Viewpoint - The Bible and Culture

Transgenderism (with guest Walt Heyer)

More people than ever in our culture are expressing a desire to change their gender. What does the Bible say about that desire?  More importantly, how can Christians engage with those who want to change genders in a way that ministers to them with both grace and truth? And how can parents navigate transgender culture as it affects young people, schools and beyond?

In this episode, Joe and Brendan discuss transgenderism through excerpts of a live interview Joe conducted in 2022 with Walt Heyer, a man who spent eight years of his life living as a woman before coming to faith in Christ and de-transitioning. He has since started a ministry for those experiencing transgender regret and has worked with thousands of transgender individuals. You can learn more about Walt and his ministry at WaltHeyer.com

Forced to Create? Supreme Court Protection for Creative Professionals

Should a Christian website designer be required to create a website with a message that is contrary to their beliefs about same-sex marriage? The Supreme Court made a decision that has caused many in the LGBTQ community to claim discrimination - but is that what's really happening? What happens when a creative professional - Christian or otherwise - is hired to create something containing a message they don't agree with? Can the government force someone to convey a message? And how can Christian business owners navigate these often-hostile waters in light of Jesus' command to love their neighbor?

This episode will bring clarity to what the Supreme Court decided in this case and explore what that means for people in creative professions. We'll also dig deeper into what it means to be a Christian creative professional, what happens when a request for a creative service conflicts with the foundations of faith, and how we can love our LGBTQ neighbors with both grace and truth. 

The Problem of Suffering

Pain and suffering are inevitable as we live life in a broken world. How do we cope when life gets unbearable? Why would a good and loving God allow His creation to suffer? How does Christianity's view of suffering compare to other world views?

Joe and Brendan welcome guest Dr. Jim Benecke who shares his experience as a father who lost a son to cancer as well as a doctor who has walked with patients through challenges of suffering.

When ”New Age” Gets Old - Part 2

Can you be spiritual without formal religion like Christianity? What does the Bible have to say about spirituality apart from the gospel? What about things like yoga, 'good vibes' or other non-Christian spiritual practices that seem harmless? How about 'spiritual' media like Harry Potter or Star Wars?

Joe and Brendan continue their conversation with Anne and Paul who were once both heavily involved in New Age spirituality.

When ”New Age” Gets Old - Part 1

Can you be spiritual without formal religion like Christianity? The number of people in the U.S. who would say they're "spiritual, but not religious" is growing rapidly. Belief in God is being replaced by experiences with nature, psychic readings, tarot cards, spirit quests and more. What does the Bible have to say about spirituality apart from the gospel?

Joe and Brendan welcome guests Anne Andrus and Paul Swek who were once both heavily involved in New Age spirituality.

Supreme Decisions

Are Christians allowed to pray in public spaces? Can a public school football coach pray with his team at the game? Can Christian symbols be displayed on state property? If a Christian group gathers in a public park and they're asked to leave, is that legal?

It's a Supreme Court case round-up as we explore religious liberty decisions from the last year and discuss what it looks like to balance our rights as citizens of the United States with our citizenship in God's Kingdom.