Podcast
Apologetics 315 Podcast
Hosted by Defenders Media · EN
Apologetics 315 discusses the topics of Apologetics, Evangelism and the Christian worldview, and interviews a variety of Christian apologists.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
150 - Happy Lies & New Thought with Melissa Dougherty
Jan 30, 202501:19:57Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary:In this episode, Brian and Chad welcome Melissa Dougherty, author and apologist, to discuss the influence of the New Thought movement on modern culture and Christianity. Melissa shares insights from her book, explaining how New Thought has infiltrated self-help teachings, Word of Faith theology, and broader church beliefs. She also explores its historical roots and the challenges of recognizing and addressing these ideas in Christian circles.Key Topics Discussed:1. Introduction to New ThoughtOverview of New Thought as a movement distinct from New Age beliefs.How it has subtly shaped modern self-help, prosperity gospel, and even mainstream Christian teachings.2. The Influence of New Thought in Popular CultureConnections to figures like Oprah Winfrey and self-help gurus.The role of books like Think and Grow Rich in spreading New Thought principles.Influence on multi-level marketing (MLM) mindset and motivation tactics.3. Theological Implications and ConcernsHow New Thought distorts biblical concepts such as faith, prayer, and God's sovereignty.The impact on Word of Faith theology and the prosperity gospel.The dangers of "manifesting" and the law of attraction from a biblical perspective.4. Engaging with Those Influenced by New ThoughtMelissa’s research approach, including attending Unity churches and speaking with adherents.The importance of asking thoughtful questions rather than attacking beliefs.Encouraging discernment and deeper biblical study to counteract misleading teachings.5. Practical Steps for ListenersHow to recognize New Thought influence in Christian teaching.Resources for deeper study, including Melissa’s book and other apologetics materials.Encouragement to develop strong hermeneutics and biblical literacy.Quotable Moments:"New Thought isn’t New Age—it’s something much sneakier because it uses Christian language.""If the faith cure movement, Pentecostalism, and New Thought had a baby, it would be the Word of Faith movement.""We need to understand scripture in context, rather than cherry-picking verses to fit our desires."Resources Mentioned:Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa DoughertyMelissa Dougherty’s YouTube ChannelApologetics 315 Website: apologetics315.comSpeakPipe for listener questions: speakpipe.com/apologetics315Truthbomb Apologetics Blog: truthbomb.blogspot.comConnect with Us:Email: podcast@apologetics315.comLeave a voice message: speakpipe.com/apologetics315Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and help spread the word.================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You c
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149 - January Cornucopia
Jan 19, 202501:24:51Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary:In this first episode of 2025, Brian Auten and Chad Gross dive into a "Cornucopia" of topics, offering an eclectic mix of discussion points for anyone interested in apologetics, Christian living, and the new year ahead. The hosts share insights on their favorite apologetic arguments, explore the reliability of the New Testament, and provide encouragement for Christian parents. They also discuss Wesley Huff's recent debate and appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, reflecting on lessons learned and the importance of humility and grace in apologetic engagement. The episode wraps up with reflections on God's will, advice for parents raising children in the faith, and plans for upcoming book discussions in the podcast.Time Stamps:00:00 – Introduction: Happy New Year from Brian and Chad! Overview of the "Cornucopia" episode.02:31 – Quickfire Apologetics Questions: Favorite topics, arguments, and conversation starters.09:31 – Favorite Argument to Explain: Resurrection vs. design vs. contingency.14:24 – Key Question for Non-Believers: How to initiate meaningful faith conversations.21:22 – Illustrating the Moral Argument: Using movie characters like the Joker to highlight objective morality.26:05 – Content Creation vs. Artistry: Balancing authenticity with modern pressures of creating content.40:35 – Wesley Huff's Joe Rogan Appearance: Reflections on debates, patience, and truth in apologetics.54:43 – Book Club Announcement: Rational Faith by Stephen T. Davis – What to expect.01:02:01 – Listener Question: What does "God's will" mean in different contexts?01:13:56 – Encouragement for Christian Parents: When children stray from faith – lessons from Genesis.01:21:16 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude: Looking ahead to new episodes and topics.Rational Faith by Stephen T. Davis: https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Faith-Philosophers-Defense-Christianity/dp/0830844740================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com
Transcribe →148 - Jesus Contradicted with Michael Licona
Nov 11, 202400:53:30Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode of the Apologetics 315 podcast, hosts Brian Auden and Chad Gross engage with Dr. Michael Licona, a prominent New Testament scholar, to discuss his latest book, 'Jesus Contradicted.' The conversation delves into the historical reliability of the Gospels, addressing the differences in accounts and how they can be understood within the context of ancient biography. Dr. Licona shares insights from his extensive research, emphasizing the importance of compositional devices used by ancient biographers and how these techniques can illuminate our understanding of the Gospels. The discussion also explores various responses to Gospel differences, providing a nuanced perspective on the trustworthiness of biblical texts. They discuss the nature of inspiration and inerrancy, emphasizing that the differences in the Gospel accounts do not undermine the truth of Christianity. The dialogue highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and literary techniques employed in ancient writings, advocating for a more nuanced approach to biblical interpretation.Chapters00:00 Introduction of Michael Licona01:44 Exploring Gospel Differences and Historical Reliability08:43 Responses to Gospel Differences13:26 Understanding the Genre of the Gospels19:11 Compositional Devices in the Gospels26:19 Exploring the Resurrection Accounts30:08 Understanding Compositional Devices in Gospel Writing34:55 The Nature of Inspiration and Inerrancy43:35 Practical Approaches to Gospel Differences================================We appreciate your feedback.If you’re on TWITTER, you can follow Chad @TBapologetics.You can follow Brian @TheBrianAutenAnd of course, you can follow @Apologetics315If you have a question or comment for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com
Transcribe →026 - Them Before Us with Katy Faust
Jun 14, 2021Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brian Auten, Chad Gross and The Belfast Bigot interview Katy Faust about the global children’s rights movement (and book): Them Before Us.0:38 - Pre-show chat; The Belfast Bigot and the original Bigot.2:38 - Introduction to Katy Faust and how she got into running a global children’s rights movement6:43 - How Katy went from being anonymous to going public 7:49 - How Katy influenced the Belfast Bigot9:40 - The goal of the Them Before Us movement / organization13:36 - How does Katy hear from kids whose parents prioritize their own desire above children's rights 15:31 - What do we mean when we talk about “rights”?20:09 - Why children’s rights is something that all political parties should prioritize24:33 - Three staples of a child’s social/emotional diet25:27 - How dads are not always the idiots; men and women are different32:58 - “How are you not pushing a religious view?” and “you’re just shrouding religious views in secular arguments.”36:11 - Let the data do the talking; disagreeing with reality and biology38:21 - Can’t same-sex parents do just as good of a job at raising kids?41:44 - “You’re just hand-picking these stories!”44:20 - The data we do and don’t have; society is experimenting 47:34 - The psychological damage to children from losing a parent50:13 - The practical application of “Them Before Us”53:38 - How does one engage with these topics when people are so quick to label you a bigot or a -phobe?57:52 - Having reasonable conversations1:00:17 - Discussion of exceptions to the rules; dishonest argumentation; appeals to acceptance, etc.1:05:28 - Reproductive technologies and the buying and selling of humans1:07:51 - Where to find more resourceswww.thembeforeus.comIf you have a question for the podcast, record it and send it our way using www.speakpipe.com/Apologetics315 or you can email us at podcast@apologetics315.com
Transcribe →John Stewart Interview
Aug 11, 2013Tap to summarizeToday's interview is with John Stewart, International Director for Ratio Christi. He talks about his background and how he started exploring Christianity, the Simon Greenleaf School of Law, his work with Walter Martin on The Bible AnswerMan program, the changes in the apologetics landscape in the past decades, lessons learned from decades of doing apologetics, Ratio Christi and its international vision, how you can get involved internationally, his resources, and more.Enjoy.
Transcribe →Peter Kreeft Interview
Apr 25, 2011Tap to summarizeToday's interview is with Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy at Boston College and at the King's College, in New York City. He talks about his background and influences, his view of philosophy and theology, why we should learn logic (and his logic textbook), etiquette in evaluating arguments, Socratic method & dialogue, caring for the soul, dealing with difficult and loaded questions, preparation for apologetics dialogue (it's not just study), cultivating integrity and character, advice for being a life-long learner, and using literature in apologetics.Enjoy.
Transcribe →Alan Shlemon Interview
Oct 25, 2010Tap to summarizeToday's interview is with Alan Shlemon of Stand to Reason. He talks about how he came to be part of Stand to Reason, how to speak with Muslims and understand the issues, the subject of pro-life tactics, pro-life training, pro-life arguments, dealing with the difficult subject of homosexuality, the art of communication and the power of using questions, and more.Enjoy.
Transcribe →Greg Koukl Interview
Mar 22, 2010Tap to summarizeToday's interview is with Greg Koukl, founder and president of Stand to Reason. He talks about his influences, how he got started defending the faith, the ambassador approach to apologetics, how to think on your feet, preparing for a debate, the importance of mentors, Christian character, and much more. Lots of great insights.Enjoy.
Transcribe →Frank Turek Interview
Jan 18, 2010Tap to summarizeApologetics 315 interviews apologist Frank Turek of CrossExamined.org. Frank has had two debates with Christopher Hitchens which can be found here and here as audio (debate videos here). He talks about his podcast, debates, tips for apologists, an upcoming conference on the 19th of January, and more. Enjoy.
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