The Christian Skeptic

Is it our job to warn others away from sin—or just to help them pick up the pieces after they fall? This week, we react to a provocative clip from Tullian Tchividjian and explore the tension between grace, truth, and our responsibility to each other in Christian community. In this episode: (00:00) – Intro (03:46) – When grace feels like a provocation (04:45) – Grace, public failures, and owning your crap (08:41) – What Christians get wrong about rock bottom (09:56) – The cliff, the crash, and the call to stay (12:26) – Do warnings even work? (13:56) – The role of the Holy Spirit in a person’s turning point (15:56) – When you’re the one falling apart (18:26) – What Scripture really says about calling out sin (20:26) – Who has earned the right to speak into your life? (21:56) – Warnings without love fall flat (25:56) – What actually counts as sin? (27:56) – Your convictions aren’t universal (32:56) – Picking up the pieces, not enabling the crash (34:56) – We don’t just fail once Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

Does suffering prove God’s love? Does ease mean he’s abandoned you? In this reaction episode, we respond to a video from Paul Washer on hardship, holiness, and God’s love—and challenge some common theological misconceptions. We break down Washer’s claims, discuss the dangers of works-based faith, and explore why grace—not suffering or circumstances—defines our standing with God. In this episode: (00:00) – Intro (02:26) – Paul Washer: Does God’s love mean hardship? (04:10) – Truth or oversimplification? A flawed theology of suffering (08:39) – The hidden Catholicism in reformed theology (09:45) – Prosperity Gospel in reverse? When suffering becomes a badge of honor (12:11) – What does God's correction look like? (18:12) – Can you judge your faith by your circumstances? (23:41) – Holiness and sanctification (27:14) – Why some preachers use fear to keep you in line Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we dive into one of Jesus’ most unsettling statements from Matthew 7:21-23—”I never knew you. Depart from me.” Often misinterpreted as a call for believers to work more and try harder, we unpack how this passage actually dismantles a works-based approach to salvation, revealing that knowing Jesus—not religious performance—is what truly matters. We explore cultural and personal struggles with grace, how legalism warps our understanding of faith, and why even good works can become a form of self-salvation. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:33) – Why Matthew 7:21-23 is one of the most unsettling passages in the Bible (04:39) - Personal reflections on salvation (08:28) – Common misunderstanding about faith and works (13:28) – What Jesus really meant by “depart from me, I never knew you” (18:18) – How legalism distorts our faith and fuels doubt (19:18) – The surprising way Jesus’ words dismantle a performance-based gospel (23:28) – How good works become self-salvation (27:58) – How growing up in religious environments can lead to fear and insecurity (29:08) – The radical, often-overlooked simplicity of grace (33:28) – What it actually means to “do the will of the Father” (35:28) – Why our human nature resists the idea that salvation is 100% free (39:30) -  The radical nature of grace Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we kick off a new series on commonly misinterpreted passages of Scripture, starting with Romans 8:28. We unpack what it really means when Scripture says “all things work together for good,” challenging misconceptions about God’s sovereignty, suffering, and Christian growth. Topics we discuss: How we misunderstand God’s definition of “good” What Paul means by “all things” Why Romans 8:28 isn’t a promise that life will be easy The difference between God’s sovereignty and hard determinism How this verse gets used (and misused) in Christian culture Why “God’s plan” isn’t always what we expect—and why that’s a good thing How this verse challenges our assumptions about suffering, success, and faith Chapters (00:00) - Intro (03:49) - Wildly erroneous, but commonly accepted  (07:00) - Do all things work together for good? (08:49) - Determinism and God's sovereignty (16:19) - The golden chain of redemption (20:33) - Redefining 'good' in biblical terms (25:23) - The assurance of becoming more like Jesus (26:33) - What does it mean to become more like Jesus? (32:04) - The true nature of Jesus' teachings (40:56) - The ultimate goal of life (45:17) - How do we know if we have it right? Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, Adam shares his story—years of fear and chasing the impossible standard of "perfection", until the weight of legalism and religious control led him to question everything. We discuss the pressure to be "good" in church culture, deconstruction, and what happens when we stop trying to earn God's love and discover the truth of grace and the gospel.   Topics we discuss: Embracing authenticity over perfection How questioning can lead to growth The emotional side of faith The impact of spiritual disciplines Chapters (00:00) - Intro (03:34) - Pragmatic INTJ vs. Theoretical INTP (05:50) - The power of stories (07:58) - Trying to be good enough (10:15) - Struggles with legalism and ministry (16:18) - Courtship and along came a girl (20:35) - Transition to Bible College (22:43) - Struggles with faith and ministry (24:11) - Intellectual curiosity and doubting motivations (26:02) - Disillusionment (28:29) - Major life changes (35:41) - Turning point - rediscovering grace (41:46) - The power of spiritual disciplines (45:42) - God's relentless grace Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic. Season 02 of The Christian Skeptic is here! In this raw and candid episode, Aaron shares his personal journey through faith, ministry, and discovering authentic grace. Navigating personal tragedy, the complexities of church leadership, and theological transformation, Aaron's story challenges conventional Christian culture while offering hope for those who feel they don't fit the traditional mold. Topics we discuss: Growing up in strict religious movements The pressures of pastoral ministry Dealing with personal crisis and church trauma Finding authentic faith beyond religiosity Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:37) - Growing up in a cult (09:18) - Introduction to the Puritans and Reformed Theology (11:26) - Bible college and psychology (20:12) - Life as a traveling youth speaker (23:48) - Does God "call" people to ministry? (31:26) - Disillusionment with the church (34:41) - Taking a break from ministry (39:45) - Journey back to faith (42:43) - How suffering led to a grace revolution (49:57) - Embracing grace and freedom

In this special Christmas episode, we talk about our favorite Christmas traditions, imaginative storytelling, and the deeper meaning behind the season. From nostalgic books and movies to the magic of childhood wonder, we reflect on why Christmas is more than just a holiday.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:09) - The hot toddy illustration (04:24) - Christmas traditions (15:26) - Favorite Christmas books and movies (24:19) - Christmas traditions and activities (25:34) - The magic of Christmas (35:41) - The reality of imagination (43:41) - Season 01 wrap-up Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we wrap up season one of The Christian Skeptic and reflect on the topics of grace, faith, and why the Bible plays such a critical role in our lives. The root of Christian Skepticism is about the willingness to continually challenge and re-examine our own bias and convictions in light of Scripture. Our goal in season one was to lay the foundation for how we do that. As we wrap up, we invite you to keep questioning and join us in the new year for more discussions around how we live out these concepts in everyday life. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:18) - Reflecting on the past year and season one of the show (04:12) - Challenges to Christian Skepticism (07:04) - Faith and rationality (14:41) - Faith and personality (24:16) - Deconstructing bias in Christianity (33:26) - Next season Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

In part four of our series on biblical authority we dive into the last five of 10 crucial principles for interpreting Scripture. We also discuss some common pitfalls, like interpreting the Bible through the lens of our experience, the problems with "what would Jesus do", and more.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (05:21) - What Would Jesus Do? (13:32) - Interpret the Bible through the lens of gospel and grace  (20:59) - Biblical examples are only authoritative when supported by a command (30:10) - Investigate the meanings of keywords in their original languages (38:11) - Do not interpret Scripture in light of personal experience, but interpret experience in light of Scripture (39:39) - We are living under the New Covenant (42:04) - What is the relevance of the Old Testament for believers today? (44:49) - Resources and recommendations Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we continue our series on biblical authority and discuss principles for interpreting the Bible accurately.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:53) - Introduction to biblical interpretation (02:50) - Challenges in understanding the Bible (10:11) - Let Scripture interpret Scripture (24:02) - Meaning is derived from context (32:07) - Interpret Scripture normatively (36:33) - Don't look for unique or secret meaning (38:52) - Descriptive vs. prescriptive Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

How can we know if the Bible is true?  In part 02 of our series on Biblical authority and interpretation, we dive into why we believe the Bible is true and authoritative. We discuss the historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence, and how that has shaped our thinking. Despite being written over centuries by more than 40 authors in multiple languages, the Bible presents remarkable consistency that holds up under scrutiny. Ultimately, the overwhelming evidence—from eyewitness accounts to historical records—gives us confidence that the Bible isn’t just a fairytale, but a reliable, divinely-inspired text. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:01) - The Bible as the ultimate authority (09:09) - Scientific accuracy in scripture (18:08) - Archaeological evidence supporting the Bible (20:53) - Supernatural events and skepticism (25:26) - Skepticism and evidence in biblical history (27:47) - Textual evidence and historical documents (31:18) - The reliability of New Testament manuscripts (34:52) - Prophecies and their fulfillment (38:04) - Eyewitness accounts and transformational impact Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we kick off a three-part series about the Bible and our claim that it is not only our ultimate authority, but the foundation of all truth.  In part 01, we ask, what is the connection between skepticism and belief? How can we know what is true and what is false? We explore how Christianity, once intellectually respected and revered, has become a watered-down shadow of itself, leading to confusion and a loss of truth. We also discuss the contradictions of moral relativism and the dangers of building belief systems on unstable foundations.   In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:24) - Examining modern Christianity (05:25) - Should you be skeptical of tradition? (09:05) - Is the Bible descriptive or prescriptive? (12:20) - Skepticism and the Bible's authority (16:22) - Biblical influence on morality and culture (21:31) - How the Bible underpins reason and logic (24:32) - The basis of morality (31:19) - All existence is built on belief Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we talk about whether or not Christians should evaluate each other’s actions, what Jesus means when he says “you will know them by their fruit”, and the difference between clear, biblically-defined sin, and subjective behaviors.  We also discuss the recent controversy around Steve Lawson, how Christians should respond to the failures of public figures, and what it means for a pastor to be “disqualified” from ministry.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:29) - Steve Lawson controversy (04:00) - Should Christians judge other Christians? (09:04) - You will know them by their fruit? (16:42) - How should we react when a Christian leader falls? (20:50) - The problem with "Lordship Salvation" (26:20) - Hypocrisy vs Inconsistency (29:53) - The unbearable weight of gracelessness (33:15) - Repentance and internal vs external sin Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

Is it a cop-out to say ‘God’s in control’? Is everything that happens really God’s will? This week, we talk about the tension between God’s sovereignty and human accountability. We dive into the concepts of determinism, free will, and God’s role in sweeping up the messes we create. We also reflect on the difference between God allowing suffering versus actively causing it, and how that shapes our understanding of his care in both cosmic and personal contexts. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:24) - Biblical perspectives on suffering and sovereignty (07:59) - Are certain things outside of God's will? (10:19) - The war of the wills (19:59) - How does God work all things for good? (26:59) - What God actually cares about (31:48) - Grace for self-inflicted wounds (40:16) - The Horse and His Boy Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

Is God actually happy with us? What is the connection between faith, works, and grace in the Christian life? Is there such a thing as a “good Christian”? This week, we explore these questions and discuss what it means to please God. We wrestle with the complexity of identity in Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, the concept of future grace, and how our actions—whether good or bad—reveal deeper realities about our faith.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:27) - A practical theology (05:35) - Do our actions matter? (08:19) - Behavior reflects belief (13:29) - It's complicated (19:02) - What does the bible mean when it talks about behavior? (25:42) - Adoption, identity, and future grace (29:37) - Are we all good Christians? (32:48) - Saving faith vs sanctifying faith (36:00) - Obedience and motivation (44:30) - Book picks Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we talk about eschatology—the study of the end times. Church history is replete with people predicting the end of the world and Jesus’ second coming. And yet, we’re still here. We examine the common thread that ties all these predictions together, and do a deep dive into the various views of the second coming, and the four main frameworks used to understand and interpret apocalyptic literature in scripture. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:48) - Weather skeptics? (03:06) - Are we living in the last days? (05:24) - Chrisitan Skepticism is a third way between extremes (09:31) - Eschatology 101 (18:04) - The Futurist View (20:03) - The Historicist View (20:31) - The Idealist View (21:06) - The Preterist View (24:13) - The Day of the Lord (38:10) - The Rapture (41:22) - Why does any of this matter? (47:40) - Recommended reading Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we dive deep into Antinomianism, what it is, and how it has impacted our lives. We also discuss the danger of unexamined beliefs, misunderstandings around justification and sanctification, the role of the law in Christianity, and the interplay between sin, grace, and identity. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:38) - Owning your crap (01:53) - Caring what people think (03:19) - The role of the law in Christianity (05:27) - Enneagram 5s vs tradition (10:58) - What is Antinomianism? (18:32) - Justification vs Sanctification (22:58) - The fear of grace (26:54) - What’s the worst sin you can commit? (29:06) - Should we judge others? (30:48) - What is your identity? (37:58) - What we’re reading Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we dive into the concept of Christian Skepticism, exploring its meaning, significance, and how it ultimately leads to joy. Christian Skepticism is a worldview that questions all doctrines, confessions, lifestyles, and practices—regardless of popularity or cultural/religious acceptance—in an effort to separate absolute truth from mere opinion, bias, or propaganda, using the Bible as the highest authority is determining these absolutes. We believe that God is not honored through falsehood, ungrounded religious dogmatism, or preferential conclusion masquerading as cosmic certainty, but is instead honored when truth is discovered, taught, and lived out. This approach distinguishes absolute truth from opinion, bias, and propaganda.  Christian Skepticism is not about doubting, but about rigorously seeking truth, ensuring foundational beliefs remain intact while allowing for differences in secondary and tertiary issues. We also touch on the historical context and importance of biblical literacy in living out this worldview, the balance between protecting the integrity of the faith and liberating believers from dogmatic constraints. In this episode: (00:00) - Welcome to the Christian Skeptic (04:33) - Defining Christian skepticism (04:52) - Christian Skepticism vs. Christian Hedonism (09:17) - Foundational elements of faith (13:42) - Protecting and liberating the church (17:46) - Jesus and deconstructing convention (19:47) - Primary vs. secondary concerns (23:40) - Skepticism vs. cynicism (27:06) - The importance of biblical literacy (33:05) - The radical nature of grace (37:54) - Influences on modern Christianity Key topics discussed Why Christian Skepticism leads to ultimate joy How Christian Skepticism protects and liberates the church Why critical thinking and self-awareness are essential in evaluating the influence of cultural norms and personal bias Why the radical nature of grace leads to true transformation Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

This week, we talk about deconstruction vs deconversion, and why much of historic Christianity has been lost amid centuries of cultural and theological opinion and bias. We also discuss how suffering has shaped our faith, and tackle questions about God’s goodness, our lack of ability to be “good Christians”, and the role of intellect and emotion in our faith.  In this episode: (00:00) - Welcome to The Christian Skeptic (02:58) - Why we have not deconverted (14:46) - What's different about the pain and suffering then vs the pain and suffering now? (22:58) - Disillusionment with God vs hurt from people (25:14) - Is God good? (26:44) - Can we follow God's example? (30:28) - How much free will do we actually have? (33:24) - Being OK with things not making sense Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic.

In this inaugural episode of The Christian Skeptic, we talk about how much our lives have changed in recent years and why we're doing this podcast now. We discuss how suffering has impacted our faith, being raised in a strict religious environment, and our struggles with modern Christianity. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:12) - A decade in the making (05:00) - The cult next door (06:29) - Grey Town (13:15) - Radical grace (23:00) - Theological shifts (26:56) - Does God make sense? Links  Charles Spurgeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spurgeon  Happy Shiney People: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiny_Happy_People:_Duggar_Family_Secrets  C. S. Lewis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis  The Great Divorce: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652950  Tim Keller: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Keller_(pastor)  Narnia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chronicles_of_Narnia  Francis Schaeffer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Schaeffer  How Should We Then Live?: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Then-Live-LAbri-Anniversary/dp/1581345364  John Bunyan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunyan  John Wesley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley  John Piper: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Piper_(theologian)  R. C. Sproul: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._C._Sproul  Doug Wilson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Wilson_(theologian)  Acts 29: https://www.acts29.com  The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org  Sadie Robertson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadie_Robertson  Stephen Furtick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Furtick  Steve Brown: https://www.keylife.org/about/steve-brown  Tullian Tchividjian: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tullian_Tchividjian  Martin Luther: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther  The Bondage of the Will: https://www.amazon.com/Bondage-Will-Martin-Luther/dp/0801048931  Connect with Adam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avclark Connect with Aaron Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromgreytown  Subscribe and stay in touch Website: https://thechristiansekptic.org  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-skeptic/id1761285349  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HlSAPHewfbLESl61D3XH9  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic