Christian Parent, Crazy World

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Christian Parent, Crazy World

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars is dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world. Catherine is an expert in Christian Apologetics for parents and every episode helps moms and dads understand what is going on in our current culture and how Christians can and should respond. Topics covered on this podcast include: What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith Can Our Words Change the Future? Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith? 13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year 5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids? How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview  Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How To Live Faithfully in a Culture Filled with Compromise (w/ Martyn Iles) - Ep. 127

    In a world where cultural pressures challenge our faith every single day, how can we stay true to our beliefs and be a light in dark times? Catherine is joined once again by Martyn Ilse, CEO of Answers in Genesis, for a powerful discussion on living faithfully in a "lost culture." Together, they dive into the biblical story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, using it as a guide for standing firm in our faith despite societal pressures and shifting cultural values. Martyn draws fascinating insights from the experiences of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, explaining how their time in Babylon mirrors the challenges we face today. He discusses how Daniel and his friends were subjected to intense indoctrination, with even their names being changed as an attempt to erase their God-given identities. Catherine explains the meanings of their original Hebrew names versus their Babylonian names, showing how lost cultures always attempt to reshape beliefs by changing the meaning of names. Despite this, Daniel and his friends held onto their faith. Martyn points out that their story reminds us of the power of staying rooted in our convictions, even when external influences try to sway us. So, how do we resist compromise and live faithfully today? Martyn offers some practical advice: Decide ahead of time. Just like Daniel determined not to compromise, setting clear boundaries beforehand can help us stand firm when faced with temptation. Let God shape your future. Daniel didn’t try to plan everything; he trusted God to guide his steps. Live by God’s principles. Focus on doing the right thing and leave the consequences to Him. Live for God’s approval. Instead of seeking validation from others, prioritize God’s opinion and stay mindful of His presence. These timeless lessons are especially valuable for parents, offering wisdom to help prepare the next generation to navigate today’s challenges with faith and courage. BIO: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Other Episodes in this series:Ep. 126: "What Most Christians Don't Know about Living in a Lost Culture" “Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon” Answers in Genesis Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Daniel 3 Matthew 5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    43 min

  2. NOV 11

    What Most Christians Don't Know about Living in a Lost Culture (W/ Martyn Iles) - Ep. 126

    In today's increasingly secular world, many Christians grapple with understanding how to live faithfully amidst cultural changes that stray further from biblical truths. What are the characteristics of a "lost" or "Babylonian" culture, and how can believers navigate these complexities while staying true to their faith? Catherine welcomes Martyn Iles, the CEO of Answers in Genesis, to delve into these pressing questions. Drawing from a rich tapestry of primary biblical narratives, Martyn provides a clear analysis of what defines Babylonian culture throughout history and how these traits resonate in modern society. Martyn presents an eye-opening exploration of pride, idolatry, moral decay, and spiritual conflict, offering listeners practical insights and timeless truths for living out their faith in contemporary "Babylon-like" environments. Martyn notes the striking similarities between ancient Babylon and today's cultural landscape. He emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize these characteristics and remain steadfast, much like Daniel and his friends, who navigated the challenges of living in a godless culture with unwavering faith. Key Takeaways: 1.     Pride and Rebellion Against God: Modern culture mirrors the pride and rebellious spirit of ancient Babylon, where self-glorification often trumps humility before God. 2.     Idolatry and Self-Worship: Today’s society idolizes self-identity, personal success, and material wealth, paralleling Babylon's historical focus on worshiping created things over the Creator. 3.     Fear and Existential Anxiety: Despite advancements, contemporary society is plagued with existential fear and anxiety, drawing a parallel to the uncertainties of Babylonian times. 4.     Attempts to Usurp Divine Authority: Humanity’s efforts to control nature and exert god-like influence reflect a deeper rebellion against God's sovereignty. 5.     Opposition to the People of God: o   Both ancient Babylon and modern cultures often stand antagonistically against Biblical values and beliefs. 6.     The Call to Live Faithfully: The story of Daniel offers a model for Christians to maintain faith and integrity amidst societal pressures and hostility. Navigating a culture that mirrors the lost characteristics of Babylon can feel overwhelming. But just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we are called to stand firm in our faith, teaching our children to do the same. By recognizing the parallels between ancient and modern times, we can equip our families with the truth and wisdom needed to thrive spiritually in a modern Babylon. We must remember that even in a lost culture, God’s presence and guidance are unwavering.   BIO: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.   EPISODE RESOURCES:   “Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon” Answers in Genesis Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    49 min

  3. NOV 4

    Handling Political Drama with Christian Grace - Ep. 125

    We live in a time when political conversations can be not just divisive, but downright contentious. It feels like maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor amid this politically charged environment is becoming harder by the day, especially with today’s election. Divisive rhetoric permeates everyday conversations. Families and friendships are straining under political disagreements, and often they break. Television, the air waves, the internet, and social media have become battlegrounds for conflicting political views. With 76% of Americans believing that the country is heading in the wrong direction and 63% of people avoiding political conversations altogether due to potential conflict, our communities and families are under pressure like never before. Maintaining a grace-filled witness during politically charged conversations is one of the greatest challenges Christians face in today’s polarized world. How do we share our views without losing our cool or compromising our faith? Catherine tackles the delicate issue of engaging in political discussions in a way that honors Christ by offering 7 practical guidelines. They are: Prioritize people over political positions. Our faith must lead our political views, not the other way around. Listen to understand. Truly hearing out the other side can bring unexpected empathy and insight. Avoid ridicule and demonstrate honor. Respect is key in sustaining any dialogue. Be constructive. Offering solutions instead of criticism can transform the conversation. Critique methods, not motives. This keeps the focus on actions, not personal attacks. Build bridges. Connection, not conversion, should be our goal. Pray for our country and its leaders. This keeps our efforts grounded in faith. With powerful personal anecdotes, Catherine encourages listeners to embody these principles, offering a path forward for believers to engage in political conversations that reflect Christ’s love. But most importantly, Catherine reminds listeners that neither a donkey nor an elephant can save this country… rather, we need a lamb. A spotless lamb. To receive a list of Scriptures to pray over our country and a bookmark with our nation’s leaders, subscribe HERE. EPISODE RESOURCES: "As a Christian, How Involved in Politics Should I Be?" (by Catherine Segars) "How The After Party Curriculum Is Sowing Political Confusion in the Church" (by Natasha Crain) Ephesians 6:12 John 13:35 1 Peter 2:13-17 1 Timothy 2:1-2    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    32 min

  4. OCT 28

    The Church's Role in Protecting Women from Abuse (w/ Nancy Pearcey) - Ep. 124

    There's a topic that the church rarely addresses because it challenges long-held beliefs and practices. That topic is... Domestic abuse. And the failure of some church to protect victims. The statistics and stories are heartbreaking. Churches should be sanctuaries, yet when it comes to domestic abuse, this isn’t always the case. Despite Biblical teaching on love, care, and justice, domestic abuse remains a hushed reality in some Christian communities. Victims often face isolation, shame, and a lack of genuine support inside their faith communities, making it difficult for them to find safety and healing. In this episode, Catherine is joined by Nancy Pearcey, an acclaimed scholar and author known for dissecting cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Nancy shares her insights on transforming churches into safe havens for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. Her book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes explores the damaging cultural narratives about men and calls for a more biblical understanding of masculinity. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Eileen Gray's Case: The episode opens with the heart-wrenching story of Eileen Gray, illustrating some churches’ failure to support victims of abuse. Financial Dependency of Churches: Catherine and Nancy discuss how financial dependencies can influence churches to prioritize abusers over victims. 35-Year Longitudinal Study: Nancy mentions a study that found fathers have a significant impact on their children’s faith, especially when they are positively involved. Critique of Darwinian Theory: Nancy discusses how Darwinian theory and societal stereotypes have contributed to harmful views of masculinity. Impact of Cultural Influences: The episode looks at cultural figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, who promote toxic masculinity ideals, and the need for a biblical response. Biblical Understanding of Masculinity: Both Catherine and Nancy advocate for a healthy, biblical view of masculinity and firmly condemn any form of abuse. Call to Action for Listeners: Listeners are encouraged to ensure their churches are safe havens and to leave any church that advises victims to stay in abusive relationships. Our churches should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, or you’re passionate about creating safer church environments, don’t miss this compelling discussion. FULL SHOW NOTES NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." EPISODE RESOURCES ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH: EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser (March 8, 2022) EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur’s Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show (March 17, 2022) MacArthur Ministry Employees Defend Child Abuser, Dismiss ‘Screeching’ Pushback (March 24, 2024) Head of Counseling at John MacArthur’s School: Wife Should Endure Abuse Like Missionary Endures Persecution April 5, 2022Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Awful Patterns of Endangering Abuse Victims (Feb. 9, 2023)  OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: Ep. 122 Why Does Our Culture Hate Men? Ep. 123 How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women   RESOURCES REFERENCED:  The Moral Animal: Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright Men and Marriage by George Gilder   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com

    36 min

  5. OCT 21

    How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women (w/ Nancy Pearcey) - Ep. 123

    Our modern culture often argues that Christian teachings on marriage and femininity are oppressive or out of touch. But if we peel back the layers of history, we discover a different story. The early Christian faith dramatically improved the lives of women. In this episode of CP/CW, Catherine is joined by prolific author and apologist Nancy Pearcey,  who sets the record straight about the historical impact of Christianity on women. Nancy sheds light on the drastic differences between the treatment of women in ancient societies and the newfound dignity and status they received within the early Christian community. Key highlights include: Reformation of Roman Practices: Nancy explains how men in ancient Rome freely exploited women, and how the early church radically opposed this by advocating for the respect and dignity of women in marriage. Symmetry in Marriage: Hear about the New Testament teachings where Paul promotes equality in marriage, a concept that was unheard of during that time. Elevated Status: Discover why women found refuge and higher status in the early Christian church compared to ancient Roman society. Age of Marriage: Learn about how the Christian emphasis on raising the age of marriage from 12 to 18 greatly benefited young girls in the New Testament period. Jesus' Revolutionary Actions: Nancy takes us through instances in the Gospels where Jesus broke cultural norms by valuing and honoring women, providing a stark contrast to the prevailing views of the time. Modern Implications: Understand the surprising findings that show committed evangelical couples today experience the lowest rates of divorce and domestic abuse, contradicting the modern stereotype of evangelical men as patriarchal and abusive. Ongoing Global Impact: Delve into sociological studies that reveal how Christian teachings have empowered poor women more effectively than many modern feminist movements, particularly in developing countries. Understanding the radical teachings of the New Testament regarding women opens our eyes to the genuine freedom and dignity that Christianity offers. Over centuries, these teachings have profoundly transformed societies, raising the status of women across the globe. The data and historical evidence contradict the contemporary narrative that the Christian faith is oppressive to women. In reality, it provides a transformative power that elevates, empowers, and dignifies women in ways that are both historically and presently significant. NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES: Episode 122: Why Does Our Culture Hate Men? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    32 min

  6. OCT 14

    Why Does Our Culture Hate Men? (w/ Nancy Pearcey) - Ep. 122

    In a world that is openly hostile to masculinity, does our faith offer a remedy? And what do we as Christian parents need to teach our sons and daughters? Consider these shocking examples of male-bashing in our culture:   *The Washington Post article by gender studies professor “Why Can’t We Hate Men?” *The New Stateman featured a British feminist writing, “ You can’t live with them. You can’t shoot them.” *Trendy hashtag #killallmen *T-shirts emblazoned with “So many men. So Little Ammunition.” *Books titled: I Hate Men, The End of Men, and Are Men Necessary? *A USA Today article states: “At today’s universities, masculinity is almost never discussed except in negative terms, usually with the word ‘toxic’ attached. *John Stoltenberg, author of Refusing to Be a Man says, “Talking about ‘healthy masculinity’ is like talking about ‘healthy cancer.’” *Hugh Howey tweeted, “Testosterone is the problem… Women should be in charge of everything.” *Testosterone is “a toxin that you have to slowly work out of your system,” said James Cameron, director of the movie *Media researcher, Jim Macnamara, conducted extensive content analysis of more than 2000 mass media portrayals of men (including news, feature articles, talk shows, etc.) found that more than 75% of all media representations of men portrayed them as “villains, aggressors, perverts, and philanderers.” As parents, we are raising our boys in a toxic stew misandry (hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys), and we should be concerned. Catherine’s guest in this episode, Nancy Pearcey, has written the quintessential book defining the problem when it comes to masculinity in our culture, and she offers the only viable solution. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes walks us through this intricate and critical conversation. Nancy's personal journey from victimization with an abusive father, to agnosticism and radical feminism, to affirming biblical masculinity gives her a unique perspective on this contentious subject. Nancy unpacks the real roots of so-called "toxic masculinity" and discusses why understanding this topic is pivotal for Christian families today. Nancy’s Bio: Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." Nancy Pearcey’s Website To see full episode highlights, click HERE. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Origins of Toxic Masculinity: Misconceptions abound about toxic masculinity and its origins. Nancy dismantled the myth that it started with 1960s feminism, explaining its roots in the post-Industrial Revolution era. She explores how men, distanced from home-based work, lost their nurturing roles, which led to more egocentric and aggressive behaviors. Cultural Hostility Towards Masculinity: The episode delves into societal attitudes, giving examples like misandric merchandise and high-profile statements against men. A shocking survey reveals that a significant percentage of men feel victimized by society's hostility towards typical male behavior. Positive Masculinity Scripts: Nancy emphasizes the importance of promoting the 'Good Man' script—values of honor, duty, in

    38 min

  7. OCT 7

    Why Are So Many Christian Kids Leaving the Faith? - BEST OF Ep. 1

    An astronomical number of Christian young people are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. A recent New LifeWay Research survey shows that two-thirds of Christian youth stop attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.A study from the Assemblies of God shows that “at least half and possibly over two-thirds of Christian young people will step away from the faith while attending a non-Christian college or university.” A similar study from the Southern Baptist Convention “indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college.”In her recent book, Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer offers a somber reality when it comes to our Christian teens and twenty-somethings: “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return.” (pg. 27)If the massive youth exodus we are experiencing in the church doesn’t concern us as parents, it should.In this “Best Of” re-airing of CPCW’s inaugural episode, Catherine breaks down what is happening to youth in our churches, so we as parents can understand how to counteract this trend. And Catherine offers a very encouraging UPDATE on her journey as a parent of a child who has struggled in the faith.  RESOURCES & EPISODES REFERENCED: The Prodigal Bundle (free resource with Scripture list) Episode 2: What Is the Key for Our Kids to Have an Authentic Faith? CP/CW Prayer Series: Episode 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer? BOOKS REFERENCED: Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church… and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom Bisset ARTICLES REFERENCED:See Catherine’s supplemental article on Crosswalk: “Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do About It?”  “Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults,” Lifeway Research“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is Why,” USA Today “Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity,” Cold Case Christianity“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity Today Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    25 min

  8. SEP 30

    This Common Lie Will Sabotage Your Parenting - Ep. 121

    Do you ever look at other families and assume that they have it all together and yours doesn’t? Do you look at other pristine and put-together moms or dads and think that you are a hot mess? Do you look at the successes of your friends while focusing on all of your failures? There is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our family life that can sabotage us as parents—the desire to be “normal.” That family is perfect. Mine is hanging on by a thread. That mom is beautiful. I’m embarrassed to leave the house. That friend is a rock star. I’m a fake. Through a series of poignant, relatable stories, Catherine explores how this quest for normalcy infiltrates our lives, undermining our parenting and our individual purpose. Our deeply personal struggles and wounds—from infertility and abandonment to financial instability and physical imperfections—heighten the longing to be like "everyone else." But those lives that appear perfect are far from it. Everyone battles their own unique challenges that keep them from this mythical place called “Normal.” The pervasive desire for normalcy is a dangerous and sabotaging force. Being normal is a fiction, a fairy tale, a farce manufactured by the enemy of our souls. And on some level, we all struggle with it. We desperately need a shift in perspective. Our unique struggles and disabilities are precisely what draw us closer to God, if we will let them. The lie of “Normal” is one of the devil’s greatest hits, but in our deepest needs and struggles, God’s grace abounds and leads us to true fulfillment and strength. This episode supplies a much-needed pep talk to break free from the quest for normal and embrace God’s grace in every need. EPISODE RESOURCES: Normal (Blog) by Catherine Segars Ep. 119: Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra) Ep. 120: How the Prosperity Gospel Fueled Purity Culture and Undermined Our Parenting (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra) 2 Corinthians 12:9 Philippians 4:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    23 min
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4.8
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About

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars is dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world. Catherine is an expert in Christian Apologetics for parents and every episode helps moms and dads understand what is going on in our current culture and how Christians can and should respond. Topics covered on this podcast include: What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith Can Our Words Change the Future? Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith? 13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year 5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids? How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview  Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Information

  • Channel
    LifeAudio
  • Creator
    Catherine Segars - Christian Culture Author and Speaker on Christian Apologetics for Parents
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Christian Parent, Crazy World

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