Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

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

Greg talks about atheist Alex O’Connor’s use of suffering as an argument against God, then he answers a caller’s question about how God could create people with autism—something that adds such difficulties to a person’s life and makes it harder for people to connect with God.   Topics: Commentary: Why an emotivist can’t use suffering to argue against the existence of God (00:00) How could God create people with autism? (31:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg on The Diary of a CEO Get a free copy of a chapter from The Story of Reality How God Destroyed My Atheism – David Wood’s testimony

Greg talks about his experience on The Diary of a CEO podcast talking about meaning and purpose with Alex O’Connor and Alok Kanojia, then he answers questions about whether the term “innocent” can be applied to a fetal human being and whether Cain went to Heaven.   Topics: Commentary: Greg’s experience on The Diary of a CEO podcast (00:00) How would you respond to a pro-choice meme that says the term “innocent” applies only to a being that can do wrong but chooses not to, and since fetuses can’t do anything, the concept of innocence can’t be applied to them? (44:00) Did Cain go to Heaven? (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

Greg gives advice to students starting college and responds to a question about being aware of what’s being taught that might go against Christianity, then he gives advice to callers on making a case for the Christian God at a local university and apologetics topics to cover in a youth group.   Topics: Commentary: Advice for students starting college (00:00) Do you have any advice on how to approach my opportunity to speak on the topic “Why My God Is Right” at a local university? (21:00) Do you have advice on apologetics topics to talk about in a youth group? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Trouble with the Elephant by Greg Koukl Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh and Sean McDowell The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl Related Links: Five Apologetics Questions You Need to Think Through by Amy Hall

Greg reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and a question he received about why God would let something like this happen, then he talks to a caller about what it means to be a biblically faithful Christian in politics right now.   Topics: Commentary: The assassination of Charlie Kirk (00:00) What does it mean to be a biblically faithful Christian in politics right now? (28:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Truth Rising – Watch for free online Related Links: Wilberforce by John Pollock William Wilberforce: His Unpublished Spiritual Journals by Michael McMullen Grace Victorious: The Story of William Wilberforce – Focus on the Family Radio Theater Getting “Political”—Vice or Christian Virtue? by Greg Koukl

Greg talks to John Stonestreet about the Truth Rising documentary, the civilizational moment we’re in, what we’re called to do in light of this, and stories of some who are currently standing for Christ and the truth, then he answers a question about how to communicate the gospel.   Topics: Interview: John Stonestreet on the Truth Rising documentary, the state of the West, and how we can be a voice for truth and courage (00:00) Do you have a systematic approach to helping people understand the gospel of Christ? (39:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 John Stonestreet – President of the Colson Center Truth Rising – Watch for free online A Practical View of Christianity by William Wilberforce The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again by Justin Brierley Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher Hell’s Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort

Greg answers questions about whether it’s okay to quote a single verse, why Jesus didn’t heal everyone, recommended study Bibles and commentaries, persevering with someone who isn’t responding well, and whether couples should agree on secondary and tertiary issues.   Topics: Commentary: It’s okay to quote a single verse...if you understand the context. (00:00) How many lepers and blind people did Jesus not heal, and why? (16:00) Which study Bible and commentary would you most recommend? (25:00) Should I keep trying to talk to someone who isn’t responding well? (38:00) Should a couple agree on every secondary and tertiary theological issue? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Never Read a Bible Verse by Greg Koukl #STRask podcast with Greg and Amy Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson Dogmatic Theology by William G.T. Shedd, edited by Alan Gomes Institutes of Elenctic Theology by Francis Turretin Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem Why the Blood? by Greg Koukl

Greg adds another thought to the objection he addressed in the last episode, then he answers questions about possible proof Proverbs 21:30 is objectively true, drawing lots to get a message from God, grace for sanctification, and blaming God for bad things that happen.   Topics: Commentary: Man’s free will doesn’t determine the course of the universe. (00:00) Does the fact that reason, logic, and deduction seem to be irreducibly complex prove that Proverbs 21:30 is objectively true and not just religious jargon? (06:00) How should we take the Acts 1:23–26 passage, where they drew lots to get a message from God about who should replace Judas, and when is it our place to challenge leaders who are teaching something that isn’t biblical? (14:00) Does the Bible teach that grace is required for sanctification? (29:00) Why does God get the credit for all good things but doesn’t get the blame for bad things (like natural disasters or disease)? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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’s response to the challenge that it’s arbitrary for God to limit our opportunity to repent and believe to this lifetime Greg’s illustration in last week’s episode about a man stealing the planks from his neighbor’s porch one by one The Enemy Within: Straight Talk about the Power and Defeat of Sin by Kris Lundgaard Related Links: How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall

Greg responds to the challenge that it’s arbitrary for God to limit our opportunity to repent and believe to this lifetime, then he talks to callers about a contradiction in Genesis, the lack of spiritual growth in babies who are never born, and whether God or parents create souls.   Topics: Commentary: Why does God limit our opportunity to repent and believe to this lifetime? (00:00) How would you respond to an atheist who claims Genesis 1:11–12 and 1:26–27 conflict with Genesis 2:4–9? (28:00) If our spiritual growth happens here, what does that mean for babies who die in the womb? (47:00) Does God create souls and set them in bodies, or do parents create the souls of their children? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Related Links: Why Did God Create People if He Knew So Many Would Go to Hell? by Amy Hall

Greg responds to objections to his view that God’s voice can’t be missed, then he answers questions about thanking God for his goodness when something bad doesn’t happen, defending penal substitutionary atonement, Iran and the Ezekiel 38 prophecy, and the nature of identity.   Topics: Commentary: Challenges to Greg’s view that God’s voice can’t be missed (00:00) Am I wrong to object when people say God is good when something bad almost happens but doesn’t? (19:00) How should I respond to my deconstructing friend’s objections to penal substitutionary atonement? (32:00) What are your thoughts on the theory that the Iran bombing in June was the start of the prophecy in Ezekiel 38? (45:00) If a man switches the boards in his porch with the boards in his neighbor’s porch one at a time until he has all of his neighbor’s boards, has he stolen his neighbor’s porch? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl Why the Blood? by Greg Koukl Precious Unborn Human Persons by Greg Koukl Related Links: Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl Isn’t God Faithful Even if He Doesn’t Give Me What I Prayed For? – Greg and Amy respond The Danger of Building Your Theology on Anything Other Than the Bible by Amy Hall (on why deconstructionists who reject penal substitutionary atonement end up in legalism) The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers

Greg explains that a relationship with God doesn’t look the same as one with a human being, then he talks to callers about an apologetics approach, why Jesus seems to downplay being called the Son of God, and why God doesn’t always answer prayers for someone’s salvation.   Topics: Commentary: We have a relationship with God on his terms, not on ours. (00:00) Am I committing any logical fallacies in the approach I’m using with skeptics? (25:00) Why does Jesus seem to downplay being called the Son of God in John 10:33–36? (38:00) In light of Ezekiel 18:32, 2 Peter 3:9, and Luke 18:1, why doesn’t God answer our consistent prayers for someone’s salvation? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Related Links: #STRask: What Does a Personal Relationship with God Look Like on a Practical Level? – Greg and Amy respond Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl

Greg talks to callers about a challenge to what he said about the transcendental argument last week, how someone can find his way to believing in God or anything supernatural, and a suggestion about how the life of Christ in us might relate to how God speaks to us.   Topics: Contrary to what you said last week, doesn’t the existence of a microphone require the existence of God? (04:00) How would I find my way to believing in God or anything supernatural? (28:00) What do you think about my understanding of how the life of Christ in us relates to how God speaks to us? (48:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Red Pen Logic – YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Thoughts on the Transcendental Argument – Last week’s episode Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers   Related Links: The Universe Had a Beginning: Why That Shook Einstein by Stephen Meyer A Scientist’s Answers May Reflect His Worldview More than Science by Amy Hall A Simple Explanation of the Cosmological Argument – Reasonable Faith video Links to more short Reasonable Faith videos explaining some basic arguments for the existence of God

Greg chats with Alan Shlemon about transgenderism and intersex conditions, then they talk about why the popular idea that Jesus’ identity was embellished over time and evolved in the Gospels is incorrect.   Topics: Greg talks to Alan Shlemon about transgenderism and intersex conditions. (00:00) Alan Shlemon explains why the popular idea that the Gospel writers embellished Jesus’ identity over time is incorrect. (42:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Red Pen Logic – YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook STR Outposts What Is a Man? What Is a Woman? by Alan Shlemon Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier What Is a Woman? – Documentary Did the Disciples Embellish Jesus’ Identity over Time? by Alan Shlemon   Related Links: The Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited by Shane Rosenthal

Greg answers questions from callers on the transcendental argument, the scapegoat theory of the atonement that’s popular in progressive circles, and an objection an atheist would make to Greg’s “blind beach-writer” argument for intelligent design.   Topics: What’s your opinion on the transcendental argument? (03:00) What response can I give to the scapegoat theory of the atonement that’s popular in progressive circles, which is against penal substitution and is more political in how it frames the implications of the atonement? (30:00) What objection would an atheist make to the comparison between Dawkins’s blind watchmaker and Koukl’s blind beach-writer, and how would you respond? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Why the Blood? by Greg Koukl Related Links: Philosophical Naturalism Limits Science by Amy Hall But What If God Did Do It? by Amy Hall

Greg responds to objections to his view on hearing the voice of God, then he talks to a caller about Columbo #3 questions he can use in conversations with a family member about whether or not it’s wrong to be angry at politicians.   Topics: Commentary: Objections to Greg’s view on hearing the voice of God (00:00) Can you help me with Columbo #3 questions to use in conversations with a family member about whether or not it’s wrong to be angry at politicians? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 Related Links: How Should We Handle Outrage? by Amy Hall

Greg answers questions from callers about what makes being gay or lesbian harmful, whether apologists are unwilling to give straight answers to certain questions for tactical reasons, and miracles Greg has witnessed.   Topics: What makes being gay or lesbian harmful? (04:00) Is there a tactical reason why so many apologists seem unwilling to give straight answers to certain questions? (15:00) What are some of the coolest miracles you’ve witnessed? (35:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; 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 #STRask podcast with Greg and Amy Iron Curtain Diary by Greg Koukl The Screwtape Letters – Read by John Cleese (a few chapters are missing from the playlist)

Tim Barnett joins Greg to talk about the need to learn how to be good thinkers, the danger of ending up in an echo chamber, how AI and social media are making us dumber, and more.   Topics: Commentary: How AI and social media are making us dumber. (00:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 – Become a strategic partner Red Pen Logic – YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task – Study Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher Related Links: Sometimes AI Just Makes Stuff Up by Amy Hall

Greg answers questions about whether it’s normal for a believer to struggle with doubt, resolving alleged contradictions in the Gospels, why Greg thinks Paul isn’t the author of Hebrews, people’s old ages in Genesis, and reasons to think all sentient beings have a soul.   Topics: Is it normal for a believer to struggle with doubt? (01:00) How do you resolve the alleged contradictions in the Gospels about how many Marys and angels were at the tomb? (11:00) What are your reasons for thinking Paul didn’t write Hebrews? (31:00) It’s a logical fallacy to say God created time without time already existing. (36:00) Should we take the ages of people in Genesis symbolically or literally? (39:00) What is the biblical evidence for the idea that all sentient beings have a soul? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Thomas Factor: Using Your Doubts to Draw Closer to God by Gary Habermas (also available for free online) Greg Koukl and Michael Shermer at the End of the Decade of the New Atheists – Transcript Easter Enigma: Are the Resurrection Accounts in Conflict? by John Wenham God’s Unbreakable Word by Jon Noyes and Greg Koukl STR U Online Training The Soul: How We Know It’s Real and Why It Matters by J.P. Moreland Related Links: God, Time, & Eternity by William Lane Craig