Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca is joined by James Eglinton to have a conversation about the arguments for and against euthanasia, how Christians should think about it, and where our hope can be found.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin discuss the question; are transgender women, women?Questions Covered in This Episode:What is a man? What is a woman?Is a transgender woman a woman?What issues has this confusion presented?What is our primary responsiblity we have as Christians in this conversation?To what degree should we advance Christian ethics in public squares that are not purposefully evangelistic?Are all feminists on the same page with the question of “are transgender women women?”What do we do with the question of “preferred pronouns?”Helpful Definitions:Transgender woman: Someone who is biologically male but identifies as female.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

The conversation centers around the complexities of being pro-life in a broader context. Bri shares her transformative journey from traditional pro-life advocacy into a holistic pursuit that sees immigration and refugee care as extensions of the same intrinsic Christian value of life and dignity. She elaborates on the misconceptions that surround the pro-life movement and the importance of engaging with human dignity issues beyond political boundaries. She also touches on the hurdles Christians face in balancing political and scriptural obligations.Key Takeaways:Choosing Proximity: Bri emphasizes the influence of building relationships with people who hold different perspectives to align more closely with biblical teachings on human dignity.Holistic Pro-life Ethic: Embracing a consistent pro-life ethic means advocating not only for the unborn but also for vulnerable groups, such as immigrants and refugees, as equally deserving of care and compassion.Beyond Politics: True compassion rooted in Christianity should transcend political labels, emphasizing a Kingdom mindset that values all individuals as God's image bearers.Community Engagement: Practical involvement in local and global human dignity efforts, like adoption and refugee support, can allow Christians to live out their beliefs more fully and tangibly.Resources:Bri's Books: Start with Welcome and The Biggest, Best LightWomen of Welcome: WebsiteSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What if the worst season of your life became the place where you encountered God most deeply?Rebecca talks with Ray Ortlund about suffering, betrayal, loneliness, depression, and why the cross and resurrection of Jesus offer a hope that no other worldview can match.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What do you do when getting out of bed feels impossible? Rebecca McLaughlin talks with Dr. Alan Noble about depression, anxiety, suffering, and the surprising hope Christianity offers—not by removing pain, but by giving us meaning, purpose, and a reason to keep going.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rachel Gilson is a noted author and speaker specializing in Christian sexual ethics. She serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture at Cru, a dynamic missionary organization. Rachel is also in the advanced stages of completing her PhD in public theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Her acclaimed book, "Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next" is considered a valuable resource on Christian sexual ethics. Rachel is passionate about helping Christians navigate complex cultural issues with a gospel-centered approach.Key Takeaways:Navigating Cultural Shifts: Rachel sheds light on how Christian parents can stay true to biblical principles while adapting to today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.Early Conversations: Discover why it’s crucial to start talking to your kids about sexuality and faith early on, and how to weave these discussions into the fabric of the gospel.Authenticity and Compassion: Rachel advocates for a genuine approach to parenting—living out Christian values in a way that radiates love and compassion.Practical Parental Guidance: Get actionable advice on preparing your children to engage thoughtfully with diverse beliefs about sexuality they’ll encounter in their daily lives.Community Support: Learn how leaning on your church community can provide invaluable support and wisdom as you raise your kids in faith.Visit: Rachel's websiteFollow: Rachel on XOrder: Rachel's book "Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World"Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin talk* about doubt and where we can find a stable foundation that honors and invites our doubt toward goodness, truth, and beauty.*This is a replay episode from 1/31/23Questions Covered in This Episode:Have you ever experienced profound doubt?What do you think are some of the most common places of doubt?What is doubt an invitation to?Do we find doubt in the bible?Where do you find a stable foundation that honors and invites your doubt toward goodness, truth, and beauty?If someone is listening to this episode and is experiencing or has experienced deep doubts about who God is, what God has done, and how God is inviting us to live…how would we encourage them?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Genesis 3, Matthew 26, John 21:15-19, ​​John 20:24-29The Chosen Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca hosts a discussion* with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener, exploring whether women should preach in church. Both Dani and Ellie share their insights and differing perspectives, rooted in a deep respect for Scripture. The conversation goes into key biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11, providing nuanced interpretations. Dani and Ellie's dialogue underscores their shared belief in the gospel's transformative power, encouraging all believers to proclaim the message of salvation.*This is a replay episode from 4/8/25Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca and Andrew Wilson explore the Bible’s vision of happiness, why joy and suffering often go together, and how true happiness can only last forever if it’s rooted in God.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Why do stories about heroes, sacrifice, and victory over evil move us so deeply?Rebecca and Kyle Worley explore how imagination, storytelling, and even fantasy reflect the deeper reality of the gospel. From the armor of God to dragons and great heroes, they show why the story of Jesus is the one all others echo.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What if Jesus is far more than you’ve ever imagined?In this crossover episode (with Church Society), Rebecca and Lee Gatiss unpack the book of Colossians—and why its claims about Jesus completely reshape identity, purpose, and freedom. They also tackle one of the Bible’s most misunderstood topics: slavery, and why the gospel actually undermines it from the inside out.Follow Lee:Church Society Website | TwitterUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca talks with Elizabeth Woodson about the subtle ways culture shapes us—and how the gospel reorients us toward true joy, peace, and purpose. They explore how to recognize when you’ve drifted and take small, faithful steps back toward the way of Jesus.Follow Elizabeth:Website | InstagramUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Who am I?It’s one of the most common—and most confusing—questions in our culture today.Rebecca is joined by author and theologian Justin Poythress to explore the deeper meaning of identity and why so many modern conversations fall short. Drawing from his upcoming book Who Am I, What Am I, and What Am I Doing with My Life?, Justin explains why identity is more complex than we think—and why trying to “find yourself” often leads to instability. Follow Justin:WebsiteUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

We’ve never been more connected—and never more lonely. In this episode, Rebecca talks with Shelby Abbott about the growing loneliness epidemic, especially among Gen Z, and why digital connection often leaves us feeling more isolated.Follow Shelby:Instagram | XUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What if the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a belief—but a historical reality? Rebecca is joined by evangelist, pastor, and writer Mike Hood to explore the evidence behind Christianity’s boldest claim: that Jesus physically rose from the dead. Mike shares how wrestling with this question as a teenager shaped his faith—and why he keeps coming back to it today.Buy Mike's Book:The If That Changes Everything by Mike HoodUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca and Derek explore why God’s judgment is necessary, how Jesus’ death defeats sin and Satan, and why the cross is the clearest display of both divine justice and divine love. Follow Derek:XUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Why would a loving God judge sin? Rebecca talks with theologian and pastor Derek Rishmawy about one of the most difficult questions in Christianity: why Jesus needed to die in the first place.Follow Derek:XUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca and Jen Wilkin explore the often-overlooked spiritual power of middle age. They discuss why younger Christians need older mentors, how church should function as a true family across generations, and why following Jesus reshapes how we think about aging and influence.Preorder Jen's Book:Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging WorldUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca talks with Jen Wilkin about her new book Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World. They explore how Scripture reframes aging as a gift, why the church must recover a richer vision of family, and what it means to be pro-life at the end of life.Preorder Jen's Book:Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging WorldUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca talks with John Meade and Peter Gurry about the New Testament canon, “lost gospels,” and why New Testament writers sometimes quote the Old Testament differently. They address common objections—Constantine, politics, the Apocrypha—and why studying Scripture’s history tends to deepen faith rather than undermine it.Follow Peter:XFollow John:XUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Where did the Bible come from—and how do we know we can trust it? Rebecca is joined by textual scholars John Meade and Peter Gurry to explore how Scripture was written, copied, translated, and recognized as canon. From the Septuagint to the Apocrypha, they unpack the Bible’s complex history—and why that history strengthens rather than weakens Christian confidence in God’s Word.Follow Peter:XFollow John:XUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca talks with pastor and author Dr. Stephen Witmer about why poetry—especially the work of 17th-century priest George Herbert—can deepen our understanding of the gospel. Through Herbert’s poems, they explore themes of inadequacy, priesthood, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Along the way, they discuss why Scripture itself uses poetry and why beauty, metaphor, and imagination matter for Christian faith.Buy Stephen's Book:In All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems of George HerbertUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Are human beings basically good—or fundamentally broken? Rebecca is joined by clinical neuropsychologist Jo Johnson to explore what decades of psychological work reveal about human nature, shame, and our deep sense that something is “off.” Together they argue that Christianity doesn’t deny our inner darkness, but offers the only true freedom: being fully known and fully loved in Jesus.Buy Jo's Book: DisentangledUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca McLaughlin and Dr. Rob Smith continue their conversation on sex, gender, and transgender theory by tracing how the New Testament holds together real equality and real difference between men and women. They discuss gender dysphoria, disorders of sexual development, and why Christians can pursue deep compassion without affirming claims they believe are untrue. Throughout, they argue that keeping Jesus—and imitation of his servant-hearted love—at the center helps everything else fall into its proper place.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca talks with Anglican minister and theologian Dr. Rob Smith about what “transgender theory” actually claims—and why clarity matters before conversation can even begin. They explore how the Bible frames bodies, sex, and “gender expression,” starting in Genesis and touching on why Christians can’t simply throw the word “gender” away. This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion of Rob’s book The Body God Gives.Buy Rob's Book:The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender TheoryFollow Rob:InstagramUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

In this episode, Rebecca McLaughlin talks with evangelist and surgeon Sam Chan about why Christmas still matters in an anxious, skeptical world. Drawing on Sam’s book The Missing Piece, they explore how the incarnation meets our deep longing for peace—not by fixing everything, but by God coming near to us in Jesus.Follow Sam:Blog | X | InstagramUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What does a 4th-century African bishop have to do with smartphones, social media, and AI chatbots? Rebecca sits down with ethicist Autumn Ridenour to explore how Augustine’s famous line, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” exposes both the appeal and the danger of our digital lives—from endless scrolling to AI “relationships” and deepfake-fueled distrust.Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Therapist and ministry leader Zach Ellis spends his days walking with men tangled up in porn, shame, and unwanted sexual behavior. In this episode, Zach and Rebecca talk about lust as both sin and sign, how trauma fractures us, and why the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower but connection—being truly known by God and his people. If you’ve ever wondered whether your sexual history puts you beyond repair, this episode is a gentle but honest invitation to bring your story into the light of Christ.Follow Zach:Mosaic Counseling Center - Boston Area Christian counseling for problematic sexual behaviorThe Nathan Project - New England region ministry offering group-based recovery from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma Pure Desire Ministries- National ministry offering in-person and online recovery groups, podcast and more423 Next - National ministry offering online support groups for youth struggling with problematic sexual behaviorUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Christine walks through 2 Corinthians, Paul’s deeply personal letter about weakness, suffering, and the upside-down way of Jesus. She shares honestly about writing her new Bible study, More Than Enough: An 8-Week Study of 2 Corinthians, while her 20-year-old son was undergoing treatment for cancer.Get the Book:More Than Enough: An 8-Week Study of 2 CorinthiansFollow Christine:Instagram | WebsiteUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Portia Collins is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker from the Mississippi Delta. She’s the author of Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study in Galatians, founder of She Shall Be Called, and serves on staff with Revive Our Hearts. Portia is passionate about helping women grow in Bible literacy and embrace the true freedom found in Jesus.Get the Book:Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study of GalatiansFollow Portia:Instagram | SubstackUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca and theologian Dani Treweek explore why the Bible calls both marriage and singleness meaningful gifts — and how rediscovering the purpose of singleness can strengthen the whole church.Get the book:Single Ever AfterA Biblical Vision for the Significance of SinglenessFollow Dani:Instagram | WebsiteUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Can Christians enjoy stories with “magic”? Marian Jacobs and Rebecca unpack how fantasy can train us to love Jesus and discern the occult—using a simple rubric rooted in Scripture and the self-giving love at the heart of the gospel.Get the book:On Magic & Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional MagicFollow Marian:Instagram | WebsiteUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Harvard-backed research says weekly churchgoing lowers depression, boosts health, and lengthens life — and Rebecca explains why those benefits point beyond “religion” to Jesus, the church as true family, and the hope Gen Z is rediscovering.Get the book:“How Church Could Literally Save Your Life” (Crossway)Check out Collin's Podcast:GospelboundUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca and J.D. Greear explore how Christians can transcend the culture war by leading with grace and truth, loving hard-to-love neighbors, keeping politics downstream of discipleship, and holding fast to the gospel with joyful confidence.Resources Mentioned:J.D.'s WebsiteSummit ChurchEveryday Revolutionary: How to Transcend the Culture War and Transform the WorldUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

How can anxiety become a doorway to deeper faith? Blair Linne joins Rebecca to discuss her new book Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. She recounts the accident that led to panic attacks, unpacks natural / sinful / religious fear, and shows how Scripture’s “do not fear” is an invitation to rest in God’s presence.Resources Mentioned:Made to Tremble – Blair LinneFinding My Father – Blair LinneUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca welcomes back Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley for part two of their conversation about Theology Together. They unpack the Deep Discipleship Program—a tested, church-based framework for theological formation that is both sacrificial and accessible. They discuss lowering vs. raising the bar in ministry, how to call believers into deeper study and practice, and why the church must reclaim the life of the mind as part of following Jesus.Resources mentioned:Deep DiscipleshipYou Are a TheologianFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca welcomes Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley (Knowing Faith) to explore why every believer is a theologian, how women and men learn together in the church, and how practices of grace form us for fellowship with God and one another. They discuss You Are a Theologian, Deep Discipleship, Formed for Fellowship, and Remember & Rehearse—along with church-as-family, Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18), and helping new Christians live inside God’s big story.Resources mentioned:You Are a TheologianDeep DiscipleshipFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt.Resources mentioned:Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morningDesperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hopeVaneetha’s website: vaneetha.comJoni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: AmazonJohn 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): ReadJohn 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha RisnerUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca sits down with Karen Swallow Prior to explore vocation that comes from outside us, the goodness of “ordinary” faithfulness, and why pursuing the true, the good, and the beautiful gives shape to our work in every season. They reflect on biblical portraits of calling (Paul, Moses, Jonah), the role of community in discernment, and how serving others—not chasing status—aligns our lives with Jesus.Resources mentioned:Karen's Website: karenswallowprior.comYou Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful (Karen Swallow Prior)On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books (Karen Swallow Prior)The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis (Karen Swallow Prior)Bible passages:Acts 9 (Paul’s calling)Exodus 3–4 (Moses)Jonah (running from calling)Colossians 3:23–24 (work as unto the Lord)0:00 Exploring Vocation and Identity in Confronting Christianity Podcast2:34 Understanding Life's Callings and Their External Origins7:23 Discerning Personal Calling Amidst Biblical and Modern Examples13:57 Discovering Your Calling Through Truth and Community14:52 Jesus's Teachings on Power and Christian Vocation17:47 Redefining Life's Calling Beyond Glamorous Achievements24:09 Christian Perspectives on Vocation and Service28:42 Finding Purpose in Serving Others Over Personal Ambitions33:28 Finding Purpose in Caring for Creation36:07 A Humbling Experience in a School Swimming Contest36:56 Discovering Personal Callings Through Community and Encouragement40:39 Exploring Beauty and Vocation Through a Christian LensUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Season 7 of Confronting Christianity is here! Rebecca gives a sneak peek at upcoming conversations—from finding hope in suffering and living faithfully as a single Christian, to confronting anxiety, pornography, and the meaning of Jesus’ death. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single episode.📚 Resources MentionedRebecca’s forthcoming book: How Church Could Literally Save Your Life (Releases October, preorder available)Rebecca's WebsiteWeekly newsletter signupUse code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What happens when you’ve tried everything—and nothing works? In this episode, Justine shares how she searched for meaning through alcohol, relationships, yoga, crystals, and tarot—only to find herself more lost than ever. But a YouTube video, a prayer in Madrid, and a series of quiet nudges led her to confront the truth she could no longer ignore: she needed Jesus. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or clinging to faith, this story of rescue will challenge your assumptions and stir your soul.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XBased on his beloved song, Penelope Judd, Shai Linne shares a beautiful allegory to help kids grasp the gospel—that Jesus, like the Prince in the story, enters our broken world and invites us into something new. Using the song’s lyrics, this book offers a creative way to start gospel conversations with the children you love.Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What if rock bottom isn’t the end of the story, but the place where grace runs deepest? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ray Ortlund about the kind of suffering that strips us bare—and the kind of Savior who meets us there. We dig into betrayal, isolation, and the painful honesty of self-examination. Ray shares wisdom from his new book, Good News at Rock Bottom, reminding us that Christianity doesn’t offer a shallow fix—but a Redeemer who walks with us through the wreckage. If you’ve ever felt like your faith is hanging by a thread, this conversation is for you.Buy Ray's Book:Good News at Rock BottomFollow Ray:InstagramSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XBased on his beloved song, Penelope Judd, Shai Linne shares a beautiful allegory to help kids grasp the gospel—that Jesus, like the Prince in the story, enters our broken world and invites us into something new. Using the song’s lyrics, this book offers a creative way to start gospel conversations with the children you love.Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What does it look like to follow Jesus at Harvard? In this episode, I talk with senior Andrei Comlosan-Pop about coming to faith in high school, navigating life as a Christian at a secular university, and how literature, economics, and community all play a part in shaping a thoughtful, lived-out faith.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XBased on his beloved song, Penelope Judd, Shai Linne shares a beautiful allegory to help kids grasp the gospel—that Jesus, like the Prince in the story, enters our broken world and invites us into something new. Using the song’s lyrics, this book offers a creative way to start gospel conversations with the children you love.Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

I’m joined by my friend Elizabeth Woodson—Bible teacher, author, and all-around theological powerhouse—to talk about Paul’s letter to the Galatians. We dig into what it really means to be free in Christ, why Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle matters so deeply, and how he surprisingly elevated the role of women in his ministry. Elizabeth shares wisdom from her new Bible study, Live Free, and together we unpack how belief in Jesus reshapes both our individual lives and our communities.Buy Elizabeth's Study:Live Free - Bible Study: A Study of GalatiansFollow Elizabeth:Instagram | TikTokSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Historian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves?Buy Molly's Book:Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald TrumpSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Rebecca is joined by Glen Scrivener and Dr. Rob Barward-Symmons to explore a surprising rise in church attendance in the UK—especially among Gen Z and young men. Drawing on new YouGov data, they discuss the impact of immigration, cultural shifts, and the quiet but steady relevance of Christian community in a secular age.Check out the Report:The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendanceFollow Glen:YouTube | XFollow Rob:XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

Is belief in God just a quirk of the human brain—or is it something deeper? In this episode, I’m joined by theologian Gray Sutanto to explore the insights of cognitive science and what they tell us about our built-in sense of the divine. Drawing from his new book Ascends of the Divine, we discuss the limits of human knowledge, the power of revelation, and how Gray’s own journey to faith shapes his perspective.Follow Gray:Instagram | XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Strange to talk about the deep longings that pull at every human heart—connection, deliverance, destiny—and how they point us to Christ. Drawing from his book "Making Faith Magnetic", Dan helps us think through how to engage our culture with both truth and tenderness. We also explore the vital role of the church in supporting vulnerable children through fostering and adoption, and why even a seemingly secular world is still full of spiritual hunger.Follow Dan:XSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!

What happens when our deepest longings collide with our latest technologies? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Meeks—bioethicist, theologian, and expert on all things strange and complicated at the intersection of sex, robots, and Christian ethics. Drawing on the thought of Augustine, we wrestle with questions of human freedom, love, and the lure of transhumanist dreams. Can a robot be a companion? Should it be? And what does the gospel say to a world eager to remake itself in its own image? Together, we explore how Christianity offers not just a list of “don’ts” but a vision of human dignity far deeper than anything our tech can build.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code TREASURE and get 30% off "Storing Up Treasure" by Kyle Bjerga at thegoodbook.com today!