Theology Mom || All The Things

Sunday Night Potluck – This is my weekly unscripted livestream. I share some informal thoughts about why I don't think cultural renewal can be sustained without Gospel-preaching. In the second half, I discuss the importance of a healthy church when navigating a difficult and abusive marriage. Conversation breakdown: ✅ Greeting and ministry updates ✅ Opening hymn ✅ Christian Nationalism is not a substitute for the Gospel ✅ Differentiating between a difficult marriage and an abusive marriage

We sit down with leading pro-life apologist, Scott Klusendorf, to press him on the toughest questions raised by Christian abolitionists. We ask him why he thinks equal protection laws are unwise and harming the pro-life movement. We also ask him to explain the difference between being “pro-life” and “whole-life,” and how to answer the charge that pro-lifers are merely “pro-birth.” All The Things #234 Season 8, Episode 14

A few years ago, Monique was interviewed to be part of a display for a virtual abortion museum. That effort is now live so we have invited our friend, Dr. John Ferrer, on the show to talk to us about this impressive effort to chronicle the issue of abortion from a historical and scientific point of view. Conversation breakdown: 0:00 – Opening and topic introduction 4:20 – Guest introduction; origin for the idea of the abortion museum 12:50 – Touring the Virtual Abortion Museum 14:30 – Why does the museum includes the historical timeline that starts in ancient times? 21:03 – Explain the connection between the Negro Project, the emergence of “safe, reliable, and effective” abortions around the 1940s, and today’s abortion rates (especially in the Black community). 38:31 – The war on the family unit 48:35 – What would you say to a pastor who is hesitant to address abortion from the pulpit because it feels too politically charged? Find out more: https://www.abortionmuseum.org/ All The Things #233 Season 8, Episode 13

Sunday Night Potluck – This is my weekly unscripted livestream. Conversation breakdown: ✅ Greeting and opening hymn (0:00) ✅ The golden rule of apologetics (4:52) ✅ How to listen to a sermon (27:16)

Krista is joined by former military intelligence analyst, Kevin Briggins to discuss the rapid rise of AI in modern warfare. We examine the technology through a biblical worldview, wrestling with Just War theory, the sanctity of human life, and whether governments should delegate the “sword” of Romans 13 to machines. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on faith, national defense, technological inevitability, and where we should draw the ethical line. #AIWarfare #AutonomousWeapons #AIinWar #JustWarTheory #BiblicalWorldview #ChristianEthics All The Things #232 Season 8, Episode 12

Sunday Night Potluck – In this unscripted livestream, I share some thoughts about three topics. Conversation breakdown: ✅ Greeting and opening hymn ✅ I react to comments made by progressive podcasters about homeschooling being "trickle-down stupidity" ✅ Tribute to my dear friend, Dr. Sue Dykes ✅ Comparing the strategies of progressives vs conservatives in public spaces

In this eye-opening episode, Monique and Krista sit down with Dr. Markus Zehnder, author of The Bible and Immigration, for a nuanced, Scripture-centered conversation on one of today's most divisive issues. Dr. Zehnder unpacks the biblical distinctions between the Hebrew terms "ger" and the "nokri," exposing how modern discussions often cherry-pick verses, ignore context, and collapse categories. The discussion explores assimilation, love for the stranger, individual compassion versus state policy, and why mass immigration today differs dramatically from ancient Israel's low-volume, high-integration reality. Book: The Bible and Immigration https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Immigration-Critical-Empirical-Reassessment/dp/1725297981 #BibleAndImmigration #FaithAndPolitics #LoveTheStranger #ChristianWorldview #ImmigrationDebate All The Things #231 Season 8, Episode 11

We sit down with Wes Fuller of End Abortion Now to introduce our pro-life audience to the growing abortion abolitionist movement. What exactly is abortion abolitionism, and how does it differ from the incremental pro-life strategies many of us have supported for years? Wes unpacks the biblical call for the abolition of abortion through equal protection under the law. #AbortionAbolitionism #EndAbortionNow #ProLife #EqualProtection #ChristianWorldview All The Things #230 Season 8, Episode 10

Sunday Night Potluck – In this unscripted livestream, I share some thoughts about two practical topics: ✅ Thoughts about ecumenism: when it's helpful and when it goes too far ✅ What matters most when choosing or evaluating a church: the elder team

In Part 3 of this teaching series on conspiracy theories, we move from the fog of confusion into practical wisdom. Learn a clear, biblical strategy for evaluating conspiracy theories and alternative claims without falling into fear, fanaticism, or tribalism. If you’ve ever felt helpless, overwhelmed, or tempted to chase secret knowledge for a sense of control, this teaching will help you pursue truth with humility, peace, and confidence in Christ. Watch parts 1 and 2 first for the full foundation. Recommended resource: Christians & Conspiracy Theories: Investigating Alternative Truth Claims without Buying into Fear, Fanaticism, or Tribalism → Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Christians-Conspiracy-Theories-Investigating-Alternative/dp/1735160857 #BiblicalDiscernment #ConspiracyTheories #FaithOverFear

Krista and Monique sit down with Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US, to explore the reality of the global persecuted church. They discuss the ministry’s origins with Brother Andrew smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain 70 years ago, the biblical view of persecution, and why the church often advances most powerfully under pressure. Ryan shares sobering statistics and explains Open Doors’ World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where believers experience the most hostility. The conversation dives deep into Nigeria (ranked #7) and challenges Western believers to move to action through prayer, solidarity, and practical support like providing Scriptures. Visit https://www.opendoorsus.org and explore the World Watch List for country-specific prayer points. Article on the Worldview Wire: "Unmasking the Fulani Jihad Against Nigeria’s Christians" https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/post/unmasking-the-fulani-jihad-against-nigerias-christians All The Things #229 Season 8, Episode 9

Sunday Night Potluck – In this unscripted livestream, I share some practical tips for what to do when you notice some potentially troubling doctrine being taught at your church. In the second segment, I share some reflections about raising courageous kids.

Monique and Krista sit down with attorney Hohn Cho to discuss domestic violence and abuse within the church and how Christian leaders can respond with greater wisdom, compassion, and biblical fidelity. This conversation balances hard truths about church mishandling with hope: stories of genuine repentance, restored marriages, and the beautiful shepherding heart of God in Ezekiel 34. Find out more about the Ezekiel 34 Foundation: https://ezekiel34.org/ All The Things #228 Season 8, Episode 8

Sunday Night Potluck... This is an unscripted livestream where I share reflections about the world and life as a Christian wife and mother. Conversation breakdown: ✅ Introduction and opening hymn (0:00) ✅ Father’s Day reflections; my own struggle (5:37) ✅ Thoughts on permissive and lazy parenting from Super Nanny, Jo Frost (10:57) ✅ Why I'm skeptical about “Marriage is an idol” rhetoric (38:46)

We sit down with Katy Faust, the voice behind the Greater Than Campaign and Them Before Us to expose the hidden costs of redefining marriage. What did millions of Christians actually consent to in 2015 when they supported gay marriage for “love and equality”? Get practical encouragement for Christians who love their gay family members but refuse to stay silent. Find out more about the full Greater Than Campaign here: https://greaterthancampaign.com/ All The Things #227 Season 8, Episode 7

Sunday Night Potluck – In this unscripted livestream, I explain the growing movement of abolitionism, which involves a different approach to calling out the wickedness of abortion. And why I have become sympathetic to this framework. In the second half, I share my take on the rise of women preaching in elder-led churches and how it connects to what's happening in the SBC and PCA. Read my article: "A Biblical Vision for Women in Ministry" https://www.theologymom.com/post/a-biblical-vision-for-women-in-ministry Watch the "Battle for the Bible" doc: https://www.youtube.com/live/Jgk_xLCjYFA

In part 2 of her teaching series on conspiracy theories, Krista dives deep into some of the reasons why discerning truth feels increasingly like navigating quicksand in our post-truth, post-trust world. Krista honestly explores how facts have become slippery, why fact-checkers and official narratives often eroded trust further (especially during the pandemic), and the very real human cost: fractured relationships. She acknowledges the confusion many Christians feel while pointing toward hope and the ultimate anchor in God’s unchanging Word.

Monique and Krista are joined by Dr. Jacob Daniel and Dr. Joe Miller to discuss CFBU's brand new Los Angeles Statement on Race, Justice, and Unity. They unpack why this statement was written, how it differs from the 2018 Dallas Statement, and why the Church desperately needs biblical clarity on race, ethnicity, justice, and true unity in Christ. If you're tired of race being used to split the Body of Christ, this is the conversation you need to hear. 📌 Read and sign the Los Angeles Statement on Race, Justice and Unity 👉 https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/racestatement ATT#226 Season 8, Show 6

Sunday Night Potluck – In this unscripted livestream, I wrestle honestly with one of Jesus’ most challenging commands: “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5 : 38-48). I explore the Old Testament background of “eye for an eye,” the surrounding context and how the early church understood this passage. I also confront the struggle to contextualize this verse in the modern context. How do we resist outrage culture and engage in the radical patience and forbearance that Jesus requires us to practice, even toward our enemies? In the final 30 minutes, I share my decades-long struggle to apply Matthew 5 to my own life.

In this first episode of the series “The TRUTH about Conspiracy Theories,” theologian Krista Bontrager explores what we even mean by the term “conspiracy theory,” traces its surprising history, and examines why these ideas feel so magnetically attractive, especially in a time when trust in institutions has been shattered. Drawing on her own journey, Krista calls Christians to pursue truth with open eyes and humble hearts rather than fear or pride.

In this honest reflection, I share how I unknowingly carried feminist thinking into my 20s and 30s as a young mom, chasing seminary, academia, and a theology career while barely thinking about family. I open up about my regrets and the long-term cost of putting career over presence. This is a highlight from the 5/31/26 Sunday Night Potluck. #YoungMom #StayAtHomeMom #ChristianMotherhood #BiblicalWomanhood

Kevin joins Monique and Krista for an in depth discussion about Israel. We will also talk to Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and author of Should Christians Support Israel? They will explain the biblical, historical, and cultural reasons for standing with Israel, while exposing the propaganda and misinformation fueling rising antisemitism—especially among Gen Z. Get Dr. Myers book: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Christians-Support-Israel-Impossible-ebook/dp/B0DH2TQBKN/ ATT#225 Season 8, Show 5

Monique and Krista unpack "Childism," the emerging critical theory framework that views children as an oppressed class and traditional parenting as a form of adultism. They examine its strong influence on popular Gentle Parenting leaders like Sarah Ockwell-Smith and Dr. Becky Kennedy, and how it mirrors Critical Race Theory. Discover how this ideology is quietly shaping education, culture, and parenting—and learn how to respond with a distinctly biblical worldview that honors both the dignity of children and God-given parental responsibility. #Childism #Adultism #BiblicalParenting

I explore how the world of Christian apologetics has dramatically shifted from traditional conferences and vetted publishers to the age of YouTube influencers. With nearly 30 years in the field, I discuss the pros and cons of this democratization and how I see myself as fitting into the giant trailer park of the apologetics world.

Brady Cone (founder of Calibrate Ministries) joins us to discuss the Side B approach to ministering to those who struggle with same sex attraction. Several major Christian institutions use the Side B approach to disciple college students, including Biola University and CRU. Brady draws from his own journey out of the LGBTQ life to explain what Side B actually teaches, how it differs from both Side A and biblical discipleship, and why labeling ourselves by our attractions undermines the full freedom the gospel provides. Calibrate Ministries https://calibrateministries.com/ ATT#222 Season 8, Show 1

How does the Gospel of the Kingdom transform nations—not just individual hearts? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rev. Dr. Joe Boot, founder of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity and author of The Mission of God, to explore the public lordship of Christ over culture, law, politics, and nations. Dr. Boot unpacks why many Christians have settled for a small, privatized gospel and lays out a robust biblical vision for cultural renewal and faithful public engagement.

Krista examines how the Founders took for granted a biblical moral framework. They never imagined our country would be overthrown by secularism or activist Muslims pushing for parallel societies that reject assimilation. Krista reads Dr. Albert Mohler’s 2024 article, “What Is Missing from Our Constitutional Order?” and explores why the American experiment in religious liberty needs boundaries. Read the article: https://christoverall.com/article/concise/what-is-missing-from-our-constitutional-order-our-government-should-acknowledge-christianity

I share the latest developments at Biola University since October 2025 and I explain why I am cautiously optimistic about Biola’s re-direction. I also offer a direct plea to the administration so parents can confidently choose Biola again. Real change is happening—but there’s still work to do.

In this important conversation, I sit down with Messianic Jewish scholar Dr. Golan Broshi to explore the revolutionary biblical roots of democracy and Western freedom. Discover how the Torah introduced groundbreaking ideas, that stood in stark contrast to the surrounding pagan nations and profoundly shaped the ideals of constitutional republics like America. This discussion defends the validity of the idea of a "Judeo-Christian" worldview and reveals why these ancient truths still matter for justice, freedom, and civilization today.

In this addendum to my "Classical Protestant View on Tradition" series, I tackle three of the biggest reasons many Protestants feel drawn to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. I share how I wrestled through these issues, and ultimately why they weren't enough to pull me away from a classical Protestant approach. Watch part 1 of this series: https://youtu.be/yZvzn565Aoc

In a world bombarding our kids with conflicting messages about identity, where does true identity come from? Is it based on feelings, performance, appearance, or politics? I sit down with Andrea Crum from Genuine Family Ministries to explore a biblical framework for identity. We discuss the importance of Christian parents discipling their children how to stand firm on God's unchanging truth instead of cultural chaos and build a faith that lasts. Andrea also shares exciting details about her new Worldview Prepared curriculum for teens. She has a big vision to equip the next generation with a robust biblical worldview against postmodern ideas. Learn more about Genuine Family Ministries & sign up for the Worldview Prepared informational webinar: https://genuinefamilyministries.com/

In Part 3 of this teaching series, I finish unpacking the 6 different definitions of "tradition" and explain what I see as the real fault line that separates classical Protestants from Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox understandings of tradition and Scripture. My goal isn't to attack, but to clarify. I have deep respect for the reverence Catholics and Orthodox show for the things of God. Yet after examining the evidence, I believe Protestantism stays closer to the apostolic faith once for all delivered to the saints.

In this special episode, I sit down with Kevin Briggins and former U.S. Army Ranger and war correspondent Chuck Holton to discuss the crisis facing young men today. Chuck shares his vision for The Frontier Forge, a hands-on summer leadership camp designed to get boys off screens, build real skills, practice servant leadership, and grow in biblical manhood. Links: Find out more at: frontierforge.org Chuck Holton’s podcast “The Hot Zone": https://www.youtube.com/@hotzonepodcast

Why does the evangelical church have so little influence on culture today? To get to that answer, we must understand the last 120 years of American Protestant history, back to the fundamentalist-modernist controversy of the late 1800s/early 1900s. In this powerful conversation on the Ideas Have Consequences podcast, Scott D. Allen and I walk you through the history that shaped modern evangelicalism. This is a call for renewal, not retreat or cultural accommodation. My hope is that leaders will return to a distinctly biblical approach to culture, education, justice, and discipleship. This is essential history for anyone who wants to understand progressive Christianity, deconstruction, and doctrinal drift in evangelical institutions. Learn how we got here and what it will take to chart a better way forward. 👉 Recommended: The episode that inspired this discussion: “Biola’s Founders Fought Modernism. Will Today’s Leaders Fight Postmodernism?” 👉 Recommended: My podcast series, "The Biola Chronicles"

I continue my series on why I remain Protestant after over a decade of serious study and reflection on Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. I unpack four key definitions of "tradition" that I think fit within a Protestant framework. If you're wrestling with these questions or want clarity for family conversations, this is for you. God willing, part 3 will come out the following week. #Protestant #SolaScriptura #Tradition #Catholicism #EasternOrthodoxy #Theology #ChristianApologetics #BibleTeaching

One of the most common questions that I get these days is, What is the relationship between Scripture and tradition? This is often prompted by followers who are beginning to explore conversion to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy or have children who are. I am finally sharing my public answer to this question after a decade of study and dialogue. In this first teaching, I explain the problem and survey the major New Testament passages used by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox apologists to make their case for tradition and to undermine the classical Protestant view of sola scriptura. #SolaScriptura #Tradition #Catholic #Orthodox #Protestant

Calendars quietly structure our lives and shape our priorities. In this episode, I explore an ancient, counter-cultural alternative to the secular rhythm of life: the historic Christian calendar. It calls us year after year to live deeply in the story of redemption. I'm excited to unpack this rich tradition with my friend, Fr Hayden Butler, a traditional Anglican priest. St. Matthew's Daily Offices podcast https://stmatthewsnewport.com/podcasts

In this crossover episode with my friends at the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast, Amy Davison and I discuss my thoughts about why I think theology must come before apologetics. Discover how building a solid foundation in the faith can help to equip parents to disciple their children and raise kids with a fully orbed biblical worldview. I try to provide some practical, accessible advice for "regular people" who want to think deeply about God without feeling overwhelmed.

Dr. Linda Seiler shares her powerful testimony as a former transgender individual who felt trapped in the wrong body from childhood, battled same-sex attractions, and nearly transitioned. She recounts her extended journey of progressive sanctification, confession, inner healing, and surrender to Christ, in an effort to overcome gender dysphoria and embrace her God-given identity as a woman. Find out more about Dr. Seiler's book, Trans-Formation: https://www.amazon.com/Trans-Formation-Former-Transgender-Responds-LGBTQ-ebook/dp/B0CCWZ9S7Q

In this episode, Krista Bontrager interviews three ordinary moms who stepped up with basic apologetics training to equip families and defend the faith: Jen Beitel started a local family ministry (U.N.I.T.E.D.), Alicia Moss teaches women in her church on cultural issues, and Michelle Lazor curates wholesome, worldview-aligned books through her online book club, Mud Hen Mama. This is an inspiring look at how everyday believers—no PhDs required—are making a real difference for the Kingdom of God.

In this special edition of the Theology Mom podcast, Krista examines the "I" in DEI from a historic Christian perspective. She contrasts the widely agreeable "noble" definitions of inclusion and belonging with their real-world applications in workplaces and Christian institutions, highlighting unintended consequences, ideological conflicts with biblical teaching, and how DEI practices often infiltrate conservative Christian universities through a shifting of definitions. A thoughtful call for Christians to pursue biblical unity, hospitality, and impartial justice rather than secular social engineering. The Biola Chronicles | Theology Mom YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHfxxaVbHJaajgjRpeC6w2d2h3ftjiYrD Diversity/DEI | CFBU YouTube playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSr-7Jtur6g_bGxIsIWliAUr-H25uipQu Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society https://a.co/d/2ftQnuf #DEI #Inclusion #Belonging #Christianperspective

Join me and acclaimed filmmaker Cory Edwards (director of "Hoodwinked!") and his wife Vicki as we dive into their brand-new Christmas film, All Is Merry & Bright. We’ll talk about the making of this heartwarming holiday movie and how their Christian faith has guided their work in Hollywood. Watch on Amazon Prime: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/All-is-Merry-Bright/0PLFEAU5PFEN6CFRZUEFVMFYR2

Biola was founded in 1908 to fight theological modernism when mainline schools abandoned orthodoxy. Today, postmodernism—with its rejection of truth, deconstruction of Scripture, and embrace of critical theories—threatens historic Christianity the same way. Biola’s founders had the courage to build an unapologetic outpost for biblical truth. Now it’s Biola's turn to lead again. This is a call to courage. #BiolaUniversity #Postmodernism #ChristianCourage #TheologyMom #BiolaChronicles

Most Christians know Hanukkah as the “Jewish Christmas,” but it is mentioned in John's Gospel as the "Festival of Dedication" (John 10:22 to 23). Discover the real story behind this holiday: the Maccabean revolt, the miracle of the oil, the stunning archaeological evidence, and how this feast of light points to Jesus, the Light of the World. Featuring a clips from a virtual interview with Christian archaeologist, Dr. Scott Stripling. Origins of Hanukkah - Maccabean Anti-Hellenic Rebellion DOCUMENTARY https://youtu.be/TaanPpi8LK0 Archaeology Related to Hanukkah: Digging for Truth Episode 275 https://youtu.be/4clp_oq8DyI

In this episode of The Biola Chronicles, Krista Bontrager (three-time Biola alumna and public theologian) reacts to Biola University President Dr. Barry Corey’s recent interview with Sean McDowell and Scott Rae. Dr. Corey insists Biola remains biblically faithful… but does the evidence match the narrative? If you’ve wondering what’s really happening at one of America’s largest evangelical universities, this is a must-watch. Original video: Biola's Commitment to Biblical Truth: A Conversation with President Corey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4lFUy4BkVY #BiolaChronicles #BarryCorey #BiolaUniversity

Most of us grew up with “getting saved” in one night: gospel presentation → raise your hand → pray the sinner’s prayer → maybe get baptized later. But when you actually read Acts conversion looked very different. In this teaching we’ll walk through the major conversion accounts in the book of Acts and then trace how the process evolved into the 1–3 year discipleship process practiced by the ancient church. If you’ve ever wondered: ✅ Should churches do same-day baptisms? ✅ Is the modern sinner’s prayer biblical? ✅ What process could churches put in place to provide a wise on-ramp for new believers? …this teaching is for you. Part of the Everyday Evangelism teaching series.

Special update: I share the latest developments at Biola University after the recent gender policy changes. I also react to Thaddeus Williams’ latest video and Megan Basham’s reporting. Toward the end, I explain the major shift in my view after realizing why Biola still employs staff and faculty across a wide spectrum of views, including those who are sympathetic to social justice, liberation theology, and DEI. This is the information that prospective parents, donors, and alumni need to know. PROGRAMMING NOTE: I had originally uploaded a slightly different version of this video. I am reuploading it (24 hours later) with a new, slightly modified ending. I feel like this ending is more clear to what I was aiming to get at.

In this powerful special edition of the Theology Mom podcast, I sit down with Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, founder of New Wave Feminists for a rare, honest conversation across ideological divides. We discuss abortion, human dignity from womb to tomb, Trump, IVF, the border crisis, and why both believe real change happens through relationships, not politics. Respectful, surprising and some common ground you might not expect.

At 15, I was a lonely, fatherless freshman drowning in depression. I had braces, curly hair, and zero friends. But two ordinary Christians noticed me—and my life changed forever. In this emotional episode, I reunite with two Christian women and talk about how God used them in my life. Thirty years later, we marvel at how God used regular people to help pull a broken girl out of the pit and into purpose. If you’ve ever wondered if your small act of kindness matters, this one’s for you. You don’t need a platform. You just need to notice the lonely person on the bench. One conversation, one prayer, one nudge from the Holy Spirit can alter someone’s eternity. #ChristianTestimony #TheologyMom #RedemptionStory #HighSchoolFaith

In this powerful 2-hour conversation, I talk to Christian counselor, Andrew Rodriguez (@psychobible). We expose the critical gap between doctrine and practice at Christian institutions — using Biola University as a real-world case study. Includes a discussion about Rosemead Psychology’s stance on “conversion therapy.” 🔥 We read Biola’s old vs. new gender & student care policies line-by-line. ⚖️ Compare their public statements of faith with actual campus culture ❌ Unpack the red flags in “The Dwelling” — Biola’s official LGBTQ+/SSA ministry 🗣️ React to clips from a Preston Sprinkle’s chapel talk & Side B framework 🛑 Why “gay Christian,” “sexual orientation,” and “safe space” language undermines transformation Parents, pastors, youth leaders — this is your roadmap for: • Crafting biblically sound policies • Training leaders to respond in the moment when a teen says, “I think I’m gay/trans” • Avoiding the Side B drift that leaves students stuck, not sanctified #BiolaUniversity #ChristianDiscipleship #GenderPolicies #SideB #LGBTQandChurch #BiblicalCounseling #YouthMinistry #ChristianParents #TheologyMatters