Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Will God Be in Pain for Eternity as He Watches People Suffer in Hell? Nov 20, 2024

Greg answers questions about the “He Gets Us” campaign from earlier this year, whether a property in the tree of the knowledge of good and evil gave Adam and Eve knowledge, the historicity of Job, and whether God will spend eternity in pain as he watches people suffer in Hell. Topics:

What did you think of the “He Gets Us” foot washing ads earlier this year? (00:00)
Could the tree of the knowledge of good and evil have had some property that gave them this knowledge since the related tree of life seems to have had a property that would cause them to live forever? (17:00)
Why do you think Job isn’t a historical account? (29:00)
Since God loves everyone and Jesus died for everyone, if God is aware of what’s going on in Hell, does that mean he’ll spend eternity in pain as he watches his creation suffer? (41:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Here Comes the He Gets Us Campaign Again: Why Its Portrayal of Jesus is Still a Problem by Natasha Crain
7 Problems with the He Gets Us Campaign by Natasha Crain
The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl

Am I Giving What Is Holy to Dogs? Nov 13, 2024

Greg talks to callers about online interactions, entropy as evidence for a beginning of the universe, whether someone could make up a story that sounds like eyewitness testimony, creating interactions that aren’t awkward, and the claim that the unborn is only a ”potential life.” Topics:

Considering Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to dogs,” should I not engage people online over and over again? (00:00)
A follow-up on a previous conversation about dealing with a problematic pastor. (12:00)
How could entropy be evidence for the beginning of the universe if the first law of thermodynamics says energy can’t be destroyed? (20:00)
How would you respond to someone who says anybody could make up a detailed story that sounds like eyewitness testimony? (26:00)
Would you ever do campus evangelism, and how do you create interactions that don’t make people feel awkward? (42:00)
What’s a powerful question to ask someone who insists an unborn baby is only a “potential life”? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Bart Ehrman on the Existence of Jesus
A Simple Survey to Help Initiate Spiritual Conversations by Greg Koukl
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl

How Can Jesus Be God? Nov 08, 2024

Greg answers questions about how Jesus can be God if God is in Heaven and Jesus was on earth, whether disordered desires are sinful and Satan puts thoughts in Christians’ minds, baptism of the Holy Spirit by laying on hands, and a challenge to Greg’s view on John 16:13. Topics:

How can Jesus be God if God is in Heaven and Jesus was on earth? (04:00)
Are disordered desires sinful, and does Satan put sinful thoughts in Christians’ minds? (15:00)
Do Acts 8 and 19 teach that we only receive the Holy Spirit if someone lays hands on us? (30:00)
Does the fact that the apostles disagreed with each other at times refute the reason why you think John 16:13 doesn’t apply to us today? (44:00)

Craig Hazen Joins Stand to Reason Nov 06, 2024

Greg talks to Craig Hazen, STR’s new chief strategy officer, then he answers a question about the implications that follow from the idea that we don’t have to figure out special instructions from God. Topics:

Interview: Craig Hazen joins Stand to Reason. (00:00)
Does the fact that we don’t have to figure out what God is telling us to do mean that God doesn’t really care what we do and doesn’t ordain what he wants us to do? (34:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH

Related Links:

Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (on decision making) by Greg Koukl

Interview: Sean McDowell – End the Stalemate Nov 01, 2024

Greg talks to Sean McDowell, author of End the Stalemate, about how cancel culture developed, communicating ideas well to others, dealing with your own biases, being charitable, steelmanning your opponent’s arguments, and more. Topics:

Interview: Sean McDowell, author of End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations by Sean McDowell
Greg Koukl and Michael Shermer at the End of the Decade of the New Atheists – Debate transcript
Sean McDowell and Matthew Vines on the Bible and Homosexuality – Video of the debate
Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Proverbs for Apologists by Amy Hall

The Problems with Prop 3 Oct 30, 2024

Greg talks to Jonathan Keller of California Family Council about the problematic “marriage equality” Prop 3 in California, then he discusses using our vote to do the most good we can, whether God takes sides, getting educated about what will actually do good, and more. Topics:

Interview: Jonathan Keller, president and CEO of California Family Council, about the problems with California’s Prop 3 (00:00)
Thoughts on politics and voting (31:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Related Links:

Getting “Political”—Vice or Christian Virtue? by Greg Koukl
Politics Is a Moral Enterprise by Greg Koukl
#STRask: What Biblical Principles Should Guide How We Vote?

How Can I Help Trauma Survivors See Things from God’s Perspective? Oct 25, 2024

Greg answers questions about helping trauma survivors think through their trauma biblically, giving to the point where your family has to go without things they need, passages about God loving individuals, and assumptions about communication to bring to the study of language. Topics:

In light of the existence of the soul, do you have any advice on how to help trauma survivors think through what they’ve experienced biblically and see things from God’s perspective? (03:00)
What are your thoughts on people giving above and beyond a tithe to the church to the point where the family has to go without things they need? (25:00)
Are there any passages that talk about God loving individuals personally as opposed to loving everyone in a general way? (36:00)
What assumptions about communication do we need to bring to the study of language, particularly to American Sign Language and other sign languages? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Interview: J.P. Moreland – The Substance of Consciousness

Spot the Shell Game in This Article on Abortion Bans Oct 23, 2024

Greg discusses the claim that abortion bans increase infant death rates, then he talks to callers about using probability numbers in teleological arguments and whether it’s worth trying to convince a church member who’s a former Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus is uncreated. Topics:

Commentary: Spot the shell game in this article on abortion bans. (00:00)
When it comes to the teleological argument, are apologists conceding it’s possible it could have happened on its own when they give a small probability number? (26:00)
Is it worth trying to convince a former Jehovah’s Witness in my church that Jesus is uncreated when he says he’s simply reading the Bible “as it is” and that arguments about language and context just complicate things? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH
Infants died at higher rates after abortion bans in the US, research shows by Deidre McPhillips
Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl

Is the A-Theory vs. B-Theory of Time a False Dichotomy? Oct 18, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether the A-theory vs. B-theory of time is a false dichotomy, why Jesus had to suffer before dying for our sin, gender dysphoria, and how we know we haven’t simply deluded ourselves into thinking we have good evidence for our faith. Topics:

Is the A-theory vs. B-theory of time a false dichotomy when it comes to God and his nature? (04:00)
If death was the penalty for sin, why did Jesus have to suffer before dying for our sin? What’s the biblical basis for suffering for sin? (20:00)
Toleration of gender dysphoria doesn’t make sense on three different grounds. (37:00)
How do we as believers know we haven’t simply deluded ourselves into thinking we have good evidence for our faith? Is there a way to independently verify that we’re seeing things objectively? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH
Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Why the Blood by Greg Koukl

Does God Hear the Prayer of the Unbeliever? Oct 16, 2024

Greg talks about whether or not God hears the prayer of the unbeliever, then he answers questions about what Matthew 21:21 means when it says you can make things happen if you have faith and do not doubt and how to know if you should leave a church or you’re being too critical. Topics:

Commentary: Does God hear the prayer of the unbeliever? (00:00)
What does Matthew 21:21 mean when it says that if you have faith and do not doubt, you can make things happen and receive things? (33:00)
Should I leave this church, or am I being too critical? (46:00)

You Need to Understand the Notion of Entailment Oct 11, 2024

Greg talks about the notion of entailment, then he talks to callers about how to respond to someone who says Christianity took ideas from older religions, whether or not there are still descendants of Abraham, and how to respond to someone who says God is transgender. Topics:

Commentary: You need to understand the notion of entailment. (00:00)
How would you answer people who say Christianity isn’t original, that it took ideas from other religions, and that other religions are older? (18:00)
Are there still descendants of Abraham? (37:00)
How would you respond to the claim that God is transgender? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Related Links:

Jesus, Recycled Redeemer? by Greg Koukl

Interview: Bobby Conway – Does Christianity Still Make Sense? Oct 09, 2024

Greg talks to Bobby Conway, author of Does Christianity Still Make Sense? about his past before he was a Christian, apologetics as a way of loving people, how to respond to various popular objections to Christianity, and more. Topics:

Interview: Bobby Conway, author of Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today’s Toughest Objections to Christianity (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today’s Toughest Objections to Christianity by Bobby Conway
Christianity Still makes Sense – Bobby Conway’s website
Doubting Toward Faith: The Journey to Confident Christianity by Bobby Conway
Bobby Conway’s YouTube channel

Related Links:

One Way or Any Way? Part 1 by Greg Koukl
One Way or Any Way? Part 2 by Greg Koukl

How Do We Know God Is Real? Oct 04, 2024

Greg answers questions about how we know God is real, when seeking God intellectually becomes a hindrance, what the Bible means when it says Jesus is “begotten,” whether the testing of Abraham was capricious and cruel, and the need for God to ground our rights. Topics:

In light of Greek mythology and evolution, how do we know the God of the Bible is real?(02:00)
When do you think seeking to know God intellectually becomes more of a hindrance than a help? (13:00)
What does the Bible mean when it says Jesus is the “firstborn” or “begotten”? (29:00)
Can you explain the testing of Abraham in Genesis 22 so that it doesn’t seem so cruel and capricious to me? (44:00)
How would you respond to an atheist who said we can’t have God-given rights because God doesn’t exist? (53:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Related Links:

“Belief In” vs. “Belief That” Oct 02, 2024

Greg talks about the difference between “belief in” and ”belief that,” then he talks to callers about an objection to probability arguments for design, whether it can be proved from Scripture that worship in Heaven won’t be forced, and help understanding the end times. Topics:

Commentary: “Belief in” vs. “belief that” (00:00)
How would you respond to someone who dismisses a probability argument for design by saying that probability doesn’t prove something is true? (21:00)
Can you prove from Scripture that worship in Heaven won’t be forced? (35:00)
Can you help me clarify what I should think about the end times? (43:00)

Related Links:

The Rap on the Rapture by Greg Koukl

Could Hebrews 6:4–8 Be Applied to a Former Believer? Sep 27, 2024

Greg answers questions about Hebrews 6:4–8 applying to a former believer, whether there’s anything in the universe that wouldn’t count as evidence for God, responding to King James Only, and whether feeling compelled to do something is an example of the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Topics:

Could Hebrews 6:4–8 be applied to someone who used to be a believer but isn’t anymore? (00:00)
What object, thing, idea, etc. is there in the universe that would not count as evidence for God? (27:00)
How do you respond to a King James Only person? (37:00)
How would you respond to someone who says that feeling compelled to help someone is an example of the Holy Spirit speaking to you? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James White

Related Links:

Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl

A List of Authoritative Books, Not an Authoritative List of Books Sep 25, 2024

Greg talks about the canon being a list of authoritative books rather than an authoritative list of books, then he talks to callers about feeling guilt about one’s blessings, a cordial exchange regarding abortion, and whether election and predestination are the same thing. Topics:

Commentary: A list of authoritative books, not an authoritative list of books (00:00)
Do you have any advice about feeling guilty about my blessings? (26:00)
A story about a cordial exchange regarding abortion. (41:00)
Are election and predestination the same thing? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Is the Shroud of Turin Real? Sep 20, 2024

Greg answers questions from callers about the Shroud of Turin, the difference between objective truth, proof, and a fact, how to talk to a spouse about speaking in tongues without hurting their feelings, and whether we can know why God is keeping Trump alive. Topics:

What do you think about the Shroud of Turin? (02:00)
What is the difference between an objective truth, a proof, and a fact, and is circular reasoning always fallacious? (24:00)
How do I talk to my wife about speaking in tongues without hurting her feelings and while remaining scriptural? (43:00)
What would you say to someone who says God is keeping Trump alive so his policies can keep America more in line with God’s morality? (52:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Advice for Young People Leaving Home Sep 18, 2024

Greg gives advice to young people on how to live well on their own, then he talks to a caller about the point of glory and honor and why we need to give it to God. Topics:

Commentary: Advice for young people leaving home (00:00)
What’s the point of glory and honor, and why do we need to give it to God? (39:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square by Natasha Crain
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
STR U Online Training
Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis

Related Links:

Ten Tips to Help Your Prayer Life by Greg Koukl
How I Pray...Even When It’s Hard by Greg Koukl
Tips for Developing a Habit of Bible Reading by Greg Koukl
How (and Why) to Make Habits, Not Just Resolutions by Amy Hall (quoting Joe Carter)
Why Would God Want Us to Praise Him? by Amy Hall (quoting C.S. Lewis)
How to Think about God Promoting His Own Glory by Amy Hall

An Interaction with a Mormon Sep 13, 2024

Greg talks to a caller about his interaction with a Mormon, then he answers questions about how he keeps his cool in debates, how to prove biblically that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man, and whether Jesus ever asked to be worshiped. Topics:

A caller reports back on his interaction with a Mormon. (02:00)
How do you keep your cool in debates? (16:00)
How can I prove biblically that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man? (31:00)
Did Jesus ever ask to be worshiped? (45:00)

Download the mp3... Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
Greg Koukl vs. John Baker: Do Moral Truths Exist?
Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl
Was Jesus Worshiped? by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Discussing “17 Points of the True Church” with Mormons by Amy Hall
Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall
Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall

Is Mormonism to Christianity as Christianity Is to Judaism? Sep 11, 2024

Greg talks about his New Zealand trip then answers questions about whether the creation of new fruits by farmers is an example of evolution, the definition of holiness, the definition of knowledge, and whether Mormonism is to Christianity as Christianity is to Judaism. Topics:

Commentary: Greg’s trip to New Zealand (00:00)
When farmers create new kinds of fruit, isn’t that evolution? (14:00)
What’s the definition of holiness? (25:00)
What’s the distinction between knowledge and wisdom? (36:00)
How would you respond to the claim that “Mormonism is to Christianity as Christianity is to Judaism”? (49:00)

Download the mp3... Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
STR U Online Training
When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square by Natasha Crain
STR Outposts
The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl
Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl

A Simple Case Against Atheism Aug 30, 2024

You’re betting your life on your answer to the question “Does God exist?” Greg considers what we can learn about the nature of reality simply by reflecting on two obvious facts that are available to everyone and then asking what best explains those two facts. Topics:

Message: You Bet Your Life: A Simple Case Against Atheism (08:00)
Things exist. (17:00)
Torturing babies for fun is wrong. (43:00)
What best explains these two facts? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner

Related Links:

Who Created God? by Amy Hall
Can a Non-Physical Being Affect the Physical World? by Amy Hall

Does a Private Commitment Create a Legitimate Marriage? Aug 28, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether a private commitment can create a legitimate marriage, what Romans 14:12 means when it says we’ll give an account to God, baby dedications for same-sex couples, and reaching a spouse for Christ when they’re skeptical of your faith. Topics:

If people make a commitment privately, is that a legitimate marriage? (06:00)
When Romans 14:12 says that “each one of us will give an account of himself to God,” does that mean something will be based on our good works? (26:00)
Is it wrong for a church to do a baby dedication for a same-sex couple? (36:00)
Any advice for reaching my husband for Christ when he thinks my recent return to the faith is just a temporary fix and doesn’t take it seriously? (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner
Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Is Morality Just Based on Society’s Definition of Human Flourishing? Aug 23, 2024

Greg answers questions about interpreting and using Paul’s list of qualifications for elders, the vetting process for church leaders and workers, what charismatics think about speaking in tongues, and the idea that morality is based on society’s definition of human flourishing. Topics:

Is everything on Paul’s list of qualifications for elders required, and how do you interpret the “husband of one wife” requirement? (04:00)
What should the vetting process be for church leaders and workers? (20:00)
Do charismatics say that speaking in tongues is speaking in a language that exists, or do they say it’s speaking words that only a spiritual gift can interpret? (31:00)
How would you respond to someone who says that morality is subjective, based on the society’s definition of human flourishing, and that we only feel an obligation not to go against it because of the consequences imposed by the society? (43:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner

Interview: David Halevy – Bring the Gospel Back to the Jewish People Aug 21, 2024

Greg talks to David Halevy about his outreach to Jews in Israel and his book, Returning the Favor, written to train people who want to share the gospel with Jewish people but don’t know how or are afraid of offending them. Topics:

Interview: David Halevy, author of Returning the Favor: An Ambassador's Guide to the Jewish People (00:00)
What is the biggest barrier Jews have to taking the gospel and Jesus as the Messiah seriously? (29:00)
Responding to “I’m just not interested in Jesus.” (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Apologetics on Mission Aug 16, 2024

Greg chats with Ben Clifton of Apologetics on Mission about his work training Christian leaders around the world, then he answers a question from a concerned mom about how to respond to a “queer prom” at a children’s museum where she frequently takes her children. Topics:

Interview: Ben Clifton, president of Apologetics on Mission (00:00)
Do you have any advice about how I should respond to a “queer prom” that will be held at a children’s museum where I frequently take my children? (39:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Apologetics on Mission
John Warwick Montgomery’s International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg
Be One of the 100
Greg’s Message to His School Board Regarding Proposed Sex Ed Curriculum by Greg Koukl
Paul Carden’s CFAR (Greg mistakenly referred to this as CARM)

What Should I Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Like Organized Religion? Aug 14, 2024

Greg answers questions about Jesus’ commands, what it means to follow Jesus, responding to someone who doesn’t like organized religion, the reasonableness of the Trinity, and whether belief in an eternal Hell is essential to the Christian faith. Topics:

How many commands does Jesus have? (02:00)
How would you respond to someone who said, “What does it mean to follow Jesus—not STR or any other organization, but Jesus”? (09:00)
What would you say to someone who says he doesn’t like organized religion? (16:00)
How should I respond to someone who thinks the Trinity is unreasonable? (33:00)
Why don’t you think belief in an eternal Hell is essential to the Christian faith? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
A Simple Survey to Help Initiate Spiritual Conversations by Greg Koukl
Hell Interrupted Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Why Isn’t the Holy Spirit More Active in His People? Aug 09, 2024

Greg answers questions from callers about why the Holy Spirit isn’t more active in his people, whether monotheism is essential to the Christian faith, feeling like giving up at the end of one’s life, why we arrange worship services the way we do, and the transcendental argument. Topics:

Why isn’t the Holy Spirit more active in his people? Why doesn’t he prevent divisions in the body of Christ? (04:00)
Is monotheism essential to the Christian faith? (18:00)
I’m old, tired, and in pain, and I just feel like giving up. (31:00)
Is there a reason why we arrange our worship services the way we do? (42:00)
What do you think about the transcendental argument for the existence of God? (52:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl

A Conversation About Hell and the Gospel Aug 07, 2024

Greg describes a conversation he had with someone about Hell and the gospel, then he answers questions about what to look out for when hiring a new pastor, whether or not it’s wrong to use instruments in worship, and why Greg ended up getting married later in life. Topics:

Commentary: A conversation about Hell and the gospel (00:00)
What should our church look out for when hiring a new pastor? (29:00)
How would you respond to someone who says it’s wrong to use instruments in worship? (41:00)
Why did you end up getting married later in life? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner
STR Outposts

Related Links:

#STRask: What Questions Should I Ask Pastors When Looking for a New Church?

There Are No Bible Verses Aug 02, 2024

Greg talks about not interpreting Bible verses out of context as if they were originally written as discrete verses, then he answers a question about whether inclusivism is true or people need to know and trust in Jesus to be saved. Topics:

Commentary: There are no verses in the Bible. (00:00)
Do Protestants still disagree with Catholics on whether or not people need to know and believe in Jesus to be saved? (36:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner
One Way or Any Way – Part 1 and Part 2

Interview: J. Warner Wallace – The Truth in True Crime Jul 31, 2024

Greg talks to J. Warner Wallace, author of The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life, about the Christian worldview and human flourishing—the nature of wisdom, stable identity formation, selflessness and humility, and more. Topics:

Interview: J. Warner Wallace, author of The Truth in True Crime (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

J. Warner Wallace
The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life by J. Warner Wallace
Operation Heal Our Patriots

Differences Between Protestants and Catholics Jul 26, 2024

Greg talks to callers about differences between Protestants and Catholics, whether Jesus ever told people to worship him, how to tell if an experience was spiritual, emotional, or demonic, whether or not Greg is a cessationist and why, and how to reach nominal Christians. Topics:

Can you explain the differences between Protestants and Catholics? (00:00)
Did Jesus ever tell people to worship him? (15:00)
Is this sensation I’m experiencing something spiritual, something emotional, or something demonic? (28:00)
Are you a cessationist, and what is the reasoning behind your position? (38:00)
How do I reach nominal Christians? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Related Links:

The “Gospel for Believers” in 3 Quick Verses by Greg Koukl
Did Jesus Receive Worship? by Tim Barnett
Another Claim to Deity? by Amy Hall
Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl

What Is Humility? Jul 24, 2024

Greg talks about the nature and importance of humility, then he answers questions about whether we can determine which writings are Scripture just by looking at those writings and whether the fact that the Catholic church chose the canon is evidence of their authority. Topics:

Commentary: What is humility? (00:00)
Can we determine which writings are Scripture just by looking at those writings, and since the Catholic Church was the first to recognize the books of the Bible, shouldn’t that mean they are the ones with authority? (34:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Related Links:

Is Sola Scriptura Self-Refuting?

The Bible Doesn’t Have a Second-Level Spiritual Meaning Jul 19, 2024

Greg responds to the idea that the Bible has a second-level spiritual meaning you have to find, then he answers questions about “once saved, always saved,” apologetics in the evangelical church, and what it means to number our days if we’re already either elect or non-elect. Topics:

Commentary: The Bible doesn’t have a second-level spiritual meaning. (00:00)
What does the Bible have to say about the doctrine of “once saved, always saved”? (23:00)
Do you think there’s a lack of apologetics in the evangelical church today? (37:00)
Why should we number our days if we’re already either elect or non-elect? How can we have a healthy fear of the Lord if we believe Calvinism is true? (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God by Kevin DeYoung

Related Links:

Silly Putty Bible Study by Greg Koukl

Don’t Presume You Know God’s Intentions Jul 17, 2024

Greg responds to the claims Christians are making about the failed assassination of Trump, then he talks to callers about moral vs. political issues, talking to LDS missionaries, having peace about lost loved ones, and loving LDS neighbors when you’re angry about harm caused by their religion. Topics:

Commentary: Don’t presume you know God’s intentions. (00:00)
What is the difference between a moral issue and a political issue? (20:00)
What should I say to Mormon missionaries who still want to talk to me after hearing my objections to Mormonism? (30:00)
When we’re in Heaven and know fully, will we have peace about our friends and family members who rejected the gospel? (46:00)
How can I love my Mormon neighbors when I’m angry about their false religion hurting my family? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall
Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall
Is It Possible Some Mormons Are Saved? by Amy Hall

Nothing Is Wrong with the World if There Is No God Jul 12, 2024

Greg talks about why atheists can’t say something is wrong with the world, then he answers questions about children going to Heaven, a good Bible for New Agers, repeating numbers in the Bible, medication in the Bible, and whether the church is really the “bride of Christ.” Topics:

Commentary: Nothing is wrong with the world if there is no God. (00:00)
If children die before the age of accountability, do they go to Heaven? (05:00)
Can you recommend a Bible for someone who has been affected by New Age beliefs? (13:00)
How do I respond to those who say the Bible seems less true because there are so many repeating numbers in it? (33:00)
How does the Bible address the use of medication and pharmacies? (39:00)
Is the church really the “bride of Christ”? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
When a Baby Dies by Ronald Nash
STR U Online Training
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

The Surprise of Death Jul 10, 2024

Greg reflects on the surprise of death and the surprise of what many will experience on the other side, then he talks to callers about whether mental illnesses exist and whether dispensational and Reformed views teach the same gospel. Topics:

Commentary: The surprise of death (00:00)
Do mental illnesses exist? (26:00)
Do dispensational and Reformed views teach the same gospel? (44:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Is the Bible Sufficient? by Greg Koukl
Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
The Bible: Fast Forward – DVD (Also available as a digital download)

Will Steak Be on the Menu in Heaven? Jul 05, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether steak will be on the menu in Heaven, a Christian high school requiring students to use the Enneagram in a class, and questions to ask a New Ager who is big on “spirituality” but doesn’t like the cross or the forgiveness of sins. Topics:

Will steak be on the menu in Heaven? (02:00)
How would you approach staff at a Christian high school where students are required to take a “life calling” class that uses the Enneagram? (29:00)
What questions should I ask a New Ager who is big on “spirituality” but doesn’t like the cross and the concept of the forgiveness of sins? (40:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

There’s No Silver Bullet Jul 03, 2024

Greg talks about how some questions about how to reach people are just hard to figure out, then he answers questions about who created God, using apologetics with someone who is mentally ill and hostile towards Christianity, and the best way to do corporate prayer. Topics:

Commentary: There’s no silver bullet. (00:00)
If the universe had to have a cause, then who created God? (17:00)
How do you recommend using apologetics with someone who is mentally ill and hostile towards Christianity? (37:00)
Do you have any thoughts on the best way to do corporate prayer so that it’s more effective and joyful? (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Related Links:

Who Created God? by Amy Hall
A Simple Explanation of the Cosmological Argument by Amy Hall
Why You Shouldn’t Lose Heart When Prayer Is Difficult by Amy Hall (quoting John Newton)
Prayer Begins with Hope in God by Amy Hall

How to Be a Good Ambassador for Christ to Muslims Jun 28, 2024

Guest Host: Alan Shlemon Alan Shlemon talks about how to be a good ambassador for Christ to Muslims, the largest unreached people group on the planet, explaining their foundational objection to Christianity and how to address it, three things you need to engage them, and more. Topics:

Our identity and job as ambassadors for Christ (00:00)
Step one: Learn about Islam (12:00)
The three primary authoritative sources in Islam (14:00)
Muslim views on Jesus and jihad (22:00)
Step two: Engage Muslims—three things you need (38:00)
How to respond to the foundational objection that the Bible is corrupted (39:00)
Who the real enemy is and what our job is (48:00)
Q&A (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

A Closer Look at Islam by Alan Shlemon
The Life of Muhammad by Ibn Ishaq
The Ambassador’s Guide to Islam by Alan Shlemon

Related Links:

Jihad and War in Islam and Christianity by Alan Shlemon
How to Reach Your Muslim Neighbor by Alan Shlemon
The Cross Is Good News for Muslims by Alan Shlemon

How Do We Connect with God in a Way That’s Biblically Sound? Jun 26, 2024

Greg responds to a request for advice on how to move from a “listening for the voice of God” view to connecting with God in a way that’s biblically sound, discussing stages of Christian maturity and explaining how God matures Christians through suffering. Topics:

What advice would you give to someone who’s transitioning from a “listening for the voice of God” view to connecting with God in a way that is biblically sound? (01:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Ambassador’s Guide to the Voice of God (booklet) by Greg Koukl
Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl
Newton on the Christian Life by Tony Reinke
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
Newton on How You Can Be Deceived While Reading the Bible by Amy Hall
Meaningful Suffering by Amy Hall (includes the hymn by John Newton on God’s use of suffering to mature Christians)

Related Links:

Why You Shouldn’t Lose Heart When Prayer Is Difficult by Amy Hall (quoting John Newton)
God’s Amazing Grace Could Only Have Been Revealed in a Fallen World by Amy Hall (on John Newton’s life)

Don’t Give Your Kid a Smartphone Jun 21, 2024

Guest Host: Jonathan Noyes Jon talks about the negative effects of social media on mental health and gives tips for raising kids in this culture, then he answers questions about why God redeemed humans and whether or not we still have a responsibility to preach the gospel to all nations. Topics:

Commentary: Don’t give your kid a smartphone. (00:00)
Why do you think God chose to redeem human beings when he didn’t need to? (27:00)
Do we still have a responsibility to preach the gospel to all nations, and was it wrong for the missionary who was recently killed along with his wife in Haiti to have brought her with him to a dangerous place? (26:00)
Commentary: More on how smartphones affect mental health and other societal problems (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
STR U Online Training
Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier
#STRask podcast with Greg and Amy
STR Outposts

Action Beats Intention Jun 19, 2024

Greg talks about the satisfaction of having done something useful, then he answers questions about advancing the truth with an unbelieving wife and whether withholding sex from a spouse is grounds for divorce. Topics:

Commentary: Action beats intention. (00:00)
If you were in my situation, how would you advance the truth of Christianity with your unbelieving wife? (12:00)
Does Paul indicate that withholding sex from your spouse is a sexual sin that could be grounds for divorce? (31:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas

Related Links:

The Beauty of Submission by Amy Hall
The Beauty of Leadership by Amy Hall

Are Science and Faith Compatible? Jun 13, 2024

Guest Host: Tim Barnett Tim Barnett discusses the compatibility of faith and science by first defining “faith” and “science” and then exploring the three problems a naturalist has to overcome in order to explain how even a single, small protein could come about on its own by chance. Topics:

What is faith? (05:00)
What is science? (13:00)
How do we explain the existence of functional proteins? (32:00)
The chirality problem for naturalists (37:00)
The bonding problem for naturalists (40:00)
The sequence problem for naturalists (45:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Related Links:

Can Science Explain Everything? by John Lennox
Why Intelligent Design Isn’t a God-of-the-Gaps Argument by Tim Barnett
Why Intelligent Design Is an Argument from Knowledge, Not Ignorance by Amy Hall (quoting Stephen Meyer)
Building a Protein by Chance by Tim Barnett

Don’t Participate in Pagan Ceremonies Jun 12, 2024

Greg answers questions from callers about participating in “smudging ceremonies” at a pastor’s training session and whether an apparent contradiction could reach a level where it became evidence against that Gospel being an eyewitness account. Topics:

Should Christians be participating in “smudging ceremonies” to release our bad energies (as we were asked to do in a pastor’s training session), and how should we be reaching out to indigenous people in places like Canada? (03:00)
If apparent contradictions offer evidence of authentic eyewitness accounts, is there a level of contradiction that would hurt the case, like Matthew 8 contradicting Mark 5 in the number of demoniacs helped by Jesus? (37:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Smudging Protocols and Guidelines for Schools – Information on smudging
Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace

People No Longer Know What the ”Final Solution” Was Jun 07, 2024

Greg talks about people no longer knowing about the Nazi phrase “Final Solution,” then he talks to callers about questions to ask an atheist family member who’s extremely moral and how to respond to someone who says they have a message from God for you. Topics:

Commentary: People no longer know what the “Final Solution” was. (00:00)
Do you have any advice for questions I can ask my atheist brother who’s extremely moral? (17:00)
How should I respond to someone who says they have a message for me from God? (41:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Conspiracy – Film about the meeting where the Nazis planned their “Final Solution”
Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed by Douglas Axe
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl

What to Say to a Consistent Moral Relativist Jun 05, 2024

Greg chats with Frank Turek about CIA, then he answers questions about what to say to a consistent moral relativist, whether a lack of persecution indicates anything about a person’s Christianity, and where the Bible says you can’t lose your salvation. Topics:

Commentary: Greg talks to Frank Turek about the upcoming CrossExamined Instructor Academy. (00:00)
How should I talk to someone who is consistent about denying objective morality? (18:00)
Does the fact that I haven’t suffered any persecution say anything about my Christianity? (27:00)
Where in the Bible does it say you can’t lose your salvation? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

CrossExamined Instructor Academy – August 1–3, Charlotte, NC
#STRask podcast with Greg and Amy
How to Be Sure You’re Saved by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Losing Your Salvation in Ephesians 1:14–3 by Amy Hall

How Many Ancient Copies of the Quran Exist? May 31, 2024

Guest Host: Alan Shlemon Alan answers questions about ancient copies of the Quran, an intersex person unintentionally entering into a homosexual relationship, whether Deuteronomy’s apostasy law is the same as Islam’s, and how to respond to companies during Pride Month. Topics:

Do you know how many ancient copies of the Quran exist? (01:00)
How would you advise an intersex person who fears their parents may have chosen the wrong sex for them and is worried about unintentionally entering into a homosexual relationship? (25:00)
Is the law in Deuteronomy 13:6–10 about putting apostates to death the same as the law of apostasy in Islam? (36:00)
How should we respond to sports teams, coffee shops, etc. during Pride Month? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth

How Can Anyone Have Assurance of Salvation? May 29, 2024

Greg answers questions about how we can have assurance of salvation in light of Jeremiah 17:9 and Matthew 7:21–23, whether someone with a phobia of water needs to get baptized by full immersion, and whether the devil could go back to Heaven if he repented. Topics:

In light of Jeremiah 17:9 and Matthew 7:21–23, how can anyone have assurance of salvation? (04:00)
Would God require someone with a phobia of water to get baptized by full immersion, or is sprinkling on the head enough? (44:00)
If the devil told God he was sorry and did kind things, would he go back to Heaven or stay in Hell? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Stand to Reason’s Ambassador’s Creed
God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement by Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec
Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Related Links:

Faith and Works: Paul vs. James by Greg Koukl

How Jesus Practiced Apologetics May 24, 2024

Guest Hosts: Tim Barnett and Robby Lashua Tim and Robby talk about how Jesus practiced apologetics, then they answer questions about which day Jesus was crucified on, what you should do when someone asks a question you don’t know the answer to, and whether psychiatry is against God. Topics:

Commentary: How Jesus practiced apologetics (05:00)
What does Sam Harris mean when he says the Gospels contradict each other on which day Jesus was crucified, and how would you respond? (28:00)
What do you do when someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to? (49:00)
Is psychiatry against God? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
STR U Online Training
STR Outposts
CrossExamined Instructor Academy
Red Pen Logic with Mr. B
Did John Contradict Mark on the Day Jesus Died?

Is a Second Marriage as Illegitimate as a Same-Sex Marriage? May 22, 2024

Greg answers Open Mic questions about whether a second marriage is as illegitimate as a same-sex marriage, attending services that have elements you disagree with, and whether feelings of morality are simply the result of evolution. Topics:

Is a second marriage for a Christian as illegitimate as a same-sex marriage? (04:00)
Should we not attend funeral masses where we disagree with what’s happening in the service? (21:00)
How would you respond to an atheist who says our feelings of morality are just evolved tribal protectiveness? (34:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

What the Bible Says about Divorce and Remarriage by Wayne Grudem

A Mission Trip to New Agers May 17, 2024

Guest Host: Robby Lashua Robby talks about taking high schoolers on a mission trip to New Agers, then he answers questions about applying 2 Corinthians 10:5, escaping from sins, public versus Catholic school, whether Jesus had a pet, and whether Jesus loves us more than the Father does. Topics:

Commentary: A mission trip to New Agers (00:00)
How is 2 Corinthians 10:5 to be applied within a group of Christians? (19:00)
How does apologetics help us escape from sins that have a grip on us? (29:00)
What are your thoughts on public school versus Catholic school? (34:00)
Do you think Jesus had a pet? (44:00)
Does Jesus love us more than the Father does? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

STR Outposts
Four Questions about the Love of God to Ask Jehovah’s Witnesses by Robby Lashua
STR U Online Training

Related Links:

What Motivates Sin (and How to Fight It) by Amy Hall
A Warning to Apologists about Sin by Amy Hall

Interview: Titus Kennedy – The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands May 15, 2024

Guest Host: Robby Lashua Robby talks to archaeologist Titus Kennedy, author of The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands: Uncovering Biblical Sites of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean World, about archaeological finds that shed light on various Old Testament accounts. Topics:

Interview: Titus Kennedy, author of The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Related Links:

Interview: Titus Kennedy – Excavating the Evidence for Jesus
Archaeological Evidence for the Exodus – Greg interviews Titus Kennedy and Stephen Meyer

We Were Enemies of God May 10, 2024

Greg talks about how we were enemies of God before we were reconciled to him through the atonement, then he answers questions about how to determine a guest pastor’s theology and whether all Christians ought to embrace Jewish traditions. Topics:

Commentary: We were enemies of God. (00:00)
Can you suggest a few questions to help determine the theology of a guest pastor who will be speaking at our youth retreat and is possibly progressive? (23:00)
If Christianity truly is the fulfillment of covenantal Judaism, then why don’t all Christians embrace truly Jewish traditions? (40:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Why the Blood? by Greg Koukl
Subscribe to Solid Ground
The Bible: Fast Forward by Greg Koukl
Faithfulness Is Not Theologically Complicated by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

#STRask: What Questions Should I Ask Pastors When Looking for a New Church?
Why We’re Not Under the Mosaic Law by Amy Hall
Should Followers of Christ Observe the Torah? by Amy Hall
How Does the Old Testament Law Apply to Christians Today? by Greg Koukl
The Law Is Good by Amy Hall

Jesus Revolution and the Jesus Movement May 08, 2024

Greg chats about Jesus Revolution after finally seeing it, then he talks to a caller about good questions to ask an agnostic friend and answers a question about why he says Jesus saved us from the Father rather than from our sins. Topics:

Commentary: Jesus Revolution and the Jesus Movement (00:00)
What are some good questions I can ask an agnostic friend? (25:00)
Why would you say Jesus was saving us from the Father rather than from our sin, as if the Father were our enemy? (36:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

What Should I Say to Someone Who’s Apathetic? May 03, 2024

Greg responds to questions he received about speaking to someone who’s apathetic and the Spirit’s role in evangelism, then he talks to callers about whether churches need a lead pastor, Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46, and answering a Mormon’s objections to the Trinity. Topics:

Commentary: What should I say to someone who’s apathetic? (00:00)
Even if we have several rotating preaching pastors, should we still have a lead pastor guiding the church? (20:00)
Why didn’t you include Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” in your Solid Ground on the atonement? (28:00)
How should I respond to a Mormon who challenges the Trinity by claiming it’s an extra-biblical concept created by the Council of Nicea and by asking who Jesus was praying to if he’s God? (38:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Why the Blood? by Greg Koukl
Red Pen Logic with Mr. B
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
The Trinity: A Solution, Not a Problem Part 1 and Part 2

Thoughts on “The Chosen” May 01, 2024

Greg gives his thoughts on the good and bad of The Chosen, then he talks to callers about whether Hell is simply the absence of God and whether it’s inappropriate to speak with a pastor about his unbiblical teaching and the direction of his church if he isn’t your pastor. Topics:

Commentary: Thoughts on The Chosen (09:00)
What do you think of my idea that Hell is not so much the presence of something as it is the absence of Someone? (38:00)
Is it inappropriate to speak with a pastor about his unbiblical teaching and the direction of his church if he isn’t your pastor? (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Christ Child: A Nativity Story – Short film

How Does the Holy Spirit Communicate with Believers? Apr 26, 2024

Greg answers questions about how the Holy Spirit communicates with believers, giving prophetic words to people, resources on Christian nationalism, whether Satan is at work in the world, increasing our aggressiveness in this culture, and Ray Comfort’s approach. Topics:

How does the Holy Spirit communicate with believers? (00:00)
What can I do to soften someone’s heart who has rejected the prophetic word I received for them? (15:00)
Can you recommend any resources on the topic of Christian nationalism? (25:00)
How should I respond to someone who says Satan is no longer at work in the world? (35:00)
Has the time come for us to be more aggressive with our apologetics in order to be heard by the culture? (44:00)
What are your thoughts on Ray Comfort’s approach to evangelism, and how does it differ from the approach you would take? (50:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Ambassador’s Guide to the Voice of God (booklet) by Greg Koukl
Decision Making and the Will of God – Audio by Greg Koukl
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl

Why the Apocrypha Is Not Part of the Canon Apr 24, 2024

Greg explains why the Apocrypha isn’t part of the canon, then he talks to callers about what to say to a good pastor who has been taking verses out of context and thoughts on cessationism. Topics:

Commentary: Why the apocrypha is not part of the canon (00:00)
How should I approach a pastor I love about taking verses out of context? (26:00)
What do you think about cessationism? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry
Why Jesus Rebuked Doubting Thomas by Greg Koukl

When Should You Interpret a Passage of Scripture Symbolically? Apr 19, 2024

Greg answers questions about interpreting Scripture symbolically, distinguishing between the Lord’s discipline and suffering, how to get over a fear of talking about your faith, and whether Jesus was separated from the other persons of the Trinity on the cross. Topics:

When should I interpret a passage of Scripture symbolically? (01:00)
What are your thoughts on the discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:4–11) vs. suffering we should push back on? (18:00)
How can people get over their irrational fear of talking to others about their faith? (31:00)
Is there any indication in the Bible that Jesus was separated from the other two persons of the Trinity as a result of the sin of humanity being placed on him? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
A Simple Survey to Help Initiate Spiritual Conversations by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Do We Have a Right to End Our Own Lives? Apr 17, 2024

Greg talks about a case in the Netherlands where a 28-year-old woman who doesn’t want to live is planning to be euthanized, then he answers a question about how you can “trust in the Lord with all your heart” when our hearts are wicked. Topics:

Commentary: Do we have a right to end our own lives? (00:00)
How do you “trust in the Lord with all your heart” when our hearts are wicked? (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

‘I’m 28. And I’m Scheduled to Die in May.’ by Rupa Subramanya
The age limit for euthanasia requests in the Netherlands: a Delphi study among paediatric experts – Journal of Medical Ethics
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA

They Are Waking up to Reality Apr 12, 2024

Greg talks about the current trend of people realizing their values can’t be sustained by an atheist worldview, then he answers questions about a common ancestor and transitional forms, prayer and God’s predestined plan, and advice for praying with OCD. Topics:

Commentary: They are waking up to reality. (00:00)
Do you agree with William Lane Craig that there’s evidence for a common ancestor and transitional forms? (10:00)
How effective are our prayers and petitions if God’s plan is predestined? Does God ever alter his plan because of our prayers, or are our prayers only answered when they’re already in line with God’s plan? (34:00)
Do you have any advice for me as I try to pray with OCD and feel like I have to get my words exactly right? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again by Justin Brierley

The Unique Nature of a Total Eclipse of the Sun Apr 10, 2024

Greg reflects on the unique nature of a total eclipse and his experience seeing one yesterday, then he describes conversations he had with people about Christianity while he was traveling and answers a question about the slippery slope fallacy. Topics:

Commentary: The unique nature of a total eclipse of the sun. (10:00)
Commentary: Two conversations (28:00)
If someone says he was born gay and we must just accept it, would it be a slippery slope fallacy to respond by saying that by that logic we would have to accept the idea that a murderer must be accepted because it’s who he is? (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
STR U Online Training
Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
STR Outposts
The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos Is Designed for Discovery by Jay W. Richards and Guillermo Gonzales

When It Comes to the Atonement, People Do Not Take the Blood Seriously Apr 05, 2024

Greg discusses what the Bible says about penal substitutionary atonement, then he answers questions about what to do if your pastor secretly holds to pro-LGBTQ theology and why God no longer gives direct messages to people like he did in the Old Testament. Topics:

Commentary: When it comes to the atonement, people do not take the blood seriously. (05:00)
If you find out your pastor secretly holds to pro-LGBTQ theology, should you expose him to the church or leave quietly? (23:00)
Do you think people in the Old Testament got direct messages from God (through the prophets, etc.), and if so, why has this changed now? Has the Bible replaced the old means of communication? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

STR U Online Training
The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl
The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings: J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams by Philip and Carol Zaleski

Related Links:

Gay or Straight, We All Must Decide if We Love Jesus above All Else by Amy Hall
Be Willing to Submit to Our Good God on the Issue of Homosexuality by Amy Hall

Dawkins Says He’s a Cultural Christian Apr 03, 2024

Greg talks about how Dawkins’s objections to Islam don’t make sense within his own worldview, then he answers a question from a caller about how a person can say something is right or wrong if they don’t believe in God. Topics:

Commentary: Dawkins says he’s a cultural Christian. (00:00)
How can a person say something is right or wrong if they don't believe in God? (40:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Famous atheist says he identifies as a ‘cultural Christian’ and is ‘horrified’ by promotion of Islamic holiday by Hannah Grossman
Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God to Make Their Case by Frank Turek
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
Greg’s interview with Justin Brierley
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again by Justin Brierley
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA

You Can Challenge Mandatory DEI Trainings Mar 29, 2024

Greg talks about how religious accommodations are possible when it comes to DEI trainings, then he answers questions about restoring a friendship that broke up over theology and whether John 3:13 indicates Jesus was in Heaven while he was on earth. Topics:

Commentary: You can challenge mandatory DEI trainings. (00:00)
What can I do to restore a relationship with a friend who ended our friendship because I disagree with his Calvinism? (21:00)
Does John 3:13 indicate Jesus was in Heaven during the time he was also on earth? (41:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Can Religious Employees Challenge Mandated DEI Trainings? by Jorge Gomez for First Liberty
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James White

Greg’s Conversation with a Catholic on a Plane Mar 27, 2024

Greg recounts a conversation he had with a Catholic campus ministry director on a plane, then he answers a question about rebaptism. Topics:

Commentary: Greg’s conversation with a Catholic on a plane (00:00)
What do you think about rebaptism? (38:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA

Why Is the Question of Significance so Important? Mar 22, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether one must believe in eternal generation to be saved, why the question of significance is so important, reconciling Matthew 7:21–23 with grace, and justifying self-defense in light of Jesus telling us to turn the other cheek. Topics:

Is my salvation at stake if I don’t believe in eternal generation, contrary to the Athanasian Creed? (01:00)
Why is the question of significance the most important question facing America today? (11:00)
How do you reconcile Matthew 7:21–23 (“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven”) with other verses, like Ephesians 2:8–9, that describe a gospel of grace? (23:00)
Taking into consideration Matthew 5:38–39, where Jesus says to turn the other cheek, how do we justify self-defense? (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders
Retrieving Eternal Generation – Edited by Fred Sanders and Scott Swain
Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA

The Sudden Finality of Death Mar 20, 2024

Greg reflects on the sudden finality of death and what that means for how we should live, then he answers questions about whether the Apocrypha was in the Bible for 1,000 years before Protestants removed it and whether Jesus had a soul. Topics:

Commentary: The sudden finality of death (00:00)
Was the Apocrypha in the Bible for 1,000 years before Protestants removed it? (30:00)
Why would Jesus need a soul, and did he have one? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry

Related Links:

Are Jesus’ Two Natures Compatible? by Melinda Penner

You Can’t Hope for Something You Know Won’t Happen Mar 15, 2024

Greg discusses the Pope’s statement about hoping Hell is empty, then he talks to callers about how to have good conversations with a Jehovah’s Witness, Dallas Willard’s book on the spiritual disciplines, and a follow-up call about an atheist vs. Christian dialogue at a church. Topics:

Commentary: You can’t hope for something you know won’t happen. (00:00)
How can I stay on the same page with my brother when we’re discussing his Jehovah’s Witness beliefs? (08:00)
What’s your opinion on Dallas Willard’s book on the spiritual disciplines? (33:00)
A follow-up call on a dialogue between an atheist and a Christian that was held at a church. (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Being Tactical with Jehovah’s Witnesses by Tim Barnett
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
The previous call about the atheist vs. Christian dialogue

Related Links:

Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl
Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl
The Ambassador’s Guide to the Voice of God (booklet) by Greg Koukl

Love Does Not Rejoice in the Unrighteousness of Same-Sex Weddings Mar 13, 2024

Greg explains why not attending a same-sex wedding is not just a matter of conscience, answers challenges to his comments last week on original sin, and responds to arguments for Catholicism. Topics:

Commentary: Love does not rejoice in the unrighteousness of same-sex weddings. (00:00)
Were your answers to my questions about original sin contradictory? (27:00)
How would you respond to these arguments for Catholicism that are attracting my friend? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Questions about Original Sin – Last week’s episode referenced by first caller
When a Baby Dies by Ronald Nash

Related Links:

Should a Christian Attend a Same-Sex Wedding? by Alan Shlemon

Separation of Church and State Doesn’t Mean This Mar 08, 2024

Greg talks about people misusing the idea of “separation of church and state” to punish ideological disagreement, then he answers questions about responding to “anyone who doesn’t believe just like you goes to Hell,” using preferred names, and hypnotism. Topics:

Commentary: Separation of church and state doesn’t mean this. (00:00)
Is there a quick way to answer someone who asks if we think anyone who doesn’t believe just like us will go to Hell? (23:00)
When a student wants to use a name other than their given name, where’s the line between using the name of a different gender and just taking on a nickname? (42:00)
Would it be okay for Christians to make use of hypnotism to overcome addictions? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Iron Curtain Diary
Indiana parents warn nation after child is removed from home for improper pronoun usage: ‘Can happen anywhere’by Kendall Tietz

Related Links:

Why Agree to Use Preferred Names but Not Preferred Pronouns? by Amy Hall
Why Pronouns Matter…a Lot by Greg Koukl

Questions about Original Sin Mar 06, 2024

Greg answers Open Mic questions about whether embryonic human beings are unsaved, innocent, or saved, how Jesus could have been tempted to sin if the inclination to sin comes from a corrupt human nature, how Christ could have not had a corrupt human nature, and whether clones are fallen. Topics:

Is the two-celled human being unsaved and condemned to Hell, innocent, or saved with eternal life? If you think infants are saved, but you believe in original sin and guilt, then by what means is that infant saved? (00:00)
If the inclination to sin comes from a corrupt human nature, then how could Jesus have been tempted to sin? (39:00)
If true humanity involves having a corrupt human nature, then how could Christ not have a corrupt human nature? And if it’s because Jesus didn’t have a human father, do clones not have a corrupt human nature because they don’t have a biological father? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
When a Baby Dies by Ronald Nash
Hell Interrupted Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Critical Theory’s Oppression by Ideology Mar 01, 2024

Greg answers a question about critical theory and relativism, comments on the idea of oppression by ideology, and answers questions about whether it’s okay for a Christian to own a gun and how a husband should navigate having a wife who thinks he’s unintelligent. Topics:

Is critical theory related to relativism? (02:00)
Commentary: Critical theory’s oppression by ideology (22:00)
Is there a biblical reason for a Christian to own a gun, and would it be okay for him to use it? (28:00)
How should I navigate fulfilling my biblical role as a husband when my wife thinks I’m unintelligent? (37:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer
Neil Shenvi: Are Social Justice, Critical Theory, and Christianity Compatible? – Video

Related Links:

Interview: Neil Shenvi on Critical Theory – On the STR podcast

How Today’s Parenting Is Hurting Kids Feb 28, 2024

Greg talks about how today’s parenting is hurting kids, then he answers questions from callers about whether it’s okay for a church to host a debate with an atheist and what to say to someone who rejects God because of things the church has done. Topics:

Commentary: How today’s parenting is hurting kids (00:00)
Is it wrong for a church to host a debate between an apologist and an atheist since a Christian might be swayed by the atheist’s arguments? (39:00)
What can I say to someone who rejects God because of things the church has done? (51:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

How touchy-feely parenting and therapy have created the loneliest, most helpless, depressed, and fearful young people ever by Abigail Shrier
Temple Grandin film
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Order the Reality live stream
Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace

Interview: J.P. Moreland – The Substance of Consciousness Feb 23, 2024

Greg talks to J.P. Moreland, author of The Substance of Consciousness, about the significance of the topic of our souls, developing our soul, reasons to think we have a soul, whether we could be in a simulation, machines becoming conscious, and more. Topics:

Interview: J.P. Moreland, author of The Substance of Consciousness: A Comprehensive Defense of Contemporary Substance Dualism (00:00)
What’s the significance of this discussion for Christians? (14:00)
What is a soul, and what does having a soul mean for developing virtue in that soul? (22:00)
Why think we have a soul? (34:00)
Do you think souls are gendered? (50:00)
Are we in a simulation? (51:00)
If machines ever become conscious, would that prove we don’t have a soul? (53:00)
Quick thoughts on near death experiences (56:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

J.P. Moreland’s Website
The Substance of Consciousness: A Comprehensive Defense of Contemporary Substance Dualism by J.P. Moreland
The Soul: How We Know It's Real and Why It Matters by J.P. Moreland (This is the one to read if you’re starting out on this topic.)
Body & Soul: Human Nature the Crisis in Ethics by J.P. Moreland and Scott Rae
Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality by J.P. Moreland and Gary Habermas

Interview: Natasha Crain on the “He Gets Us” Campaign Feb 21, 2024

Greg talks to Natasha Crain about her insightful article on the “He Gets Us” campaign, examining the view of Jesus promoted by the campaign, the message of the foot washing Super Bowl commercial, and the four questions Natasha used to evaluate the campaign. Topics:

Interview: Natasha Crain on the “He Gets Us” campaign (00:00)
What view of Jesus are they promoting? (14:00)
What’s the message of the foot washing commercial? (20:00)
The four questions Natasha used to evaluate the campaign (29:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Natasha Crain’s website
“He Gets Us” campaign
Here Comes the He Gets Us Campaign Again: Why Its Portrayal of Jesus is Still a Problem by Natasha Crain
7 Problems with the He Gets Us Campaign by Natasha Crain
Faithfully Different: Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture by Natasha Crain
The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl
Sean McDowell’s interview with Ed Stetzer on “He Gets Us”
The Christian Super Bowl Ad They Should Have Made by Jamie Bambrick (“He Saves Us”)

Is God in Hell? Feb 16, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether God is in Hell, whether a prayer request is more likely to be answered if a lot of people are praying, whether any physical component to the UFO phenomenon would be a physical manifestation of a demon, and how to respond to arguments for relative morality. Topics:

If God is everywhere, wouldn’t he also be in Hell, but wouldn’t that negate the idea that Hell is separation from God? (00:00)
Is a prayer request more likely to be answered if a lot of people are praying for it? (14:00)
Could there be a physical component to the UFO phenomenon, and could this be explained as a physical manifestation of a demon? (31:00)
How should I respond to someone who is arguing for relative morality? (45:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Record an Open Mic question

A Marriage License Isn’t Just a Piece of Paper Feb 14, 2024

Greg responds to the idea that a marriage license is “just a piece of paper” and talks about why we need public vows to be married, then he answers questions about attending a wedding of two non-believers, what to say to an atheist who says his life is meaningful, and helping a pastor see the value of apologetics. Topics:

Commentary: A marriage license isn’t just a piece of paper. (00:00)
Can you clarify the difference between a same-sex marriage and a marriage of two non-believers that would explain why it’s okay to attend one but not the other? (31:00)
What would you say to someone who says he doesn’t believe in God but his life is meaningful? (47:00)
How can I get started as an apologist in my church and get my pastor on board with it? (55:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Here Comes the He Gets Us Campaign Again: Why Its Portrayal of Jesus is Still a Problem by Natasha Crain
7 Problems with the He Gets Us Campaign by Natasha Crain

Related Links:

So You Want to Be an Apologist? by Alan Shlemon
For the Student Who Wants to Be a Christian Apologist by Amy Hall
Why Apologetics? by Tim Barnett

Interview: Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers – The Deconstruction of Christianity Feb 09, 2024

Guest Host: Tim Barnett Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers, authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity, talk about what “deconstruction” means, why we shouldn’t embrace the term, problems with the deconstruction process, how we should go about evaluating our beliefs, what to say to someone going through deconstruction, and more. Topics:

Interview: Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers, authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond (00:00)
What is deconstruction? (10:00)
What are the problems with deconstruction? (24:00)
What triggers people to question their faith, and why do some end up leaving but others don’t? (41:00)
What should I say to someone who is going through deconstruction? (53:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers
Why I Changed My Mind about Deconstruction by Tim Barnett

Related Links:

A Tale of Two Paintings: Reformation vs. Deconstruction by Tim Barnett

Why Won’t We Sin in Heaven? Feb 07, 2024

Greg answers questions about whether God’s moral perfection is a communicable property we will have after the resurrection or there’s some other reason we won’t sin, whether the proverbs about not arguing are anti-apologetics, and a biblical defense of apologetics. Topics:

Why do you think God’s moral perfection is a communicable property we will have in Heaven? If it were, wouldn’t he have given it to us from the beginning? (08:00)
What should I say to Christians who are anti-apologetics because Proverbs says we’re not supposed to argue (20:3, 19:11, 17:14, 15:18)? What’s a biblical defense of apologetics? (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

Why Apologetics? by Tim Barnett

Is a Sex-Change Surgery the Same Kind of Thing as Fixing a Cleft Palate? Feb 02, 2024

Greg talks to Tim Barnett about the release of his new book, The Deconstruction of Christianity, then he answers questions about why a sex-change surgery isn’t the same kind of thing as fixing a cleft palate, which kinds of weddings we shouldn’t attend, and Jesus’ limitations as an infant. Topics:

Interview: Tim Barnett on the release of his new book (00:00)
Is a sex-change surgery the same kind of thing as repairing a cleft palate? (09:00)
Commentary: Which kinds of weddings should we not attend? (30:00)
When Jesus was an infant, was he limited to only the knowledge and wisdom an infant would have, or was there a part of him that existed outside the limitations of an infant? (40:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers
Donate to Stand to Reason
#STRask: Should We Correct a Wrongly-Gendered Body Just as We Correct Bad Eyesight?
#STRask: Why Is It Wrong to Have Surgery to Alter Your Sex?
What the Bible Says about Divorce and Remarriage by Wayne Grudem

Related Links:

Why I Changed My Mind about Deconstruction by Tim Barnett
Don’t Assume We Should Change the Body to Match the Mind by Amy Hall

What Would You Say to a Wife Whose Husband Has Decided to Live as a Woman? Jan 31, 2024

Greg talks to Alan Shlemon about what one should say to a wife whose husband has decided to live as a woman, then he offers some thoughts on how Christians are responding to Alistair Begg’s advice about attending a wedding where one person is transgender. Topics:

Interview: Alan Shlemon on what one should say to a wife whose husband has decided to live as a woman (00:00)
Commentary: Grace is the antidote to cancel culture (thoughts on how Christians are responding to Alistair Begg’s advice about attending a wedding where one person is transgender). (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Should You Accommodate an LGBT Person’s Requests? by Alan Shlemon
Greg’s comments on Alistair Begg’s advice last week
Would You Attend a Gay Wedding? by John Piper

Related Links:

Transgender: Truth and Compassion by Alan Shlemon

Should You Tell Your Children Your Spouse Has Left Christianity? Jan 26, 2024

Greg responds to a question about whether you should tell your children your spouse has left Christianity, then he takes Open Mic calls about why John was called the greatest “among those born of women,” transgender children, and whether taking fertility drugs would interfere with God’s timing and plan. Topics:

Commentary: Should you tell your children your spouse has left Christianity? (00:00)
How should I understand the saying in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28 that John was the greatest “among those born of women” if Jesus was also born of a woman? (27:00)
Would this question help a parent realize what’s best for their child? “If you could snap your fingers and get the best outcome for your child, would you choose for your child’s body to match their mind or to not match?” (38:00)
Is it okay to take fertility drugs, or would that be interfering with God’s timing and plan? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

#STRask podcast with Greg and Amy
Record an Open Mic question

Related Links:

When Transgender Children Are Harmed by the People Who Intended to Help Them by Amy Hall
How to Help Transgender Children by Amy Hall
The Tragic Consequences of the IVF Industry by Amy Hall
How IVF Is Changing Our View of Human Beings by Amy Hall
The Black Box of IVF by Alan Shlemom
What You Might Not Know about IVF – Alan Shlemon and Amy Hall

When a Good Man Says Something Foolish Jan 24, 2024

Greg discusses Alistair Begg’s advice about attending the wedding of a transgender person, then he answers a question about how Jeremiah 31:31 can apply to Christians when it says the promise is for “the house of Israel” and “the house of Judah.” Topics:

Commentary: When a good man says something foolish (09:00)
How can I say Jeremiah 31:31’s words about the New Covenant apply to me if it says the promise is for “the house of Israel” and “the house of Judah”? (39:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Desert Apologetics “Anchored” Conference
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Interview: Justin Brierley – The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God
Record an Open Mic question
The Bible: Fast Forward – DVD (Also available as a digital download)

Greg Answers Questions from an Atheist Jan 17, 2024

In this compilation of calls from an atheist, Greg answers questions about the nature of objective morality, who goes to Hell, and how one can move from the cosmological argument for the existence of God to the God of the Bible. Topics:

If we can unify our understanding of morality by agreeing on a common goal, then isn’t that objective morality? (02:00)
Who goes to Hell? (18:00)
How do we move from the need for a first cause to the existence of the God of the Bible? (42:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Conversations with an Atheist – Download the compilation of Greg’s discussions with Ian (includes an additional question)

Related Links:

#STRask: Why conclude the beginning of the universe points to the Christian God rather than one of the other explanations people offer?
A Simple Explanation of the Cosmological Argument – Short video from Reasonable Faith

What Is the Nature of Consciousness? Jan 12, 2024

Greg talks about the soul, then he answers questions about why God made it so hard for humans to know he exists, the informal fallacy of special pleading, and how Christians can effect positive change in states where the culture is opposed to a biblical worldview. Topics:

Commentary: What is the nature of consciousness? (00:00)
If God made humans, why did he make it so hard for them to know he exists? (21:00)
Can you explain the informal fallacy of special pleading? (45:00)
How can Christians effect positive change in states where the culture is opposed to a biblical worldview? (54:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (online articles) by Greg Koukl
The Ambassador’s Guide to the Voice of God (booklet) by Greg Koukl
STR U Online Training

Related Links:

Psychologist Recommends Intentionally Suppressing Intuition of Design by Amy Hall (on atheists needing to suppress the natural intuition children have that nature was designed)

There’s No Sense in Which You Can Bless a Sinful Relationship Jan 10, 2024

Greg discusses the Pope’s statement on how Roman Catholic priests can give blessings to same-sex couples, then he talks to callers about a tactical way to tell people who think they’re Christians that they aren’t and what Jesus meant when he said in Mark 13:32 that only the Father knows “that day or hour.” Topics:

Commentary: There’s no sense in which you can bless a sinful relationship. (00:00)
What’s a tactical way to tell people who think they’re Christians that they aren’t Christians? (26:00)
What does Jesus mean when he says in Mark 13:32 that only the Father knows “that day or hour,” not the Son? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed by Cindy Wooden
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
The Deconstruction of Christianity by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers

An Assertion Isn’t an Argument Jan 05, 2024

Greg responds to a video by Dan McClellan that claims the Bible has no authority, then he answers questions about the extent to which Satan influences non-believers and how we can know when we should continue witnessing to someone and when we should move on. Topics:

Commentary: An assertion isn’t an argument. (00:00)
To what extent does Satan influence non-believers? (26:00)
How do we know when we should continue witnessing to a person and when we should move on? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
The Bible Has No Authority – Video by Dan McClellan

Related Links:

A Response to Atheistic Moral Platonism by Amy Hall (quoting William Lane Craig)

Don’t Be Surprised When You Have to Fight Spiritual Battles Jan 03, 2024

Greg explains the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare, then he talks to callers about concerns about how a pastor is presenting the Lord’s Supper and how to navigate conversations with friends and family who are following false teachers and false teachings. Topics:

Commentary: Don’t be surprised when you have to fight spiritual battles. (00:00)
How concerned should I be about how a pastor is presenting the Lord’s Supper? (36:00)
How should I navigate conversations with friends and family who are following false teachers and false teachings? (48:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

STR U Online Training
The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers

Related Links:

Seeing the Unseen: The Nature of Spiritual Warfare by Greg Koukl

The Birth Narratives Dec 27, 2023

Greg talks about how to think about apparent contradictions in the Gospels, describes some relevant historical, religious, cultural, and geographical aspects of the birth narratives, and explains how Jesus’ birth fits into the unified story of the Bible and fulfills God’s covenants. Topics:

Commentary: The birth narratives (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Life of Christ by Greg Koukl
The Bible: Fast Forward DVD by Greg Koukl (audio version is also available)
The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl
Donate to Stand to Reason

Why Does It Seem like Things Aren’t Working out for Good? Dec 22, 2023

Greg reflects on the words in Christmas carols, talks about the promise in Romans 8:28 that “God causes all things to work together for good,” then answers questions about his process for reading books, a defense for Noah’s ark, and the Calvinist view of free will. Topics:

Commentary: Why does it seem like things aren’t working out for good? (00:00)
What process do you use for reading books to get the most out of them? (16:00)
Do you have a good defense for Noah’s ark? (35:00)
Is the Calvinist view of free will correct? (45:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Reading Less, More—and Twice as Fast by Greg Koukl
The Genesis Flood: The Biblical Record and its Scientific Implications by John Whitcomb and Henry Morris
Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God by Kevin DeYoung

Related Links:

“Forced Love” Is the Wrong Way to Look at It by Amy Hall
Excusing Sinners and Blaming God: A Calvinist Assessment of Determinism, Moral Responsibility, and Divine Involvement in Evil by Guillaume Bignon
How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall

A Christmas Poem Dec 20, 2023

Greg reads a Christmas poem, then he answers questions about being required to ask patients for their pronouns and “sex assigned at birth,” a biblical perspective on extreme sports and dealing with the pitfalls of fame in a sports career, and whether people need to hear the gospel to be saved. Topics:

Commentary: A Christmas poem (00:00)
What should I do about the new patient intake forms at the Catholic hospital where I work that require me to ask people for their pronouns and “sex assigned at birth” and put the answers on their chart? (10:00)
Does the Bible have anything to say about participating in extreme sports? How should a person deal with the pitfalls of fame in sports, and would a career in sports be okay? (29:00)
If people in the Old Testament were saved by faith without hearing of Jesus, does that still occur today, and does Acts 17:30–31 address that? (46:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Life of Christ by Greg Koukl
Donate to Stand to Reason
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
Bye Bye Barry
The Heathen and the Unknown God by Greg Koukl

Questions to Ask When Someone Accuses God of Genocide Dec 15, 2023

Greg gives a series of questions you can ask when someone accuses God of genocide, then he answers questions about Operation Rescue, how we can know that the religious feelings we have are from the true God, and how important it is to have a clear position on Arminianism vs. Calvinism. Topics:

Commentary: Questions to ask when someone accuses God of genocide (00:00)
You were completely wrong about Operation Rescue a couple of weeks ago. (31:00)
How do we, as Christians, know that what we’re feeling is from the true God as opposed to what people in other religions are feeling? (38:00)
How important is it that I have a clear position on Arminianism vs. Calvinism? (49:00)

The Problem Is Not with the Evidence Dec 13, 2023

Greg encourages Christians not to be discouraged when people don’t respond to their arguments, then he answers callers’ questions about whether Christians should be involved in the stock market and whether Christians should be calling out sin in the culture as aggressively as Jesus did. Topics:

Commentary: The problem is not with the evidence. (00:00)
Should Christians be involved in the stock market? (33:00)
Should we be calling out sin in the culture as aggressively as Jesus did? (41:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Stand to Reason’s tweet summarizing some evidence for God, and the atheist’s response
No Evidence for God? – Greg’s previous commentary on the atheist’s tweet
You’ll Never Change Anyone’s Mind about God by Greg Koukl
Donate to Stand to Reason
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA

Are Christians Who Say There’s Only One Way to God Closed-Minded Religionists? Dec 08, 2023

Greg responds to questions about why Christians recommend Dennis Prager when he teaches things antithetical to Christianity, whether Christians who say there’s only one way to God are closed-minded “religionists,” and a challenge to Greg’s response to the Euthyphro dilemma. Topics:

Why do so many Christians recommend Dennis Prager when much of what he teaches seems to be antithetical to Christianity? (00:00)
How do I respond to someone who says I shouldn’t be a closed-minded “religionist” who thinks there’s only one way to God? (17:00)
In light of the fact that it seems God has given conflicting commands in the past, if God were to do something evil but call it good, how could we make that determination? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl

Related Links:

God Cares More about Behavior Than Most People Think by Amy Hall (responding to the idea that God cares about behavior rather than theology)

Is Jesus Dependent on the Father? Dec 06, 2023

Greg answers questions about whether Jesus is dependent on the Father, whether he should be quoting someone who has a mistaken view on homosexuality, whether it’s ever okay for Christians to stand up for their rights, helping a non-believing couple move in together, and circular reasoning. Topics:

Is Jesus dependent on the Father (which would mean he can’t be God), or is he independent (which would mean there are two Gods)? (08:00)
Should you be quoting Andrew Klavan given his views on homosexuality? (23:00)
As Christians, is it ever right to stand up for our rights, or should we always turn our cheek and suffer for Christ? (30:00)
What would you do if a non-believing couple asked you to help them move in together? (41:00)
Can you help me understand the fallacy of circular reasoning, and is saying “the Bible tells me so” an example of it? (49:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Donate to Stand to Reason
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
Eternity Is Now: Just Ask Scrooge and George Bailey by Andrew Klavan

The Problem with Positive Rights Dec 01, 2023

Greg talks about the difference between positive rights and negative rights, then he answers questions about how to respond when a spouse initiates divorce, whether it’s moral to kill abortionists, the biblical guidelines for putting yourself in danger, and the biblical way to pray and connect with God. Topics:

Commentary: The problem with positive rights (00:00)
Do you have any advice for how I should respond to my wife who has initiated a divorce? (27:00)
Is it morally wrong to kill abortionists? (40:00)
What are the biblical guidelines for putting yourself in danger? (49:00)
In light of your arguments against the common understanding of hearing the voice of God, what is the biblical way to pray and connect with God? (53:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Donate to Stand to Reason
STR Violence Statement
The Lord’s Prayer: Learning from Jesus on What, Why, and How to Pray by Kevin DeYoung

Related Links:

Bomb Discovered at Abortion Clinic by Amy Hall

Interview: Jason Jimenez – Hijacking Jesus Nov 29, 2023

Greg talks to Jason Jimenez, author of Hijacking Jesus: How Progressive Christians Are Remaking Him and Taking Over His Church, about what progressive Christians believe and why, why their theology is so popular right now, beliefs they reject, their view of the atonement, and more. Topics:

Interview: Jason Jimenez, author of Hijacking Jesus: How Progressive Christians Are Remaking Him and Taking Over His Church (00:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Hijacking Jesus: How Progressive Christians Are Remaking Him and Taking Over His Church by Jason Jimenez

Is Intelligent Design Pseudoscience? Nov 24, 2023

Greg responds to the claim that intelligent design is pseudoscience, then he answers questions about preaching against abortion even though people in the congregation have had abortions, Bible translations, and the biblical definition of the image of God. Topics:

Commentary: Is intelligent design pseudoscience? (00:00)
How can I make a biblical argument to help my pastor see that it’s okay to teach about the case against abortion even if there are people in the congregation who have had abortions? (19:00)
What translation do you use and/or consider to be the best out there on the market? (34:00)
How is the image of God described in the Bible? (45:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

Rock Solid Apologia
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl
Stephen Meyer’s books
Submit a question on the Open Mic Line
Making Abortion Unthinkable: The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion by Greg Koukl and Scott Klusendorf
Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry
STR Outposts

Related Links:

How Can God Forgive Me? by Amy Hall (for people who are struggling to understand God’s forgiveness)

The Problem with Altar Calls Nov 22, 2023

Greg talks about the problem with altar calls, then he answers questions about why it matters what kind of arguments we make for Christianity if only God can change a person’s mind and how best to use the LDS Gospel Topic Essays when witnessing to Mormons. Topics:

Commentary: The problem with altar calls (00:00)
If our arguments always fail unless God changes the person’s mind, why does it matter what kind of arguments we make for Christianity? (30:00)
How can we best use the LDS Gospel Topic Essays when witnessing to Mormons? (44:00)

Mentioned on the Show:

You’ll Never Change Anyone’s Mind about God by Greg Koukl
Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA
Gospel Topic Essays Index – Mormonism Research Ministry lists links to the Gospel Topic Essays along with links to responses

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