Christian Worldview Thinking

This is a conference call Summit Ministries hosted on November 10, 2021 with our president Dr. Jeff Myers and national polling expert John McLaughlin of McLaughlin and Associates. 

Summit Ministries President Dr. Jeff Myers speaks with John Venhuizen, president of Ace Hardware.

Virginia Prodan was exiled from Communist Romania to the United States in 1988. As a Christian in the oppressive regime, she was kidnapped, beaten, and nearly killed. 

Summit Founder David Noebel gives this presentation from the archives. "Doc's" classic defense for a biblical worldview came out of a season in his own life studying Marxism. Does the Bible have something to say about nearly every area of life? You bet it does!

Summit President Jeff Myers talks about the role of faith and politics.

Greg Koukl helps Christian defend the Bible in conversation with their unbelieving friends and neighbors. Greg Koukl is an esteemed apologist, Summit faculty, and the founder and president of Stand to Reason. He's the author of Tactics and co-author of Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air with Francis J. Beckwith. He’s hosted his own radio talk show for over 25 years advocating clear-thinking Christianity and defending the Christian worldview. Learn more at STR.org.

Greg Koukl explains how Christian should think about the Bible, responding to confusion caused by Andy Stanley's recent remarks. Update: Andy Stanley has written a full explanation of his sermon at Outreach Magazine. Additionally, you can find the original sermon available online here. Greg Koukl is an esteemed apologist, Summit faculty, and the founder and president of Stand to Reason. He's the author of Tactics and co-author of Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air with Francis J. Beckwith. He’s hosted his own radio talk show for over 25 years advocating clear-thinking Christianity and defending the Christian worldview.

Dr. Jeff Myers explains why it’s vital for christians to move from apathy to engagement with politics in this presentation from Summit's political training course, The Political Animal. If you'd like to hear more from Dr. Myers and The Political Animal, find the whole course on Summit's store. Dr. Jeff Myers is Summit's president and an acclaimed communicator. He's authored or co-authored several books, most recently writing the Understanding the Times trilogy. Find him on Twitter @drjeffmyers.

In this interview, scholar Dr. H. Wayne House talks about the church fathers (a field of study known as patristics) and reading and interpreting the Bible (the field of hermeneutics). Dr. H. Wayne House is the Distinguished Research Professor for Theology, Law, and Culture at Faith International University and Seminary. He is a long-time Summit faculty member and has authored or edited nearly forty books. For more on Dr. House, visit his website at http://www.hwhouse.com/.

Mark Mittelberg shares six styles of evangelism in this lecture, enabling Christians to share the gospel in a way that works with, not against, their God-given personality. Mark Mittelberg is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Evangelism, in partnership with Houston Baptist University. His books include The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (With Answers), Confident Faith, and The Reason Why Faith Makes Sense. He is also the primary author of the Becoming a Contagious Christian training course, which has helped nearly two million people around the world learn to share their faith in natural ways. Mark lives in a house in the woods of Colorado with his wife Heidi, and they are the parents of Matthew and Emma Jean Mittelberg, both alumni of Summit Conferences.

Tom Morrison, an Illinois state representative and Summit alumni, shares the story of how God led him to politics. Representative Thomas Morrison (R) serves Illinois's 54th District. Tom is a former Christian school teacher and small business owner. He's a graduate of Hillsdale College as well as a Summit alumni. He and his wife Bethany have two children.

Here's what you need to know before college, straight from Summit's resident campus religious liberty expert, Dr. Mike Adams. Dr. Mike Adams is a professor of criminology at UNC-Wilmington and has been a faculty member Summit's Summer Student Conferences since 2008. He's the author of Letters to a Young Progressive and a regular contributor to TownHall.com. He's best known for his strong, active involvement in challenging campus censorship.

Dr. Mike Adams retells the story of his First Amendment legal battle with UNC-Wilmington in a talk given at Summit's Adult Conference in 2015. Dr. Mike Adams is a professor of criminology at UNC-Wilmington and has been a faculty member Summit's Summer Student Conferences since 2008. He's the author of Letters to a Young Progressive and a regular contributor to TownHall.com. He's best known for his strong, active involvement in challenging campus censorship.

Dr. Jeff Myers and Aaron Atwood spend some time discussing the Marxist worldview, democratic socialism, and the difference between a Marxist and a Christian view of wealth. Dr. Jeff Myers is Summit's president and an acclaimed communicator. He's authored or co-authored several books, most recently writing the latest edition of Summit's Understanding the Times. Find him on Twitter @drjeffmyers.

In this lecture, Dr. Jeff Myers sketches the history and influence of Karl Marx, from The Communist Manifesto to Bernie Sanders, all the while contrasting Marx’s view with a Christian worldview. Dr. Jeff Myers is Summit's president and an acclaimed communicator. He's authored or co-authored several books, most recently writing the latest edition of Summit's Understanding the Times. Find him on Twitter @drjeffmyers.

Dr. Craig Hazen sits down for a conversation about apologetics, discussing the importance of a well-rounded education, the best books for beginners, tips and techniques for having apologetic conversations, and arguments to use when Mormon missionaries come to your house. Dr. Craig Hazen is a Summit faculty member and the Founder and Director of Biola University's M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics. He is the the editor of the philosophy journal, Philosophia Christi, as well as the author of the monograph The Village Enlightenment in America and the apologetics novel Five Sacred Crossings, in addition to contributing many articles and chapters to journal and books.  

Dr. Al Mohler talks about his new book, We Cannot Be Silent, sharing how he believes Christians should response to homosexuality, transgenderism, and other moral challenges. Dr. Al Mohler is the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is the host of The Briefing and Thinking in Public. He blogs regularly about current issues at www.albertmohler.com, and is the author of We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking Truth to a Culture Redefining Sex, Marriage, and the Very Meaning of Right and Wrong, Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth, Desire & Deceit: The Real Cost of the New Sexual Tolerance, as well as several others.

The conversation with Virginia Prodan continues this week, as she and Aaron discuss life under communism, America, and understanding God's plan. Virginia Prodan is an international human rights attorney and an Allied Attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom. She's the author of Saving My Assassin, a memoir, and speaks around the nation. While in Romania, she was kidnapped, beaten, tortured, placed under house arrest, and nearly executed, all for her faith and activism. For more information, visit http://www.virginiaprodanbooks.com.

Virginia Prodan was a Christian lawyer fighting for religious liberty in Communist Romanian. Don't miss her incredible story — including how she lead the man sent to kill her to Christ — in this week's podcast. Virginia Prodan is an international human rights attorney and an Allied Attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom. She's the author of Saving My Assassin, a memoir, and speaks around the nation. While in Romania, she was kidnapped, beaten, tortured, placed under house arrest, and nearly executed, all for her faith and activism. For more information, visit http://www.virginiaprodanbooks.com.

Glenn Stanton explains his take on the transgender controversy, addressing bathrooms, children, gender dysphoria, and more. Glenn recently wrote an article for The Federalist on President Obama's new transgender school policy — read it here. Glenn T. Stanton speaks at universities and churches around the world on gender and sexuality, and is the Director for Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family. He has authored or contributed to several books, including The Rings Makes All The Difference and his latest, Loving My (LGBT) Neighbor. His work can be found at the Focus Findings section on Focus on the Family's website. For more on Glenn, see http://glenntstanton.com/.

Ryan Dobson talks parenting, tips for beginning ministry, and building a platform of influence in this wide-ranging interview. Other topics include his favorite Family Talk interviews, counseling, and who he thinks will lead the next generation of culture-shaping Christian leaders. Don't miss the first part of this interview, as Ryan shares the story of his recent decision to leave Family Talk, where he co-hosted with his father Dr. James Dobson, to spend more time with his family and pursue new ministry opportunities. Ryan Dobson is a well known speaker and author. He served at Family Talk with his father, psychologist Dr. James C. Dobson, for six years. In addition, he's spoken at Summit's Student Conferences for years. Ryan currently lives in Colorado with his wife and their two children. For more from Ryan, visit his website: http://www.jamesryandobson.com/

Ryan Dobson shares the story of his recent decision to leave Family Talk, where he co-hosted with his father Dr. James Dobson, to spend more time with his family and pursue new ministry opportunities. Ryan and Aaron talk through the decision making process, and explore what Ryan has learned through his season of transition. Make sure to hear the second part of the interview, as Ryan and Aaron talk about parenting, tips for beginning ministry, and building a platform of influence. Ryan Dobson is a well known speaker and author. He served at Family Talk with his father, psychologist Dr. James C. Dobson, for six years. In addition, he's spoken at Summit's Student Conferences for years. Ryan currently lives in Colorado with his wife and their two children. For more from Ryan, visit his website: http://www.jamesryandobson.com/  

Eric Smith shares practical advice for biblical decision making, explaining a process Christians can use to make major life decisions, like which college to attend, who to marry, and which career to pursue. Eric Smith serves as Summit's Vice President of Programs. He launched and led Summit Semester from 2006 to 2010, and teaches the Bible at Summit’s Colorado Student Conferences and Summit Semester. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary.

Jason Jimenez shares insights from his 15+ years of ministry experience, explaining the changes and shifts that he’s seen in youth ministry and ways that ministers, both young and old, can fight burnout and stay true. Jason Jimenez is a pastor, apologist, and nation speaker who has ministered to families for over fifteen years. Jason is the author of The Raging War of Ideas and coauthored The Bible’s Answers to 100 of Life’s Biggest Questions with Dr. Norman Geisler and the upcoming Stand Strong America with Alex McFarland. Jason & Alex also co-hosts the NRB Network show Viral Truth. Jason and his wife live in Charlotte, NC with their four beautiful children. For information on Jason, visit http://www.standstrongministries.org/.

J. Warner Wallace defines and explains the difference between objective and subjective truth. J. Warner Wallace is both a cold-case detective and a Christian apologist. He's a Summit faculty member and the author of several books, including God's Crime Scene and Cold-Case Christianity. For more information, visit http://www.coldcasechristianity.com/.

Should Christians engage with culture? If so, how? John Stonestreet tackles those questions in this lecture recorded last summer at Summit's California student conference. John Stonestreet is Summit faculty member and President of The Chuck Colson Center. He hosts The Point, a daily radio spotlight, and a co-host of Breakpoint. For more on John, visit ColsonCenter.org.

AXIS co-founder David Eaton explains the process of translating culture for parents, teachers, and students, helping Christians think critically about pop culture. David Eaton is the CEO and co-founder of AXIS. David founded Axis because of his passion to see the good news about Jesus transform students, families, culture, and the beautiful-but-broken world that we live in! David received his degree in engineering from LeTourneau University. For more on AXIS and David, visit AXIS.org.

If abortion is banned, should women who have abortions be prosecuted? Scott Klusendorf answers the question quickly and logically. Get the details for Oklahoma Wesleyan University's Pro-life Training and Applied Bioethics course here. Learn pro-life apologetics from Scott Klusendorf this summer at a Summit Student Conference. Get the details here. Scott Klusendorf is the Founder and President of Life Training Institute and the author of several books including The Case For Life. He is considered one of the foremost apologists on the subject of abortion. The goal of his organization is to challenge and equip pro-life advocates to persuasively defend their views in the public square. 

How do we equip our children to handle challenging questions? Author and apologist Natasha Crain offers answers for parents from her book, Keeping Your Kids On God's Side. Listen to first part of this interview with Natasha here. Natasha Crain is the author of Keeping Your Kids On God's Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build Lasting Faith. She lives with her husband and three children in Southern California. For more on Natasha, and to read her blog, visit http://christianmomthoughts.com/.

What does it take for our children to follow Christ in a hostile world? Author and apologist Natasha Crain speaks directly to parents in this week's interview, sharing practical advice on empowering kids to stand strong in their faith. Listen next week for the second part of our interview with Natasha. Natasha Crain is the author of Keeping Your Kids On God's Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build Lasting Faith. She lives with her husband and three children in Southern California. For more on Natasha, and to read her blog, visit http://christianmomthoughts.com/.

In this lecture from Summit's archive, Dr. Frank Beckwith uses philosophy to unpack the nature and existence of God. Dr. Frank Beckwith is professor of Philosophy and Jurisprudence at Baylor University. Dr. Beckwith has authored or edited over 15 books, including Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air.

Dr. Gary Habermas responds to skeptics' common arguments against the resurrection. Visit summit.org/ebook for a free download of Dr. Habermas's ebook Evidence for the Historical Jesus: Is the Jesus of History the Christ of Faith?. Dr. Gary Habermas has penned dozens of books and over a hundred articles. He has given over 1500 lectures in universities, seminaries, and colleges all over the world and is 'Distinguished Research Professor and Chair' in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University, where he has taught for 30 years. For more on Dr. Habermas, visit his website at http://garyhabermas.com/.

In this lecture, Dr. Gary Habermas shares his "Minimal Facts" approach to defending the resurrection, an argument that uses premises that even skeptics would concede as reasonable to build a decisive case for the resurrection. Dr. Gary Habermas has penned dozens of books and over a hundred articles. He has given over 1500 lectures in universities, seminaries, and colleges all over the world and is 'Distinguished Research Professor and Chair' in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University, where he has taught for 30 years. For more on Dr. Habermas, visit his website at http://garyhabermas.com/.

In this episode, Aaron talks with Greg Summers, a Career Direct consultant, about career choice and design, explaining how parents and students can make wise decisions about college and vocation. Greg Summers is a youth pastor and a Career Direct Network Leader and Consultant. He's worked with hundreds of parents and students, helping them understand how God has uniquely designed them for their specific callings. For more on Career Direct, visit http://www.summitcareerdirect.com/.

In the aftermath of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death, Alliance Defending Freedom's Dr. Jeffrey Ventrella shares his perspective on Scalia's life, judicial legacy, and the future of the Supreme Court. Jeffery J. Ventrella, J.D., Ph.D., serves as senior counsel and senior vice president of Student Training and Development for Alliance Defending Freedom. He is a member of the state bar of Idaho, and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He heads the ADF Blackstone Legal Fellowship and also leads the Alliance Defending Freedom Collegiate Academy. He speaks on religious liberty at Summit's Student Conferences. For more information, visit http://www.adflegal.org/.

Dr. Carol M. Swain shares her story of rising from poverty to academia, and the challenges she's faced for her faith. Dr. Carol M. Swain is the Professor of Political Science and Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University. She is a widely recognized expert on campaign and elections, racial politics, immigration reform, and religious liberty. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress, as well as Be the People: A Call to Reclaim America's Faith and Promise, Debating Immigration, and more.

In this talk, Dr. Jeff uses ideas from Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Andy Crouch, and Jim Collins to unpack the concept of cultural power and how Christians can work to grow that power. Dr. Jeff Myers is Summit's president and an acclaimed communicator. He's authored or co-authored several books, most recently writing the latest edition of Summit's Understanding the Times. Find him on Twitter @drjeffmyers.

In this lecture, Dr. Jeff Myers addresses the topic of cultural power. In this first of two segments, he shares the story of Summit's evacuation during the Waldo Canyon fires and what the situation taught him about how to biblically utilize cultural power. Dr. Jeff Myers is Summit's president and an acclaimed communicator. He's authored or co-authored several books, most recently writing the latest edition of Summit's Understanding the Times. Find him on Twitter @drjeffmyers.

This week, sociologist Dr. George Yancey shares what he's learned after years of studying academic bias and anti-Christian hostility. Dr. George Yancey is a Professor of Sociology at the University of North Texas. He's the author of 19 books, including So Many Christians, So Few Lions, a book that assesses Christianophobia in the United States, and Hostile Environment, a book for Christians facing anti-Christian bias. For more on Dr. Yancey, visit his website at http://www.georgeyancey.com/.

"Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?" Alan Shlemon and Aaron Atwood tackle that question in this week's interview. Alan shares a simple, helpful metaphor that Christians can use to make sense of the question. Alan Shlemon is a Summit faculty member and an apologist with Stand to Reason. He is the son of Iraqi immigrants and the author of The Ambassador's Guide to Islam. For more on Alan, visit Stand to Reason at StR.org.

In the second part of apologist Alan Shlemon's lecture on Islam, he continues to explain the practices and beliefs of Muslims — particularly what Muslims believe about Jesus and the Bible. He closes with helpful tactics for Christians trying to communicate with Muslims. Alan Shlemon is a Summit faculty member and an apologist with Stand to Reason. He is the son of Iraqi immigrants and the author of The Ambassador's Guide to Islam. For more on Alan, visit Stand to Reason at StR.org.

In this two-part lecture, apologist Alan Shlemon explains the foundational tenets of Islam, building a framework Christians can use as ambassadors to their Muslim neighbors. Alan Shlemon is a Summit faculty member and an apologist with Stand to Reason. He is the son of Iraqi immigrants and the author of The Ambassador's Guide to Islam. For more on Alan, visit Stand to Reason at StR.org.

Taking you behind the scenes at Summit, Aaron Atwood sits down with three members of Summit's leadership team — Dr. Jeff Myers, Eric Smith, and Karl Schaller — to talk through their goals and resolutions for the next year. Dr. Jeff Myers serves as President of Summit and is the author of Understanding the Times, as well as the upcoming Understanding the Faith, Understanding the Culture, and Idea Catchers. Eric Smith is Summit's Vice-President of Programs. Eric oversees Summit's Student Conferences, Summit Semester, Summit Oxford, as well as Summit's regional events. Karl Schaller is the Vice President of Publishing at Summit, which he calls the "best job in America." He oversees the release of Summit's curriculum, books, and other products.

This week, Aaron interviews his old boss, Stuart Shepard, to talk about media bias, how to watch the news well, and ways for Christians to get involved with the media. Stuart Shepard is the Director of Digital Communications at CitizenLink, where he oversees all CitizenLink media channels. He's best known for his Stoplight video commentaries, available on http://www.citizenlink.com/.

Filmmaker Brian Ivie talks The Drop Box and the people and movies who inspire him, and shares his incredible testimony. Brian Ivie is the award-winning director of “The Drop Box”. He's graduate from The Bryan Singer Division of Critical Studies at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and hails from sunny San Clemente, California. Learn move at http://arbellastudios.com/.  

Dustin Jizmejian, Director of Summit Semester, shares actionable insights that can help anyone learn and grow in knowledge and faith. Dustin Jizmejian is the Director of Summit Semester, Summit's three-month program for students finishing high school or beginning college who want to grow spiritually and intellectually. Learn more at summitsemester.org.  

In this talk, Hugh Hewitt tackles the topic of freedom – economic, religious, and political, and why he’s hopeful for the future. This talk was recorded at Summit's Adult Conference in 2014. You can purchase the full-length version of this talk on Summit's store here. Hugh Hewitt is the host of the nationally syndicated The Hugh Hewitt Show, author of a dozen books, and a leading conservative thinker. Learn more about Hugh and listen to his show at http://www.hughhewitt.com/.

Kevin Bywater brings clarity and practical advice for Christians seeking to make sense of Islam, ISIS, and the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. Kevin Bywater is the Director and Resident Scholar of the Summit Oxford Study Centre, a study abroad program combining the unique worldview approach of Summit with the academic strengths of Oxford, England. Kevin has been on staff with Summit since 1992. For more from Kevin, visit his website, and for more on Oxford, visit http://www.summitoxford.org/.

In this lecture from the archives, Dr. Michael Bauman shares the story of his conversion from the liberal atheism of the 1960s to Christianity, and in doing so, builds a powerful and articulate case for conservatism and the Christian worldview that is just as relevant today as it has ever been. This lecture is from Summit's original Lecture Series, a collection of over 150 hours of lectures. Find it on Summit's store here. Dr. Michael Bauman is the scholar-in-residence at Summit Semester and Director of Christian Studies and a professor of Theology and Culture at Hillsdale College. He has published nearly 20 books and served as president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society.

How does an ordinary person do something extraordinary? Joe Baker, the founder of Save the Storks, answers that question and more as he shares the story of how God called him to the pro-life movement. Joe Baker is the founder and president of Save the Storks, a pro-life ministry that partners with pregnancy resource centers across the US to provide sonograms to abortion-minded expectant women. To get involved, find Save the Storks on Facebook and visit their website at http://www.savethestorks.com/.

J. Warner Wallace shares the story behind his new book, God's Crime Scene, and unpacks some of the arguments from the book. J. Warner Wallace is both a cold-case detective and a Christian apologist. He's a Summit faculty member and the author of several books, including God's Crime Scene and Cold-Case Christianity. For more information, visit http://www.coldcasechristianity.com/. Visit summit.org/podcast to sign up for Summit email and receive unflinching worldview analysis of current news and events.