The Art of Discernment

On this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Grant Horner, professor of English at The Master's University, helps define culture and what it looks like for believers to engage with it in a Christ-honoring way. Dr. Horner and Dr. Bob Dickson, today's host, also delve into other related topics on the fifth episode of Season 4 of The Art of Discernment. You can find more episodes of the podcast at https://www.masters.edu/aod. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Subscribe to TMU's YouTube channel so you don't miss an episode! About The Master's University The Master's University is a Christian liberal arts university in Santa Clarita, California. Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU holds an unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. The University offers more than 150 programs and $16 million annually in financial aid. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

On this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Matthew McLain, dean of TMU's School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health, discusses the following questions concerning creation: What are some common misconceptions regarding creation? Why is it essential to understand the full story of creation? How should Christians think about scientific topics that aren't explicitly addressed in the Bible? Dr. McLain and Dr. Bob Dickson, today's host, also delve into a host of other related topics on the fourth episode of Season 4 of The Art of Discernment. You can find more episodes of the podcast at https://www.masters.edu/aod. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. About The Master's University The Master's University is a Christian liberal arts university in Santa Clarita, California. Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU holds an unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. The University offers more than 150 programs and $16 million annually in financial aid. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

On this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Greg Gifford, chair of the Biblical Studies Department, answers the following questions concerning masculinity:  What are five characteristics of biblical masculinity? Why is it important for men to work hard and take initiative?  What are the dangers of passivity in men?  Dr. Gifford and Dr. Bob Dickson, today's host, also delve into a host of other related topics on the first episode of Season 4 of The Art of Discernment. You can find more episodes of the podcast at https://www.masters.edu/aod.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found.  About The Master's University The Master's University is a Christian liberal arts university in Santa Clarita, California. Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU holds an unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. The University offers more than 150 programs and $16 million annually in financial aid. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

On this episode of the Art of Discernment, Dr. Mitch Hopewell, Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley, and Prof. Jo Suzuki from The Master's University faculty answer questions related to Christians and artificial intelligence, including:  Why are people drawn to technology that mimics human interaction?  How should Christians approach their interaction with AI, and what are the benefits and potential fears?  What are the advantages and limitations of AI?  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. You can find more episodes of the podcast at https://www.masters.edu/aod. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found.  About The Master's University The Master's University is a Christian liberal arts university in Santa Clarita, California. Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU holds an unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. The University offers more than 150 programs and $16 million annually in financial aid. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment 

In this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Abner Chou, president of The Master's University and Seminary, answers the following questions concerning eschatology: - How important is it that someone come to a firm conviction about the end times? - Where should someone who feels overwhelmed by trying to understand eschatology even begin their study? - What role do hermeneutics play in studying the end times? Dr. Chou and Dr. Greg Gifford, today's host, also delve into a host of other related topics on the first episode of Season 4 of The Art of Discernment. You can find more episodes of the podcast at https://www.masters.edu/aod. About The Master's University The Master's University is a Christian liberal arts university in Santa Clarita, California. Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU holds an unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. The University offers more than 150 programs and $16 million annually in financial aid. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

In this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Bob Dickson interviews Dr. Jordan Morton, the dean of The Master's University's Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, about navigating K-12 education. They discuss the myriad options available to Christian parents today, from public schools to home schooling, and how to thoughtfully evaluate each one. Morton shares valuable insights from her own experience as a parent and educator, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom, gathering reliable information, and finding the right fit for each child. They address common concerns like fear, lack of information, and the need to be actively involved in a child's education. Ultimately, Morton encourages parents to view their child's education as a means of equipping them for service in God's kingdom, rather than simply pursuing worldly success. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Subscribe to TMU's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMastersUniversity?sub_confirmation=1

Harry Walls, campus pastor at The Master's University, welcomes Dr. Carl Hargrove to discuss the vital ministry of church revitalization. Hargrove, a fellowship pastor at Grace Community Church and director of Grace Advance, explains what church revitalization involves and why it is so necessary. He shares common reasons that churches decline and need revitalization, such as moral failure, lack of biblical focus, changing demographics, and an unwillingness to adapt methods while holding firm to biblical principles.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Subscribe to TMU's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMastersUniversity?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Abner Chou, president of The Master's University, is joined by pastor and author Costi Hinn for an exploration of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Hinn shares from his unique background, and encourages believers to find assurance not in emotions or experiences, but in the truth of God's Word. He challenges the tendency to chase “mountain-top experiences” while neglecting personal holiness and provides pastoral wisdom on discerning the Spirit's leading. This conversation equips Christians to rightly understand and rejoice in the Spirit's work, while avoiding unbiblical extremes. Hinn and Chou also discuss how to graciously engage those who may hold different convictions. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Shannon and Danielle Hurley, graduates of The Master's University, join The Art of Discernment podcast to provide insight into what it means to be called to missions and offer advice for those considering the mission field. They also share about their work with Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in Uganda. For the past 17 years, the Hurleys have been reaching their community for Christ and strengthening churches throughout Uganda. They discuss the realities of life on the mission field, including hardships and joys, and emphasize the importance of proper training, church support, and a heart for the lost. Their passion for making Christ known in Uganda is evident as they share about transformed lives and the joy of serving the Lord together as a family. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Drs. John MacArthur and Ken Ham join The Art of Discernment to discuss the importance of biblical authority, particularly in Genesis 1-11. MacArthur, chancellor of The Master's University and pastor of Grace Community Church, and Ham, Founder CEO of Answers in Genesis, discuss the attempts made by culture to undermine biblical authority and the need to hold an unwavering commitment to Scripture. They also address the necessity of equipping young believers with apologetics to answer skeptical questions, finding the right educational resources, and the crucial role of Christian higher education in training the next generation.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Dr. Gregg Frazer, dean of The Master's University's John P. Stead School of Humanities and author of “The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders,” explains that leading founders held to a belief system he calls “theistic rationalism.” What is theistic rationalism? Was America founded as a Christian nation? What impact do these questions have on us today? Frazer and host Dr. Bob Dickson explore the answers in the latest episode of The Art of Discernment.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found.  Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Dr. Paul Twiss joins The Art of Discernment to discuss how Christians should pursue and understand true beauty. Twiss, an associate professor at The Master's Seminary and the teaching pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Thousand Oaks, California, explains that beauty is transcendent, pointing us to greater truths, and is inextricably tied to what is good and true. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more about TMU at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

What are the hallmarks of a Christ-honoring women's ministry? What common challenges do women's ministries face — and how can those challenges be overcome? Betty Price — who has served at The Master's University in various roles since 1985, including as director of women's ministries — points us to Scripture for the answers. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

The performing arts are not a simple discipline for believers to navigate. How do Christians tell stories that are authentic to the human experience — narratives that include conflict and sin — in a way that honors the Lord? Does the script always have to include an overt gospel message? How important is excellence in the shows Christians produce? Tricia Hulet, director of TMU's Theatre Arts program, takes up these questions on today's episode. TMU Theatre Arts is performing "Daddy Long Legs" on March 25-26 and April 1-2 through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. For tickets or to watch via livestream, visit masters.edu/theatre. To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu.

Some view college degrees as simply commodities to be acquired. TMU Provost Mitch Hopewell explores that trend and offers this alternative: College, done rightly, can be an experience that not only offers job readiness, but also shapes the whole person. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

How do we avoid sinfully neglecting the upkeep of our bodies while not becoming so enamored with our appearance that we come to idolize our health? David Larsen, the chair of The Master's University's kinesiology department, answers that question. He also offers practical exercise and nutrition tips. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

Dr. Anderson serves as a professor of biochemistry at TMU, but there was once a time when he taught science as an evolutionist. In today's episode, he tells the story of how he came to a biblical understanding of Earth's origins and offers insight on conversing with evolutionists on topics related to how we got here. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

Dr. Bradley is a research mathematician based at a large tech company and a visiting professor at TMU. Today she explains a link between language and math — and how that link can be used to help computers better understand human language. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/. To learn more about TMU's artificial intelligence emphasis, visit the program's homepage.

Good communication matters to God. On today's podcast, Dr. Stuart Scott, who teaches in the graduate program of biblical counseling at TMU, offers practical advice on speaking and listening in ways that honor the Lord. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

Todd Kostjuk, who serves as chief financial officer and a business professor at The Master's University, offers practical advice on topics like debt, investing, and retirement planning, all from a biblical perspective. This will be the final Art of Discernment episode of the year. The podcast will return January 12. To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu.

Dr. John Beck, dean of the School of Business & Communication at The Master's University, explains how Christians can fulfill the Great Commission by starting a business. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit masters.edu.

Who was Melchizedek, why does the Bible say so little about him, and what is his connection to Christ? Dr. William Varner, professor of biblical studies at TMU and author of "Messiah's Ministry: Crises of the Christ," explains. To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu.

TMU recently added one of the most popular majors in the country. But what exactly is interdisciplinary studies? Why is it so popular? And how does it all work? Dr. Whitney Gamble-Smith, director of TMU's interdisciplinary studies major, stops by to answer these questions and to give examples of possible combinations, like engineering and finance. You can learn more about TMU's interdisciplinary studies program, here.

Dr. Horner, a professor of English, answers questions like: What is fear? What is the distinction between terror and horror, and how are they used differently in movies and books? Was there fear before The Fall? How should a Christian's conscience guide what media content he or she engages with? You can learn more about the English department at The Master's University, here.

Season 2 kicks off with a twist. The show's host, Dr. Bob Dickson, will be wearing his "communication-department-chair" hat and answering questions about how we can make sense of the avalanche of news media we encounter every day. To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu.

The Art of Discernment returns for Season 2 on Oct. 6. On each episode, Dr. Bob Dickson interviews professors from The Master's University about topics related to their areas of expertise. If you missed any part of Season 1, you can catch up at https://anchor.fm/theartofdiscernment. To learn more about The Master's University, visit https://masters.edu.

Christians can face two dangerous extremes when it comes to developing habits. Some focus solely on behavior modification. Others wait to obey God until they feel like it. In our Season 1 finale, Dr. Greg Gifford, an associate professor of biblical counseling at The Master's University and author of “Heart & Habits: How We Change For Good,” offers a better way. To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu.

You've seen the intricate, hand-drawn animations. You've heard about the compelling stories. But what is anime and why are so many people attracted to it? Prof. Jo Suzuki, who teaches a class on anime at TMU, answers these questions and more. To learn more about the English department at The Master's University, click here.

The chair of TMU's engineering and computer science department stops by to answer a question that's beginning to show up in academic circles: As artificial intelligence continues to advance, should it be granted human rights? To learn more about TMU's engineering and computer science programs, click here. (TMU's engineering programs are pending WSCUC approval)

Matt Green, the director of TMU's Cinema & Digital Arts program and the driving force behind TMU's first feature film, stops by to discuss the potential pitfalls of making a faith film, the ingredients of a good movie, and what business Christians have entering the industry. To learn more about TMU's Cinema & Digital Arts program, click here.

What happens when a society stops being social? Dr. John Street, chair of TMU's Graduate Department in Biblical Counseling, discusses the impact of a year filled — for many — with isolation and uncertainty. Things have continued to open up across the country since the recording of this episode, but the ripple effects continue. To learn more about TMU's School of Biblical Studies, click here.

Lampreys may be jawless fish, but their fossils have a lot to say about long-held assumptions concerning evolution. On this episode, McLain, an assistant professor of biology and geology at TMU, discusses a recent article entitled “Fossil lamprey larvae from South Africa overturn assumptions about vertebrate origins.” The article was written by Robert W. Gess, a paleontologist who worked with Tetsuto Miyashita, Kristen Tietjen and Michael Coates to publish a paper in “Nature” highlighting their findings. To read the original paper published in “Nature,” visit: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03305-9. To learn more about TMU's geoscience program, click here.

Tech companies wield considerable authority over the information we do — and do not — see online. Is that potentially illegal or just problematic? What can be done about it? Dr. Gregg Frazer, dean of TMU's School of Humanities, addresses these and other questions on the second installment of The Master's University's newest podcast. To learn more about TMU's School of Humanities, click here.

The dean of TMU's School of Education stops by to discuss what students have lost during more than a year of distance learning and how teachers and parents can help them get it back. To learn more about TMU's Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, click here.