298 episodes

Cross Examining ideas against the truth and Christianity. Brought to you by CrossExamined.org and AFR.net

I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST Dr. Frank Turek

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 12 Ratings

Cross Examining ideas against the truth and Christianity. Brought to you by CrossExamined.org and AFR.net

    Why Would a GOOD God Create People He Knew Would Go to Hell? Plus More Q&A

    Why Would a GOOD God Create People He Knew Would Go to Hell? Plus More Q&A

    If God knew that millions or billions of people would not only sin, but in the end reject Him and therefore spend eternity in Hell, why would He create mankind in the first place? In other words, why would God create people He knew would go to Hell? Wouldn't a "good" God create a universe where EVERYONE believes?



    This week, Frank responds to these and other listener questions surrounding various topics like conversational prayer, the fear of sharing your faith, and how to reconcile God's foreknowledge with our free will. He'll also address the assertion from some atheists and skeptics that theists must provide "extraordinary evidence for extraordinary claims", even though they don't hold themselves to the same (totally illogical) standards! You'll also learn:



    Can God force free creatures to love Him?

    How have non-Christians like Richard Dawkins and Jordan Peterson led people to Christ?

    Should Christians always expect divine revelation during prayer?

    What's a simple way to engage in theological conversations when you're fearful?

    Why (and how) should Christians defend the faith in Corporate America?



     



    Later in the podcast, Frank shares some practical advice on how to combat wokism in the workplace. He'll also briefly unpack a shocking event that transpired when a concerned mom encountered a man identifying as transgender in the women's locker room at her local Planet Fitness. If you've ever been challenged in any of the areas highlighted in this week's midweek podcast, Frank will offer a helpful list of additional resources that are relevant to each of the topics discussed, so be sure to check our list of helpful links below!



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    Resources mentioned during the episode:



    BOOK: Chosen But Free by Norman Geisler



    BOOK: Coming to Faith Through Dawkins by Denis Alexander and Alister McGrath



    ARTICLE: Does God Whisper? - Part 1 by Greg Koukl



    ARTICLE: Does God Whisper - Part 2 by Greg Koukl



    BOOK: Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Frieson and J. Robin Maxson



    ARTICLE: Sex at Work - by Frank Turek



    BOOK: Correct, Not Politically Correct - by Frank Turek

    • 47 min
    Is America Becoming a Police State? with Dinesh D’Souza

    Is America Becoming a Police State? with Dinesh D’Souza

    Is the U.S. government deliberately targeting patriotic Americans with conservative values? In a post 9/11 America, the necessary push to prevent Islamic terrorism opened the door for justice agencies to shift their focus to what they now call "domestic terrorists". But what if your conservative, Christian beliefs have the potential to put you on the government's radar as a domestic threat?



    This week, author, apologist, speaker, and political commentator, Dinesh D'Souza, joins Frank to discuss his new documentary film 'Police State', which is sounding the alarm on the Deep State's witch hunt of ordinary, law-abiding citizens who happen to be conservatives and/or Christians. D'Souza will share his own frightening run-in with the feds following the release of his film 'Obama's America', and expose how he was able to survive the shakedown and the attempted sabotage of his career. During their conversation, Frank and Dinesh will answer questions like:



    How did this targeting of U.S. citizens begin?

    What financial incentive is there to target "domestic terrorists"?

    Why does the Biden Administration desire an open border, and why are they allowing children to be trafficked?

    What can U.S. citizens do to protect themselves in such a corrupt society?

    Why does the government insist on prosecuting Trump but not Biden?

    What is the Red Referral Network and how can it benefit Christians and conservatives?



    In D'Souza's live action dramatization (based on actual footage recorded at the scene), he'll give you a glimpse of the horrific real-life events that devastated the lives of innocent people like Catholic pro-lifer, Mark Houck, a loving husband and father of seven. Could identifying as a pro-lifer, supporting natural marriage, or even opposing transgender ideology in your kid’s school be enough for you to be categorized as a “domestic terrorist"? Be sure to check out the crowdfunded film 'Police State', and learn more about America's move towards government domination and what you can do about it!



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    Resources mentioned during the episode:



    Police State (Documentary Film)

    What's So Great About Christianity? (Book)

    Red Referral Network

    Other Books & Films by Dinesh D'Souza



    Download Transcript

    • 48 min
    Can We Really Believe the Bible is Inerrant? Plus More Q&A

    Can We Really Believe the Bible is Inerrant? Plus More Q&A

    Do you have to believe that the Bible is completely without error to be a true Christian? If you don't agree with the Bible, you ultimately find yourself at odds with the teachings of Jesus and that's never a good idea. But if both the Old and New Testaments have discrepancies, why should we consider our Bible to be inspired?



    This week, Frank dives into the issue of the inspiration of Scripture and tackles several questions from the audience, briefly discussing topics like abortion, free will, and God's sovereignty. He'll also examine some of the apparent contradictions in the Bible and offer insights from scholars and theologians regarding the variations between the eyewitness testimonies recorded in the New Testament. During the episode, Frank will answer questions like:



    Do humans beings inevitably make mistakes? If so, how can we trust the Bible?

    If everything happens for a reason, do we still have free will?

    How did St. Augustine approach the inerrancy of Scripture?

    Why is it important to have an eternal perspective?

    Does the parable of the landowner contradict the promise of rewards in heaven?



     



    Additionally, Frank will take us into the cosmic realm and explore the implications of the Big Bang on the creation story in Genesis. For those wanting to go deeper into these questions, Frank shares his recommended reads to expand their understanding. If grappling with challenging passages in the Bible has been a hurdle for you, this episode is a must-listen! By the conclusion of this podcast, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret the Bible within its literary and historical framework, empowering you to steer clear of common misinterpretations of Scripture.



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    Resources mentioned in the episode:



    Book: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe



    Book: Seven Days That Divide the World by John Lennox



    Book: I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek



    Download Transcript

    • 51 min
    Do You Have “Blood on Your Hands”? 3 Questions About “Trans Rights”

    Do You Have “Blood on Your Hands”? 3 Questions About “Trans Rights”

    Do you have blood on your hands? Are Christian beliefs motivating trans people to commit the unthinkable act of suicide? The alarming prevalence of depression among people battling gender dysphoria has prompted advocates of the transgender movement to demand political action, proposing that the solution lies in the push for "trans rights". But what happens when the pursuit of these "rights" collide with basic human rights?



    This week, Frank tackles a very sensitive question from a listener regarding the outcry for more "trans rights" by the parents of a young trans person who tragically decided to end his life prematurely. As Frank shares some of the details of this heartbreaking story, he'll address the erroneous notion that being in opposition to "trans rights" is what caused the untimely death of their child. During this podcast episode, Frank will answer questions like:



    What are trans rights?

    How do they collide with basic human rights?

    What are the main conditions surrounding trans suicide?

    Does social acceptance lessen the likelihood of suicide among transgender people?

    How did a high school in Virginia fail in protecting not one, but two teenage victims of sexual assault?

    How do trans activists bully people?

    What is the best way to love someone struggling with gender dysphoria? Is it approval?



    Frank will also highlight a few examples of how "trans rights" have compromised the overall safety and privacy of young women and briefly discuss how so-called gender affirming care has contributed to the current mental health crisis. Later in the episode, Frank will identify the root cause of the staggering suicide rates among transgender people and explore solutions that can offer true healing for those within the trans community. To learn more about the major flaws of transgender ideology, be sure to pick up the updated and expanded copy of Frank's book, 'Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism'.



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    Resources mentioned during the episode:



    Article: A Landmark Finnish Study is Changing How We Approach Transgender Kids



    Article: Adversity is the Key to Raising Resilient Kids (highlights Abigail Shrier's new book 'Bad Therapy')



    Frank's Book: Correct, Not Politically Correct



    Download Transcript

    • 48 min
    Does the Resurrection of Jesus Prove He is the Jewish Messiah? with Eric Chabot

    Does the Resurrection of Jesus Prove He is the Jewish Messiah? with Eric Chabot

    If Jesus rose from the dead, wouldn't that also demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the Messianic prophecies were about Him? Even if you can convince an orthodox Jew that the resurrection actually happened, it still may not be enough to persuade them that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Where exactly is the disconnect and why do so many Jews (and even Christians) have trouble detecting the link between these prophecies and the events described in the Gospels?



    This week, Frank invites Eric Chabot, author of the book 'The Resurrection of the Jewish Messiah', and contributor to the new book, 'Faith Examined', to explore the Old Testament's references to the Messiah and the great significance of the literary theme of the third day throughout the Scriptures. Serving as the chapter leader of Ratio Christi at The Ohio State University, Eric will share how Ratio Christi is reaching college students with the Gospel on his local campus and also touch on why there is a Jewish aversion to accepting Jesus as the Messiah. During their conversation, Frank and Eric will answer questions like:



    What strategies does Ratio Christi use to engage students on The Ohio State campus?

    How has the attitude towards religion shifted in recent years at Ohio State?

    Why do Jews often avoid Isaiah 53?

    What's so special about 1 Corinthians 15?

    Do Messianic prophecies specifically promise that the Messiah will rise from the dead?

    What is the commonality between Jews who had previously claimed to be the Messiah prior to Jesus?



    As you'll hear during this midweek podcast episode, key passages from the Old and New Testaments include symbolism, typology, and metaphors, all pointing to the reality that Jesus meets all of the qualifications of the Jewish Messiah. Because of his background growing up in a Jewish community, Eric has a passion for drawing Jewish people to Christ and has used these clues from the Scriptures to foster meaningful conversations with people in that demographic. If you want to dig deeper into the significance of the Messianic prophecies, be sure to pick up a copy of Eric's book 'The Resurrection of the Jewish Messiah' and also read his chapter on this topic in the new book written by CIA graduates called 'Faith Examined: New Arguments for Persistent Questions, Essays in Honor of Dr. Frank Turek.'



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:



    Faith Examined book: https://a.co/d/hvS13kK



    The Resurrection of the Jewish Messiah: https://a.co/d/1AvTNHd

    • 43 min
    The #1 Doctrine That Answers Christianity’s Toughest Questions with Dr. Tim Stratton

    The #1 Doctrine That Answers Christianity’s Toughest Questions with Dr. Tim Stratton

    It's the age old question--if God is sovereign over all things then how do we have free will? And if God controls everything, does that make Him the author of evil since He causes humans to sin? How do we reconcile a good God with all of the pain and suffering that's happening in the world?



    It can seem like a bit of a conundrum for Christians, and the lack of satisfactory answers has caused many people to turn away from God. But what if there was a doctrine or school of thought that could help us make sense of these seemingly intractable problems? Joining Frank on the podcast this week is CIA graduate and professor of Theology at Trinity Theological Seminary, Tim Stratton, who has spent his fair share of time studying these dillemmas. So much time in fact, that this centuries old school of thought known as "Mere Molinism" became the focus of his doctoral dissertation. During the episode, Frank and Tim will answer questions like:



    What event in his personal life caused Tim to question his former Calvinist beliefs?

    Where does the term Molinism come from?

    What are the two "main ingredients" of Molinism?

    How does Molinism compare to Arminianism and Calvinism?

    What is the proper interpretation of Romans 9?

    How does Molinism solve the problem of evil?

    How does Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame apply to Molinism?



    If you've ever struggled with the problem of evil or wondered how we can possibly steer our own ship when God is completely omniscient, then this episode will definitely give you a few light bulb moments! For more information on this topic, be sure to check out Tim's contribution to Faith Examined (a collection of essays written by CIA graduates) or Tim's book 'Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism'.



    To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.



    You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.



    RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:



    Faith Examined book: https://a.co/d/hvS13kK

    Free Thinking Ministries: https://freethinkingministries.com/

    Tim's book on Mere Molinism: https://a.co/d/bBWr0u1

    In-Person CIA (Charlotte, NC): https://crossexamined.org/what-is-cia/

    CIA Online 2024: https://bit.ly/3T8Unjw

    • 48 min

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