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What happens when we put adult desires ahead of children's rights? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I speak with Katie Faust, founder of Them Before Us and author of several books on children, family, and pro-child politics. We discuss why children have a fundamental interest in being raised by their mother and father, how the debate over same-sex marriage affects children, and why Christians need to put the interests of children at the center of their cultural and political arguments. We also discuss surrogacy, the consequences of separating children from their biological parents, the legal and political strategy behind the movement to restore the natural family, and the opportunities Christians have to change the culture. How can Christians make a more persuasive case for traditional marriage and family? Katie argues that we must identify the true victims of cultural changes, tell the stories of affected children, and explain why children's interests should come before adult preferences. Learn more and get involved: https://thembeforeus.com/ Subscribe to Conversations That Matter for more conversations about Christianity, culture, politics, and the future of the family. 00:00 Introduction: Katie Faust and the Rights of Children 03:00 Why Child Protection Is Changing the Culture 06:00 Raising Conservative Children in a Progressive Culture 10:00 Why Children Need Their Biological Parents 15:00 Identifying the Victims in the Culture War 18:00 The Case for Overturning Obergefell 23:00 Surrogacy, Adult Desires, and the Cost to Children 27:00 The Legal Strategy for Restoring the Natural Family 32:00 Building a Pro-Child Political Movement 38:00 The Church's Role in Defending Children Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why are more Christian families choosing to homeschool their children? And what should parents know before making the decision? On this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Brad Stafford, father of eight and founder of Anyone Can Homeschool, about the growing interest in homeschooling, the shortcomings of conventional education, and the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children's education. Brad explains how the COVID era prompted many families to reconsider their educational choices and why first-time homeschoolers often struggle to navigate the overwhelming number of curricula, programs, and opinions available online. He also discusses the benefits of homeschooling for family relationships, the concerns surrounding college, and the importance of cultivating independent thinking rather than simply reproducing the structure of public school at home. The conversation also examines the role of the local church in supporting homeschooling families without losing sight of its primary responsibilities, the dangers of homeschooling influencers and unrealistic social media portrayals, and how experienced homeschoolers can help younger families develop confidence and practical wisdom. Brad shares how Anyone Can Homeschool seeks to provide parents with practical guidance, mentoring, and a clearer starting point for educating their children. Topics covered: - Why homeschooling grew after COVID - Christian parents and the responsibility to educate their children - How to choose homeschooling curricula without becoming overwhelmed - The role of churches and pastors in supporting homeschool families - Homeschooling, family relationships, and generational continuity - College, career preparation, and alternative educational paths - How to avoid replicating public school at home - The problems with homeschooling influencers and social media comparison - Practical guidance for families beginning their homeschooling journey Learn more about Brad Stafford's work: Anyone Can Homeschool: https://anyonecanhomeschool.com/ Learn more about Jon Harris's work: Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Introduction: Why Homeschooling Is Growing 01:12 Why COVID Changed Parents' Minds About School 06:22 Choosing Curricula Without Getting Overwhelmed 09:38 Should Churches Support Homeschooling? 15:42 The Benefits of Homeschooling for Families 20:16 College, Careers, and Alternative Paths 30:04 How Anyone Can Homeschool Helps Parents 34:05 Avoiding the Mistakes of Public School at Home 36:17 Homeschool Influencers and the Social Media Trap Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris covers the latest developments in Christian institutions, conservative politics, and the broader cultural landscape. Christianity Today faces questions about its leadership and direction. Point Loma Nazarene University draws criticism for inviting a controversial poet, while Vanderbilt Divinity School promotes solidarity circles and a solidarity economy. We also examine the controversy surrounding Samuel Sey's arrest by ICE, the online reaction, and why Christians should resist the temptation to rejoice over another family's hardship. Other topics include allegations about James Lindsay's personal conduct, internal conflict within the Old Glory Club over America and Israel, and the broader rightward political shift across South America. Brazil's election raises questions about the future of conservative politics and the country's evangelical community. Finally, we cover the Pentagon's designation of Confucius Institutes as a national security concern and a Christian rapper's decision to cancel a concert over pornographic imagery at the venue. In this episode: - Christianity Today and the state of evangelical journalism - Point Loma Nazarene University and a controversial poetry invitation - Vanderbilt Divinity School's solidarity circles - Samuel Sey, ICE, immigration law, and Christian charity - James Lindsay and questions of personal character - The Old Glory Club's internal conflict - South America's rightward political shift and Brazil's election - Confucius Institutes and national security - Christian rapper Hulvey cancels a concert over pornographic imagery - New content from Truthscript Subscribe to Conversations That Matter for thoughtful Christian commentary on politics, culture, and the church. #Christianity #Politics #ChristianCommentary #NewsRoundup Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 00:48 Point Loma Nazarene University's Controversial Poet 03:43 Vanderbilt Divinity School's Solidarity Circles 08:00 Christianity Today in Turmoil 18:24 Samuel Sey Arrested by ICE: The Controversy 33:57 James Lindsay's Personal Conduct 35:04 The Old Glory Club's Internal Conflict 37:15 South America's Rightward Shift and Brazil's Election 41:22 Confucius Institutes, Hulvey, and Truthscript Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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What did the NatCon conference in Jerusalem reveal about the future of nationalism, liberalism, and the relationship between Israel and the West? In this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Dr. Avital Levi, director of educational programs at the Herzl Institute in Jerusalem, about her presentation at the National Conservatism Conference and the controversies surrounding the event. Dr. Levi explains why liberal individualism struggles to sustain social cohesion, why nations need shared histories and traditions, and how the biblical account of nationhood offers an alternative to both radical individualism and political universalism. The conversation explores the relationship between family, nation, religion, and political order, as well as the influence of liberal ideas on Israeli society. Jon and Dr. Levi also discuss the debate surrounding Israel's relationship with the United States, the controversy over public figures such as Tucker Carlson, accusations of antisemitism, and the importance of evaluating international alliances in light of both moral principles and national interests. Finally, they consider the future of Christian influence in the West and why the recovery of a shared Christian inheritance matters for the political and cultural health of Western nations. **Topics include:** - The NatCon conference in Jerusalem - Liberalism and the social contract - National identity, family, and shared traditions - Biblical nationhood and the Tower of Babel - Israel, nationalism, and immigration - Tucker Carlson and the debate over antisemitism - The U.S.-Israel relationship and national interests - Christianity and the future of Western civilization Subscribe to *Conversations That Matter* for thoughtful discussions about Christianity, politics, theology, and Western civilization. 00:00 Introduction: Avital Levi and the NatCon Conference 04:30 Liberalism and the Problem of Individualism 09:00 Loyalty, Tragedy, and National Solidarity 14:00 Family, Marriage, and the Foundations of Society 19:00 Abraham, Babel, and Biblical Nationhood 28:00 Nationalism, Religion, and Self-Governing Nations 37:00 Christianity's Influence on Western Culture 44:00 Political Involvement and the NatCon Movement 49:00 Tucker Carlson, Antisemitism, and the NatCon Controversy 54:00 The U.S.-Israel Relationship: Interests and Alliances 64:00 Christian Ethics and Difficult Foreign Policy Questions 78:00 Restoring Christianity and Supporting Israel Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when Christians bring their understanding of human nature, theology, and the good life into the worlds of business, technology, and politics? In this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, I sit down with Nate Fischer, co-founder of New Founding and a founding backer of American Reformer, to discuss how Christians can move beyond building niche alternatives and start shaping the future of America. Nate explains how independent thinking helped shape his career as an investor, why Christian theology has practical implications for business decisions, and how New Founding identifies opportunities at the intersection of cultural change, politics, and entrepreneurship. We also discuss the limits of conventional Christian approaches to business, the future of artificial intelligence, the decline of social trust, building communities rooted in the American way of life, and why people increasingly need to evaluate public figures by whether they have genuine skin in the game. Finally, we consider how Christians should approach controversial ideas, institutional stewardship, and the responsibility to build rather than simply criticize. Topics include: - Why independent thinking matters in business and politics - New Founding and its vision for America - Christian anthropology and artificial intelligence - Why Christian businesses need more than a Christian label - The decline of social trust and the search for community - Skin in the game, credibility, and the future of public discourse - How Christians can build institutions that shape the future Learn more: New Founding: https://newfounding.com   American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org Follow Nate Fischer on X: @NateAFisher To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Introduction to Nate Fischer 01:20 Independent Thinking and the Path to Investing 05:00 From Business to Politics 08:00 Why Christian Theology Matters for Business 16:00 New Founding and American Reformer 23:06 Venture Capital, Startups, and Building Communities 42:10 Skin in the Game in the Age of AI and Social Media 44:00 Performative Outrage and Genuine Risk 1:03:09 Israel, Political Labels, and Productive Debate 1:15:08 Stewarding Imperfect Institutions and the Christian View of AI Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Democratic candidates with pastoral backgrounds are running competitive campaigns in traditionally Republican states, using Christian language to promote progressive political positions. What does this development mean for American Christians, and how should we understand the rise of the religious left? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines four candidates running for federal office in Texas, Kansas, and Iowa: James Talarico, Adam Hamilton, Sarah Trone Garriott, and Lindsay James. Although these candidates often present themselves as moderate, bipartisan, and guided by Christian values, their positions on abortion, transgender issues, climate change, and social justice raise important questions about the relationship between progressive politics and historic Christian teaching. Jon explores their public statements, theological backgrounds, and political strategies, including their criticism of Christian nationalism and their appeals to the gospel, compassion, and the common good. The broader concern is not simply electoral politics. It is the way political movements can use familiar Christian language to persuade believers that particular policies follow from the gospel. Christians need biblical discernment to distinguish genuine Christian teaching from political programs presented in religious terms. The episode concludes by considering what Republicans can learn from these candidates' communication strategies and why character, moral credibility, and a clear defense of Christian principles matter in public life. In this episode: - The rise of Democratic candidates with pastoral backgrounds - James Talarico's campaign and his criticism of Christian nationalism - Adam Hamilton's progressive theology and political positions - Sarah Trone Garriott and Lindsay James in Iowa - The relationship between social justice, the social gospel, and Christian teaching - Why a moderate tone can make progressive policies more appealing - How Christians can develop discernment and evaluate political claims - What conservative candidates can learn from the religious left For more: Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ #Christianity #Politics #ReligiousLeft 00:00 The New Face of the Religious Left 05:06 Why Christians Should Pay Attention 12:18 The Rise of Democratic Pastors 17:03 James Talarico and Christian Nationalism 32:00 Adam Hamilton and Progressive Christianity 40:46 Sarah Trone Garriott and the Religious Left 46:40 Lindsay James and the Social Gospel 52:57 How Progressive Pastors Appeal to Voters 54:46 What Republicans Should Learn from the Religious Left Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this News Roundup, Jon Harris covers the latest developments in American politics, the Christian church, and the broader cultural landscape. From the controversy surrounding YouTube’s copyright complaint against *All Are Not Welcome* to the biblical case for capital punishment, this episode examines the ideas and institutions shaping America’s future. Jon discusses the United Nations’ pandemic preparedness resolution and the U.S. decision to oppose it, a recent school shooting and the role of armed citizens in stopping violence, and a new report examining suicide rates following restrictions on transgender medical procedures for minors. In evangelical news, Southern Baptist Convention President Willie Rice calls on pastors to engage in the political process ahead of the midterm elections. Jon also examines the latest legal developments involving McLean Bible Church and considers whether growing public expressions of Christian faith in the music industry point to a broader cultural shift. Topics covered: - YouTube’s copyright complaint against All Are Not Welcome - The biblical case for capital punishment and public accountability - The Pope’s opposition to the death penalty and American sovereignty - The United Nations’ pandemic preparedness resolution - A school shooting and the role of armed citizens - New findings on restrictions on transgender medical interventions for minors - Willie Rice, the SBC, and Christian political engagement - The latest McLean Bible Church legal developments - Billy Corgan, Kid Rock, and the growing visibility of Christian faith in music Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Introduction and News Roundup (Low Bandwidth) 04:57 YouTube Targets All Are Not Welcome 09:01 The Death Penalty, the Bible, and Public Justice 17:42 The Pope, Capital Punishment, and American Sovereignty 20:05 The UN Pandemic Resolution and Medical Freedom 22:43 School Shooting: The Good Guy with a Gun 24:20 Report on Transgender Treatment Bans and Suicide Rates 25:36 Willie Rice Calls Southern Baptists to Political Engagement 27:49 McLean Bible Church: Latest Legal Developments 30:21 Billy Corgan, Kid Rock, and Christianity in Music 36:12 Midterm Elections and Audience Questions Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why is Northern Ireland still comparatively Christian while the Republic of Ireland has seen such a dramatic collapse in Christian practice and cultural influence? I talk with Pastor @j_bambrick about conversion, discipleship, Christian institutions, free speech, Enoch Burke, and what Christians in America can learn from Ireland. 00:00 — Why Talk About Christianity Outside America? 01:28 — Meet Pastor Jamie Bambrick 03:04 — Why Northern Ireland Remains More Christian 06:30 — How Ireland Lost Its Christian Culture 09:02 — Institutions Are Not Enough Without Conversion 11:17 — The Troubles and Northern Ireland’s Christian Identity 14:00 — Christian Nationalism and the Need for Discipleship 17:34 — Enoch Burke and the Fight Over Free Speech 24:01 — Northern Ireland Faces the Same Cultural Pressures 52:56 — Are Young Men Returning to Church? Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What did the Mexican-American War have to do with the Civil War, Manifest Destiny, Texas, California, and the modern American Southwest? Jon Harris sits down with Thomas Wayne Riley of the American Southwest Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the Mexican-American War and the history that shaped the American Southwest. The discussion begins with the enormous territorial consequences of the war and the idea of Manifest Destiny, before examining the border dispute that sparked the conflict and the American campaign into Mexico. They discuss the Mexican frontier, Texas independence, California, Mormon settlement, the growth of American communities in the Southwest, and the many future Civil War generals who gained military experience during the Mexican-American War. The conversation also explores the war's connection to American expansion and imperialism, the San Patricio Battalion, the changing population of the Southwest, and the much older history of the region. This is a conversation about the history between the American Revolution and the Civil War that is often overlooked, and why understanding that history helps explain the United States and the Southwest today. 00:00 – Introduction: The Mexican-American War and Modern America 06:00 – The Forgotten America Between the Revolution and Civil War 07:14 – Manifest Destiny and America's Expansion West 13:26 – How the Mexican-American War Began 20:35 – Life on the Mexican Frontier 24:21 – Population, Settlement, and the Growth of the Southwest 28:00 – Texas, California, and Mormon Settlement 35:00 – The Mexican War: Training Ground for Civil War Generals 42:02 – America's First Foray Into Imperialism? 52:58 – The San Patricio Battalion, Borders, and the Modern Southwest Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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What happened to the Episcopal Church and America's Protestant establishment? In this conversation, we trace the transformation of the Episcopal Church and other mainline Protestant institutions, from their historic place in American religious life to the rise of theological liberalism, institutional gatekeeping, managerialism, and progressive politics. Our guest shares his own journey into Anglicanism and the Episcopal ministry, including his years at Yale, his growing concerns about the direction of the denomination, and his attempts to remain faithful while working within an increasingly hostile institutional environment. We discuss the controversy surrounding sexuality and marriage in the Episcopal Church, the impact of Gene Robinson's consecration, the role of seminaries and denominational leadership, and the ways institutional pressures can discourage clergy from speaking openly. The conversation also examines Operation Reconquista and the broader question of whether conservative Christians can recover institutions that have been captured by a different theological and cultural vision. We discuss what it means to leave an established denomination, the personal and financial costs of taking unpopular stands, and what young Christians considering ministry should do when the institutions around them have changed. Finally, we discuss the role of the pulpit in public life and why pastors must be willing to speak boldly about the issues confronting their congregations and communities. #EpiscopalChurch #Anglicanism #Christianity #ChurchHistory #MainlineProtestantism #ChristianCulture 00:00 Why I Was Drawn to Anglicanism 02:19 Conversion, C.S. Lewis, and the Gospel 07:02 Evangelical Christianity at Yale 08:56 The Episcopal Church's Crisis in the 1990s 13:18 Unitarianism, Darwinism, and the Loss of Christian Belief 22:45 From Yale to the Ministry 30:20 The Conservative Blacklist 35:20 Gene Robinson and the Breaking of the Episcopal Church 40:58 How Managerialism Changed the Church 49:20 2020, DEI, and the Decision to Speak Out 54:34 Operation Reconquista and Leaving the Episcopal Church 01:16:08 Advice for the Next Generation Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Conversations That Matter podcast, Jon Harris covers a wide-ranging news roundup touching on the Southern Baptist Convention, Christian persecution, the Catholic Church, the Christian Nationalism debate, Steve Lawson, and what Jon calls the “true culture of death.” Jon begins with a personal update following a house fire in his wife’s family, along with reflections on the recent Restoring Virtue Conference and upcoming speaking engagements. From there, he discusses Eric Erickson’s criticism of figures on the Right and the importance of clearly defining neo-Nazi ideology rather than making broad accusations. He also examines recent controversy surrounding Candace Owens, a new Vatican document on interreligious dialogue, and claims surrounding the discovery of Noah’s Ark in Turkey. The episode then turns to the Christian Nationalism debate, including J.D. Greer’s arguments concerning church and state, religious liberty, and the role of Christianity in public life. Jon also discusses Southern Baptist figures Jason Little and Walter Strickland, including Strickland’s comments concerning Nat Turner and liberation theology. Jon then addresses the changing Christian legal movement, Steve Lawson’s recent book concerning his adultery and disqualification from ministry, and questions from listeners. The final portion of the podcast examines assisted suicide, declining marriage and family formation, adult toy consumption, gender distrust, juvenileization, higher education, student loans, Title IX, and policies under the Trump administration.  Jon concludes by discussing comments from Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu concerning persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the broader decline of Christianity in the region. Listen through to the end for Jon’s thoughts on why Christians should focus less on theoretical political battles and more on the practical challenges directly in front of them. 00:00 Personal Update: House Fire and Restoring Virtue 10:40 The News Roundup Begins 11:45 Eric Erickson and the Debate Over Neo-Nazism 22:40 Candace Owens and Online Political Commentary 29:00 The Vatican, Vatican II, and Interreligious Dialogue 38:05 The Search for Noah's Ark 42:45 J.D. Greer and Christian Nationalism 61:45 Jason Little and the Southern Baptist Convention 63:00 Walter Strickland, Liberation Theology, and Nat Turner 77:00 The Christian Legal Movement and John W. Whitehead 84:00 Steve Lawson's Confession and Return to Public Ministry 89:30 Listener Questions 94:00 Assisted Suicide and the Culture of Death 95:00 Juvenileization, Marriage, and Gender Distrust 106:00 Trump, Student Loans, and Higher Education 109:40 Title IX and Gender Transition Treatments 114:30 Christian Persecution, Trump, and Netanyahu 123:50 Final Thoughts Give Send Go: https://www.givesendgo.com/help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Give Send Go: https://www.givesendgo.com/help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=help-aaron-starsea-and-amber-rebuild-aft Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What actually makes someone a strong Christian? A viral post claimed that the strongest Christians watch Disney movies, avoid politics, wear bikinis, drink alcohol, shop at Target, and celebrate Halloween. The argument was that Christians who impose restrictions on these things are essentially modern Pharisees. There is an important truth here: Christians should not invent laws and impose them on other believers as though those rules came from God. But there is also a problem with defining Christian freedom by a list of cultural behaviors. In this episode, I examine the distinction between Christian liberty, legalism, conscience, modesty, discernment, and genuine godliness. Scripture does not present godliness primarily as a collection of cultural boxes that we check. It begins with the character of the heart and manifests itself in how we live. The question is not simply, “Can a Christian do this?” The deeper question is: What actually marks a godly Christian? The episode also considers the “weaker brother,” the misuse of Christian liberty, alcohol, Halloween, modesty, political involvement, consumer choices, pornography, and the danger of creating our own standards of righteousness. Christianity is marked by inward virtue that manifests itself outwardly. 00:00 — The Tweet About “Strong Christians” 01:22 — Are These Really Issues of Christian Liberty? 02:58 — The Weak Brother and Christian Conscience 05:16 — When the “Weak Brother” Becomes a Human Shield 06:25 — Alcohol, Communion, and Christian Freedom 08:34 — What Actually Makes Someone Godly? 10:42 — The Biblical Marks of a Godly Man 11:57 — Modesty, Virtue, and Godly Women 13:08 — The Problem With a Pornographic Culture 15:34 — What Strong Christians Are Actually Known For 17:24 — Halloween, Alcohol, and Circumstantial Wisdom 19:04 — How to Avoid Becoming a Pharisee Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Democratic Party appears to be changing its tune on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Politicians including Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and James Talarico have recently used the language of fairness and safety when discussing women’s sports. That represents a significant change from the rhetoric surrounding transgender rights and school sports during the Obama and Biden years. But is this a genuine change in conviction, or is it a political retreat? In this episode, I look at the history of the Democratic position on transgender issues, the growing public resistance to males competing in women’s sports, and the political calculations surrounding the issue. I also examine the difference between voters motivated by deeply held convictions and voters who simply do not want political policies to produce consequences in their own families and communities. The larger question is whether the Democratic retreat represents a change in principle or simply a strategic pause until the political environment changes. Finally, I discuss why arguments about fairness and public opinion are not enough. If our understanding of men and women is ultimately grounded in God's created order, then political arguments cannot simply rest on whatever happens to be popular at a particular moment. 00:00 Democrats and the Trans Sports Reversal 02:18 Is This a Genuine Change of Heart? 04:26 The Gender Debate and the Nature Argument 07:20 Remembering the Biden and Obama Years 09:24 Why Democrats Are Changing Their Message 10:30 The Polling Problem for Transgender Sports 12:30 Convictional Voters vs. Convenience Voters 15:42 What Democrats Have Learned From the Backlash 18:05 Why “Fairness” Is Their New Argument 23:48 God's Rights, Nature, and the Foundation of Society Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy