The Assent Podcast

The episode embarks on an enlightening journey through the Bible, beginning with the pivotal moments in Genesis that shape our understanding of sin. It skillfully navigates through the narrative of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, presenting sin not as a mere act of disobedience but as a fundamental distortion of divine order, leading to a cascading effect of suffering and separation from God. Through a detailed examination of biblical passages, The Assent Podcast reveals how sin is a pervasive force that distorts judgment, escalates conflict, and perpetuates through generations. From the deception in the Garden of Eden to the fratricide of Cain and Abel, and the eventual moral decline leading to the Flood, the podcast paints a vivid picture of humanity's struggle with sin.

In the beginning, there was an unfathomable burst of creation. The Assent Podcast proudly presents a dive into the cosmic inception of our universe as narrated by the Old Testament. Genesis 1:1 sets the stage, but there's more beneath the surface. This episode, enriched with faith and reason, examines cosmology and the compelling Argument from First Cause, asking: what sparked existence? Was it something, nothing, or has it always been? We approach the universe's birth with both science and scripture, pondering the Big Bang and the fine-tuning that suggests an intricate design. From proton and electron sizes to the Goldilocks Zone, we explore the mathematical underpinnings and objective morality that shape our reality. We trace the steps of monotheism, from its Judaic roots through Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam, and consider profound texts like St. Athanasius's "On the Incarnation," C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," and Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ." Embark on a scholarly expedition through the Bible using a five-principle methodology that reveals it as a unified literary work of divine wisdom. We'll tackle sin and redemption, the quintessential conflict and theme of the Scriptures. As we journey from Genesis through symbols, patterns, and order, every story, every creation day, culminates in a world teeming with life and purpose. From the cosmic to the individual, from families to nations, a pattern emerges — God, Sin, Redemption. Tune in for a transformative experience where ancient words transcend time. This isn't just a tale of the past; it's wisdom for today, a call to find our place in this vast narrative. For wisdom and guidance, where do we turn? Join us, as we ascend to the profound truths rooted in the beginning of all things. Welcome to The Assent Podcast — where every story ascends to truth. - - - - - Check out PragerU's "Science and God": https://youtu.be/UjGPHF5A6Po?si=kdFyPEZ-0Wg6e0da Read Eric Metaxes' book "Is Atheism Dead?": https://www.amazon.com/Atheism-Dead-Eric-Metaxas/dp/1684511739/ Especially, check out Dr. Bill Creasy's Logos Bible Study: https://www.logosbiblestudy.com/  

In this interview with my parents, Paul and Linda Clay, in the Summer of 2023, we discuss many important things. The coming troubles in Israel, life purpose, family and parenting, God's grace, and advice for future generations. #assenttotruth To learn more about The Assent Podcast visit TheAssentPodcast.com If you would like to learn about my “Five Principles” visit TheFivePrinciples.com Struggling with this life of noise and want to learn more take The Waystone Assessment at assessment.lettersofassent.com

Every person, old or young, minority, male or female, poor or rich, and everyone in between has the same number of hours, minutes, seconds in a day. No one, including the most powerful people in the world, can save time. All are equal in that all spend time—second by second. No one controls how many seconds, minutes, hours, or days he or she gets. The wealthiest person with the greatest access to health care and safety can trip and fall, a car can malfunction, nature can have its way, and tragedy can strike. One day at a time is all you have, which is experienced one moment at a time. You are in time—it is inescapable. Spend your resources – especially time in very PURPSEFUL, DISCIPLINED, and FOCUSED ways.

If you can recognize some of your own biases, you have a better ability to mute these biases out of your analysis of the world in which you live and recognize the world for what it is and is not. This leaves you with your first key to dealing with your environment: Your ability to see the world as it is will never be perfect; to realize this, you must let go of ego. This is the only way to truly understand the threats and opportunities of the competitive landscape and the world is a competitive place!

People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. —Augustine

You are unique and that is wonderful! Don't stop there. Uniqueness is just a state of being. Those unique things do not matter on their own, but what you do with that uniqueness does. What skills you develop in balancing the state between ability and inability matters! Develop skills.

You can change the world. Take things slow, make small changes, track results, analyze outcomes, and repeat as needed. Be careful taking away suffering caused by error that is how people learn. How can you add value? Help others? Serve in some quiet way?

Being there for others is wisdom! We must cultivate relationships to live meaningful lives. How? Be a student; value others; observe people; make eye contact; be conscientious of body language, tone, and tempo; and smile! “Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs‚ It always protects.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV JBP on Lobsters - https://youtu.be/5ZOkxuNbsXU Hook by Blues Travelers - https://youtu.be/pdz5kCaCRFM Additional Resources Available Here: https://assentservices.co/my-book/five-principles-resources/  

It is important that we encourage our communities and those with whom we have relationships to do what is meaningful, develop their skills, value each other, make the world a better place, and to be disciplined with their resources. However, if we aren’t living this way, we are being hypocritical. Where to start? The Self.

Episode 2 of The Assent Podcast is an introduction to five principles for living a meaningful life conceptually summarized as purpose, skills, people, environment, and resources. This episode focuses on purpose as a foundational first principle. 

Episode one of The Assent Podcast is about what assenting means and the stoic discipline of assent.

The Assent Podcast Trailer. A short trailer episode of The Assent Podcast. A podcast about assenting to the right principles. Principles like living purposefully, developing skills, building relationships, navigating your environment, and being disciplined with resources. Hi, I am Christopher Clay and this is The Assent Podcast.