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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Walking in Unity with Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager

If you say the wrong thing about race, even innocently, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be convicted and cancelled in the court of public opinion and maybe even the church. In fact, the election revealed a divide between ethnic groups in the church. So how can we come together as Christians to discuss this controversial issue without losing friendships in the process?

This week on the podcast, Frank is joined by two people who are no strangers to difficult conversations when it comes to race and religion, Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager, co-founders of The Center for Biblical Unity and co-authors of the brand-new and much anticipated book, ‘Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism.’ Together, Frank, Monique, and Krista tackle the following questions:

  • Why has the black community historically voted for Democrats?
  • Why did more black men vote for Republicans in this past presidential election?
  • What’s the historical connection between slavery and abortion?
  • Why is equating race to LGBTQ+ issues a fallacy?
  • What does Darwinism have to do with racism?
  • Where did the concept of “race” originally come from and is it biblical?
  • What’s the definition of systemic racism and how is it different from systematic racism?
  • Why is defining our terms so important?
  • Why do we see such a high percentage of black men committing crimes and going to prison? Is systemic racism to blame?
  • What is the ultimate solution to all of this?

You may be tempted to avoid the subject of race and racism at all costs during your everyday conversations, but as Christians we have a moral obligation to walk towards problems and not away from them. As you listen to the program, you’ll be encouraged by Monique and Krista as they discuss with grace and clarity the tough issues that the larger culture has brought into our churches. Be sure to grab a copy of their book, ‘Walking in Unity‘, for an even more in-depth look at these issues along with clear and concise explanations for why we’re all brothers and sisters in the family of Christ!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

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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How to Make Disciples by Exploring Doubts with CORE Apologetics

What impact has CORE Apologetics made since its launch just a year ago? At last year’s SES Steadfast conference, CrossExamined Board Member Dan Hodges sat down with Dr. Ben Shaw, CORE’s president and protégé of Dr. Gary Habermas, about the mission of this new apologetics ministry. Now, one year later, CORE has made exciting strides in reaching young people and truth seekers on a journey to discover the facts about Christianity.

In this midweek podcast episode, Dr. Ben Shaw returns, joined by CORE’s founder Dr. Ron Davis, to share the latest updates and breakthroughs the ministry has achieved. Join Dan as he catches up with Ben and Ron who will share how CORE is training up a new wave of apologists, how they’re making disciples, engaging Gen Z, and helping believers and skeptics tackle their doubts. During the conversation, they’ll answer questions like:

  • What are the three types of doubt and why is it important to identify the type of doubt that a person may be dealing with?
  • How can exploring doubts strengthen your faith as a Christian?
  • What has the latest Barna research uncovered about Gen Z’s interest in religion?
  • Why are young people beginning to lose faith in social media?
  • Why is it important to have an intellectual and emotional confidence in the Gospel? And what is the value in learning New Testament reliability?

Curious to learn more about CORE’s mission and how you can support their work? Visit their website to explore free resources, consider donating, and check out Ben’s new book, ‘Trustworthy‘, designed to help introduce believers to the evidence surrounding the Resurrection in a unique way.

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Core Apologetics ministry: https://www.coreapologetics.com/

Trustworthy: Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament: https://a.co/d/0IRe2Rf

 

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Pastor Responds to Blowback from His “Vote Like Jesus” Sermon with Pastor Josh Howerton

Why do people remain shocked that a majority of Christians (and the nation) voted for Donald Trump? How is that voting like Jesus?

This week, Frank invites Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, TX to talk about Josh’s recent (and somewhat controversial!) political sermon, ‘How to Vote Like Jesus‘. In it, Pastor Josh points out that when the government moves past things like building roads and teaching kids their ABCs, to redefining marriage, promoting transgender ideology in public schools, and reframing infant murder as “reproductive rights”, it should be clear that Christians need to be involved. But with so much confusion going around about “legislating morality” and “the separation of Church and State”, how can Christians (and their pastors) develop a proper theology of politics?

In this podcast, Frank asks Pastor Josh to answer questions like:

  • What kind of feedback did he receive after his politically charged sermon?
  • What are the three types of leaders that we find in the Bible and how do they relate to the recent presidential election?
  • Who is at the top of the Political Org Chart in America, and why do Christians have a responsibility to be involved?
  • What is the key difference between the current Democrat and Republican platforms that some Christians are overlooking?
  • Is the Church becoming more political? Or have politics become more spiritual?
  • Is it really necessary for Christians to vote if both candidates are morally corrupt?
  • How can pastors effectively disciple their congregations in the area of politics?
  • How do you respond when someone accuses you of trying to legislate morality as a Christian?

As Frank and Pastor Josh reflect on the overlap between Christian morality and government legislation, they’ll explore how a robust theology of politics can help Christians uphold moral standards that limit evil and support a flourishing society. Now that the election is behind us, will the American Church take advantage of God’s extension of mercy on our country? Or will we once again drift into complacency? All this and more will be discussed in this entertaining and educational podcast episode!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Follow Pastor Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/
Pastor Josh’s sermon ‘How to Vote Like Jesus’: https://youtu.be/SitsLDo6X_Y
Lakepointe Church in Dallas, TX: https://lakepointe.church/
Calvin Robinson’s Oxford Union Speech: https://youtu.be/ymbTb2HS5Rc
George Barna article on 2024 Election Results: https://bit.ly/3YRHopn

 

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Is the Shroud of Turin the Burial Cloth of Christ? with Dr. Gary Habermas

Is the Shroud of Turin a genuine relic of Christ’s burial or an elaborate medieval forgery? One of the most fascinating artifacts tied to Christianity, this ancient cloth continues to puzzle scientists and historians. What does the latest research reveal about the Shroud and what should we conclude about its validity based on the available evidence?

This week on the podcast, CrossExamined board member Dan Hodges sits down with New Testament scholar and resurrection expert, Dr. Gary Habermas, at the SES Steadfast Conference for an in-depth exploration of the Shroud of Turin. In their discussion, Dan and Dr. Habermas examine the complex history and preservation of the Shroud, digging into why it has captivated both scholars and skeptics for decades. Together, they’ll tackle questions such as:

  • What are the most crucial questions for assessing the Shroud’s authenticity?
  • Could the burial cloth of Jesus truly have survived for nearly 2,000 years?
  • What evidence supports or refutes the theory that the Shroud was created in the Middle Ages? Could it depict someone other than Jesus?
  • How do non-biblical sources, archaeology, and medical research contribute to our understanding of crucifixion practices?
  • What kind of event could have imprinted the image of a 6 ft., 180 lb. man on this ancient cloth?

As Dr. Habermas unpacks over 40 years of Shroud research, discover why this remarkable artifact continues to be a point of discussion in Christian apologetics and Church history. Has Gary’s research brought him closer to confirming its connection to the historical Jesus, or is there still room for skepticism regarding its origins, mysterious markings, and worldwide impact? Tune in for the answers from one of the leading experts himself!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Gary’s website: https://garyhabermas.com/
On the Resurrection, Volume 1 (Evidences) : https://a.co/d/1iufB8j
On the Resurrection, Volume 2 (Refutations): https://a.co/d/8O4Yc78

 

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