The Christian Skeptic

It is my joy and privilege to welcome Sarah Gelvin and Keira Jisa to the Christian Skeptic podcast. Both Sarah and Keira have struggled for most of their lives when it comes to gluten, bread, and food-health issues. Their greatest struggle may have been reconciling their past inability to consume bread with the Bible's constant references to bread and even Jesus calling Himself the "bread of life" in John 6:35. From this struggle, they started a company out of their kitchens, during the pandemic, called Unsifted. Join us in this conversation as we discuss their story, their struggles, and how they reconcile these hard dietary questions with the truths found in scripture.   And, check out their company, Unsifted at https://www.unsifted.com/ Afterwards, connect with them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unsifted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unsifted.kc/

In this episode, let's look at morality as discovered and not defined by humans. Let's separate out the ontological and epistemological natures of morality as it relates to us as humans. Is there a rational argument for a "God-given" moral code? Let's discuss this!

In this episode, let's discuss the first idea in a tale of two moralities. Is morality a byproduct of our evolutionary progress as a human race? What are the implications and pitfalls of such a philosophy? What are your thoughts on this matter? Let me know in the comments below or by writing in to the show via the email in the "about" section of this podcast!

In this episode, let's discuss God's identity as it relates to Him as a "Him." Let's discuss cultural narratives surrounding gender roles and what that tells us about the identity of God. Why is God not referred to as a woman in the Bible? Comment with your thoughts!

In this episode, let's talk about what ideas the Bible puts forth about what God looks like. What does that mean given our limited interpretation of things on the other side of eternity and Heaven? What do you think God looks like? Let me know in the comments or write in with your feedback!

In this episode, let's reason through some of the first principles of theological study and quickly fly over some of the terms and arguments used in apologetics to support those principles. What are your thoughts? Do you want further explanation over something I mentioned in this episode? Let me know in the comments or send me an email!

In this episode, let's discuss how to approach the Bible. Let's talk about why it's like any other book and why it's not like any other book. What are your thoughts? How do you approach the Bible? Leave a comment or a review!

In this episode, let's talk about God's relationship to our relationships. It seems like there will always be some entanglement with the church's and the Bible's involvement in our marriages and divorces, but what does the Bible actually say about it all? How should you treat some of these texts if you've been divorced or are heading into a divorce? Let's discuss!

Does the Bible condone polygamy? The answer may shock you... This is a nuanced question and deserves a nuanced answer since Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon all had multiple wives. Let's discuss this further in this episode! And don't forget to like, leave a review, and subscribe!

In this episode, let's look at some of the reasons for and against attending a church or being a part of a church community? Is it still a relevant activity in the modern age? What about all the harm done by churches or your past church experience? Let's discuss!

Is Christianity too simplistic and childish of a religion to believe in? Is it more intellectually sophisticated to believe that we're all on our own spiritual journey and there are many paths that lead to God? Are there many gods or many versions of God? Does the exclusivity of Christianity need to die so that more people can find love and acceptance? Let's discuss!

In this episode, let's discuss how we should approach the different sects and denominations of Christianity. Is one of them right? Are any of them right? How should approach Christianity based on there being so many denominations? Join the conversation and let me know if there are any more specifics you want to discuss in future episodes about certain denominations or sects of Christianity.

In this episode, let's talk about modern worship music. Is it too cringy these days? Is it too corrupted by greed? Does it actually honor God? More importantly, if we participate in it are we truly worshipping God as we're meant to in the Bible?

Let's talk about that dreaded number.... 666.... What does it mean? Should we fear it? When will it happen? Has it already? Have you received it?

In this episode, let's talk about what relevant application Christianity should be providing in our daily lives. Too many of us go to church and feel a disconnect between spirituality and practicality. Is Christianity a relevant way of life as we culturally, technologically, and societally progress or should it be a tradition of the past?

If God is all powerful and all loving, then why did Jesus have to die?

During the 2024 Super Bowl, a commercial about foot washing aired from a company called "He Gets Us." The commercial depicted a variety of people washing the feet of others that appeared to be radically different. This commercial has stirred up a lot of discussion and controversy among Christians and conservatives online. Let's talk about how the commercial interacts with scripture and what our response to it should be. Don't forget to comment, like, subscribe and most of all share!

In this episode, let's ask the question of why God wants worship in the first place? Is it selfish of him to do so? Why would an all-powerful God need our worship? Can't He just let us live our lives without requiring we sing to him? Let's discuss!

In this episode, let's talk about the mindset and mentality we should consider when looking at a year that might be filled with uncertainty and anxiety regarding an upcoming election, the economy and wars in other parts of the world. Let's also consider how we should respond when our local churches make claims or take public stances this year that we might not agree with.

In this episode, let's discuss what the Bible says about wars and killing. While, we can spend time getting into specific instances in a later episode, let's discuss whether or not Christians should ever be okay with the fact that wars happen at all in this episode.

Let's kick off the next season of the Christian Skeptic with a fun little conversation about the potential pagan origins of the Christmas tree. Should we, as Christians, throw out our Christmas trees and never use them to decorate again? Join the conversation with me!

In this episode, let's talk about mental health issues, mental illness, and why God would allow someone's body or mind to not be right with them. I feel like it's an interesting conversation point to compare this to what Habakkuk refers to as someone's soul not being right with them? How should we view mental illness? How should we cope with it or come to terms with it? Let's discuss!

In this episode, special guest Gabi Kerwin discusses whether Christian can/should smoke weed or use cannabis recreationally. Gabi Kerwin is a P.A. that specializes in both General Pediatric care and Addiction Recovery medicine. She is also married to Sean, host of the show!

In this episode, let's talk about what to look for in a Christian friend and why friendship is not only important, but divine.

In this episode, let's talk about whether Heaven is just the wish fulfillment, carrot-dangle, of the religious simple-minded or if it actually makes sense to believe in a Heaven (and a Hell) that we can go to after this life.  In memory of Pastor Timothy Keller.

In this episode, let's talk about the idea of nuclear deterrence, defense, and what that means in the life of the believer. Will nuclear weapons be a part of the end times? Let's talk about what it means if they are.

In this episode, let's solve the age old debate between Protestants and Catholics on whether or not Jesus visited Hell after His crucifixion and prior to His resurrection. Just kidding, not going to solve it. But let's at least consider both sides and talk about some of the logic behind them.

This episode is a bit of a rant or a reflection depending on how you want to see it, similar to the episode "Why Don't We Know More?" Let's talk about God's holiness and finding out awe in Him.

In this episode, let's look at women's role in church and spiritual communities. Can women be pastors? Can women teach? Can women have authority? Let's discuss!

In this episode, let's start by taking a look at how the Bible treats women's roles in society and in the family. Is it oppressive? What does it mean if it is? Next time, we'll look at women's role as leaders and in church community.

In this episode, I ramble and reflect on recent readings, thoughts, and reflections I've had. Why do we not see the whole picture? Maybe more importantly, what is the value of realizing and keeping in mind that we don't see the bigger picture?

In this episode, let's talk about the claims Jesus and the Bible make. Does Jesus claim to be God? Does any of it actually make sense?

In this episode, let's explore the possibility of there being other gods (lowercase "g") in existence. After all, the God of Abraham, Isaace and Jacob commands His people to have "no other gods before Me."

THE EARTH IS FLAT! Just kidding! You didn't really think I was going to say that, did you? All joking aside, what do you think Moses or David would have said if you asked them if the Earth was flat? What about Paul or John? Give this episode a listen and let's discuss it!

In this episode, let's talk about what kind of music Christians "should" listen to. Should you listen to only Christian radio stations? Maybe. Can you listen to "secular" music? Let's discuss!

Let's pick up where we left off in our discussion with fellow podcaster, and author, Sharon Angel. In this episode though, let's dive into the Indian Caste System and talk about the difficulties of living under it and how Sharon has learned through her faith to overcome it.

In this episode, we welcome pastor, speaker, and author, Dominic Done. Dominic has just released a new book titled, "Your Longing Has a Name," that focuses on the health of our souls. In this episode, I was able to probe Dominic about what that really means and if it's possible in this day and age for a soul to flourish amidst the anxiety and depression ridden world we all find ourselves in.

In this episode, we get to know fellow podcaster, Sharon Angel. Sharon has a fascinating background, from growing up in India to writing a book and becoming the host of the popular podcast, "The Courage to Identify." In this part 1 episode of our discussion, Sharon and I discuss what an oppressive system looks like and tackle the question of whether or not the U.S. is still an oppressive patriarchy.

Welcome back friend of the podcast and guest Stephen Christian as we discuss how much money pastors should be making for their work and what that means. What about pastors who abuse money? What about pastors who take a "vow of poverty" as ministry? Let's discuss!

In this episode, let's discuss some differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. Do those differences preclude Catholics from the salvation preached by Protestants? Let's discuss!

In this episode, let's briefly talk about the possibility of aliens and then delve into the theology of aliens. Spoiler alert: No, I'm not starting a cult! But can Christians believe that there is life outside o earth? Would the existence of aliens change the meaning of the gospel? Let's discuss!

Let's get to know long time friend of the show and lead singer of the band Anberlin, Stephen Christian! In this episode we get to learn why he (or anyone for that matter) would dare to leave the world of being a rock star to become a pastor!

In this episode, let's discuss suicide and salvation. Let's look at Samson, Saul, and Judas as examples of suicide in the Bible. Are you struggling or know someone who is? Let's start a conversation about it on the road to getting help.

In this episode, let's discuss the differences between absolute moral theory and relative moral theory and see if we can understand morality a little bit better.

It is my great honor and privilege to welcome author and speaker Greg Coles to the podcast. Join us in part 2 as we dive into Greg's story further and discuss celibacy and what it means to be a "Single, Gay, Christian," which is the title of one of his books.

It is my great honor and privilege to welcome author and speaker Greg Coles to the podcast. Join us in part 1 as we dive into Greg's story and discuss what it means to be a "Single, Gay, Christian," which is the title of one of his books.

In this episode, let's continue our conversation that we started in 2020 on Christians and homosexuality. Let's talk this time about the identity component of it and contrast the Biblical view of personal identity to the cultural view of it, as it pertains to homosexuality.

Let's look at 2 different sides of the gender pronoun debate and see if we can draw some clarity from this issue and the common answers Christians give to it. How do we learn to speak the truth in love, in regards to this issue?

In this episode, let's start the discussion on the meaning of life. Let's look at an answer to this question from 2,000+ years ago and a modern answer and see what conclusions and conversations we can draw from it.

In this episode let's talk about the positives and the perils of evidence based faith and phenomenological based faith. Did God speak to you or did you reason your way into belief?

In this episode, let's discuss the common and very real question of how where you're born impacts what you believe. What if you were born in a place that was hostile to Christianity? Would Christianity even still be a question or a possibility?