Podcast appearances and mentions of Christian ethics

When does life begin—and how should that truth shape how we live, decide, and care for others? Dr. Scott Rae, Professor of Christian Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, joins us to talk about the beginning of life from a biblical and ethical perspective.From conception and personhood to reproductive technology, miscarriage, and compassion in complex medical situations, this episode helps believers navigate today's bioethical challenges with both truth and grace.

It's almost Thanksgiving, and we usually hear two different types of stories about the early European settlers in America. Some are about a group of pious and peaceful Pilgrims who came to find religious freedom. The others are about greedy Europeans who used Christianity to take advantage of Native Americans. Join Trinity, Sean, and Grace as they explore the true story of the relations between Puritans and Native Americans with their guest, Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Christian Ethics and the History of Christianity at Calvin Theological Seminary in Michigan, and author of the book, The Wars of the Lord, The Puritan Conquest of America's First People.   Show Notes: Here is a link to Dr. Tuininga's book if you'd like to find out more about this fascinating topic!

In this honest and weighty message kicking off the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Karl walks through the Beatitudes—the nine “blessed are” statements that reveal the heart attitudes Jesus demands of every true disciple. From spiritual poverty and mourning over sin to meekness, insatiable hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and even rejoicing in persecution, these aren't optional extras; they're the non-negotiable “be-attitudes” that must mark every citizen of God's kingdom.When these attitudes shape us, we naturally become the salt of the earth and the light of the world—distinct from culture, preserving what is decaying, and shining so brightly that others see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. A convicting reminder that following Jesus was never meant to look like the world around us.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

David is joined by friend and musical artist, Landon Ray, from Hampton VA. The two guys get in the trenches, touching on everything Christian ethics, especially when it comes to voting. You do not want to miss this honest conversation on how to disagree on bigger issues.

Today we're trashing feminism some more, because it obviously deserves it. Feminism is not only unbiblical, it's extremely destructive for all of society. We'll talk about why Christian podcasters like Allie Beth Stuckey shouldn't defend their feminism while claiming to follow Christ, and why Christianity itself is a patriarchy, by God's design. It's time for biblical men to stop waiting for permission from feminists and take back the authority God gave them. We'll also discuss more of the Trump administration's mistakes, including this ridiculous new 50-year mortgage idea that proves how far from wisdom our leaders have fallen.

David Clough is Professor and Chair in Theology and AppliedSciences at the University of Aberdeen. He is a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church. David is also co-president of the charity CreatureKind and he founded the DefaultVeg project, now part of the work of the Better Food Foundation. From 2018 to 2021 hewas Principal Investigator on the Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare (CEFAW) project. David is the author of "On Animals" volumes one and two.In Sentientist Conversations we talk about the most important questions: “what's real?”, “who matters?” and "how can we make a better world?"Sentientism answers those questions with "evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings." The video of our conversation is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.00:00 Clips00:48 Welcome02:45 David's Intro- Christian theology and ethics particularly re: non-human animals- Writing "On Animals"- "The moral emergency is the way that we're making use of other animals for food"- "That makes very little sense if you care about non-human animals, if you care about human wellbeing or you care about our shared environment"- "Once you've seen the problem... exposing billions of fellow creatures to significant unnecessary suffering... I've met first hand one to one a lot of animals who are caught up in this system... it's very hard to let go of that"- "What motivates me each day... think of ways to help others glimpse what I've seen about the wrongness of what we're doing and how we might change it"05:03 What's Real?- "Thinking about how to make sense of things wasalways a big deal for me"- Raised in the #christian #methodist Church- Father from a line of Methodist ministers- "That sense of being formed in a particular traditionand encountering other worlds through that experience of faith"- "That was never in competition with exercising myrational faculties to the utmost"- "I always wanted to ask bigger and bigger questionsabout the world"- "If the kinds of things Christians believed in... auniverse dependent on God... if that made sense... then pushing with our utmostintellectual ability to try to understand better... could never be discoveringanything that was foreign to faith."- "A faith-based formation and real a commitment topursuing intellectual and deep philosophical questions... always felt to me tobe one and the same project"- Separate magisteria vs. a more integrated, consistentepistemology?- "I would find it deeply, intellectually, unsatisfyingif I needed to compartmentalise in that kind of way"16:45 What Matters?40:36 Who Matters?01:17:33 A Better World?01:28:25 Follow David- David on BlueSky- David at Aberdeen University- David on Wikipedia- David on LinkedIn- David's talks on YouTubeAnd more... full show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sentientism.info⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Sentientism is “Evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings.” More at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sentientism.info⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠"I'm a Sentientist" wall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ this simple form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Everyone, Sentientist or not, is welcome in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠groups⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The biggest so far is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here on FaceBook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Come join us there!

Today we're discussing the debate between feminists and non-feminists, and why I side with the non-feminists for biblical reasons. Just because women can do some of what men do doesn't mean we should. We'll also continue discussing the Charlie Kirk case, Erika Kirk's strange behavior, why being a widow doesn't automatically make you innocent, and why it's deeply concerning that TPUSA refuses to distance itself from Israel, even as Charlie's final words publicly challenged Israel, Judaism, and the control of figures like Ben Shapiro over the conservative movement.

Dave Rich examines the glory of God as the central purpose of Christian living in this lesson on Christian ethics. The glory of God represents the ultimate telos—the motivation and purpose—behind every ethical decision believers make. Throughout Scripture —from Psalm 86 to Revelation 4 —the glory of God emerges as the reason for creation and the believer's chief end. The Hebrew word kavod and the Greek word doxa reveal three distinct biblical meanings: God's inherent gloriousness, the glory due Him through praise, and the created brightness surrounding His revelation.Believers cannot make God more glorious, yet they glorify Him by reflecting His character as image bearers. The glory of God manifests through twenty biblical activities, including living with purpose, confessing sins, praying expectantly, and proclaiming the gospel. Christian ethics remains both deontological—adhering to God's commands—and teleological—pursuing the glory of God as the ultimate purpose. Whether eating, drinking, or whatever believers do, all should aim toward the glory of God, fulfilling the Reformation principle of Soli Deo Gloria. ★ Support this podcast ★

"There is as much caution necessary to protect yourself from being politically obsessive as there is the need to reject political apathy." Today's show will take a look at political engagement as we walk through chapter 9 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." The hope is to explore how Christians can influence culture and be involved in society without idolizing politics. There is a biblical worldview for political engagement in a divided world, and that is what we will discuss. Bring your questions! There will be time for Q&A and callers! Andrew Walker (PhD in Christian Ethics) serves at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology. He is also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Additionally, he is a fellow in Christian Political Thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as the Managing Editor of WORLD Opinions. Christian Walker is an accomplished curriculum writer, elementary school educator, and former children's ministry leader.

Dave Rich examines situationism, the ethical system popularized by Joseph Fletcher, which claims that love is the only moral absolute. Through careful biblical analysis, Rich demonstrates why situationism fails as a Christian ethic despite its appealing simplicity. Fletcher's system collapses ethical decision-making into a single principle: do whatever seems most loving in any situation. However, Rich reveals how situationism misunderstands divine commands, ignores the greatest commandment to love God first, and ultimately reduces to ethical egoism.While love is indeed central to Christian ethics, it cannot stand alone without God's revealed law to define it. Rich shows how situationism prioritizes neighbor love while neglecting the primary command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. ★ Support this podcast ★

Andrew DeCort joins me to explore what it means to love our neighbor — not as a vague ideal, but as a radical way of living that can heal our divisions and reshape our world. Drawing from his own story in Ethiopia and his new book Reviving the Golden Rule, Andrew shares how the practice of neighbor love dismantles fear, ends cycles of othering, and calls us into a deeper belonging rooted in the very heart of God. We talk about how love becomes courage in the face of violence, how Jesus' teaching to love even our enemies abolishes exclusion, and how the Neighbor-Love Movement is helping people embody this ancient command in practical, everyday ways. This is a powerful conversation about faith, reconciliation, and what it means to live as people who see every human being as a reflection of God's image.Andrew DeCort founded the Institute for Faith and Flourishing and cofounded the Neighbor-Love Movement in Ethiopia, which have reached over twenty million people with the invitation to nonviolent spirituality. He holds a PhD in religious ethics from the University of Chicago and has taught ethics, public theology, peace and conflict studies, and Ethiopian studies at Wheaton College, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, and the University of Bonn. He is the author of Reviving the Golden Rule, Blessed Are the Others, Flourishing on the Edge of Faith, and Bonhoeffer's New Beginning. His words have appeared in Foreign Policy, the Los Angeles Review of Books, The Economist, Christianity Today, and numerous other platforms.Andrew's Book:Reviving the Golden RuleAndrew's Recommendation:Grief is LoveConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show

Is morality just personal opinion—or is it rooted in God Himself?In this conversation with Dr. J.P. Moreland, we explore why morality is objective, how virtue connects to being conformed to Christ's image, and how the church can model moral clarity in an age of relativism.Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org. Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on Twitter Follow on Threads Visit https://ihcc.org

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett explores the complex issue of capital punishment—examining moral, legal, and practical arguments for and against the death penalty.

Dave Rich examines the foundational ethical frameworks of deontology and teleology through a Christian lens. Deontology emphasizes rules-based ethics where acts conform to authoritative commands, while teleology focuses on purposes and intended results. Rich explores how secular systems like utilitarianism and ethical egoism attempt to establish moral authority apart from God, yet ultimately fail to answer the critical question: "Says who?"The presentation demonstrates that Christian ethics incorporates elements of deontology and teleology but grounds both in God's personal authority revealed through Scripture. Believers are called not merely to follow rules or pursue favorable outcomes, but to obey God's commands while cultivating right motivations and godly character. Through examining various philosophical systems—from Kantian categorical imperatives to utilitarian calculus—Rich shows how every secular attempt to establish ethics without God collapses under the weight of its own inconsistency. True Christian ethics recognizes that God's commands carry inherent authority, that our purposes must align with His glory, and that developing Christ-like character matters eternally. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett continues exploring arguments for and against physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Dave Rich examines the fundamental question of what makes a thing good by contrasting voluntarism vs. essentialism through the lens of Scripture. The discussion addresses whether God wills something because it is good, or whether something is good because God wills it. Through careful theological analysis, Rich demonstrates that God's immutable nature resolves this dilemma—His will is eternal, unchanging, and defines goodness itself. The session then critiques noncognitive ethical systems like logical positivism, emotivism, and prescriptivism, exposing their self-contradictory foundations.These secular philosophies attempt to deny objective moral truth by claiming ethical statements have no factual content. However, such systems collapse under scrutiny, revealing themselves as expressions of preference designed to suppress God's truth. Rich emphasizes that the debate between voluntarism and essentialism is resolved only through recognizing God's immutable character, while noncognitive approaches demonstrate the futility of ethics apart from divine revelation. The teaching underscores that all moral obligation resolves into conformity to God's will, as revealed in Scripture—our only reliable source for understanding what is truly good. ★ Support this podcast ★

The elders of Firth Bible Church each deliver a short sermon on an ethical topic, based upon our study of Wayne Grudem's book, Christian Ethics.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett explores two end of life issues: physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.

This introduction to Christian ethics explores the foundational principles of biblical morality. The lesson examines three categories of ethics: descriptive, normative, and meta-ethics, with particular focus on understanding how Christians should approach ethical questions. Christian ethics differs fundamentally from secular philosophy because believers possess Scripture as their authoritative source. The study demonstrates that ethical behavior flows from identity in Christ rather than mere rule-following. This introduction to Christian ethics establishes that truly good works require proper motivation, right purpose, and alignment with God's glory. Believers must understand that their moral capacity stems from union with Christ, making them capable of acts that please God. The lesson clarifies that while unbelievers may perform outwardly beneficial actions, these cannot be truly good without the right motivation and purpose centered on glorifying God. This comprehensive introduction to Christian ethics lays the groundwork for examining specific ethical issues through a biblical lens, emphasizing that all Christian conduct must flow from a heart transformed by faith and directed toward God's glory. ★ Support this podcast ★

Growing up without a father and then becoming the mother of many children are two experiences that have taught me two things relevant to the abortion issue. The key to ending abortion is not to lie about life with children. The truth is so much better.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett examines moral issues around the termination of life support.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett examines the concept of the personhood of the unborn by looking at proposed decisive moments for when personhood begins.

The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has forced every Christian to confront a sobering question: How do we live faithfully when the culture grows hostile to truth? On this week’s episode of The Narrative, Dr. Andrew Walker joins CCV's Aaron Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews for a candid conversation about Christian ethics in a world that seems determined to abandon them. Dr. Walker doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, he lays out a framework for courage, clarity, and conviction rooted in Scripture — the kind of framework believers desperately need in moments like this. Before they sit down with Dr. Walker, Aaron and Mike run through this week's news: ✨ One week from today, on Friday, September 26, Allie Beth Stuckey and Pastor Luke Barnett, both friends of Charlie Kirk, will join us for our Cleveland Celebration Gala to honor the life, legacy, and mission of Charlie. ⭐️ CCV's Essential Summit is just around the corner on Thursday, October 2. Featured keynote Willie Robertson shared a special video for Summit attendees.

"Technology is not just a 'thing' we use; it colors virtually every interaction we have in the world today. We use technology but then technology shapes us into the types of persons that further technology's demands. It's an unending cycle of compulsion-desire-formation." Today's show will take a look at technology as we walk through chapter 8 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." Bring your questions! There will be time for Q&A and callers! Andrew Walker (PhD in Christian Ethics) serves at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology. He is also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Additionally, he is a fellow in Christian Political Thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as the Managing Editor of WORLD Opinions. Christian Walker is an accomplished curriculum writer, elementary school educator, and former children's ministry leader.

​​In this episode, Al Roxburgh and Jenny Sinclair talk with Luke Bretherton about the vocation of the church within the grounded, everyday realities of the local. Luke brings a rare breadth of learning to dilemmas so many are wrestling with, from the shaping of congregational life to how our common life became so atrophied and objectified in contemporary culture. Framing these big questions in ways that land in the ordinary, Luke explores memory, inheritance and place, and, unpacking the ancient democratic practices of the commons, he shows how these very commons became enclosed. Digging down into the impact of these trends, not only the loss of local power but also the crisis of institutional imagination in many churches, we explore what kinds of leadership and structures are needed to recover agency and to reimagine mission. This is a hope-filled engagement with how the Holy Spirit is calling God's people on the ground into a story of civic and spiritual renewal. Along the way, we discover that “love fully realised” is not about providing services, nor about freedom of choice, but looks and tastes like communion.Luke Bretherton is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Christ Church, Oxford, where he also directs the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life. Luke is also a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral and has duties as a Church of England priest. Until 2024 he was the Robert E. Cushman Distinguished Professor of Moral and Political Theology at Duke University in America. He has also been Visiting Professor at St Mellitus Theological College, London. Alongside his work as a theologian, Luke has long been involved in community organising and practical collaborations with churches, charities and mission agencies. He has written many books, most recently A Primer in Christian Ethics and Christ and the Common Life, and he hosts the podcast Listen! Organize! Act!LinksFor Luke Bretherton:https://www.theology.ox.ac.uk/people/rev-canon-professor-luke-brethertonhttps://x.com/WestLondonManPodcast: Listen, Organize, Act! Organizing & Democratic PoliticsBooks:A Primer in Christian Ethics: Christ and the Struggle to Live WellChristianity and Contemporary Politics: The Conditions and Possibilities of Faithful WitnessChrist and the Common Life: Political Theology and the Case for DemocracyHospitality as Holiness: Christian Witness Amid Moral DiversityFor Alan J Roxburgh:http://alanroxburgh.com/aboutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.roxburgh.127/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsnetworkBooksForming Communities of Hope in the Great Unraveling: Leadership in a Changing World (with Roy Searle)Joining God in the Great UnravelingLeadership, God's Agency and DisruptionsJoining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World: The New Shape of the Church in Our TimeFor Jenny Sinclair:Website: https://togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/from-jenny-sinclairLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-sinclair-0589783b/Twitter: https://twitter.com/T4CGFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TogetherForTheCommonGoodUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/t4cg_insta/ Get full access to Leaving Egypt at leavingegyptpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett examines common arguments made in favor of abortion and responds with ethical rebuttals.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett examines Scriptures to determine a biblical perspective on the status of the unborn.

Miroslav Volf critiques ambition, love of status, and superiority, offering a Christ-shaped vision of agapic love and humble glory.“'And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?' If you received everything you have as a gift and if your existence as the recipient is also a gift, all ground for boasting is gone. Correspondingly, striving for superiority over others, seeking to make oneself better than others and glorying in that achievement, is possible only as an existential lie. It is not just a lie that all strivers and boasters tell themselves. More troublingly, that lie is part of the ideology that is the wisdom of a certain twisted and world-negating form of the world.”In Lecture 5, the final of his Gifford Lectures, Miroslav Volf offers a theological and moral vision that critiques the dominant culture of ambition, superiority, and status. Tracing the destructive consequences of Epithumic desire and the relentless “race of honors,” Volf contrasts them with agapic love—God's self-giving, unconditional love. Drawing from Paul's Christ hymn in Philippians 2 and philosophical insights from Rousseau, Nietzsche, and Max Scheler, Volf reveals the radical claim that striving for superiority is not merely harmful but fundamentally false. Through Christ's self-emptying, even to the point of death, we glimpse a redefinition of glory that subverts all worldly hierarchies. The love that saves is the love that descends. In a world ravaged by competition, inequality, and devastation, Volf calls for fierce, humble, and world-affirming love—a love that mends what can be mended, and makes the world home again.Episode Highlights“Striving for superiority over others… is possible only as an existential lie.”“Jesus Christ was no less God and no less glorious at his lowest point.”“To the extent that I'm striving for superiority, I cannot love myself unless I am the GOAT.”“God cancels the standards of the kind of aspiration whose goal is superiority.”“This is neither self-denial nor denial of the world. This is love for the world at work.”Show NotesAgapic love vs. Epithemic desire and self-centered striving“Striving for superiority… is possible only as an existential lie.”Paul's hymn in Philippians 2 and the “race of shame”Rousseau: striving for superiority gives us “a multitude of bad things”Nietzsche's critique of Christianity and pursuit of powerMax Scheler: downward love, not upward striving“Jesus Christ was no less God and no less glorious at his lowest point.”Self-love as agapic: “I am entirely a gift to myself.”Raphael's Transfiguration and the chaos belowDemon possession as symbolic of systemic and spiritual powerlessness“To the extent that I'm striving for superiority, I cannot love myself unless I am the GOAT.”“The world is the home of God and humans together.”God's love affirms the dignity of even the most unlovable creatureLove as spontaneous overflow, not moral condescension“Mending what can be mended… mourning with those who mourn and dancing with those who rejoice.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Taylor Craig and Macie BridgeA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/giveSpecial thanks to Dr. Paul Nimmo, Paula Duncan, and the media team at the University of Aberdeen. Thanks also to the Templeton Religion Trust for their support of the University of Aberdeen's 2025 Gifford Lectures and to the McDonald Agape Foundation for supporting Miroslav's research towards the lectureship.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett introduces Christian ethics. This episode sets the stage for a deeper journey into how Christians can navigate moral questions guided by biblical principles, which are rooted in the character of God.

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with two longtime friends of the podcast: Osahon Obazuaye, pastor and activist, and Grant Young, who holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from one of America's leading evangelical universities. Both of them bring firsthand experience as Black men navigating predominantly white evangelical spaces—churches, classrooms, and institutions that shaped their faith journeys in both inspiring and challenging ways.We discuss the powerful new documentary, “Black + Evangelical”—a film that shines a spotlight on the history, struggles, and contributions of African American evangelicals. The documentary amplifies voices that too often go unheard, voices like Dr. Vincent Bacote, theologian and ethicist at Wheaton College; the late Dr. William E. Pannell, co-founder of the National Black Evangelical Association; historian and author Jemar Tisby; and the unforgettable preacher Tom Skinner, whose Urbana '70 sermon still resonates today. We even revisit the legacy of Howard O. Jones, the first Black associate evangelist with Billy Graham.This conversation is eye-opening, personal, and at times raw—but it's also deeply hopeful. We unpack the film, share stories, and challenge assumptions about what it really means to be both Black and evangelical in America.So join us —you'll come away inspired, challenged, and ready for more.Support the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Join in as Pastor Eric shares this message on Wisdom in Due Season, showcasing Christian Ethics and obedience to The Lord

Miroslav Volf explores agapic love, creation's goodness, and God's grief—an alternative to despair, power, and world rejection.“When a wanted child is born, the immense joy of many parents often renders them mute, but their radiant faces speak of surprised delight: ‘Just look at you! It is so very good that you are here!' This delight precedes any judgment about the beauty, functionality, or moral rectitude of the child. The child's sheer existence, the mere fact of it, is ‘very good.' That's what I propose God, too, exclaimed, looking at the new-born world. And that unconditional love grounds creation's existence.”In this fourth Gifford Lecture, Miroslav Volf contrasts the selective and self-centered love of Ivan Karamazov with the radically inclusive, unconditional love of Father Zosima. Drawing deeply from Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, Genesis's creation and flood narratives, and Hannah Arendt's concept of amor mundi, Volf explores a theology of agapic love: unearned, universal, and enduring. This is the love by which God sees creation as “very good”—not because it is perfect, but because it exists. It's the love that grieves corruption without destroying it, that sees responsibility as mutual, and that offers the only hope for life in a deeply flawed world. With references to Luther, Nietzsche, and modern visions of power and desire, Volf challenges us to ask what kind of love makes a world, sustains it, and might one day save it. “Love the world,” he insists, “or lose your soul.”Episode Highlights“The world will either be loved with unconditional love, or it'll not be loved at all.”“Unconditional love abides. If the object of love is in a state that can be celebrated, love rejoices. If it is not, love mourns and takes time to help bring it back to itself.”“Each is responsible for all. Each is guilty for all. Each needs forgiveness from all. Each must forgive all.”“Creation is not primarily sacramental or iconic. It is an object of delight both for humans and for God.”“Agapic love demands nothing from the beloved, though it cares and hopes much for them and for the shared world with them.”Show NotesSchopenhauer and Nietzsche's visions of happiness: pleasure and power as substitutes for love“Love as hunger”: the devouring nature of epithemic desireIvan Karamazov's tragic love for life—selective, gut-level, and self-focused“There is still… this wild and perhaps indecent thirst for life in me”Father Zosima's universal love for “every leaf and every ray of God's light”“Love man also in his sin… Love all God's creation”Sonya and Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment: love as restoration“She loved him and stayed with him—not although he murdered, but because he murdered”God's declaration in Genesis: “And look—it was very good”Hannah Arendt's amor mundi—“I want you to be” as pure affirmationCreation as gift: “Each is itself by being more than itself”Martin Luther on marriage, sex, and delight as godly pleasuresThe flood as hypothetical: divine grief replaces divine destruction“It grieved God to his heart”—grief as a form of agapic love“Each is responsible for all. Each is guilty for all.”Agape over erotic love: not reward and punishment, but faithful presence and care“Agapic love demands nothing… It is free, sovereign to love, humble.”Closing invitation: to live the life of love, under whatever circumstancesProduction NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Taylor Craig and Macie BridgeA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/giveSpecial thanks to Dr. Paul Nimmo, Paula Duncan, and the media team at the University of Aberdeen. Thanks also to the Templeton Religion Trust for their support of the University of Aberdeen's 2025 Gifford Lectures and to the McDonald Agape Foundation for supporting Miroslav's research towards the lectureship.

Send us a textIs love powerful enough for our times? Markus and Antwuan wrestle with a tough question: Do Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent principles still work in today's cutthroat political climate? Or has the game changed so much that power plays and “fighting fire with fire” are the only options left?From gerrymandering in Texas to global examples of resistance, they dig deep into whether Jesus's call to love your enemies is practical wisdom for society, or just idealistic words for Sunday school. Along the way, they challenge the tension between effectiveness and faithfulness: Does the end ever justify the means? And if love looks like losing, are Christians still called to choose it?It's a conversation about trust, witness, and what it means to follow Jesus when the stakes are high._____________________________Podcast Subscription LinksApple Podcast: coloredcommentary.com/appleSpotify: coloredcommentary.com/spotifyGoogle Podcasts: coloredcommentary.com/googleStitcher: coloredcommentary.com/stitcherIHeart Radio: coloredcommentary.com/iheartradio

Mentor Sessions Ep. 025: Stefan Molyneux on Anarchy vs Minarchy, Bitcoin Freedom, Peaceful Parenting, and Christianity Dive into the ultimate Bitcoin philosophy showdown: Anarchy vs Minarchy in a hyper-Bitcoinized world! Join Nathan in this explosive interview with Stefan Molyneux from Freedomain—the deplatformed philosopher with nearly a billion views who's been evangelizing Bitcoin since 2011. Discover how decentralized currency like Bitcoin dismantles government power, enforces the non-aggression principle, and paves the way for free market principles to thrive. Stefan breaks down why peaceful parenting is key to ending societal coercion, predicts the coming economic crisis from unfunded liabilities, and explores Bitcoin's surprising ties to morality, governance, Christian ethics, and free will. Plus, mind-bending insights on AI revolutionizing storytelling and why Bitcoin is humanity's best shot at true freedom. If you're fed up with fiat corruption and craving real change, this Bitcoin deep dive reveals the path to a liberated society. Stick around—Stefan's no-holds-barred wisdom could orange-pill your worldview!Key Topics: BTC Sessions interview with Stefan Molyneux Anarchy vs minarchy debate Bitcoin vs government power Non-aggression principle in society Decentralized currency and corruption Peaceful parenting for a virtuous world Economic crisis and unfunded liabilities Free market principles in practice AI storytelling future Governance, morality, and Bitcoin freedom Christian ethics and free will connectionsChapters:00:00:00 Intro00:01:00 Anarchy vs. Minarchy00:37:00 The Role of the State06:29:00 Currency and Corruption12:11:00 Peaceful Parenting Explained13:26:00 Spreading New Ideas20:28:00 Anarchism in Practice31:04:00 Dispute Resolution in Anarchy36:09:00 The Coming Catastrophe43:07:00 Child Abuse and the Non-Aggression Principle44:35:00 The Nature of Good and Evil51:10:00 Bitcoin and Freedom58:01:00 Christian Ethics and Free Will1:03:40:00 The Anxiety of Inflation1:08:29:00 The Future of Storytelling with AI1:16:58:00 Outro & ResourcesAbout Stefan Molyneux:Philosopher, Podcaster & Author at FreedomainX: @StefanMolyneuxWebsite: freedomain.comPeaceful Parenting: peacefulparenting.comEssential Philosophy: essentialphilosophy.com

On this episode, Darren sits down with marketing professor Dr. David Hagenbuch to discuss Christian ethics in advertising.

Who are the black evangelicals? How has contemporary evangelicalism reckoned with racial justice? Theologian Vincent Bacote joins Mark Labberton to discuss Black + Evangelical, a new documentary exploring the in-between experience of black Christians in white evangelical spaces. Bacote—professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics—shares his personal faith journey, early formation in the Navigators, growing racial consciousness, and decades-long engagement with questions of race, theology, and evangelical identity. Together, they work through the tensions, challenges, and possibilities for a more truthful and hopeful evangelical witness. Episode Highlights “The goal of the documentary is not to be a kind of hit piece about the evangelical movement. It's to tell the story of the church.” “To be for Black people is not to be against somebody else.” – Tom Skinner “I couldn't understand why the Bible people weren't leading the way on questions of race.” “Participation in evangelical spaces can't mean leaving part of yourself outside.” “Realism allows you to have honesty, but also remember the good news is the greatest news of all.” “God wants all of us—our whole selves—not a muted version.” Helpful Links and Resources Black + Evangelical Documentary (Christianity Today) Black + Evangelical Documentary Trailer The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life by Vincent Bacote Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News by Vincent Bacote Breaking Down Walls by Raleigh Washington & Glen Kehrein Tom Skinner's Urbana 1970 Address (Full Audio) *The Color of Compromise* by Jemar Tisby About Vincent Bacote Vincent Bacote is professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. He is the author of several books, including The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life and Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology. His research and teaching address public theology, ethics, and the intersection of race and evangelical identity. Bacote is a widely cited commentator and a frequent voice in conversations about Christian faithfulness in public life. Show Notes Mark Labberton welcomes Vincent Bacote, professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. Introduction to the Black + Evangelical documentary, a project Bacote helped conceive and produce. Bacote's upbringing at Shiloh Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland—unknowingly part of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Conversion experience around age ten, preceded by years of genuine faith. College years at the Citadel; involvement in the Navigators campus ministry. Influence of a summer training program in Memphis focused on African American ministry. Early exposure to evangelical culture through radio preachers like Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, and James Dobson. Initial tensions over the lack of evangelical engagement on issues of race. Graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with the initial goal of becoming a pastor. Encounter with Raleigh Washington and Glen Kehrein's Breaking Down Walls, grounding racial reconciliation in Ephesians 2. Observations of the scarcity of black theologians in evangelical seminaries. 1993 Geneva College conference on black evangelicals—learning from leaders like Bill Pannell, Tom Skinner, Tony Evans, Carl Ellis, and Eugene Rivers. Writing an editorial titled “Black and Evangelical: An Uneasy Tension?” for the student paper at Trinity. Realization that evangelicalism is both a biblical and socio-cultural movement with contextual blind spots. Arrival at Wheaton College in 2000 with a focus on public theology and ethics beyond race alone. Genesis of the Black + Evangelical project at a 2008 Fuller Seminary gathering with Ron Potter. Partnership with Christianity Today and filmmaker Dan Long to shape the documentary. Filming over forty hours of interviews with twenty-four participants, distilled into a ninety-four-minute film. Mark Labberton highlights Tom Skinner's impact and his “Blackface” critique of white evangelicalism. Bacote reflects on his “racially optimistic” early years and growing awareness of systemic realities. Analysis of the Promise Keepers movement and the need for sustained relational work beyond large gatherings. Challenges in building genuine multiethnic churches versus surface-level diversity. The documentary's aim: to tell the church's story, honour lived experiences, and inspire commitment to mission. Bacote's “four stages” for minorities in evangelical institutions: delight, dissonance, distress, and decision. Emphasis on “sober hope”—honesty about pain while holding onto the good news. The gospel's call to bring one's full self into the life of the church. Closing encouragement to watch and share Black + Evangelical as a story worth hearing for the whole church. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

"To be male is not, first and foremost, to embody certain cultural expressions, like wearing blue. To be male or female is to possess a male or female body. Our bodies are not blank canvases. There is a purpose to the design that our bodies exhibit. That purpose, fundamentally, is the body's organization for reproduction. That is the only stable way to define male and female. any other classifications are built off that primary foundation." Today's show will take a look at transgenderism as we walk through chapter 7 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens." Bring your questions! There will be time for Q&A and callers! Andrew Walker (PhD in Christian Ethics) serves at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology. He is also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Additionally, he is a fellow in Christian Political Thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as the Managing Editor of WORLD Opinions. Christian Walker is an accomplished curriculum writer, elementary school educator, and former children's ministry leader.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're addressing the troubling reality of the Epstein list and Donald Trump's failure to bring it to light, holding it up to the standard of biblical justice. God's Word commands that evil be exposed, not hidden in the darkness. I also take time to answer a variety of questions from you, my beloved audience.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Send us a text What happens when Reformed Christians enter the wild west of cryptocurrency? This episode brings together Jordan Bush, director of Thank God for Bitcoin, and Chance Summers, creator of the 1689 meme coin, for a fascinating exploration of Christian ethics in digital finance.The conversation quickly moves beyond surface-level arguments to probe deeper questions: Does Bitcoin represent a more ethical form of money than meme coins? Can Christians participate in cryptocurrency without compromising biblical principles? When does risk-taking cross the line from wise stewardship to foolish speculation?Jordan articulates concerns about meme coins, suggesting they operate as "mini Federal Reserves" that can be manipulated by creators. He questions whether Christians should participate in systems that potentially enable some to profit at others' expense. His memorable comment that "Judas would make a meme coin" encapsulates his skepticism about the ethics of creating tokens with no inherent value.Chance offers a compelling counternarrative, describing how 1689 coin evolved from a joke into a community-building project with growing utility. He argues that transparency about risks combined with community safeguards creates an ethical framework for Christian participation. His optimistic vision suggests believers should redeem financial spaces rather than abandon them to non-believers.Whether you're a cryptocurrency enthusiast, a Christian wrestling with financial ethics, or simply curious about how faith intersects with modern finance, this conversation offers valuable insights without easy answers. Listen in and join the ongoing dialogue about how believers can navigate the digital economy with wisdom and integrity. Dominion Wealth Strategists: Full Service Financial Planning! Click HERE for a free consultation today! Covenant Real Estate: "Confidence from Contract to Close" Facebook: Dead Men Walking PodcastYoutube: Dead Men Walking PodcastInstagram: @DeadMenWalkingPodcastTwitter X: @RealDMWPodcastExclusive Content: PubTV AppSupport the show Get your free consultation with Dominion Wealth Strategists today! The only distinctly reformed Wealth Managment company! CLICK HERE! Check out out the Dead Men Walking snarky merch HERE! Build something for God's glory through Real Estate! Greg Moore Jr. can help you buy, sell, and invest! Call him at (734) 731-GREG

Send us a textWhat happens when Reformed Christians enter the wild west of cryptocurrency? This episode brings together Jordan Bush, director of Thank God for Bitcoin, and Chance Summers, creator of the 1689 meme coin, for a fascinating exploration of Christian ethics in digital finance.The conversation quickly moves beyond surface-level arguments to probe deeper questions: Does Bitcoin represent a more ethical form of money than meme coins? Can Christians participate in cryptocurrency without compromising biblical principles? When does risk-taking cross the line from wise stewardship to foolish speculation?Jordan articulates concerns about meme coins, suggesting they operate as "mini Federal Reserves" that can be manipulated by creators. He questions whether Christians should participate in systems that potentially enable some to profit at others' expense. His memorable comment that "Judas would make a meme coin" encapsulates his skepticism about the ethics of creating tokens with no inherent value.Chance offers a compelling counternarrative, describing how 1689 coin evolved from a joke into a community-building project with growing utility. He argues that transparency about risks combined with community safeguards creates an ethical framework for Christian participation. His optimistic vision suggests believers should redeem financial spaces rather than abandon them to non-believers.Whether you're a cryptocurrency enthusiast, a Christian wrestling with financial ethics, or simply curious about how faith intersects with modern finance, this conversation offers valuable insights without easy answers. Listen in and join the ongoing dialogue about how believers can navigate the digital economy with wisdom and integrity.Dominion Wealth Strategists: Full Service Financial Planning! Click HERE for a free consultation today! Covenant Real Estate: "Confidence from Contract to Close" Facebook: Dead Men Walking PodcastYoutube: Dead Men Walking PodcastInstagram: @DeadMenWalkingPodcastTwitter X: @RealDMWPodcastExclusive Content: PubTV App

Send us a text What happens when Reformed Christians enter the wild west of cryptocurrency? This episode brings together Jordan Bush, director of Thank God for Bitcoin, and Chance Summers, creator of the 1689 meme coin, for a fascinating exploration of Christian ethics in digital finance.The conversation quickly moves beyond surface-level arguments to probe deeper questions: Does Bitcoin represent a more ethical form of money than meme coins? Can Christians participate in cryptocurrency without compromising biblical principles? When does risk-taking cross the line from wise stewardship to foolish speculation?Jordan articulates concerns about meme coins, suggesting they operate as "mini Federal Reserves" that can be manipulated by creators. He questions whether Christians should participate in systems that potentially enable some to profit at others' expense. His memorable comment that "Judas would make a meme coin" encapsulates his skepticism about the ethics of creating tokens with no inherent value.Chance offers a compelling counternarrative, describing how 1689 coin evolved from a joke into a community-building project with growing utility. He argues that transparency about risks combined with community safeguards creates an ethical framework for Christian participation. His optimistic vision suggests believers should redeem financial spaces rather than abandon them to non-believers.Whether you're a cryptocurrency enthusiast, a Christian wrestling with financial ethics, or simply curious about how faith intersects with modern finance, this conversation offers valuable insights without easy answers. Listen in and join the ongoing dialogue about how believers can navigate the digital economy with wisdom and integrity. Dominion Wealth Strategists: Full Service Financial Planning! Click HERE for a free consultation today! Covenant Real Estate: "Confidence from Contract to Close" Facebook: Dead Men Walking PodcastYoutube: Dead Men Walking PodcastInstagram: @DeadMenWalkingPodcastTwitter X: @RealDMWPodcastExclusive Content: PubTV AppSupport the show Get your free consultation with Dominion Wealth Strategists today! The only distinctly reformed Wealth Managment company! CLICK HERE! Check out out the Dead Men Walking snarky merch HERE! Build something for God's glory through Real Estate! Greg Moore Jr. can help you buy, sell, and invest! Call him at (734) 731-GREG

01:02:09Candace Owens Lawsuit BackgroundThe segment formally introduces the lawsuit. Owens is being sued for repeatedly claiming Brigitte Macron was born male. 01:04:58Legal Strategy and Trans IdeologyThe show critiques Tim Pool's logic that misgendering Macron could expose trans ideology. The host believes this backfires and actually helps the left maintain consistency in their views on speech and gender. 01:07:03Trial Commentary: Is This Worth It?The host questions Owens' motivations, suggesting she's wasting time and energy for attention. He argues that even if true, the claim has no meaningful impact and distracts from more serious issues like Epstein. 01:24:04 Israel, War, and the Hypocrisy of Christian SupportA critique of Christians who support endless war in the Middle East, especially those cheering military campaigns against civilians while claiming to follow Christ. The host warns that cheering starvation and bombardment of children contradicts biblical teachings and undermines the gospel. 01:29:19 AIPAC's Infiltration of American ChurchesA disturbing exposé reveals that AIPAC is allegedly using financial influence to reshape Christian theology in U.S. churches. Evangelical institutions and seminaries are said to be paid to push pro-Israel messaging, leading to the erosion of biblical teaching in favor of political loyalty. 02:05:12 The Collapse of Christian Ethics in Modern WarfareA deep theological dive into the abandonment of just war principles. From Dresden to Nagasaki to Gaza, the segment traces how Christian restraint in warfare has eroded into total war endorsed by evangelicals, leaving Western nations morally bankrupt. 02:25:19 Trump, Gaza Real Estate, and the War-for-Profit MentalityThe host condemns Trump for viewing Gaza's destruction as a commercial opportunity. He contrasts Trump's real estate ambitions with the mass civilian casualties, accusing the president and his allies of callous opportunism and theological betrayal. 02:41:01l Cost-Benefit Tyranny of AutomationThe segment exposes how corporations will accept inefficiency and customer frustration if robotic labor increases profit margins. Human labor is being replaced not because machines are better—but because they're compliant and cheap. 02:53:26 Trump's Executive Orders Fuel AI TechnocracyTrump signs three AI-related executive orders. The host slams MAGA hypocrisy, noting how Trump gets a pass for the same authoritarian tools conservatives once condemned. He sees the orders as government-backed consolidation of technocratic power. 03:08:27China's Rise Through Education and AI While America FallsCelente outlines how China is winning the AI war through serious investment in education and engineering, unlike the U.S., where college graduates are distracted by useless degrees. He warns of a second "dot-com bust" in overhyped American AI ventures and highlights China's ability to achieve massive AI advances with lower costs and smaller chips. 03:26:58Occupy Peace: Rallying Against the War Machine and Reclaiming America's SoulCelente shares his personal commitment to peace, the historical value of Kingston, NY, and his effort to revive the founding spirit of America through the Occupy Peace movement. He calls out billionaires for never supporting peace efforts and urges citizens to take action by attending the upcoming rally to build a coalition of freedom-minded people. 03:51:59How U.S. Empire Created Extremism: The Hidden History of IranCelente recounts how the CIA overthrew Iran's democratically elected government in 1953 to protect oil interests, installing the brutal Shah and sparking the rise of radical Islam. This historical manipulation is presented as a blueprint for America's endless foreign entanglements and evidence that the U.S. public is kept ignorant of global crimes committed in their name. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

01:02:09Candace Owens Lawsuit BackgroundThe segment formally introduces the lawsuit. Owens is being sued for repeatedly claiming Brigitte Macron was born male. 01:04:58Legal Strategy and Trans IdeologyThe show critiques Tim Pool's logic that misgendering Macron could expose trans ideology. The host believes this backfires and actually helps the left maintain consistency in their views on speech and gender. 01:07:03Trial Commentary: Is This Worth It?The host questions Owens' motivations, suggesting she's wasting time and energy for attention. He argues that even if true, the claim has no meaningful impact and distracts from more serious issues like Epstein. 01:24:04 Israel, War, and the Hypocrisy of Christian SupportA critique of Christians who support endless war in the Middle East, especially those cheering military campaigns against civilians while claiming to follow Christ. The host warns that cheering starvation and bombardment of children contradicts biblical teachings and undermines the gospel. 01:29:19 AIPAC's Infiltration of American ChurchesA disturbing exposé reveals that AIPAC is allegedly using financial influence to reshape Christian theology in U.S. churches. Evangelical institutions and seminaries are said to be paid to push pro-Israel messaging, leading to the erosion of biblical teaching in favor of political loyalty. 02:05:12 The Collapse of Christian Ethics in Modern WarfareA deep theological dive into the abandonment of just war principles. From Dresden to Nagasaki to Gaza, the segment traces how Christian restraint in warfare has eroded into total war endorsed by evangelicals, leaving Western nations morally bankrupt. 02:25:19 Trump, Gaza Real Estate, and the War-for-Profit MentalityThe host condemns Trump for viewing Gaza's destruction as a commercial opportunity. He contrasts Trump's real estate ambitions with the mass civilian casualties, accusing the president and his allies of callous opportunism and theological betrayal. 02:41:01l Cost-Benefit Tyranny of AutomationThe segment exposes how corporations will accept inefficiency and customer frustration if robotic labor increases profit margins. Human labor is being replaced not because machines are better—but because they're compliant and cheap. 02:53:26 Trump's Executive Orders Fuel AI TechnocracyTrump signs three AI-related executive orders. The host slams MAGA hypocrisy, noting how Trump gets a pass for the same authoritarian tools conservatives once condemned. He sees the orders as government-backed consolidation of technocratic power. 03:08:27China's Rise Through Education and AI While America FallsCelente outlines how China is winning the AI war through serious investment in education and engineering, unlike the U.S., where college graduates are distracted by useless degrees. He warns of a second "dot-com bust" in overhyped American AI ventures and highlights China's ability to achieve massive AI advances with lower costs and smaller chips. 03:26:58Occupy Peace: Rallying Against the War Machine and Reclaiming America's SoulCelente shares his personal commitment to peace, the historical value of Kingston, NY, and his effort to revive the founding spirit of America through the Occupy Peace movement. He calls out billionaires for never supporting peace efforts and urges citizens to take action by attending the upcoming rally to build a coalition of freedom-minded people. 03:51:59How U.S. Empire Created Extremism: The Hidden History of IranCelente recounts how the CIA overthrew Iran's democratically elected government in 1953 to protect oil interests, installing the brutal Shah and sparking the rise of radical Islam. This historical manipulation is presented as a blueprint for America's endless foreign entanglements and evidence that the U.S. public is kept ignorant of global crimes committed in their name. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

What if our relentless drive to be better than others is quietly breaking us?Miroslav Volf unpacks the core themes of his 2025 book, The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. In this book, Volf offers a penetrating critique of comparison culture, diagnosing the hidden moral and spiritual wounds caused by competition and superiority.Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, literature, and our culture's obsession with competition and superiority, Volf challenges our assumptions about ambition and identity—and presents a deeply humanizing vision of life rooted not in being “the best,” but in receiving ourselves as creatures made and loved by God.From Milton's depiction of Satan to Jesus' descent in Philippians 2, from the architectural rivalry of ancient Byzantium to modern Olympic anxieties, Volf invites us to imagine a new foundation for personal and social flourishing: a life free from striving, rooted in love and grace.Highlights“The key here is for us to come to appreciate, affirm, and—importantly—love ourselves. Love ourselves unconditionally.”“Striving for superiority devalues everything we have, if it doesn't contribute to us being better than someone else.”“The inverse of striving for superiority is internal plague by inferiority.”“In Jesus, we see that God's glory is not to dominate but to lift up what is low.”“We constantly compare to feel good about ourselves, and end up unsure of who we are.”“We have been given to ourselves by God—our very existence is a gift, not a merit.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit faith.yale.edu/ambition to get a 40-page PDF Discussion Guide and Full Access to 7 videosThe Cost of Ambition by Miroslav Volf (Baker Academic, May 2025)Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV) – Christ's Humility and Exaltation – BibleGatewayRomans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor” – BibleHubParadise Lost by John Milton – Project GutenbergParadise Regained by John Milton – Project GutenbergShow NotesOpening Reflections on CompetitionThe conversation begins with Volf recalling a talk he gave at the Global Congress on Christianity & Sports.He uses athletic competition—highlighting Lionel Messi—as a lens for questioning the moral value of striving to be better than others.“Sure, competition pulls people up—but it also familiarizes us with inferiority.”“We compare ourselves to feel good… but end up feeling worse.”Introduces the story of Justinian and Hagia Sophia: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you.”Rivalry, Power, and InsecurityShares the backstory of Juliana's competing church and the gold-ceiling arms race with Justinian.“Religious architecture became a battlefield of status.”Draws insight from these historic rivalries as examples of how ambition pervades religious life—not just secular.Modern Parallels: Yale Students's & the Rat RaceVolf notes how even Yale undergrads—once top of their class—feel insecure in comparison to peers.“They arrive and suddenly their worth plummets. That's insane.”The performance-driven culture makes stable identity nearly impossible.Biblical Illustration: Kierkegaard's LilyVolf recounts Kierkegaard's retelling of Jesus's lily parable.A bird whispers to the little lily that it's not beautiful enough, prompting the lily to uproot itself—and wither.“The lesson: we are destined to lose ourselves when our value depends on comparison.”Intrinsic Value and the Image of God“We need to discover the intrinsic value of who we are as creatures made in the image of God.”Kierkegaard and Jesus both show us the beauty of ‘mere humanity.'“You are more glorious in your humanity than Solomon in his robes.”Theological Anthropology and Grace“We have been given to ourselves by God—our lives are a gift.”“We owe so much to luck, to others, to God. So how can we boast?”Paul's challenge in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you have not received?”Milton and Satan's AmbitionShifts to Paradise Lost: Satan rebels because he can't bear not being top.“Even what is beautiful becomes devalued if it doesn't prove superiority.”In Paradise Regained, Satan tempts Jesus to be the greatest—but Jesus refuses.Christ's Humility and Downward GloryHighlights Philippians 2: Jesus “emptied himself… took the form of a servant.”“God's glory is not domination—it's lifting up the lowly.”“Salvation comes not through seizing status, but through relinquishing it.”Paul's Vision of Communal HonorRomans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”“True honor comes not from climbing over others, but from lifting them up.”Connects this ethic to Paul's vision of church as an egalitarian body.God's Care for Creation and HumanityLuther's observation: God calls Earth good but not Heaven—“God cares more for our home than his own.”“We are called to emulate God's loving attention to the least.”Striving vs. AcceptanceVolf contrasts ambition with love: “The inverse of striving for superiority is the plague of inferiority.”Encourages unconditional self-love as a reflection of God's love.Uses image of a parent greeting a newborn: “You've arrived.”A Vision for Healed Culture“We wreck others in our pursuit of superiority—and we leave them wounded in our wake.”The gospel reveals a better way: not performance, but grace.“Our salvation and our culture's healing lie in the humility of Jesus.”“We must rediscover the beauty of our mere humanity.”About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. One of the leading public theologians of our time, he is the author of numerous books including Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing, A Public Faith, Life Worth Living, and most recently, The Cost of Ambition. His work explores themes of identity, reconciliation, human dignity, and the role of faith in a pluralistic society. He is a frequent speaker around the world and has advised both religious and civic leaders on matters of peace and justice.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Taylor CraigA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3In the final episode of our Financial Ethics series, we're tackling a message that promises health and wealth—but often leads to heartache: the prosperity gospel. Dr. David W. Jones joins us to unpack its dangers and point us back to a truly biblical view of blessing and provision.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the co-author of Health, Wealth, and Happiness: How the Prosperity Gospel Overshadows the Gospel of Christ by Dr. W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge.Faith Is Not a TransactionOne of the most dangerous ideas in the prosperity gospel is that faith guarantees financial prosperity. It treats faith like a force—a tool believers can wield to compel God's blessings.But biblical faith isn't self-generated or transactional. It is a gift from God, a response to His revealed grace, and a means by which we trust Him, not a lever to gain wealth. Faith is “the eyesight of the soul”—deeply rational and rooted in the truth of who God is, not in wishful thinking or material expectations.Prosperity theology often preaches a “faith formula”: believe hard enough, and you'll be rewarded. But this distorts faith into a mechanism for personal gain. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It's not irrational optimism—it's a reasoned trust in the unseen promises of God.We should view faith not as a way to escape hardship or secure abundance but as a path of trusting God in all things, including suffering.The Problem with Escaping SufferingOne hallmark of the prosperity gospel is its aversion to suffering. But as Jones points out, suffering is part of living in a fallen world—and it's not something Scripture tells us to avoid at all costs. In fact, passages like 1 Peter 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:12 remind us that suffering is to be expected for faithful followers of Christ.Rather than hinder our faith, suffering refines it. Suffering is the crucible of character. It's often through trials that we grow closest to Christ and are shaped into His likeness.God's Provision Comes Through WorkAnother distortion in prosperity teaching is the expectation of windfalls—blessings that come without effort. But God's design for provision is through work. From the beginning, humans were created to labor and create, reflecting the image of God.Working, creating, and flourishing through effort honors our design and brings fulfillment. Attempts to bypass God's design through get-rich-quick schemes ultimately violate our dignity and God's intended path for flourishing.Prosperity preachers often misuse Scripture to back their claims. One example is 2 Corinthians 8:9: “That though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”Taken out of context, it may sound like a promise of material wealth. But in its context, Paul is referring to our spiritual poverty and Christ's sacrifice to make us spiritually rich—context matters. Misreading Scripture to fit a materialistic theology distorts the gospel's central message.Giving as Grace, Not GreedProsperity theology often frames giving as a transaction: sow a seed to receive a harvest. But biblical generosity isn't about personal return—it's about grace.True giving flows from love for God and neighbor. We give not to get, but because we've already received so much. Our stewardship reflects our gratitude, not our greed. The heart of biblical giving is a response to God's grace, not a strategy for personal gain.Make your life about Christ, not your increase, not your own prosperity, but about flourishing in the image of His Son.That's the true antidote to the prosperity gospel. We aren't promised wealth, ease, or success. But we are promised Christ—and in Him, we find every blessing that matters.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 64 and planning to retire within the next year. I have approximately $10,000 that I won't need for income, and I'm seeking guidance on how to invest it wisely. I'm especially interested in options that align with biblical values and reflect my faith in the companies I support.My wife and I are approaching retirement. We're financially secure, and our home is fully paid off. One concern I have is not having long-term care insurance. I'm considering either a reverse mortgage or a home equity loan to cover potential long-term care expenses, but I'd like to understand the pros and cons of each option before moving forward.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Health, Wealth, and Happiness: How the Prosperity Gospel Overshadows the Gospel of Christ by Dr. David W. Jones and Dr. Russell S. WoodbridgeUnderstanding Reverse: Simplifying the Reverse Mortgage by Dan HultquistWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Dr. Rob Blackaby, President & Professor of Christian Ethics & Spiritual Leadership at Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary and College, teaches on "Things To Consider" at ClearView Baptist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.

Send us a textIn this important and timely episode, I welcome back journalist, author, and friend of the podcast, Peter Wehner. We dig into his provocative and widely discussed article in The Atlantic: “Why Evangelicals Turned Their Back on PEPFAR.”PEPFAR—President George W. Bush's historic global AIDS relief program—has saved over 26 million lives and prevented millions of HIV infections. Once championed by American evangelicals, the program is now in crisis. Under Donald Trump's second term, PEPFAR was effectively shut down. Clinics have closed, aid has stalled, and more than 75,000 lives have already been lost—with millions more at risk.So why the silence from the evangelical community?Peter and I explore the cultural, political, and theological reasons behind this shift—from compassion to indifference—and why this issue, which should unite pro-life Christians, has instead fallen off the radar. We also reflect on how partisan loyalty, fear of division, and moral inconsistency have muted the response to one of the most effective humanitarian programs in U.S. history.This conversation is urgent, eye-opening, and deeply relevant to anyone who cares about faith, politics, and the real-world impact of silence. I hope you'll join us. This is one you don't want to miss. SHOW NOTESMSNBC Morning JoeRNS on PEPFARRNS - Nashville's Christian music stars join activists in push to save PEPFARHoly Post talks about PEPFARSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” - Hebrews 13:5Sports betting is more popular—and more accepted—than ever, even among Christians. But is it just harmless fun, or something more? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series to help us examine what Scripture says about gambling and how believers should approach it.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.What Does Scripture Say About Gambling?Proverbs 13:11 reminds us that:“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”Gambling, which includes sports betting, bypasses God's designed rhythm of work and reward. 1 Timothy 6:9 warns that the desire to get rich quickly leads people into “ruin and destruction.” These verses challenge the notion that a fast win is simply a blessing—it may erode character.Is it always wrong to bet on a game with friends? Not necessarily. A one-time bracket pool during March Madness may not signal a deep moral compromise. But we must ask: Is this behavior occasional and harmless, or has it become habitual and idolatrous?The difference lies in the heart. It's not that gambling created the idolatry of money or sports—it revealed it. And perhaps in God's grace, it's giving us an opportunity to examine what we truly worship.The Stewardship QuestionEvery financial decision we make is a stewardship decision. Psalm 24:1 reminds us:“The earth is the Lord's and everything in it.”So before we spend God's money—even on entertainment—we must ask: Is this wise? Does this reflect my faith? Does it honor the Lord?We must start to think through whether our spending on gambling—even recreationally—glorifies God. That doesn't mean all entertainment is wrong. But we are called to be faithful managers of what belongs to God, and some forms of entertainment carry higher risks than others.Beyond personal stewardship, Christians must consider what they're supporting. The gambling industry is responsible for significant harm. Studies show that 1 in 5 gambling addicts attempt suicide, and addiction is rising fastest among young adults, according to the American Psychological Association.For those in the church, we must acknowledge this cultural shift and lovingly walk alongside people through it, offering them truth, grace, and accountability.Idolatry, Discontentment, and the Way BackSports betting may be legal, but legality is not the same as morality, and morality isn't always wisdom. If your habits reflect discontentment or a misplaced trust in money, that's a red flag.But there's hope. These things are not the unpardonable sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us... God is always ready to receive us.”Isaiah 26:3 also says:“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”If you're struggling with a gambling habit or questioning your motivations, seek accountability at your local church. And if addiction is involved, please pursue professional help. Freedom is possible—and peace is found not in the thrill of a win, but in keeping your eyes on Christ.Remember: just because it's permissible doesn't mean it's wise. True freedom is found not in betting on uncertain outcomes, but in trusting the God who holds the future.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm trying to understand where tax-free municipal bonds might fit into my overall investment strategy. How can they be used effectively for tax efficiency and generating income, and when would it make sense to include them in a portfolio?I have $19,000 sitting in an old 401(k) account, and I'm considering transferring it into a fixed annuity. I'm not retired yet and plan to return to work in the school system. One option offers lifetime income starting at age 74, but I'm not sure if that's the best use of my funds. What should I consider before making this decision?I'm in the process of updating my will now that I've moved to Texas. I'm wondering if it would be more in line with God's will to allocate a percentage of my estate to the three nonprofit ministries I support, rather than dividing everything evenly among my three children. How should I think through this decision from a biblical perspective?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians by Dr. David W. JonesSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” - Proverbs 28:20Powerball jackpots and scratch-off tickets might seem like a shortcut to financial freedom, but should Christians be buying in? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series today to help us think biblically about the lottery and whether it aligns with a life of faithful stewardship.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.Quick Wealth vs. Steady StewardshipProverbs 13:11 warns, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers to “keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” These passages highlight the value of work, patience, and contentment—virtues that stand in direct contrast to the quick-fix allure of lottery winnings.The lottery promises flourishing without labor, but God's design in Genesis 1 calls us to be co-creators with Him—to work, to produce, and to flourish through effort. Skipping that process isn't just unwise—it violates God's design for human flourishing.Is playing the lottery merely harmless entertainment? We should pay close attention to what our financial decisions reveal: Jesus taught, ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Matt. 6:21). If someone regularly spends money on lottery tickets, it could point to deeper issues—discontentment, greed, or misplaced hope.Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our actions—including how we spend—are often the most honest indicators of our spiritual condition.Entertainment or Exploitation?While scratching a ticket at a birthday party may seem harmless, there's a big difference between a one-time event and a habitual lifestyle of gambling. And even if the act is permissible, that doesn't make it wise (1 Cor. 10:23).We must also consider the industry behind the lottery. It preys upon the poor. Statistics show that the lowest-income Americans buy more than half of all lottery tickets, with some spending up to 6% of their income. In many ways, it functions like a regressive tax, taking from those who can least afford it.Some believers wonder whether it's ethical to accept scholarships or grants funded by state lotteries. Of course, there's room for Christian liberty here. Some will choose to opt-out due to conscience. Others will recognize we live in a fallen world and may receive such benefits without directly participating in the system. Either way, we should be aware of what we're engaging with and remain open before the Lord.A Better Way to FlourishIf you're feeling convicted, confess it to the Lord. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us' (1 John 1:9). And as with any area of struggle, don't walk alone. Seek accountability and encouragement through your local church.Ultimately, the Christian life invites us to a different kind of richness—one rooted not in luck or chance but in trust and obedience. As Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, “Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.”For more biblical insight on wealth and stewardship, pick up Dr. David W. Jones's book Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians, available wherever books are sold.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Around this time last year, I had several credit cards with balances ranging from $5,000 to $6,000 each. I stopped paying on the top three and am still making payments on one. I'm not sure what steps to take next.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians by Dr. David W. JonesWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” - Proverbs 19:17As Christians, we're called to be generous, but what does that look like when someone asks for money on the street? Should we give? Is there a better way to help? Today, Dr. David W. Jones joins us to explore the ethics of giving to homeless people and how to show compassion without causing harm.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.A Biblical Call to Care for the PoorScripture is clear about God's concern for the poor and His expectation that we share that concern. Jesus said, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). The apostle John echoed this, writing, “If anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17).We should want to help those in need. The real question isn't whether we help, but how.Before we give, we should examine our hearts, because our initial reaction may often be judgmental, as we may assume that the person is lazy or addicted. But Dr. Jones calls this being “middle class in spirit”. Christ doesn't call us to be “middle class in spirit”—He calls us to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).This shift in mindset is essential. Even if someone is unworthy of help, that's the very reason we should want to help them. What if God waited until we deserved His grace?Is It Wrong to Give Cash?That leads to the practical question: Should we give cash to someone on the street? While the act of providing cash isn't inherently wrong, it could enable harmful behavior.Instead, it may be more beneficial to prepare in advance by carrying granola bars or other non-perishable food items. Offer something that meets a need without enabling sin. If you have the time, offer to buy them a meal instead.This kind of planned generosity helps believers act as good stewards, offering love without ignoring potential consequences.But what if the person uses the money responsibly? Should we just leave that up to God?There's a balance because we can't know everything about someone's situation in a brief moment, but we are still called to be wise and loving. That means doing what we can with what we know, and entrusting the rest to the Lord.When a Handout Becomes a RelationshipSometimes, opportunities arise to do more than just meet an immediate need. Perhaps that involves building long-term relationships with individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness. These acts of sustained compassion often lead to deep transformation when we take the time to build a relationship with those who are struggling. This is an example of a development-based model of helping the poor, which contrasts with an aid-based model (like giving money or food on the spot). If a natural disaster causes poverty, aid is appropriate. However, if it's due to systemic injustice or poor choices, long-term involvement—such as discipleship, mentoring, and support—may be necessary.Overwhelmed by Need? Start With What's NearA common question is: Where do I even begin? The need is everywhere.The law of moral proximity encourages that we are most responsible for those closest to us. You may not be able to fix world hunger, but you can help someone in your neighborhood, church, or community.Big problems require big solutions, but God calls us to care for what's in front of us first.Our goal isn't just charity—it's Christlike love, expressed with wisdom. When we begin by checking our hearts, planning for wise giving, and staying open to deeper relationships, we reflect God's grace in practical ways.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I was affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision, but recently received a lump sum check related to that. They also increased my monthly benefit by $700, though taxes are being withheld. What should I know about how the lump sum will be treated?I'm 47 and just starting my career after being a stay-at-home mom. My new job offers a 403(b) and will match up to 3%, but only after I've been there a year. Should I start contributing now, or wait until the matching begins?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians by Dr. David W. JonesWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.