Shows
The Christian SkepticWhat if I don't "feel" like a Christian?This week, we discuss a recent clip from John Piper, and explore the role of emotion in the Christian life. Is constant emotional intensity the measure of genuine belief? What about the seasons of doubt or dryness many believers experience? We also discuss confessional Christianity, the limits of emotionalism, and the freedom that comes not from emotion, but from the unchanging truth of the gospel.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:52) - John Piper on AI and worship
(04:47) - When you don’t “feel” like a Christian
(06:17) - The hidden pressu...2025-07-2223 minThe Christian SkepticWhat Does It Really Mean to Be “Above Reproach”?What does it really mean to be “above reproach”? This week, we dismantle modern evangelical assumptions about pastoral perfection and argue for a more honest, grace-centered understanding rooted in Scripture.
In this episode:
(00:00) – Intro
(03:39) - David Mathis on being above reproach
(06:12) - The ambiguity of “above reproach”
(10:24) – Exemplary doesn’t mean perfect
(12:54) – Grace vs. behavior-based qualification
(16:23) – Hypocrisy, idolatry, and the double standard
(22:00) – Can a fallen pastor be restored?
(28:45) – The real disqualifier
(33:52) – Loss of trust vs. loss of calling
(36:00) – The lie of t...2025-07-0841 minThe Christian SkepticWhy Most Christians Are Wrong About Israel and IranThis week, we dissect a clip claiming that current events in Israel and Iran are predicted in Ezekiel 38 and 39. But is that what the Bible actually says? We explore the history behind this passage, why it’s been misinterpreted, and how fear-based theology distorts Scripture. From the rise of modern dispensationalism to the ancient context of Ezekiel’s vision, we unpack what the text really means—and why it matters how we read the Bible.
In this episode:
(00:00) – The Middle East is exploding (again)
(05:01) – Will Jesus descend and win the war for Israel?
...2025-06-2435 minThe Christian SkepticIs Sanctification the Most Misunderstood Concept in Christianity?This week, we explore the often misunderstood doctrine of sanctification, what it is, and isn’t. Is it something we accomplish through effort, or something God alone works in us? We unpack the difference between performative piety and genuine transformation, arguing that grace—not fear—is the engine of Christian growth. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:37) - Recap of Paul Washer episode
(10:59) - Understanding sanctification: monistic vs. synergistic
(14:50) - The role of grace in sanctification
(17:17) - Biblical interpretation and personal responsibility
(21:37) - Historical perspectives on salvation and grace
(22:50) - Augustine’s conversion story
(23:46) - The rea...2025-04-0843 minThe Christian SkepticLive Q&A: Navigating the Christian LifeThis week, we’re sharing a special live Q&A where we explore the complexities of the Christian life. From practical advice on living out your faith to tackling deep theological questions, we cover topics such as faith versus belief, predestination versus free will, overcoming fear, LGBTQ+ issues in the church, and much more.In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:43) - Cremation and the resurrection
(10:29) - Living a life trusting God over fear
(20:58) - Confession and forgiveness
(26:52) - Christian liberty and deference to others
(35:50) - LGBTQ+ issues in the church
(39:06) - Understanding tithes and of...2025-04-011h 31The Christian SkepticShould Christians Ever Call Out Sin? | TCS ReactsIs it our job to warn others away from sin—or just to help them pick up the pieces after they fall? This week, we react to a provocative clip from Tullian Tchividjian and explore the tension between grace, truth, and our responsibility to each other in Christian community.In this episode:
(00:00) – Intro
(03:46) – When grace feels like a provocation
(04:45) – Grace, public failures, and owning your crap
(08:41) – What Christians get wrong about rock bottom
(09:56) – The cliff, the crash, and the call to stay
(12:26) – Do warnings even work?
(13:56) – The role of the Holy Spirit in a person’s turni...2025-03-2536 minThe Christian SkepticWhat Paul Washer Gets Wrong About God's Love | TCS ReactsDoes suffering prove God’s love? Does ease mean he’s abandoned you? In this reaction episode, we respond to a video from Paul Washer on hardship, holiness, and God’s love—and challenge some common theological misconceptions. We break down Washer’s claims, discuss the dangers of works-based faith, and explore why grace—not suffering or circumstances—defines our standing with God.In this episode:
(00:00) – Intro
(02:26) – Paul Washer: Does God’s love mean hardship?
(04:10) – Truth or oversimplification? A flawed theology of suffering
(08:39) – The hidden Catholicism in reformed theology
(09:45) – Prosperity Gospel in reverse? When suffering becomes a b...2025-03-1832 minThe Christian SkepticThree Critical Mistakes Christians Make About Matthew 7:21-23This week, we dive into one of Jesus’ most unsettling statements from Matthew 7:21-23—”I never knew you. Depart from me.” Often misinterpreted as a call for believers to work more and try harder, we unpack how this passage actually dismantles a works-based approach to salvation, revealing that knowing Jesus—not religious performance—is what truly matters. We explore cultural and personal struggles with grace, how legalism warps our understanding of faith, and why even good works can become a form of self-salvation. Let’s get to it!In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(02:33) – Why Matthew 7:21...2025-02-2540 minThe Christian SkepticThe Truth About "All Things Work Together for Good" (Romans 8:28)This week, we kick off a new series on commonly misinterpreted passages of Scripture, starting with Romans 8:28. We unpack what it really means when Scripture says “all things work together for good,” challenging misconceptions about God’s sovereignty, suffering, and Christian growth.Topics we discuss:
How we misunderstand God’s definition of “good”
What Paul means by “all things”
Why Romans 8:28 isn’t a promise that life will be easy
The difference between God’s sovereignty and hard determinism
How this verse gets used (and misused) in Christian culture
Why “God’s plan” isn’t always what we expect—and why that’...2025-02-1851 minThe Christian SkepticWhy I Stopped Trying to Be a Good ChristianThis week, Adam shares his story—years of fear and chasing the impossible standard of "perfection", until the weight of legalism and religious control led him to question everything. We discuss the pressure to be "good" in church culture, deconstruction, and what happens when we stop trying to earn God's love and discover the truth of grace and the gospel. Topics we discuss:
Embracing authenticity over perfection
How questioning can lead to growth
The emotional side of faith
The impact of spiritual disciplines
Chapters
(00:00) - Intro
(03:34) - Pragmatic INTJ...2025-02-1146 minThe Christian SkepticFrom Legalism to Liberation: Navigating Church Hurt and Theological ShiftsGet full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic. Season 02 of The Christian Skeptic is here! In this raw and candid episode, Aaron shares his personal journey through faith, ministry, and discovering authentic grace. Navigating personal tragedy, the complexities of church leadership, and theological transformation, Aaron's story challenges conventional Christian culture while offering hope for those who feel they don't fit the traditional mold.Topics we discuss:
Growing up in strict religious movements
The pressures o...2025-02-041h 00The Christian SkepticA Skeptical Christmas SpecialIn this special Christmas episode, we talk about our favorite Christmas traditions, imaginative storytelling, and the deeper meaning behind the season. From nostalgic books and movies to the magic of childhood wonder, we reflect on why Christmas is more than just a holiday. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:09) - The hot toddy illustration
(04:24) - Christmas traditions
(15:26) - Favorite Christmas books and movies
(24:19) - Christmas traditions and activities
(25:34) - The magic of Christmas
(35:41) - The reality of imagination
(43:41) - Season 01 wrap-up
Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org. ...2024-12-1944 minThe Christian SkepticSeason 01 Wrap-Up: Faith and Reason in the Christian LifeThis week, we wrap up season one of The Christian Skeptic and reflect on the topics of grace, faith, and why the Bible plays such a critical role in our lives. The root of Christian Skepticism is about the willingness to continually challenge and re-examine our own bias and convictions in light of Scripture. Our goal in season one was to lay the foundation for how we do that. As we wrap up, we invite you to keep questioning and join us in the new year for more discussions around how we live out these concepts in everyday life.2024-11-1234 minThe Christian SkepticInterpreting the Bible with Wisdom and Grace (Biblical Authority, 04)In part four of our series on biblical authority we dive into the last five of 10 crucial principles for interpreting Scripture. We also discuss some common pitfalls, like interpreting the Bible through the lens of our experience, the problems with "what would Jesus do", and more. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(05:21) - What Would Jesus Do?
(13:32) - Interpret the Bible through the lens of gospel and grace
(20:59) - Biblical examples are only authoritative when supported by a command
(30:10) - Investigate the meanings of keywords in their original languages
(38:11) - Do not interpret Scripture in light of pe...2024-11-0549 minThe Christian SkepticHow to Read and Interpret the Bible (Biblical Authority, Part 03)This week, we continue our series on biblical authority and discuss principles for interpreting the Bible accurately. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:53) - Introduction to biblical interpretation
(02:50) - Challenges in understanding the Bible
(10:11) - Let Scripture interpret Scripture
(24:02) - Meaning is derived from context
(32:07) - Interpret Scripture normatively
(36:33) - Don't look for unique or secret meaning
(38:52) - Descriptive vs. prescriptive
Get full show notes and links at https://www.thechristianskeptic.org. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thechristianskeptic. 2024-10-2944 minThe Christian SkepticIs the Bible True? The Astonishing Historical Evidence (Biblical Authority, Part 02)How can we know if the Bible is true? In part 02 of our series on Biblical authority and interpretation, we dive into why we believe the Bible is true and authoritative. We discuss the historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence, and how that has shaped our thinking. Despite being written over centuries by more than 40 authors in multiple languages, the Bible presents remarkable consistency that holds up under scrutiny. Ultimately, the overwhelming evidence—from eyewitness accounts to historical records—gives us confidence that the Bible isn’t just a fairytale, but a reliable, divinely-inspired text.In...2024-10-2248 minThe Christian SkepticHow a Skeptic Can Believe the Bible Is the Ultimate Truth (Biblical Authority, Part 01)This week, we kick off a three-part series about the Bible and our claim that it is not only our ultimate authority, but the foundation of all truth. In part 01, we ask, what is the connection between skepticism and belief? How can we know what is true and what is false? We explore how Christianity, once intellectually respected and revered, has become a watered-down shadow of itself, leading to confusion and a loss of truth. We also discuss the contradictions of moral relativism and the dangers of building belief systems on unstable foundations. In this epi...2024-10-1534 minThe Christian SkepticShould Christians Judge Each Other? Steve Lawson and the Problem with Lordship SalvationThis week, we talk about whether or not Christians should evaluate each other’s actions, what Jesus means when he says “you will know them by their fruit”, and the difference between clear, biblically-defined sin, and subjective behaviors. We also discuss the recent controversy around Steve Lawson, how Christians should respond to the failures of public figures, and what it means for a pastor to be “disqualified” from ministry. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:29) - Steve Lawson controversy
(04:00) - Should Christians judge other Christians?
(09:04) - You will know them by their fruit?
(16:42) - How should we re...2024-10-0138 minThe Christian Skeptic“Is it a cop-out to say ‘God’s in control’?”Is it a cop-out to say ‘God’s in control’? Is everything that happens really God’s will? This week, we talk about the tension between God’s sovereignty and human accountability. We dive into the concepts of determinism, free will, and God’s role in sweeping up the messes we create. We also reflect on the difference between God allowing suffering versus actively causing it, and how that shapes our understanding of his care in both cosmic and personal contexts.In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:24) - Biblical perspectives on suffering and sovereignty
(07:59) - Are certain things outsi...2024-09-2446 minThe Christian SkepticIs God Actually Happy With Us?Is God actually happy with us? What is the connection between faith, works, and grace in the Christian life? Is there such a thing as a “good Christian”?This week, we explore these questions and discuss what it means to please God. We wrestle with the complexity of identity in Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, the concept of future grace, and how our actions—whether good or bad—reveal deeper realities about our faith. In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:27) - A practical theology
(05:35) - Do our actions matter?
(08:19) - Behavior reflects be...2024-09-1745 minThe Christian SkepticAre We Living in the Last Days?This week, we talk about eschatology—the study of the end times. Church history is replete with people predicting the end of the world and Jesus’ second coming. And yet, we’re still here. We examine the common thread that ties all these predictions together, and do a deep dive into the various views of the second coming, and the four main frameworks used to understand and interpret apocalyptic literature in scripture.In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:48) - Weather skeptics?
(03:06) - Are we living in the last days?
(05:24) - Chrisitan Skepticism is a third way between extrem...2024-09-1051 minThe Christian SkepticAre Christians Afraid of Grace?This week, we dive deep into Antinomianism, what it is, and how it has impacted our lives. We also discuss the danger of unexamined beliefs, misunderstandings around justification and sanctification, the role of the law in Christianity, and the interplay between sin, grace, and identity.In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:38) - Owning your crap
(01:53) - Caring what people think
(03:19) - The role of the law in Christianity
(05:27) - Enneagram 5s vs tradition
(10:58) - What is Antinomianism?
(18:32) - Justification vs Sanctification
(22:58) - The fear of grace
(26:54) - What’s the worst sin you can commit?
(29:06) - Should we...2024-09-0342 minThe Christian SkepticThe Surprising Joy of Christian SkepticismThis week, we dive into the concept of Christian Skepticism, exploring its meaning, significance, and how it ultimately leads to joy.Christian Skepticism is a worldview that questions all doctrines, confessions, lifestyles, and practices—regardless of popularity or cultural/religious acceptance—in an effort to separate absolute truth from mere opinion, bias, or propaganda, using the Bible as the highest authority is determining these absolutes. We believe that God is not honored through falsehood, ungrounded religious dogmatism, or preferential conclusion masquerading as cosmic certainty, but is instead honored when truth is discovered, taught, and lived out.Th...2024-08-2740 minThe Christian SkepticDeconstruction Is a Good IdeaThis week, we talk about deconstruction vs deconversion, and why much of historic Christianity has been lost amid centuries of cultural and theological opinion and bias. We also discuss how suffering has shaped our faith, and tackle questions about God’s goodness, our lack of ability to be “good Christians”, and the role of intellect and emotion in our faith. In this episode:
(00:00) - Welcome to The Christian Skeptic
(02:58) - Why we have not deconverted
(14:46) - What's different about the pain and suffering then vs the pain and suffering now?
(22:58) - Disillusionment with God vs hurt from pe...2024-08-2039 minThe Christian SkepticIntroducing: The Christian SkepticWelcome to The Christian Skeptic, a podcast about faith, doubt, and what it means to be a Christian.Our ManifestoChristian Skepticism is a worldview that questions all doctrines, confessions, lifestyles, and practices — regardless of popularity or cultural/religious acceptance — in an effort to separate absolute truth from mere opinion, bias, or propaganda, using the Bible as the highest authority is determining these absolutes. We believe that God is not honored through falsehood, ungrounded religious dogmatism, or preferential conclusion masquerading as cosmic certainty, but is instead honored when truth is discovered, taught, and...2024-08-0506 min