Facing The Gates

Why did a Baptist such as myself become an Orthodox Christian? In this episode, I walk you through my conversion process. In it, I go step-by-step, addressing each doctrine of Protestantism that I came to reject and why, as well as the issues I had that prevented me from becoming Catholic, finally to the point of accepting Orthodoxy as the fullness of the faith. If you have any questions, feel free to email them to me. Thanks for listening and God bless!   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

What has happened with the boys since the show has ended? Bailey and Michael sit down to discuss what they've been up to all this time, the lessons they've learned, and break down some of the spiritual developments that have occurred in their lives. Enjoy this bonus reunion episode!   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

The time has come at last to bring this podcast to a close. Join us as we reflect on the past year and a half. What did we learn? What has changed in our lives? And what is next for the boys? Find out in our final episode! Thank you for listening to Facing The Gates.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

You asked, we answer! Join us in a very special Q&A episode of Facing The Gates. Why aren't Michael and David Christian yet? Does Bailey think ghost hunting is a sin? And why is there a fad for spirituality - minus the actual religion part? Great questions! We talk about these and more in this episode. For a long time. But it's great, we promise!   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today, we are more divided than ever on a national level. But why is that? What are the roots of our division? And how do we move forward? Is it even possible? Join us as we wrap up our political ramifications series, discussing these questions and more.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Critical Race Theory is a highly divisive topic. But what exactly is it? What are its tenants, and what does this theory propose as a solution? In this episode, we break down what exactly CRT stands for, analyze some of its political implications, and debate its strengths and shortcomings.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Critical Race Theory: An Introduction | Richard Delgado & Jean Stefancic Ep. 1280 - How To Defeat Critical Race Theory | The Ben Shapiro Show S4E17: The Grace High School Controversy: Teaching and the Voice of Conscience with Paul Rossi and Jordan Peterson | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Ep. 71 - Yes, Critical Race Theory Is Being Taught And Yes It's Horrible | Cooper Stuff Podcast Atlanta Elementary School Institutes Racial Segregation - The Matt Walsh Show | https://youtu.be/AKwW2lmT6hA The History of Redlining | https://nhc.org/the-history-of-redlining/ Louisianna Redlining Law Review | https://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6275&context=lalrev Who Banned Slavery When? | https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-slavery/chronology-who-banned-slavery-when-idUSL1561464920070322 Average Income Around the World | https://www.worlddata.info/average-income.php

Transgenderism has come front and center in our culture today and as a result, has spawned a legion of questions. What exactly is gender dysphoria? Why is there so much interest in the issue now? What are the philosophical and ideological claims being made? And what is the history of this phenomenon? All of this and much more in today's episode!   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Science, the Transgender Phenomenon, and the Young - Abigail Shrier | https://youtu.be/DWbxIFC0Q2o S4E11: Irreversible Damage? - Abigail Shrier | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Puberty Blockers | https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/transgender-center/puberty-blockers Wi Spa Story | https://youtu.be/BUCONAocWs4 The Transgender Craze Seducing America: An Interview With Author Abigail Shrier | https://youtu.be/yQ2I_pzOvJU Loudoun County School Rape (½) | https://youtu.be/KMvCDs7fdeo Loudoun County School Rape (½) | https://youtu.be/0bDqsibgYXw Ep. 782: There Is A Conspiracy To Sexualize Your Children. Here's Where It All Started. - The Matt Walsh Show | https://youtu.be/tSNe1uJHWKY?t=60

Continuing our discussion on the topic of gay marriage, what do science and statistics have to say about the issue? Are people born gay, or can they change? What exactly are Christians asking of gay people? All this and more in today's episode.   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Homosexuality: Speaking the Truth in Love - Mike Winger | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsp1qWCFFN2JPKd5b6_LPED HIV in the United States - CDC | https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html How Can Homosexuality Be Wrong If It Doesn't Hurt Anyone? | https://youtu.be/F2nPRV8dmOk Philosophize This! | Episode #148 ... On Media pt. 1 - Manufacturing Consent Philosophize This! | Episode #149 ... On Media pt. 2 - Marshall McLuhan Obergefell v. Hodges | https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf

Yet another controversial issue of our day is the topic of gay marriage. What exactly does Christianity have to say on the topic? Why do Christians disagree on the matter? And what is the underlying point of it all? Find out in today's episode.   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Homosexuality: Speaking the Truth in Love - Mike Winger | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsp1qWCFFN2JPKd5b6_LPED 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6 - The Whole Counsel of God The Lost Message of the Bible - Inspiring Philosophy | https://youtu.be/33MleMmkFOM

Today we wrap up our discussion on one of the most controversial issues of our day: Abortion. In this episode, we discuss the history of Planned Parenthood, the implications of abortion, and what we believe can be done to solve the problem.   SOURCES: Abortion Statistics (Abort73): https://abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/ Abortion Statistics (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion Abortion Data & Statistics (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/index.htm Maternal Deaths from Abortion: https://www.statista.com/statistics/658555/number-of-abortion-deaths-us/ Get Informed: https://www.liveaction.org/ History of Planned Parenthood & Deleiden Expose: https://youtu.be/ElEC5sazrYk Abortion Procedures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCroccSjXWR9HVr_ooA3ErEAR0SifdwY The Effects of Fatherlessness: https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic Help for Women: https://www.liveaction.org/learn/resources/ Fight The New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/overview/ Porn Negatively Affects Relationship Quality, According to 30 National Studies: https://fightthenewdrug.org/30-national-surveys-porn-consumption-is-associated-poorer-relationship-quality/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we begin our discussion on one of the most controversial issues of our day: Abortion. Should it be legal? Why or why not? Hear our thoughts on this issue as we begin our discussion with an overview of the topic, alongside an analysis of the statistics and abortion procedures.   SOURCES: Abortion Statistics (Abort73): https://abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/ Abortion Statistics (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion Abortion Data & Statistics (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/index.htm Maternal Deaths from Abortion: https://www.statista.com/statistics/658555/number-of-abortion-deaths-us/ Get Informed: https://www.liveaction.org/ History of Planned Parenthood & Deleiden Expose: https://youtu.be/ElEC5sazrYk Abortion Procedures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCroccSjXWR9HVr_ooA3ErEAR0SifdwY The Effects of Fatherlessness: https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic Help for Women: https://www.liveaction.org/learn/resources/ Fight The New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/overview/ Porn Negatively Affects Relationship Quality, According to 30 National Studies: https://fightthenewdrug.org/30-national-surveys-porn-consumption-is-associated-poorer-relationship-quality/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we break down the stories we tell ourselves: both on the left and on the right. We analyze the predominant political philosophies of our day, conservatism and progressivism, and attempt to understand what they are at their core. And at the end of the day, we attempt to tie it all back to worldview and discuss how politics is merely the outworking of your pre-existing beliefs about the world.   SOURCE: Political Visions & Illusions - David Koyzis   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we begin our discussions on politics. As a primer for you, we've decided to begin by laying out our personal philosophies on the purpose of government, laws & rights. We also talk about our political leanings and personal biases that affect our thinking on these issues.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Up to this point in the show, we've mostly discussed topics that are relevant to worldview - topics that can be explained by either theism or atheism. But what about those subjects that don't fit neatly into a worldview category? That's right - today we're going in-depth on the topic of aliens, paranormal experiences, and the unknown.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Are dreams just nonsense that our brains make up when we sleep, or is there something more to them? Are near-death experiences real, and if so, what evidence is there for them? And how exactly are these two topics related? Find out in today's episode.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Two Near-Death Experiences that Can't Be Explained Away (Dr. Gary Habermas): https://youtu.be/X8SO_aCk_sU Dr. Gary Habermas - Near Death Experiences: https://youtu.be/ac9pF32gRxU Journal of Near-Death Studies

What is nihilism, and why do people subscribe to it? Why does suicide seem rational for some people? And ultimately, what is the meaning of life? Today, we're going to go deep and answer life's deepest questions.   Disclaimer: This episode may contain triggering content on the topic of suicide. We realize that this is a serious subject, but for the sake of this conversation, we will be discussing the matter from a philosophical perspective. Please keep this in mind if you choose to listen to this episode. We do not advocate for suicide. If you believe you are in an unstable state of mind, do not listen to this episode. You can always listen some other time. If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. That all being said, on with the episode.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

We often hear that Christians live under grace, meaning that God will forgive their sins so long as they seek repentance. But if Christians will always be forgiven, doesn't this create a moral loophole? Why do anything good? You can always apologize for your sins after you commit them, and besides, since God is contractually obligated to forgive you, why not do whatever you want now and think about the consequences later? This formula is often abused because the underlying theology is largely misunderstood - and not only that, but it pushes people away from Christianity. Today, we're going to talk about the doctrine of grace.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Sin is a concept unique to the Abrahamic religions. But beyond the appropriation of the word “sin” into our modern culture, what actually is sin? How do we define it, and what does it do to us? What happens when a worldview lacks the concept of sin? Today, we're going to get into the nitty-gritty of sin, what it is and what it does, then we're going to discuss the seven deadly sins, the unforgivable sin, and the implications of the concept of sin within your worldview.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Defenders 3: Doctrine of Man (Part 20): The Fall of Man and the Nature of Sin - William Lane Craig What is the Unforgivable Sin? What is Blasphemy Against the Spirit? - Kenneth Berding https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2021/what-is-the-unforgiveable-sin-what-is-blasphemy-against-the-spirit

Submitting to any particular worldview is a massive commitment. Becoming a Christian, for example, comes packaged with a new set of assumptions about the world, as well as moral prescriptions that one must strive to follow. Today, we're going to talk about the practical cost of commitment.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Over the course of the past several episodes, we have visited quite a few different types of churches. Each one had a different approach to their worship style, and each one viewed Christian theology a bit differently from one another. Today we're going to unpack our final thoughts on all of these things, and talk about what the implications of these views and worship styles are.   VIDEOS THAT INSPIRED THIS SERIES: Learning About Other Churches: Ten Minute Bible Hour | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeLDw8KQgqi4vbm__vNR6gMnwhLmGj0Cd Love Across the Lines: Gospel Simplicity | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPYmFzsNDDO9uFTZR6NnOaaHYcmVWL8X7   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting St. John's United Methodist Church! What was it like being back at Michael and David's home church? How do we feel about this service compared to others? Is Pastor Kendell always cracked on coffee? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST‌ ‌CONTACT:‌ ‌ St. John's United Methodist:‌ ‌‌https://stjohngraniteville.com/  ‌ CONTACT‌ ‌INFO:‌ ‌ Email:‌ ‌facingthegatespod@gmail.com‌ ‌ Facebook:‌ ‌‌https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Twitter:‌ ‌‌https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Instagram:‌ ‌‌https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/‌ ‌

Today‌ ‌we‌ ‌sit‌ ‌down‌ ‌with‌ ‌our‌ ‌guest,‌ ‌Pastor‌ Kendell ‌of‌ ‌St. John's United Methodist Church,‌ ‌and‌ ‌learn about Michael and David's home church! Why be methodist? What was the holiness movement? How much coffee has Pastor Kendell had? Find‌ ‌out‌ ‌in‌ ‌today's‌ ‌interview.‌  ‌ GUEST‌ ‌CONTACT:‌ ‌ St. John's United Methodist:‌ ‌‌https://stjohngraniteville.com/  ‌ CONTACT‌ ‌INFO:‌ ‌ Email:‌ ‌facingthegatespod@gmail.com‌ ‌ Facebook:‌ ‌‌https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Twitter:‌ ‌‌https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Instagram:‌ ‌‌https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/‌ ‌  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Church! How foreign was it to us? Did we enjoy the pews? Can we even put the service into words? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST‌ ‌CONTACT:‌ ‌ St.‌ ‌Elizabeth‌ ‌the‌ ‌New‌ ‌Martyr‌ ‌Orthodox‌ ‌Church:‌ ‌‌https://www.stelizabeth.net/‌ ‌   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we sit down with our guest, Father Mark of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Church, and learn about an all-too-often unknown branch of Christianity: Orthodoxy. What's so special about it? What is this deification thing all about? And what does Fr. Mark think about the free will debate? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Church: https://www.stelizabeth.net/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church! What effect did the smells and bells of a big cathedral have on us? Did we get in over our heads? How were those genuine Catholic pews? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: Fr. Dwight Longnecker: https://dwightlongenecker.com/ Our Lady of the Rosary: https://olrgreenville.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we sit down with our guest, Father Dwight of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, and learn about the Christian boogeyman...Catholicism. Are Catholics really that bad? What is purgatory? What about prayer to the saints? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: Fr. Dwight Longnecker: https://dwightlongenecker.com/ Our Lady of the Rosary: https://olrgreenville.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting St. James Anglican Church! What are the implications of a small, low-tech service? What happened as we experienced our first communion service? Did we feel like junior Catholics? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: St. James Anglican: https://www.facebook.com/stjamesanglicanblackville/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we sit down with our guest, Father Russell of St. James Anglican, and learn...a lot. Why use the book of common prayer? Did Anglicanism really begin because a king wanted a divorce? Just how bad are Catholics really? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: St. James Anglican: https://www.facebook.com/stjamesanglicanblackville/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting Bethlehem Lutheran Church! What does the sanctuary communicate to its worshippers? How does this service compare to others we've visited? Will the Lutheran church be the one that will finally convert Michael? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: Bethlehem Lutheran Church: https://www.facebook.com/BLCAikenSC/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we sit down with our guest, Pastor John of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and inquire about Lutheranism. Are there any differences between Martin Luther and Lutheranism? How do Lutherans worship differently? Do you have to be a young-earth creationist to join the club? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: Bethlehem Lutheran Church: https://www.facebook.com/BLCAikenSC/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting Mercy Church! Just how different is a Pentecostal service? How did this branch of Christianity make us feel? And of course: were the chairs comfortable? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: Mercy Church: https://www.mercyforaiken.org/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we sit down with our guest, Pastor Kenny of Mercy Church, and talk to him about Pentecostalism. What exactly is going on when Pentecostals speak in tongues? How does he view other Christian groups? What's the deal with Kenneth Copeland? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: Mercy Church: https://www.mercyforaiken.org/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting Grace Presbyterian! How do the Presbyterians worship differently? What effects do hymns have theologically? And most importantly: does the church have appealing architecture? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: Grace Presbyterian: https://www.grace-of-aiken.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we sit down with our guest, Pastor Trent of Grace Presbyterian, and learn lots of neat stuff. Why isn't he a Baptist anymore? Is Calvin misunderstood? Should the guys be fruitful and multiply? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: Grace Presbyterian: https://www.grace-of-aiken.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we're discussing our thoughts after visiting Heights Church! What is the role of contemporary music within the service? Is Pastor Mark good at preaching? Did David sweat himself to death? All this and more in today's episode!   GUEST CONTACT: Heights Church: https://heightschurchsc.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we sit down with our guest, Pastor Mark of Heights Church, and grill him on some big topics. What's the deal with being a Baptist? Why use contemporary Christian music as opposed to hymns? What about once saved, always saved? How is Heights church different? Find out in today's interview.   GUEST CONTACT: Heights Church: https://heightschurchsc.com/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Why go to church? If Christianity is really about a set of beliefs and practices, where does going to church fit in? Why couldn't someone just read their Bible, pray, be a nice person, and be a Christian in good standing? What exactly is the point of going to church? Today, we're going to talk about that.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Last time, we discussed how lame it is to be an atheist. So to make it fair, we're going to turn the tables and talk about issues with religious belief - in particular, Christianity. Each of the guys will finally let loose their biggest gripes about the religion's adherents. Get ready, because this one is gonna be spicy!   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

We are all religious people. We all find something to put our faith into. Whether you believe or disbelieve in God, you still hold a belief that is contingent upon some degree of faith that you are correct. In this episode, I am going to challenge anyone who holds a belief - be it about the existence, or the nonexistence, of God.   SOURCES: Capturing Christianity - Lack Belief in God? Here's a Challenge For You | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wekbqi3gags Reasonable Faith - Is God Imaginary? | https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/is-god-imaginary C.S. Lewis - The Abolition of Man William Lane Craig - Reasonable Faith   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

To commit to a worldview like Christianity is limiting. It forces you to abide by a certain set of morals, requires you to go to church, read an ancient book, and do other rituals such as praying or fasting. You're not free to do as you please, isn't that like slavery? Why become Christian when so many fun things are labeled “sinful”? Is it really worth giving your life away to a set of beliefs that could be wrong? Today, we're going to talk about that.   SOURCES: Is Christianity Slavery? - Inspiring Philosophy | https://youtu.be/oss10S0GF78 Episode #140: … Isaiah Berlin pt. 1 - Pluralism | https://philosophizethis.libsyn.com/episode-140-isaiah-berlin-part-one-pluralism   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

If Christianity were true, why are there so many non-Christians living better lives than the Christians? If Christianity were true, why has the institutional church supported war, injustice, and violence over the years? Even if Christian teaching has much to offer, why would we want to be together with so many smug, self-righteous, dangerous fanatics? Today we're going to talk about that.   SOURCE: The Reason for God - Tim Keller   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

How can any one religion claim to have the absolute, exclusive, salvific truth? Isn't that intolerant? It's a big claim and can come off as egotistical that someone could make a metaphysical assertion with certainty like that. Today, we're going to talk about the problem of exclusivity in Christianity. SOURCES: Tim Keller - Exclusivity: How can there be just one true religion? | https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/timothy-keller/exclusivity-how-can-there-be-35sc9_umN0D/ Tim Keller - The Reason for God The Size and Distribution of the World's Christian Population - Pew Research Center | https://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ China's Communist leaders fear Christian population may reach 300 million by 2030 - The Christian Post | https://www.christianpost.com/news/chinas-communist-leaders-fear-christians-may-rise-to-30-million.html Unbelievable? - Are there many paths to God? John Hick vs Chris Sinkinson | https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable/Episodes/Unbelievable-Are-there-many-paths-to-God-John-Hick-vs-Chris-Sinkinson-Classic-Replay   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

The Old Testament is notoriously difficult to read without proper context and can be a barrier-of-entry for people who aren't Christians. Even people who are Christians sometimes struggle to make sense of God's character in the Old Testament. In this episode, we're going to discuss the type of slavery described in the Old Testament & the controversial command of God for Israel to wage war on the Canaanites.   SOURCE: Paul Copan - Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

The Old Testament is notoriously difficult to read without proper context and can be a barrier-of-entry for people who aren't Christians. Even people who are Christians sometimes struggle to make sense of God's character in the Old Testament. In this episode, we're going to cover topics of God's wrath, the shortcomings of the Old Testament heroes, the strange laws of the Jewish people, and what seems on the surface to be a passage about child sacrifice.   SOURCE: Paul Copan - Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

How can it be possible for an all-loving God to send people to hell, a place of torment, for all eternity? Even if it were possible, why would anyone worship this tyrannical and sadistic being? This is the monotheistic doctrine of hell, and it is the subject of today's discussion.   SOURCES: The Reason for God - Tim Keller 23 Minutes in Hell - Bill Weise The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016%3A19-31&version=ESV The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

If God exists, why isn't that self-evident? Why isn't there a neon sign in the sky saying “God exists” or a physical God residing somewhere on earth? Why do we have to have philosophical debates to determine the answer to a very simple question? If God really exists, why isn't it more obvious? Today we're going to talk about that.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Divine Hiddenness: A Christian Response - Inspiring Philosophy | https://youtu.be/3YvXeLtdVBE 34 Bible Verses About God Hiding - Knowing Jesus | https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God-Hiding  

How can an all-good, all-loving, omnipotent and omniscient God allow suffering? Is He capable of stopping it and chooses not to? Or is He not all-good/all-loving? Today we're going to talk about that.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Tim Keller - Suffering: If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZaOjKoAVyE Philosophize This! - Episode #15 … A Period of Transition: Plotinus | https://www.philosophizethis.org/podcast/plotinus-a-period-of-transition God's Response to Job - Job 38-40 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+38-40&version=ESV Inspiring Philosophy - The Problem of Evil: A Christian Response | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0gPoqx_bQ August Burns Red - Beauty in Tragedy | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-noYJ459dE Ask NT Wright Anything - #38 Lockdown Livestream | https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Weekday/Ask-NT-Wright-Anything/Podcast/Ask-NT-Wright-Anything-38-Lockdown-livestream-Tom-answers-questions-on-Facebook-Live C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Matthew 27:46 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2027%3A46&version=ESV What Christianity Ultimately Points To - Revelation 20-22 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2020-22&version=ESV  

Over the past several episodes, we have analyzed the case for Christianity. A case that explains how the Bible was written, canonized, and translated; a case that shows we can trust the New Testament and that its claims about Jesus are reliable; a case that argues for the validity of the Resurrection; as well as a case that reveals the cost of Chistianity and its lasting impact on society. Today, we're going to look at our final case: Why Christianity over other religions?   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: The Top 40 Messianic Prophecies - Jews for Jesus | https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/ Josephus and Jesus - North American Mission Board | https://www.namb.net/apologetics/resource/josephus-and-jesus/ Why Muslims Are The World's Fastest-Growing Religious Group - Pew Research Center | https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/06/why-muslims-are-the-worlds-fastest-growing-religious-group/ References to Jews in the Quran - Jewish Virtual Library | https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/references-to-jews-in-the-koran Three Quran Verses Every Christian Should Know - David Wood | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5Nu6EabQD8 Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity | Nabeel Qureshi Who Killed Muhammad? - David Wood | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6st_tFj6ouM What Happened When Jesus Died? An Open Forum - Tim Keller | https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/timothy-keller/what-happened-when-jesus-87yxCiQEJZN/ “Father, Forgive Them” - Luke 23:34 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A34&version=ESV

Oftentimes we hear about how God became man, performed miracles, was crucified, rose again, and usually the story ends there. But what happened after Jesus' ascension? Today we're going to talk about the early Christian martyrs, the effects Christianity had on the world at large, and what it all points to. CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/ SOURCES The Death of John the Baptist - Matthew | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A1-12&version=ESV The Death of John the Baptist - Mark | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206%3A14-29&version=ESV St. Stephen - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Stephen Stephen's Speech & The Stoning of Stephen - Acts | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%207&version=ESV Saint Peter the Apostle - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Peter-the-Apostle Who Was Andrew the Apostle? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/andrew-the-apostle/ Who Was Saint James? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/saint-james/ Saint John the Apostle - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-the-Apostle Saint Philip the Apostle - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Philip-the-Apostle Who Was Bartholomew the Apostle? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/bartholomew-the-apostle/ Apostle Thomas - Kat Cendana | https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/apostle-thomas/ Who Was Matthew the Apostle? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/matthew-the-apostle/ Who Was James Son of Alphaeus? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/james-son-of-alphaeus/ Who Was Jude the Apostle - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/jude-the-apostle/ Saint Simon the Apostle - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Simon-the-Apostle The Death of Judas - Inspiring Philosophy | https://youtu.be/2_01suXK8lg Who Was Matthias the Apostle? - Overview Bible | https://overviewbible.com/matthias-the-apostle/ Saint Paul the Apostle - Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Paul-the-Apostle Philippians 3:4-6 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203%3A4-6&version=ESV Galatians 1:13-14 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%201%3A13-14&version=ESV The Truth About The Twelve Apostles Revealed - Grunge | https://youtu.be/3KnoAwh9cCs How The 12 Apostles Died - Motive Scholars | https://youtu.be/uAd0Xr0uM9g Murderous Games: Gladiatorial Contests in Ancient Rome - History Today | https://www.historytoday.com/archive/murderous-games-gladiatorial-contests-ancient-rome Why Science & Secularism Come From Christianity - Capturing Christianity |  https://youtu.be/Lehk-ZSsbpI Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World | Tom Holland Religious Quotations by Abraham Lincoln | http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/faithquotes.htm What Christianity Ultimately Points To - Revelation 20-22 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2020-22&version=ESV  

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? If so, this changes everything and we should follow him. If not, Christianity is entirely in vain, as Paul said. What evidence do we have that Jesus really did raise from the dead? In this second part, we're going to look at the remaining historical claims surrounding the resurrection, and then put those various theories under the microscope to come to a conclusion about what really happened. CONTACT INFO   Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/ SOURCES Jesus Wasn't the Only Man to Be Crucified. Here's the History Behind This Brutal Practice - Live Science | https://www.livescience.com/65283-crucifixion-history.html#:~:text=In%20Rome%2C%20the%20crucifixion%20process,and%20hung%20from%20the%20cross.&text=At%20this%20time%2C%20the%20victims,times%2C%20according%20to%20the%20report. Jesus's Brothers Didn't Believe - John 7:5 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A5&version=ESV Simon of Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross - Mark 15:21 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2015%3A21&version=ESV Inspiring Philosophy - The Resurrection of Jesus (The Historical Evidence) | https://youtu.be/A0iDNLxmWVM Tim Keller - What Happened When Jesus Died? An Open Forum | https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/timothy-keller/what-happened-when-jesus-87yxCiQEJZN/ Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:39 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A39&version=ESV

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? If so, this changes everything and we should follow him. If not, Christianity is entirely in vain, as Paul said. What evidence do we have that Jesus really did raise from the dead? In this first part, we're going to look at the details of Roman crucifixion, some of the historical claims surrounding the resurrection, and analyze the various theories that attempt to provide answers for what really happened. CONTACT INFO   Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/ SOURCES Jesus Wasn't the Only Man to Be Crucified. Here's the History Behind This Brutal Practice - Live Science | https://www.livescience.com/65283-crucifixion-history.html#:~:text=In%20Rome%2C%20the%20crucifixion%20process,and%20hung%20from%20the%20cross.&text=At%20this%20time%2C%20the%20victims,times%2C%20according%20to%20the%20report. Jesus's Brothers Didn't Believe - John 7:5 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A5&version=ESV Simon of Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross - Mark 15:21 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2015%3A21&version=ESV Inspiring Philosophy - The Resurrection of Jesus (The Historical Evidence) | https://youtu.be/A0iDNLxmWVM Tim Keller - What Happened When Jesus Died? An Open Forum | https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/timothy-keller/what-happened-when-jesus-87yxCiQEJZN/ Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:39 | https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A39&version=ESV