Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis

So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. (Isaiah 59:14)   I am a sixty-six-year-old philosophy professor who has logged thousands of hours in the classroom and elsewhere discussing some of the great issues of the ages. Consider an approach to teaching and writing that I have practiced ever since I went to college and especially since I received my degrees in philosophy and began to teach and write strenuously and prolifically. This approach is not unique to me, but part of the great Western intellectual tradition—until recently. If we lose it, we lose much of value—even truth itself. If we lose it, the culprit will be sensitivity. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it—Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:9). This is a manifesto to ignite the holy fire of apologetic passion and action. As did Jeremiah, we should have "fire in our bones" to communicate and commend Christian truth today (Jeremiah 20:9). This manifesto is not a sustained argument or a detailed development of themes. Rather, as a manifesto, it proclaims a short series of interrelated propositions crying out for both immediate and protracted reflection, prayer, and action. These challenges issue from convictions formed through my nearly thirty years of apologetic teaching, preaching, debating, writing, and Christian witness. Because of (1) the waning influence of the Christian worldview in public and private life in America today, (2) the pandemic of anti-intellectualism in the contemporary church, and (3) the very command of God himself to declare, explain, and defend divine truth, I strongly advise that the following statements be wrestled with and responded to by all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1. On Phobias A phobia is an irrational fear such as the fear of heights, spiders, or water. However, we should fear that which poses real dangers to us. We should fear God, which is the beginning of wisdom. This is because God is our Maker and our Judge. He is totally good and we are not. We should also fear things like disease and crime. Because we fear disease, we consult physicians. Because we fear crime, we lock our doors and watch where we go. Perhaps we carry a firearm or have one at home for self-defense. A conservative view on sexual ethics is sometimes rejected as homophobic or transphobic. However, if the biblical view of sexuality is true and rational (as I have argued), then Christian will fear the expansion of LGBTQ perspectives in society, including the teaching of this ideology to children. This is not irrational, but rational, given the biblical worldview. Simply labeling something as “phobic” does nothing to invalidate the biblical perspective. 2. On Banning Books Those who do not want LGBTQ-affirming books in public schools are not authoritarian book banners. Rather, they believe these kinds of books should not be there. The First Amendment forbids the civil government from restricting free speech. It does not mean that excluding some books from some places in unconstitutional. But if a law restricted the publication of atheist books or Islam books or Christian books, then that law would be a case of book banning and would violate the First Amendment. Not wanting pro-LGBTQ books in public schools or public libraries is not a case of book banning, but of prudent moral judgment. 3. On Boycotts It is right to boycott a company that opposes one’s deepest convictions. Recently, I turned around and left a restaurant after I saw the Pride colors displayed. I was already boycotting Budweiser (not hard; I hate their beer) and Target because of their LGBTQ-affirming practices. On my Facebook, I was criticized for cherry-picking and being self-righteous. My response is that I cannot possibly monitor all the businesses I support, but when I find out that one is supporting Pride, I boycott it. Better something than nothing. Simply because I cannot apply my boycotting across the board does not invalidate boycotting where I can. I don’t see my boycott as self-righteous, but as right moral behavior, since money is vital for cultural formation, deformation, and transformation. I was also criticized for not associating with non-Christians, since I would not go into the establishment. That doesn’t follow since I try to share the gospel or otherwise comment the Christian worldview in all kinds of settings. One could boycott many companies and still interact with people who work there in other settings.  For more from Dr. Groothuis, visit  DouglasGroothuis.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Matt Walsh, What is a Woman? One Man’s Search to Answer the Question of a Generation (Nashville, TN: DW Books, 2022) and the film, “What is a Woman?” produced by The Daily Wire (2022). How could a popular podcaster and author produce a feature film and write a book with the title “What is a Woman?” Does not everyone know the answer to that? After all, humanity is a dimorphic species, consisting of males and females, each with its own distinctive DNA (XY or XX) and gametes (sperm or egg). God created humans as male and female (Genesis 1:27). But now, the known has become the unknown and the true has become the false—that is, if transgender ideology has is right. How did it happen? Consider the legal and philosophical story. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What comes to mind when you think of the word “maid?” You probably think of a paid helper, one who does dirty work you would rather not do. However, you do not think of your maid killing someone. If that happens, an unexpected homicide has occurred. Since 2016, over 30,000 homicides have occurred in Canada, at the hands of another MAID. Given secular trends, MAID (or something like it) may be coming to America as well. Meet the New MAID Meet the new maid, who is a murderer. It is called MAID (sometimes rendered as MAiD). It stands for Medical Assistance in Dying and it allows physicians to euthanize people, thousands of people made in the image of God. This is a Canadian medical protocol, which went into effect in June of 2016 when the Parliament of Canada passed federal legislation allowing eligible Canadian adults to request medical assistance in dying. I heard much about this program and its horrendous results when I was in Toronto, Canada, to speak at the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) annual conference, held at Wycliffe College on the historic and beautiful University of Toronto campus. But there is nothing beautiful about MAID; it is ugly and evil. However, it can be explained by historical developments. What happened? Resources   Kathyryn Butler, Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care (Crossway, 2019). This is on the back cover: “Dr. Butler has written a remarkable, unique, and timely book―Douglas Groothuis,Professor of Philosophy, Denver Seminary; author, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness―A Philosopher’s Lament Gilbert Meilaender, Bioethics, 3nd Eerdmans, 2013. “Always to Care, Never to Kill: A Declaration on Euthanasia,” First Things, February 1992, online at firstthings.com. Francis Schaeffer and C. Everett Koop, Whatever Happened to the Human Race? (Revel, 1979). An early warning about the dehumanizing effects of embracing a secular ethic of life in the areas of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. See also the six-part film series, which is on YouTube. Alexander Raikin, “No Other Options,” The New Atlantis (Winter, 2023), https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/no-other-options. Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 135-136 on the value of human life and killing humans. Film “Solent Green” (1972) starring Charlton Heston (1923-2008) about a dystopic New York City in 2022 in which euthanasia is embraced to deal with overpopulation and food shortages. I won’t spoil the ending. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today I'm reading a collection of verses that my first wife, Rebecca, put together over many years. She went to be with the Lord in 2018. This collection of verses is online and has been used by many to find encouragement in their faith.  For more from Dr. Groothuis, visit  DouglasGroothuis.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Systematic Theology and the Life of the Mind Few mistakes are more crippling to Christian witness within the Christian community than anti-intellectualism. Few theological errors violate more theological doctrines more radically. In his Pulitzer-Prize-winning work, Anti-Intellectualism and in American Life, historian Richard Hofstadter defined anti-intellectualism as a “resentment of the life of the mind, and those who are considered to represent it; and a disposition to constantly minimize the value of that life.” I agree, but will add a few nuances to this: An anti-intellectual demeans or even rejects the worth of reasons, arguments, and evidence in the shaping of individual beliefs and overall worldviews and holds in contempt or derision those who insist that the intellectual should be fed not starved. Few who read this message are in danger of anti-intellectualism, but many outside the Christian academy are in cognitive jeopardy. But this argument will further the defense of the sanctified intellect so that the mission of God will go forth in even greater power. Recommended Reading: Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind Os Guinness. Fit Bodies, Fat Minds. James Sire, Habits of the Mind P. Moreland, Love Your God With all Your Mind. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apologetics is the practice of defending the Christian faith and responding to questions and objections raised by those who don't believe. Over many years of doing apologetics, I have had some remarkable apologetic encounters. Since converting in 1976 at age nineteen, I have labored to give the reasons for my hope in Christ to as many people as possible in as many formats as possible (1 Peter 3:15). I have written books and given lectures and sermons, of course, but some apologetics happens unexpectedly or in odd circumstances. That is part of the adventure of walking the narrow path of Jesus that leads of life (Matthew 7:13-14). These are mostly stories of apologetic encounters, not evangelistic successes. Although I have helped led some souls to become Christians (one is mentioned below), that has not been my great strength, although I press on, trying to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). When it comes to being a Christian witness, prayer and preparation are essential. We are in a spiritual battle for ideas, and we must be ready to defend our faith in the face of opposition. As the Apostle Paul said, “We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). My experiences have taught me that it is important to take people's questions seriously and to do the research necessary to be able to answer them. We must also be willing to pray for those we are trying to reach and to share the good news of the gospel with them. As Paul said, we must have the same zeal to make the gospel known to as many people as possible. We must be willing to share our faith, no matter the cost, trusting that God's love will break through any barrier.  For more from Dr. Groothuis, visit  DouglasGroothuis.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many arguments are marshaled against Christian schools and Christian home-schooling K-12. Those, such as myself who categorically reject state (public) education as anti-Christian, inefficient, and inherently unfair are in for some lively debates. The objections raised must be met. Recommended Reading: Blumenfeld, Samuel. Is Public Education Necessary? (Old Greenwich: The Devin-Adair Company, 1981), 263 pages. A scholarly and cogent treatment of the development of public education. Dissipates a score of popular misconceptions. Excellent. Hegseth, Peter and David Goodwin, The Battle for the American Mind (Broadside Books, 2022). Explains the nature and inherent problems in state education and proposes a Christian alternative. Gato, John Taylor, Weapons of Mass Instruction A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling (New Society Publishers, 2010). Rushdoony, Rousas John. The Messianic Character of American Education (Ross House books, reprint, 1995). A classic. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

An Argument for Traditional, Biblical Gender Categories and Against Transgender Ideology: Twenty Points Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy Denver Seminary Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.  (Isaiah 8:20) The following is a step-by-step, logical argument for deriving a moral position on transgender ideology from the Bible, science, facts, and sound reasoning.  If its conclusions are to be challenged, its premises must be denied, or the reasoning refuted. This argument does not address detailed public policy implications (except one) or how transgenderism should be addressed in church discipline or polity, but gives a foundation for further reflection. We should address first things first. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.