Podcast Summary: Red Rocks Church – "A Faith that Doesn’t Flinch"

Date: March 21, 2026
Hosts: Doug & Ryan (Red Rocks Church Pastors)

Episode Overview

In the concluding week of the "Tik Tok Theology" series, Doug and Ryan tackle some of the internet’s most debated spiritual hot topics—hell, dinosaurs, aliens, and psychedelics—encouraging listeners to develop “a faith that doesn't flinch.” Their goal is to foster resilient faith rooted in scripture, not shaken by viral theories or trending opinions, and to keep the main thing—the gospel—at the center of all discussions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Information Overload and Discernment

• [01:57] Ryan highlights the challenge of living in an age where “all the information we could ever need is at our fingertips” via TikTok, podcasts, etc., but much of it is untrue. He observes:

  “We need to relearn the lost art of depth and discernment in an age of 30 second sound bites.”

• The hosts set the tone: today’s faith must grapple with rapid-fire hot takes but stay deeply rooted in truth.

2. God, Hell, and Hope

• [06:41] The classic dilemma: “How could a loving God send people to hell?”

  • Doug reframes:

    “There’s a false assumption hidden in that question—God doesn’t send people to hell; God saves people from it.”
    (Doug, 06:55)

  • Scripture references (1 Timothy 2:3-4, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16-18) frame God’s desire for salvation and human free will.
  • Love as a choice: “Forced love is called abuse. God is not abusive. He will not force anybody…” (Doug, 08:28)

• Personal story: Ryan shares a “welcome to ministry” moment when comforting a grieving daughter who asks about her unsaved father ([13:11]). He reflects on Jesus’ mercy to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) and finds hope:

  “The only answer is Jesus.” (Ryan, 15:58)

• Pastoral encouragement:

  "When you see that sound bite...don't chew on that gum, okay? Go to the word of God." (Doug, 16:21)

3. Do Dinosaurs Disprove the Bible?

• [17:32] The “dinosaurs vs. Bible” debate:

  • Two Christian views explained:
    • Young Earth Creationists: Believe Genesis days are literal; the Earth is 6-10,000 years old. Dinosaurs lived alongside humans and perished in the Flood. Fossils appear ancient due to catastrophic events.
    • Old Earth Creationists: See Genesis days as symbolic "epochs" (Day-Age Theory). Dinosaurs predated Adam and Eve by millions of years, compatible with scientific timelines.
  • Key quote:

    “Just because we haven’t figured out how God did it yet…doesn’t mean God didn’t do it.” (Doug, 24:19)

• Faith that doesn’t flinch:

  • Doug:

    "I want our church to be full of men and women with a faith that doesn’t flinch…" (Doug, 24:22)

  • Even if you lack answers to every question, your faith can be resilient when anchored in God’s reality and the resurrection.

4. Aliens and Christianity

• [26:21] Ryan asks, “If aliens exist, does that mean Christianity is false?”
  • Doug tells a humorous “UFO” story, which turns out to be the Starlink satellite ([28:36]).
  • Bottom-line:

    “No.” Even if aliens exist, it doesn’t threaten the gospel, which centers on God’s plan for humans.

  • On UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena): Many experts use “interdimensional,” not “extraterrestrial” language. Doug suggests encounters may reflect spiritual warfare, not aliens.
  • Advice on the supernatural ([32:53]): From C.S. Lewis—don’t ignore spiritual realities, but don’t obsess over them:

    “Don’t ignore it. Don’t obsess over it. Be aware…and understand you have authority over it.”

5. Should Christians Use Psychedelics?

• [34:43] The hosts stress they are not medical experts and approach the topic as pastors.

  • Doug:

    “Psychedelics aren’t your answer. Jesus is your answer.”

  • Ryan reads 1 Peter 5:8:

    “Be sober-minded…because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion…” (Ryan, 36:29)

  • Even positive "spiritual" experiences outside God’s design can be deceiving and enslaving.

• Shortcut vs. Long Obedience:

  • Ryan’s book quote:

    “Psychedelics are an attempt to cut in line and expedite the results…The only way forward is a long obedience in the same direction.”
    (Ryan, 39:40)

6. Are We in the End Times?

• [41:10] Ryan affirms:

  “Yes—if by end times you mean it the way the Bible defines it.”

  • Ever since Pentecost (Acts 2), we've been in the “last days.”
  • Doug counters fear with purpose: Only God knows the timeline, so we always live ready and on mission.
  • Practical call:

    “Let the fact that it feels like, man, things are heating up…fuel you to the Great Commission. Invite somebody to one of our Easter services who doesn’t know Jesus…”
    (Doug, 42:37)

• Final pastor’s plea:

  “There will not come a point when all your questions get answered. There will only come a point where you decide to trust God and give your heart to Him.”
  (Doug, 43:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:30] “You don’t have to pass a test to have a podcast.” (Ryan)
• [04:49] The “chewed gum” faith analogy—don’t settle for half-truths on social media when you have the full meal of God’s Word.
• [17:41] Jurassic Park reference:

  “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that nobody stopped to ask whether or not we should.” (Doug quoting Dr. Ian Malcolm)

• [24:22] "Fifteen years ago...Kobe doesn’t flinch. That’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. I want that kind of faith."
• [32:53] “Don’t ignore it. Don’t obsess over it. Be aware of it, and understand that you have authority over it.” (Doug, about spiritual warfare)
• [39:40] “Psychedelics are an attempt to cut in line and expedite the results...The only way forward is a long obedience in the same direction.” (From Ryan’s upcoming book, as quoted by Doug)
• [43:40] “There will not come a point when all your questions get answered. There will only come a point where you decide to trust God...”

Important Timestamps

• [01:57] - Information overload, faith & discernment in the age of TikTok.
• [06:41] - Hell, God’s love, and universalism discussed.
• [13:11] - Funeral story: addressing hope for lost loved ones.
• [17:32] - Dinosaurs vs. the Bible debate.
• [24:22] - Faith that doesn’t flinch—“Kobe” illustration.
• [26:32] - Aliens, UAPs, and faith.
• [34:43] - Psychedelics and Christian spirituality.
• [41:10] - Are we in the end times?
• [43:40] - Invitation to faith; centering on Jesus.

Tone & Closing

As always, the tone is playful, relatable, and hope-filled—marked by brotherly banter (roasting each other about childhood, parents, and favorite movies). Their consistent message: Don’t let scattered debates or “chewed gum” opinions online shake your faith. Stay rooted in Jesus and the gospel, live with urgency, and invite others to experience the hope you have.

Those still wrestling with questions are welcomed:

“You don’t have to believe what we’ve answered about these questions to belong at this church. We are united under one thing: Christ crucified and resurrected.” (Doug, 47:56)

Main Takeaway:
No matter the trending topic or existential question, faith in Jesus is resilient, hope-filled, and focused on the main thing: knowing God, living on purpose, and helping make heaven more crowded.