The Dark History of Marxism vs. Christianity with Dr. Erwin Lutzer

Karl Marx and D.L. Moody were two men with radically different visions for humanity. Both witnessed poverty, injustice, and suffering, but their solutions couldn’t have been more different. So, what can these two 19th-century contemporaries teach us about the battle of worldviews we’re facing today?

One of our favorite guests, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, joins Frank to explore that question through his new book, Marx and Moody, co-authored with Dr. Gregg Quiggle. From Marx’s troubled home life and calls for revolution to Moody’s work among the poor and passion for the Gospel, their stories reveal just how differently these two men believed society could be changed. Along the way, they’ll tackle questions like:

  • What was Karl Marx’s personal life like, and how did it compare to the society he envisioned?
  • What’s the difference between socialism and communism, and why are these ideas still attractive today?
  • Why are the family, private property, and Christianity at odds with Marxism?
  • How did Marxist ideas make their way into American culture?
  • Why didn’t Marxism take over England during Marx’s lifetime?
  • How did D.L. Moody address poverty and social needs without looking to revolution?
  • Why did Christian leaders like Moody and Charles Spurgeon speak out against socialism and communism?

Marx looked to revolution. Moody looked to the Gospel. More than a century later, we’re still living with the consequences. Listen as Frank and Dr. Lutzer unpack how two competing answers to the problems of the 1800s are still shaping the world we live in today, and grab your copy of Marx and Moody to learn more!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined.org

BOOK: Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice.

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Jewish Man Asks: Why Do My “Christian” Friends Hate Israel? PLUS More Q&A

Does the coming of Jesus mean the Old Testament is null and void? Did He destroy Judaism along with all Jewish holidays? Should Israel be totally wiped off the map, as some “Christians” claim? In this midweek episode, Frank responds to a question from a Jewish man seeking clarity on comments made by his so-called Christian friends. Tune in as he uncovers some fascinating connections between the Old and New Testaments while confronting a few controversial issues and more listener questions along the way. You’ll learn:

  • Is the Old Testament still relevant for Christians today?
  • How do Passover and the Jewish feasts point directly to Jesus?
  • What do Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel all have in common?
  • Should Christians still keep the Sabbath?
  • What does ‘Synagogue of Satan’ mean in Revelation 2 and 3?
  • Why has there been a rise in antisemitism since the death of Charlie Kirk?
  • Why should we demand truth instead of preference in all areas of life, including morality and religion?
  • What are the five most important questions you’ll ever answer?
  • How much does being comfortable really matter in light of eternity?
  • Should people be judged on their identity or their behavior?
  • Why does Frank call Charlie Kirk “the greatest man I ever knew”?

Do you have a question for Frank you’d like him to address in a future podcast episode? Send it to hello@crossexamined.org!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
The Bible You Never Knew – Weekly TV Series
The Bible You Never Knew – Online Course
The War on Reality by Frank Turek & Phoenix Hayes
STOP in the Name of God by Charlie Kirk
Read the Hamas Charter
What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Israel? And Why it Matters Now
Exposing the Cultural War on Truth and Reality with Dr. Frank Turek

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Is Christianity the Cure for Your Restless Heart? with Dr. Gavin Ortlund

Do you ever have one of those moments when ordinary life suddenly feels like it’s pointing to something more? You can’t quite explain it, but for a split second, this world doesn’t seem like all there is. Could this be a glimpse of something beyond this world, or even a glimpse of God?

Pastor, author, and theologian, Dr. Gavin Ortlund, joins Frank to explore that possibility and the ideas behind his brand-new book, ‘Why Christianity Makes Sense: A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart‘. From what Gavin calls the “ache”, to meaning, divine hiddenness, and the historical case for Jesus, this conversation makes the case for engaging both the mind and the heart. Tune in as Frank and Gavin tackle questions like:

  • What is the “ache” that Gavin describes in his book and what can it tell us about God?
  • Why do we often seem to distract ourselves from life’s deeper questions?
  • What do some atheists say is the meaning of life and why do their explanations fall short?
  • Why should Christian apologists appeal to both the heart and the mind?
  • What makes the Resurrection such a powerful source of hope?
  • Did Jesus REALLY claim to be God?
  • What are Gavin’s 3 best arguments for the historicity of Jesus?
  • If God wants us to know Him, why does He sometimes seem hidden?
  • Would more miracles actually lead more people to believe in Christianity?
  • Why might God allow us to live without absolute certainty of His existence?

If you’ve ever felt a longing deep in your heart for something you cannot name, this is your chance to explore it. Pre-order your copy of ‘Why Christianity Makes Sense‘, and be sure to check out Gavin’s YouTube channel for more of his work on Christianity, theology, and apologetics.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Why Christianity Makes Sense by Gavin Ortlund
Gavin’s website – TruthUnites.org
Gavin’s YouTube channel

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What Were Pastors Doing While Charlie Kirk Did Their Job? with Jeremy Boreing

BLM burned American cities to the ground. One-third of GenZ girls identify as LGBTQ. Four-hundred women in pink rally for a mother who strangled her three children. Charlie Kirk stood in the public square doing the watchman’s work in a country with a church on every corner–and was killed doing it. What were the pastors doing?

Producer and cultural commentator, Jeremy Boreing, returns to unpack the speech that sparked these questions and goes deeper into where Christians, pastors, and the culture go from here. Tune in as Frank and Jeremy wrestle with questions like:

  • What inspired Jeremy to challenge 600+ pastors during a recent TPUSA Faith event?
  • What is a fundamental mistake of the seeker-sensitive movement in the American Church?
  • Why has the American Church become increasingly apolitical over the past 50+ years?
  • How should Christians weigh a political leader’s character against the policies they support?
  • What does Jeremy think about President Donald Trump?
  • Why are we seeing a rise of interest (and even advocacy) for socialism?
  • What 3 major areas should pastors focus on to become more engaged in cultural issues?
  • What are the feminine sins that few pastors will call out?
  • Why is it sometimes easier to help a stranger than someone you know personally?
  • What happens when toxic empathy for the accused begins to overshadow justice for the victim?

Later in the show, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns as Jeremy weighs in on the Lindsay Clancy case, his previous experience working with Candace Owens at the Daily Wire, and his thoughts on whether or not Pendragon fans will see a Season 2. If you want the series to continue, you’ll learn how you can help make that possible!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

 

Donate to CrossExamined

Jeremy’s YouTube Channel

What Were Pastors Doing While Charlie Kirk Did Their Job?

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

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A CHRISTIAN Story?! Exploring the #1 Fantasy Show in America with Jeremy Boreing

Christians have plenty of truth to share. But why does “Christian entertainment” sometimes struggle to tell a great story? What if the problem isn’t the message, but how we tell it?

Frank sits down with producer, cultural commentator, and Daily Wire co-founder, Jeremy Boreing, whose latest project puts those ideas to the test. As the writer and director of the highly successful, ‘The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin‘, Jeremy has seen a 30-year dream become the #1 fantasy series on Amazon Prime Video. What did it take to get there, and what can its success teach Christians about faith, art, and the stories we tell?

Tune in as Frank and Jeremy unpack questions like:

  • Why was sharing and developing this story so important to Jeremy?
  • Why do Christians sometimes struggle to make great entertainment?
  • What did C.S. Lewis understand about Christian art that we sometimes miss?
  • Why does Jeremy believe the Arthurian myth is fundamentally a Christian story?
  • What’s the difference between cultural Christians of the 90’s and cultural Christianity today?
  • What makes The Pendragon Cycle different from Game of Thrones, Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings?
  • How can you effectively communicate a Christian worldview without turning your story into a sermon?
  • Why is storytelling such a powerful way to communicate truth?
  • Where do materialism and naturalism fall short in answering life’s biggest questions?

And just when you think this conversation is all about entertainment, it takes a much more serious turn. What really went wrong with security on the day Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and what happened behind the scenes during Frank’s return visit? Find out in this week’s episode, and be sure to tune-in next week as Jeremy returns with a very important message (and challenge) for American pastors.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin
Jeremy’s YouTube channel
Charlie Kirk: “The Greatest Man I Ever Knew”
Frank Turek Returns to Utah Valley Univ. to Share the Gospel
What Were Pastors Doing When Charlie Kirk Was Doing Their Job?

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MY STORY: A Spiritual & Intellectual Journey with John Lennox – EXTENDED CUT

What makes John Lennox one of the most winsome and influential Christian apologists of our lifetime? Don’t miss this special EXTENDED CUT which includes even more fascinating stories and insights from his lifetime of boldly defending the Christian faith in lecture halls, debates and the public square. Together, Frank and John go beyond the previous episode to discuss:

  • How is Christianity the answer to the problem of evil?
  • What are the inconsistencies in Richard Dawkins’ atheistic views?
  • Why does John think everyone should read Tom Holland’s book, ‘Dominion’?
  • How should we evangelize Muslims and other monotheists?
  • Has science disproven God?

If you haven’t already, be sure to get a copy of John’s book, ‘My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography’. It’s a must-read for anyone curious how a brilliant mathematical mind can hold fast to the Gospel–and how one man’s faith has helped millions find a reason to believe in an age of doubt.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography
Diary of a CEO featuring John Lennox
Veritas Forum Speaker Highlights: John Lennox
Why Are We Here? God, Life, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Science and God: Do You Have to Choose? by John Lennox
Dominion by Tom Holland
Western Philosophy Course with Dr. Norman Geisler

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MY STORY: A Spiritual & Intellectual Journey with John Lennox

From his humble beginnings in Northern Ireland to debating the world’s most prominent atheists on the global stage, Dr. John C. Lennox has spent a lifetime (more than sixty years!) showing how faith, science, and reason can stand together. In this exclusive interview recorded at St. Ebbe’s Church in Oxford, England, Frank and John discuss his new autobiography, ‘My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography‘, and reflect on the ideas, people and pivotal moments that shaped his remarkable life.

You’ll learn:

  • Why are we here and what is the purpose of life?
  • What makes Jesus and Christianity so unique compared to other religions?
  • How does John disarm hostility when talking with skeptics and non-Christians?
  • What happened during his debate with Richard Dawkins that moved many people closer to Chrisitanity?
  • Who told John that he needed to give up on God if he wanted a career in science and what was his response?
  • Why did John’s dad tell him to read Karl Marx’s, ‘Das Kapital’?
  • Why is human empathy so important when other people experience pain and suffering?
  • Why does John describe our fallen world as a combination of “bombs and beauty”?
  • Why might someone reject Christ even if they believe Christianity is true?
  • What analogy does John often use to demonstrate that God’s grace is given and not earned?
  • What is John’s advice to young Christians?

Be sure to tune-in next week to hear the extended cut of this conversation which includes even more fascinating stories and insights with no commercial breaks!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography
Diary of a CEO featuring John Lennox
Veritas Forum Speaker Highlights: John Lennox
Why Are We Here? God, Life, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Western Philosophy Course with Dr. Norman Geisler

Download Transcript

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Can We Declare Reality? Manifestation, Affirmation, & Christian Occultism with Phoenix Hayes

Today is the day! ‘The War on Reality‘ has officially been released, and Frank and Phoenix are celebrating by turning the spotlight on a question that might ruffle a few feathers: Can Christians fall into the same trap of trying to bend reality to fit what they want to believe?

From health, wealth, and prosperity theology, to manifestation and Christian occultism, they examine popular teachings that sound biblical, but fall apart once you put them back into context. You’ll learn:

  • What is the tragic story of Franz Reichelt and what does it teach us about the limits of our words and personal beliefs?
  • Does Proverbs 18:21 (and other related Bible verses) teach that our words have power?
  • What do exegesis and eisegesis have to do with spotting bad theology?
  • Why is it important to distinguish between psychological and spiritual definitions of manifestations?
  • What’s the difference between biblical prayer and trying to manipulate spiritual outcomes?
  • What is “Christian occultism,” and could some Christians be practicing it without realizing it?
  • How did Phoenix work her way out of Word of Faith and deliverance ministry theology?
  • What questions can you ask someone caught up in Word of Faith or New Thought beliefs?

‘The War on Reality‘ isn’t just about confronting bad ideas in the culture. Sometimes Christians need to take a hard look at the ideas circulating inside the Church, too. Don’t forget to grab your copy to explore even more topics related to these important cultural issues!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
The War on Reality by Frank Turek & Phoenix Hayes
Skillet’s John and Korey Cooper Break Their Silence About NAR & Church Abuse
Western Philosophy Course with Norman Giesler

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Is Everyone Oppressed Now? Why Satan Loves Marxism with Phoenix Hayes

We’re told men can have babies, math is racist, abortion is healthcare, castrating children is also healthcare, and disagreement somehow qualifies as hate speech. How did we get here, and what do these seemingly unrelated ideas all have in common?

Phoenix Hayes, co-author of ‘The War on Reality‘, joins Frank to unpack one of their favorite chapters from the book (available for immediate download as soon as you pre-order!), and trace the ideas shaping today’s cultural madness back to the man behind the ideology: Karl Marx. Together, they answer questions like:

  • Who was Karl Marx, and what was the darkness lurking behind his worldview?
  • Who was Adam Smith, and how does his view of economics compare to Karl Marx?
  • How did Marxism move from economics into race, gender, sexuality, and culture?
  • In cultural Marxism, who qualifies as an “oppressor” or “oppressed,” and who decides?
  • What do socialists fail to recognize about human nature?
  • Why is mere disagreement on an issue increasingly treated as hate speech?
  • Why does cultural Marxism often lead to violence?
  • How did Charlie Kirk become a causalty of the war on reality?
  • What shocking and disturbing claim did Tyler Robinson’s attorney make during the pre-trial hearing?
  • Why do Frank and Phoenix argue that cultural Marxism is ultimately satanic and anti-biblical?

If you’ve struggled to put your finger on what’s driving some of today’s most insane ideas, this is one conversation you’ll want to hear from start to finish. Be sure to pre-order your copy of ‘The War on Reality‘ to dig even deeper, and join Frank and Phoenix again for the next episode as they tackle another chapter from the book (one that some Christians may not like)!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Read Erika Kirk’s Profound Foreword
Western Carolina University – Conspiracy Theories
The War on Reality – PREORDER NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR BONUSES!

Download Transcript

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What America Forgot About George Washington with Eric Metaxas

George Washington is one of the most recognizable names in American history. But before the presidency, the monuments, and the dollar bill, he was a military leader carrying the weight of a revolution that could easily have failed.

This week, Eric Metaxas joins Frank to discuss his new book, ‘Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World‘, and why understanding Washington means understanding far more than battlefield strategy. Their conversation traces the faith, character, political philosophy, and providential moments that helped shape the American Revolution and the nation that followed. Frank and Eric tackle questions like:

  • Why is George Washington so central to the story of the American Revolution?
  • Why is Eric’s new book titled ‘Revolution’ and not ‘The American Revolution’?
  • Why does liberty need to be grounded in God and what Bible verse is on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia?
  • What made Washington so deeply respected on and off the battlefield, and how did his character contribute to his success?
  • How did the concept of a covenant with God shape the early American colonies?
  • Why was Washington chosen over more experienced military figures like Horatio Gates and Charles Lee?
  • How did John Quincy Adams influence Abraham Lincoln?
  • How does the American Revolution compare to the French Revolution, and what warning does Speaker Mike Johnson have for America?
  • Why are some people trying to rewrite American history?
  • Why is it so hard to find Eric’s book in some secular bookstores, even though it’s a bestseller?

On our 250th anniversary, it’s time for America’s story to come to life for a new generation. Be sure to grab a copy of ‘Revolution‘ to dig deeper into the faith, courage, and character behind George Washington and the rest of our Founding Fathers.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Revolution by Eric Metaxas
What No One Ever Told You About the American Revolution
EricMetaxas.com
Expedition to Reality
Western Philosophy Course
The War on Reality – PREORDER NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE BONUSES!

Download Transcript

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