Mark is a great place to start reading the Bible. It’s short enough that you can read it in one sitting, and the gospel talks about how Jesus relates to real, everyday people. But it turns out that maybe Mark isn't actually the author. AUTHENTIC host Shawn Boonstra walks you through the evidence in part 3 of a series called "The Four Witnesses".
If you want to know what it really looks like to be a Christian, the gospel of Matthew is a great place to start. It reads like a training guide—talking about what Jesus said, and then about what he did. And what better example to copy than Jesus himself? AUTHENTIC host Shawn Boonstra walks you through some of the most interesting parts of the Bible's first gospel. This is part two of a series called "The Four Witnesses."
Ever wonder why the Bible has four versions of Jesus' life—in four gospels? AUTHENTIC host Shawn Boonstra kicks off a multi-part study series about how the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—are different and alike. Series name: "The Four Witnesses."
Back in the earliest years of Christian history, a lot of deep thinkers struggled to wrap their minds around the concept of Jesus being not just a man, and not just God, but instead BOTH things at the very same time. 🤯 How could the eternal Almighty Himself come to this earth as a real flesh-and-blood human? Shawn Boonstra takes a little time to examine that claim in this special Christmas episode.
The thought that somebody might be out there pretending to be you is enough to keep you up at night. How much money are they borrowing in your name? What kinds of crimes are they committing? When bad things happen, people have a tendency to blame God. Is it possible that we’re actually blaming the wrong person? Shawn Boonstra looks for answers in the story of Job’s unwavering commitment to God.
Turns out music might be one of the best pieces of evidence against evolution as an origins theory. Shawn Boonstra examines the seemingly miraculous story of Dae-bum Lee, a Korean baritone turned stroke survivor who’s managed to sing in classical concert halls even though he can’t speak.
We never seem to have time for quiet reflection. Have you ever tried giving yourself a full day away from the digital world? Shawn Boonstra challenges you to try it. Take a whole day with your Bible and listen to what God has been trying to tell you.
The Thanksgiving holiday gives us an incredible opportunity to practice real gratitude AND quit living with brutal anxiety. Watch this episode to find out why Shawn Boonstra thinks Thanksgiving is the most important holiday of the year.
Some of the most vocal people in American politics also seem to be the most religious. And while that's not a bad thing inherently, it can be dangerous. Shawn Boonstra walks through the pages of atheist and Christian philosophers, such as Thomas Paine, to uncover how religious influence on government has quashed freedom and killed dissidents.
Most of us still have this collective sense that the world is not supposed to be like this—filled with evil, pain, and loss. Most of us seem to remember a time when things were a whole lot better. Shawn Boonstra says it's because God has put eternity in our hearts.
Are some ideas too dangerous to remain in circulation? There's a disturbing new trend where people think banning certain types of speech is not only OK, but the right thing to do. Shawn Boonstra talks about why that's actually a really bad idea.
Have you ever started something with the intention of doing something good and inadvertently ended up doing the exact opposite? Unintended consequences are, unfortunately, a part of life. But what can you do about it? Shawn Boonstra explores why your human judgment can often betray you.
Imagine going into a room to make a presentation, knowing that nobody really wants you there—and they’re probably going to laugh at you the whole time. Would you still be willing to do it? What would it take to make you persist? Shawn Boonstra takes a look at what Jesus experienced throughout his life here on Earth.
We're living in an increasingly impatient world, aren't we? Even though we're easily the most affluent generation in the history of the world, somehow we still seem to think we deserve a little more, as soon as possible. And sometimes, that attitude can even show up in church.
It can be incredibly hard to trust in others. Over and over, the world and its people fail us. How would God be any different? Shawn Boonstra explores how we truly judge our judges.
Some people are worth every bit of ridicule and disgust you can give ’em, right? After all, they stand for something you abhor. Maybe they stand for the wrong politics. Or maybe they chose the wrong religion. And to top it off, they're rude! But wait a sec... Who gave you the right to determine someone else's worth?
A lot of people don't like organized religion—and for good reason. History is full of atrocities in the name of Christianity. But are they throwing out the baby with the bathwater? Shawn Boonstra makes a case for closer examination.
Music can actually help you find the ultimate meaning of life. Shawn Boonstra talks about the brain science.
Did Christopher Hitchens lie? Or did he just interpret things differently? We're revisiting claims from the well-known "atheist evangelist" who said that religion poisons everything.
Atheists love to praise Christopher Hitchens—one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism. But they leave out some pretty critical info that should really change how you evaluate his claims.
How do you really know what you know? How can you be so sure? Shawn Boonstra revisits the writings of Ayn Rand, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.
Chances are, she's changed the way you think...and not necessarily in a good way. Shawn Boonstra explores the writings of one of the most influential—and controversial—thinkers in modern American history: Ayn Rand.
A brutal pandemic. Surging unrest. It's happened before...and it'll happen again. But much worse, and on a scale that few people can comprehend.
Find out about a secret so big that you can actually bend the universe in your direction...if it's true.
Find out about a small piece of real estate—just 37 acres big—that some people think might spark a global war.
What's the point of investing in your future, if everyone's going to die anyway? Shawn Boonstra tackles one of life's biggest questions.
You might think that miracles are proof enough that God exists—but miracles are not the essence of a meaningful relationship with God. Shawn Boonstra talks about why miracles shouldn’t be the foundation of our faith.
In a meaningless world, why live? For life itself—according to many. But there could be something even MORE worth fighting for, says Shawn Boonstra.
Does the Bible really say Jesus is God? Shawn Boonstra investigates.
You CAN live forever—lessons from Frankenstein.
