where is our hope? Does our faith influence our politics or are our politics shaping our faith?

You can keep in touch with David Ritchie on social media, at @DavidARitchie on Twitter.

Hear David’s sermons at www.redeemerchristianchurch.com.

Checkout his book, Why Do the Nations Rage?: The Demonic Origin of Nationalism here: https://amzn.to/3VEdlxF.

Listen to my first conversation on All Things with David Ritchie here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things/id1449943664?i=1000565954723

Episode 101: Faithful Disobedience: The State of Christianity in China with Hannah Nation Dec 01, 2022

Episode 100: The Global Population Just Passed 8 Billion--Why That Matters Nov 17, 2022

It’s fitting that this week when the world population reaches 8 billion humans, this podcast reaches 100 episodes. Here’s why: being human matters, and every human being matters. These two truths drive every episode of All Things.

There are now 8 billion humans created in the image of God in our world. Being created by God has tremendous implications. It means we are dependent on God, loved by God, accountable to God, and more. You, and I, and all 8 billion people who live now, were made with care and intentionality—on purpose, for a purpose. Each human life has dignity and worth and value simply because each human life has been created with care by our God above.

Join me on this episode to reflect on our massive human population. Let’s also pause in wonder at the God who holds us all together.

World’s Population Reaches 8 Billion—Here’s What You Need To Know - Forbes

World Population Reaches 8 Billion, U.N. Says - NY TImes

Should We Panic About Overpopulation? - Breakpoint

Episode 99: Brothers and Sisters on Mission Together Nov 10, 2022

Last month I had the privilege of speaking at the Acts 29 North America Conference. I gave a message entitled Brothers and Sisters on Mission Together, an issue I am passionate about and one that continues to require care and attention.

I’m sharing the audio from that message here, on this 99th episode of All Things. Or you can see video here. This message is brief, just about 18 minutes long as it was one in a series of shorter Ted-style talks. I hope it’s an encouragement to you, wherever you serve—whether that’s in professional ministry or lay ministry in your local church.

And as always, Thank you for listening in.

Episode 98: It's Voting Season: What's Biblical Justice & How Can We Pursue It & Apply It? Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of All Things I have the joy of sharing Dr. Vanessa Hawkins with you. Dr. Hawkins thinks, writes, and speaks about Biblical justice (and more!) and she’s sharing her wisdom with us on today’s episode. We’re looking at questions like:

What is Biblical justice?

How do we know if we’re pursuing it or avoiding it?

Why do we tend to have more conversations (even in the church!) about critical race theory and wokeness than we do about what God says about justice?

How can we pursue justice at the polls next week?

As we prepare for another election week, I hope you’ll tune in and that this episode serves you well.

Episode 97: More Women & Girls Are Viewing Porn: Hope for Healing & Recovery Oct 27, 2022

In recent years women and girls have become increasingly active users of pornography websites. Not only that, but young women are increasingly viewing violent porn. Pornography should not be considered a man’s issue, but a human issue. More women and girls are addicted every day and unsure of where to find help.

To shine a light on this weighty topic, I invited Ashley Jameson of Pure Desire Ministries onto today’s episode. Ashley says she spent years in a pattern of finding freedom from one addiction only to find herself in another. She has overcome betrayal and her own love and sex addiction.She knows firsthand the power of walking with others through recovery and she wants women who feel alone and stuck in their struggles to know they are not alone and there is hope.

Ashley Jameson is a certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional (PSAP) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and has been trained in the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (MPTM) through The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS). She has been instrumental in training new leaders to advance the message of hope and healing throughout the church. Ashley’s transparency is refreshing; her love for Jesus is contagious. You don’t want to miss her story and expertise.

Resources:

Cultural Counterfeits - by Jen Oshman

Pure Desire Ministries

Pornhub Stats Reveal Women Search for More Hardcore Genres Than You Might Expect

How Many Women Watch Porn?

Episode 96: How One Woman Lost Her Life & Sparked Nationwide Protests for Not Wearing a Headscarf Oct 20, 2022

Protests began erupting across Iran in late September following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested in Tehran by morality police. Amini, who was visiting Tehran with her family, was arrested for not wearing her headscarf, and died in a hospital three days later. Her brother reports she was taken to a “re-education center” for not abiding by the state’s hijab rules and was beaten there. State police say Amini died from a heart attack, but her family insists she had no heart issues and was beaten to death by the police. Massive demonstrations began at Amini’s funeral, and they continue to sweep across the country now five weeks later. Human rights monitors have reported hundreds dead, including children. As of a few days ago, the count is up to at least 233 Iranians dead, with 32 below the age of 18.

To take a deeper look at what’s happening right now in Iran, I invited my friend Laurie Meberg on to today’s episode. Laurie lives in France and she has about 10 years of experience serving the Iranian church in different cities and capacities around the world. Laurie also grew up worshipping in a church with connections to the Iranian church, so she’s been praying for the Iranian church and Persian Christians her whole life. Laurie shares the perspectives of her Iranian friends with us, as well as some ways we can be better informed, pray, and even protest from the other side of the world.

Helpful links related to today’s episode:

Shervin Hajipour’s song Baroye (For/Because of) w/ English subtitles: https://youtu.be/TPyHuCZzsVA

articleeighteen.com is an organization by Iranian Churches in Europe geared toward holding the Republic of Iran accountable for human rights offenses and especially against Christians.

This explains a bit about the morality police: https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/oct/13/explainer-who-are-the-morality-policebasijs-leading-the-crackdown-on-irans-protests-2507716.html

Listeners can pressure their own congresspeople to hold Iran accountable for human rights offenses. Ghazaleh Pakdel and Sarah Bahiraei have drafted a letter or template to use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/131jpaWSjq9hr9tsQ57msNhAZ0a2BWWv985dJpb2PFQQ/edit

"The daily" podcast from NYT dated September 28 is a really good overview/background for what’s going on: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcasts/the-daily/id120036?i=1000580894944

Iranian Bible Society: https://www.onemorelamp.org

Episode 95: The Dark & Recent History of Indigenous Children & Boarding Schools Oct 13, 2022

In 2021, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (the first Indigenous American to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in the US) called for an investigation into the Federal Native American Boarding School System. In May of this year, the first report was made from the investigation—it was the first acknowledgment by the US government that between 1819 and 1969 (150 years!), the United States operated or supported 408 boarding schools across 37 states (or then-territories), including 21 schools in Alaska and 7 schools in Hawaii. The report finds that indigenous children (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian) were forcibly removed from their homes and suffered abuse, malnourishment, and even death in the boarding schools. So far, 53 burial sites for children have been found across the school system. Native Nations scholars estimate that as many as 40,000 children died. Many survivors live today and even shared their testimonies at a Congressional hearing earlier this year. This American history has been hidden for so long, but is now coming into the light. How ought we receive it? What can we do? How can we be used to advance justice, mercy, and light in what has been so dark? Let’s not look away from this history, but look toward it, toward these precious image bearers who were lost and those who have descended from them. This history is near—both in time and place. Let’s cry out to the God of all nations for healing.

The following links provided background for this episode:

‘It is a history that we must learn from if we are to heal': U.S. reckons with role in Native American boarding schools

Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report

Investigations Into Abuse At Native American Boarding Schools Going Back To 19th Century

Colorado begins review of former Indian boarding school at Fort Lewis College

H.R.5444 - Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

S.2907 — 117th Congress

State-Sponsored Abuse in Canada

Report outlines federal 'abuse' of Native children at boarding schools

Episode 94: Finally Talking About Pronouns Sep 29, 2022

Should Christians call our friends, relatives, coworkers, and kids by their preferred names and pronouns if they do not match their biological sex? This is the million dollar question we’ve been asking amongst ourselves for the past few years. I am asked it all the time and I’ve been reluctant to address it publicly until now. As I say on this episode, I think we should offer one another tremendous charity and generosity in this conversation. This past weekend, while speaking on a panel alongside some friends from my church, I heard some very helpful wisdom, which my friend attributed to Sam Allberry: Our aim as Christ followers should be to maintain our witness and maintain our relationships. Listen to the episode to find out more about what that means.

Episode 93: Exploring Rest and Some Ideas for Getting More of It Sep 15, 2022

Americans only take about half of their paid time off, leaving the other half unspent and unused. Further, only one-third of American adults regularly get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Why do we struggle to rest? What keeps us at work and awake?

On this episode of All Things I invite my husband and pastor, Mark Oshman, to help us understand the Biblical idea and command to rest. He helps us to see what we often attribute to one commandment in the Old Testament is actually a pattern throughout scripture and creation. He says Jesus came to give us true rest. Taking one day a week to pursue rest and restoration is a “get to” not a “have to.” Together we talk about how we pursue rest both professional and personally, as well as so routines we’ve carved out as a busy family with busy teens in the home. My hope is that this episode will spur you on to create a rhythm of rest in your own life.

Additional resources:

Why it's so hard for US workers to ask for time off - BBC

One in three adults don’t get enough sleep - CDC

Redemption Parker sermon series on Margin - This is just the first in a 4-part sermon series.

Episode 92: A Christian Perspective on Work Sep 08, 2022

Hopefully you’re enjoying a brief work week after having Labor Day off on Monday! On this week’s episode we are taking a look at work from a Christian perspective. We’re going all the way back to the beginning and unpacking the Creation Mandate and what it means to bear God’s image in the spheres where he has placed us. My hope is that this episode will encourage you in your work, wherever that may. As followers of Christ you are an outpost of his kingdom whether your work is in the home, in an office, out in public, across the world, or across the street. Our God is creative and our callings are diverse—all work is a way to honor God, love him, and love others. Beyond an understanding of work, we take a quick look at a few fun and interesting statistics regarding women in the labor force and we close out with a reminder that we are limited humans and called to not only work, but to rest. Be encouraged—your work is good work! Your work is a means of bringing light to dark places. Your work matters.

Be sure to check out the Women & Work Website and the Women, Work, and Calling one-day conference hosted by the Denver Institute for Faith and Work.

Women in the US Workforce

Episode 91: Pondering Pace of Life and What Really Matters in the New School Year Sep 01, 2022

Welcome back to All Things! As I come off a two-month break and head back to school, along with many of you, I’m contemplating how my family might pursue rest rather than hustle this year. Many (most?) of us in the wealthy west are over-scheduled and over-tired. Study after study (linked in the show notes below) reveal that our kids are not getting enough sleep or down time. Stress and anxiety are on the rise, while slow family dinners and restful times at home are on the decline. What is it about our identities or culture or flesh that drive us to live at an unsustainable pace? How can we move forward this year with care and intention so we don’t hop back on the hamster wheel that so many others are running on? This episode is a reminder to myself and an encouragement to you about what really matters as we kick off another school year and new season of All Things.

5 ways kids spend time differently today than in the past

New Survey on Free Time Illustrates the Challenges Today's Families Face in an Age of Screens

A Study on Children’s Free Time: How It Is Spent, Prioritized and Valued

After-school activities: The pros and cons of filling your kids’ schedule

Is Your Child Too Busy?

Extracurriculars: How many is too many?

Kids are losing interest in organized sports. Why that matters

New CA law requires later start times for middle and high schools this upcoming year

Young Bible readers more likely to be faithful adults, study finds

Episode 90: Expanding the Pro-Life Movement with Lori Arfsten Jun 24, 2022

On this episode of All Things I am joined by Lori Arfsten who has been entrenched in pro-life work in Colorado for decades. Lori’s frontline work gives her a wholistic view of the movement and an educated perspective on how we might better meet the needs of abortion-vulnerable women. I so appreciate Lori’s humility and desire to pay attention to the voices and perspectives of women from across the movement: those who are faith-based and those who are not, women of color, indigenous women, and more. Lori says that while politicians control the public pro-life narrative, it’s really this diverse and compassionate crowd in the trenches who hold the key to expanding our pro-life care. She exhorts the church to get serious about understanding the multi-faceted issue of abortion (there are so many interrelated reasons that cause women to consider abortion) and how we might offer wholistic care to women and youth on the margins so that abortion no longer feels like a necessary option to them. Because Lori is driven to never stop learning, she’s a truly helpful teacher on this topic. Have a listen and consider how you might expand your own thoughts, words, and actions in the pro-life movement.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Alternatives Pregnancy Center

Erika Bachiochi - author and pro-life legal scholar

Pro Black Pro Life

New Wave Feminists

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

89: Nationalism and Christian Nationalism with David Ritchie Jun 10, 2022

Christian Nationalism has been something I wanted to dive into for a long time on All Things. But I knew I was ill equipped. I’m so glad to bring this conversation with David Ritchie to you. David is a pastor in Texas, as well the author of the new book, Why Do the Nations Rage?: The Demonic Origin of Nationalism. We talk about the definition of nationalism and Christian nationalism (as opposed to patriotism, for example), what happened on January 6 2021, the unique pitfalls and opportunities for Christians in this sphere of society, how our faith should inform our politics, and many other things. It’s a really helpful conversation.

Why Do the Nations Rage?: The Demonic Origin of Nationalism by David Ritchie

David A. Ritchie’s website

88: Is the Bible Good for Women with Wendy Alsup Jun 03, 2022

I regularly get questions from Christian women who quietly wonder if we have a skeleton in our closet. Does Christianity want to keep us down? Is the Bible good for women? Does God value women? On this episode of All Things we’re taking a deep dive into all these questions with theologian and author Wendy Alsup. We tackle such questions as what it means to be created a helper (ezer in the original Hebrew, in Genesis 2:20-21), the meaning of Genesis 3:16 (Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.), practical theology for women, forgiveness, and more. It’s such a helpful conversation. You will learn a ton from Wendy!

Wendy Alsup’s website, Practical Theology for Women

Is the Bible Good for Women?: Seeking Clarity and Confidence Through a Jesus-Centered Understanding of Scripture - Wendy Alsup

I Forgive You: Finding Peace and Moving Forward When Life Really Hurts - Wendy Alsup

Is Christianity Bad News for Women? - Jen Oshman

Episode 87: Healing After Sexual Betrayal with Ellen Dykas May 27, 2022

Recently on All Things we’ve been taking a deeper dive into themes that are covered in my new book Cultural Counterfeits. Sex is one of those themes, so I invited Ellen Dykas, who is a counselor, writer, and speaker with Harvest USA, which provides resources that address biblical sexuality for individuals and churches. Ellen helps us think through a number of issues related to sex and sexuality, marriage, the church, and hope and healing for wives who have endured a sexual betrayal. This episode will be especially helpful to any woman engaged in friendships and women’s ministry, as Ellen is a wealth of wisdom and gospel-centered hope for an area of life we are often afraid to wade into.

Ellen Dykas

Harvest USA

Harvest USA Bookstore

Reclaim Your Marriage: Grace for Wives Who Have Been Hurt by Pornography

Hurting Wives: Jesus Is with You

Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ (31-Day Devotionals for Life)

Episode 86: The Mass Shooting in Buffalo and the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory May 20, 2022

You know by now about the horrific and racist mass shooting in Buffalo last weekend. Ten precious and irreplaceable souls were murdered by a young man who describes himself as a white supremacist and stated in a manifesto that white people have been subject to a genocide and are being replaced by people of color. He says the rampage was intended to terrorize all non-white, non-Christian people and get them to leave the country.

While once very fringe, the Great Replacement Theory is becoming more mainstreamed, either explicitly or implicitly. Research shows that the idea is showing up more frequently online, as well as amongst politicians and commentators. On this episode of All Things we take a look at what the theory says, how it’s behind a number of racist mass shootings over the last several years, and where it’s popping up in American political discourse. We also look at data that reveals a growing willingness to “resort to violence in order to save our country” amongst various populations, including white Evangelicals.

This conspiracy theory and other white genocide or replacement conspiracy theories peddle fear to the masses, which garners great ratings and followers, but is poison for our nation. The Christian must examine carefully who they’re listening to, who’s shaping their view of various populations in our country, and if they are motivated by fear, or love and what’s right. The heinous murders in Buffalo are a reminder that we have yet work to do when it comes to racial healing in the United States. How will we respond? Click here if you want to make a donation to Buffalo Community Fridges.

The following resources helped in the formation of this episode:

Competing Visions of America: An Evolving Identity or a Culture Under Attack? Findings from the 2021 American Values Survey

A Fringe Conspiracy Theory, Fostered Online, Is Refashioned by the G.O.P. - NYT

‘The Great Replacement’: The Violent Consequences of Mainstream Extremism - ISD

Scrutiny of Republicans who embrace ‘great replacement theory’ after Buffalo massacre - The Guardian

‘This Was Pure Evil’: The Necessary and Accurate Moral Declaration About the Racially Charged Shooting in Buffalo - Al Mohler

Racist ideology poisons souls - WNG

Dismantling Tucker Carlson’s White-Supremacy Argument - The Atlantic

How the 'replacement' theory went mainstream on the political right - NPR

2022 Buffalo shooting - Wikipedia

White replacement theory a reoccurring trend in mass shootings - wtae.com

Unite the Right rally - Wikipedia

The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects - Brookings

World Relief

Liz Cheney on Twitter

Top Cable News Shows of 2021: Tucker Carlson Tonight Is No. 1 in All Measurements For First Time Ever - AdWeek

The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About the ‘Great Replacement’ Theory - TGC

'Great Replacement Theory,' explained - The Week

Episode 57: The Biden Administration Raised the Refugee Ceiling, But Exactly Who Are Refugees? - All Things

Episode 52: How Should Christians Be Thinking About Immigration Reform? - All Things

Episode 85: Fatherlessness and Our Father in Heaven with Blair Linne May 13, 2022

Fatherlessness is a significant issue facing American children today. On this episode of All Things I explore the topic from a sociological and spiritual perspective with author and spoken word poet Blair Linne. We talk about her recent book Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness. Blair shares her own story and journey to both her earthly father and heavenly Father, while at the same time highlighting America’s fatherlessness crisis. She tells us about the value and importance of dads and what children suffer without the presence of a godly father in their lives. Blair leaves us with plenty of gospel hope, though, as she points us over and over to the all-satisfying presence of our Father in heaven.

Blair Linne’s book

Blair Linne’s website

Production note: please forgive the poor sound quality on this episode. We suffered some audio snafus but trust that this conversation is worth listening to nonetheless!

Episode 84: Food Insecurity in the United States and Starting Your Own Backyard Garden May 09, 2022

Hunger feels like a problem elsewhere around the globe rather than right here in the United States. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children are living in food-insecure households. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated an already existing problem and now supply chain issues and food shortages threaten to make it worse. On this episode of All Things, I share about a recent trip I took with Convoy of Hope to a couple farms in Tennessee, which are seeking to educate their communities in farming with the goal of increasing America’s backyard farms. You’ll hear my conversation with Agricultural Advocate and Soil Scientist Dr. Jason Streubel, who serves as the Senior Director for Agriculture and Food Security at Convoy of Hope. We talk about the potential for food shortages here in the US and the joy of caring for our creation and communities through backyard farms. If you’d like to support Convoy of Hope, which is doing great work to alleviate hunger around the world and in the US, you can do so here.

More articles and resources :

Convoy of Hope Agriculture Initiative

What is Food Insecurity? - Feeding America

Food Insecurity in the US by the Numbers - NPR

Food prices are going up: Here are items predicted to cost a whole lot more at grocery stores - USA Today

Opinion: The world is on the brink of a food shortage. Here's what the US government and businesses can do to help - CNN

Crunch at Ports May Mean Crisis for American Farms - NY Times

U.S. farm income expected to fall as costs for fertilizer, other production expenses climb sharply - Des Moines Register

Green Door Gourmet - Community Education Farm in Tennessee

The Madison Farm - Community Education Farm in Tennessee

Episode 83: Receiving Wisdom from Chinese House Church Pastors Apr 29, 2022

“To avoid walking the way of the cross is to avoid Christ himself,” says Hannah Nation, co-editor of a new book entitled Faith in the Wilderness: Words of Exhortation from the Chinese Church. On this episode of All Things, Hannah—who has been involved in ministry in China for over 20 years—shares stories and perspectives from Chinese house church pastors. Most striking for American Christian listeners will be perhaps the Chinese Christian perspective on suffering: following Jesus and growth in him requires it.

Tim Keller, says it well in the book’s foreword, “To get a desperately needed perspective, we must listen to the voices of believers in parts of the world where the opposition is much more pervasive and often takes the form of violence.”

We have so much to learn from our brothers and sisters in China. As one Chinese pastor says, "In this disease-infested world, there is no time to entertain and serve false gods who lead to death. We are called to practice death every day: to follow closely our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us. The mission of a Christian is fearless faith in this deadly world."

May we practice death every day. May we lose our lives to find them. May we learn from our siblings in China.

Episode 82: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead and Does it Matter? Apr 15, 2022

Today is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter. For Christ followers this is the biggest weekend of our year and the most crucial event of our faith. Jesus claimed to be God and he and his followers say he rose from the dead. If that’s true, every human being should ponder this reality. Have you ever stopped to consider the veracity of that claim? What evidence do we have for the resurrection? On All Things today we are looking at the evidence for the resurrection and how—if it’s true—it changes how we view our own lives, callings, suffering, death, resurrection, and more.

I encourage you to dive in and do more research on your own. This is the crux of our faith! This is worth your time!

Jesus is the only religious leader who is not in His grave - article by Jen Oshman with many more links to books and websites for further research

Abundant Life is on the Other Side of Whatever Death You are Facing - Jen Oshman

Who Were the Women at the Empty Tomb? - Justin Taylor, TGC

Ehrman’s Objections to the Women’s Discovery of the Empty Tomb - William Lane Craig

What Skeptical Scholars Admit about the Resurrection Appearances of Jesus - Christianity Today

Episode 81: Obsessed with Our Bodies, Beauty, and Ability Apr 08, 2022

What is the right way to live in a culture that is obsessed with our bodies? How can Christian women navigate a context that says our worth is wrapped in how we look or in what we can do? Both outward beauty and physical abilities are fleeting and neither one were meant to bear the weight of our identity. The body is good and made by God. Beauty and abilities are gifts. But these things are not ultimate. They are given to us to steward, that we may know God and make him known.

Listen in as I chat all about bodies, beauty, and abilities with my personal trainer, dear friend, and sister in Christ Molly Favero. Molly helps us think through things like body image, eating disorders, navigating injuries, and the intermingling of good motives with bad. If you wrestle with how to properly steward your body and how to rightly think about beauty and abilities, then you will benefit from this conversation.

This conversation flows from chapter 4 of my new book, Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of our Age and How We Were made for So Much More.

Episode 80: Transgender Athletes, Inclusion, & the Price Biological Females Have to Pay Mar 25, 2022

Lia Thomas was the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA D-I title last week in Atlanta when she took home the victory for the 500-yard freestyle race. Thomas, who is biologically male, began hormone replacement therapy 34 months ago and now swims on the women’s team at the University of Pennsylvania. Predictably, she began setting team and Ivy League records as soon as she switched teams, but her victories have come at the expense of her biologically female teammates and competitors. Passions run high on all sides of this conversation. While many claim that Thomas and all trans athletes should be included on any team with which they identify, others want to see stricter eligibility requirements enforced.

On this episode of All Things we take a look at what the Bible has to say about the creation and goodness of the sexes, why it’s important that we protect women’s-only spaces, and how we might apply the gospel to this current and contentious conversation.

The following articles helped in the creation of this episode:

‘I Am Lia’: The Trans Swimmer Dividing America Tells Her Story - Sports Illustrated

Amid protests, Penn swimmer Lia Thomas becomes first known transgender athlete to win Division I national championship - ESPN

How Title IX Impacts Women’s Equality in College Athletics - Best Colleges

Watching Lia Thomas Win - Honestly With Bari Weiss

Here's a thread on just some of the males who have gone on to win women's sports events - ripx4nutmeg on Twitter

Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More - by Jen Oshman - Enter promo code CULTURAL50 to get 50% off for the next 2 weeks.

Episode 79: Bringing Hope and Help into Ukraine Mar 11, 2022

On this episode of All Things I am joined by the Director of International Disaster Services for Convoy of Hope (COH), an international relief organization, delivering relief to those who remain in Ukraine. Listen in to hear about what conditions are like on the ground in Ukraine, how COH partners with local churches and Christians to bring aid into the country, and how you can pray for and support this complicated work. Bringing water, food, and other supplies into an active war situation is dangerous and difficult. But with God’s leading and help, the strategy of COH, and the good work and knowledge of those already in the country, help is being delivered day in and day out. The church in that part of the world displays what it looks like to lay yourself down for the sake of others. It’s a convicting and inspiring interview.

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope - Crisis Response in Ukraine

Give to the Convoy of Hope - Ukrainian Crisis Relief Fund

In addition to relief work happening in Ukraine, I want to draw your attention to relief efforts being provided to refugees as they flee Ukraine. My husband and I are still involved in missions in Europe through Pioneers International. Our Pioneers in Europe colleagues in Ukraine and Poland are doing excellent and sacrificial work as they transport refugees away from Ukraine, and provide food and shelter and trauma care to the women and children in need. Listen to the two podcast episodes below, wherein my husband hears from our friends on the ground caring for the refugees. They too need your prayers and financial support. We are honored to know these friends and praise God for the way they are pouring themselves out in the midst of a war in their global backyard.

Pioneers in Europe

Pioneers in Europe Podcast - War in Ukraine, Part 1

Pioneers in Europe Podcast - War in Ukraine, Part 2

Give to the Pioneers in Europe - Europe East Humanitarian Relief

Episode 78: The Sharp Rise in Alcohol Use and Misuse, Especially Amongst Women Feb 04, 2022

Americans are drinking more than ever. When lockdown orders first went into effect, the United States saw a 54% increase in alcohol sales. Alcohol consumption rose among adults over age 30 by 14% during the pandemic, with a 41% increase in women heavily drinking. Why are we (especially women) drinking more? How have our views and habits as a nation changed over the last few decades? On this episode of All Things I’m hoping to a offer a springboard for further in-person conversations about America’s drinking problem. More of us have Alcohol Use Disorder than we might think. And more of us need to bring our dependencies into the light and provide safe places for others to do the same. The question for those of us whose faith allows us to drink is this: considering the sharp rise in alcohol use around the country, are we willing to pause and take an honest look at ourselves, our friends, and our faith families? In an age when many are tempted to find false peace in alcohol, let us hold out the name and love of Jesus who says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus is our peace, let us share his goodness and healing with those who are hurting.

How Should Churches Respond to America’s Alcohol Crisis? - Jen Oshman, Acts29

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder - Nat. Inst. on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Drinking Levels Defined - NIAAA

Americans are using alcohol to cope with pandemic stress: Nearly 1 in 5 report 'heavy drinking' - USA Today

Women, alcohol, and COVID-19 - Harvard Health

No Amount Of Alcohol Is Good For Your Health, Global Study Says - NPR

Should You Avoid All Alcohol? Here’s What the Experts Think - Healthline

Episode 77: Abortion and the Black Community: A Conversation with Pro-Black Pro-Life Jan 28, 2022

Why is that the vast majority of abortion clinics are located in minority neighborhoods? Cherilyn Holloway, founder of Pro-Black Pro-Life says, “what many call access is in reality extermination.” Holloway’s love of neighbor and desire to see the members of her community thrive is what caused her to start asking why there are a disproportionate number of abortions and abortion clinics in the black community.

Holloway says, “The human rights issue of our time is that we don’t value all lives.” Further, “we have to become a culture that supports and values motherhood.” Holloway calls abortion a bandaid—a quick fix to complex problems that need the attention, holistic care, and resources of the broader community, especially the church. Pro-Black Pro-Life was started so that black women considering abortion would know they have other options. Seeing a connection between racial justice and pro-life issues, Holloway’s vision is to reach the black community with a whole-life message, so that black women might feel empowered to choose life. She wants to make abortion altogether unnecessary.

On this episode of All Things we discuss the 49th Annual March for Life that took place last week (including a confrontation by a Neo-Nazi group in attendance), where race and life issues intersect, why Holloway calls abortion both a genocide and a bandaid, black maternal health (Did you know black women are 3-4x as likely to die in childbirth as white women?), and the need for the pro-life movement to integrate itself into marginalized communities so that we might create holistic structures to support vulnerable moms. Holloway has a fascinating life story herself and brings much wisdom and experience to the table. As the calendar turns from Sanctity of Human Life Month to Black History Month, this episode of All Things speaks to both.

Pro-Black Pro-Life

Cherilyn Holloway on Twitter

Does the March for Life have a white supremacy problem? - Kevin Clarke

Racial Disparities Persist in Maternal Morbidity, Mortality and Infant Health - AJMC

Beyoncé, Serena Williams open up about potentially fatal childbirths, a problem especially for black mothers - Allyson Chiu

Abortion Surveillance — United States, 2014 - CDC

Study: Abortion is the leading cause of death in America - Danny David

Abide Women’s Health Services

Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Colorado

Abortion is Not an Unforgivable Sin - Jen Oshman

Episode 76: A Christian Perspective on our Criminal Justice System Jan 21, 2022

When it comes to criminal justice we have two opposite camps in this country: one side cries “defund the police” and the other side demands more "law and order.” How is it possible to have two very different perspectives on the same criminal justice system? And how should Christians be grappling with the way justice is currently carried out in our country?

On this episode we hear from Matt Martens who is a criminal lawyer, a graduate of Dallas Theological seminary, was a federal prosecutor for 10 years, has written for the WSJ and WaPo and is currently writing a book entitled Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal (forthcoming with Crossway in 2023). Martens has a unique and qualified perspective with his robust background in both theology and both sides of our legal system.

From a theological perspective, Martens says Jesus not only declares us just, but is making us just. Meaning the gospel is not only about our individual salvation, but also our sanctification and how we live amongst one another. Part of preaching the gospel is seeking justice in our midst.

From a legal perspective, Martens says many Americans just don’t know how our system really works. He says there are outrageous injustices built into the system that the average person simply doesn’t know about. He wants to change that through his presence online and in his forthcoming book.

Two primary reasons we don’t see our criminal justice in a unified way, Martens says, are because we have varying degrees of education about our history as a nation and varying degrees of knowledge and experience with how our justice system currently operates.

Have a listen and learn. Martens covers a ton of both history and present realities. You’ll hear about how our criminal justice system was organized after the Civil War and how some of those practices remain today; how jury selection can have a huge and unjust impact on the accused; how both our bail and plea bargain systems coerce innocent people to confess guilt to crimes they did not commit; the realities of a broken policing system that leaves many crimes unsolved and prevents victims from experiencing justice; and more. Martens closes this episode by telling us what you and I can do to seek justice in our own localities.

The following books and links were mentioned in this show:

Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II - Douglas A. Blackmon

Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations - Isaac Adams

Profit and Punishment: How America Criminalizes the Poor in the Name of Justice - Tony Messenger

A Theory of Justice - John Rawls

Matthew Martens on Twitter: @martensmatt1

Episode 75: What's Really at the Root of our Political Polarization? Jan 14, 2022

Episode 74: Will Roe be Overturned? Unpacking Yesterday's Oral Arguments at the Supreme Court Dec 02, 2021

Episode 73: Navigating Social Media with our Teens: A Conversation Between Mark and Jen Oshman Oct 22, 2021

Teens consume nine hours of entertainment media a day and tweens consume six (this does not include education-related content), according to Common Sense Media. As parents we don’t have a choice but to get in the game and help our kids navigate life online. But how do we do that? It can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. On this episode of All Things my husband joins me and we share a conversation about how we have been navigating social media with our teen daughters. We share the spiritual and everyday—the philosophical all the way to the practical. We hope the conversation serves you well as you seek to help your kids along the way.

Navigating Social Media with Teens & Tweens - by Jen Oshman at RisenMotherhood

The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Teens and Tweens

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You - by Tony Reinke

Episode 72: Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder with Christine Chappell Oct 15, 2021

Have you or a loved one ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder? A diagnosis might not only feel chaotic and unsettling, but also final and paralyzing. In the church we wonder if the issue is spiritual or physical, if friends can offer support or if we need to call in the professionals, if all we need is the Bible or if we need to draw on other resources. It can feel like we have more questions than answers.

On this episode of All Things we hear from Christine Chappell who just published a new mini-book resource entitled, Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder (Shepherd Press). The book aims to give comfort and counsel to those who have been labeled with a psychiatric disorder of some kind. Christine cautions against a “fix it” mentality and says, “As someone who has personally navigated such a journey, I pray that the stabilizing biblical truths shared in this resource will minister to others in the same way that they ministered to me.” Listen in to hear Christine show how the Scriptures provide truths about our personhood, purpose, and potential for making God-glorifying progress during the challenging post-diagnosis journey.

Resources:

Christine Chappell Website

Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder

Episode 71: Q&A: Specific Life Issues like Plan B, In Vitro Fertilization, Empowering Women & More Oct 08, 2021

On this episode of All Things we are sharing a podcast from Fathom Church here in Colorado where Pastor Chris Martin interviews Jen Oshman on issues surrounding the abortion debate. Chris recently preached on abortion and then invited his congregants to submit specific questions. He and Jen then chatted through the questions and produced this episode. We cover all kinds of things like the Plan B pill, the ethics behind saving the life of a mother, life issues to consider with in vitro fertilization, creativity when it comes to caring for vulnerable moms, end of life issues, and more.

Fathom Church Sermon: #Trending: Abortion by Chris Martin

All Things Episode 68: The Texas Heartbeat Law, The Flimsy Roots of Roe V. Wade, and Providing Real Help to Abortion-Minded Women

Abortion is Not an Unforgivable Sin - by Jen Oshman

Be sure to checkout the All Things home page for more resources on thinking through abortion.

Episode 70: Life in Afghanistan Then and Now from the Perspective of a Missionary Oct 01, 2021

On this episode of All Things I am joined by my friend who served in Afghanistan along with her husband and two young children in the years following the 9/11 attack. She shares what it was like to be called to a war-torn country, what life was really like on the ground 20 years ago, and how it has evolved since then. This conversation is both convicting and enlightening. My friend challenges our views of missions, radical obedience, and God’s unconditional provision. She also helps us understand what women in Afghanistan have been facing and thinking over the evolution of geo-political forces in the last 20 years. Finally, she offers us some ideas as to how we might help Afghans who remain in their home country and those who have already started arriving in cities across the US.

Episode 69: Missions and Ministry and our Idols of Safety and Security Sep 17, 2021

Our national conversation about Afghanistan has largely left out an acknowledgement of aid workers and Christians who have chosen to stay there, as well as in dangerous places around the globe, to offer help and hope in the midst of war, famine, and darkness. Even in the church we rarely acknowledge, support, and celebrate our brothers and sisters who lay down their lives here to go there, to serve and to stay. The truth is, though, our scriptures call us to forsake ourselves for the love of God and neighbor. Jesus really does ask us to lose our lives to find them. The earliest Christians did that. Ten out of twelve apostles were martyred and hundreds of thousands of Christians died in the first three centuries of Christianity because of wave after wave of persecution in the Roman Empire. Have we in the American church given ourselves over to the idols of safety and security? Have we justified our wealth, health, and comfort by cloaking them in spiritual wisdom and providing for our children? On this episode of All Things we look at the ways our current generation may be abandoning our call to hard things for the glory of God and the joy of all people.

The Americans Who Don’t Want to Leave Afghanistan - article on jenoshman.com

The Americans Staying in Afghanistan - another version of the article above by Jen Oshman at TGC

Together We Are Sent - sermon at Redemption Parker by Mark Oshman

Episode 68: The Texas Heartbeat Law, The Flimsy Roots of Roe V. Wade, and Providing Real Help to Abortion-Minded Women Sep 10, 2021

The Texas Heartbeat Bill went into effect on September 1, even after abortion proponents asked the Supreme Court to block it. On August 31, abortion providers raced to complete as many surgical abortions across the state as possible, and in the past ten days pregnancy centers have seen an influx in the women they serve.

On this episode of All Things we look at the positives and negatives of this new law. Of course we rejoice that 80-90% of abortions in Texas have now been prevented. Babies have been saved and women have been spared violence. For this we rejoice! But there are some things about this law that are troublesome, and it’s not likely to remain in effect for the long haul. We have work yet to do.

In addition to talking about the law itself, we look at the flimsy foundation of Roe v. Wade. Abortion proponents frequently refer to it as “constitutional” and “settled law.” And while it’s true that the Supreme Court deemed abortion a constitutional right in 1973, you’d be hard pressed to find where exactly in the Constitution such a right exists. Further, past laws that were deemed Constitutional and settled were rightly overturned—for example slavery, and preventing women from owning property and voting. Calling a law constitutional or settled does not make it just.

Next we take a look at the reality of how harmful abortion is to women. Things like: there is a 155% increase in risk of suicide for women who’ve had abortions; more than 80% of post-abortive women say they probably would not have aborted if they hadn’t been so heavily encouraged to do so; and 57% of women who receive an abortion do so because of a recent traumatic event such as unemployment, a breakup, or falling behind on rent or mortgage.

Vulnerable women who are unexpectedly pregnant need support, not abortions. Offering abortion is one-dimensional, uncreative, traumatizing, and lazy, whereas offering pregnant women wrap-around support leads not only to her child’s future life, but also to holistic health in the mother’s life as well.

A pregnancy resource center in Colorado responded to the Texas bill this way and I wholeheartedly agree: “Alternatives believes in the humanity of the preborn and the woman. We value legislation that protects both. We believe the Texas Heartbeat Act needs to be accompanied by other legislation that works to provide women with the support for affordable childcare, access to housing, protections for pregnant students in high school and on college campuses, and equity for pregnant women in the workplace. With legal protection and resources like these, women can make choices that are based on the amount of support they have versus being backed into terminating their pregnancy as their only option.”

Again, we have work yet to do. Let’s do it.

The following resources helped in the formation of this episode:

The Pro-Life Movement Must Transcend Politics - David French

How Americans Understand Abortion - Notre Dam study in 2020

Texas Senate Bill 8

What the Texas Law Really Means for Abortion in America - Politico

Pro-lifers minister to panicked women in Texas - World

Supreme Court Ruling Ends Most Abortion in Texas - Planned Parenthood

How a Texas clinic raced to provide abortion care before law went into effect

The Supreme Court,Texas’ Heartbeat Bill, and Millennials in Church – BreakPoint This Week

The Sanctity of Human Life or the Sanctity of Court Precedents? The Single Word —Sanctity — Reveals the Great Moral Divide - Al Mohler

10 Legal Reasons to Reject Roe - USCCB

State Facts About Abortion: Texas - Guttmacher Inst.

A Web-Based Geolocated Directory of Crisis Pregnancy Centers - NCBI

CareNet Facts on Abortion

Randy Alcorn, Why Pro-Life?: Caring for the Unborn and Their Mothers

Protecting Black Life

Abortion is the Leading Cause of Death in America

Episode 67: Haiti and New Orleans: Why Recovering from Disasters is Harder For Some Than Others Sep 03, 2021

While natural disasters do not discriminate, recovery efforts are much harder for certain populations than others. The recent earthquake in Haiti, followed immediately by a tropical storm—and with the backdrop of political instability caused by the President’s assassination and increased gang activity—reveal that poverty and disasters feed one another in a cycle of despair that is very difficult to break out of. A similar effect can be seen in New Orleans with Hurricane Ida. On this episode of All Things we look at how poverty makes communities more susceptible to natural disasters and how it prevents vulnerable populations from being able to recover. Because headlines like these can be paralyzing, and yet we want to alleviate suffering as Christ followers, we close by looking at meaningful ways to engage in recovery efforts both in the US and overseas.

The following links helped to inform this episode:

https://thelensnola.org/2020/03/26/data-center-report-new-orleans-demographics-make-city-more-vulnerable-to-coronavirus-spread-and-mortality/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/08/22/haiti-earthquake-2021-death-toll-rises-over-2-200/8235246002/

https://apnews.com/article/business-environment-and-nature-louisiana-392d8001a9c69df607d9a7b5b84474fa

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2021/08/photos-aftermath-hurricane-ida/619938/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/01/hurricane-ida-aftermath-millions-louisiana-still-without-power/5678259001/

https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/2021-haiti-earthquake-and-tropical-storm-grace/

https://samaritanspurse.org/article/disaster-relief-trucks-ready-prayer-needed-as-hurricane-ida-slams-louisiana-2/

https://blogs.worldbank.org/impactevaluations/evaluating-the-best-ways-to-give-to-the-poor-guest-post-by-bruce-wydick

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/february/popular-strategies-helping-the-poor.html

https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/how-sponsorship-works.htm

https://www.povertyinc.org

https://grist.org/article/as-the-rich-move-away-from-disaster-zones-the-poor-are-left-behind/

https://www.prb.org/resources/earthquake-magnifies-haitis-economic-and-health-challenges/

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2015/08/27/concentrated-poverty-in-new-orleans-10-years-after-katrina/

https://www.borgenmagazine.com/climate-poverty-in-haiti/

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/01/why-natural-disasters-are-worse-poor/580846/

Episode 66: Responding to the Devastation in Afghanistan Aug 20, 2021

Episode 65: Homelessness: Myths, Reality, and how Christians can Help Aug 06, 2021

It seems like homelessness in Denver is on the rise. It feels like a growing problem in big cities across the nation. To help us better understand this issue, this episode of All Things features an interview with Ben Sooy, a friend who is entrenched in work with people transitioning out of homeless in Denver at Joshua Station of Mile High Ministries.

Ben helps us unpack the complex issue of homelessness and the many myths surrounding it. He helps us discern the differences between visible and invisible homelessness, as well as how unaffordable housing and social isolation play key roles. The interview is eye opening, as we see how directly homelessness is linked to the social structures that we are born into—in other words, the safety net of friends and family who can offer help whenever we need it.

There’s a hesitancy in the church to help the homeless because there’s a myth that they’re homeless because of their own poor choices. But when we put homelessness under the light of Biblical teaching, we have to deal with the wrong thinking that we should only help those who deserve it.

Ben says, we all sabotage our lives in some way. We all work against our own health and wholeness. The gospel—which is that God loved me before the foundation of the earth, saw all the ways I have sabotaged my own life and pursued me anyway—changes how we view our homeless neighbors. If God treated us the way we treat them we’d all be without hope. We naturally want to take credit for all that we have, but the apostle Paul says, “What do you have that is not from God?” (1 Cor. 4:7).

The gospel takes away our rights to discern who deserves help and who doesn’t. Jesus is very clear that everyone, even the hated enemy, is our neighbor. Ben casts a vision of Christian friendship for us—showing up and sacrificing for others who can’t pay us back. He says we really can move from our segregated social circles and into relationships that look like Acts 2:42-47, if we are willing to obey Jesus. And Jesus says give to the one who ask you (Matt. 5:42), full stop.

This episode is deeply convicting, encouraging, and stirring. Have a listen and be moved to take the words of Christ seriously, to love your neighbor as yourself, and to move toward those who are most on the margin of society.

Mile High Ministries

Joshua Station

Denver sweeps of unhoused people often push campers to nearby blocks while continuing a cycle of trauma - The Denverite

Episode 64: Navigating Life with a Disability in a Culture that Idolizes Ability Jul 30, 2021

We in the wealthy west prize and even idolize our own abilities and productivity. When we meet new people for the first time we ask, “What do you do?” What we’re asking is, what’s your job? What are you capable of? How do you contribute to society? If we’re really honest we’re looking for how to assign that person value. If they do something important we see them as more valuable, more worthy of respect. We all fall into a trap of equating what we can do—our abilities, our productivity—with our identity and worth. The more we do, the better we feel about ourselves.

But when this kind of thinking is not corrected and it’s allowed to take its natural course, the outcome can be deadly. It’s this thinking, this idolatry of ability, that causes us to abort children with Down Syndrome, or to rationalize assisted suicide. The idol of ability is deadly.

On this episode we hear from author and speaker Vaneetha Risner. She recently published her memoir Walking Through Fire, in which she shares her story of suffering and how God has met her in it. Her story is powerful, God-honoring, and sharpening for the rest of us to hear, especially in light of our cultural idol of ability. Vaneetha contracted polio as a child in India and was diagnosed with post polio syndrome as an adult. She also bore a son, whom doctors encouraged her to abort, as they knew he would be born with a debilitating heart condition. Her son passed away as a baby, but Vaneetha speaks powerfully about the importance of his life. She shares vulnerably too about marriage, her first husband’s affair, divorce, parenting, and remarriage. Vaneetha’s life and faith are a testament to our good God and sovereign God. Listen in and be encouraged to think rightly about our bodies and our abilities, God’s love for us, and how the Christian life is one of surrender.

Visit Vaneetha’s website

Get Vaneetha’s book Walking Through Fire

Episode 63: Let's Gooo, Tokyo Olympic Games Jul 23, 2021

Today is Opening Day for the much-awaited, much-anticipated, and first-ever postponed summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Having lived internationally, my family loves to engage the Games. On this episode we take a look at all things Olympics—from the trivial and entertaining, all the way to the controversial and concerning. We’re talking about Olympic fun facts, little known things about Tokyo, how Covid is impacting the games, the International Olympic Committee’s rush to inclusivity by allowing a biological male to compete against females in weightlifting, the focus on doping and how that affected one athlete who endured an abortion and one who chose to smoke marijuana, the beach handball bikini controversy in Norway (not the Olympics, but all over sports headlines!), and more.

This episode of All Things is lighter than most—though we do tackle some tough stuff—and I hope listening in gives you an interesting overview of the games and a sense of joining the global crowd as we cheer on our favorites in the next two weeks! Go USA!

So many links!

Because the heartbreaking topic of abortion is covered in this episode the very first link I want to share is: Abortion is Not an Unforgivable Sin

The rest the links cover the rest of the facts, trivia, and Olympic deep dives on this episode:

15 things to know about Japan at the Olympics

Interesting facts about Olympics you didn't know

10 Fun Facts About Tokyo to Celebrate the Start of the Summer Games in Japan

Tokyo Olympics hit by trifecta of discouraging news amid Covid fears

Sporting world erupts over 'disgusting' bikini bottoms scandal

Controversy continues with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

An Abortion, a Missed Drug Test and Altered Records Add Up to Trouble

After missing Olympics, Sha'Carri Richardson teams up with Kanye West for new ad

Olympics-NZ weightlifter Hubbard to become first transgender athlete to compete at Games

21 U.S. athletes to watch at the Tokyo Olympics

A Guide to the Five New Olympic Sports

Laurel Hubbard: First transgender athlete to compete at Olympics

Japan declare state of emergency in Tokyo through Olympics due to COVID-19 surge

IOC Refugee Olympic Team at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Tokyo 2020: Does Japan have Covid under control?

Episode 62: CRT and Education: Five Things for Parents to Consider Jul 16, 2021

Critical Race Theory (CRT) has been in the news nonstop for a couple years now. The secular justice theory is making headlines most recently because of the wave of states introducing legislation to ban CRT in the classroom. How should parents navigate volatile school board meetings and contentious social media posts?

On this episode of All Things we look at five things to consider. Here is just a glimpse of all five—tune in to hear each point in greater depth and detail. First, know that parties on both sides benefit from making this a polarizing debate, based on anger and fear. But we don’t have to give way to tribalism and be exploited by this conversation turning divisive. Second, we need to acknowledge that CRT has grown in popularity because of a vacuum created by our unwillingness or inability as a nation (or church) to engage our deeply racist past and how that has adversely affected our present. Third, if you think CRT is impossible to define, you are not alone. The conversation requires patience and grace because terms are used without consensus. Even the way the segments of the church have used terms and engaged in the conversation has greatly shifted over the last 5-7 years. Why is that? Fourth, we should be so engaged with justice as described and called for in the Bible that CRT pales in comparison. Biblical justice is beautiful, worship-inducing, and able to provide healing and a future for our communities. Christians ought to pursue it with joy, tenacity, and hope. And fifth, practically speaking, all education options will fall short. Whether your child is educated in a public school, private school, or homeschool, each method has its benefits and its deficits. Do not outsource cultural and justice issues to someone else, rather engage them as you disciple your children.

In the final analysis, CRT falls short and asks too little of us, while the Scriptures call us to joyfully surrender all we have in our love for God and love for others. Unity in diversity is God’s design for the church. Are we pursuing both? Biblical justice allows Christians to offer warmth, repentance, reconciliation, and goodness to our hurting communities. It’s our path forward. May we engage.

Resources that were helpful in creating this episode:

All Things Episode 46: What is Biblical Justice? - Jen Oshman

A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory - Timothy Keller

Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just - Timothy Keller

Theology in the Raw: Race, CRT, and Evangelicalism - Dr. Ed Uszynski and Preston Sprinkle

A Christian Pastor Tells Hist Story of Rejecting the Social Justice Gospel, with Edwin Ramirez - The Alisa Childers Podcast

Episode 15: “CRT Series Part One: Response to the Culture War with Isaiah Thompson” - Southside Rabbi

Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know with D. A. Horton - Christianity Today, Quick to Listen

On the Use and Abuse of Critical Race Theory in American Christianity - David French

Anthony Bradley on Twitter

IS THERE A THEOLOGICAL FAULT LINE BENEATH OUR NOSES? - Chrys Jones

Critical Race Theory - John Piper, Ask Pastor John

You Say You Want Social Justice? Review: ‘Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth’ by Thaddeus Williams - Justin Dillehay

Why Wokeness is a Christian Heresy - John Stonestreet, Breakpoint

Critical Race Theory Is Making Both Parties Flip-Flop - Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic

The Conservative Case Against Banning Critical Race Theory - Aziz Huq, Time

13 important points in the campus & K-12 ‘critical race theory’ debate - by Greg Lukianoff, Adam Goldstein, Bonnie Snyder and Ryne Weiss, Fire

Let America Be America Again - Langston Hughes

Note: Sharing a resource is not necessarily an endorsement of that resource.

Episode 61: Forgiveness, Justice, and Cancel Culture Jul 12, 2021

Cancel culture is a pervasive cultural trend. We see it happening on both sides: conservatives are reluctant to extend grace because they think to do so compromises truth, and progressives are reluctant to extend grace because they think to do so permits injustice. Rather than seeking common ground and pursuing a compromise with dignity and care for the other side, we’d rather cancel each other, tune each other out, write one another off as demonic or crazy, or so foolish or harmful as to be beyond reach.

On this episode of All Things we explore how the Age of Self caused this cultural trend. Self actualization has made us fragile and in need of others’ affirmation. When we get the opposite, we’d rather cancel than give the benefit of the doubt, start a conversation, or question our own beliefs. In addition to looking at how we got here, this episode explores some spiritual truths and practical truths about forgiveness, such as: the very basis for the Christian faith is forgiveness, which is the opposite of canceling; forgiveness is a messy process, not a one time event; and forgiveness leads to both demonstrable physical and mental health benefits. When we acknowledge injustice, but seek to forgive rather than cancel, we extend a gift to others, but also receive the benefit ourselves.

Laying down our lives, paying a debt that was inflicted on us rather than demanding payment for it, and following in the footsteps of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the way forward. You and I may not be able to change cancel culture on a global or national scale, but we can change it in our own hearts and affect change in our own families, churches, and communities. Forgiveness is the way forward.

Episode resources:

The Fading of Forgiveness - Timothy Keller

The Rise of Victimhood Culture: Microaggressions, Safe Spaces, and the New Culture Wars - Bradley Campbell and Jason Manning

The Freedom of Forgiveness: Ancient Christian Wisdom on the Happiness Lab/For the Life of the World - Miroslav Volf and Laurie Santos

Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More - Jen Oshman

Episode 60: Talking to Your Kids (And to Yourself) About LGBTQ Issues Jul 02, 2021

Pride month just wrapped up. Favorite children’s shows are featuring LGBTQ content. School curricula, corporate policies, and legislation are swiftly changing. Many parents wonder how to navigate conversations about all of this with their children of all ages. Of course conversations with our kids begin with conversations with ourselves. We have to ask what we really believe, on what we base our convictions, and how to pass the truth on to our children. On this episode of All Things we talk through some foundational reminders about the character and goodness of our God, his design and mercy in creation, his trustworthiness as our Maker and Savior, and his good, beautiful, and true words, which hold out life to you and me and to our children. As culture quickly changes, our God does not. We can anchor ourselves to him and share his words of life with others. He is not anxious, nor do we need be. He is sovereign and kind and able to minister to us and through us, as well as our children, and all those we love and work with and live with. In this cultural moment it’s easy to feel embarrassed, awkward, or apologetic for a Biblical sexual ethic. But the warm and hard words of Jesus have been a light in the dark forever and that’s not changing now. Christian, as you hold out grace and truth, you hold out life. Speak life to your kids, to yourself, and to those in your sphere.

Additional resources to help you navigate these conversations:

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry

Why does God care who I sleep with? by Sam Allberry

Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert : An English Professor's Journey into Christian Faith by Rosaria Butterfield

Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson

God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker

Theology in the Raw Podcast by Preston Sprinkle

Does God Still Love Me If I’m Gay? - TGC Podcast by Sam Allberry

THE HAPPY HOUR #403: REBECCA MCLAUGHLIN - Jamie Ivey

4 ways to equip your kids to walk with friends who experience gender dysphoria - Wendy Alsup, ERLC

Episode 59: Two Foster Moms Share How & Why They Started Foster Care and What Keeps Them Going May 28, 2021

Many All Things listeners wonder if they are called to pursue foster care. Many believe it’s a worthwhile calling, but they wonder if they have what it takes, how it will affect their biological children, and if they can endure the potential loss that may come. On this episode my two good friends and members of my church, Jen Stef and Julie Stephens who are both foster moms, share authentically about what caused them to dive into foster care and what keeps them going. Jen and Julie share so many wise perspectives about their mission as a foster family, the privilege of coming alongside families and children in crisis, viewing their foster children’s biological moms and dads with a foundation of hope and redemption, crying out to the Lord in the midst of the unpredictable and the hard, trusting God’s sovereignty, and so much more. In particular I love how Jen and Julie see themselves as servants of God, servants of birth moms, and servants of children in need. Their paradigm is so good and, I think, so rare. This episode is eye-opening, honest, and full of hope. It will serve well anyone considering foster care and those already in it, who could use a shot of encouragement.

#FosterCareAwarenessMonth

Reframing Foster Care: Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey Through the Lens of the Gospel

Episode 58: Foster Care from the Perspective of An Adult Foster to Adoptee May 21, 2021

May is #FosterCareAwarenessMonth! My friend and colleague Jesse Hulling joins me on this episode to share his perspective on foster care. Jesse is a pastor with us at Redemption Parker and he has recently worked with Project 1.27, an organization that serves as a bridge between the foster care system and the Christian church. Jesse was in the foster care system himself, and was adopted by his parents along with his brother and sister. On this episode he generously and vulnerably shares his perspective. He gives us a glimpse into the lives and hearts of families and kids in crisis, why love isn’t all you need, and he prophetically calls Christians to get involved in foster care. His words are wise and faithful and will teach you so much.

Project 1.27

Episode 57: The Biden Administration Raised the Refugee Ceiling, But Exactly Who Are Refugees? May 14, 2021

Last week President Biden raised the number of refugees that the United States will allow in this fiscal year to 62,500 from the historically low number of 15,000 that President Trump declared last fall. There is so much confusion in the media, politics, and everyday rhetoric about exactly who refugees are. Is it risky to be admitting more into the US? Where are they coming from? How do we know they’re safe? Do they harm the economy? On this episode of All Things you will find answers to those questions, as well as the findings from numerous studies and statistics that reveal just what a unique and important population refugees are.

The following resources were used in creating this episode:

Why a Robust Refugee Resettlement Program Matters for Religious Freedom - Chelsea Sobolik, Providence

A Case for Rebuilding the US Commitment to Refugees - Jeff Pickering, Providence

Christians can welcome refugees and support national security - Eric Costanzo, ERLC

Is There a Link Between Refugees and U.S. Crime Rates? - New American Economy

Evangelical Immigration Table - Statistics

The Refugee Brief – 7 May 2021 - UNHCR

Refugees and immigrants - World Relief

What is a refugee? - UNHCR

U.S. Refugee Admissions Program: Overseas Application and Case Processing - US Dept. of State

Living in limbo - World

THE 10 LARGEST REFUGEE CRISES TO FOLLOW IN 2021 - Concern USA

Rigorous Refugee Vetting Process for the U.S. - The Centre for Victims of Torture

Key facts about refugees to the U.S. - Pew Research Center

Refugee Figures at a Place - UNHCR

Fact Sheet: U.S. Refugee Resettlement - National Immigration Forum

U.S. Annual Refugee Resettlement Ceilings and Number of Refugees Admitted, 1980-Present - Migration Policy Institute

Episode 56: At Home Abortions via Telemedicine are Legal in the US: Here's What You Should Know Apr 30, 2021

Earlier this month the Biden administration reversed a Trump-era policy that required abortion pills to be dispensed by providers to women in person. Previously, the FDA required women seeking a medical abortion to obtain the pills in person, but now they can be obtained via phone call or even text message and sent to the woman by mail. Medical abortion by mail is attractive to many women because it’s seen as effective, safe, and completed from the comfort and privacy of their own home. However, data from the United Kingdom’s Pills by Post program, which is just one year old, proves otherwise. The reality is that even successful medical abortions are physically and emotionally traumatizing, but also that many medical abortions cause life-threatening and even life-ending side-effects.

Have a listen to this episode to gain a better understanding of what happens when a woman or girl ingests medicine for abortion at home, the alarming data from the UK, the possibility of reversing the abortion pill, and other ways you and I can offer life-saving and life-giving alternatives to this violent practice. Medical abortions are evidence that there is a great need in our communities and we who are pro-life must step in with compassion, care, creativity, and our own resources. Women, girls, and babies deserve so much more.

The following articles contributed to this episode:

U.S. women can get abortion pill via telemedicine - World

At-home abortion trauma - World

The pill and the pandemic - World

People Can Now Get Abortion Pills Delivered at Home — What to Know - Healthline

Biden administration to lift abortion pill restriction amid pandemic - CBS News

The Abortion Pill - Planned Parenthood

California Just Became the First State to Require Public Colleges to Provide Abortions - Vice

Can the abortion pill be reversed after you have taken it? - Planned Parenthood

Abortion Pill Reversal - Alternatives Pregnancy Center

Episode 55: The Covid Vaccines: An Interview with Two Pharmacists Who Are Also Christian Moms Apr 16, 2021

On this episode of All Things I interview two friends who are my sisters in Christ, attend my church, and are also pharmacists (they both have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)). One friend is currently a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and the other has recently practiced in a community pharmacy and is now homeschooling her children. Their perspectives as Pharmacists and Christian moms have been a gift to me and I know they will be to you too. We talk about vaccine myths and misinformation, the efficacy and quality of the vaccines, misconceptions after getting vaccinated, and the moral and Biblical perspective on the vaccines. We cover so much, including—but not limited to—the following: the vaccines will actually give you Covid-19, cause infertility, or were developed too quickly to be safe; MRNA technology, microchips, and issues related to breastfeeding and pregnancy; long-term effects of the vaccines, issues for those with auto-immune disease, aborted fetal cells, blood clotting and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause; whether or not you need the vaccine if you’ve already been infected and other issues related to exposure and transmission after getting vaccinated; research showing that white Evangelicals are the least likely religious group to get the vaccine, and finally our agreed upon conclusion that getting the vaccine is an important way to love God and love neighbor in this historical moment.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Both guests on this episode who are both pharmacists say this is the best place for listeners to get research and data.

The COVID-19 Vaccines: A Conversation with Dr. Francis Collins - ERLC

The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist - Emily Smith is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health at the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University

J&J Vaccine Pause - The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist

10 facts about Americans and coronavirus vaccines - Pew Research Center

Black Protestants aren’t least likely to get a vaccine; white evangelicals are - Religion News Service

The Spiritual Problem at the Heart of Christian Vaccine Refusal - David French, The Dispatch

Abortion, Vaccines, and Moral Imagination - Public Discourse

Why We Plan to Get Vaccinated: A Christian Moral Perspective - Public Discourse

Martin Luther on How Not to Tempt God During a Plague - Village Anglican

Episode 54: How Should Christians Respond When Our Religious Liberties Are Taken Away? Apr 02, 2021

The Equality Act easily passed in the House of Representatives in February 2021, and it now awaits a hearing in the Senate. People of faith are increasingly anxious as the bill represents the biggest threat to religious liberty to ever appear before Congress. In the face of eroding rights and status, fear and anger come easily. But how ought Christians respond? What is the way of Jesus when our rights are removed?

On this episode of All Things I explore six truths that we must hold on to in the days ahead:

1) God is our creator, and as such he has a say in how all humans conduct ourselves.

2) It will always be good and right for Christians to seek God’s will and God’s best for all people—but we do this for the flourishing of others, not for our own protection and status.

3) We must be students of God’s word and submit ourselves to it—yes, God really did say that.

4) We are likely to be insulted, rejected, and maybe even persecuted, and that’s okay.

5) God’s kingdom is upside down. The gospel is subversive.

6) Jesus is the light of the world and Christians are light-bearers. Others will come to know Christ through our warmth, compassion, and humility.

Ultimately, the way of the cross is not one of political clout and power. The way of the cross is one of humility, meekness, and shame. Current cultural trends are no match for that which lasts forever. The United States is not the Kingdom of God. His kingdom has no end (Luke 1:33). So then, let’s give our eternal King our allegiance. Let’s live for him alone.

The following resources were helpful in creating or were mentioned in this episode:

Explainer: Senate considers Equality Act - ERLC

Tim Keller on Twitter

All Things Episode 31: Explosive Church Growth in Iran and What We in the West Might Learn

Four Truths to Embrace as Religious Liberty Erodes - Jen Oshman at GCD

Episode 53: The Rise in Anti-Asian Violence: An Interview With Friends Mar 26, 2021

For months there has been a notable uptick in acts of violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the US. The recent mass shooting targeting women of Asian descent in Atlanta was horrific in and of itself, but it also came on the heals of a year rife with verbal and physical assaults against Asian Americans across the country. On this episode of All Things I invite two friends in my community and church to share their stories as Asian American women. We talk about the long history of anti-Asian sentiments, crimes, and laws in the US, the things my friends experienced growing up Asian in predominantly white spaces, the increase in micro-aggressions and anxiety that they and other AAPIs have been experiencing since the start of the pandemic, the otherization/fetishization of women of Asian descent, and so much more. This topic is huge and varied, as is the AAPI community. While we only just barely scratched the surface in this episode, my hope is that listeners will be able to pause, hear these stories, believe them, and respond with empathy. I am deeply indebted to Miryam and Esther for taking a risk and sharing their voices with the All Things community. They are dear to me and taught me much during our 40-minute conversation. Thank you, friends.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

My White Adoptive Parents Struggled to See Me as Korean. Would They Have Understood My Anger at the Rise in Anti-Asian Violence? - Nicole Chung, Time

The long, ugly history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S. - Gillian Brockel, The Washington Post

Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And It Creates Inequality for All - Viet Thanh Nguyen, Time

The History Of Anti-Asian Sentiment In The U.S - NPR

Anti-Asian violence has surged in the US since COVID-19. But it didn't start there - Maura Hohman, Today

Stories Shed Light On Recent Attacks On Asian Americans - NPR

Many Black and Asian Americans Say They Have Experienced Discrimination Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak - Pew Research Center

The Rise and Fall of Denver’s Chinatown - History Colorado

Episode 52: How Should Christians Be Thinking About Immigration Reform? Mar 19, 2021

Immigration is in the headlines again, as a record number of unaccompanied minor children are seeking entry at the US - Mexico border. As immigration reform is debated in the days and months ahead it’s imperative that Christians be informed by both the truth and the Scriptures. In this episode of All Things we’ll look at what’s true about immigrants in the US, especially undocumented immigrants. For example, did you know that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants pay taxes? They are not the “drain on society” that so many claim they are. Did you know that undocumented immigrants are 44% less likely to be incarcerated than native born citizens? The immigrant community, in reality, plays a vital role in our economy and culture as a country. Not only should Christians be informed by these facts and realities, though, we also need to think Biblically. This episode covers a number of Bible verses and commands of Jesus and closes out with some resources for taking a deeper dive in loving the sojourners amongst us.

The following resources were helpful in making this episode:

Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang

World Relief

Evangelical Immigration Table

Women of Welcome

Evangelicals Say It Is Time For Congress To Tackle Immigration - Lifeway Research

Immigration and the Border - NBC

Backlog of migrant children in Border Patrol custody soars to 4,200, with 3,000 held past legal limit - CBS

A majority of Americans say immigrants mostly fill jobs U.S. citizens do not want - Pew Research Center

Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Are Essential to America’s Recovery, New Report Shows - Center for American Progress

Immigration White Paper Series - George W. Bush Presidential Center

Episode 51: Common Sense Police Reform Happening in Denver Mar 12, 2021

When most people call 911 they’re routed either to the criminal justice system or to the hospital emergency system. Realizing these two streams aren’t accurately meeting the needs of many Denver callers, the city instituted a pilot program called STAR in June of 2020. After a six month trial reports show that it was a huge success. Callers experiencing issues such as a mental health need, homelessness, or drug misuse received person-centered trauma-informed care, rather than a potential arrest or costly trip to the emergency room. The best news is that no one was arrested and no one required the involvement of the Denver Police Department. I’m sharing this good news story in hopes that it is added to our national conversation on police reform. More programs like this would be a win for the 911 caller, a win for the community receiving more holistic care, and a win for law enforcement saving valuable time and money so they can direct it elsewhere.

The following resources were used in compiling this episode:

Can Christians Smoke Pot if it’s Legal? by Jen Oshman (contains data on the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado.

STAR Program Evaluation

Denver's STAR program sees promising results in first six months - 9News

Instead of Responding With Cops, Denver Sends Health Care Teams to Non-Criminal Calls — and It’s Already Saving Lives - Joshua at Caring for Denver

Episode 50: What's Going On Behind the Uighur Genocide? Mar 05, 2021

The news is full of eye witness accounts and survivors’ testimonies of torture inside Uighur “reeducation” camps in Xinjiang, China. Last month the BBC released especially gruesome details of the extent of the human rights violations there. The US, Canada, and the Netherlands have called the actions “genocide.” On this episode of All Things I take a deep dive into understanding who the Uighurs are, the bigger picture behind why the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is committing such heinous acts, and what the CCP’s goals are for cultural homogeneity and global domination. It becomes very personal as we come to terms with the reality that our insatiable appetite for consumer goods has played a role in the sinister cycle of human rights violations. Corporations like Disney, the NBA, and Apple all have a role too—not to mention the Olympics, which are slated to be in Beijing in Winter 2022. The world must act. What can be done?

The following resources were used in the creation of this episode:

Ask Your Congressperson to Support the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

The Dispatch Podcast: China and the Uighur Genocide

BBC The Real Story Podcast: Is China erasing Uighur culture?

The Capitol Conversations Podcast: A Deep Dive on the US China Relationship with Micheal Sobolik

BBC News: 'Their goal is to destroy everyone': Uighur camp detainees allege systematic rape

The New York Times: Disney Wanted to Make a Splash in China With ‘Mulan.’ It Stumbled Instead.

World Magazine: Beijing’s Olympic reckoning?

Uyghur Human Rights Project: What You Can Do

CNet: Apple, like Coca-Cola and Nike, is lobbying on China forced-labor bill in Congress

Forbes: What China Is Really Up To In Africa

Generous Justice Sermon by Tim Keller

Episode 49: Traversing Today's Transgenderism Feb 26, 2021

Yesterday the US House of Representatives voted to pass the Equality Act. It’s now heading to the Senate and President Biden wants to sign it into law in his first 100 days in office. Earlier this week Amazon and Target both censored books that discuss and critique our fast-moving and ever-changing societal values surrounding transgenderism. In addition to these two developments, parents and other concerned adults have been bearing witness to an unprecedented swell of girls and young women who are suddenly self-diagnosing their gender dysphoria. There are so many directions we could take with this discussion, but in this episode of All Things I discuss where this enormous uptick in transgenderism is coming from, especially as it relates to women and girls. I share Biblical truths and hope for this moment, with the goal of equipping listeners with the tools to think rightly and to serve their communities well.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

Trans* Teenagers and Abigail Shrier’s Irreversible Damage by Preston Sprinkle

The Equality Act Is Farewell To A Christian Metaphysic by Andrew Walker

What is the Equality Act? by the ERLC

When Amazon Erased my Book by Ryan Anderson

When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment by Ryan Anderson

Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier

God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan

Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality by Nancy Pearcey

Why does God care who I sleep with? by Sam Allberry

Theology in the Raw Podcast by Preston Sprinkle

The Equality Act on Breakpoint

Episode 48: Still Processing Ravi: Disbelieving Victims, King David, Family in Christ & More Feb 20, 2021

Just over one week ago a report was released detailing the findings of an investigation into the abuse of world-renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias. Much has already been said and written. In this episode I am discussing five specific issues that I think deserve more attention inside the church:

1) Why are we so quick to disbelieve women when they come forward with abuse allegations, but equally quick to protect and believe the (usually) men in power?

2) Many have said about Zacharias’s behavior: “It could have been any of us.” No. That’s not exactly true.

3) We have a false belief that all sins are equal, but in fact there are levels of sin and punishment and justice in Scripture.

4) The comparison some are making between King David and Ravi Zacharias is fundamentally flawed.

5) Finally, one reason abuse perpetuates in the church is that we do not know how to be family to one another. We don’t do well with male and female relationships in the church. Why is that? If we want to see women protected and perpetrators brought to justice we’re going to have to do so much better in our role as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The following resources were helpful in preparing for this podcast:

Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women

Episode 47: The Election is in Two Weeks: How Should We Vote? Oct 19, 2020

There are so many voices weighing in on this right now. And for good reason. It’s a contentious season, we are a divided nation, and Christians want to genuinely make the right choices. As the nation rages, there are some distinctly Christian ways for followers of Jesus to participate in the election. Spoiler alert: I won’t tell you who to vote for or who I’m voting for but I will remind you and me of some things that are eternally true and what’s required of us in the days ahead.

The following resources were helpful to me in preparing for this episode:

Free Audiobook: How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics?

https://www.crossway.org/articles/free-audiobook-how-can-i-love-church-members-with-different-politics/

Russell Moore: A Conversation with Makoto Fujimura on Art and Beauty

https://www.russellmoore.com/2020/09/16/a-conversation-with-makoto-fujimura-on-art-and-beauty/

Prophetic Politics: The Christian Conscience and Political Choices

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-conscience-and-political-choices/id1460394495

Pastor Writer Podcast: Eugene Cho and A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics

https://pastorwriter.com/episode/engaging-politics/

Gospel-Bound: David Platt’s Plea Before You Vote

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/david-platts-plea-before-you-vote/

Episode 46: What is Biblical Justice? Aug 27, 2020

On this episode of All Things we’re taking a deep dive into the five facets of Biblical Justice, which were outlined and described by pastor and author Tim Keller in an article recently published at the Life in the Gospel Website (link to article below). The five facets are: community, equity, corporate responsibility, individual responsibility, and advocacy. Biblical Justice is able to meet us in our cultural moment and help us navigate everything from covid, to racialized tension, to education, to immigration, to the 2020 election. Honestly, Biblical Justice is glorious and even worship-inducing as it takes after the character and kindness of our God in heaven. Listen and be encouraged as you hear more about God’s heart for the powerless and how you and I might apply what he’s given us to serve Him and His kingdom.

A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory by Timothy Keller

Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller

Episode 45: Happy 4th! Now Let's Apply the Declaration of Independence to Unborn, Disabled, and African Americans Jul 03, 2020

This weekend we are celebrating the birth of our nation. Happy 4th! The Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776, is a brilliant and powerful document. But just like 244 years ago, many marginalized populations in our nation do not enjoy the protections and provisions outlined in our founding documents. In 2020 I am particularly concerned about how life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are withheld from many unborn, disabled, and African Americans. On this episode we’ll look at the Supreme Court’s abortion-related ruling from last week, the premature death of Michael Hickson, a quadriplegic who with Covid was was starved to death in an Austin hospital, and the senseless death of Elijah McClain, an innocent African American young man, at the hands of the Aurora Police Department.

The following links contributed to this episode:

The Declaration of Independence - ConstitutionFacts.com

Twisting Supreme Court precedent - World Magazine

Culture Friday – Losing faith in the Supreme Court - The World and Everything In It

Planned Parenthood CEO Resigns After Staff Say She Engaged in Racist and “Abusive Behavior” - LifeSiteNews

Austin Hospital Withheld Treatment from Disabled Man Who Contracted Coronavirus - The Texan

'LEFT TO DIE' Disabled man, 46, died from coronavirus ‘after docs REFUSED to treat him “because he had no quality of life”‘ - The Sun

Tweet Thread by Steven Spohn providing a perspective from the disabled community on the death of Michael Hickson

A police officer in photos near where Elijah McClain was put in a chokehold has resigned - CNN

Here’s What You Need to Know About Elijah McClain’s Death - The New York Times

Colorado Police Officers Under Investigation Over Photos At Elijah McClain Memorial - National Public Radio

Above the Law: The Data Are In on Police, Killing, and Race - Public Discourse

Episode 44: All the Qs in My Inbox: BLM, CRT, Defunding the Police, the Gospel, and More Jun 12, 2020

On this episode I share the top six questions I’ve gotten by email, text, What’sApp, social media, and more in the past couple weeks, as well as my answers to them. This episode was long in the making because these questions aren’t just from afar, but are being posed in my own community, family, and church and I have been spending my days in conversation, prayer, and action with people in real life.

You all have been asking: 1) Given the beliefs of the organization, can Christians say Black Lives Matter? 2) Should Christians employ Critical Race Theory? 3) Shouldn’t we just preach the gospel? 4) Should we defund the police? 5) Aren’t emotions untrustworthy and shouldn’t we only make decisions based on statistics? 6) But what about this one black speaker/commentator/thinker?

After the questions and answers I share four exhortations for you and me who are in the church in the United States. More than anything I want to urge us to consider how this is a critical moment for followers of Jesus to take action. We who know our Creator and his Word have the framework, tools, passion, and conviction to seek justice and mercy in this deeply divided time in our country. We know and serve the God who made man in his own image, he appointed that we would live here and now, and he compels us by his love to go and love others. Now is not the time to wring our hands on the sidelines. Now is the time to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

The following links might be helpful for further research:

5 Ways Christians are Getting Swept into a Secular Worldview in This Cultural Moment - Natasha Crain

Race, Injustice, and the Gospel of Critical Race Theory, With Monique Duson - Alisa Childers Podcast

SBC President: ‘Southern Baptists, We Need to Say It Clearly as a Gospel Issue: Black Lives Matter’ - Relevant Magazine

George Floyd, Police Culture & Facing Fear that Leads to Violence - Jamie Winship with Brad Jersak

TOP TEN REASONS I’LL NEVER SUPPORT THE #BLACKLIVESMATTER MOVEMENT - The Radiance Foundation

Black Lives Matter Website

Preston Perry on Twitter

The Systems That Protect the Police - NYT The Daily Podcast

There Were TWO Reports: Remembering Mike Brown and Ferguson - Jemar Tisby

On Critical Race Theory And Intersectionality - SBC Convention

Episode 43: Social Justice: Antithetical to the Gospel or the Inevitable Fruit of the Gospel? May 20, 2020

Is social justice antithetical to the gospel or is it the inevitable fruit of the gospel? On this episode of All Things we take a look at that question, employing the words and wisdom of Pastor Brandon Washington. Additionally, we look at how the gospel requires that we engage with the racial division of our day. Greater objectivity and humility will serve us well as we seek to understand the perspective and lamentations of our friends of color. Our God is a reconciler and so must we be too.

The Embassy Church sermon May 17, 2020 by Pastor Brandon Washington

Trauma Won't Heal If We Won't Listen: Ahmaud Arbery and Our Long History at jenoshman.com

Radical Grace Radical Reorientation sermon, May 17, 2020 by Pastor Mark Oshman

Episode 42: What's Life Like Amongst Vulnerable Populations During the Pandemic? May 02, 2020

We’re all starting to have Coronavirus fatigue. It’s so easy to be inward focused and discouraged abut our own circumstances. But what is life like for others? The entire globe is going through the same pandemic, and yet different populations are getting hit in very different ways. In this episode of All Things we look at weeks worth of headlines, statistics, and stories to understand how the pandemic is affecting the most vulnerable in the US and overseas—the homeless, African Americans, the disabled, immigrants, refugees, the poor, women and children in exploitive communities, and others who live in fragile circumstances. The coverage is not exhaustive, but it’s a powerful glimpse. The goal is not to feel guilty, but rather made aware and motivated to be prayerful and generous, so that we might know the plight of others, pray for them, and give generously to alleviate suffering. As Covid-19 persists, and we are tempted to disengage, let’s instead lift our eyes off ourselves and seek to bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters around the globe.

The following headlines and news stories were cited in this episode:

https://world.wng.org/2020/04/covid_19_hits_the_developmentally_disabled_with_ferocity

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/child-sexual-abuse-images-online-exploitation-surge-during-pandemic-n1190506

https://www.ijm.org/covid-19-updates?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=unsafeinlockdown&utm_term=covid-19_response_plan

https://apple.news/AuQQIw9E2ToSXjvFEXs8RZw

https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-covid-19-homeless/

https://reason.com/2020/04/27/south-americas-covid-19-dilemma-pestilence-or-famine/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/04/coronavirus-disproportionately-impacts-african-americans/#close

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/28/846678912/a-ticking-time-bomb-advocates-warn-covid-19-is-spreading-rapidly-behind-bars

https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-denies-release-rikers-island-inmates-covid-19/story?id=70138815

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/17/836896562/u-n-agency-fears-vulnerable-africa-may-suffer-at-least-300-000-covid-19-deaths

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-what-does-covid-19-still-have-in-store-for-africa/

https://world.wng.org/content/brazil_emerging_as_coronavirus_hotspot

https://world.wng.org/content/pandemic_hits_tribes_especially_hard

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-prisons-testing-in/in-four-u-s-state-prisons-nearly-3300-inmates-test-positive-for-coronavirus-96-without-symptoms-idUSKCN2270RX

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-21/how-singapore-flipped-from-virus-hero-to-cautionary-tale

https://www.heritage.org/asia/report/responding-covid-19-southeast-asia

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-refugees/just-one-case-fears-coronavirus-may-spread-like-wildfire-in-worlds-refugee-camps-idUSKBN21F0OW

https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op-ed/bs-ed-op-0501-immigration-world-relief-coronavirus-20200430-zukf6wzcmjabfdhqx2yk6snu6u-story.html

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Coronavirus-Asian-Americans-across-Bay-Area-15235380.php

Episode 41: Our Only Hope in Life, Death, and Covid: The Pandemic in Holy Week Apr 09, 2020

Experiencing a global health crisis and Holy Week at the same time feels paradoxical. We are at once thinking on the resurrection of Jesus and the deaths of so many around our world. This episode of All Things explores our only hope in life, death, and Covid.

Resources for further thought:

The New City Catechism

Redemption Parker Online Good Friday Service

Redemption Parker Online Easter Morning Service

Brand new book by John Piper (free download and audio) Coronavirus and Christ

Eternal Perspective Ministries - Randy Alcorn

The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and all books by Lee Strobel

Heaven: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything the Bible Says About Our Eternal Home (Clear Answers to 44 Real Questions About the Afterlife, Angels, Resurrection, ... and the Kingdom of God) by Randy Alcorn

Episode 40: When There Aren't Enough Ventilators Who Should Get One? Mar 26, 2020

As the Covid-19 pandemic persists around the world, doctors in Europe and now in the United States are facing a shortage of ventilators to treat the acutely ill. Even now, some doctors in the US must determine who gets a ventilator and who doesn’t. This episode of All Things explores the ethics employed to answer this moral dilemma and addresses some of the non-negotiable values for us who follow Christ. While we may find ourselves outside of roles where we can actually make decisions, it’s important that we know how decisions are being made in our hospitals and on what values they are based. The current crisis makes glaringly obvious that our nation values young, healthy lives above those who are aged and disabled. But is this right?

The following resources helped in the formation of this episode:

Reports from doctors in Spain - https://twitter.com/vidproto/status/1242195652404183045

Israeli doctor in Italy: We no longer help those over 60 - https://www.jpost.com/International/Israeli-doctor-in-Italy-We-no-longer-help-those-over-60-621856

13 Deaths in a Day: An ‘Apocalyptic’ Coronavirus Surge at an N.Y.C. Hospital - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-hospitals.html

State health expects ‘shortage’ of ICU beds and a past pandemic plan shows problems - https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/state-health-expects-shortage-of-icu-beds-and-a-past-pandemic-plan-shows-problems/73-e06edc26-0ec4-44df-a788-97abfd200cc9

Fair Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources in the Time of Covid-19 - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2005114

‘Chilling’ Plans: Who Gets Care as Washington State Hospitals Fill Up? - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/us/coronavirus-in-seattle-washington-state.html

Age Discrimination and Rationing during the Coronavirus Crisis - https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/age-discrimination-and-rationing-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/

‘I Will Not Apologize for My Needs’ - Even in a crisis, doctors should not abandon the principle of nondiscrimination. - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/opinion/coronavirus-ventilators-triage-disability.html?fbclid=IwAR10tT6E9svGdf9wkW2DPrsvYCfg2npG6OlVQPoNkjiCPhGNn82fZlonGWY

‘Last resort’: Alabama’s plan for deciding which coronavirus patients get ventilators - https://www.al.com/news/2020/03/last-resort-alabamas-plan-for-deciding-which-coronavirus-patients-get-ventilators.html

https://albertmohler.com/2020/03/25/briefing-3-25-20

God Doesn’t Want Us to Sacrifice the Old - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/opinion/coronavirus-elderly-vulnerable-religion.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

Episode 39: How Should We Be Responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic? Mar 18, 2020

These are unprecedented days. As we navigate the global coronavirus crisis it’s easy to give way to fear and misinformation. In this episode of All Things we look at two major issues: how should Christians think about the pandemic from a Biblical worldview, and how should Christians respond to the pandemic from a Biblical worldview? As Christians we must have faith over fear and we must seek to love our neighbors. This episode explores the practicalities of what that might actually look like today and in the weeks and months ahead.

The following articles were helpful in the formation of this episode:

The Korean clusters - Reuters

Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” - The Washington Post

Infected people without symptoms might be driving the spread of coronavirus more than we realized - CNN

‘It’s Like a War’ - The Daily, The New York Times

US, UK coronavirus strategies shifted following UK epidemiologists' ominous report - CNN

Samaritan’s Purse Airlifts Field Hospital to Italy - Samaritan’s Purse

NIH Director: ‘We’re on an Exponential Curve’ - The Atlantic

Love in the Time of Coronavirus - Andy Crouch, The Praxis Journal

Episode 38: How Should We Prepare for the Coronavirus? Feb 28, 2020

COVID-19, or coronavirus infectious disease 2019, has been wreaking havoc on the other side of the globe for the last couple months, but it is inching closer to the US and the CDC says that it’s no longer a question of if it will spread here, but when. Whole cities in China have been quarantined, communities in Italy and Iran are staying inside, and Japan has closed their schools. How should we respond? On this episode of All Things we explore some Biblical ways to view and prepare for COVID-19.

The following resources helped shape this episode:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/world/coronavirus-news.html

https://albertmohler.com/2020/02/27/briefing-2-27-20

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus.html?showTranscript=1

Episode 37: Persecution in China and Around the World is the Norm, But Are We in the West Ready? Jan 29, 2020

Pastor Wang Yi of the Early Rain Covenant Church was sentenced to nine years in prison last month during a secret hearing held by the Communist Party in China. Yi and his church are just part of a much larger crackdown taking place in China, whereby the government is seeking to intimidate and control Christians, Muslims, and Tibetan Buddhists. Pastor Yi prepared an inspiring “Declaration of Faithful Disobedience” sharing his determination to share the gospel even in the face of persecution at the hands of his government. Persecution of Christians is not only increasingly normal in China, it’s normal around the world. Currently 245 million Christians suffer intense persecution for their faith in Jesus. This is far from the norm in the west—we here in the US almost never worry about our well-being because of our faith. But as our society moves further away from Biblical truths, we are going to be increasingly obvious. In my opinion that’s good news because we will be even brighter lights in a darker place. But are we ready? As the apostle Peter admonishes, are we ready for the certain fiery trials that come to all Christians? If not, what can we do to prepare?

The following links were helpful in preparing this episode:

https://time.com/5757591/wang-yi-prison-sentence-china-christianity/

https://world.wng.org/2020/01/long_expected_sentence

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/world/asia/china-wang-yi-christian-sentence.html

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/december/chinese-pastor-wang-yi-early-rain-house-church-sentence-pri.html

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/an-eerie-unacceptable-silence

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/

https://www.christianpost.com/news/nigerian-pastor-who-praised-god-in-ransom-video-beheaded-after-refusing-to-deny-christ.html

Episode 36: The Golden Globes and the Lie that Abortion is Liberation Jan 09, 2020

This past weekend many Americans tuned in to the Golden Globes and heard actress Michelle Williams proclaim her gratitude for being able to “employ choice” so that she could attain success in her career as an actress in Hollywood. On this episode we look at her speech, the reality that choice has become a god of our age, the lie that abortion liberates women when it actually exploits them, and the better desire for a world that prizes and protects females and what their bodies can do. All humans have immeasurable worth, earned not by what they can do, but endowed to them by the God who made them.

The following articles contributed to the making of this episode:

MICHELLE WILLIAMS; THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MALE DOMINATION AND ABORTION - Guiding Star Project

Read Michelle Williams' powerful speech about choice - CNN

The ‘Right to Choose’ What, Michelle Williams? - National Review

The Briefing 1-7-2020 - Albert Mohler

US Abortion Statistics - Abort 73

Episode 35: Top Headlines of 2019 and How to Handle Feeling Overwhelmed By the News Dec 30, 2019

In this episode of All Things we take a look back at the top five headlines of the year, as well as think about how to navigate the heaviness of our 24-hour news cycle. In this technological age, all of us have access all the time to all the news stories from all over the world. It can feel discouraging and even hopeless. How should we handle the disparity between our knowledge of what’s going on and our inability to make a real difference?

The following articles contributed to this episode:

Breakpoint this Week: A Look Back at 2019 - Breakpoint

Impeachment of Trump voted top 2019 news story in AP poll - AP News

Northern Syria under assault - World News Group

Gains in Abortion Access - The New York Times

With Abortion Rights On The Line, Planned Parenthood Announces 2020 Push - NPR

Episode 34: Why Do Sexual Abuse Survivors Stay Silent and How Can We Help? Dec 13, 2019

Last weekend Alex Bozarjian, a young news reporter, was smacked on the backside by a man running in a local race. The incident was caught on camera and led to a great outcry across the nation. Women everywhere say they can relate. Also this past week, in a seemingly unrelated story, Christianity Today made their 2020 Book Awards, bestowing the highest honor in the CT Women category to Rachel Denhollander for her book What is a Girl Worth? Bozarjian’s strength and response in the face of one incident, as well as Rachel Denhollander’s strength and response in the face of repeated abuse, have me asking three questions: how is sexual abuse harmful to victims well beyond the initial incident(s), why do survivors remain silent, and how can we in the church help survivors?

Alex Bozarjian on Twitter

Inside Edition Interview of the Runner

What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics

Christianity Today’s 2020 Book Awards

Episode 33: Countless Christmas Traditions: How'd We Get Here and How Can We Cope? Dec 05, 2019

The Christmas season is packed full of traditions, expectations, and frenzy. We’ve got trees and nativities and gingerbread houses and lights and movies. How did we get here? Where did all of these traditions come from? And how should we handle all of them? Christmas can be a season of heightened discouragement, disillusionment, and anxiety. But it’s possible as Christians to slow down and savor the season. We can fix our minds and hearts on Immanuel, God with us. Both his first coming and second coming are the true source of our hope and joy.

Resources used for this episode:

Why Putting Christ Back in Christmas Is Not Enough and Why Do We Have Christmas Trees? - Christianity Today

9 Things You Should Know About Christmas Traditions - TGC

Want to Get Into the Christmas Spirit? Face the Darkness - NYT

Grief, the Holidays, and a Biblical Christmas - TGC

5 Popular Misconceptions About the Christmas Story - TGC

Christmas - Britannica.com

Episode 32: What Does the Bible Say About Pets and Do All Dogs Really Go to Heaven? Oct 10, 2019

Our family has been pretty focused on our two pet Labrador Retrievers lately. One recently had a litter of puppies and the other one has been very sick. We’ve been asking ourselves, what does the Bible say about animals and pets? What guidelines do we see in Scripture for caring for them? We live in a society that often elevates the value of animals above the value of humans—it’s illegal to harm the egg of an eagle, but a human baby can be killed in the womb at any stage of development. This episode of All Things explores a Biblical worldview of pets and we also ponder whether all dogs really go to heaven.

The following resources helped in the creation of this episode:

Why Do They Care More About Dogs than People? - The Gospel Coalition

Do You Care More About a Dog than a Refugee? - New York Times

What Happens to Our Pets When They Die? - The Gospel Coalition

Do Pets Go to Heaven? - Desiring God

10 biblical truths about animals - ERLC

Do Pets Distract the Christian Life? - Desiring God

Americans Spend More Money on Pet Halloween Costumes Than Reaching Lost: Missions Expert - The Christian Post

Having Pets Instead of Kids Should Be Considered a Psychiatric Disorder - The Federalist

Millennials are picking pets over people - The Washington Post

Why Are So Many Millennials Opting For Pets, Not Parenthood? - Forbes

These Birds Have More Legal Rights Than Unborn Children in America - Save the Storks

Episode 31: Explosive Church Growth in Iran and What We in the West Might Learn Oct 02, 2019

Reports coming out of Iran say that the world’s fastest growing underground church movement is happening there. This, in spite of Iran being ranked the ninth worst place in the world for Christians to live because of religious violence and persecution. Women in Iran are especially driving the growth of the church there. God is on the move and it’s striking to hear about. Meanwhile, here in the West, Christianity is shrinking. People are leaving the church and our faith is increasingly out of fashion. Rather than viewing this change in the religious landscape as a threat, though, we believers in the US should view this as an opportunity. As our culture turns increasingly inward on itself, we have the chance to demonstrate the love of Christ as we lift our eyes up and out on those around us. You and I who are in Christ have the greatest story, we have the antidote for the growing despair and loneliness around us. Let’s be emboldened by our Iranian siblings in the Lord and share the love of Christ with those in our communities. The people may no longer be going to church, but we—the church—can go to the people.

The following resources helped to create this episode of All Things:

Iran Is Witnessing 'One of Fastest Growing Church Movements,' but Christians Face Intense Persecution - Christian Post

Iran - OpenDoors

This 19 year old is the future of the church in Iran - OpenDoors

Iranian regime's repression of Christians ‘shocks the conscience’ - Fox News

Intelligence Minister: Christianity Is Spreading in “Parts” Of Iran - Iran Wire

Iran has world’s ‘fastest-growing church,’ despite no buildings - and it's mostly led by women: documentary - Fox News

Sheep Among Wolves Film

Iran's war on Christianity - Washington Times

Women at the Heart of Church Growth in Iran - Sat 7

U.S. Church Membership Down Sharply in Past Two Decades - Gallup

Religion declining in importance for many Americans, especially for Millennials - Religion News

The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door

Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life

Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission

Reappearing Church: The Hope for Renewal in the Rise of Our Post-Christian Culture

Episode 30: Climate Strikes & Summits & Why Christians Ought to be the Best Caretakers of Creation Sep 25, 2019

As we observe a week of youth climate strikes around the world, plus the United Nations Climate Summit, the environment is in all the headlines. Children, youth, and leaders are calling on governments to make some drastic changes or face global collapse. Interestingly, both the strikes and the summit feature Greta Thunberg, a 16 year old girl from Sweden who has recently been thrust to the forefront of the climate change movement. But who’s supporting her and why? On this episode of All Things we look at not just the headlines, but we also think about why Christians ought to be the best caretakers of creation.

The following sources helped in the creation of this episode.

The Briefing, Monday, September 23, 2019 - Albert Mohler

Protesting Climate Change, Young People Take to Streets in a Global Strike - The New York Times

Greta’s very corporate children’s crusade - Standpoint

U.N. Climate Summit Sets Stage For New National Emissions Promises - NPR

Trump drops by United Nations climate summit - CBS News

Highly touted UN climate summit failed to deliver — and Scott Morrison failed to show up - ABC News

GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE → SEP. 20–27 - organizational website

Christians and the Environment: How Should Christians Think about the Environment? - Christian Research Institute

Episode 29: Abortion is Exploitive, Not Empowering Sep 18, 2019

There are new abortion-related headlines happening everyday. It’s easy to grow weary and feel like nothing can be done. But it’s important that we remain aware of the preeminent human rights violation and holocaust of our day. As painful as it is, as apathetic as we are tempted to become, you and I must remain informed. The reality is, at least half of all Americans are pro-life (more than half, by many measures) and yet our culture careens towards a fully anti-life climate more each day. On this episode we look at five headlines from just this past week and also discuss why it is that we are moving in an anti-life direction, when it’s not what most of us want. I look at how abortion is not empowering, but rather exploitive and how it has done so much harm in the past couple generations that people are largely silent with regret and remorse. The truth is, there is freedom and forgiveness available to those who confess their sin and receive Jesus’s payment for it. May that forgiveness lead to a movement of men and women who openly share and even shout the truth: abortion does not empower, it exploits.

The following links helped to create this episode:

Investigative Footage: Watch the summary videos of specific undercover meetings from CMP’s Human Capital project documenting Planned Parenthood’s sale of baby body parts. Full footage for each encounter is also available. - Center for Medical Progress

The Briefing - Albert Mohler

Young Ohio Mother Acquitted of Killing Her Newborn Baby, But Guilty of 'Corpse Abuse' - TIME

Criminal Hearing Begins Over Undercover Video by Abortion Foes - Courthouse News Service

In Court Hearing, Planned Parenthood Employee Admits To Trafficking In Baby Body Parts - The Federalist

Why not fight for abortion survivors? - WORLD

A punitive state: California takes David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt to court for their pro-life work - WORLD

David Daleiden’s day in court - The World and Everything in It

StemExpress CEO admits selling beating baby hearts, intact baby heads in Daleiden-Merritt hearing - Catholic Citizens

An Ohio woman who buried her newborn in the backyard will serve no more jail time - CNN

Episode 28: Therapeutic Deism: The Air We're Breathing (Whether We Know It or Not) Sep 11, 2019

Ever heard of Therapeutic Deism? It’s a worldview worth understanding and exploring because it’s everywhere. In the early 2000s the church identified and rightly tried to correct the widely held values of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. But now, it’s Progressive Therapeutic Deism—the belief that there is a God who wants you to be happy and that happens when you are your most authentic self. While this worldview sounds attractive and is peddled and reaffirmed everywhere, it is leading to our ruin. PTD falls short, leaving us discouraged and exhausted and far from the Lord. This episode of All Things explores PTD, that we might rightly discern it, renew our minds, and enjoy abundant life found only in Christ.

The following sources helped to create this episode:

The Therapeutic Gospel - 9Marks, David Powlison

The Theology of Jen Hatmaker, With Anne Kennedy—The Alisa Childers Podcast #52 - Alisa Childers with Anne Kennedy

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism—the New American Religion - Albert Mohler

Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers - Smith and Lundquist Denton

Episode 27: Remembering What's True About Screens and Some Ideas to Limit their Harm Sep 04, 2019

You and I already know our constant use of screens can negatively affect us. In fact, if we’re honest, we’re probably using screens far more to our detriment than to our benefit. On this episode of All Things, we remember how screens can harm our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health and we look at some ways to mitigate the damage in our own lives and the lives of our kids.

The following resources helped with the creation of this episode:

Screens Are Changing the Way We Read Scripture - Christianity Today

Your paper brain and your Kindle brain aren't the same thing - PRI

It's Time to Put My Phone in the Other Room - Jen Oshman

Your Smartphone Is Making You Stupid - Life Hacker

Twelve Ways Your Phone is Changing You - Tony Reinke

Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age - Tony Reinke

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place - Andy Crouch

A Cell Phone Agreement for the Christian Teen - Your Mom Has a Blog

People spend most of their waking hours staring at screens - MarketWatch

Health experts say parents need to drastically cut kids' screen time - CBS News

The Harmful Effects of Too Much Screen Time for Kids - Very Well Family

Episode 26: The Embryonic Storage Crisis Caused by IVF: Various Issues for the Christian to Consider Aug 30, 2019

Our nation is experiencing an embryonic storage crisis. There are hundreds of thousands of embryos created through IVF that have been abandoned in fertility clinics around the country. Why? What has led to this surplus and abandonment of our tiniest humans? And how should Christians think about IVF? Couples in the church who struggle with infertility often feel isolated and even ashamed. They feel like no one is talking about fertility treatment options. This should not be so. On this episode of All Things, we take time to examine the issues from a number of perspectives: issues of the heart, issues in marriage, what the Bible has to say, and what science and medicine and statistics can offer us. There are no solid answers offered here, as mature and thoughtful Christians land on all sides. Nonetheless, we try to talk it through and weigh things from various angles. May we in the church be ready for these conversations, even as we come to varying conclusions. Christians, above all, should be ready for conversations about life.

The following sources helped to create the content of this episode:

More than 8 million babies born from IVF since the world's first in 1978 - Science Daily

Nation's fertility clinics struggle with a growing number of abandoned embryos - NBC News

Why Are Christian Parents Abandoning Their Children? - TGC

Breaking Evangelicalism’s Silence on IVF - TGC

How IVF Can Be Morally Right - TGC

9 Things You Should Know About Infertility - TGC

How would you counsel a couple curious about IVF? - ERLC

Russell Moore on IVF and Embryo Adoption - TGC

Episode 25: Planned Parenthood Chooses Abortion and Loses Funding, But Women Are Better Served at Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Anyway Aug 25, 2019

Headlines last week decried the end of Title X funding for Planned Parenthood. The abortion provider claims America’s low-income women will suffer the most—that women will be driven to dangerous back alley abortions and denied life-saving services. They say the Trump administration placed a gag order on their staff, barring free speech and their freedom to provide and promote abortion. Media headlines and talking points since the Trump administration’s upholding of the recent Title X funding rule have been misleading and dishonest. On this episode of All Things, we look at the history of Title X funding, what and who it’s for, how American women in need would fare without the services of Planned Parenthood, and the incredible strength of pro-life pregnancy resource centers. The truth is, Planned Parenthood made the choice to forego limited federal funding to keep providing abortion and the reality is, women are better served at local pregnancy centers anyway. Abortion is our generation’s holocaust and it’s imperative that all citizens understand what’s really going on inside the abortion industry, how it’s funded, and how better services are available elsewhere. As America’s leading abortion provider ramps up its rhetoric, we need to ramp up our knowledge and proactivity on the side of life.

Abortion and Race - Abort73

Planned Parenthood Targets Black Women With Abortion: 79% of Their Clinics are in Minority Neighborhoods - One of Us

March for Life Statement on Ninth Circuit Title X Ruling

Planned Parenthood to withdraw from Title X if Ninth Circuit does not act - Jurist

Statutes and Regulations - Title X Notice of Final Rule - HHHS.gov

BreakPoint: No Abortion Funds for Title X - Breakpoint

The Point: Planned Parenthood Caught Again - Breakpoint

Planned Parenthood Proves Its Deadly Commitment to Abortion by Withdrawing from Title X Funding - The Briefing, Al Mohler

What is a Crisis Pregnancy Center? - Students for Life

Find a Pregnancy Center - Carenet

Planned Parenthood forced to make an impossible choice - CNN Opinion

Planned Parenthood (funding) - Wikipedia

Pro-life Pregnancy Centers Served 2 Million People, Saved Communities $161M in 2017 - Charlotte Lozier Institute (Susan B. Anthony)

Abortion Statistics - National Right to Life

Abortion Is Not an Unforgivable Sin - Jen Oshman

Episode 24: Why We Shouldn't be Telling Our Kids They Can Be Anything They Want to Be Aug 17, 2019

“You can be anything you want to be!” We hear it and say it all the time. We mean well. We want our kids to feel encouraged, believed in, and capable. But this phrase and way of thinking is actually wrecking havoc on us and our kids. It’s inflicting a heavy burden on our children who don’t take long to find out it’s not true. It causes anxiety, leads to unethical behaviors, and is far from a Biblical worldview. What then should we be saying to our kids? What kind of real, lasting, substantial hope can we offer them as we send them in to another school year? This phrase pervades our society, but have we really thought about the consequences of believing it and repeating it? Join me on this episode of All Things as we do just that.

No, honey, you can’t be anything you want to be. And that’s okay. - The Washington Post

Erica Reischer, PhD

The New City Catechism

The Truth Is You Are Not A #WorldChanger, And Neither Am I

Episode 23: Back to School: School Choice and our Calling as Parents Aug 09, 2019

It’s back to school time, which means it’s another opportunity for us moms and dads to trust the Lord with our kids. You may be in the midst of making a school choice for your kids: public, private, or homeschool. What’s the right thing to do? And what is our role as parents as this new school year begins? On this episode of All Things I share our family’s journey in education—in eleven years so far, we’ve done homeschool, public school, private school, and even boarding school. I share some things we’ve learned along the way and, more importantly, truths about our good God and how we can rely on him in the school year ahead.

Here are some more resources that you might find helpful if you are in the midst of an education decision:

Freedom in Education (podcasts and related resources) - RisenMotherhood

The Education Choice Is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Four Things to Consider - Jen Oshman

Fifteen Things I’ve Learned in Ten Years of Homeschooling - Jen Oshman

Back to School and Renewing My Mind: Contentment Doesn’t Come From a New Backpack - Jen Oshman

Episode 22: Global Gendercide: Approximately 500 Million Girls are Missing from the Planet Aug 03, 2019

Last week a report from Northern India revealed that out of 216 births in a specific district, none were girls. Clearly, though sex-selective abortion is illegal there, it is still common. There’s a global war on women taking place and it’s not just in India. China alone is responsible for over 400 million girls missing from the planet (more girls were not allowed to be born in China over the last 50 years than there are people in the United States!). How different our world would be if these baby girls had been allowed to live. On this episode we take a look at the deadliest war of the past century—the war on women.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

It’s a Girl Movie

PROBE LAUNCHED AFTER NOT A SINGLE GIRL AMONG 216 BABIES BORN IN INDIAN DISTRICT - Newsweek

India probes as no girl is born in three months in 132 villages - Al Jazeera

Invisible Girl Project

Podcast: The Invisible Girls of India - An Interview with Jill McElya

BreakPoint: The Scourge of Sex-Selection Abortion

Activists go undercover to expose India's illegal sex-selective abortions - CNN

Episode 21: Just How Divided Are We? Take the #AcrosstheTableChallenge and Find Out for Yourself Jul 26, 2019

A study released last month shows that Americans are more divided than ever—but it’s not what you think. We are far more divided in our perception of one another than we are in our actual views and convictions. In other words, we think those on the other side of the aisle are more extreme than they really are. On this episode I discuss how we have more in common than we think and I challenge my listeners and myself to take the #AcrosstheTableChallenge between now and the 2020 election.

Fifteen months. Ten guests. Let’s do this.

The following links were helpful in making this episode:

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