Stand To Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg talks to Jonathan Keller of California Family Council about the problematic “marriage equality” Prop 3 in California, then he discusses using our vote to do the most good we can, whether God takes sides, getting educated about what will actually do good, and more.   Topics: Interview: Jonathan Keller, president and CEO of California Family Council, about the problems with California’s Prop 3 (00:00) Thoughts on politics and voting (31:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Jonathan Keller Proposition 3 for “marriage equality” Polyamorous families are recognized and protected in Oakland, CA – NPR   Related Links: Getting “Political”—Vice or Christian Virtue? by Greg Koukl Politics Is a Moral Enterprise by Greg Koukl #STRask: What Biblical Principles Should Guide How We Vote?

Greg answers questions about helping trauma survivors think through their trauma biblically, giving to the point where your family has to go without things they need, passages about God loving individuals, and assumptions about communication to bring to the study of language.   Topics: In light of the existence of the soul, do you have any advice on how to help trauma survivors think through what they’ve experienced biblically and see things from God’s perspective? (03:00) What are your thoughts on people giving above and beyond a tithe to the church to the point where the family has to go without things they need? (25:00) Are there any passages that talk about God loving individuals personally as opposed to loving everyone in a general way? (36:00) What assumptions about communication do we need to bring to the study of language, particularly to American Sign Language and other sign languages? (46:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Interview: J.P. Moreland – The Substance of Consciousness

Greg discusses the claim that abortion bans increase infant death rates, then he talks to callers about using probability numbers in teleological arguments and whether it’s worth trying to convince a church member who’s a former Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus is uncreated.   Topics: Commentary: Spot the shell game in this article on abortion bans. (00:00) When it comes to the teleological argument, are apologists conceding it’s possible it could have happened on its own when they give a small probability number? (26:00) Is it worth trying to convince a former Jehovah’s Witness in my church that Jesus is uncreated when he says he’s simply reading the Bible “as it is” and that arguments about language and context just complicate things? (46:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH Infants died at higher rates afte

Greg answers questions about whether the A-theory vs. B-theory of time is a false dichotomy, why Jesus had to suffer before dying for our sin, gender dysphoria, and how we know we haven’t simply deluded ourselves into thinking we have good evidence for our faith.   Topics: Is the A-theory vs. B-theory of time a false dichotomy when it comes to God and his nature? (04:00) If death was the penalty for sin, why did Jesus have to suffer before dying for our sin? What’s the biblical basis for suffering for sin? (20:00) Toleration of gender dysphoria doesn’t make sense on three different grounds. (37:00) How do we as believers know we haven’t simply deluded ourselves into thinking we have good evidence for our faith? Is there a way to independently verify that we’re seeing things objectively? (47:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA; Apri

Greg talks about whether or not God hears the prayer of the unbeliever, then he answers questions about what Matthew 21:21 means when it says you can make things happen if you have faith and do not doubt and how to know if you should leave a church or you’re being too critical.   Topics: Commentary: Does God hear the prayer of the unbeliever? (00:00) What does Matthew 21:21 mean when it says that if you have faith and do not doubt, you can make things happen and receive things? (33:00) Should I leave this church, or am I being too critical? (46:00)

Greg talks about the notion of entailment, then he talks to callers about how to respond to someone who says Christianity took ideas from older religions, whether or not there are still descendants of Abraham, and how to respond to someone who says God is transgender.   Topics: Commentary: You need to understand the notion of entailment. (00:00) How would you answer people who say Christianity isn’t original, that it took ideas from other religions, and that other religions are older? (18:00) Are there still descendants of Abraham? (37:00) How would you respond to the claim that God is transgender? (50:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA   Related Links: Jesus, Recycled Redeemer? by Greg Koukl

Greg talks to Bobby Conway, author of Does Christianity Still Make Sense? about his past before he was a Christian, apologetics as a way of loving people, how to respond to various popular objections to Christianity, and more.   Topics: Interview: Bobby Conway, author of Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today’s Toughest Objections to Christianity (00:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today’s Toughest Objections to Christianity by Bobby Conway Christianity Still makes Sense – Bobby Conway’s website Doubting Toward Faith: The Journey to Confident Christianity by Bobby Conway Bobby Conway’s YouTube channel   Related Links: One Way or Any Way? Part 1 by Greg Koukl One Way or Any Way? Part 2 by Greg Koukl

Greg answers questions about how we know God is real, when seeking God intellectually becomes a hindrance, what the Bible means when it says Jesus is “begotten,” whether the testing of Abraham was capricious and cruel, and the need for God to ground our rights.   Topics: In light of Greek mythology and evolution, how do we know the God of the Bible is real?(02:00) When do you think seeking to know God intellectually becomes more of a hindrance than a help? (13:00) What does the Bible mean when it says Jesus is the “firstborn” or “begotten”? (29:00) Can you explain the testing of Abraham in Genesis 22 so that it doesn’t seem so cruel and capricious to me? (44:00) How would you respond to an atheist who said we can’t have God-given rights because God doesn’t exist? (53:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions Related Links: Apologetics Aren’t Enough to Connect You with a Person by Amy Hall What Does

Greg talks about the difference between “belief in” and ”belief that,” then he talks to callers about an objection to probability arguments for design, whether it can be proved from Scripture that worship in Heaven won’t be forced, and help understanding the end times.   Topics: Commentary: “Belief in” vs. “belief that” (00:00) How would you respond to someone who dismisses a probability argument for design by saying that probability doesn’t prove something is true? (21:00) Can you prove from Scripture that worship in Heaven won’t be forced? (35:00) Can you help me clarify what I should think about the end times? (43:00) Related Links: The Rap on the Rapture by Greg Koukl

Greg answers questions about Hebrews 6:4–8 applying to a former believer, whether there’s anything in the universe that wouldn’t count as evidence for God, responding to King James Only, and whether feeling compelled to do something is an example of the Holy Spirit speaking to you.   Topics: Could Hebrews 6:4–8 be applied to someone who used to be a believer but isn’t anymore? (00:00) What object, thing, idea, etc. is there in the universe that would not count as evidence for God? (27:00) How do you respond to a King James Only person? (37:00) How would you respond to someone who says that feeling compelled to help someone is an example of the Holy Spirit speaking to you? (50:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern

Greg talks about the canon being a list of authoritative books rather than an authoritative list of books, then he talks to callers about feeling guilt about one’s blessings, a cordial exchange regarding abortion, and whether election and predestination are the same thing.   Topics: Commentary: A list of authoritative books, not an authoritative list of books (00:00) Do you have any advice about feeling guilty about my blessings? (26:00) A story about a cordial exchange regarding abortion. (41:00) Are election and predestination the same thing? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Greg answers questions from callers about the Shroud of Turin, the difference between objective truth, proof, and a fact, how to talk to a spouse about speaking in tongues without hurting their feelings, and whether we can know why God is keeping Trump alive.   Topics: What do you think about the Shroud of Turin? (02:00) What is the difference between an objective truth, a proof, and a fact, and is circular reasoning always fallacious? (24:00) How do I talk to my wife about speaking in tongues without hurting her feelings and while remaining scriptural? (43:00) What would you say to someone who says God is keeping Trump alive so his policies can keep America more in line with God’s morality? (52:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Greg gives advice to young people on how to live well on their own, then he talks to a caller about the point of glory and honor and why we need to give it to God.   Topics: Commentary: Advice for young people leaving home (00:00) What’s the point of glory and honor, and why do we need to give it to God? (39:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square by Natasha Crain Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA STR U Online Training Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis   Related Links: Ten Tips to Help Your Prayer Life by Greg Koukl How I Pray...Even When It’s Hard by Greg Koukl Tips for Developing a Habit of Bible Reading by Greg Koukl How (and Why) to Make Habits, Not Just Resolutions by Amy Hall (quoting Joe Carter) Why Would G

Greg talks to a caller about his interaction with a Mormon, then he answers questions about how he keeps his cool in debates, how to prove biblically that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man, and whether Jesus ever asked to be worshiped.   Topics: A caller reports back on his interaction with a Mormon. (02:00) How do you keep your cool in debates? (16:00) How can I prove biblically that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man? (31:00) Did Jesus ever ask to be worshiped? (45:00) Download the mp3...   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA Greg Koukl vs. John Baker: Do Moral Truths Exist? Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl Was Jesus Worshiped? by Greg Koukl   Related Links: Discussing “17 Points of the True Church” with Mormons by Amy Hall Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall Verses for Your Conv

Greg talks about his New Zealand trip then answers questions about whether the creation of new fruits by farmers is an example of evolution, the definition of holiness, the definition of knowledge, and whether Mormonism is to Christianity as Christianity is to Judaism.   Topics: Commentary: Greg’s trip to New Zealand (00:00) When farmers create new kinds of fruit, isn’t that evolution? (14:00) What’s the definition of holiness? (25:00) What’s the distinction between knowledge and wisdom? (36:00) How would you respond to the claim that “Mormonism is to Christianity as Christianity is to Judaism”? (49:00) Download the mp3...   Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 13–14 in Los Angeles, CA; October 18–19 in Seattle, WA; November 8–9 in Minneapolis, MN; February 21–22, 2025 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers STR U Online Training When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christian

You’re betting your life on your answer to the question “Does God exist?” Greg considers what we can learn about the nature of reality simply by reflecting on two obvious facts that are available to everyone and then asking what best explains those two facts.   Topics: Message: You Bet Your Life: A Simple Case Against Atheism (08:00) Things exist. (17:00) Torturing babies for fun is wrong. (43:00) What best explains these two facts? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Related Links: Who Created God? by Amy Hall Can a Non-Physical Being Affect the Physical World? by Amy Hall

Greg answers questions about whether a private commitment can create a legitimate marriage, what Romans 14:12 means when it says we’ll give an account to God, baby dedications for same-sex couples, and reaching a spouse for Christ when they’re skeptical of your faith.   Topics: If people make a commitment privately, is that a legitimate marriage? (06:00) When Romans 14:12 says that “each one of us will give an account of himself to God,” does that mean something will be based on our good works? (26:00) Is it wrong for a church to do a baby dedication for a same-sex couple? (36:00) Any advice for reaching my husband for Christ when he thinks my recent return to the faith is just a temporary fix and doesn’t take it seriously? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Greg answers questions about interpreting and using Paul’s list of qualifications for elders, the vetting process for church leaders and workers, what charismatics think about speaking in tongues, and the idea that morality is based on society’s definition of human flourishing.   Topics: Is everything on Paul’s list of qualifications for elders required, and how do you interpret the “husband of one wife” requirement? (04:00) What should the vetting process be for church leaders and workers? (20:00) Do charismatics say that speaking in tongues is speaking in a language that exists, or do they say it’s speaking words that only a spiritual gift can interpret? (31:00) How would you respond to someone who says that morality is subjective, based on the society’s definition of human flourishing, and that we only feel an obligation not to go against it because of the consequences imposed by the society? (43:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner

Greg talks to David Halevy about his outreach to Jews in Israel and his book, Returning the Favor, written to train people who want to share the gospel with Jewish people but don’t know how or are afraid of offending them.   Topics: Interview: David Halevy, author of Returning the Favor: An Ambassador's Guide to the Jewish People (00:00) What is the biggest barrier Jews have to taking the gospel and Jesus as the Messiah seriously? (29:00) Responding to “I’m just not interested in Jesus.” (42:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Returning the Favor: An Ambassador’s Guide to the Jewish People by David Halevy Builders of Israel Dr. Michael Brown’s responses to Jewish objections to Jesus and the gospel

Greg chats with Ben Clifton of Apologetics on Mission about his work training Christian leaders around the world, then he answers a question from a concerned mom about how to respond to a “queer prom” at a children’s museum where she frequently takes her children.   Topics: Interview: Ben Clifton, president of Apologetics on Mission (00:00) Do you have any advice about how I should respond to a “queer prom” that will be held at a children’s museum where I frequently take my children? (39:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Apologetics on Mission John Warwick Montgomery’s International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg Be One of the 100 Greg’s Message to His School Board Regarding Proposed Sex Ed Curriculum by Greg Koukl Paul Carden’s CFAR (Greg mistakenly referred to this as CARM)