Kainos Project

The term "gay Christian" has long been disputed, even among those who agree with the traditional Christian sexual ethic. Christian author Rosaria Butterfield continued that argument in a recent article, titled "I Don't Have an LBGTQ Neighbor—And Neither Do You." In the article, Butterfield argued that there is no such thing as an LGBTQ+ person, because sexual orientation is a social construct. Furthermore, Butterfield argued, this an issue of identity, and identifying by sexual orientation enslaves a person to sexual sin. Any number of Christian leaders agree with Butterfield completely. However, many do not. On this episode, we discuss the differing views of people on LGBTQ+ issues. Specifically, we take a closer look at the range of views among those who hold to a traditional sexual ethic on issues of terminology, celibacy, and how to best approach our LBGTQ+ neighbors. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a law requiring public school teachers to feature a poster of the 10 Commandments in their classrooms. While many conservatives are hailing the law as a victory, it is likely to be struck down in the courts. Landry indicated that he's looking forward to the legal battle, saying, "I can't wait to get sued." Opponents of the law are citing the establishment clause of the constitution, arguing that requiring public school teachers to post an explicitly religious text on their classroom walls is a religious liberty violation. On this episode, we discuss the wisdom of such a law. Is it necessary? Is it prudent? In our discussion, we explore what we believe to be the best and worst arguments for and against this law, as well as the dangers of pulling Scripture out of context to make it a cultural icon. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It has been a busy couple of weeks as far as pastor scandals are concerned. Each case is extremely different from the others. But the fact that they have happened in such rapid succession raises common questions about how churches and church leaders should respond to them. What level of transparency should be demanded? Do pastors who have morally failed to the point of needing to be removed from the pulpit ever get to return? If so, when and under what circumstances? How do we pursue justice and righteousness while not inflicting unnecessary pain on those who have undeniably hurt others? On this episode of the podcast, we discuss these questions and more. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For Christians, the hope of heaven is one of our most important beliefs. But it's also one of the most mysterious and even one of the most misunderstood.  And that makes sense. No one has ever been there and come back to tell us about it—although some have claimed to. When we think about heaven, we tend to think about a giant gated community in the sky. Saint Peter stands at the gates, looking through a giant book with your name in it, so that you can enter into the city with golden streets and white buildings backlit by the sun.  To be sure, some of this imagery is pulled directly from Scripture, even though it's an overly literalized rendering of prophetic and apocalyptic texts. But a lot of it is also culturally conditioned, based on what artwork we've seen or movies we've watched. So on this episode, we discuss three things that Christians tend to get wrong about heaven and cast a bigger vision for what it will be like experience the new heavens and new earth in eternity. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pope Francis recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview on "60 Minutes." And, as you might imagine, some people were quick to pick apart everything he said. Some even accused him of committing heresy. To be sure, this is strong claims to make against the pope. While we aren't Roman Catholic and certainly have some deep disagreements with Roman Catholic theology, we thought it might be helpful to break down some of what the pope said. So in this episode, we discuss whether some of the remarks Francis made are really as awful or outside the realm of our own Christian thinking as some people have characterized them. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor John MacArthur recently made waves by claiming that mental illness doesn't exist. He made these remarks during a Q&A session at a church conference. "Psychiatry and psychology is finally admitting the noble lies they've been telling for the last hundred years," MacArthur said. "And the major noble lie is that there is such a thing as mental illness." He went on to add, "There's no such thing as PTSD. There's no such thing as OCD. There's no such thing as ADHD. Those are noble lies to basically give the excuse, at the end of the day, to medicate people." While MacArthur's words are shocking, he expressed sentiments that are not entirely uncommon in evangelical circles. And while many evangelical churches and institutions have come a long way with regard to how we speak about mental health, it's important that we continue to be thoughtful about how we approach the topic. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, so we thought it important that we discuss not only MacArthur's arguments and why we strongly disagree with them, but also how Christian leaders can cultivate environments where mental healthcare is celebrated. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It has often been said that “the church is God's Plan A for working in the world, and there is no Plan B.” We don't disagree with that. Similarly, third century theologian Cyprian of Carthage once said, “No one can have God for his Father, who does not have the church for his mother.” Cyprian also said, “Outside the Church, there is no salvation.” While we don't take his meaning literally, this axiom offers important wisdom. There is no way for people in the world to experience Jesus and be formed by his way of life apart from walking alongside other Jesus people. But what exactly is the church? What is its purpose and function in the world? While most of us would agree upon a set of theological tenets when it comes to the church, there are also many fundamental questions that we often let go unspoken. And even without us talking about them, they provide a rubric for the practical concerns we think are important. In this episode, we probe into some of those questions: Who is the church for? What should it be doing in the world? And where is allowable, and even healthy, to have disagreement over those questions? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When you think of the word "righteousness," any number of images and ideas might come to mind. Many of them are good, although some are probably incomplete.  If you look at the concept of righteousness as presented in the Bible, what you'll quickly realize is that it is inextricably connected to the concept of justice. And Jesus says that those who are desperate for righteousness and justice are the kind of people who are the most blessed. On this episode, we share a sermon Dale recently gave about Matthew 5:6, which says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Richard Dawkins, a biologist who is perhaps one of the world's most prominent apologists for atheism, recently said that he considers himself a "cultural Christian." "I do think that we are culturally a Christian country, and I call myself a cultural Christian," Dawkins said of his home nation, Britain. "I'm not a believer, but there's a distinction between being a believing Christian and being a cultural Christian." Dawkins added, "But I must emphasize that I think that the things that Christians believe are actually nonsense." Specifically, he scoffed at the idea that Jesus could be born of a virgin or that he rose from the dead. So it seems like Dawkins wants the societal benefits of Christianity, just without Christ. On this episode, we discuss what to make of Dawkins' cultural Christianity by looking into his comments within their context. Is Dawkins turning toward faith, or is something else going on here? What is cultural Christianity, and is it something Christians should seek to cultivate? If so, what should that even look like? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Last week, a firestorm erupted on social media after a Christian writer described disciplining his four-month-old son. While he later clarified that he was referring to sleep training, a wave of criticism ensued. Some called into question whether this father was abusing his infant, and some even claimed to have contacted Child Protective Services. The original social media post described the infant's sleep training process in terms of sin and discipline. But should we be framing the actions of a baby in moral terms? On this episode, we dive into the theology of humanity and how it can affect our parenting styles. Since parenting is an important part of life for every Christian who has children, we want to ensure that we are cultivating an underlying theology that is conducive not only to raising and disciplining godly children but also to treating them with the dignity they deserve. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Immigration is always a contentious issue in America, as well as in the evangelical church. In an election year and with the current crisis at the border, that is especially true right now. And while Christians have a rich history of caring for marginalized people, including refugees and immigrants, the current political climate has caused distrust or even disdain for migrants to creep into the church.  On this episode, we seek to develop a theology of immigration by looking at what the Bible has to say about immigrants. It may surprise you how often the topic arises! Then we dive into to some of the specific policy concerns that are driving the conversation today—not so much to give you an "answer" or tell you how to vote, but to set the rules of engagement for Christians seeking to advocate for immigration policies that are both compassionate and effective. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When it comes to the devil, plenty of misconception circulate not only in our culture but in the church as well. Some of what we believe about Satan is informed by the Bible. But a lot of it comes from cultural traditions and misinterpretations of what the Bible says. On this episode, we do a deep dive on what the Bible says about the devil. Who is he? What should we know about him? And what should Christians do to be prepared against him? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A recent Alabama Supreme Court decisions has ignited a passionate discourse about the morality of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and pro-life Christians stand on either side of the debate. The case centers on a wrongful death lawsuit that was brought against a fertility clinic in 2020 after the embryos of a couple using the clinic's IVF treatment services were accidentally destroyed. The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that the suit has valid grounding, since an embryo is a human life. Many pro-lifers are hailing the ruling as a victory. Nevertheless, the precedent this ruling sets has implication well beyond this specific case, and fertility clinics have discontinued their IVF services for fear of legal exposure. If embryos are to be treated as humans, then fertility clinics could face civil or even criminal charges for destroying them, something that is a regular practice in IVF treatments. On this episode, we explore the moral complexities involved with IVF and other reproductive technologies. How can Christian think through these questions in a way that is theologically informed and compassionate toward potential mothers, as well as their future children? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From time to time, we receive questions from folks who are trying to figure out an important point of theology or biblical doctrine. And we enjoy getting to offer our thoughts in the context of those personal interactions, whether in-person or online.  While we don't always have great answers, we think it's important to faithfully wrestle with the questions we receive (and that we have ourselves). That's part of the heartbeat of our podcast. On this episode, we tackle some common questions that we hear, offering our thoughts on a range of theological concerns. Here are the questions we focus on: Is it wrong for a Christian to get cremated? What is a saint? Are only some Christians saints? Is suicide the unforgivable sin?  What is the “age of accountability”? If you have a question you'd like to hear us discuss on a future episode, email us at info@kainosproject.com! READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As Christians, we look up to people who pray and read the Bible a lot. But the sad fact is that some of the people we think of as the most devout are actually suffering from a condition known as religious scrupulosity. Scrupulosity is a subset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and is marked by the constant presence of intrusive thoughts about sin, hell, or blasphemy, resulting in compulsive religious activity. It can be extremely debilitating, and a lack of awareness about it can keep us from helping the people in our lives who may be suffering from it. On this episode, we explore what religious scrupulosity is, its symptoms, and how it differs from a healthy commitment to religious practices and spiritual disciplines. We also look at some of our heroes in church history through the lens of scrupulosity. Did some of them suffer from extreme anxiety that they compensated for with religious compulsions? We also discuss how our approach to theology can trigger or exacerbate feelings of religious scrupulosity, even among people who are relatively healthy. Are there ways we can adjust how we talk about biblical doctrines to better help us become both holy and healthy? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Alistair Begg has become the subject of considerable criticism in recent weeks after he said that he had advised a woman to attend her grandson's wedding with a trans person. While Begg gave the advice with the caveat that the woman was clear that she had not changed her views on marriage and gender, he said that reaching hearts for the gospel would "take risks." Amid a bevy of criticism, Begg has stood by his comments. As a result, American Family Radio has pulled his "Truth for Life" program from 1,800 radio stations. On this episode, we discuss what exactly Begg said and whether we agree with him. We also explore broader questions about the relationship between the church and the LGBTQ+ community. What does it look like to walk in grace and truth when we disagree with the prevailing culture about such fundamental realities? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a recent video that went viral, progressive Christian minister Brandan Robertson claimed that the problem with evangelicalism is that it focuses too much on the teachings of Paul and not enough on the teachings of Jesus. Robertson went on to claim that Paul even contradicts Jesus on a number of important points, and that when that happens, we should go with the teachings of Jesus instead of Paul's. What Robertson said was not unique. Rather, it is a common claim within the movement of progressive Christianity. In this episode, we discuss Robertson's specific claims and why we believe a number of things that he says are misleading or outright false. We also explore some of the tenants of progressive Christianity more generally and discuss how tethering ourselves to the historic Christian tradition helps us from coming up with innovative ways to arrive at old heresies. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

President Joe Biden recently held a campaign event at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, denouncing white supremacy and casting his vision for a second term as president. Notably, Mother Emanuel has been a historic part of the Reconstruction era and Civil Rights movement. It is also the place where a racially motivated mass shooting claimed the lives of nine people in 2015. Remarkably, surviving members of the church went to court to offer forgiveness to the white supremacist killer. After the event, some conservative commentators were critical—but not at Biden. Instead, their ire was cast toward the evangelical leaders who in 2021 had denounced Robert Jeffress' First Baptist Church in Dallas for giving Donald Trump the microphone during a Christmas service but had nothing critical to say about Biden's event at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Are these two events the same thing? Or are there fundamental differences? This week on the podcast, we discuss. We also look ahead to what promises to be a politically volatile year in 2024. In our discussion, we grapple with how Christians should engage in politics as we look to the presidential election in November. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Throughout the millennia, Jesus has been portrayed by artists across every conceivable medium. Some of these depictions of Jesus have sought to prioritize historical accuracy, while others have focused on conveying theological significance through artistic expression. Depending on the culture of the artist, depictions of Jesus have varied greatly. Nevertheless, for American evangelicals and other western Christians, the standard for how we think of Jesus' appearance has been set by artists who portrayed him as a western European. That hasn't been the case for everyone in the global church. In a recent photo essay published in Christianity Today, Victoria Emily Jones explored the ways in which Jesus' birth has been portrayed throughout the centuries in Asian cultures, providing insight into the unique ways in which depictions of Jesus have indigenized to those cultures. The article was met with stanch criticism, with a number of Christian leaders decrying CT as "woke" and "liberal." In this episode, we take a closer look at the article and explore why it caused such backlash. We also discuss artistic depictions of Jesus more generally. For example, is it okay that they are culturally defined? To what measure are we conscious or unconscious of the fact that our culture is defining our depictions of Jesus? And how much historical accuracy do we need in order to understand who Jesus is in a way that is theologically cogent? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

After the fall of Roe v. Wade, pro-life Christians around the nation celebrated the nearly half-century of advocacy that led to the decision. However, a little more than a year after the Dobbs decision, national abortion rates are up. What's more is that Christians within the pro-life movement disagree about how best to move forward. On the one hand, you have mainstream, incrementalist pro-life movement, which has led in this conversation for the better part of five decades. And on the other, you have the emerging abortion abolitionist movement, which is advocating for total bans on abortion and criminal prosecutions for women who seek them. In this episode, we discuss how the abolitionist movement differs from the traditional pro-life movement. We express where we can find areas of agreement with abolitionists, as well as what we find troubling about the movement. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christmastime is here, and that means the annual worldwide tour of Santa Claus is upon us! While Santa is a hallmark of the Christmas season, what many people might not know is that this mythical character is based on a real person—a Christian hero, in fact. Saint Nicholas was an early church leader who served as a bishop during the third and fourth centuries. And he was actually around for some pretty significant moments in church history. In this episode, we explore the history of Saint Nicholas and his contributions to church history. We also explain how it is that he came to be called Santa Claus and why he now makes annual appearances on our Coke cans and in our shopping malls. More importantly, we discuss the lessons that Christians can take from the events of his legendary life that will help us to live more like Jesus this holiday season. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Gospel Coalition recently came under fire after publishing an article written by Trevin Wax titled "Prone to Dechurch, Lord I Feel It." In the article, Wax suggests that the scandals and abuses that have taken place within evangelical institutions aren't as responsible for the dechurching of America as we might think. Instead, the cultural move away from church attendance is best explained as outright disobedience to Jesus. While Wax's claim is backed by recent statistical data that indicates more people are dechurching because they moved to a new city than because of abuse or scandals, his words raised the ire of abuse survivor advocates online. Some accused Wax of gaslighting victims and circling the wagons. On this episode, we discuss Wax's article and the arguments it contains. We highlight the ways in which Wax's words may have been taken out of context, while also offering a nuance critique of the perspective his article puts forth. We also discuss the relationship an individual Christian should (or must) have with the church. Can you walk away from the church without walking away from Jesus? If not, what even constitutes "the church," and how can we hold space for people who have been severely wounded by organized religion but who are still clinging to Jesus? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ghosts are a major part of American culture. Whether it is the celebration of spirits on Halloween, myths and fables, blockbuster films, or reality television shows about people who hunt them, ghosts feature heavily in the stories we tell each other. For some, that's all they are—stories. But for others, their belief in ghosts is unshakeable. But what does the Bible say about spirits and souls on earth? Are there any insights from Scripture that give us a better understanding of what happens after we die but before the final judgment of Christ? On this episode, we talk about what the Bible has to say about ghosts. Are they real? And if not, how do we account for reports of paranormal activity that make up so much of the mythos of our own culture, as well as cultures throughout history and around the world? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Halloween is an important celebration in American culture. Trick-or-treating, costumes, and themed parties are all time-honored traditions in most communities. But what are the origins of the holiday? And what do they mean for us as Christians? That's exactly what we want to discuss. In this episode, which was originally recorded in October 2020, we dive into the history of Halloween, which is actually kind of a long story. It dates back thousands of years and spans Celtic, Roman, Aztec, and American cultures and has often fused together both pagan and Christian celebrations. As we unpack all of that, we talk about whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween, and if so, in what manner. Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

War has broken out in Israel and Palestine following the heinous attack on Israel by Hamas. On Oct. 7, the terrorist organization attacked Israel by land, air, and sea, launching thousands of missiles and engaging in a barbarous ground offensive. As they stormed the streets of Israel, Hamas brutalized Israeli citizens, committing war crimes that they gleefully filmed on their phones. They raped and plundered, taking Israel civilians hostage—including women and children. In response, Israel has launched an offensive on Gaza, where Hamas forces exert control. Water and power has been shut off to the region, and missiles are raining down from above, leaving Palestinians—many of them opposed to Hamas—vulnerable. This week on the podcast, we grapple to find moral clarity in this conflict that is almost as old as the land on which it is fought. We don't have the answers, and we certainly aren't experts in the geopolitical conflicts of the Middle East. Nevertheless, given the significance of the Jewish people in the story of the Church, we do want to grapple with the theological implications of what has transpired and the events that are ongoing. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

North Point Community Church, which is pastored by Andy Stanley, recently hosted a conference that caused quite a stir. Called the Unconditional Conference, the two-day event was geared toward helping Christian parents of LGBTQ+ children navigate their relationships with the children. However, the conference came under sharp criticism for hosting speakers who are LGBTQ+ affirming theologians, two of whom were gay married men. One of the biggest names weighing into the conversation was Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mohler accused Stanley of departing from "biblical Christianity," a claim Stanley took exception to. While Stanley clarified that he and his church still uphold the traditional view of sexuality and marriage, he said that he doesn't want to "draw lines" but instead "draw circles." Despite his words, many have interpreted Stanley's actions as a tacit endorsement of LGBTQ+ affirming theology. In this episode, we wade into the mess of navigating grace and truth in light of LGBTQ+ issues. How can we prioritize relationships with people within the LGBTQ+ community while not compromising our convictions? What can we learn from Andy Stanley's example, both for the positive and the negative? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Followers of Jesus are called to stand upon the truth of Scripture. We are also called to be united with one another. But what happens when those two things seem to be in conflict with one another? How united can we, or should we, be with Christians across deeply held theological convictions? What are the limits of cross-denominational unity? Are there more limits than there should be, and if so, what's the best way forward? We are not the first ones to be wrestling with these questions. In fact, for more than a hundred years, a movement of Christians has been seeking to expand the boundaries of unity across different denominations and Christian movements. Broadly speaking, that movement has been called ecumenism. In this episode, we briefly discuss the history of ecumenism, how it came about, and where those efforts stand today. We also grapple with some of the practical concerns involved with trying to unite with other Christians across churches, Christian organizations, and denominational affiliations. What are the limits of our ability to partner with one another, and at what point can we consider ourselves truly united? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Missouri pastor recently drew sharp criticism for claiming that children who live with autism are merely being oppressed by demons. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for deliverance preachers to make such a claim. Without condoning the words of this pastor or others who agree with him, it is undeniable that when Jesus healed people throughout his earthly ministry, the cause of whatever ailed the people who came to him was often the result of oppression from demons. That wasn't always the case, however. There were also many instances in which Jesus healed people with no mention of demons. Is there a way to know the difference in our own day and age? On this episode, we discuss the role spiritual forces play in our physical world. What are angel and demons doing in the day to day? Do we place too much emphasis on them? Not enough? How can we cultivate respect for the spiritual realities that surround our lives without becoming obsessive—or, frankly, weird—in the process? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Astrology and horoscopes seem to be as popular as ever, with adherents looking to the stars for a sign from the universe that will be applicable to their lives in this present moment. But how should Christians feel about horoscopes? While astrology is an ancient practice, its usage in modern time remains common and can be even found in online memes and social media posts, as well as in the mouths of our friends and neighbors—some of them Christian. In this episode, we explore the history of astrology and horoscopes, what the Bible says about divination and fortune telling, and how these practices are portrayed in biblical accounts.  READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When it comes to the Bible, certain passages are so well known that even many non-Christians are aware of them. Among them is the 10 Commandments. Even though not many can name all 10, most people are at least aware that they exist. Nevertheless, just because a biblical concept is familiar, that doesn't mean that we have a good understanding of its meaning and importance. In fact, sometimes the parts of the Bible that are most familiar are the very parts about which we have the most misconceptions. And that is certainly the case with the 10 Commandments. On this episode, we offer five hot takes on the 10 Commandments—not just to be controversial, but as a bit of a case study in how complicated it can be to properly interpret the Bible, particularly when it comes to the Old Testament. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A conservative publication recently published an article titled "Over Half of Southern Baptist Universities Have DEI Infrastructures," listing SBC institutions that make references diversity, equity, or inclusion on their websites. To be sure, the reporter was not seeking to celebrate the efforts of a denomination founded on an affirmation of chattel slavery to move past the racism of the past, but rather to illustrate that the SBC has fallen victim to "liberal drift." Be that as it may, DEI has become something of a political hot button issue, with a number of Republican politicians and candidates railing against programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Similarly, the Supreme Court recently ruled against affirmative action in collegiate admissions, prompting praise from conservatives but leading to an outcry from progressives. Assuming that people on both sides of the political spectrum are interested in racial justice and the fair treatment of people regardless of their race or ethnicity, why is there such a divide when it comes to these policies? In this episode, we discuss DEI and affirmative action. We explore the goals of these programs and policies, how they are effective at achieving those goals, and the ways in which they fall short. We also discuss whether these types of strategies could be helpful to churches, and if so, how we should handle their implementation. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From time to time, we receive questions from listeners and readers about various topics of theology and biblical interpretation. And while we always do our best to provide responses to those questions on an individual basis, some of them are interesting enough (and important enough) that we wanted to discuss them publicly. On this episode, we explore the following questions, most of which were recently asked of us personally: Will we see our pets in heaven? Can you be a Christian and still believe in dinosaurs? Should Christians avoid Reiki, healing crystals, or yoga? Why do many historically Black churches refer to the pastor's wife as First Lady? Is Hell real? How are we to understand Old Testament passages that describe magicians who draw power from ‘other gods'? If you find this episode helpful and have questions of your own, send us an email at info@kainosproject.com! READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A new song has taken the conservative world by storm. It was written and is performed by a former Virginia factory worker named Oliver Anthony, and it's called “Rich Men North of Richmond.” At its heart, the song is about the plight of rural Appalachian people who struggle with poverty. It's a protest song directed at the elites of Washington D.C., who are the rich men who live and work north of Richmond, Virginia. The song's lyrics have resonated with many conservatives, who have praised Anthony for giving voice to some of their feelings and frustrations. This story also has a faith element. Anthony recently came to faith and is in addiction recovery for alcoholism. He has even recited Scripture at recent shows. As such, a number evangelical leaders have expressed their heartfelt support for him. Nevertheless, the song isn't without controversy. Some of its lyrics could be characterized as having racial overtones, and the song briefly alludes to conspiracy theories championed by QAnon. In this episode, we dive into the lyrics of the song, the Scripture that Anthony has pointed his fans' attention to, and common assumptions among conservatives, including many evangelicals, about the "deserving" versus "undeserving" poor. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In recent years, the enneagram of personality has become widely popular among evangelicals as a tool for people to better understand themselves and the world around them, with many using it as an integral part of their spiritual formation process. On the other hand, some evangelicals have raised alarm bells about the enneagram, alleging that it has satanic roots and promotes ideas that are fundamentally at odds with a Christian worldview. But are those criticisms fair? In this episode, we discuss what the enneagram is, its history, and whether Christians can benefit from utilizing it. Further, if it is a tool that Christians can use to better understand themselves and others, what are the limits of its helpfulness, and how can it be properly placed within our broader vision for discipleship? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Two recent headlines have called into question the type of stories America wants to tell itself about itself. The first is a controversial public school curriculum in Florida, which some argue seeks to diminish the horrors of American slavery. The other is the announcement of a national monument to Emmett Till, a project some have accused of being a liberal "CRT" endeavor. School curriculum has been a culture war battleground for Governor Ron DeSantis for some time. But his new anti-CRT curriculum came under fire when some accused it of whitewashing the history of American slavery by suggesting that enslaved Africans benefited from their slavery, at least in some small way, because it provided them with practical skills. Also recently, President Joe Biden announced that a national monument would be built in the honor of Emmett Till. After the 14-year-old Till was brutally lynched in 1955, his mother gave him an open casket funeral as a public protest to Jim Crow and the pervasive racial injustice in America. This event served as the inspiration for many who would become America's civil rights heroes. Nevertheless, many evangelicals, including one scholar who presents himself as an expert in American political history and theory, deny knowing who Till is or why his story is important to American history. So, what gives? In this episode, we discuss these recent controversies about American history and how understanding the injustices of the past helps to shape our vision for justice in the present. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In many ways, the modern day evangelical church runs as a business. We manage buildings, payrolls, marketing budgets, and a host of other things that require business savvy. The modern day evangelical church is also fundamentally a spiritual community, centered on the mission of Christ and (hopefully) sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Are these two things at odds? In this episode, we dive into some of the ways in which the church in America operates like a business, for better or for worse. We also explore why it is that church has come to be done this way, and how this way of operating may be impacting our faith. We discuss the ways in which a business mindset may be helpful in advancing the mission of the gospel through marketing efforts or leadership training. We also discuss some ways in which a business mentality has been hurtful or even abusive, as in the case of nondisclosure agreements. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Earlier this month, "Sound of Freedom" hit theaters to the praise of many evangelicals. The film depicts the real-life events surrounding Tim Ballard, a former federal agent who quit his job to lead operations to free children from child sex trafficking rings in South America. Ballard is portrayed by none other than Jim Caviezel, who is famous for playing the role of Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ." It would seem that a movie about the fight to end human trafficking—featuring the face of Jesus, no less—would be uncontroversial, but "Sound of Freedom" has been anything but. Critics have accused the movie of misrepresenting human trafficking and how to fight it, and some have even suggested that the movie promotes QAnon conspiracy theories. In response, some supporters of the film have suggested that those critical of "Sound of Freedom" are deep state Democrats who are involved in a sex trafficking ring of their own. (Notably, the existence of a sex trafficking ring among liberal elites is one of the more prominent QAnon conspiracy theories.) In this episode of the podcast, we try to make sense of the mess. Are the critiques leveled against "Sound of Freedom" politically motivated, completely fair, or somewhere in between? We also talk about the importance of anti-trafficking work and how Christians can support the effort. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In recent years, conversations around social justice and "wokeness" have dominated the public discourse, both inside and outside the church. For many evangelicals, opposition to social justice has even emerged as a theological distinctive used to identify who is "one of us." However, a close observer of the history of American evangelicalism will note that this division over justice is not new. In fact, when it comes to the question of social justice, evangelicals have debated with, and divided from, each other for at least a hundred years. On this episode, we dive into the more than a century long history that has led to the current "war on woke" within evangelicalism today. We also discuss how we can engage issues of justice in a manner that keeps us from falling prey to the same mistakes—and, in some cases, outright sins—of those who came before us. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In generations past, it was assumed that pastors had attended seminary before being ordained to lead their church. Today, that isn't necessarily the case, as an emphasis on formal theological training has given way to an emphasis on charisma or leadership ability. This week on the podcast, we discuss: is this trend a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing? Is it absolutely necessary for a pastor to be seminary trained in order to be considered qualified and well-equipped for local church ministry? You may have guessed that two people who hold Master of Divinity degrees would recommend that other people attend seminary. And you would be right! Nevertheless, in our conversation, we discuss why we must be careful not to gate-keep where Jesus never told us to put gates up. While we explore all the ways that seminary can be a valuable experience for church leaders of various stripes, we also discuss what matters most in qualifying a pastor for ministry, which is something that seminary can't actually teach them. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In recent years, the existence of infinite parallel universes has become a popular narrative feature, appearing in several films and television shows. While these stories are full of fantasy about limitless possibilities and alternate realities, to many scientists, the existence of the multiverse is a real possibility. For some, such as Stephen Hawking, its existence can even be used to explain away the intelligent design of our universe. Not every scientist feels that way though. In this episode, we dive (lightly) into some of the scientific discussions surrounding theories of the multiverse, as well as what they mean for how we understand God, ourselves, and our place in the cosmos. We also discuss why it is that so many people find multiversal stories so captivating and compelling. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As the culture war is fought in the political arena, in the media, and online, any number of issues arise in the conversation that are important to devout Christians. From human sexuality to racial justice and other issues, Christians have something to say about how their personal convictions intersect with the public conversation. There are legitimate debates to be had and arguments to be made. But then there's the silly stuff. Sometimes, what counts as a controversy is almost laughable. Some "controversies" use buzzwords that relate to issues that are important to us, but the actual debate is completely lacking in substance. It merely exist to drive clicks, views, and engagements—much of them fueled by blind outrage. This week on the podcast, we discuss how to navigate this mess. Is it better to unplug and disengage completely? Or are there steps we can take to engage in a way that is not only healthier, but godlier? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Over the past number of months, we have had the opportunity to be a part of something exciting and new. We are a part of team of people who are going to be planting a new church. It's a big commitment, and it's not one that every person—or every Christian—understands. Why would anyone want to plant a church? Don't we already have enough churches? In this episode, we share both our personal and theological reasons for moving our family to a different city to help plant a church. We also offer our best arguments for why every Christian should be invested in church planting, whether you are joining a team yourself or supporting others who are. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From investigative podcasts to docu-series on major streaming platforms, you may have recently noticed a considerable uptick in Christian "Rise and Fall" content—programs that put a spotlight on the scandals and failures of evangelical leaders and institutions. Many have lauded these series and the truth they expose. Others, however, have given them a derogatory moniker: failure porn. Whether it is Mars Hill, Hillsong, Jerry Falwell Jr., or the Duggar family, these types of series give viewers and listeners real insights into the toxic cultures and institutions that have too long been feeding grounds for abuse. At the same time, they are also meant to offer entertainment value. This tension has led many to feel squeamish about their recent rise in popularity. Is that a fair, though? How cynical should we be here? Are these series a type of public accountability, failure porn, or a little of both? How should Christians interact with these types of content, if at all, in a way that is healthy, empathetic, and helpful? In this episode, we discuss all these questions and more. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Throughout the church's existence, there have been times when it was on the right side of history. Other times, it has been on the wrong side of history. And in other cases, it was on both sides, simultaneously. This was certainly the case in America when it came to the institution of chattel slavery. Prior to and all throughout the American Civil War, devout Christians stood on either side of the abolition movement. They were all reading the same Bible, but somehow they were coming to drastically different conclusions when it came to the American system of slavery. In this episode, we explore the history of the abolitionist movement through a theological lens. What biblical arguments were preachers and theologians making for (and against) abolition at the time? And why did it take America's bloodiest war to settle the question once and for all? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A couple of weeks ago, pastor, author, and apologist Timothy Keller passed away. As one of the most influential Christian thinkers of his generation, Keller's works and writings will likely be read and discussed by evangelicals for years to come. In the weeks since his passing, the internet has been flooded with tributes to Keller, who was known for his winsome approach to cultural engagement and evangelism. And, in somewhat poor form, social media has also been party to heated discussion about the legacy of his winsome way of life and ministry, with some arguing that Keller's approach was better fit for a cultural landscape that no longer exists. In this episode, we remember Timothy Keller's contribution to the world of evangelicalism, as well as our own formation, and discuss the legacy of his approach. Is winsomeness still the way to engage culture, or is Keller's death somewhat symbolic of the end of an era? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the wake of the pandemic, which has coincided with a real scare about critical race theory and critical gender theory, private Christian schools have seen their enrollment boom over the last few years. Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing? Certainly, schooling is an important issue for Christian parents to consider. It's also a focal point when it comes to any number of culture war issues, whether those are critical race theory or critical gender theory, book bannings, or public prayer. In light of what appears to be chaos in any number of school districts around the nation, many Christian parents have decided that the public school system isn't the place they want to send their children. So they have opted to either homeschool their children or send them to a private Christian school. Others have opted to keep their kids in public school, not only for pragmatic reasons, but as a matter of conviction. In this episode, we explore the arguments for and against sending your children to private Christian schools and discuss how we can appreciate both their strengths and weaknesses in light of public school options. More importantly, we wrestle with how to frame this conversation in a way that is charitable toward those who come to a different conclusion, even though we feel strongly about how we have arrived at our own. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you've ever been told that you have a Jezebel spirit, you probably immediately understood that it wasn't a compliment. You also probably aren't a man. In evangelicalism, the term Jezebel spirit has often been used to describe women who are deemed to be immodest, power hungry, or both. In this episode, we explore the origins of the phrase by taking a closer look at the story of Jezebel in the Old Testament. We also take a look at the one instance in which Jezebel is mentioned in the New Testament and unpack how to understand the meaning and significance of the passage. While that passage never mentions a "Jezebel spirit" as such, it is nevertheless where the phrase comes from. However, the modern evangelical usage of the term seems vastly different that what was being described in the New Testament. Further, we discuss the political dimension the phrase has taken on in more recent times, particularly with reference to Vice President Harris. Ultimately, we wrestle with whether using the phrase Jezebel spirit is more harmful than it is helpful. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Recently, apologist Ken Ham has ramped up his public criticism of high profile Christians who disagree with him on the age of the earth, accusing them of being both “lukewarm” and “compromising.” Young earth creationism has long been a central feature of Ham's apologetic ministry, which is perhaps best known for its Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky. Ham also famously debated Bill Nye the Science Guy in 2014, which was a national news story. In more recent times, Ham has been calling into question the ministries of men like Timothy Keller and Andy Stanley for their failure to preach young earth creationism and a literal reading of Genesis 1 that posits the earth is 6,000 years old. But is this something that Christians should really be dividing over? How important is the age of the earth to the overall story of Scripture, the gospel, and our mission in the world? On this episode, we discuss Ham's criticism of old earth creationists, the differing views faithful Christians take when it comes to the age of the earth, and where we think this issue should fit in our overall list of theological priorities. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When it comes to addressing various social concerns that have theological implications, Christians are often quick to refer to certain causes as "gospel issues." But what does that actually mean? What is a gospel issue? The term isn't always very well defined.  Most often, this phrase is used to indicate that if other Christians don't feel as strongly about a particular issue as the person using it, then they just don't get what Jesus came here to do. They don't get the gospel. But much of the disagreement over what constitutes a gospel issue is actually owing to differing visions for what the gospel is and what it requires. In this episode, we explore those differing visions and how we should view our role in social issues as it relates to our identity in Jesus. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's culture, it is becoming increasingly common for people to introduce themselves alongside their preferred pronouns, as well as to specify those pronouns on their social media profiles, resumes, and other spaces, and to ask for the preferred pronouns of others. How should Christians respond in the midst of this societal paradigm shift? Should we practice what has been referred to as pronoun hospitality, wherein we use the preferred pronouns of others regardless of what we believe about gender identity? Or do we refuse to do so out of our commitment to our convictions? The answer isn't always that simple, and this question presents itself in myriad contexts that are all unique. In this episode, we present Christian arguments for and against pronoun hospitality. We also explore different scenarios in which this question may arise and offer some thoughts on how to navigate them with grace and truth. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What did Jesus accomplish when he died on the cross? It seems like an obvious question: he died for my sins. He died to save us. He died so that we might have life. But there's actually a lot more to it than that. Throughout the centuries, theologians have grappled to understand exactly what happened in the universe at the moment when Jesus surrendered his life. At the heart of it, Jesus reconciled us back to God. This is what theologians refer to as atonement. But there are different theories as to how that atonement actually happened. In this episode, which was originally released in April 2021, we explore eight different theories of atonement, their history, strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they help us understand the heart of the gospel message. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.