Thinking Matters Podcast

An engaging and thought-provoking talk by Dr John Bloom, where the mysteries of ancient history come alive! Drawing on decades of research at the intersection of archaeology, history, and ancient texts, Dr Bloom takes audiences on a journey through some of archaeology’s most fascinating discoveries — revealing how physical evidence from the past illuminates the world’s oldest stories and challenges the way we think about history and culture. Whether you’re curious about ancient civilizations, archaeology’s role in uncovering our shared human past, or how discoveries shape our understanding of sacred texts, this talk will inspire you with big ideas from the ancient world brought vividly into the present.

John Bloom, PhD

In this engaging interview, Jonathan Noyes shares his journey from atheism to Christianity, his approach to street evangelism, and practical tactics for engaging in meaningful conversations about faith. Discover how relationships, training, and understanding worldview differences can transform evangelistic efforts.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Noyes and Stand to Reason
02:45 Jonathan's Personal Life and Family
05:28 Exploring New Zealand and Outdoor Activities
08:15 Jonathan's Journey to Christianity
11:06 The Intellectual Struggle of Atheism
13:42 The Role of Apologetics in Faith
16:33 Experiences in Church and Community
19:30 Debating Faith and the Role of Apologetics
22:16 The Transformation of Belief
25:11 Engaging with Atheism in Discussions
29:10 Engaging with Atheism: Role Play and Reactions
32:06 Emotional Control in Conversations
36:46 The Importance of Preparation in Evangelism
40:31 Tactics for Effective Conversations
45:06 Understanding the Problem of Evil
51:39 The Next Generation: Investing in Youth
53:26 Connecting with the Audience: Online Presence and Resources

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, Todd Funk interviews Mark Powell, a former CEO and Christian apologist, about his spiritual journey, the intersection of faith and reason, and the challenges of engaging with skeptics. Mark shares his insights on the nature of suffering, the uniqueness of Christianity, and the importance of personal experience in faith. He discusses the misconceptions skeptics have about Christianity and emphasizes the need for thoughtful dialogue about faith in a modern context.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk interviews Lou Meyer, an experienced evangelist and apologist. Lou shares his spiritual journey, his extensive work in evangelism, and the challenges faced in modern outreach, particularly in relation to Korean cults. He discusses the characteristics of cults, the importance of apologetics, and the need for Christians to understand their faith deeply. The conversation emphasizes the significance of love and community in evangelism, as well as the necessity of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals in a multicultural society.

In this episode of the Thinking Matters podcast, host Todd Funk engages with Amanda Achtman, founder of 'Dying to Meet You', an organization focused on humanizing conversations around death, suffering, and dignity. Amanda shares her unique upbringing, her personal encounters with death, and the motivations behind her advocacy against euthanasia in Canada. The conversation delves into the implications of euthanasia legislation, the cultural perspectives on suffering, and the importance of intergenerational solidarity. Amanda emphasizes the need for compassionate care and the power of personal connection in addressing the crisis of self-esteem and despair that often leads individuals to consider euthanasia. The episode concludes with a call to action for love, support, and resistance against a culture that may normalize death as an option.