In this special edition of the Theology Mom podcast, Krista examines the "I" in DEI from a historic Christian perspective. She contrasts the widely agreeable "noble" definitions of inclusion and belonging with their real-world applications in workplaces and Christian institutions, highlighting unintended consequences, ideological conflicts with biblical teaching, and how DEI practices often infiltrate conservative Christian universities through a shifting of definitions. A thoughtful call for Christians to pursue biblical unity, hospitality, and impartial justice rather than secular social engineering. The Biola Chronicles | Theology Mom YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHfxxaVbHJaajgjRpeC6w2d2h3ftjiYrD Diversity/DEI | CFBU YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSr-7Jtur6g_bGxIsIWliAUr-H25uipQu Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society https://a.co/d/2ftQnuf #DEI #Inclusion #Belonging #Christianperspective

Join me and acclaimed filmmaker Cory Edwards (director of "Hoodwinked!") and his wife Vicki as we dive into their brand-new Christmas film, All Is Merry & Bright. We’ll talk about the making of this heartwarming holiday movie and how their Christian faith has guided their work in Hollywood. Watch on Amazon Prime: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/All-is-Merry-Bright/0PLFEAU5PFEN6CFRZUEFVMFYR2

Biola was founded in 1908 to fight theological modernism when mainline schools abandoned orthodoxy. Today, postmodernism—with its rejection of truth, deconstruction of Scripture, and embrace of critical theories—threatens historic Christianity the same way. Biola’s founders had the courage to build an unapologetic outpost for biblical truth. Now it’s Biola's turn to lead again. This is a call to courage. #BiolaUniversity #Postmodernism #ChristianCourage #TheologyMom #BiolaChronicles

Most Christians know Hanukkah as the “Jewish Christmas,” but it is mentioned in John's Gospel as the "Festival of Dedication" (John 10:22 to 23). Discover the real story behind this holiday: the Maccabean revolt, the miracle of the oil, the stunning archaeological evidence, and how this feast of light points to Jesus, the Light of the World. Featuring a clips from a virtual interview with Christian archaeologist, Dr. Scott Stripling. Origins of Hanukkah - Maccabean Anti-Hellenic Rebellion DOCUMENTARY https://youtu.be/TaanPpi8LK0 Archaeology Related to Hanukkah: Digging for Truth Episode 275 https://youtu.be/4clp_oq8DyI

In this episode of The Biola Chronicles, Krista Bontrager (three-time Biola alumna and public theologian) reacts to Biola University President Dr. Barry Corey’s recent interview with Sean McDowell and Scott Rae. Dr. Corey insists Biola remains biblically faithful… but does the evidence match the narrative? If you’ve wondering what’s really happening at one of America’s largest evangelical universities, this is a must-watch. Original video: Biola's Commitment to Biblical Truth: A Conversation with President Corey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4lFUy4BkVY #BiolaChronicles #BarryCorey #BiolaUniversity

Most of us grew up with “getting saved” in one night: gospel presentation → raise your hand → pray the sinner’s prayer → maybe get baptized later. But when you actually read Acts conversion looked very different. In this teaching we’ll walk through the major conversion accounts in the book of Acts and then trace how the process evolved into the 1–3 year discipleship process practiced by the ancient church. If you’ve ever wondered: ✅ Should churches do same-day baptisms? ✅ Is the modern sinner’s prayer biblical? ✅ What process could churches put in place to provide a wise on-ramp for new believers? …this teaching is for you. Part of the Everyday Evangelism teaching series.

Special update: I share the latest developments at Biola University after the recent gender policy changes. I also react to Thaddeus Williams’ latest video and Megan Basham’s reporting. Toward the end, I explain the major shift in my view after realizing why Biola still employs staff and faculty across a wide spectrum of views, including those who are sympathetic to social justice, liberation theology, and DEI. This is the information that prospective parents, donors, and alumni need to know. PROGRAMMING NOTE: I had originally uploaded a slightly different version of this video. I am reuploading it (24 hours later) with a new, slightly modified ending. I feel like this ending is more clear to what I was aiming to get at.

In this powerful special edition of the Theology Mom podcast, I sit down with Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, founder of New Wave Feminists for a rare, honest conversation across ideological divides. We discuss abortion, human dignity from womb to tomb, Trump, IVF, the border crisis, and why both believe real change happens through relationships, not politics. Respectful, surprising and some common ground you might not expect.

At 15, I was a lonely, fatherless freshman drowning in depression. I had braces, curly hair, and zero friends. But two ordinary Christians noticed me—and my life changed forever. In this emotional episode, I reunite with two old friends and talk about how God used them in my life. Thirty years later, we laugh, cry, and marvel at how God used two regular women to help pull a broken girl out of the pit and into purpose. If you’ve ever wondered if your small act of kindness matters, this one’s for you. You don’t need a platform. You just need to notice the lonely person on the bench. One conversation, one prayer, one nudge from the Holy Spirit can alter someone’s eternity. #ChristianTestimony #TheologyMom #RedemptionStory #HighSchoolFaith

In this powerful 2-hour conversation, I talk to Christian counselor, Andrew Rodriguez (@psychobible). We expose the critical gap between doctrine and practice at Christian institutions — using Biola University as a real-world case study. Includes a discussion about Rosemead Psychology’s stance on “conversion therapy.” 🔥 We read Biola’s old vs. new gender & student care policies line-by-line. ⚖️ Compare their public statements of faith with actual campus culture ❌ Unpack the red flags in “The Dwelling” — Biola’s official LGBTQ+/SSA ministry 🗣️ React to clips from a Preston Sprinkle’s chapel talk & Side B framework 🛑 Why “gay Christian,” “sexual orientation,” and “safe space” language undermines transformation Parents, pastors, youth leaders — this is your roadmap for: • Crafting biblically sound policies • Training leaders to respond in the moment when a teen says, “I think I’m gay/trans” • Avoiding the Side B drift that leaves students stuck, not sanctified #BiolaUniversity #ChristianDiscipleship #GenderPolicies #SideB #LGBTQandChurch #BiblicalCounseling #YouthMinistry #ChristianParents #TheologyMatters

Can you share the gospel clearly in under 5 minutes? You don’t need to be a pastor, theologian, or famous speaker to do it. I'm returning to finish up my 2024 teaching series on evangelism series. In this episode, I share real-life gospel presentations from 5 everyday believers — including a homeschool mom, a pastor, a politician, and more. Watch as they share the good news in 90 seconds to 5 minutes, using simple, memorable methods. Each presentation is practical, repeatable, and designed for real conversations — with waitresses, scientists, strangers, or friends. You’ll also learn: • Why repentance is the missing piece in most gospel talks • How anyone can turn any moment into a Jesus conversation • How to train your kids, church, or small group to share the gospel confidently Inspired by evangelism pioneers like Dr. Hugh Ross, this episode will equip and ignite you to fulfill the Great Commission — starting today. Your next step: Pick one presentation, practice it this week, and watch God open doors.

In this special edition of the Theology Mom podcast, I explain why religious neutrality in the public square is impossible. I also expose Islam's 3-stage jihad plan to colonize America—and share EXACTLY what Christians must do NOW to save our Christian nation. This is your wake-up call. Resources: 📌 Family Meeting with Laura Zifer Powell: Exposing the Incompatibility of Islam with Christianity and American Values 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy2n9RRRW6c 📌 Family Meeting: Wrestling with Christian Nationalism 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37CyE2jVZks 📌 All The Things with Dr. Andrew T. Walker: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSTDvgit86Q 📌 Dr. Walker's book: Liberty For All 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-All-Defending-Everyones-Pluralistic/dp/1587434490

Four conservative Biola profs (Sean McDowell, Thaddeus Williams, Fred Sanders, Erik Thoennes) respond to the recent "drama" surrounding the questions Alisa Childers, Monique Duson and I have been raising. I appreciate these brothers and want you to hear their responses in their words. I also want you to understand what they DIDN'T say. Bombshells: Sean won't send kids to "center-left" Sociology department; Fred admits left-leaning hires; Thad says Biola "got crazy" 2014-2020 and is now reforming. At the end, I recount my 2021 meeting with top-level administration. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ3rPKlc2Zk #Biola #IsBiolaWoke

Ask Us Anything | Season 7 Finale | 10/18/25 | ATT#221 by Krista Bontrager

I shine a light on the escalating persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria, where over 100,000 have been killed and 18,000 churches burned since 2009. I reflect on the lack of mainstream attention to this crisis, highlighted by even atheist commentator Bill Maher addressing the issue. Learn about the challenges faced by Christians living under Sharia law, the role of groups like Boko Haram, and how you can stay informed through resources like Open Doors Ministries. Sources: • https://x.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1971786441635385361 • https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/nigeria/ • https://guardian.ng/news/nigerian-anglicans-reject-pro-gay-female-archbishop-split-from-church-of-england Resources: "Living as a Religious Minority" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYtKHzkJSZg "The Rise of the Global South" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0AEHItBJew

I recap my five year research project on Christian higher ed, particularly a case study on Biola University, and why I can't currently recommend them publicly.

Explore the impact of the Obergefell decision 10 years later. I dive into why gay marriage is a litmus test for Christian leadership, the courage of Kim Davis, and the dangers of government redefining truth. #GayMarriage #ChristianLeadership #Obergefell

Join me for a conversation with my guest, Anthony Costello, as we dive into the rising trend of young people, especially Gen Z, converting to Roman Catholicism. Discover what’s driving this shift— from the appeal of tradition and liturgical beauty to frustrations with modern evangelicalism. We also tackle tough questions, including the historical and contemporary tensions around anti-Semitism in some Catholic circles, and explore the impact of Vatican II and traditionalist movements. Tune in for a balanced, thought-provoking discussion on faith, culture, and identity. #Catholicism #GenZFaith #ReligiousTrends #VaticanII #Christianity #TradCatholic #FaithAndCulture Read Anthony's article: "3 (or 4) Types of Anti-Semitism, And Why We Must Fight Them" –– https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theologicalapologetics/2022/11/three-or-four-types-of-anti-semitism-and-how-to-fight-against-them/ Watch the video mentioned by Anthony with Catholic apologist, Trent Horn: " Protestantism is Winning (and the Lesson for Catholics)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcM4lpTvhaU Watch the panel discussion from the Philos Project mentioned by Anthony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTePJr2LeD4 Nostre Aetate (official statement of the Roman Catholic Church on Jews): https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html My playlist related to Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Christian Ecumenism: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHfxxaVbHJabAOkW366yEAXc_mLFWWRtT

Join Monique and Krista as they explore the growing influence of the manosphere and figures like Andrew Tate on young men, with guest Will Spencer. This episode dives into the crisis of fatherlessness and terms like "longhouse" and "trash world" that shape online ideologies. Learn why young men are drawn to these voices, how the church can respond biblically, and practical ways parents and pastors can mentor the next generation toward godly manhood. Tune in for a powerful discussion on reclaiming purpose, meaning, and belonging in a fractured culture. Article: "The Dangerous Secret Your Young Men Are Keeping: Neo-Nazi Thought Has Entered the Church" https://christoverall.com/article/longform/the-dangerous-secret-your-young-men-are-keeping-neo-nazi-thought-has-entered-the-church/ Get Monique's shirt: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/merch #BiblicalManhood #FatherlessGeneration #Manosphere #ChristianParenting #RaisingGodlyMen #NewRight #ChurchAndCulture

A growing movement of radical socialists is plotting to replace our Constitution with communism, aiming to raise a red flag over the White House. From schools to unions, they’re already embedded in our institutions. Uncover their organized plan, revealed through exclusive clips, and learn why we must act now to protect our freedoms. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yEapS-06ZQ