Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Hard questions, faithfully explored. Hosted by Rebecca McLaughlin.

Episodes

April 22, 2025 42 mins
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 do...
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Russell Cowburn, a professor of experimental physics at Cambridge University, joins Rebecca to explore the intricate relationship between science and faith. They explore the concept of God within the scope of scientific discovery, the historical figures who have harmonized faith with scientific contributions, and engage with the question of Jesus' resurrection and its implications. As they approach Easter, Russell reflects on his p...
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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 transformat...
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Join Rebecca and Jen Wilkin in a rich exploration of the Book of Revelation, unraveling its powerful imagery and links to the entire biblical narrative. Discover the symbolism of the Lamb, the recurring motif of weddings, and the age-old struggle against the dragon. They discuss the profound promises and warnings Revelation offers, its portrayal of Jesus as both sacrificial and sovereign, and its vision of a future with people from...
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Join Rebecca and Ana Ávila as they talk about the interplay between productivity, faith, and motherhood. Ana, a senior writer for the Spanish version of the Gospel Coalition, shares insights from her book, "Make the Most of Your Time: A Guide to Honoring God with Your Time." They discuss the balance of work, parenting, and spiritual habits, highlighting how love and devotion drive productivity.
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Join Rebecca and Dr. Mark McDowell as they explore the concept of "Ordo Amoris" and its implications for Christian ethics and political discussions. The conversation explores the theological insights of Augustine and their modern relevance, especially concerning love for one's neighbor and immigrant care. Unpacking biblical parables and teachings, Mark highlights the transformative potential of divine love in addressing societal ch...
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Derwin Gray, pastor and author, joins Rebecca to explore the transformative power of God's love in a world craving the gospel. They discuss Gray's latest book, "Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good News People in a Gospel Starved World," examining how Jesus' love compels us to love others, transcending racial and social barriers.
Buy Derwin's Book:
Lit Up With Love
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Rebecca and Rachel Zhang explore the intersection of literature and Christianity on today's episode. Rachel, an assistant professor at Emerson College, discusses her research on 17th-century literature and her experience as a Christian in academia. They analyze the influence of faith on studying literature, the power of fiction, and the importance of engaging with works from diverse worldviews.
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February 25, 2025 37 mins
Rebecca and Sam Chan explore the complexities of living an authentic life through a Christian lens. They discuss cultural narratives about being true to oneself and the contrasting biblical perspective of finding true identity through Jesus. Sam shares from his experiences as a medical doctor to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, challenging listeners to seek life's purpose beyond self-centered desires...
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February 18, 2025 42 mins
Rebecca and Gavin Ortlund dive into the art of disagreeing while maintaining relationships. They explore biblical insights and discuss the balance between boldness and love in conversations, especially when addressing religious and ideological differences. Whether navigating disagreements with friends or discussing contentious issues, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for engaging in meaningful and respectful dialogue.
Follo...
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Kyla Gillespie joins Rebecca to discuss her journey with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction. Raised in a Christian home, Kyla shares her struggle with identity, navigating both a passion for hockey and feelings of not fitting traditional gender roles. She recounts her experiences with transition, faith, and alcoholism, ultimately returning to faith and finding solace in her identity as a woman in Christ. This episode explores...
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Rebecca and Dr. Michael J. Kruger discuss the origins and reliability of the New Testament, the textual transmission from early Christianity, the authenticity of gospel accounts, and address common skeptic arguments, including Bart Ehrman's views on manuscript variations. Dr. Kruger highlights the significance of Jesus' character and teachings while discussing the historical importance of early Christian texts.
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Rebecca and Dr. Christy Thornton explore Christian unity and diversity as they tackle key theological topics, including the Lord's Supper and baptism, examining what Christians agree on and where denominational differences lie. Listen into the discussions on important terms like sacraments and ordinances, and discover how these practices shape Christian tradition. Dr. Thornton shares insights from her newest book "Confessing Christ...
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Rebecca sits down with Rachel Jones, editor at The Good Book Company and author of The Quiet Time Kickstart: Six Weeks to a Healthy Bible Habit. Drawing inspiration from the Couch to 5K program, Rachel shares how this book was designed to help anyone build a sustainable and meaningful habit of meeting God in His Word. Together, Rebecca and Rachel dive into the real struggles that often hold us back, the joy of encountering Scriptur...
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January 17, 2025 1 min
The 6th season of Confronting Christianity is set to launch on January 21st!

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Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Rebecca and Justine explore questions submitted by our listeners! They explore challenges of infertility, perspectives on the morning-after pill, and how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics. The discussion also highlights strategies for evangelism, especially within diverse religious contexts, and how to discern primary doctrinal issues.

List of Questions Answered
  1. How can we effectively and practically share the gospel...
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December 10, 2024 28 mins
About the Guest:
Kyle Worley is a dedicated pastor, insightful author, and engaging podcaster. Alongside his spiritual commitments and teachings, Kyle is also a foster father, showcasing his passion for nurturing and supporting the next generation. His latest endeavor is his forthcoming book titled "Home with God: Union with Christ," which delves into the profound theological concept of union with Christ. Rebecca McLaughlin: Rebecca...
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    Michael Keller is a prominent pastor with a distinguished career intertwining academia and theology. Having spent his formative years in New York City and obtaining degrees in History and Psychology from Vanderbilt University, Michael pursued theological studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, earning both M.Div and THM degrees. He has served in various pastoral roles across London and Boston and most notably, Michael holds...
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    November 26, 2024 33 mins
    Rebecca hosts Dr. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned expert in science and theology, to explore the intersection of faith and neuroscience. Dr. Dirckx, author of "Am I Just My Brain?", explores the complex relationship between brain and mind, challenging the notion that consciousness is merely an illusion. The discussion highlights scientific phenomena that suggest we are more than our neurons and explores how the Christian worldview can pr...
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    November 19, 2024 28 mins
    Lisa Fields is a renowned Christian apologist, recognized for her significant contributions to the African American community. She is the CEO of Jude 3 Project, which is dedicated to helping Black Christians understand their faith. Lisa is an accomplished documentary producer, known for "Unspoken" and "Juneteenth, Faith and Freedom". She is also the author of "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap between What We Believe and What We Expe...
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