Thinking Matters Podcast

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dr. Mike Licona, a historian and apologist, discussing his journey of faith, the historical reliability of the New Testament, and the significance of the resurrection. They explore the challenges of doubt, the importance of methodical skepticism, and the role of compositional devices in the Gospels. Dr. Licona shares insights on scripture, inerrancy, and the impact of debates on belief, while also offering advice for young believers navigating their faith in a secular world.

In this conversation, Todd Funk and Henare Whaanga delve into the complexities of identity, biculturalism, and the intersection of Māori and Christian worldviews. They explore the challenges and tensions that arise from navigating these cultural identities, the misconceptions surrounding Māori Christianity, and the importance of listening and understanding in apologetics. The discussion emphasizes the need for unity in diversity within the church and the significance of cultural heritage in shaping faith. Henare shares personal experiences and insights on how to reconcile cultural practices with Christian beliefs, ultimately highlighting the redeemable aspects of every culture and the importance of love and understanding in fostering reconciliation.Chapters00:00 Exploring Identity and Worldview02:39 Biculturalism and Its Challenges05:14 The Intersection of Māori and Christian Worldviews07:38 Tensions Between Cultures10:13 Relearning History and Cultural Heritage12:48 Misconceptions About Māori and Christianity15:20 Cultural Practices in the Church17:53 Listening and Understanding in Apologetics20:30 Navigating Cultural Differences23:08 The Role of the Church in Multiculturalism25:43 Unity in Diversity28:23 Personal Reflections and Spiritual Practices30:35 Confronting Historical Narratives33:13 The Choice of Faith and Cultural Identity35:52 Final Thoughts on Biculturalism and Faith

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Dr. Luke Barnes, a senior physicist at Western Sydney University, to explore the intersection of faith and science. The conversation delves into Barnes’ background, his journey into physics and cosmology, and the implications of fine-tuning and the Big Bang theory. They discuss the challenges posed by Young Earth Creationism, the multiverse theory, and the philosophical implications of cosmology. The episode also touches on historical perspectives, particularly the case of Galileo, and concludes with thoughts on integrating science and faith in contemporary discussions.