The Christian Outlook | Topics for Today's Believers

The Christian Outlook – June 24, 2023 Bill Bunkley and  Adam Rasmussen, of the Cultural Research Center, discuss the decline of Christian faith in America, highlighting the drop in church attendance and moral values, as outlined in the “The American Worldview Inventory 2023.” by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Scott Furrow and attorney/activist Jennifer Kennedy discuss two California bills, AB 957 and AB 665, which could result in the government taking children away from parents who disagree with the government's ideology on child upbringing and gender transition.  Eric Metaxas and author/apologist Larry Taunton discuss the war on God and reality, citing the transgender movement as part of a larger effort to undermine society by destroying the family and Christian morality. They argue that the goal is to sever the connection between morality and sex through sex education, leading to societal destruction.  John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with historian Carl Trueman about the prevailing negativity in today's culture but express hope and emphasize the importance of building positive communities. Trueman shares his positive experience as a professor and highlights the eagerness of college students to learn and make a positive impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – June 17, 2023 John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with Sarah Zylstra, an editor for the Gospel Coalition, about the implications of social media on children. They address the concerns raised by the Surgeon General, highlighting the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of our youth. Albert Mohler raises alarm about TikTok's harmful impact on teenagers and reminds parents to protect their children from the pervasive darkness and corrosive effects of social media.  Scott Furrow invites Ryan Miller, founder of Share the Struggle, to share about the development of courses to help people manage various struggles. His organization aims to provide practical tools, foster community, and offer Jesus' love and healing.  John and Kathy talk with John James, an editor with Crossway, about how social media distorts discussions about death, promoting inhumane and emotionally destructive responses. He emphasizes the need to be aware of the negative effects of internet life and the importance of protecting one's emotional well-being. Brian From asks Sarah Zylstra about her decision to leave social media, and she explained that witnessing the negative impact it had on Gen Z girls made her realize its detrimental effects on her own life, leading to shallow relationships and increased loneliness. Bill Bunkley discussed the Go Dark, Shine Bright initiative with James Spencer, who explained that the goal was to start a prayer movement by encouraging people to take a 10-day break from social media. The campaign aims to create a quiet space for individuals to focus on God, pray, and make wise decisions free from the distractions of social media noise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with Carl Trueman, Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies at Grove City College, about the prevailing cynicism and negativity in today's society (outlined in his article, Hope in an Age of Nay-saying), the importance of surrounding oneself with positive communities, the role of hope and gratitude, the experiences of college students in the age of technology, and the impact of social media on insecurity and anxiety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – June 10, 2023 Scott Furrow talks with Jeff Johnston of Focus on the Family about how to, from a Christian perspective, navigate June, the formal “Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month.”  Albert Mohler looks at why USA Today printed an article blaming Christian parents as the cause of LGBTQ homelessness. Don Kroah talks with Jay Richards, of the Heritage Foundation, to look at the sheer pace of change we’re seeing in this revolution on sex and gender. Don asks Donald Sweeting, chancellor of Colorado Christian University, about his recent piece for the Washington Times, An alternative checklist for what to look for in a college. Bill Bunkley talks with James Spencer, Director of D. L. Moody Center, about his latest book, “Christian Resistance: Learning to Defy the World and Follow Jesus.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Hall and Pastor Bill Glaze of Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburg, PA, highlight the fact that believers will be rewarded in heaven for their faithful service to God. These rewards are not based on salvation or the forgiveness of sins, but on the way individuals have used their time, talents, and resources to serve God and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation between John Hall and Josh Brown, pastor of Bellefield Presbyterian Church, they discuss the concept of God's providence and its relevance in the face of a random and chaotic universe. They explore the book of Habakkuk, highlighting the prophet's initial despair and questioning of God's ways, but ultimately finding hope and rejoicing in the Lord despite difficult circumstances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – June 3, 2023 Don Kroah turns to Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation for the latest on the report from Special Counsel John Durham, looking at all the alleged ties between Trump and Russia. Kevin McCullough talks with former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy about how to make sense of all the FBI abuses. Bill Bunkley, while at the National Religious Broadcasters event in Orlando, Florida, sits down with Sherri Huston of the Alliance Defending Freedom to discuss the importance of religious liberty and why Christians should be engaged in the fight. Eric Metaxas, also at NRB, talks with Kellie Fiedorek of ADF and Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative about the upcoming free speech Supreme Court decision, 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. Don Kroah sits down with Family Research Council's David Closson to discuss a book and study guide Closson helped write, Male and Female He Created Them: A Study on Gender, Sexuality, & Marriage. Dr. Albert Mohler invites Carl Trueman to discuss his new book, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Metaxas talks with Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood abortion clinic director turned pro-life activist. Abby explains that her journey is depicted in the film "Unplanned," which portrays her firsthand experience with abortion and its impact on her. She shares how witnessing an ultrasound-guided abortion challenged her beliefs, as she saw a 13-week-old fetus fighting for its life.  Abby expresses her concern about society's skewed idea of compassion, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in protecting the unborn. Check out the trailer for Abby's newest documentary, "Unthinkable" at https://www.unthinkabledoc.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – May 27, 2023 Kevin McCullough invites John Welborn of Salem Church in New York City to talk about the impact that Dr. Tim Keller had on his life and the lives of countless others. John Hall and Kathy Emmons invite Tim and Kathy Keller to talk about the need to catalog and share his teachings for future use while expressing optimism about the growth of multiethnic churches in the United States due to the increasing number of Christian immigrants. Eric Metaxas talks with Tim Keller about Keller's book "Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical," where Keller discusses the role of reason, faith, and the six fundamental aspects of human existence that Christianity addresses. Frank Sontag interviews Tim and Kathy Keller about their devotional book based on the Psalms. The Kellers explain their motivation to provide a more substantive devotional that engages with scripture and prayer, sharing their personal experiences with the Psalms and emphasizing the importance of engaging deeply with the passages through reflection and self-examination. In a sermon following the 9/11 attack in New York City, Tim Keller explores the Christian resurrection, explaining that Jesus promises not just consolation, but the transformation of all suffering and the restoration of a new world where everything is made right. Tim Keller emphasizes how Jesus serves as the perfect counselor, offering tailored responses of truth, tears, and grace to people in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Kroah talks with Ralph Drollinger, Founder of Capital Ministries, about how and why Christians should engage in the political arena. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.