Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Latest Episodes:

What's Wrong with Sex Robots? with Jeremy Meeks Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

What happens when our deepest longings collide with our latest technologies? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Meeks—bioethicist, theologian, and expert on all things strange and complicated at the intersection of sex, robots, and Christian ethics. Drawing on the thought of Augustine, we wrestle with questions of human freedom, love, and the lure of transhumanist dreams. Can a robot be a companion? Should it be? And what does the gospel say to a world eager to remake itself in its own image? Together, we explore how Christianity offers not just a list of “don’ts” but a vision of human dignity far deeper than anything our tech can build.
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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 a Scientist Believe in Easter? with Russell Cowburn Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Russell Cowburn, a professor of experimental physics at Cambridge University, joins Rebecca to explore the intricate relationship between science and faith. They explore the concept of God within the scope of scientific discovery, the historical figures who have harmonized faith with scientific contributions, and engage with the question of Jesus' resurrection and its implications. As they approach Easter, Russell reflects on his personal journey as a Christian and a scientist, offering insights on the compatibility of religion and the scientific worldview.
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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.

Should Women Preach? with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Rebecca hosts a discussion with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener, exploring whether women should preach in church. Both Dani and Ellie share their insights and differing perspectives, rooted in a deep respect for Scripture. The conversation goes into key biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11, providing nuanced interpretations. Dani and Ellie's dialogue underscores their shared belief in the gospel's transformative power, encouraging all believers to proclaim the message of salvation.
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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.

Is Revelation Relevant? with Jen Wilkin Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Join Rebecca and Jen Wilkin in a rich exploration of the Book of Revelation, unraveling its powerful imagery and links to the entire biblical narrative. Discover the symbolism of the Lamb, the recurring motif of weddings, and the age-old struggle against the dragon. They discuss the profound promises and warnings Revelation offers, its portrayal of Jesus as both sacrificial and sovereign, and its vision of a future with people from all nations worshiping together. Whether you're new to Revelation or well-versed, gain fresh insights into its message for today and eternity.
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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.

How Can I Be Productive? with Ana Ávila Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Join Rebecca and Ana Ávila as they talk about the interplay between productivity, faith, and motherhood. Ana, a senior writer for the Spanish version of the Gospel Coalition, shares insights from her book, "Make the Most of Your Time: A Guide to Honoring God with Your Time." They discuss the balance of work, parenting, and spiritual habits, highlighting how love and devotion drive productivity.
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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.

What is the Ordo Amoris? with Mark McDowell Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Join Rebecca and Dr. Mark McDowell as they explore the concept of "Ordo Amoris" and its implications for Christian ethics and political discussions. The conversation explores the theological insights of Augustine and their modern relevance, especially concerning love for one's neighbor and immigrant care. Unpacking biblical parables and teachings, Mark highlights the transformative potential of divine love in addressing societal challenges.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe
Follow Confronting Christianity:
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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.

How a Football Player Got Lit Up With Love with Derwin Gray Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Derwin Gray, pastor and author, joins Rebecca to explore the transformative power of God's love in a world craving the gospel. They discuss Gray's latest book, "Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good News People in a Gospel Starved World," examining how Jesus' love compels us to love others, transcending racial and social barriers.
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Lit Up With Love
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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.

Why Bother with Books? with Rachel Zhang Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Rebecca and Rachel Zhang explore the intersection of literature and Christianity on today's episode. Rachel, an assistant professor at Emerson College, discusses her research on 17th-century literature and her experience as a Christian in academia. They analyze the influence of faith on studying literature, the power of fiction, and the importance of engaging with works from diverse worldviews.
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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.

Should I Be True To Myself? with Sam Chan Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Rebecca and Sam Chan explore the complexities of living an authentic life through a Christian lens. They discuss cultural narratives about being true to oneself and the contrasting biblical perspective of finding true identity through Jesus. Sam shares from his experiences as a medical doctor to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, challenging listeners to seek life's purpose beyond self-centered desires and inviting them to discover fulfillment in a relationship with God.
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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.

The Art of Disagreeing with Gavin Ortlund Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Rebecca and Gavin Ortlund dive into the art of disagreeing while maintaining relationships. They explore biblical insights and discuss the balance between boldness and love in conversations, especially when addressing religious and ideological differences. Whether navigating disagreements with friends or discussing contentious issues, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for engaging in meaningful and respectful dialogue.
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The Story of Jesus is designed for churches to use during evangelism and outreach events to help readers understand who Jesus is so they may believe and have life in his name. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/plus to learn how you can get 30 percent off with a Crossway plus account.
Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe
Follow Confronting Christianity:
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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.