Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Latest Episodes:

Finding God in History with Sarah Irving-Stonebraker Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is a distinguished historian and a professor at Australian Catholic University. Specializing in early modern history, particularly the intersections of science and religion, Sarah has authored a new book titled "Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age." Her scholarly journey has seen her transition from atheism to Christianity, influenced by intellectual and historical investigations.
Episode Summary:
Rebecca reconnects with her long-time friend and academic peer, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker. The conversation starts with Sarah's fascinating journey from atheism to faith, accentuated by her academic study of early modern scientists who were devout Christians. A significant part of their discussion touches on Sarah's latest book, "Priests of History," which explores the importance of engaging with Christian history in meaningful ways.
Rebecca and Sarah reminisce about their time at Cambridge, where Sarah began questioning her atheism under the influence of historical studies. Sarah details significant turning points, including her profound experience at an American church, which ultimately led her to embrace Christianity. Finally, the discussion shifts to the essential themes of Sarah's book, highlighting the roles Christians can play in stewarding history meaningfully.
Key Takeaways:
Rethinking Atheism through History: Sarah's research into early modern scientists who were devout Christians challenged her preconceptions about the incompatibility of science and faith.
Intellectual Conversion: Encounters with prominent atheists and deep reflections on moral and ethical underpinnings propelled Sarah towards questioning atheism and exploring Christianity.
Profound Spiritual Experience: A powerful experience at a church in the U.S. catalyzed Sarah's acceptance of Christianity, reinforced by reading works like CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity."
Importance of Christian History: Sarah's book "Priests of History" emphasizes the significance of engaging with Christian history to ground our faith and understand contemporary issues better.
Practical Implications:The conversation extends to reflecting on how Christians today can incorporate historical understanding and spiritual rhythms into their daily lives for a more robust faith experience.
Notable Quotes:
"I remember sitting in church and having this experience of being invited into and called into a relationship with a God from whom I guess I just realized I had always been running away from." -Sarah Irving-Stonebraker
"I think the story that best accounts for the profound and beautiful striving for good and the tremendous brokenness I observed in human history is Christianity." -Sarah Irving-Stonebraker
Visit: Sarah's website
Follow: Sarah on X
Pre-order: Sarah's new book Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age
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Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠
Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!
Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian books are sold or at MoodyPublishers.com.

Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World with Rachel Gilson Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca engages in a profound conversation with Rachel Gilson, author and theologian, on navigating the complexities of raising Christian children in an LGBT-affirming world. Reflecting on her newest book, "Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus' Truth and Love", Rachel shares the impetus behind her writing and the life experiences that shaped her perspectives.
Throughout the episode, Rebecca and Rachel deeply explore the challenges that today's Christian parents face. They address the growing cultural shifts around sexuality and gender identity, especially how Christian sexual ethics, which was once seen as respectable, is now often perceived as suspicious or even harmful. Using personal anecdotes and sobering reflections, Rachel elaborates on why it's essential to start conversations about faith and sexual ethics early, fostering an environment where children feel safe to ask challenging questions. Join us as they walk through practical steps for discipling children with grace, authenticity, and Jesus-centered love
Rachel Gilson is a noted author and speaker specializing in Christian sexual ethics. She serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture at Cru, a dynamic missionary organization. Rachel is also in the advanced stages of completing her PhD in public theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Her acclaimed book, "Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next" is considered a valuable resource on Christian sexual ethics. Rachel is passionate about helping Christians navigate complex cultural issues with a gospel-centered approach.
Key Takeaways:

Navigating Cultural Shifts: Rachel sheds light on how Christian parents can stay true to biblical principles while adapting to today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.
Early Conversations: Discover why it’s crucial to start talking to your kids about sexuality and faith early on, and how to weave these discussions into the fabric of the gospel.
Authenticity and Compassion: Rachel advocates for a genuine approach to parenting—living out Christian values in a way that radiates love and compassion.
Practical Parental Guidance: Get actionable advice on preparing your children to engage thoughtfully with diverse beliefs about sexuality they’ll encounter in their daily lives.
Community Support: Learn how leaning on your church community can provide invaluable support and wisdom as you raise your kids in faith.

Visit: Rachel's website
Follow: Rachel on X
Pre-order: Rachel's new book Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World
Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe
Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

Season 5 Trailer Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In season 5 we will explore important questions like how to talk to kids about sexuality, the relevance of Christianity's history today, and how faith can help with depression and anxiety. We'll also discuss perspectives on immigration, slavery in the Bible, women's right to choose, and Buddhism as a path to peace. Rebecca will talk with various friends and experts to see how their faith shapes their thoughts and lives.
For more insights, you can sign up for weekly emails at rebeccamclaughlin.org
Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!
Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian books are sold or at MoodyPublishers.com.

Season 4 Q&A Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin wraps us the season by answering questions asked by listeners! Questions Covered in This Episode:

What does the Bible say about what it is to be a woman? Can we define it across all cultures and time?
I have a daughter who has drifted from the faith as she embraced LGBT and has now been with a girl for 3 years and they are talking about marriage. I want to make a last stand of sorts for her life but don’t know how to do it.
- What would the advice be if this woman still identifies as a Christian?
How should we navigate a church that values marriage, romance, and the biological family above all things? They won't admit it explicitly but from what they do and say it is implied.
What would be the right response to someone who told me that she was okay with just having God and her husband?
What advice would you give on choosing a local church? What if you disagree with second-tier issues?
What are some of the lead causes for the divergence of young men and women toward increasingly conservative and liberal views respectively? How should the church address this?
How would you respond to someone who used to hold a Christian sexual ethic but are now affirming?
How is it reasonable that we are held responsible for sinning when we inherit a sinful nature from birth?
What 3 pieces of wisdom and encouragement would you give to young Christian evangelists?

Resources Mentioned:

Ephesians 5, Genesis 1, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 5:9–13

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Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠
Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!
Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian books are sold or at MoodyPublishers.com.

Can We Speak The Truth in Love? with Kyle Worley Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Kyle Worley to discuss how Christians are called to interact with others.Questions Covered in This Episode:

Where does the ethos of discussing truth with grace to others with differing opinions or ideas come from?
Why is there a difference between what Christians are called to (Colossians 3) and the way they live and interact with others?
How do you shepherd people as we enter into a season with more intense political debate and differences?
What is the future of Confronting Christianity?
Kyle, what is your new book coming out?

Guest Bio:Kyle Worley is the pastor of Mosiac Church in Richardson, TX. He previously served at The Village Church, cohosts the Knowing Faith podcast, and is the author of Pitfalls: Along the Path to Young and Reformed. Kyle and his wife, Lauren, have one daughter.Resources Mentioned:

Colossians, Philemon, 1 Peter 3:15-16
“Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin
“Home with God” by Kyle Worley

Follow Us:
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Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Starting Place | Tiny TheologiansConfronting Christianity is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠
Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!
Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian books are sold or at MoodyPublishers.com.

Why Have Americans Stopped Going to Church? with Michael Graham May 28, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Michael Graham to discuss why Americans have stopped going to church and Questions Covered in This Episode:

How did you become a Christian?
How did you become interested in “The Great Dechurching”?
What is the history of American church attendance?
What happened from the height of attendance in the 80s to now?
What proportion of Americans who previously went to church have stopped attending church?
Why did Americans stop going to church?
How would you respond to people who think that fewer people attending church is good for society?
Are more educated people less likely to go to church?

Guest Bio:Michael Graham is the Program Director at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics and is the co-author of “The Great Dechurching.”Resources Mentioned:

Galatians
“The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan Burge
As In Heaven Podcast
Tyler J. VanderWeele

God’s Call to Care For Refugees with Karyn Becker May 21, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Karyn Becker to discuss how we are called to care for refugees and the practical ways we can do so.Questions Covered in This Episode:

What is design thinking?
As you started out helping refugees, did you think through it in design thinking?
How has your faith in Jesus motivated you to spend time with refugees?
Can you tell us about the project Dovely?
How do you see this model being implemented in other parts of the world?
How do I support this project?
Why are you a follower of Jesus?

Guest Bio:Karyn is a design researcher and strategist helping organizations make business more human through Design Thinking. She’s brought products and services to life during her time at the Mayo Clinic, MIT Media Lab, Johnson & Johnson, REI, and while consulting for a diverse range of firms. Her publications exploring the intersection of business and design have appeared in MIT's Management Review, Quartz, and other global forums. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a design degree from the University of Cincinnati, and is a current Masters of Public Health candidate at Boston University.Most recently, she’s partnered with refugee resettling agencies in the greater Boston area and serves as the founding Director of Dovely, a soon to launch gospel centered, voucher first daycare for refugees.Resources Mentioned:

Deuteronomy 10:19
Dovely Daycare

Is Motherhood a Blessing or Burden? with Julie Ferrell May 14, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Julie Ferrell to discuss motherhood.Questions Covered in This Episode:

How did you reflect on motherhood before you were a mom?
What would you say to the people who think motherhood is a burden?
What would you say to the people who think motherhood is a woman's highest calling?
What does it mean that the act of mothering can look different but our calling as moms is the same?
What are your thoughts on choosing where your kids go to school?
What difference does it make in your parenting that you are a follower of Jesus?
What is the best way to disciple your kids?
For Christians, does allowing our kids to struggle with others who disagree with their faith, help them grow their faith?
What does it mean to be a spiritual mom to others in the church?

Guest Bio:Julie Ferrell is a stay-at-home mom with 4 daughters. She and her husband live in the greater Boston area. She graduated from Duke University with a double major in religion and history with a minor in chemistry. Resources Mentioned:

Colossians 3:3
Jen Wilkin
“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt

Does The Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? with Rachel Gilson May 07, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Rachel Gilson to have a conversation about whether the Bible affirms same-sex relationships.Questions Covered in This Episode:

Can you share your story?
What is the most common question about what the Bible says about relationships?
What would you say to someone who asks how a loving God could be against relationships like this?
How does our church community offer love to those in our congregation who are lonely due to singleness?
How do you love your friend without compromising your beliefs?
What is covered in the book?

Guest Bio:Rachel Gilson is on the leadership team for theological development and culture for Cru. She is the author of Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next. Rachel has a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Ph.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is married to Andrew and has a daughter.Resources Mentioned:

1 John 4:7-21
“Does The Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? by Rebecca McLaughlin

Union with Christ with Sam Allberry Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Sam Allberry to discuss what it means to have union with Christ.Questions Covered in This Episode:

What does it mean that Christians are united with Christ?
How does union with Christ bring Christians together?
How does the Bible describe Christian friendship?
What does union with Christ mean for our desire to sin?
What prompted you to write this book?

Guest Bio:Sam Allberry is a pastor, apologist, and speaker. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?, Why Bother with Church?, 7 Myths about Singleness, and What God Has To Say About Our Bodies.He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and Living Out.Resources Mentioned: