Podcast
I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST
Hosted by Dr. Frank Turek · EN
Cross Examining ideas against the truth and Christianity. Brought to you by CrossExamined.org and AFR.net
89episodes
Episodes
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From Extreme Depression to Street Preacher: How God Saved His Life with Bryce Crawford
4d ago00:49:13Summary readyHow does a suicidal 17-year-old battling anxiety, depression, and doubts about God's existence, become the founder of his own ministry and one of today's most influential young evangelists five years later? Since 2024, Bryce Crawford has already reached 2 billion people through digital media and is filling venues around the country at just 22-years old.But Bryce isn't interested in building a platform for himself. Instead, he's using his influence to reach a generation searching for truth, purpose, and hope in Christ—even when it means stepping into environments where rejection, ridicule, and hostility are almost guaranteed. Together, Frank and Bryce answer questions like:What life-changing moment happened when Bryce was in eighth grade and sent him into a deep spiral of depression?What was the desperate prayer that completely changed his life at age 17?How did Bryce become such a positive influence and effective communicator for the Gospel in only five years?Why does Bryce intentionally go to places where Christianity is often unwelcome and what keeps him going when he faces rejection and hostility?How can older generations be more effective when it comes to reaching Gen Z for Christ?Why are some of America's most secular cities like Boston and New York filling up venues to hear what Bryce has to say?What surprising (and shocking) encounters has Bryce had while evangelizing at public events?What kind of fruit has emerged from years of evangelism in places most believers would never go?How do apologetics, truth, and grace all work together to bring people closer to the saving grace of Jesus Christ?What is the "ministry of presence" and why has it become one of Bryce's most effective outreach tools?From crowded city streets, college campuses, pride events, gay bars, and everywhere in between, Bryce's ministry is a powerful reminder that people are often far more open to the Gospel than we think. His story challenges Christians of every generation to move beyond fear, meet people where they are, and lovingly point them to the freedom and hope found in Christ. Please support the work Bryce is doing by visiting his website in the list of resources below!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Bryce’s website - https://brycecrawford.org/Preaching the Gospel at Pride Parade - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y6WUInqFRwsMy Testimony of How God Saved My Life - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYCSCFhZY9I LGBTQ Member Wants to Legalize Bestiality - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6XqOD9ki7I0 Preaching the Gospel at Gay Bars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suyh1gHF4QwBryce Prays for Atheist "Atrophy" - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/l4ewA5rnnJoAtrophy's Baptism - https://youtu.be/K4Ulsva6ib0
SummaryGod the Artist: What You Never Knew About David & Goliath
1w ago00:51:59Summary ready"God can slay the giants in your life!" Is that REALLY the moral of the story when it comes to the infamous historical account of David and Goliath? Get ready as Frank peels back the curtain and reveals the hidden meaning behind the Bible's most famous showdown in 1 Samuel 17. Tune is as he digs into the history, archaeology, and related Bible verses from this remarkable victory while answering questions like:What is biblical typology, what are some examples, and why is it important?Does archaeology correlate with the biblical accounts of Goliath and the existence of giants?How does David's role as Israel's champion point to Jesus?If David points to Jesus, to whom is Goliath pointing?Why did David take Goliath's head to Jerusalem?What is the first prophecy in the Bible and how does it relate to David and Goliath?What are chiasms and how do they demonstrate the divine nature of the Bible?Which Bible verses help us understand the deeper meaning behind this historical account?How do you summarize the Bible in 3 short sentences?Why did God weave prophecy into history instead of spelling everything out plainly?How is the Bible the greatest apologetics tool of all time?What do the Bible's thousands of cross-references reveal about its remarkable design?If you've ever wondered how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament, this episode brings the pieces together in a fascinating way. Once you see what's happening beneath the surface of David and Goliath, you will never read it the same way again!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Archaeological Evidence for Giants in the Bible? with Joel Kramer - https://youtu.be/dlUJxNFyRBM Bible Cross-References by Chris Harrison - https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/visualizations/BibleViz
SummaryWhat No One Ever Told You About the American Revolution with Eric Metaxas
2w ago00:49:24Summary readyThere’s never been a nation like the United States of America. But do you know the wild and true story of how it came into existence? On our 250th anniversary, the hunger for America’s story has never been greater, and who better to tell it than historian and radio host Eric Metaxas, author of seven New York Times bestsellers including the ground-breaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer?This week, Eric joins Frank to discuss his brand-new 600+ page book, 'Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World', which explores in-depth the divine providence and heroic stories behind the founding of the United States. Together, Eric and Frank answer questions like:Why is the book titled 'Revolution' and not 'The American Revolution'?What is American exceptionalism?What makes Eric's book unique compared to hundreds of other books written on the American Revolution?What was the first seed that led to the struggle for American independence?Who was Henry Knox and what makes his heroic story one of the greatest but little known stories of U.S. History?Why did the Founding Fathers (and the people who supported them) call America's struggle for independence "the Sacred Cause"?Why is Samuel Adams called "the Father of the Revolution"?Is it possible to have freedom and liberty without God?What are some of the real stories of God acting in the Revolution?You definitely don't want to miss this episode along with Eric's book which will be a staple on your family's bookshelf for generations to come. Unless we ourselves know the true story of the Revolution—what some have called America’s “founding myth”—we cannot play the role we are meant to play in the Revolution that still continues today.If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Revolution by Eric Metaxas - https://a.co/d/0fSEcKcfEric’s website - https://ericmetaxas.com/U.S. Capitol Tour with Speaker Mike Johnson - https://youtu.be/WhzdhCzO5Aw
SummaryBe Worthy of the Bullet That Charlie Kirk Took For You — Why Independence Day? with Steve Deace PLUS Q&A
2w ago00:55:59Summary readyHow do you take a BIG idea like the importance of Independence Day and make it accessible for young readers without watering down the truth? Look no further than Steve Deace and his new book, 'Why Independence Day? America is Great Because God is Good'. Steve recently joined Frank on his recent tour of the U.S. Capitol with Speaker Mike Johnson and shares some of his biggest takeaways while answering questions like:How did Steve get started in radio?How does Steve jokingly explain the difference between reformed and charismatic Christians?Is there a Nefarious 2 in the works?What inspired Steve to write a series of children books?What does Steve mean when he says, "Be worthy of the bullet that Charlie Kirk took for you"?Then, later in the program Frank addresses some listener questions, including:Is God evil because He created people who do horrible things?If God appoints all leaders why is Satan considered the ruler of this world?What's the best way to share the Gospel at a wedding?Have a question for Frank? Send it to hello@crossexamined.org and stay tuned for Friday's episode with Eric Metaxas where you'll learn more about his brilliant new book (available to order now!), 'Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World'.If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Follow Steve on X - https://x.com/SteveDeaceShowWhy Independence Day? by Steve Deace - https://a.co/d/0hJYZjTFU.S. Capitol Tour with Speaker Mike Johnson - https://youtu.be/WhzdhCzO5Aw Revolution by Eric Metaxas -https://a.co/d/0fSEcKcf
SummaryHow Do 86 Civilizations Reveal That This is Our Last Stand? Blowtorch Truth with Seth Gruber
3w ago00:49:20Summary readyIs the greatest danger to Western civilization the hostility of the world, or the forgetfulness of the Church? Many Christians don't realize that the same evils that haunted our Christian forefathers still exist today--abortion and sexual sin. Seth Gruber, founder of The White Rose Resistance, is a leading voice in the pro-life movement and joins Frank to expose the chilling realities of America’s obsession with its false idols, while urging the Church to rise and lead the charge on the front lines of our cultural war through his new project, 'The Last Stand'.Join Seth and Frank as they ignite the airwaves with their "blowtorch of truth" and answer questions like:Why does Seth say that this is a "Last Stand" moment for the West?When and why did the term "Christendom" turn into "Western Civilization"?What behavior lead to civilizational suicide 100% of the time in 86 countries that were studied over the course of 5000 years?What two things does a civilization need in order to thrive long-term?What four things happened in 1973 to make it a major turning point for America's moral decline?What famous church father gave infants and babies legal protection for the first time in history?What are some of the accomplishments that Christians have been able to do culturally and politically?What is the biblical significance of Seth's advice to "remember the signs"?How is abortion "the demonic parody of the Eucharist?"Is the West standing on the precipice of destruction? What are Christians supposed to do now?Our Christian forefathers did not surrender or negotiate with darkness, they exposed it, confronted it, and drove it back with truth. Now it is our time. Join Frank, Seth, and many others at the Last Stand Festival coming up June 5-6 in Colorado, air and watch the film at your church, and pre-order the book using the links below!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/The Last Stand Festival - Use promo code ‘FRANK’ to receive 15% off your ticket price! - https://thelaststand.com/The Last Stand Film - Releases June 6th! - https://thelaststand.com/film/The Last Stand Book - Pre-Order Now! - https://thelaststand.com/book/Sex and Culture by J.D. Unwin - https://a.co/d/01vK4l9dThe White Rose Resistance - https://thewhiterose.life/Seth's website - https://sethgruber.com/Frank and Friends Tour the U.S. Capitol with Speaker Mike Johnson - https://youtu.be/WhzdhCzO5Aw
SummaryWhat the Media Will Never Tell You About the U.S. Capitol - Speaker Mike Johnson Gives Frank & Friends a Private Tour
3w ago01:15:21Summary readyThis week, Frank takes us behind the scenes of an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime tour of the U.S. Capitol guided by Speaker Mike Johnson, who knows the history of our country, including its foundations in Judeo-Christian tradition. From hidden rooms and historic artifacts to conversations about faith, government, and America's founding principles, you'll get an insider's look at one of the most iconic buildings in the world! Along with hearing some fun stories, you'll see:Who else joined Frank on this exclusive tour and what were their biggest takeaways?Why is a statue of Billy Graham inside the Capitol Crypt?Is the Declaration of Independence a deistic or theistic document?Where do our rights come from, and how does the media not know this?What did Benjamin Franklin believe about God?Where did the 6th President, John Quincy Adams, die? How did he influence the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln? And what important faith lesson did Speaker Johnson learn from the relationship?The best photo op in all of Washington!What sports memorabilia and priceless paintings are in the Speaker’s office?Why did President Trump want to trade Jefferson for Polk, and how did the “Art of the Deal” become the “Deal of the Art”?Why is there a bullet hole in the House Chamber ceiling?What is Moses doing in the House Chamber?What dangerous ideology threatens the foundations of Western civilization?Why the Speaker thinks it’s important that Christians are informed and vote.Why Americans should be grateful that we were born on third base.You’ll also hear the most poignant letter anyone can write to a grieving mother. It was the letter President Lincoln wrote to Ms. Lydia Bixby– a woman who lost five sons in the Civil War.As we remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom here in America, meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus. He sacrificed his life for everyone--not only here on earth, but for eternity in heaven. Please share this one with others!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/
SummaryWhat the Media Will Never Tell You About the U.S. Capitol - Speaker Mike Johnson Gives Frank & Friends a Private Tour
3w ago01:15:37Tap to summarizeThis week, Frank takes us behind the scenes of an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime tour of the U.S. Capitol guided by Speaker Mike Johnson, who knows the history of our country, including its foundations in Judeo-Christian tradition. From hidden rooms and historic artifacts to conversations about faith, government, and America's founding principles, you'll get an insider's look at one of the most iconic buildings in the world! Along with hearing some fun stories, you'll see:Who else joined Frank on this exclusive tour and what were their biggest takeaways?Why is a statue of Billy Graham inside the Capitol Crypt?Is the Declaration of Independence a deistic or theistic document?Where do our rights come from, and how does the media not know this?What did Benjamin Franklin believe about God?Where did the 6th President, John Quincy Adams, die? How did he influence the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln? And what important faith lesson did Speaker Johnson learn from the relationship?The best photo op in all of Washington!What sports memorabilia and priceless paintings are in the Speaker’s office?Why did President Trump want to trade Jefferson for Polk, and how did the “Art of the Deal” become the “Deal of the Art”?Why is there a bullet hole in the House Chamber ceiling?What is Moses doing in the House Chamber?What dangerous ideology threatens the foundations of Western civilization?Why the Speaker thinks it’s important that Christians are informed and vote.Why Americans should be grateful that we were born on third base.You’ll also hear the most poignant letter anyone can write to a grieving mother. It was the letter President Lincoln wrote to Ms. Lydia Bixby– a woman who lost five sons in the civil war.As we remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom here in America, meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus. He sacrificed his life for everyone--not only here on earth, but for eternity in heaven. Please share this one with others!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/
Transcribe →Who Lives Inside Your Brain? The Disturbing Psychology of Conspiracy Theories and Parasocial Relationships with Anna Kitko
4w ago00:49:21Summary readyWhy are millions of people forming deep emotional attachments to celebrities, influencers, and online personalities they've never met? And why do some online figures inspire such fierce loyalty that followers will defend their claims, adopt their worldview, and trust their conclusions—often without any scrutiny or independent investigation?Frank sits down with spiritual abuse counselor and Ratio Christi leader, Anna Kitko, to investigate the hidden psychology behind parasocial relationships, conspiracy theories, and the digital voices competing for our trust. Together, they unpack how social media exploits our need for belonging and how seemingly harmless online habits can quietly shape the way we see reality. In this episode, you'll discover:Why is Anna uniquely qualified to talk about this topic?What happens in the brain when we form emotional attachments to celebrities and social media influencers?What are parasocial relationships and why do they feel so real?How does social media contribute to the spread of conspiracy theories and online echo chambers?Why are loneliness and isolation making people more susceptible to manipulation, false beliefs, and paranoia?What practical habits can help protect our minds from unchecked anxiety and paranoia?What's the connection between parasocial interactions and pornography?What is the "smoke detector principle" and how can it help us distinguish legitimate concerns from irrational fears?In a world where algorithms compete for your trust and attention, understanding the psychology behind influence has never been more important. Join Frank and Anna for a fascinating conversation and stay tuned for next week's episode to see and hear highlights from Frank's recent tour in Washington D.C. with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/beEmboldened Ministries - https://www.beemboldened.com/Connect with Anna through Ratio Christi - https://give.ratiochristi.org/missionary/anna-kitkoAnna's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@annakitko beEmboldened YouTube videos - https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened Univ. of Tenn Q&A with Alisa Childers & Anna Kitko - https://youtu.be/k85V8eLuZq8
SummaryThe Uncomfortable Truth Every Christian Needs to Know About Islam with Pastor Martin Sedra
4w ago00:52:14Summary readyWhat happens when Islam becomes the majority in a nation? Martin Sedra, pastor of Echo Church in Australia, returns to continue his blunt exposé on why Islam is not only a false religion, but also a spiritual and social disaster. From the horrors of Sharia law to Muhammad’s legacy as a warlord and sexual predator, be forewarned--this episode is NOT for young listeners!Join Frank and Martin as they answer questions like:What is Martin's unique approach to evangelizing Muslims?How do Muhammad’s life and personal actions compare to the moral character of Jesus?Can Muslims be sure of their salvation? And what should men and women expect in the afterlife?How do Mecca, Muhammad, and the Quran fail the test of history?Why does it seem that God is meeting Muslims through visions and dreams?What's one major clue that Islam is a man-made religion?Will there ever be peace in Iran?Has there ever been a nation called Palestine?Why is there a consistent pattern of instability and violence wherever Islam gains a foothold?Why is it important for Christians to oppose the rise of antisemitism in the Church?If you missed the first episode with Martin from last week, be sure to go back and give it a listen! You definitely don't want to miss a single second of this essential two-part series!If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Martin’s website - https://www.martinsedra.com/The Muslim Brotherhood Tried to Kill His Family - What Happened Next? - https://youtu.be/O16P2NGO4fE Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling with Dr. Jay Smith - Part 1 - https://youtu.be/FS5fiBg5FOI Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling with Dr. Jay Smith - Part 2 - https://youtu.be/X5b8_dUoj9Y The Islamic Dilemma with David Wood - https://youtu.be/Z_eVB27PR1E The Hamas Charter - https://avalon.law.yale.edu/21st_century/hamas.asp
SummaryThe Muslim Brotherhood Tried to Kill His Family - What Happened Next? with Pastor Martin Sedra
May 1500:49:21Summary readyThey tried to murder his family. So how did a religion with a centuries-long history of violence become successfully rebranded as the "religion of peace"? With the growing sympathy from liberals in the West and the passivity of the Church, could Sharia law eventually gain a foothold in America?Martin Sedra, pastor of Echo Church in Australia, joins Frank to offer a sobering wake-up call regarding Islam’s strategic mission to influence and dominate Western culture. Tune in as they discuss why Martin has dedicated his life and ministry to exposing Islam's sinister agenda and what the Church must do NOW to protect religious freedom in the West. Together they answer questions like:What terrifying (and possibly supernatural) event happened to Martin's family when they lived in Egypt?How did Egypt go from 90% Christian 1400 years ago to 10% Christian today?Isn't Islam a religion of peace?What is the doctrine of abrogation in the Quran and why is it a problem?How does violence in the Old Testament compare to jihad in the Quran?What do Muslims believe about the end times?Why does Martin compare Sharia Law to cancer?What is the unholy Red-Green alliance?What 3 covert strategies are currently being used to initiate an Islamic takeover of America?What does it mean to "globalize the Intifada"?What is Taqiyya in Islam and why should Christians be aware of this term?Is it possible to love Muslims but hate Islam?What is the #1 most important thing for Christians in America to do right now?Martin’s journey from a Christian refugee in Egypt to a pastor in Australia serves as a sobering warning that freedom is never guaranteed. This episode will challenge listeners to find the courage to get involved in the political process and stay bold in sharing the Gospel while we still have the liberty to do so. Stay tuned for the midweek episode as they discuss Martin's unique approach to evangelizing Muslims and the Israel-Hamas conflict.If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!Resources mentioned during the episode:Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/Martin's website - https://www.martinsedra.com/What Is Sharia Law? - https://youtu.be/I3lgo9a3n5Q
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