What Every Christian Needs to Know About Economics and Transgenderism with Dr. Jay Richards

Charles Spurgeon once said that discernment is knowing the difference between right and “almost right”. But when there’s so much noise and confusion happening in the news and on social media these days, how can we tell the difference?

As we approach the end of 2024, our friend Dr. Jay Richards returns to unpack some of the essentials of economics, the Christian worldview, and social trends so that you can be informed when it comes to the issues that matter the most. Join Frank and Jay as they discuss the importance of understanding the basics of economics and how it can help Christians think clearly about government policies, healthcare, and how it can equip believers to protect the most vulnerable populations in our society. Tune in as Frank and Jay answer questions like:

  • Does the Bible advocate for a specific economic system?
  • How did the government become so bloated, and why did it get involved in housing and education?
  • What’s the difference between socialism and free-market capitalism?
  • What’s the best way to help those in poverty and how do people end up trapped in the welfare system?
  • What did economist and philosopher Adam Smith mean by “the invisible hand”?

During the second half of the program, they’ll shift gears to examine the economic and cultural factors that are specifically driving the transgender movement. From the profit motives behind gender-affirming care to the resurgence of ancient Gnostic ideas, this thought-provoking conversation will shed light on how transgenderism became politicized, what’s causing the major spike in gender dysphoria, and how to end child transitioning for good!

Don’t miss this thought-provoking, year-end episode, and please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CrossExamined so that we can continue to help Christians defend the faith and do our part to make Christ known across the globe! 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Book – ‘Money, Greed, and God’ by Dr. Jay Richards: https://a.co/d/46pGwlS

Jay’s work at The Heritage Foundation: https://www.heritage.org/staff/jay-w-richards-phd

Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine: https://segm.org/

Biological Integrity: https://biologicalintegrity.org/

Previous podcast – ‘Money, Greed, and God’ with Dr. Jay Richards: https://bit.ly/3DvSZn7

 

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The Birthday That Changed the History of the World with Bill Federer

Why is December 25th celebrated as the birth of Jesus? Was it a date chosen to overshadow pagan festivals like Saturnalia or Sol Invictus, or does it have deeper Christian roots? While the Bible doesn’t provide a specific birthdate for Christ, it may offer more clues than you think!

Just in time for the holiday season, historian and author Bill Federer returns to unpack the fascinating origins of the Christmas story and its rich Christian heritage. One of our most popular topics, this episode dives deeper into the history, theology, and traditions surrounding the incarnation of Christ—a moment that forever changed the course of human history. Join Frank and Bill as they explore questions like:

  • How do the Dead Sea Scrolls provide evidence for Jesus’ actual birthday?
  • Why do some Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6th?
  • When did Christians start celebrating Dec. 25th as the birthday of Jesus?
  • What is one of the most overlooked pro-life passages in the Bible?
  • What’s the story of King Herod and was he really capable of being a baby killer?
  • Why was there strife between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and how did Rome get involved in Jewish politics?
  • How many wise men brought gifts to Jesus and when did they visit Him?
  • Why are the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus so vague?
  • What’s the origin of the “12 days of Christmas”?
  • How does the history of the entire world center on the birth of Christ?

Tune in as Bill dispels some of the common myths surrounding the Christmas holiday and uses his gift of storytelling to connect the historical and biblical pieces together. This episode will be both enlightening and entertaining as it also lays out the message of the Gospel, so be sure to share it with a friend! Merry Christmas from the CrossExamined team and please check out our earlier conversation with Bill where he shares even MORE history behind some of today’s most beloved Christmas traditions with visuals included!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

VIDEO PODCAST: Is There Any CHRISTIAN Truth to Our CHRISTMAS Traditions? – CEevents.org
BILL’S WEBSITE: https://americanminute.com/
BILL’S BOOK: ‘There Really is a Santa Claus‘

 

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Is THIS the REAL Mt. Sinai?

 

What would you expect to find at the REAL Mount Sinai? Could its true location be in Saudi Arabia rather than the traditional site in the Sinai Peninsula? Recent discoveries have reignited interest in Jabal al-Lawz as a possible candidate for the biblical Mount Sinai, and this week, you’ll have the chance to examine the evidence for yourself!

In this podcast episode, Frank unpacks some of the details of his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, including what he and the group saw as they climbed the mountain at Jabal al-Lawz. He’ll also discuss what fascinating markers distinguish this mountain as a great contender for Mount Sinai and why it’s more important than ever for trained archaeologists to continue exploring the site. During the episode, Frank will answer questions like:

  • Why was the Sinai Peninsula originally selected as Mount Sinai?
  • How long did it take Frank and the group to get up the mountain?
  • Why have there been so few excavations at Jabal al-Lawz?
  • Who is Hathor and what’s a possible explanation for all the cow drawings found on the mountain?
  • What evidence exists suggesting that Jabal al-Lawz is the true Mount Sinai?
  • What were Frank and the group AMAZED to see once they reached the top of Jabal al-Lawz?
  • What’s so special about the Split Rock of Horeb? And how many people were involved in the Exodus?

While it’s still too early to make a concrete conclusion on Jabal al-Lawz, the circumstantial evidence discussed in the podcast episode may cause you to seriously consider it to be the REAL Mount Sinai. To catch some of this exclusive footage for yourself, be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and subscribe to the CrossExamined YouTube channel. And stay tuned for MUCH more exciting news about what Frank and the group were able to dig up in Egypt and Saudi Arabia!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY HERE. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Living Passages Unveils the True Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia: http://youtu.be/JBaY–L5NPY
Frank Visits the Merneptah Stele in Egypt: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gy-RanSnzik
Preaching the Good News at the Giza Pyramids: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cf4JjuRFA0Q
Moses and the Split Rock of Horeb: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HLgzLDXFCB8
Was the Golden Calf HERE? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h5yAwssDU5Y

 

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3 More BIG Questions: Fine-tuning? Feeling God? Inerrancy?

Does the scientific evidence fall short of proving the fine-tuning of the universe? Should Christians regularly “feel God’s presence”? And since there are minor differences in the Gospels, does that disprove biblical inerrancy? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank tackles three more BIG questions from our listening audience along with questions like:

  • What are the 3 levels of fine-tuning and does it only occur here on planet Earth?
  • Can the fine-tuning argument alone actually prove Christianity is true? And can all truth be explained through science?
  • Where exactly are Heaven and Hell?
  • What’s the true meaning of Christmas?
  • Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision?
  • If God chooses not to reveal Himself to us is that proof that He doesn’t exist?
  • What’s a great question to ask your skeptic friends?

Have a question you’d like Frank to address in a future episode? Send it to hello[at]crossexamined.org, and stay tuned for Friday’s podcast to hear more about his recent trip to Egypt and Saudi Arabia!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

BOOK: Hollywood Heroes – https://bit.ly/3Or82Ax
BOOK: Stealing From God – https://bit.ly/41hLt91
BOOK: Decision Making and the Will of God – https://a.co/d/gQhMD3m
OCC Course: How to Interpret Your Bible – https://bit.ly/3BoEhxD
ARTICLE: Does God Whisper? Part 1 – https://bit.ly/3P0KW47
ARTICLE: Does God Whisper? Part 2 – https://bit.ly/3ZY3hVJ
ARTICLE: Does God Whisper? Part 3 – https://bit.ly/3ZzqOe8

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The Privileged Planet – Designed for Discovery with Dr. Jay Richards

The fine-tuning of the universe is one of the most compelling arguments for Intelligent Design—so compelling that even atheists like Richard Dawkins and the late Christopher Hitchens have acknowledged its challenge to materialistic explanations. Why is the fine-tuning argument so extraordinary, and how have recent scientific discoveries made it even clearer that the universe points to a divine Creator?

This week, Dr. Jay Richards joins Frank to discuss the 20th anniversary edition of ‘The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos Is Designed for Discovery‘, the groundbreaking book he co-authored with Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez. Together, they explore the updated book and the remarkable new scientific discoveries that continue to affirm its hypothesis. During their conversation, they’ll address:

  • How did Guillermo’s career suffer when the book was first released in 2004?
  • What updates have been made to the 20th anniversary edition?
  • What is the likelihood that life exists on other planets?
  • How is materialism a self-defeating worldview?
  • What is the cosmological constant and what type of precision is required in order for a planet to be able to sustain life?
  • How probable is a multiverse?
  • What’s so special about “perfect” solar eclipses?
  • What are the most common atheist objections to fine-tuning and our privileged position in the Universe?

If you’re looking for a good stocking stuffer this Christmas, grab the 20th Anniversary Edition of ‘The Privileged Planet‘, a book and documentary film that continues to stand the test of time and compels readers to acknowledge how the complexity and fine-tuning of the universe couldn’t possibly be the result of a cosmic accident. And be sure to stay tuned for an update on the Kingdom AI Project that’s helping CrossExamined to place apologetics resources around the globe as a result of your continued support!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

The Privileged Planet Website: https://privilegedplanet.com/

The Privileged Planet 20th Anniversary Book: https://www.discovery.org/b/privileged-planet/

The Privileged Planet Video on Demand: https://go2rpi.com/privileged-planet-vod/

Follow Dr. Jay Richards on X: https://x.com/DrJayRichards

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3 BIG Questions About Homosexuality, Human Flourishing, and Hell

How do you convince non-Christians that homosexuality is wrong without using the Bible? Does human flourishing replace the need for God and the moral argument? And why does God create people that He knows will end up in Hell?  In this week’s solo podcast episode, Frank tackles three BIG questions that were recently sent in from our listening audience. During this discussion, Frank shares some practical advice on how to address these sensitive topics along with questions like:

  • Should Christians be concerned about what people do privately?
  • How does natural marriage contribute to spiritual maturity?
  • Are morals biologically determined?
  • Does the existence of Hell prove that God is unjust?
  • What thought-provoking questions can you ask people who are in support of homosexuality?
  • Why doesn’t atheism solve the problem of evil?
  • What does the Bible say about divine justice?
  • How can pain and suffering possibly result in GOOD?

Brace yourself — this episode is not politically correct, but it will be correct! Be sure to grab a copy of ‘Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage & Transgenderism‘ and ‘Stealing from God‘ for more in-depth answers to these three BIG questions!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

BOOK: Toxic Empathy – https://www.toxicempathy.com/
BOOK: Correct Not Politically Correct – https://bit.ly/3qws2ZL
BOOK: Stealing From God – https://bit.ly/41hLt91
VIDEO: Frank and Alex O’Connor – https://youtu.be/qNeB1RVeJHo

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World Religions in Seven Sentences with Dr. Doug Groothuis

 

 

How much do you know about the major world religions? Whether it’s atheism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or one of the many Eastern religions, humanity holds a wide array of beliefs about who God is and if He even exists at all. But what if more Christians dedicated time to learning about other religions? How could this strengthen our faith along with our ability to share the Gospel?

We’re kicking off December with renowned Christian apologist and philosopher, Dr. Doug Groothuis, professor at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and the author of 20+ books, including his latest work, ‘World Religions in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic‘. In this episode, Frank and Doug discuss the inspiration behind the book and unpack some of the core beliefs of today’s major world religions—one sentence at a time. Together, they’ll tackle questions like:

  • What are the seven sentences that represent each world religion and why did Doug choose them?
  • What makes Friedrich Nietzsche the “quintessential atheist”?
  • Should atheism be classified as a religion? And what typically happens when atheism and Marxism collide?
  • What are some of the key differences between Hinduism and Buddhism?
  • What’s the connection between Nietzsche, Pol Pot, Ted Bundy, and human depravity?
  • Why do some people choose to be atheists?
  • What happened when Doug encountered a Hinda guru at the age of 18?
  • How do Judaism and Islam differ in their relationship to Christianity?

If exploring diverse faith systems seems overwhelming, ‘World Religions in Seven Sentences‘ is the perfect guide to get started. Tune in as Frank and Doug reveal how false religions often lead to human suffering and why Christianity alone is the solution to the problem of evil in the world. Be sure to grab your copy of Doug’s book and subscribe to his Truth Tribe podcast for even more great content!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

‘World Religions in 7 Sentences’: https://a.co/d/gExzxhz
Doug’s Website: https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/
Doug’s Podcast: https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/podcast-1

 

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Should We Repent for the Sins of Our Ancestors? with Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager

Should reparations be paid to people who are the ancestors of slaves? After all, aren’t reparations biblical? On this midweek podcast episode, Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager from The Center for Biblical Unity return to continue the conversation that centers on their new book, ‘Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism‘ and address the following questions:

  • Can a biblical case be made for reparations?
  • What’s the major problem with the modern day reparations movement?
  • Is the way we see Black America today a direct result of slavery?
  • Are all disparities due to racism?
  • Did Lyndon Johnson’s ‘War on Poverty’ help or hurt the black community?

During the second half of the episode, you’ll also hear the fascinating story of how their ministry started, including details of the supernatural event that brought them together and how their friendship remained intact despite the seemingly insurmountable barriers they encountered along the way. It’s an amazing testimony of how God still intervenes in our lives today and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Link to previous podcast with Monique & Krista: https://bit.ly/4i3cR0B
The Center for Biblical Unity: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/
Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism: https://a.co/d/hEuCdwe

 

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8 Lines of Evidence FROM EGYPT for the Exodus

Did the Exodus REALLY happen? Contrary to popular belief, archaeologists continue to uncover fascinating artifacts that point to the validity of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt and even more incredible—some of the most compelling evidence comes straight out of Egypt itself!

In preparation for Frank’s upcoming trip to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, this podcast episode dives into 8 reasons why we can trust the biblical account of the 1446 B.C. Exodus and some of the details might surprise you! Listen as Frank answers questions like:

 

  • What archaeological evidence suggests that the Hebrews lived in Egypt prior to 1446 B.C.?
  • Does the biblical account of the Exodus line up with the archaeological evidence?
  • What do some of the Egyptian sources reveal about the historicity of the Bible?
  • What are the surprising parallels between Moses & Jesus?
  • What was the significance of each of the ten plagues against Egypt?

 

Want to see pictures of everything that Frank is talking about? Don’t miss the premiere of the video podcast on the CrossExamined YouTube channel TONIGHT (11/29) at 9:00 PM ET where the visuals make the archaeology come to life and stay tuned to our social media channels during the next two weeks to see LIVE video footage from Frank’s upcoming trip!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UxkQqrqkK8

 

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Top Ten Ways to Advance the Gospel at Holiday Dinners – 2024 Edition

Are you dreading the upcoming holiday dinners where you’ll be in close proximity with friends, family, and loved-ones who aren’t Christians? Let’s face it—holiday gatherings with friends and family who don’t share your worldview can feel awkward. But they’re also incredible opportunities to share the Gospel! If you’re in search of some practical tips to make faith conversations a little less painful this Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen up!

In this week’s podcast, Frank shares 10 practical strategies to help you navigate holiday faith conversations with confidence and without making a scene. He’ll answer questions like:

  • Are you setting realistic goals for sharing your faith?
  • Why is listening often more impactful than debating?
  • What role should prayer play when evangelizing?
  • What are 3 tactical questions that you can ask and what common objections should you anticipate?
  • How can you combat scientism and logical fallacies when they arise? And how should you respond if politics comes up?

As tempting as it may be, don’t be a homebody this year! Use the upcoming holidays to plant seeds and help others think critically about life’s most important questions. If you need backup, download the CrossExamined app for quick access to helpful resources! And from the CrossExamined family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving and happy seed-planting!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

CrossExamined App: https://crossexamined.org/app/
Tactics: https://a.co/d/3k19L4e
The Four-Point Case for Christianity: https://bit.ly/416ovSi
Hollywood Heroes: https://bit.ly/3Or82Ax
Online Christian Courses: https://www.onlinechristiancourses.com/
Books and DVD sets: https://impactapologetics.com/
How to Avoid Political Turmoil with Your Relatives This Thanksgiving: https://bit.ly/3ZmwqcZ
Top Ten Ways to Advance the Gospel at Holiday Dinners: https://bit.ly/40JrsWO

 

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