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For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-being-loving-more-important-than-being-right Wouldn't we all be better of to let people feel free to believe what they want and just agree to get along? There's no need to get so tied up with the particulars of what we believe. We should just follow the golden rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you! This case is often made by those deconstructing their faith. The common thread throughout our discussion on faith deconstruction so far has been that "The journey to recovering your faith, is about recovering the faith." Undergirding this key aim is understanding that right belief and right behaviour are inextricably linked in the quest to discover the faith. In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss -The relationship between right belief and right behaviour and why Christianity is not just behaviour modification -What ultimately determines how we apply the golden rule -A helpful principle to live by when it comes to responding to primary issues vs secondary issues of the Christian faith -The real reason why Jesus came to die and how this relates to both the core of Christianity and how we live out the Christian faith toward others

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/ideas-that-shaped-our-cultures-beliefs-on-sex-and-gender The overlap that Christians used to share with culture has eroded almost entirely. No area is this more evident in than in the understanding of humanity - the nature of humanity and its purpose. Culture is particularly influential in shaping the way we think about gender. The ideas we have today have a history, and where we are today is a result of the change in thinking over time. From Darwin, to Mill, to feminism, and others, all these ideas came to shape culture's understanding of gender as it is today. In this video from a live presentation, Scott explores -The surprising role that Darwin played in shaping the early understanding of gender differences -The progression from pursuing legal rights, to the movement of societal thinking toward the idea of self-creation -The worldview context in which historical reasonings about gender took place, and how these reasonings relate to the biblical worldview

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-to-help-someone-find-their-true-identity Most people don’t have their view of the world locked in. It’s often based on loosely held assumptions pieced together from different places. As a result, not only can their view of the world be unclear and distorted, but apart from Jesus, they don’t know who they are. So is there anything we can do to help someone find their true identity? One of the essential parts of this is to help others question their own assumptions so they can understand the truth about who they are. In this video from a live presentation, Scott explores -How to begin by understanding other people’s worldview -How to ask questions to help others think through their assumptions -The power of using gospel identity language to present a clear biblical worldview of identity and help others find their true identity in Christ

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-it-judgmental-to-point-out-sin Christians are so judgmental, especially about those who are LGBTQ! Don't judge, lest you be judged! We've all heard these objections before. Yet aren't these objections themselves making a judgment? Statements like these need to be open to scrutiny as well, since no one has an objective perspective or neutral position from which to make moral pronouncements. Why should Christians be concerned about judgmentalism? Because in the context of faith deconstruction, this issue has become a key consideration in the struggle of those attempting to hold on to their Christian faith. And it especially represents the concerns of a new generation questioning the Christian faith. In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss -The cultural shift in thinking that has led to a skeptical perspective on truth claims -The theological drift that has contributed to Christians developing a judgmental spirit -What "judging" really means and the problem in how we use the term -What Jesus said that helps us definitively determine whether Christians should be pointing out sin

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-talking-about-sin-harmful Faith deconstruction is not necessarily a bad thing. If your past experience has not been a biblical Christian experience but was just a distortion of true Christianity, then deconstruction and reconstruction is exactly what needs to happen. For the reconstruction process, it’s important to remember the principle that “To recover your faith, you need to recover the faith.” To do this, a clear understanding of three key areas is necessary: 1)Who God is 2)Who we are 3)What sin is In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn discuss -A young man’s real-life story about his experience with Christianity and the challenge of a distorted view of biblical faith in these three key areas -How to begin deconstructing caricatures of Christianity and reconstruct a biblical view of God and ourselves -What the essence of sin is and how it impacts our experience as humans -How we can talk about sin to others in a way that helps and doesn’t hinder

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-does-knowing-who-god-is-help-me-know-who-i-am Having a clear worldview as the starting point helps us grasp not just our world, but who we are. Ultimately there are only two ways to view the world and how we fit into it. And God and his identity is at the core of our understanding our own identity. In this video from a live presentation, Scott explores -What the two main views of the world are ultimately and how knowing this gives us a compass for anything we need to answer, including identity -Why the essence of the Trinity is the only way to make sense of God and why it's relevant to us understanding our own identity -How we can have a warped understanding of identity rescued by understanding identity through the gospel

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/isnt-living-like-jesus-more-important-than-worshipping-jesus Why ask this question - is it even relevant? Those who are in the process of faith deconstruction today often point to church experiences that overemphasized the importance of right belief, but didn't place much value on real-world application. They prioritized what we believe over the way we live. But this experience has led some people to an overreaction that would say that Christianity is all about right living. So how should we understand these two positions? Is living like Jesus more important than believing the right things? In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn talk about -What is the relationship between right living and right belief? -How does understanding this relationship between the two help someone going through faith deconstruction? -What's the bottom line when it comes to who Jesus is and what's the relevance in the real world?

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/the-ideas-that-shaped-beliefs-about-identity How would you answer the question "Who are you?" if you could only share three things? What is your identity grounded in and how did you come to think of yourself that way? In this short video clip from a live presentation, Scott gives a brief overview of the historical basis for determining identity. Scott discusses -What a person's sense of identity used to be grounded in historically -The shift in culture's thinking toward new categories that we now derive our identity from -The train of pivotal ideas from influential figures in history - such as Darwin, Nietzsche, Mill, and Foucault - that propelled the shift into this new direction

For episode resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/deconstructing-faith-series-introduction Many Christians are finding themselves wrestling with difficult questions or deep doubts about their Christian faith. In the face of this, there tend to be two extreme reactions: Some choose to simply bury, ignore, or deny these doubts and questions. Others take the road of skeptical agnosticism and decide that since there are so many doubts and questions, true belief isn’t even a realistic goal, so what’s the point? In this series, we want to provide you with a guide to help you successfully navigate questions and doubts about the Christian faith and help others to do the same. In this introductory podcast episode, Scott and Shawn talk about -What exactly is faith deconstruction and how is it related to deconversion? -What is progressive Christianity? -What are the essentials of the Christian faith and how do we determine who's right about them?

Should we be concerned about digital addiction? Is it even a thing? Or is it just a normal part of life? Digital technology and digital media is everywhere in our lives and it isn't slowing down anytime soon. But can media use become an addiction? In what ways is technology use like a drug? In this excerpt from a live presentation, Scott talks about • Statistics indicating recent trends in digital media use, including time spent per day • How technology use and withdrawal from it compares to other addictive behaviours and use of addiction-forming substances For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/is-digital-addiction-a-real-thing Should we be concerned about digital addiction? Is it even a thing? Or is it just normal these days? Technology and digital media is everywhere in our lives and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But can digital media consumption become an addiction? In what ways is technology use like a drug? In this excerpt from a live presentation, Scott talks about -Statistics indicating recent trends in digital media use, including time spent per day -How technology use and withdrawal from it compares to other addictive behaviours and use of addiction-forming substances -Scientific discoveries about the physiological changes that result from repeated technology use

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/whats-the-root-cause-of-digital-addiction Our need for digital stimulation is growing. We check our phones within minutes of waking up in the morning. On average, we check our phones once every 4.3 minute or 81,500 times per year! Why are we so lured by our technology? There's a spiritual dimension to this problem that we need to understand. In this excerpt from a live presentation, Scott talks about -The growing prevalence of our addiction to digital media and the challenge it causes -What our need for distraction ultimately says about us -How the analogy of an AM/FM radio can help us understand the underlying spiritual struggle we face as we seek to make our creed our living experience

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-do-you-escape-the-snare-of-digital-addiction The ease with which we can fall into the trap of digital addiction is undeniable. A recent survey shows that tweens and teens spend 4 and 7 hours per day respectively using digital media. Video usage on YouTube has doubled in recent years. But how do we escape the lure of digital media? Do we just relocate to where there's no Wi-Fi? While our technology might be a new phenomenon, the kind of safeguarding we need to do against the temptations that come is not new. In this excerpt from a live presentation, Scott shares -A visual exercise to help you understand time and gain the motivation you need to regularly calibrate your perspective -Tips for doing a media fast and developing the spiritual disciplines that combat the lure of digital addiction. -How fully understanding the gospel equips you with the powerful perspective to orient your life toward what truly matters

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/all-religions-basically-teach-the-same-thing "There can't be just ONE way to God. ALL religions find their way there ultimately!" We've all heard this statement at one point or another. How can Christians claim they have the corner on truth? In this excerpt from a live talk, Scott discusses -What to do when you don't have an answer on the spot -How a mountain with multiple paths can help you understand the misconception of relativism -How to turn a challenging spiritual question into an opportunity for conversation about the truth of the gospel

“There’s no evidence that God actually exists!” No doubt you’ve encountered this statement in conversations with those who question the Christian faith. It’s a big question. How do you persuade someone that it’s rational to believe in the existence of God? In this recording from a live talk, Scott discusses -The strategy of “leaving a pebble in the shoe” of someone who doesn’t believe there’s a God -Astounding evidence for a creator based on scientific observations in the realm of biology -Encouragement in sharing your faith even if you don’t have a lot of knowledge in a specific subject area

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/sharing-your-faith-when-you-dont-have-all-the-answers "There's no evidence that God exists!" What do you do when someone confronts you with a challenge like this? How do you answer when you're not an expert in science, archeology, or world religions? In this recording from a live talk, Scott discusses -Three principles to help you engage when encountering difficult questions -How to maintain a winsome attitude and avoid the trap of getting defensive or argumentative -Tips for asking specific probing questions that challenge assumptions and disarm hostile confrontations

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/is-the-christmas-story-a-myth Every year when Christmas rolls around, we start seeing the Christmas story featured on cards and magazines at the checkout counter. Along with that, a question often comes up this time of year: Is the Christmas story actually historical or is it just a myth? In this episode, Scott and Shawn discuss this big question and some of the information presented in the gospels to address some common objections: -What should we make of the differences in the four gospel accounts – aren’t there contradictions? -What about the differences in genealogies between Matthew and Luke? -Weren’t the gospel accounts written too late to be considered historical? -How can we even evaluate the supernatural aspect of the accounts?

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/facing-doubts-with-confidence-and-grace How do you process doubts and insecurities that creep in and gnaw away at the solid foundation of faith you were firmly anchored to? And how do you respond to emotionally charged challenges to your faith, such when others question the goodness of the Christianity you profess? In this full-length recording of a live talk, Scott covers • How to recognize two different types of doubts and the role that doubt plays in finding answers - for yourself and others • The importance of testing the strength of worldview beliefs • How to prepare yourself to answer faith challenges and become an effective responder to questioners Relevant scenarios to help equip you with example thought-provoking talking points for real-life conversations

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/things-to-consider-when-doubting-your-faith Are you wrestling with a personal faith challenge? Or maybe facing tough faith challenges from others? In both cases, you'll need to be able to guard your faith. We'll help you prepare to confidently face tough questions and fearlessly encounter skepticism and doubt, whether it's in your own walk or in conversations with others. In this excerpt from a live talk, Scott covers -How to recognize two different types of doubts and which is more prevalent today -The positive role that doubt can play in your faith walk -What the ultimate foundation of knowledge needs to be -How to prepare yourself to answer faith challenges and become an effective responder and ambassador for Christ

For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/if-science-cant-prove-it-i-cant-believe-it "I'm open to the idea of God, but I can't believe something, unless I can prove it scientifically." In our culture, science is put forward as perhaps the most secure foundation of knowledge. Often it's set in contradiction to faith. How would you answer a question like this? What if you don't know a lot of scientific arguments? In this excerpt from a live event, Scott covers • The importance of testing the strength of worldview beliefs • Why you don't need to come up with scientific evidence for God when challenging a scientific worldview • Suggested questions you can ask someone to help them think through their underlying worldview assumptions, including the assumptions that science rests on

More recently, there have been many examples of notable Christians--be they musicians, writers, speakers, or pastors--who have publicly announced their "de-conversion" from Christianity. In thinking through the issues around deconversion and our response, here are three things worth considering. For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/how-should-christians-react-to-deconversions/

What if someone approached you and asked, “How can Christianity be good? Look at the oppression committed by Christianity in the residential schools tragedies!” What would you say? How do we as Christians respond to an emotionally charged challenge like this? We can’t get away from it. In this excerpt from a live event, Scott covers -Ways to think through the question, including the underlying key issue behind the question -A practical conversation scenario to help you prepare for a response in real life -Suggested pointers for steering the conversation towards Christ and the gospel

Why does it seem like the prevailing narrative in our culture unkindly portrays Christianity as a problem? What’s the cause behind this? In this Q&A excerpt from a live event, Scott covers -The two main driving factors behind this current phenomenon -The mood about the historical role of Christianity in the West and the attempt to reconstruct society today For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/culture-and-spirituality/why-is-there-a-determined-effort-to-dismiss-christianity/

Jesus wants us to see his glory. But what about when we do behold his glory? What does being able to see the glory of God say about God? About us? What difference does it all make in the end? Hear Scott as he unpacks the fifth and final installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, “What Difference Does Seeing the glory of God Make?” You’ll learn -The cause behind being able to see the glory of God -Why someone can behold God's glory, while someone else can't -The consequence of looking at his glory For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/what-difference-does-seeing-the-glory-of-god-make

There’s no greater vision of God’s glory to be had in this world than what God has shown us in the person of Jesus. That’s why Jesus wants us to see his glory. But how do we see the glory of Jesus who is the glory of God revealed? Hear Scott as he unpacks the fourth installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, “How can we see the glory of God?” You’ll learn -How the picture of a telescope can help you understand how to see the glory of God -The powerful, eternal role of the cross in revealing God’s glory and empowering us to see it -Key implications and resources on the journey to seeing God’s glory For related resources, visit https://preparedtoanswer.org/topics/faith-and-reason/how-do-we-see-the-glory-of-god

You've probably heard someone say, "I will believe in Jesus if he appears right here, right now!" On hearing that, you probably wished God would just show himself right then in all his glory, just to silence that person and cause them to finally believe! And yet, seeing is not always "seeing". Visual data doesn't necessarily translate into belief. Because we don't just see with our eyes. We see with our eyes, but through our mind. When he was on earth, Jesus prayed that we would see his glory. This was his last prayer for us. So where can we see his glory? Can we see it now? Or is it only "in the sweet by and by"? Listen to Scott as he unpacks the third installment in The Glory of God Series and explores the question, "Where can we see God's glory?" He covers - The difference between seeing with our eyes vs seeing with our mind. - What did Moses really see when God revealed His glory? - How Jesus and the gospel reveal God's glory.