Encountering Truth
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© Bill Westers
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Encountering Truth is an apologetics podcast where we examine the evidence for Christianity, engage culture with kindness and conviction, and encounter Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
34 Episodes
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The truth of Christianity is perhaps best supported by the cumulative case approach, which combines multiple lines of evidence to make a strong case that the Christian worldview offers the best explanation for the way things are. My guest in this episode, Dan Ermutlu, teaches a six-week apologetics course at his church, where he lays out much of this cumulative-case evidence. In this extended-length episode, Dan walks us through the structure of his course and explains some of the powerful arguments for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity. Can you cram a six-week apologetics course into one podcast episode? Not even close! ...But we certainly tried!===============Resources:===============Dan Ermutlu & Apologetics 517YouTube: Apologetics517Facebook: Apologetics517Books:Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas GroothuisOn Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision by William Lane Craig---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
How can you be salt and light to people who don't want to hear about God or where you're not able to share your faith? In this long overdue follow-up to Episode 21 "How Do You Talk About God When You Can't Talk About God?," we offer MORE strategies for talking "around" God, using logic and reason. Join us as we discuss practical and relational ways to work on a person's plausibility structure, create "favourable conditions for the reception of the gospel," and lay the philosophical groundwork and preconditions necessary for holding a Christian worldview.===============Resources:===============Books:Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. MorelandThe God Who Is There by Francis SchaefferPrevious Related Episodes:Episode 21: How Do You Talk About God When You Can't Talk About God?Episode 19: Where Do Human Rights Come From?---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Is there a simple way to challenge evolution? In this episode, we discuss the claims of Darwinism and look at how it has been perpetuated by lies and mistruths. We also present a helpful acronym providing three easy-to-remember answers to the colossal “FIB” of evolution. Whether you're a student, parent, or someone interested in apologetics, this episode will equip you with a memorable framework to challenge the evolutionary narrative with truth and confidence.===============Resources:===============Books:I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank TurekTotal Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy PearceyChristian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas GroothuisHow Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy PearceyReturn of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe by Stephen C. MeyerOther Resources:Video: What Is Irreducible Complexity? by Discovery SciencePodcast: ID the FutureArticle: More Darwinian “Just-So” Stories From the Age of AI by Shane Morris---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
We all hold certain beliefs that feel good and sound right—but have we ever stopped to truly examine them? Without even realizing it, we often build our worldview on assumptions, emotions, or cultural norms, but what if there’s more to the story? What if there is a standard of truth that we haven’t considered? In this episode, we invite you to explore your worldview and why you believe what you believe. No pressure—just an open invitation to reflect, question, and consider a new perspective.===============Resources:===============The Colson CenterBreakpoint---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What do you do when your kids have questions or doubts about Christianity? More importantly, what should you NOT do? In this episode, we share 5 DON'Ts for Christian parents to remember when their kids ask tough questions about faith. These practical tips help you navigate doubts and guide your children with wisdom and compassion. Not a parent? No problem! These insights are useful for all believers who want to respond well to questions or doubts about Christianity.===============Resources:===============Books: A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle A Student's Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World by Sean McDowell and J. Warner WallaceOther Resources: Video: Atheist Completely Destroys Argument He Made Up by Tim Barnett YouTube: Red Pen Logic with Mr. B---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Was the word “homosexuals” wrongly added to the Bible? In this episode, we welcome back David Wolcott to address the controversy created by the movie “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture.” David helps us understand why it was not a mistranslation and how proponents of the movie misinterpret Scripture using fallacious methods and reasoning, all in an effort to deceive modern culture into affirming what the Bible clearly prohibits.===============Resources:===============Find David Wolcott Here: Website: TheDavidWolcott.com Website: TheDavidWolcott.com/1946 Facebook: David Wolcott, Christian ApologistOther Resources: Book: Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan Book: Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope. by Christopher Yuan Curriculum: The Holy Sexuality Project---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Sam Sears, who has recently embarked on an inspiring journey to plant a new church across the country. With a love of apologetics and a heart for reaching people where they are, Sam shares his approach to church planting through intentional discipleship and relationship-building. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with individuals in the community and inviting them into a transformative faith experience. Sam also delves into his unique perspective on storytelling as a means of cultural engagement, discussing his Christian horror novel, The Templars Survive Beneath Us, which explores profound spiritual themes through its exciting plot.===============Resources:===============Find Sam Sears Here: The Stone Christian Church Rahtio.com Book: The Templars Survive Beneath Us: From the Archives of the Rahtio Foundation by Sam Sears---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What is the value of a single human life? Jennifer DeFrates joins me in this heartfelt episode to share her inspiring journey through the adoption of her daughter, the tragic loss of her husband, and the encouragement she finds in the Lord. Her study of apologetics and her intimate awareness of the profound value of human life have emboldened Jennifer to make a powerful case for the lives and dignity of unborn humans as well. After all, even the smallest human beings have been made in the image of God and endowed with intrinsic dignity and worth.===============Resources:===============Jennifer DeFrates: TheMamapologist Facebook Page Heaven Not Harvard Facebook Page Mama Bear ApologeticsArticles: Navigating the American Political Landscape by Jennifer DeFratesVideos: The Silent Scream with Dr. Bernard Nathanson 1st Trimester Medical Abortion: Abortion Pills 1st Trimester Surgical Abortion: Suction (Aspiration) D & C 2nd Trimester Surgical Abortion: Dilation and Evacuation (D & E) 3rd Trimester Induction Abortion: Injection and StillbirthBooks: Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II by Darlene Deibler Rose The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture by Scott Klusendorf---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, we are joined by filmmaker Michael Ray Lewis. Michael is a former atheist who took a long and honest look at the evidence for Christianity, only to be convinced of its truth. Now, as a Christian, he is compelled to share his faith with others in a creative and winsome way, using his knowledge of apologetics. Michael describes for us his journey to faith and the role it has played in the creation of his upcoming film, Universe Designed, which features interviews with leading experts and apologists who answer the very same questions that Michael explored along the way.===============Resources:===============Michael Ray Lewis, Universe Designed Website: universedesigned.com YouTube: Universe Designed---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Dr. Doug Groothuis joins me again in this episode to talk about his book Fire in the Streets, where he offers a powerful critique of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how its influence led to riots and arson in cities across America. We explore how CRT uses flawed logic as it attempts to undermine and discredit the very foundations of our country, posing a serious threat to our nation’s core values. Doug breaks down the errors in this destructive ideology, explaining how it contrasts with a biblical worldview and why Christians should reject CRT. He then equips the Church with a better approach going forward.===============Resources:===============Dr. Douglas Groothuis: Website: www.douglasgroothuis.com Podcast: Truth TribeBooks: Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics by Douglas Groothuis Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas Groothuis A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, my guest Dr. Douglas Groothuis takes us on a deep dive into the world of Christian apologetics. Doug is a longtime professor of philosophy and apologetics and has written extensively about both. Together, we explore the compellingly rational case for Christianity, examining several key arguments for the existence of God, including the cosmological argument and even the philosophically complex ontological argument. We discuss the intellectually robust nature of these arguments and how they hold up to some of the common objections. Doug also helps us understand the definition and importance of apologetics and how it relates to the Christian worldview.===============Resources:===============Dr. Douglas Groothuis: Website: www.douglasgroothuis.com Podcast: Truth TribeBooks: Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas Groothuis Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics by Douglas Groothuis The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries that Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe by Stephen C. Meyer Is God Real?: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life by Lee Strobel---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
In this episode, we explore how Progressivism has emerged as the new "religion" in public schools, complete with its own set of doctrines and standard of morality. We delve into how Social Emotional Learning (SEL) serves as a Trojan horse for these religious, neo-Marxist ideas, disguising ideological goals under the banner of "safety and belonging." We also examine how classroom teachers are increasingly taking on roles similar to clergy, usurping parental authority and reshaping traditional values in our children. This is an important and insightful episode for all Christian parents, but especially for those with children who attend public schools.===============Resources:===============Books: The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail ShrierWebsites: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations. But how do you fulfill this Great Commission when your job or situation does not allow you talk openly about your faith? In this episode, we talk about the concept of "circumlocution" as it relates to evangelism, in other words, talking around God when you can't talk about Him. We even offer an example of what it might look like in practice.===============Resources:===============Books: The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas Groothuis---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Many unsuspecting Christians are being carried away by the cultural undercurrent, which is largely driven by Contemporary Critical Theory. In this episode, we dive into a crash course on the basics of this destructive ideology, its roots in Marxism, and how it has permeated almost every area of society today. We discuss what you need to know about it, the deceptive language to watch out for, and how Christians can and should stand for truth even when the culture hates them for it.===============Resources:===============Books: Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer How Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy PearceyWebsites & Podcasts: New Discourses Podcast: Cult Language of Woke NewDiscourses.com Center for Biblical Unity---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - are they really unalienable rights? If so, why? Can we just "declare" our rights, or do they actually have to be grounded in something? In this episode, we look at the idea of human rights, where they come from, and why it matters.===============Resources:===============Books: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God to Make Their Case by Frank Turek Dominion by Tom HollandWebsites & Articles: Breakpoint: Are Human Rights a Fantasy by John Stonestreet and Shane Morris Human Rights and the Image of God by Nancy Pearcey Tom Holland Says that Human Rights is just as much a matter of Faith and Christ's Resurrection by Paul VanderKlay---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
The Gospel is the good news of Christianity, but a quick glance at history reveals that not everything done in the name of Christianity has itself been good. In fact, some things that so-called Christians have done or been accused of doing are downright evil. How do we respond to these dark times in the history of the Church? How does the good that Christians have done in the world stand up against the atrocities? And what does it all mean for the truth of Christianity? In this episode, we don't shy away from the tough issues - we address them head on, but we also offer a meaningful response.===============Resources:===============Books: Does Christianity Still Make Sense?: A Former Skeptic Responds to Today's Toughest Objections to Christianity by Bobby Conway Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible by J. Warner Wallace Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis by Dr. Jeff MyersWebsites & Articles: GotQuestions.org What were the Christian crusades? What were the Inquisitions? Were the Salem Witch Trials Biblical? Does the Bible Condone Slavery? Was Hitler a Christian?Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
If God exists and is both good and powerful, then why is there evil in the world? In this episode, we discuss the age-old problem of evil. We look at how evil is not just a problem for Christians; it's a human problem that everyone must grapple with. Christianity, though, is the only worldview with a legitimate response to the issue. Is it possible that Christians can actually find comfort in the midst of evil? Could it be that evil is actually evidence FOR God's existence, rather than against it?===============Resources:===============Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges by Gregory KouklI Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank TurekConnect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Trauma. Abuse. Shame. How do you forgive the unforgivable? In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Mark Sowersby, author of Forgiving the Nightmare, as he shares his powerful testimony about overcoming the trauma of childhood abuse, encountering Jesus, and learning to walk in forgiveness. We discuss the transforming power of God to bring healing, joy, and restoration. Even in the darkest of circumstances, we can take comfort knowing that, paradoxically, the very existence of evil is actually evidence for God, and our Savior is no stranger to our pain.===============Resources:===============Find & Follow Mark Sowersby Here: Book: Forgiving the Nightmare Website: ForgivingTheNightmare.com YouTube: Forgiving the Nightmare Facebook: Forgiving the Nightmare Instagram: @forgiving_the_nightmare_---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
Dr. Bobby Conway joins the podcast to discuss his journey through an agonizing season of doubt, a "long dark night of the soul," which led him to write his newest book, Does Christianity Still Make Sense? A Former Skeptic Responds to Today's Toughest Objections to Christianity. In this episode, we tackle some challenging topics like scandals and hypocrisy in the church, claims that Christians are non-accepting, and questions about what eternity awaits those who never hear the name of Jesus. Finally, Bobby provides a way forward for the church in today's rapidly changing culture, and he offers a word of encouragement for those struggling with doubt and questions.===============Resources:===============Find & Follow Dr. Bobby Conway Here: Book: Does Christianity Still Make Sense Website: ChristianityStillMakesSense.com YouTube: Christianity Still Makes Sense w/ Dr. Bobby Conway Facebook: Bobby Conway Apologist Instagram: @drbobbyconway---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
What is Progressive Christianity? And how is it different from true biblical and historical Christianity? In this episode, David Wolcott joins the podcast to offer clarity on this confusing and deceptive movement. He identifies some red flags to watch out for and names some problematic figures to avoid.===============Resources:===============Find David Wolcott Here: Website: TheDavidWolcott.com Facebook: David Wolcott, Christian Apologist---Connect with Encountering Truth:Website: EncounteringTruth.orgFacebook: Encountering TRUTHYouTube: @EncounteringTruthRumble: Encountering TruthPlatforms: bit.ly/encounteringtruthpodcast
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