In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk interviews Nic Blackie, a young apologist and director of youth camps and schools for Thinking Matters. They discuss Nic's journey of faith, the challenges of suffering, and the importance of sharing the gospel with young people. Nic shares his experiences in starting a Jesus Club in high school, his passion for youth apologetics, and the influence of Summit Ministries on his approach to ministry. The conversation also touches on the boldness of today's youth, common questions about Christianity, and the significance of having a supportive partner in ministry.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, Todd Funk interviews Rebecca Valerius, a classical educator and author, who shares her journey of faith, her passion for apologetics, and her insights on navigating doubt and deconstruction in Christianity. They discuss the importance of community, the role of philosophical and literary apologetics, and the challenges of integrating faith with science. Rebecca also highlights the significance of Chesterton's works and the rise of individual spirituality among young people. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthy questioning and the support of community in strengthening faith.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Valerius

00:57 Rebecca's Faith Journey

04:00 Exploring Apologetics

07:02 The Society for Women of Letters

11:58 Understanding Deconstruction

19:50 The Role of Doubt in Faith

24:59 Healthy vs. Destructive Questioning

29:56 The Problem of Evil

33:42 Apologetics in Modern Spirituality

35:10 The Individualistic Search for Meaning

39:07 Navigating Doubt and Authority

43:32 Trusting God in Parenting

45:17 Science and Faith: Bridging the Gap

51:18 Wrestling with Doubts and Atheistic Arguments

52:25 The Influence of GK Chesterton

55:32 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Sam Treadwell, who shares his transformative journey from atheism to Christianity. Sam discusses his exploration of various faith systems, the intersection of science and faith, and the role of prophecy in validating Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of addressing doubts and challenges within faith, the historical impact of Christianity on society, and the need for compassionate conversations around LGBTQ+ issues. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of apologetics and the potential for digital learning in faith education.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Science

02:51 Sam's Journey from Atheism to Christianity

05:48 Exploring Spiritual Landscapes in Asia

08:55 Understanding World Religions and Truth

11:49 The Science-Faith Interface

14:51 Prophecy and Validation of the Bible

20:52 Faith, Doubt, and Reasoning

23:13 Navigating Doubts and Truth in Faith

29:54 Christianity's Impact on Society

32:43 Addressing LGBTQ+ Issues in Christianity

40:39 The Future of Faith Seminars

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dale Campbell, who shares his journey from Missouri to New Zealand and his role in the Auckland Church Network. The conversation explores themes of unity in diversity, the importance of social justice from a biblical perspective, and the challenges of navigating doctrinal differences among various Christian denominations. Dale emphasizes the need for curiosity and understanding in interactions with others, particularly in the context of social justice and community support. The discussion also touches on the influence of media on perceptions of justice and the importance of humility and mercy in addressing societal issues.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dale Campbell and His Journey

02:45 Auckland Church Network: Vision and Mission

05:51 Unity in Diversity: The Role of Ecumenism

08:30 Cultural Diversity and the Gospel

11:23 Social Justice: A Biblical Perspective

14:17 The Drama Triangle: Understanding Oppression and Solutions

24:12 Understanding the Drama Triangle

28:13 Cycles of Vengeance and Dependency

32:39 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions

37:35 The Complexity of Mercy and Justice

44:20 The Importance of Vulnerable Conversations

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with J. Warner Wallace, a former cold case detective and author, discussing the intersection of faith, identity, and the importance of the next generation. Wallace shares insights on grand parenting, the challenges of identity, the impact of trauma, and the role of community in faith. He emphasizes the need for a strong foundation in Christ and the importance of addressing the problem of evil and philosophical naturalism in discussions about faith. The conversation highlights the significance of balancing work and family, as well as the future of the church in a changing cultural landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to J. Warner Wallace

02:50 The Importance of Family and Generational Influence

05:35 Impacting the Next Generation

08:27 Identity and Its Challenges

11:14 The Connection Between Identity and Trauma

14:08 Identifying False Worship and Devotion

17:05 The Burden of Identity and Ministry

21:31 Identity and Purpose: The Shift in Values

23:57 Measuring Success: Metrics and Misplaced Devotion

26:11 Climbing the Highest Mountain: Prioritizing Identity in Christ

28:55 The Journey of Sanctification: Navigating the Bumpy Hallway

30:56 Finding Joy Beyond Ministry: Personal Hobbies and Family

35:34 Legacy and Influence: The Role of Grandparenting

42:56 Engaging the Next Generation: Youth Ministry and Apologetics

45:01 The Impact of Apologetics Camps

46:06 Cultural Shifts and Church Attendance

47:25 The Pendulum of Church Practices

48:57 Reimagining Church Models

50:43 Community Engagement and Service

52:33 The Future of Church Dynamics

54:23 Building Authentic Community

56:24 Navigating the Problem of Evil

58:34 Philosophical Naturalism and Skepticism

01:01:24 The Role of Miracles in Faith

01:03:05 Identity in Christ and Its Implications

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk interviews Max Jeganathan, a senior research fellow at the Center for Public Christianity in Australia. They discuss the role of public theology in addressing contemporary issues, the complexities of immigration debates from a Christian perspective, and the importance of a Christian voice in public discourse. Max shares his personal experiences with persecution, the cultural differences in faith perspectives, and the crisis of purpose and identity in modern society. They also explore the ethical implications of technology and AI, the importance of finding joy and balance in life, and advice for young people navigating their paths in faith and life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Public Christianity

01:23 Max's Role and Mission at CPX

04:28 Navigating Immigration Debates as a Christian

11:05 The Role of Christians in the Public Square

15:03 Facing Hostility in the Public Sphere

18:33 Personal Experiences of Persecution

20:22 Cultural Differences in Apologetics

22:55 Shifting Questions in Modern Apologetics

26:20 The Freedom Trap and Modern Discontent

29:21 Understanding Misconceptions in Christianity

33:44 The Impact of AI on Society

39:04 Lessons from Leadership Crises

45:17 Finding Joy and Spiritual Recharge

48:34 Advice for the Younger Generation

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Tripp and Megan Almon, who share their experiences and insights on faith, apologetics, and the importance of addressing contemporary cultural issues. They discuss their spiritual journeys, the significance of a biblical worldview, and the role of beauty and truth in understanding faith. The conversation delves into topics such as relativism, the existence of God, the resurrection of Jesus, and the challenges of making a case for life in today's society. Tripp and Megan also explore the complexities of marriage, sexuality, and the problem of evil, offering practical advice for young people navigating these issues. The episode concludes with reflections on God's will and decision-making, emphasising the importance of character and relationship in the Christian faith.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dr. Mike Licona, a historian and apologist, discussing his journey of faith, the historical reliability of the New Testament, and the significance of the resurrection. They explore the challenges of doubt, the importance of methodical skepticism, and the role of compositional devices in the Gospels. Dr. Licona shares insights on scripture, inerrancy, and the impact of debates on belief, while also offering advice for young believers navigating their faith in a secular world.

In this conversation, Todd Funk and Henare Whaanga delve into the complexities of identity, biculturalism, and the intersection of Māori and Christian worldviews. They explore the challenges and tensions that arise from navigating these cultural identities, the misconceptions surrounding Māori Christianity, and the importance of listening and understanding in apologetics. The discussion emphasizes the need for unity in diversity within the church and the significance of cultural heritage in shaping faith. Henare shares personal experiences and insights on how to reconcile cultural practices with Christian beliefs, ultimately highlighting the redeemable aspects of every culture and the importance of love and understanding in fostering reconciliation.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Identity and Worldview

02:39 Biculturalism and Its Challenges

05:14 The Intersection of Māori and Christian Worldviews

07:38 Tensions Between Cultures

10:13 Relearning History and Cultural Heritage

12:48 Misconceptions About Māori and Christianity

15:20 Cultural Practices in the Church

17:53 Listening and Understanding in Apologetics

20:30 Navigating Cultural Differences

23:08 The Role of the Church in Multiculturalism

25:43 Unity in Diversity

28:23 Personal Reflections and Spiritual Practices

30:35 Confronting Historical Narratives

33:13 The Choice of Faith and Cultural Identity

35:52 Final Thoughts on Biculturalism and Faith

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dr. Luke Barnes, a senior physicist at Western Sydney University, to explore the intersection of faith and science. The conversation delves into Barnes’ background, his journey into physics and cosmology, and the implications of fine-tuning and the Big Bang theory. They discuss the challenges posed by Young Earth Creationism, the multiverse theory, and the philosophical implications of cosmology. The episode also touches on historical perspectives, particularly the case of Galileo, and concludes with thoughts on integrating science and faith in contemporary discussions.