Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg comments on the current conversation on annihilationism and calls for charity when disagreeing with others on this issue, then he answers a question about how to deal with doubts when Christianity seems unlikely to you.   Topics: Commentary: Thoughts on annihilationism (00:00) How do you deal with doubts when Christianity seems unlikely? (36:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Hell Interrupted – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Donate to Stand to Reason

Greg answers a question about the “hermeneutical spiral” and getting an objective meaning from the text, then he chats with a caller who doesn’t believe in God about his objection to Greg’s definition of atheism and why he is currently deconstructing.   Topics: Are you familiar with the “hermeneutical spiral,” and do you think we’re able to get an objective meaning from the text? (05:00) Can we have a conversation about what atheism is? (22:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Related Links: Atheism: More Than Just a Non-Belief by Amy Hall Atheism Isn’t Simply a Lack of Belief by Tim Barnett The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers

Greg clarifies some comments he made about altar calls and the gospel last week, then he answers questions about whether we’re skipping Christ’s intercession if we pray to the Father, and what he thinks about certain tactics being used by a pro-life organization.   Topics: Commentary: Greg clarifies his view on altar calls and the gospel. (00:00) If we pray directly to the Father, are we skipping Christ’s intercession? (29:00) Do you have any thoughts on these tactics being used by a pro-life organization? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg’s suggestions for a first-time pastor in the previous episode Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl New Testament Prayer by Greg Koukl Donate to Stand to Reason

Greg answers questions about suggestions for a first-time pastor, responding to someone who says people always report the same thing about their near-death experiences, and how much interaction to have with LDS neighbors in light of 2 John 10.   Topics: What are some suggestions you have for a first-time pastor when it comes to tithing, altar calls, Sunday school, and music, and what things should I be focused on in addition to preaching the gospel? (05:00) How would you respond to someone who says that people always report the same thing about their near-death experiences? (36:00) In light of 2 John 10, how much interaction should I have with my LDS neighbors? I don’t want to give the impression that we’re all Christians and agree with their teachings. (46:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Sean McDowell’s episodes on near-death experiences Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl Related Links: Three Telltale Signs of “Christianity” Gone South by Greg Koukl Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall LDS View of Atonement Clarified by Amy Hall Is It Possible Some Mormons Are Saved? by Amy Hall

Greg responds to the claim that “Jesus taught that we were supposed to love and accept one another,” then he answers questions about numbers being evidence for the existence of God, using a person’s suffering as an apologetic, and the salvation of Word of Faith people.   Topics: Commentary: Didn’t Jesus teach that we were supposed to love and accept one another? (00:00) Could numbers be used as evidence for the existence of God? (30:00) What do you think about using a person’s suffering as an apologetic? (40:00) Do you think people in the Word of Faith movement are saved? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies by Costi Hinn Related Links: Interview: Natasha Crain on the “He Gets Us” Campaign The Rightful Place of Suffering in the Life of the Christian by Amy Hall Christians, You Will Suffer by Amy Hall Why Does God Let Us Suffer? by Amy Hall How Our Suffering Glorifies God by Amy Hall If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil by Randy Alcorn

Greg talks about whether or not we’re obliged to pray only to the Father, then he answers a question about how he determined he was being stirred by God to start Stand to Reason.   Topics: Commentary: Are we obliged to pray only to the Father? (00:00) How did you determine that you were being stirred by God to start Stand to Reason? (18:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense by Robert M. Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski Related Links: You Don’t Have to Choose between the Head and the Heart by Greg Koukl Why Tim Keller Started to Pray by Amy Hall Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl When God Speaks by Greg Koukl

Greg talks to callers about how to become a better thinker, how to get better at responding to people in conversations, and whether the Israelites stole stories and laws from other cultures to create the Old Testament.   Topics: How can I become a better thinker and get better at responding to people in conversations? (07:00) Did the Israelites steal stories and laws from other cultures to create the Old Testament? (33:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA STR Outposts Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl Noah’s Flood Revisited: New Depths of Insight from Science and Scripture by Hugh Ross

Greg answers questions about attending an unmarried woman’s baby shower, whether God causes mutations, implications of God being temporal, splitting prayers between Jesus and the Father, anomalies in worldviews, and advice for someone who doesn’t like church.   Topics: Should I attend my unmarried niece’s baby shower? (01:00) Does God cause mutations, or does he allow them to happen? (11:00) Can you explain to me your understanding of the relationship between the beginning of time and God being a temporal being? (18:00) Are we supposed to split our prayers between Jesus and the Father? (32:00) Can you speak to the concept of anomalies in worldviews? (36:00) Do you have any advice for someone who doesn’t like going to church? (46:00)

Greg talks about how even Christians are getting used to radical things in the culture, then he answers questions about annihilationism, people who appeal to emotion in response to arguments, and what to do when someone is telling you about a dialogue they had with God.   Topics: Commentary: Even Christians are becoming culturally velocitized. (00:00) What are your thoughts on annihilationism? (22:00) What’s a good way to respond to people who appeal to emotion in response to my arguments? (39:00) What’s a good response or posture to have when someone is telling me about a dialogue they had with God? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square by Natasha Crain Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Hell Interrupted—Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 by Greg Koukl and Tim Barnett Related Links: When God Speaks by Greg Koukl

Greg talks about what Jesus thought about homosexuality, reads a parable written by a listener describing the panel discussion on The Diary of a CEO, then answers a question about whether God had to try a few times to get Samuel’s attention before he was able to.   Topics: Commentary: What did Jesus think about homosexuality? (00:00) A parable a listener wrote about Greg’s The Diary of a CEO panel discussion (30:00) How should I respond to someone who says in response to the idea that “God doesn’t try” that God tried a few times to get Samuel’s attention before he was finally able to? (35:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA Heritvge – Worship band at Reality conferences STR U Online Training Greg on The Diary of a CEO Submit a question on the Open Mic Line When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Related Links: Jesus Did Condemn Homosexuality by Alan Shlemon Jesus’ “Hidden” Teaching on Homosexuality by Greg Koukl

Greg talks about a discussion he had on a podcast with former Christians, then he answers questions from callers about Christians using an artificial-sounding voice in church, recognizing demonic influence, praying to Jesus, and what “forsaking all others” includes.   Topics: Commentary: Thoughts on a podcast discussion with former Christians (00:00) Why do Christians use an artificial-sounding voice in church? (22:00) What advice would you give parents who think there might be a demonic influence in their child’s life? (28:00) If all authority in Heaven has been given to Jesus, should we pray to him now? (43:00) Is adultery the only grounds for separation, or does the idea of “forsaking all others” apply to things like one partner putting friends, family, or church over his wife’s needs and desires? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 7–8 in Minneapolis, MN; February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA

Greg talks to Alisa Childers about helping students respond to progressive Christianity in a discussion about her new book, a student edition of Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity.   Topics: Interview: Alisa Childers, author of Another Gospel? Student Edition: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity (00:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Alisa Childers Another Gospel? Student Edition: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity by Alisa Childers The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl

Greg answers questions from callers about what it means to be made in God’s image, whether Jesus was omniscient while he was on earth, how to best disciple your kids, whether Jeremiah 29:11 applies to us because all promises are yes in Christ, and recognizing a calling to ministry.   Topics: What does it mean to be made in God’s image? (03:00) Was Jesus omniscient while he was on earth? (19:00) How can I best disciple my kids? (29:00) Do verses like 2 Corinthians 1:20 that say that all the promises of God are yes in Christ mean that we can claim Jeremiah 29:11 for ourselves? (40:00) How do you know when you’re actually called to a particular ministry and it’s not just a desire? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side by Natasha Crain

Greg chats with callers about how we know objective values exist and aren’t a delusion, how to redirect someone who’s on the wrong theological road, and how to navigate bringing apologetics to a church in a denomination that doesn’t allow outside speakers.   Topics: How do we know that objective moral values actually exist and we’re not deluded by culture or evolution? (05:00) How can I stop someone from going down a wrong theological road and redirect them towards the right path? (32:00) As I bring apologetics to my church, how can I navigate the exclusivity of my denomination, which doesn’t allow outside speakers? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 7–8 in Minneapolis, MN; February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Francis Beckwith and Greg Koukl Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa Dougherty

Greg answers questions about Darwinists who deny there’s something wrong with the world, attending a baptism at an LGBTQ-affirming church, why Christians have pets instead of giving the money to orphans, the name “Lord of Hosts,” and singing worship songs about our feelings.   Topics: You say everyone acknowledges there’s something wrong with the world, but how would you respond to a Darwinist who says that’s simply survival of the fittest, the dog-eat-dog nature of this place? (02:00) What are your thoughts on attending a baptism at a church that affirms LGBTQ lifestyles? (13:00) If humans are more valuable than animals, why do Christians have pets instead of giving the money to orphans? (24:00) Why does God refer to himself repeatedly as “the Lord of Heaven’s armies” (also translated as “Lord of Hosts” or “Lord of Sabaoth”)? (34:00) You said you don’t like to sing about your feelings, but don’t many of the psalms do this? What makes it difficult for us to sing songs with personal pronouns? (43:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line

Guest Host: Megan Almon   Megan Almon talks about the reality and nature of beauty, answers questions about introducing heavy cultural topics to young people who aren’t already asking about them and whether or not God would have destroyed the Israelites if Moses hadn’t intervened, and more.   Topics: Commentary: Beauty is real. (00:00) Is it dangerous to bring up the heavier questions of culture to young people in our church if they’re not asking the questions already? (34:00) If Moses hadn’t stepped in, would God have followed through and destroyed the Israelites? (41:00) Commentary: We can all create beauty with acts of everyday faithfulness. (46:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – November 7–8 in Minneapolis, MN; February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World by Paul Gould Echoes of Eden: Reflections on Christianity, Literature, and the Arts by Jerram Barrs Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal’s Pensees Edited, Outlined and Explained by Peter Kreeft

Greg and Tim finish their conversation about The Diary of a CEO, discussing anchoring one’s life in Christianity, the existence of evidence for Christianity, why the world is broken, pre-human animal suffering, evolving morality, advice for someone searching for meaning, and more.   Topics: Christianity can anchor your life because it’s true. (00:00) There is evidence that Christianity is true. (09:00) Spiritual thinker Dr. K’s response to why children get cancer. (13:00) Atheist Alex O’Connor challenges Greg’s explanation for why the world is broken. (20:00) What about pre-human animal suffering? (32:00) Does morality evolve over time? (41:00) Do people in every religion all over the world arrive at similar conclusions? (47:00) What Greg would say to someone searching for meaning. (53:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg on The Diary of a CEO Get a free copy of a chapter from The Story of Reality Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Francis Beckwith and Greg Koukl Related Links: Why God? Part 1 and Part 2 The Mathematical Argument for the Existence of God – Short video from Reasonable Faith, includes links to videos about the kalam cosmological argument, the moral argument, the fine-tuning argument, the contingency argument, and an argument for the resurrection of Jesus.

Greg and Tim continue evaluating clips from The Diary of a CEO, discussing the need for meaning to inform purpose, whether evolution can explain our sense of meaning, whether subjective experience can be evidential, atheist Alex O’Connor’s advice for finding meaning, and more.   Topics: Meaning comes first, then purpose flows from meaning. (00:00) It’s not just a matter of finding “something” to give you purpose. (07:00) Is purpose found in working on a task you believe will fulfill you when you finish? (15:00) Can our sense of meaning be explained by evolution? (22:00) Is technology destroying our sense of meaning by exposing us to competing understandings of the world that show us our beliefs are merely subjective? (31:00) Can the subjective sense of meaning a person feels be evidence for the truth of his view? (37:00) Atheist Alex O’Connor’s advice for someone who wants to stir up feelings of meaning in his life. (46:00) What’s the purpose of religion? (52:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg on The Diary of a CEO Get a free copy of a chapter from The Story of Reality Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal’s Pensees Edited, Outlined and Explained by Peter Kreeft Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air by Francis Beckwith and Greg Koukl Related Links: Values Fight Poverty by Amy Hall The True Story of Christian Missionaries by Amy Hall How Christianity Changed the World – Impact 360 video Wilberforce and Social Change by Melinda Penner

Greg and Tim review clips from a conversation between Greg, atheist Alex O’Connor, and Hindu Alok Kanojia, discussing why human beings flourish in a particular way, the foundation of meaning and purpose, the meaning crisis, Alex’s paperclip analogy, and more.   Topics: Greg was on The Diary of a CEO with host Steven Bartlett, atheist Alex O’Connor, and Hindu Alok Kanojia. (00:00) The biblical take on reality is the best explanation for the way things are. (06:00) Is “death denial” behind our attempts to make meaning in our lives? (17:00) Why is there a meaning crisis? (26:00) Does the paperclip analogy disprove Greg’s claim that we find purpose in doing what we were created to do? (32:00) Would you do anything meaningful if you thought everything would cease to exist tomorrow? (44:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg on The Diary of a CEO The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl Get a free copy of a chapter from The Story of Reality #STRask podcast with Greg and Amy

Greg answers questions about how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you, near death experiences, cremation vs. the regular burial process, leaving a church without feeling a calling from God, and dealing with burnout in ministry.   Topics: How can I tell the difference between my thoughts and God speaking to me? (02:00) What do you think about the near death experiences where Jesus gives people a second chance at life? (19:00) What are your thoughts on cremation vs. the regular burial process? (37:00) What advice do you have for someone who is going through burnout, and would you say it’s okay to look for a job at a different church even if we’re not feeling a calling from God to do so? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality by Gary Habermas and J.P. Moreland