Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Latest Episodes:

Bulletproof Your Faith: Lessons from a Cold Case Detective with J. Warner Wallace Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

What if the same skills that solve decades-old murders could prove the reliability of the Gospels? Cold case detective J. Warner Wallace was a committed atheist who thought Christianity was fiction—until he applied his investigative training to the New Testament. What he discovered changed everything. J. Warner Wallace, a featured cold case detective from NBC Dateline and author of the bestselling "Cold Case Christianity," shares his remarkable journey from committed atheist to Christian apologist. Wallace explains why evidential faith is like wearing a bulletproof vest in a gunfight—especially crucial for raising kids in today's increasingly hostile culture. Key Themes: • How detective skills reveal biblical truth through forensic statement analysis

• Why our culture shifted from positive to negative toward Christianity

• The difference between "belief that" and "belief in"

• Why parental passion about faith is more contagious than any program

This conversation will challenge how you think about faith, evidence, and raising the next generation of believers in an increasingly skeptical world.

Resources: https://coldcasechristianity.com/

https://www.casemakersacademy.com/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!

Bitcoin Investment Strategies: Managing Risk in a Bull Market May 28, 2025

Show notes

Bitcoin just smashed through $112,000 while the bond market implodes and Japan's decades-old financial strategy unravels before our eyes. Is this the beginning of crypto's final moonshot to $500K+, or are we witnessing the setup for a devastating 70% crash? In this emergency market update, we break down three wildly different scenarios that could play out over the next 6 months - and why one week of market action might have changed everything we thought we knew about Bitcoin's relationship to traditional finance.

Key Topics Covered

Bitcoin's new all-time high at $112,000
US bond market struggles and rising interest rates
Japanese yen carry trade unwinding
Bitcoin decoupling from stock market
Three future price scenarios for Bitcoin
Investment strategies and dollar cost averaging
Bitcoin lending opportunities and risks
Altcoin market performance vs Bitcoin
Government debt crisis implications

This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed should be considered financial advice.

Resources:

https://ccalumni.network/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Three Division Design and Animation

Three Division is a 3D art and animation studio with real industry experience, working with brands like Disney and Warner Brothers. Their 10-Week Cohort gives students hands-on training in the 3D software Blender, along with mentorship from industry professionals, and a Christ-centered approach to creativity. Equip your student with the skills to thrive in the future of digital art—apply before May 31 and receive a 20% discount at threedivision.com/cohorts.

Dating Dinosaurs: Why Millions of Years Doesn't Add Up May 21, 2025

Show notes

What if everything we've been taught about Earth's geological timeline is dramatically wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert interviews Dr. Jeff Miller, a biomechanical engineer with a PhD from Auburn University who specializes in creation science.

Key topics covered:

· Dr. Miller's research on hypo-gene speleogenesis showing caves form rapidly through rising acidic waters during the flood

· The discovery of soft tissue in dinosaur fossils challenging conventional dating methods

· Why carbon dating actually supports young Earth theories rather than contradicting them

· The "reproducibility crisis" affecting over 50% of published scientific research

· How leading cosmologists acknowledge the universe appears "tailor-made" for humans

· Educational opportunities through Dr. Miller's "Flooded" book and hands-on programs in Arizona studying geological evidence

Dr. Miller shares how scientific evidence increasingly supports Biblical accounts like the global flood, offering compelling alternatives to conventional geological and evolutionary theories.

Resources:

https://apologeticspress.org/people/jeff-miller-phd/

Jeff's Book: https://store.apologeticspress.org/products/flooded

Creation Research Program: Email CRP@ApologeticsPress.org for information about educational programs in Arizona

Episode Sponsored By Classic Learning Test

Learn more about CLT's online, at-home testing or their paper testing options for your community, and get 25% off your assessments at info.cltexam.com/classicalconversations. CC Connected families receive 25% off all CLT assessments!

Surprised by the Bible: How Scripture Changes Everything May 14, 2025

Show notes

What if the most thrilling story ever written is one you're ignoring on your bookshelf? Robert welcomes Dr. Samuel Bierig, Vice President of Undergraduate Studies at Spurgeon College, to discuss why so many find the Bible boring when it's actually wildly fascinating.

Key highlights:

· Dr. Bierig introduces his upcoming book "Surprised by the Bible: A Guide for the Perplexed and Bored," which aims to help readers fall in love with Scripture again (or for the first time)

· The conversation addresses why modern Christians struggle with regular Bible reading despite it being God's direct words to us

· Dr. Bierig reveals his picks for most underrated biblical books: Numbers, Proverbs, Lamentations, and Jude

· Practical advice for teaching children to love Scripture through catechisms and connecting Bible readings to Sunday sermons

· Discussion of how American Christians might return to biblical foundations by making Scripture "the loudest voice in our heads"

For anyone struggling with biblical literacy or seeking to deepen their understanding of God's Word, this episode offers practical wisdom on rediscovering the Bible as a living, thrilling text relevant to every aspect of daily life.

Resources:

https://spurgeoncollege.com/

Sponsored by Classical Conversations - Parent Practicum

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better "everyday educators." Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com.

Raising Boys to Become Godly Men with Mark Hancock May 07, 2025

Show notes

Is your energetic, can't-sit-still son being treated like a 'defective girl' in today's educational system? Mark Hancock reveals how to celebrate boys' God-given design instead of trying to change it. Robert continues his conversation with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. They discuss the unique challenges boys face in today's educational and cultural environments, and how parents can intentionally raise boys to become godly men. Mark explains how Trail Life USA serves as a Christ-centered, boy-focused character leadership and adventure organization for boys from kindergarten through 12th grade. With approximately 62,000 members across all 50 states and over 1,200 participating churches, Trail Life provides boys with outdoor activities like camping and hiking while maintaining a distinctly Christ-centered approach.

Resources:

Episode Sponsored by: Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Products

https://www.traillifeusa.com/

Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.

Is Gen Z Ready to Transform Political Engagement? Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

What happens when we challenge young Christians to step boldly into politics instead of stepping away? Joseph Jackson shares his journey from a politics-loving teen to a leader in TeenPact, a Christian government and leadership school for students ages 13-19. He discusses how his Classical Conversations education prepared him for public speaking and debate, the importance of Christians participating in the democratic process, and why today's youth should be held to higher standards. Learn about TeenPact's unique approach to teaching students about government branches, lobbying, and the political process through week-long state classes and national conventions.

Episode Sponsored by: Classical Conversations Foundation

https://teenpact.com/

Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey. Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

"Christians Are Boring Because They're Afraid": N.D. Wilson Gets Real Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

What if Christians were called to be the flood instead of hiding in the ark? N.D. Wilson challenges believers to stop playing it safe and embrace a faith that's dangerously alive. Robert speaks with Wilson about his journey as a writer inspired by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, his approach to Christian fantasy writing, and his belief that Christians should embrace wonder rather than fear. Wilson shares insights on raising children to be confident in their faith, creating joyful Sabbath traditions, and his work on nature documentaries like "Riot and the Dance" that present creation from a Christian perspective.

https://ndwilson.com/

Public School Exit: Helping Christian Families Find Educational Freedom Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Are your children safe at school? Discover why thousands of families are choosing to exit the public education system. In this eye-opening episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Dran Reese, founder and president of Public School Exit. With decades of experience in education advocacy, Dran explains why her organization helps Christian families transition their children from government schools to homeschooling or private Christian education. Dran shares alarming statistics about faith loss, bullying, and inappropriate content in public schools, discusses the concerning curriculum trends across districts nationwide, and offers practical resources for parents looking to make the transition. Learn how Public School Exit serves as a clearinghouse of information, providing step-by-step guides and partnerships with quality educational alternatives like Classical Conversations.

https://www.publicschoolexit.com/

Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: Christian Banking in a Secular World Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Are you accidentally funding values that oppose your faith every time you deposit a paycheck Robert interviews Frank Clement, VP of Strategic Partnerships at America's Christian Credit Union. Frank shares how Christians can align their financial decisions with biblical values, revealing that many unwittingly undermine their faith through banking choices. "Your money doesn't just sit there," Frank explains, highlighting how deposits at major banks fund initiatives that may contradict Christian beliefs. The conversation explores faith-based banking alternatives, adoption financing opportunities, and practical wisdom for teaching children financial literacy—all while weaving in classical education principles.

America's Christian Credit Union is proud to partner with Classical Conversations to provide a full suite of banking services to CC communities across the country. Whether you're a Licensed Director looking for better business banking or a family seeking a financial partner that shares your values, we are here to serve. We invite you to join ACCU and enjoy the many benefits of membership, including competitive returns on deposits, low-rate loans, and a nationwide network of shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs via the Co-Op Network. Click here to learn more.

More Than STEM: Why Philosophy Remains Essential for Today's Students Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Is philosophy obsolete in our AI-driven world? Timothy Knotts argues just the opposite. Robert interviews Timothy Knotts, a member of Classical Conversations' development team, about "Reasoning Together Philosophy", an anthology of original works and excerpts from philosophers, writers, and thinkers from all eras, coming Spring 2025. Timothy discusses his journey into classical education, the importance of philosophy in today's education landscape, and why learning philosophical concepts remains relevant despite our STEM-focused culture. He explains how the book helps students engage with great thinkers throughout history while balancing faith and reason. Timothy also shares insights for homeschooling parents about prioritizing what matters most in education and offers advice for fathers on staying engaged with their children's learning journey.

https://info.classicalconversations.com/reasoning

https://www.newenglandcce.com/

The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.

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