Podcasts about Ligon Duncan

Jon comments on the top stories of the day concerning Christians including an analysis of The Gospel Coalition 2025 Conference, whether females should go to seminary (sparked by a controversy over Ligon Duncan's post about a female seminarian), and whether the West will continue to go in a Post-Christian direction.Order Against the Waves: Againstthewavesbook.comCheck out Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comFREE WEBSITE DESIGN: resurrectiondesign.co/matterTo Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code HARRIS for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ein Vortrag von Ligon Duncan auf der Evangelium21-Konferenz 2017. Englischer Titel: „The Old Faith – The Biblical & Patristic Roots of the Reformation“.

Anneke Fesko and Laurie Tricarico discuss how elders can encourage women in the church.Anneke currently serves the OPC as Care Coordinator for Ministers' Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) She is married to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.Laurie serves as the coordinator of the Crisis Care Team at New Life OPC in Williamsport PA, where she is a member. She and Al and their children served as foreign missionaries in Uganda for 11 years. Al presently serves as the Associate General Secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension of the OPC. They have 5 grown children and seven grandchildren. Al and Laurie live in Williamsport, PA.Recommended BooksJ. Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt, Women's Ministry in the Local Church, Crossway Books, 2006.Paul Tripp, Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do, Crossway Books, 2015Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

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In this special episode, Ligon Duncan sits down with Mark Vroegop, the new president of The Gospel Coalition, to discuss his journey of faith, pastoral ministry, and vision for TGC's future. Hear Mark's testimony, the personal trials that shaped him, and the passion driving his commitment to serve pastors, churches, and believers around the world.Mark shares his thoughts on:TGC's role in supporting the local churchChallenges and opportunities facing the church todayThe importance of cultural apologeticsHis vision for TGC's next chapterHow he hopes TGC will continue building on the gospel-centered legacy of Tim Keller and Don CarsonLearn more about Mark at https://tgc.org/president

Gospel Reformation Network executive council members Jon Payne, Ligon Duncan, Mel Duncan, Richard Phillips, Jason Helopoulos, David Strain, and Jonathan Master have an engaging roundtable discussion on the nature and task of the ruling elder. This is also the theme of the 2025 GRN National Conference in Sanford, Florida (May 7-8). You can learn more about the conference and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-grn-national-conference-tickets-1030379682367

“Nuts and Bolts” - Listen at your peril, but there is an encouragement at the end. Thank you. I really enjoyed the energy of last year's October Surprise month, and the feedback was positive. (The whole message explains why we are doing "nuts and bolts," and there's an encouragement at the end today. So for Season Seven, at least to begin with, we are going to use the same format as we do for our October Surprise month. We will produce three episodes a week in a shorter format. We will test this format to see if it works for heavier content topics and how you all like it. So For instance, we are redoing our signature episode and breaking it up into short segments as long as I have self-control. (LOL our loud) That will come out soon. After that, for new listeners who are trying us out, we will republish all the segments on the same day, so the new listeners can take in as much of that episode as they need to get a flavor of the podcast. I know it doesn't always sound like it, but there is a study that goes into the "heavier content" episodes. To stick to this schedule, we will alternate each week, or at the end of each series, typically Devotionals or other "lighter content." Prayerfully, this will allow for a thorough study of the "heavier content episodes." In our nuts and bolts episodes will also include some new aspects of the ministry: Our extra prayer encouragements. 1. Prayer journals, such as the "Foundational Blocks of Biblical Prayer." It is available on Amazon; just search for the title. 2. We will highlight why and how a prayer journal can help foster your prayer life. 3. We are in the process of creating a 2025 prayer journal right now; we will announce it in two weeks. 4. Wearables - No, not the tech kind! We have some t-shirts and other items to promote prayer. through graphics. You will be able to visit the website www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and get information on the products Caution! One of the reasons I am doing the "Nuts and Bolts" episodes, well the two reasons, 1. To keep the main episodes short. The workings of the podcast should not impede our goal. 2. This is a faith-based ministry, and not to make money. We receive donations occasionally, even when I don't highlight the donation tab because money is not why we do the podcast. Our goal is to help as much as God ordains Christians in our prayer lives. If I didn't use a journal system myself, I would not advocate their use. The next, "Nuts and Bolts," discusses the advantages of using a journal, but not today. Today, a thought occurred to me that I want to end with. In his sermon titled "WhyPray?" Ligon Duncan tells us that no Bible character ever asks that question. None. I add that they believe in the Bible prayer, period. Second I remembered John 21, at the end of the chapter, no need to go into more detail than this, Peter is asking Jesus about His will for the apostle John, and Jesus says, "Jesus *said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!" In verse 22. I said to myself today that I have asked all kinds of questions about prayer, doubtful questions at times and curious questions at other times. Of all the questions one might have about prayer, our Master and Savior say, "What is that to you?" You follow Me," and that means pray. Thank you for listening, brethren, let us obey. Brethren, let's pray for one another. "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more"" Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64 Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab. Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard. www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com freerangeprayer@gmail.com Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries Instagram: freerangeministries All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition. For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.com Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 Instagram Season 007 Episode 012

In this episode, Cory, Gray, James and Marinus sit down with Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary and the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology. They discuss their many shared connections with Ligon, the history and focus of Reformed Theological Seminary, the role neo-Calvinism has played at RTS, Ligon's doctoral work on covenant theology in the patristic period, and the challenges of theological education. Reach us at graceincommonpodcast@gmail.com. If you want to make a donation, please visit ⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/graceincommon⁠⁠⁠ Our theme music is Molly Molly by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue) ⁠⁠⁠CC BY-NC 4.0⁠⁠⁠

The Everyday Pastor is a new podcast from TGC on the nuts and bolts of ministry. Hosted by Ligon Duncan, with nearly 20 years of pastoral experience, and Matt Smethurst, who planted a church three years ago, it seeks to model how ministers of different generations, levels of experience, and even denominations can apply God's never-changing Word in a fast-changing world.It's not an easy time to be a pastor, but it's an exciting one—because the Lord is on his throne and his Word is enough to help us navigate the trenches of ministry with fortitude and joy. So join Matt and Lig (and special guests along the way) as they seek to help you think wisely about nitty-gritty issues of everyday ministry.Don't miss an episode of The Everyday Pastor! Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

The Everyday Pastor is a new podcast from TGC on the nuts and bolts of ministry. Hosted by Ligon Duncan, with nearly 20 years of pastoral experience, and Matt Smethurst, who planted a church three years ago, it seeks to model how ministers of different generations, levels of experience, and even denominations can apply God's never-changing Word in a fast-changing world.It's not an easy time to be a pastor, but it's an exciting one—because the Lord is on his throne and his Word is enough to help us navigate the trenches of ministry with fortitude and joy. So join Matt and Lig (and special guests along the way) as they seek to help you think wisely about nitty-gritty issues of everyday ministry.Don't miss an episode of The Everyday Pastor! Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Jonathan Cruse talks about how Ruling Elders can foster and energize congregational singing.Further ReadingResources by JonathanJonathan Landry Cruse, What Happens When We Worship, Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.Jonathan Landry Cruse, “What Every Elder needs to Know About Congregational Singing” in Faithful and Fruitful, Essays for Elders and Deacons, Eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets,  Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019.Books mentioned in the podcastJonty Rhodes, Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith), P&R Publishing, 2023.Ligon Duncan, Does God Care How We Worship? P&R Publishing, 2020.Jonathan's three recommendations for every Ruling ElderThomas Watson, The Godly Man's Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who is Going to Heaven, Banner of Truth Trust.David Dickson, The Elder and His Work. The Westminster Directory for Public Worship (The Westminster Directory for Public Worship discussed by Sinclair B. Ferguson and Mark Dever is currently out of print.Two examples of John Wesley's Directions for Singing.IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

A strong theological foundation plays a vital role in encouraging and sustaining hope. In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Ligon Duncan, Nancy Guthrie, Leigh Swanson, and Melissa Kruger provide practical advice and encouragement for pastors, elders, women's ministry leaders, and others who desire to start and sustain biblically faithful and theologically rich women's ministries in their congregations.

The Ministry with Ligon DuncanFor more articles, books, and podcasts, please visit 9marks.org

Ligon Duncan preaches Titus 3:1-8, 14 at River City Baptist Church, a new congregation in Richmond, Virginia. For more information or to get in touch, visit https://rivercityrichmond.org.

Is this New Perspective something to be excited about? Eavesdrop on Mark Dever as he queries Ligon Duncan, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, about the attractions and perils of the New Perspective on Paul.For more articles, books, and podcasts, please visit 9marks.org

Are we willing to hold to truths such as the exclusivity of the Gospel, the reality of false faith, the need for a regenerate church membership, and the necessity of church discipline? These and other questions are encountered in this challenging interview.For more articles, books, and podcasts, please visit 9marks.org

James Anderson opens this two-part breakout session by sharing how to cultivate a biblically formed understanding of our present cultural realities and maintain confidence and hope when we might otherwise be tempted to despair. Ligon Duncan and Nancy Guthrie follow with a discussion of theological foundations and pastoral approaches for helping one another walk through suffering.The session covershow suffering can shape faith and trust in God's goodness,how to cope with suffering and anger toward God, andhow to find comfort from God's Word in times of tribulation.As we cling to biblical truth for our circumstances and rest in the hope of the resurrection, God can work in our suffering to deepen our faith and teach us to depend on him.

Between the Banner Youth and Ministers' Conferences we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor/CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. We discussed his early years, training for ministry, the mission of RTS, and some of the Banner books he has benefitted from over the years.   Ligon's Banner Picks: Brooks, Thomas, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices - https://banneroftruth.org/store/christian-living/precious-remedies-against-satans-devices/ Bucer, Martin, Concerning the True Care of Souls - https://banneroftruth.org/store/church-ministry/concerning-the-true-care-of-souls/ Marlorat, Augustin, Prayers on the Psalms: From the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Pocket Puritans) - https://banneroftruth.org/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/prayers-on-the-psalms/ Warfield, B. B., Faith and Life (note especially the address 'The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:16, 17) - https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/faith-life/ Warfield, B. B., The Saviour of the World - https://banneroftruth.org/store/sermons-and-expositions/the-saviour-of-the-world/   Other Resources Mentioned: Blair Smith, D., and Miller, Matthew, eds., From Generation to Generation: Writings in Honour of Douglas F. Kelly (Christian Focus, 2023). - https://www.christianfocus.com/products/3162/generation-to-generation Cunningham, William, An Introduction to Theological Studies (edited and introduced by J. Ligon Duncan III) - www.abebooks.co.uk/9781884416026/Introduction-Theological-Studies-Lectures-William-1884416020/plp Garretson, James, ed., Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry: A Collection of Addresses and Articles by Faculty and Friends of Princeton Theological Seminary (2 Vols, in Vol. 2 of which can be found Warfield's 'The Religious Life of Theological Students'). - https://banneroftruth.org/store/church-ministry/princeton-and-the-work-of-the-christian-ministry-3/ Witsius, Herman, The Character of a Genuine Theologian (some of the lecture, but not all, accessible here): - https://books.google.com/books?id=MVQAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA158&dq=witsius+character+theologian&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1)   For more information: Dr. Ligon Duncan: https://ligonduncan.com/ Reformed Theological Seminary: https://rts.edu/   Explore the work of the Banner: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

On this week's show, the Harbor Freight Doug Wilson (Keith Foskey) welcomes the Great Value Steven Furtick (Sean DeMars) to discuss the place for nuance in Christian conversation as well as several great listener questions. Here are the links to Sean's shows referenced in the episode: Ligon Duncan interview:    • Thoughts on Theonomy & Christian Enga...   Doug Wilson interview:    • Addressing the Moscow Mood | Doug Wil...   Theonomy Episode:    • Biblical Theology of the State   SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SHOW SUPPORTERS!!! Support the Show: buymeacoffee.com/Yourcalvinist Contributors: Duane Hankinator Mary Williams Luca Eickoff @zedek73 David S Rockey Jay Ben J Several “Someones” Monthly Supporters: Amber Sumner Frank e herb Phil Deb Horton Buy our shirts and hats: https://yourcalvinist.creator-spring.com Visit us at KeithFoskey.com If you need a great website, check out fellowshipstudios.com Need cigars? Visit 1689cigars.com and use the coupon code: SuperiorTheology

Dr. Ligon Duncan preached on Isaiah 6.

We've reached the end of analyzing Ligon Duncan's appearance on the Room for Nuance podcast. Thank the Lord. Today's episode refutes Ligon's claim that Jesus never mocked his opponents and identifies the hypocrisy lurking in Ligon's blind spot. The Jason Modar Show Substack: https://jasonmodar.substack.com/

Jon talks about stories of interest for evangelical Christians including reactions to Trump's abortion position from Russell Moore and J.D. Greear, the Acts 29 Network is losing churches, purging the remaining conservatives from the Episcopal Church, compromise at Christian universities, Mark Driscoll's controversy at the Stronger Men's Conference, Phil Johnson's concern over kinists, Bruce Frank running for SBC President, The ERLC's recent lobbying efforts, Ligon Duncan's justification for endorsing Woke Church, and Richard Dawkins calls himself a cultural Christian. #RichardDawkins #RussellMoore #JDGreear #PhilJohnson #LigonDuncan #MarkDriscollTo Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/worldviewconversationFollow Jon on X: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldviewconversation/00:00:00 Introduction00:06:18 Richard Dawkins00:16:19 Cultural Changes00:24:25 Greear, Moore, Trueman vs Trump00:31:05 Christian colleges, Acts 29, the Episcopal Church00:42:27 Southern Baptists00:49:41 ERLC00:51:56 Mark Driscoll01:14:18 Phil Johnson01:37:13 Ligon Duncan01:53:12 EndSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Four veterans go a few rounds on the subject of cooperation among evangelicals & their churches. Listen to Mark Dever, Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan and CJ Mahaney talk about where they can and cannot cooperate as church leaders. Mark writes, “This is one of my favorite conversations we've been able to record. We had already been together for several hours and the conversation just flowed.”For more articles, books, and podcasts, please visit 9marks.org

Having attended every Fight Laugh Feast Conference over the last four years and talking with "Moscow Leaders" and thousands of conference attendees, I thought it would be prudent to share my personal experiences with the "Moscow Mood", and possibly correct some assumptions Ligon Duncan makes in this video. This response video is based on my interactions, conversations, and dialogue I have had with not only many attendees, but with Pastor Doug Wilson, Pastor Toby Sumpter, Pastor Jared Longshore, and those at @CROSSPOLITIC and @fightlaughfeastexperience8205 This video was recorded in one take, and might have some mistakes, so please forgive me if I've mispronounced a name or inaccurately sighted a fact or stat. Feel free to fact check the video or leave your response below. Facebook Page: Dead Men Walking PodcastInstagram: @deadmenwalkingpodcastThreads: @deadmenwalkingpodcastTwitter: @RealDMWPodcastCheck out our snarky merch HERE

Having attended every Fight Laugh Feast Conference over the last four years and talking with "Moscow Leaders" and thousands of conference attendees, I thought it would be prudent to share my personal experiences with the "Moscow Mood", and possibly correct some assumptions Ligon Duncan makes in this video. This response video is based on my interactions, conversations, and dialogue I have had with not only many attendees, but with Pastor Doug Wilson, Pastor Toby Sumpter, Pastor Jared Longshore, and those at  @CROSSPOLITIC and  @fightlaughfeastexperience8205 This video was recorded in one take, and might have some mistakes, so please forgive me if I've mispronounced a name or inaccurately sighted a fact or stat. Feel free to fact check the video or leave your response below. K&K Furnishings: Providing quality furnishings for business, education, worship, and hospitality for the Glory of God!Jacob's Supply: Quality building materials at wholesale prices! Facebook: Dead Men Walking PodcastYoutube: Dead Men Walking PodcastInstagram: @DeadMenWalkingPodcastTwitter X: @RealDMWPodcastExclusive Content: PubTV App

Listen to the end

Catch the Backstage Show with Jordan Pace where he discusses learning from Tim Keller and Ligon Duncan, then moving forward. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/none/videos/28767 (Link goes live after the stream) The Current Situation Podcast w/ Representative Jordan Pace! https://currentsituationpodcast.com/ Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

Catch the Backstage Show with Jordan Pace where he discusses learning from Tim Keller and Ligon Duncan, then moving forward. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/none/videos/28767 (Link goes live after the stream) The Current Situation Podcast w/ Representative Jordan Pace! https://currentsituationpodcast.com/ Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

An Apologia/CrossPolitic Mash Up! There is still much that needs to be addressed with the statements made by Ligon Duncan… Catch the Original Show we did on this here: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/none/videos/28311 Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

An Apologia/CrossPolitic Mash Up! There is still much that needs to be addressed with the statements made by Ligon Duncan… Catch the Original Show we did on this here: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/none/videos/28311 Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

Join us for another conversation with Ligon Duncan where we discuss the regulative principle of worship and explore different opinions about the current state of seminary school.

Ligon Duncan condemns the Moscow Mood, calling it Christian Cowardice. But, is it really?? Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

Ligon Duncan condemns the Moscow Mood, calling it Christian Cowardice. But, is it really?? Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

In this episode, Dr. Michael Thiessen and Dr. Joe Boot respond to the recent controversial interview by Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, Ligon Duncan, on the Room for Nuance podcast where he answers questions on theonomy, postmillennialism, and faithful cultural contextualization all while throwing barbs at unnamed parties and mixing up Scripture. YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!Episode Resources:“On Culture War: Doug Wilson and the Moscow Mood” by Kevin DeYoung | Clearly Reformed: https://clearlyreformed.org/on-culture-war-doug-wilson-and-the-moscow-mood/“My Rejoinder to Kevin DeYoung” (VIDEO)| Doug Wilson via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2mHSXAVge8“My Rejoinder to Kevin DeYoung” by Doug Wilson | Blog and Mablog: https://dougwils.com/books-and-culture/s7-engaging-the-culture/novembers-done-kevin-deyoung.htmlEnd Abortion Now: https://endabortionnow.com/For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.comStay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.comSubscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885.Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Thiessen and Dr. Joe Boot respond to the recent controversial interview by Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, Ligon Duncan, on the Room for Nuance podcast where he answers questions on theonomy, postmillennialism, and faithful cultural contextualization all while throwing barbs at unnamed parties and mixing up Scripture. YOU'RE NOT GOING…

In this episode, Dr. Michael Thiessen and Dr. Joe Boot respond to the recent controversial interview by Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, Ligon Duncan, on the Room for Nuance podcast where he answers questions on theonomy, postmillennialism, and faithful cultural contextualization all while throwing barbs at unnamed parties and mixing up Scripture. YOU’RE NOT GOING…

Big things are coming soon. Wretched Radio | Air Date: March 26, 2024 https://media-wretched.org/Radio/Podcast/WR2024-0326.mp3 Segment 1 Did you catch the Megan Kelly tweets? We are announcing a major, new initiative in the next two-three weeks. Segment 2 Ligon Duncan made comments about the Christian podcast culture. You been treating your neighbor the way you want […] The post IF YOU'RE TIRED OF BEING TOLD TO “DO SOMETHING” appeared first on Wretched.

Jon talks about the evangelical stories of the day including Ligon Duncan's interview that continues to get attention on the Room for Nuance Podcast with Sean DeMars (this time Abortion Abolitionists are angry), Mike Kelsey (from McClean Bible Church) and his sermon on Nehmiah 5 on "justice," and Russell Moore's piece for Christianity Today on the 2024 presidential election. #christianitytoday #russellmoore #mikekelsey #mcleanbiblechurch #ligonduncan00:00:00 Ligon Duncan00:11:32 Tennessee Baptist Mission Board00:19:16 Nehemiah 500:25:51 Mike Kelsey01:21:56 Usary01:24:01 Russell Moore01:39:15 Modern Persecution in the WestOur Sponsors:* Check out undefined and use my code HARRIS for a great deal: undefinedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

-Get the NAD treatment Jeff is on, go to ionlayer.com and put "IONAPOLOGIA" into the coupon code and get $100 off your first three months! https://www.ionlayer.com -Check out our new partner at http://www.amtacblades.com/apologia and use code APOLOGIA in the check out for 5% off! -You can get in touch with Heritage Defense at heritagedefense.org and use coupon code “APOLOGIA” to get your first month free!  -For some Presip Blend Coffee Check out our store at https://shop.apologiastudios.com/ 

Jon talks about the top stories in conservative evangelicalism including an Averett University professor who died at a homosexual nightclub, Frank Turek's vague post about biblical interpretation, TGC's article on the gospel in Taylor Swift lyrics, Glenn Youngkin's "gay marriage" law, Justin Giboney and Anthony Bradley go after John MacArthur for saying MLK wasn't a Christian, was some of the music at the Shepherd's Conference effeminate?, Ligon Duncan's hypocrisy, and Kanye rejects Christianity. #kanyewest #ligonduncan #thegospelcoalition #glennyounkin #averettuniversity #frankturek #taylorswift 00:00:00 Averett University professor dies at a homosexual nightclub00:06:09 Logos selling erotic material00:09:08 Frank Turek's vague post about biblical interpretation00:14:02 TGC's article on the gospel in Taylor Swift lyrics00:17:02 Glenn Youngkin's "gay marriage" law00:19:36 Justin Giboney and Anthony Bradley go after John MacArthur for saying MLK wasn't a Christian00:28:13 Was some of the music at the Shepherd's Conference effeminate?00:37:35 Ligon Duncan's hypocrisy00:59:22 Kanye rejects ChristianityOur Sponsors:* Check out undefined and use my code HARRIS for a great deal: undefinedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Three Reformed Evangelical ministries recently addressed political questions during election year 2024. Topics like Christian Nationalism, voting, the church's political involvement etc. were all addressed. Jon reviews Mark Dever, Jesse Johnson, and Ligon Duncan's opinions about church/state relationships and Christian political involvement. Note: Jesse Johnson did give a presentation at Shepherd's Conference this year on Christian Nationalism but it has not been released yet. The presentation I critique is from Feb 3, 2024 but is the same talk that Johnson gave at Shepherd's Conference 2023. #ChristianNationalism #ShepherdsConference #TheGospelCoalition #9Marks00:00:00 Introduction00:12:24 9 Marks: How Should Christians View the Government?00:20:33 (Same Presentation at Shepherds 2023): "Coveting Cesar's Throne: The Case Against Christian Nationalism"01:32:21 TGC: What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Nationalist?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of TGC Podcast, Ligon Duncan, Bob Thune, Andy Davis, and Philip Ryken examine Christian nationalism, differentiating it from mere patriotism and exploring its influence on Christian identity and societal engagement.They delve into the historical and biblical perspectives on Christians' roles in society, emphasizing the need to prioritize Christ above all loyalties. They also discuss strategies for Christians to responsibly advocate for their beliefs in a pluralistic society.Watch this discussion on YouTube.

On this episode of TGC Podcast, Ligon Duncan, Bob Thune, Andy Davis, and Philip Ryken examine Christian nationalism, differentiating it from mere patriotism and exploring its influence on Christian identity and societal engagement. They delve into the historical and biblical perspectives on Christians' roles in society, emphasizing the need to prioritize Christ above all loyalties. They also discuss strategies for Christians to responsibly advocate for their beliefs in a pluralistic society. The post Evaluating Christian Nationalism appeared first on Two Journeys.

Join us for a conversation with Ligon Duncan as we discuss Theonomy, the state of modern evangelicalism, how we are to engage with modern culture as Christians, and how we should approach disagreements with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

"The goal of the Covenant, fulfilled in Christ, is eternal communion with God, foreshadowed in the elders, eating with the Lord on the mountain and foreshadowed every time you gather with the people of God around the Lord's table . . . because of what Christ has done for you." — Ligon DuncanIn his message at TGC's 2023 conference, Ligon Duncan teaches from Exodus 24 and emphasizes the key themes of representation, substitution, and communion in the context of worship. Duncan highlights the importance of Moses as a mediator between God and the people, the significance of Scripture in worship, and the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate substitutionary atonement for sins. Duncan's message reminds us of the central role of God's Covenant, grace, and the communion with him that believers can experience through Christ.Today's episode features a keynote message from TGC's 2023 conference. To access more TGC23 conference media and microevent sessions, visit tgc23.org/watch.

Guest Bios Show Transcript https://youtu.be/hteO426dZ6cMen need sex. And it's their wives' job to give it to them—unconditionally, whenever they want it, or these husbands will come under Satanic attack. Stunningly, that's the message contained in many Christian marriage books. Yet, research shows that instead of increasing intimacy in marriages, messages like these are promoting abuse. In this edition of The Roys Report, featuring a talk from our recent Restore Conference, author Sheila Wray Gregoire provides eye-opening insights based on her and her team's extensive research on evangelicalism and sex. Out of a desire for evangelicals' conversations about sex to be healthy, evidence-based, and rooted in Christ, Sheila and her team have analyzed many popular Christian books on sex. Many teach that men are incapable of not objectifying women. And instead of training men to control their urges, these books teach that women must save these men. If a husband struggles with porn, for example, it's his wife's job to give him more sex so he can go cold turkey. If a husband is abusive to his wife, it's his wife's job to pray the abuse away. And if you're a single woman, it's your job to dress in such a way that your body never “intoxicates” a man.With messages like these, is it any wonder that abuse victims often feel like it's their fault if someone hurts them? Is it any wonder that pastors like John MacArthur can convince wives that it's her duty to stay with a man who abuses her and their children? As Sheila explains, the patterns of abuse we're seeing in the church today are a symptom of these toxic evangelical teachings. And to solve the problem of abuse, we need to analyze and challenge these unbiblical teachings. Guests Sheila Wray Gregoire Sheila Wray Gregoire is an author, podcaster, and researcher into evangelicalism and sex. Her goal through Bare Marriage, a popular podcast and ministry, is to change the evangelical conversation about sex to be healthy, evidence-based, and rooted in Christ. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband. They have two adult daughters and two grandbabies. Learn more at BareMarriage.com. Show Transcript SPEAKERSJulie Roys, SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE Julie Roys  00:05Men need sex and it’s their wives job to give it to them unconditionally whenever they want it, or these husbands will come under satanic attack. Stunningly, that’s the message contained in many Christian marriage books. Yet research shows that instead of increasing intimacy and marriages, messages like these are promoting abuse. Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys, and what you’re about to hear is an eye-opening talk by Sheila Ray Gregoire at our latest RESTORE conference. Sheila is an author and podcaster who’s done extensive research on evangelicalism and sex. And what she’s discovered is that many evangelical books teach an unbiblical message that men are incapable of not objectifying women. And instead of training men to control their urges, these books teach that women must save these men. If a husband struggles with porn, for example, it’s his wife’s job to give him more sex so he can go cold turkey. If a husband is abusive to his wife, it’s his wife’s job to pray the abuse away. And if you’re a single woman, it’s your job to dress in such a way that your body never intoxicates a man with messages like these. Is it any wonder that abuse victims often feel like it’s their fault if someone hurts them? Is it any wonder that pastors like John MacArthur can convince wives that it’s their duty to stay with a man that abuses them and their children? As Sheila explains in this important talk, the abuse that’s rampant in the church is just a symptom of this toxic teaching so prevalent in evangelicalism. And unless we address this false teaching, we’ll never solve the problem of abuse. So, I’m very excited to share Sheila’s eye-opening talk with you.   Julie Roys  01:57 But first, I want to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University, and Marquardt of Barrington. If you’re looking for a top ranked Christian University, providing a caring community and an excellent college experience. Judson University is for you. Judson is located on 90 acres just 40 miles west of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. The school offers more than 60 majors, great leadership opportunities, and strong financial aid. Plus, you can take classes online as well as in person. Judson University is shaping lives that shaped the world. For more information, just go toJUDSONU.EDU. Also, if you’re looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity, and transparency. That’s because the owners there Dan and Kurt Marquardt, are men of integrity. To check them out. Just go to BUYACAR123.COM.   Julie Roys  03:02 Well, again, you’re about to hear a talk by Sheila Gregoire on how evangelical teachings on sex promote abuse. Sheila is the founder of BAREMARRIAGE.COM. She’s also the author of several popular books, including The Great Sex Rescue, and She Deserves Better. Sheila’s goal is to change the evangelical conversation about sex to be healthy, evidence based and rooted in Christ. And so, I’m so excited to share this message that Sheila gave at the RESTORE conference.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  03:32 It was a Friday afternoon in January of 2019, and I was sitting on my yellow chair in my living room trying to figure out how to procrastinate. I had a migraine, and I didn’t want to work, and so I was on Twitter. And I was reading a conversation between some women arguing whether or not they needed love or respect. And I thought, well, I’m a woman and I need respect. And so, I started chiming in and we were getting all spicy. And then I thought, I have that book. And I had never read it. So, Love and Respect, written by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, who got his PhD from somewhere, I don’t know. Anyway, it’s based on the idea that women need love. and men need respect. Oh, actually, no, it’s not. The subtitle is, the love she most desires, the respect he desperately needs. So, she has desires, and he has desperate needs. But I realized I have that book and I’ve never read it. And so, I thought this is a great way to procrastinate. So, I went, and I got it, and I opened to the sex chapter because I’m kind of the sex lady and that’s what I do. It was only about 12 pages long. And that was when the nuclear bomb went off in my living room. Because I read to my horror, if your husband is typical, he has a need you don’t have, and that need is for physical release. So, if he doesn’t get physical release, he will come under satanic attack. And through that chapter, he keeps referring to sex as a man’s physical release. There was not a single word about intimacy. There was not a single word about women feeling pleasure, too.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  04:07 So, I called my team, and we freaked out a bit. And we decided to write a post on our blog about the way that the book handled sex. And that post got so many eyeballs that we spent a whole week on love and respect. And over that week, we had email upon email, and comment upon comment about how that book had enabled abuse in their marriage. Working with me, was a young woman in her late 20s at the time, who has a master’s in epidemiology and is the statistician, but she was home with her baby. And so, she was just working remotely part time for me. And she said, you know what we should do Sheila? we should create a mixed-methods, qualitative analysis of the comments, and we should send it into Focus on the Family, who publishes the book, because maybe they don’t know. Maybe they don’t realize how harmful this is. And so, over the next few weeks, Joanna proceeded to do that. And we sent it to Focus. I knew Jim Daly; I had been on Focus on the Family several times. And we sent a nice letter about how harmful the book had been. And we never heard back. And so, Joanne said to me, “You know what I should do? I should go back and get my PhD so that I could do a study of how messages in the evangelical church are hurting women’s marital and sexual satisfaction. And I said, Joanna, I bet I could get a publisher to pay us to do it. And that is what we did.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  06:59 Until that day, I had never actually read another Christian book on sex and marriage. I mostly just wrote my own stuff. I was really scared of plagiarizing. But then we decided that we needed to open our eyes and see what was really going on. So, we surveyed 20,000 women for our book, The Great Sex Rescue. It’s the largest study of evangelical women’s marital and sexual satisfaction that’s ever been done. Did any of you take that study? Were any of you in mind, thank you. I know that was like half an hour of your life you can’t get back. I appreciate it very, very much. We’re doing a new survey that will be out in about two weeks. So, if you follow me, we will be putting out soon we will have a great need for people to take that one as well. But we surveyed 20,000 women measuring how various evangelical messages affected their marital and sexual satisfaction. And what we found was that there was four big messages in the church that really hurt women. And these messages are not biblical. They’re not from Jesus. They are what we have decided, as a church collectively are true. And we’ve done great harm with them.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  08:20 And so those messages are a woman is obligated to give her husband sex when he wants it. 39% of women that we surveyed entered marriage believing that. All men struggle with lust, it’s every man’s battle. A woman should have frequent sex with her husband to keep him from watching pornography. And boys will push your sexual boundaries and so girls need to be the gatekeeper. The sum total of those messages does great harm. These were all widely taught, widely believed and hugely destructive. We also did a survey of 3000 men a year later, and guess what? The same messages hurt men’s marriages too. These are universally bad. And yet, when we took a look at 13 of evangelicalism’s bestselling sex and marriage books, these are everywhere. There were only three books that we looked at, that actually scored well on our rubric, the vast majority of them of the books that we looked at scored in the harmful category, including Love and Respect, which scored zero out of 48, literally. Even Every Man’s Battle did better, it got nine. Last year, we did a survey as Julie was telling you of another 7000 evangelical women, this time looking at how messages that we give to teenage girls, end up hurting girls long term. And the same messages that we studied before? Yep, they do harm, but we added some new ones, like the modesty message. When we tell girls, you need to be careful what you wear so that you don’t cause one of your brothers to stumble. Well, that makes her feel like her body is a threat to her. Because by no fault of her own, he could look at her and have these bad thoughts. And then because he can’t control himself, he could end up hurting her. And so that message makes us feel like our bodies actually cause ourselves to be put into harm.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  10:42 Research shows that far too many of our common relationship teachings in evangelical culture are hurting us. And I have been trying to sound the alarm on this. And while those in this room are likely to hear it, the powers that be often don’t. This has become a grassroots movement, which I think tends to be the way that Jesus works. He doesn’t tend to talk to the churches, the big places, the big people in power. He sets up 12 disciples and all of the women that were traveling with him, and they go, and they set the world on fire. And that’s what we found in the reception to our books, which are actually selling quite well, is that people want to hear this, even if the powers that be won’t talk about it.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  11:38 We have painted men in the church as being created by God, to not be able to do anything but objectify women, which by extension, means that it is women’s responsibilities to save men. And then we’ve somehow managed to sell the message that this is the way that God intended it. So let me give you a few quotes. And I want to do a big trigger warning here, and I’m quite serious about this is that some of you, it might be good to step out of the room. All I’m going to be doing is reading you things from our bestsellers, but they’re not pretty. And so, if you feel like you need to step out of the room, now would be a good time. But let me tell you what Every Man’s Battle said. If you’re looking for the reason for sexual sin among men, we got there naturally, simply by being male. The same authors repeat, men just don’t naturally have that Christian view of sex. So, I guess women were created with more of the Holy Spirit than men, I don’t know. And how then, are men supposed to quit lusting and watching porn? Well, they have the solution. The book, the original edition of the book, told women when he stops cold turkey be like a merciful vial of methadone for him. It explains that well before when you were lusting, you may have been going to your wife for five bowls of sexual gratification a week. Now you’ll be going to her for 10. And she will be happy about this. I don’t know how you can write a book and know so many little about women, but nevertheless.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  13:37 So, think about that. We are the methadone for our husband’s sex addictions. And what is it that methadone does? Yeah, methadone is basically something which numbs you so that you don’t go after the thing you really want. And that’s how they raised a whole generation of boys and men to think of girls. That book series has sold 4 million copies. Or how about this? This Gary Thomas and Deborah Phyllida echoed their sentiment in their 2021 book Married Sex, where they encouraged women to send nude photos to their husbands so that neurologically his attention will be focused on her and not other women or porn. And they didn’t really ever talk about the problems of revenge porn, and they minimized any concerns that she may have about cementing an objectified view of women in porn. Even if it’s not about sex, we get the message in our best sellers that we’re just supposed to pray the abuse away. Women you have so much power over your man. Don’t you understand that? So, in Stormy Omartian’s book, Power of a Praying Wife, she has this quote, which is echoed throughout the book. You can submit to God in prayer whatever controls your husband, and she lists a number of things, including alcoholism, and abusiveness, and pray for him to be released from it. That book sold 10 million copies of women being told if he’s abusive, you can pray it away. You just need to pray more.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  15:27 I bet John MacArthur likes that one. I think the evangelical version of the gospel too often looks like this. Jesus saves women, so the women can save men. And it’s even in the little things. Last year, the Gospel Coalition put out an Instagram reel, where Ligon Duncan claimed that wives can’t expect their husbands to do risky things, unless their wives unconditionally respect their husbands first. And what are these risky things that a woman can’t expect her Christian husband to do? Pray, read the Bible, think about life from a Christian point of view. You cannot expect your husband to do these risky things that you by the way are already doing unless you first give him unconditional respect. This really quietly puts the wife in the leadership role, while having to pretend that it’s the husband who’s actually the one leading. Honestly, it’s like the bar is so low, it is in the basement, isn’t it? Over and over again, our evangelical teaching tells everybody that it is impossible to expect men to act honorably. Tim  LaHaye, in The Act of Marriage, told a story about Aunt Matilda, and he berates Aunt Matilda for telling her niece how terrible sex was just as her niece was getting married. But then he goes on to explain that on her wedding night, Aunt Matilda’s husband held her down kicking and screaming and raped her and continued to do this throughout the marriage. Then Tim LaHaye talks about Aunt Matilda, and her equally unhappy husband. He called the rapist equally unhappy as his rape victim. That book published by Zondervan has gone through four different editions, and nobody ever took out that anecdote. That sold two and a half million copies. His Needs/Her Needs, which I think has also sold two and a half million copies, has a line in there where a 32-year-old executive complains, I feel like I’m begging her or even raping her, but I can’t help it. I have to make love. And Willard Harley, the author uses that to explain that men just have a really high sex drive, and women need to understand that. And then, of course, there’s For Women Only. Shanti Feldon based her book supposedly on research. Which is why I think people have given these books more credence than they really need to have. I’m going to give you an example of her survey question, which has become fundamental in evangelicalism and for several different books. But Emerson Eggerichs actually based his book Love and Respect on the foundational survey question that Shanti used in her book For Women Only, which came out in the same year, 2004, as Love and Respect. So, Shanti asked, I think it was about 450 men, would you prefer to be alone and unloved or inadequate and disrespected? Okay? So, you could be alone and unloved or inadequate and disrespected. 72% of men said that they would prefer to be alone and unloved than inadequate and disrespected. And so, she took this to say that men want respect more than they want love. And that is what Emerson Eggerichs used to base his ideas on for Love and Respect.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  15:39 They never asked women; think about that. A whole doctrine of how men need respect and women need love. They never asked women. When other people, other survey people asked women the same question, 68% of women chose alone and unloved as well. There is no gender difference. But beyond that, okay, I’m just gonna get a little survey geeky with you for a sec here, okay? Alone and unloved, inadequate, and disrespected. That’s what’s called a double-barreled question where you don’t know whether they’re responding to alone or unloved or inadequate and disrespected. When my son in law looked at that, he said, well, the one that I would hate to be the most is inadequate, because alone unloved and disrespected are all how other people are treating me, inadequate is how I feel about myself. So, I would choose alone and unloved because I don’t want to feel inadequate, because inadequate and disrespected are not synonyms. That is the state of research that evangelicalism based a foundational doctrine, love, and respect, that we hear everywhere. And church, we simply have to do better. That’s not okay.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  21:32 Now, there are many other things and for women only that Shanti Felden, that I find quite problematic. But one of the worst is this line, when she’s talking about the need that men have to feel unconditional respect, she says, If you are wondering if you’ve crossed the disrespect line, watch for anger. So if you’re wondering if you’ve disrespected him, watch if he gets angry. So, your husband’s anger is a sign that you have done something wrong, rather than a red flag of a behavior problem or abuse. And again, her book series has also sold 2 million copies. The worst thing though, is that these messages are not just being given to adults, they’re also being given to children. And for our book, She Deserves Better, where we looked at the messages that were given to evangelical teen girls, we found horrific things that were said to girls as young as eight. And I would like to show you something from the Secret Keeper Girl curriculum by Dannah Gresh. Secret Keeper Girl became an event that was seen by about a million little girls and their moms around North America. It’s now called True Girl. So, they’ve rebranded but a lot of the messages are still the same. And in that curriculum, she encouraged girls to take the Raise and Praise test, okay. So, here’s what you do, you put your arms up in the air. And if any belly shows, that’s bad. And the reason is because bellies are intoxicating. Later in this curriculum, she has a conversation that mothers are supposed to have with their daughters to explain what this means. And you’re supposed to talk to your daughter and explain that to be intoxicated means like being under anesthetic or being drunk when you’re out of control. And God created our bodies to intoxicate men. But you are only supposed to intoxicate one man, your future husband, and so you need to make sure that you’re not intoxicating to anyone else. She told eight-year-old girls, that their bellies have the power to make adult men get out of control. And we did nothing about it. We took our little girls to these events, and they internalized this message. I could go on and on.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  24:40 Whether it’s sheet music by Kevin Lehman, telling women that it’s a good thing to have sex when you feel forced and want to shove him off of you. Or explaining that your period is a very difficult time for your husband. I’m not kidding. And so, it’s important to give him sexual favors during your period or when you’re postpartum so that he’s not tempted to watch porn. I can tell you about Every Man’s Battle, telling women that if your husband demands or coerces sex more than once a day, that’s a bad thing. So, there’s a quote, I guess that’s acceptable of coercion. I don’t know. The abusive messages and our evangelical resources are horrifying, and honestly, it seems endless.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  25:33 But the sum total of these teachings is that men are entitled to women’s bodies. Men deserve unconditional deference free from being challenged for any bad behavior. And men cannot be expected to act honorably, or even safely. So, when men do harm, it’s likely because some woman somewhere hasn’t done her job. It’s not hard to imagine how disastrous this can be. In a survey done by the Institute for Family Studies, about 27% of highly religious men who believe in complementarianism, or believe in male headship, claim that they have been violent with their current partner. Marital rape is more difficult to measure because it depends on the definition of marital rape. But from what we’ve seen in the literature, and in our own results, it looks like a rate of about 10% with a very narrow definition, to about 25% of evangelical marriages if you include things like obligation sex, which lead to trauma. So, this is what’s going on in the pews. One quarter of the women in our churches are currently victims of abuse. And a lot of that is caused by our messages which prop up and enable abuse.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  27:17 And it’s not only abuse. There’s also rates of sexual pain. This is one of our big research areas that we’re trying to dig down deep into. Because it’s been known for about 50 years in the literature that evangelical women suffer from sexual pain. Specifically, a sexual pain disorder called vaginismus, which is when the muscles of the vaginal wall contract and become really tight, so that penetration becomes really difficult, if not impossible. Even things like inserting tampons can become difficult or pelvic exams. And we’ve known evangelical women suffer from this at way higher rates than the general population. But what we haven’t known is why. And it was assumed that it’s just because well, they’re just ashamed of sex. That’s not actually what we found. We discovered two big things that are highly highly correlated with vaginismus. The first is the obligation sex message. So, when women enter marriage, believing in obligation sex, whether or not their husbands do, it's just what you have internalized, your chance of experiencing vaginismus increases to almost the same statistical effect as if you had been abused. Because our bodies interpret obligation sex as trauma. Because abuse says, you don’t matter, he gets to use you however you want. And so does obligation sex. The other big thing that’s correlated with it is the modesty message as a teenager. So, when a girl has internalized that she is at least partially responsible for keeping boys from sinning., she’s also far more likely to experience vaginismus. This is our problem. It’s not nice to talk about it, but this is our problem. We have an incidence rate of about 22.6% of evangelical women and in the broader population is closer to seven or eight. This is what we have done, and it’s largely because of what we have taught people.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  29:32 And that’s why I am so passionate about changing the way we talk about sex and marriage in the church. Because what we have done has had real world effects. It has caused abuse to rise. It has caused actual physical changes in our bodies. And there’s other research which has shown that it actually solidifies porn use and makes it much harder to stop. We need to talk about this in a different way. And what’s been so exciting to me as we have done our work is that people have told me again and again, that when they read our stuff, they start to recognize abuse in other places too. Like, once you start to see, oh, this isn’t okay, in one area, you see it everywhere. One woman told us that it’s like peeling an onion, you know, and you take off one layer. And then you see it again and again. Another woman said, you know, I read The Great Sex Rescue, and I recognized that there was some really abusive patterns in my marriage. And thank God, my husband saw it, too, and we’re on the road to recovery. But it wasn’t just that. I also in that same week, realized that my boss was sexually harassing me, and I stood up to him, and I reported him. And we left our church. Because when you see abuse in one area, you’re able to recognize it in others.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  31:19 This is gonna sound weird to say, I don’t actually care about sex that much. Like, I know, this is my whole life, and I know this is all I write about. I don’t actually care that much. You know what I care about? I care about people thriving. I care about emotional health and wholeness. I care about ending abuse. But there’s a lot of people that are doing that work of calling out abuse, and you know how hard it is to get people to listen to you. You know, it’s like banging your head on the wall, and they just don’t want to hear. And on the other side, there’s a lot of people addressing the theology of men and women in the church, and how harmful that theology has been to many women. And I can’t speak Greek, my husband reads the New Testament in Greek, but I don’t, you know, I can’t tackle it on that side. But you know, the one thing people like talking about? sex. Everybody wants to talk about sex. And so, this has been our way in. We’ve been able to open up that conversation about sex, so that people will listen. Even people who, maybe you’re normally in more fundamentalist spaces, because everybody wants good sex. And when you can tell them, hey, here’s the way forward, here’s what we need, here’s why women need to matter too. When they start to see it in that one area, then they’ll start to see it in others. And I think that’s where we can work together. You know, I know so many of you are recovering from church hurt, and you’re wondering where to go and how to move forward. And I’ve been there. But I believe that as we speak up about this stuff, we’re going to empower others, that they can speak up too, and we’re going to cause a grassroots movement.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  33:27 I spent a lot of years hitting my head against the wall, trying to convince Focus on the Family to change. It doesn’t work. Interestingly, they’re now using all of my talking points in their Instagram reels. They’re just not referencing me. It’s pretty funny. But so, you know, that’s good. You know what? I don’t care if you don’t reference me, as long as you’re actually starting to teach healthy stuff, do not trust Focus for healthy stuff. Okay? They might be saying a few good things. And I’m glad about that. But this is not an endorsement. But you know, things can change slowly from the grassroots. But we’re not necessarily going to get the big things to change. And it used to really frustrate me when I couldn’t get the big organizations to change, when I couldn’t get the megachurch pastors to listen to me, when I couldn’t get the big media organizations to listen to me. When nobody big would interview us about The Great Sex Rescue, even though we did the biggest study that’s ever been done. Even though we spoke at the American Physiotherapy convention because pelvic floor physiotherapists think we’re groundbreaking. And we can’t get  the big names in the church to listen. But maybe that’s because they’re not supposed to. Because Jesus works at the margins. And I think Jesus is working at the margins here. And I know so many of you are hurting and a lot of It is because of this crap that was in so many of the books that taught you that it’s your fault if someone hurts you, and that you’re just not praying enough. And don’t you know that Jesus put up with it? So, what are you to say that you shouldn’t have to put up with this? You should have the mind of Christ. And you’ve heard those messages. But let me tell you that Jesus wants to tell you that you matter, that you matter.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  35:33 One of my co-authors on The Great Sex Rescue said that we could sum up the whole book with just four words, women are people too. And we are. And men are people too too; we all matter. But when we live in a church culture, which is trying to be based on power instead of on love, and emotional wholeness, we’re going to end up with abuse. And we’re going to end up with hurt. And so, as we’re fighting abuse, my plea, if I can make a plea, is that we also fight that which underpins abuse. That we don’t just fight abuse, but we start calling out the teaching that has enabled it. Because when we call out the teaching, we make it far more likely that people will recognize abuse in other spaces, too.   SHEILA WRAY GREGOIRE  36:35 One of the things that so disappointed me in the Mars Hill podcast series, I don’t know how many of you listen to that. Some of you, yeah, they just didn’t go far enough. They treated it like Mark was the problem. Mark was a symptom. All of the things that one episode they did about women, all of the things Mark preached about women, were in all of our best sellers. I could have pointed you to everything he said was in all of our bestsellers that are still our bestsellers. Mark is not the problem; Mark’s awful, but Mark is not the problem. The problem is that we have this whole culture of teaching that enables the Mark’s to get power. If we didn’t have this teaching underpinning it, if we didn’t have these ideas of power and kingdom, then there would not be a Mark Driscoll who would have that kind of power, there would not be a John MacArthur who told Eileen Gray she needed to go back to her abusive husband. And so, as we fight abuse, and I am so grateful to those of you who are out there in the trenches doing that, I pray that you will also join me in some of my mission too, in fighting the teaching that is given about marriage and sex that is underpinned abuse and enabled it to flourish. Because I think, until we can eradicate that teaching, we’re just going to be playing abuser whack-a-mole. Thank you.   Julie Roys  38:12 Wow, such an important message. And I’m so grateful for Sheila’s ministry, and the way that she’s addressing the root of the abuse problem in our churches. And I’m grateful for you too, who listen and support these podcasts and help us get these important messages out. As I’ve noted before, many ministries charge for conference talks, but because of your continued generosity, we’ve been able to make these messages available free of charge. And I’m just so grateful to the hundreds of you who donate to The Roys Report. As I’ve said before, we don’t have any large donors or advertisers, we simply have you the people who care about abuse victims and want to help. If you appreciate this ministry and want to support us, just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. And in January, if you give a gift of $30 or more, we’ll send you a copy of The Great Dechurching. This is a great resource exploring what’s causing the current exodus out of the church, and what can be done to stop the bleed. So again, just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. Also, just a quick reminder to subscribe to The Roys Report on Apple podcast, Google podcasts or Spotify. That way you won’t miss any of these episodes. And while you’re at it, I’d really appreciate it if you’d help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review. And then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content. Again, thanks so much for joining me today. Hope you’re blessed and encouraged.   Read more