The truth of Christianity is perhaps best supported by the cumulative case approach, which combines multiple lines of evidence to make a strong case that the Christian worldview offers the best explanation for the way things are. My guest in this episode, Dan Ermutlu, teaches a six-week apologetics course at his church, where he lays out much of this cumulative-case evidence. In this extended-length episode, Dan walks us through the structure of his course and explains some of the powerful arguments for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity. Can you cram a six-week apologetics course into one podcast episode? Not even close! ...But we certainly tried!
===============
Resources:
===============
Dan Ermutlu & Apologetics 517
Books:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
How can you be salt and light to people who don't want to hear about God or where you're not able to share your faith? In this long overdue follow-up to Episode 21 "How Do You Talk About God When You Can't Talk About God?," we offer MORE strategies for talking "around" God, using logic and reason. Join us as we discuss practical and relational ways to work on a person's plausibility structure, create "favourable conditions for the reception of the gospel," and lay the philosophical groundwork and preconditions necessary for holding a Christian worldview.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. Moreland
The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer
Previous Related Episodes:
Episode 21: How Do You Talk About God When You Can't Talk About God?
Episode 19: Where Do Human Rights Come From?
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Is there a simple way to challenge evolution? In this episode, we discuss the claims of Darwinism and look at how it has been perpetuated by lies and mistruths. We also present a helpful acronym providing three easy-to-remember answers to the colossal “FIB” of evolution. Whether you're a student, parent, or someone interested in apologetics, this episode will equip you with a memorable framework to challenge the evolutionary narrative with truth and confidence.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Other Resources:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
We all hold certain beliefs that feel good and sound right—but have we ever stopped to truly examine them? Without even realizing it, we often build our worldview on assumptions, emotions, or cultural norms, but what if there’s more to the story? What if there is a standard of truth that we haven’t considered? In this episode, we invite you to explore your worldview and why you believe what you believe. No pressure—just an open invitation to reflect, question, and consider a new perspective.
===============
Resources:
===============
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What do you do when your kids have questions or doubts about Christianity? More importantly, what should you NOT do? In this episode, we share 5 DON'Ts for Christian parents to remember when their kids ask tough questions about faith. These practical tips help you navigate doubts and guide your children with wisdom and compassion. Not a parent? No problem! These insights are useful for all believers who want to respond well to questions or doubts about Christianity.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Other Resources:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Was the word “homosexuals” wrongly added to the Bible? In this episode, we welcome back David Wolcott to address the controversy created by the movie “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture.” David helps us understand why it was not a mistranslation and how proponents of the movie misinterpret Scripture using fallacious methods and reasoning, all in an effort to deceive modern culture into affirming what the Bible clearly prohibits.
===============
Resources:
===============
Find David Wolcott Here:
Other Resources:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Sam Sears, who has recently embarked on an inspiring journey to plant a new church across the country. With a love of apologetics and a heart for reaching people where they are, Sam shares his approach to church planting through intentional discipleship and relationship-building. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with individuals in the community and inviting them into a transformative faith experience. Sam also delves into his unique perspective on storytelling as a means of cultural engagement, discussing his Christian horror novel, The Templars Survive Beneath Us, which explores profound spiritual themes through its exciting plot.
===============
Resources:
===============
Find Sam Sears Here:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What is the value of a single human life? Jennifer DeFrates joins me in this heartfelt episode to share her inspiring journey through the adoption of her daughter, the tragic loss of her husband, and the encouragement she finds in the Lord. Her study of apologetics and her intimate awareness of the profound value of human life have emboldened Jennifer to make a powerful case for the lives and dignity of unborn humans as well. After all, even the smallest human beings have been made in the image of God and endowed with intrinsic dignity and worth.
===============
Resources:
===============
Jennifer DeFrates:
Articles:
Videos:
Books:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, we are joined by filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis. Michael is a former atheist who took a long and honest look at the evidence for Christianity, only to be convinced of its truth. Now, as a Christian, he is compelled to share his faith with others in a creative and winsome way, using his knowledge of apologetics. Michael describes for us his journey to faith and the role it has played in the creation of his upcoming film, Universe Designed, which features interviews with leading experts and apologists who answer the very same questions that Michael explored along the way.
===============
Resources:
===============
Michael Ray Lewis, Universe Designed
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Dr. Doug Groothuis joins me again in this episode to talk about his book Fire in the Streets, where he offers a powerful critique of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how its influence led to riots and arson in cities across America. We explore how CRT uses flawed logic as it attempts to undermine and discredit the very foundations of our country, posing a serious threat to our nation’s core values. Doug breaks down the errors in this destructive ideology, explaining how it contrasts with a biblical worldview and why Christians should reject CRT. He then equips the Church with a better approach going forward.
===============
Resources:
===============
Dr. Douglas Groothuis:
Books:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, my guest Dr. Douglas Groothuis takes us on a deep dive into the world of Christian apologetics. Doug is a longtime professor of philosophy and apologetics and has written extensively about both. Together, we explore the compellingly rational case for Christianity, examining several key arguments for the existence of God, including the cosmological argument and even the philosophically complex ontological argument. We discuss the intellectually robust nature of these arguments and how they hold up to some of the common objections. Doug also helps us understand the definition and importance of apologetics and how it relates to the Christian worldview.
===============
Resources:
===============
Dr. Douglas Groothuis:
Books:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, we explore how Progressivism has emerged as the new "religion" in public schools, complete with its own set of doctrines and standard of morality. We delve into how Social Emotional Learning (SEL) serves as a Trojan horse for these religious, neo-Marxist ideas, disguising ideological goals under the banner of "safety and belonging." We also examine how classroom teachers are increasingly taking on roles similar to clergy, usurping parental authority and reshaping traditional values in our children. This is an important and insightful episode for all Christian parents, but especially for those with children who attend public schools.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Websites:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations. But how do you fulfill this Great Commission when your job or situation does not allow you talk openly about your faith? In this episode, we talk about the concept of "circumlocution" as it relates to evangelism, in other words, talking around God when you can't talk about Him. We even offer an example of what it might look like in practice.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Many unsuspecting Christians are being carried away by the cultural undercurrent, which is largely driven by Contemporary Critical Theory. In this episode, we dive into a crash course on the basics of this destructive ideology, its roots in Marxism, and how it has permeated almost every area of society today. We discuss what you need to know about it, the deceptive language to watch out for, and how Christians can and should stand for truth even when the culture hates them for it.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Websites & Podcasts:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - are they really unalienable rights? If so, why? Can we just "declare" our rights, or do they actually have to be grounded in something? In this episode, we look at the idea of human rights, where they come from, and why it matters.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Websites & Articles:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
The Gospel is the good news of Christianity, but a quick glance at history reveals that not everything done in the name of Christianity has itself been good. In fact, some things that so-called Christians have done or been accused of doing are downright evil. How do we respond to these dark times in the history of the Church? How does the good that Christians have done in the world stand up against the atrocities? And what does it all mean for the truth of Christianity? In this episode, we don't shy away from the tough issues - we address them head on, but we also offer a meaningful response.
===============
Resources:
===============
Books:
Websites & Articles:
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
If God exists and is both good and powerful, then why is there evil in the world? In this episode, we discuss the age-old problem of evil. We look at how evil is not just a problem for Christians; it's a human problem that everyone must grapple with. Christianity, though, is the only worldview with a legitimate response to the issue. Is it possible that Christians can actually find comfort in the midst of evil? Could it be that evil is actually evidence FOR God's existence, rather than against it?
===============
Resources:
===============
Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges by Gregory Koukl
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Trauma. Abuse. Shame. How do you forgive the unforgivable? In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Mark Sowersby, author of Forgiving the Nightmare, as he shares his powerful testimony about overcoming the trauma of childhood abuse, encountering Jesus, and learning to walk in forgiveness. We discuss the transforming power of God to bring healing, joy, and restoration. Even in the darkest of circumstances, we can take comfort knowing that, paradoxically, the very existence of evil is actually evidence for God, and our Savior is no stranger to our pain.
===============
Resources:
===============
Find & Follow Mark Sowersby Here:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Dr. Bobby Conway joins the podcast to discuss his journey through an agonizing season of doubt, a "long dark night of the soul," which led him to write his newest book, Does Christianity Still Make Sense? A Former Skeptic Responds to Today's Toughest Objections to Christianity. In this episode, we tackle some challenging topics like scandals and hypocrisy in the church, claims that Christians are non-accepting, and questions about what eternity awaits those who never hear the name of Jesus. Finally, Bobby provides a way forward for the church in today's rapidly changing culture, and he offers a word of encouragement for those struggling with doubt and questions.
===============
Resources:
===============
Find & Follow Dr. Bobby Conway Here:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What is Progressive Christianity? And how is it different from true biblical and historical Christianity? In this episode, David Wolcott joins the podcast to offer clarity on this confusing and deceptive movement. He identifies some red flags to watch out for and names some problematic figures to avoid.
===============
Resources:
===============
Find David Wolcott Here:
---
Connect with Encountering Truth:
Website: EncounteringTruth.org
Facebook: Encountering TRUTH
YouTube: @EncounteringTruth
Rumble: Encountering Truth
Platforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast