In this episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode on asking "How did we get our Bible?" except we will look at how we got the New Testament we have today. We will look at 3 tests that are given to determine the whether or not ancient writings would be included in the New Testament. We also look at how the documents came together from divine inspiration to the writing process. Lastly, we will respond to the critique that the final version of the Bible was a result of a few se...
Feb 27, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 2
A popular question that has surfaced within our Western culture is the question “What is Truth?” In Season 1 we are going to begin to address this question and what better place to start that with the Bible. During this season we are going to address several questions non-Christians and Christians alike have about the Bible. In this first episode we will address the question “Where did the Old Testament come from?” We get into the types of materials that were used to write on, how oral transmiss...
Nov 13, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1
We finally finish our discussion on the topic of abortion in this third and final episode. We begin by responding to some popular criticisms of those who are anti-abortionists. Criticisms such as: 1. "What do we do when a woman is pregnant as a result of rape?" 2. A fetus is "just a clump of cells" Next we look at what it looks like to fully walk out the title of "pro-life." What should we be doing to support ALL life as a community and as individuals? Finally we end this whole discussion with a...
Jul 25, 2022•26 min•Ep. 43
In the episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode addressing the topic of abortion and look specifically at pro-abortion reasoning. We respond to the following arguments: - Personal autonomy- "My body, my rules" - The underlying assumption of "the right to be as sexually active as desired" - "The baby doesn't feel pain during the abortion" We end the episode beginning a defense of some of the claims made against those who oppose abortion. We tackle the questions made about mo...
Jun 24, 2022•22 min•Ep. 42
Is the anti-abortion, defense of human life actually defensible? In this first segment of our discussion we first look to see what the Bible says about human value and when "being" or "existence" is recognized. Does the Bible recognize "being" after the womb, during, or perhaps before? Next we begin to address some of the common reasoning given by supporters of abortion. Personal autonomy is a growingly popular reason being given. Is personal autonomy a reasonable stance? Does anyone actually wa...
May 14, 2022•19 min•Ep. 41
We continue our series discussing the hopelessness many people find themselves drowning in due to many factors. In this episode we direct our focus on the issue of climate change. Many feel that humanity is doomed on some level. Some are foregoing the decision to bring children into the world while others feel like they will have far less opportunities than previous generations. Regardless of your views on climate change, we want to bring a message of hope. 1:32 -"Eco-anxiety" 4:21 -Is this the ...
Mar 23, 2022•18 min•Ep. 40
It seems more than ever that people have a sense of hopelessness when it comes to their own future and the future of humanity. This is largely due to fears associated with climate change and the COVID pandemic. Some question whether or not any hope exists. In this episode we get into the word "hope". What does it mean and is it something people just dream up to make themselves feel better or does the Christian faith offer legitimate reason for hope? All episodes can be found at www.switchinglens...
Jan 17, 2022•22 min•Ep. 39
In the final episode of our series on gender identity, we look at some of the claims of the transgender community and we apply what we covered in the first two episodes of the series. We then ask the questions “How does God view or will humans in terms of their make-up, strengths, and deficiencies?” Do we focus on what we don’t have and how we are lacking or have we been gifted with a unique makeup of strengths that can benefit the greater community and bring glory to God. Lastly we will look at...
Nov 22, 2021•20 min•Ep. 38
We often hear the phrases like " find your own truth ", " follow your heart ", and " your feelings matter most ." More and more we are seeing the "self" being elevated to a level that is to never be questioned. Do we have a culture that values the “self” above all? What degree of importance do we place on someone’s feelings or emotions? In this episode we will discuss the existence of self-deification, how our feelings can deceive, and the need to die to ourselves. All episodes can be found at w...
Sep 02, 2021•25 min•Ep. 37
The divide within the "gender" debate is well established and remains a controversial subject to say the least. There are some who are struggling with their own confusion about their gender and others who just aren't sure what to think about the issue. During this series we are going to break this subject down to its core. We are going to build a case to show the what lies behind the mindset of "self-identity" by first, in this first episode, evaluating the human condition. We like to describe p...
Jul 07, 2021•17 min•Ep. 36
We conclude our series on forgiveness by looking at our desperate need for forgiveness in these times of tension we find ourselves in. What is the inevitable outcome of the cancel culture? Why do you think so many people today generate so much hostility towards people who think differently? We close out the episode talking about radical forgiveness and the impact it can have on the wrongdoer. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Tima Mirosh...
Jun 01, 2021•31 min•Ep. 35
We continue our discussion on how the Bible lays out forgiveness and what it asks of us. We begin my addressing some of the misconceptions of forgiveness. Should we be a "doormat" and let people walk all over us? What about the saying, "Forgive and forget"? Is reconciliation required for forgiveness to take place? We respond to all of these questions and more as we unpack what true, life-bringing forgiveness looks like. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian B...
Apr 26, 2021•21 min•Ep. 34
Forgiveness doesn’t seem to come naturally to us. It can often seem like a challenge. Much like us, in the Bible Simon Peter thought of himself has a very forgiving person but Jesus was soon to correct him. Jesus proceeded to tell a parable that showed how humans can have a very illogical bitterness when wronged and then showed what true forgiveness looked like. He showed this level of forgiveness with a subtle reference to a little known passage in the Hebrew Bible. But what about "an eye for a...
Mar 15, 2021•25 min•Ep. 33
Many have been stunned by the findings of the investigation into the sexual assault claims made against Ravi Zacharias. We are left asking so many questions. In this episode we address some of the tough questions people are asking like "Should we read his books or listen to his old sermons?" Can we compare Ravi to David in the Bible and simply view him as just a fallen human? What level of trust can we place on evangelists, pastors, and other ministry leaders? Find all episodes at www.switchingl...
Feb 26, 2021•28 min•Ep. 32
We begin a new series called "The Profundity of Forgiveness" that flows from our previous series on justice. In this first episode we start by looking at unforgiveness. It might seem natural since forgiveness can seem illogical or irrational if self-preservation is the ultimate ethic. But does living in unforgiveness resolve or restore what was lost? What are the effects of unforgiveness on a person and on a society? All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buch...
Jan 27, 2021•21 min•Ep. 31
In part 4 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we continue discussing the applications and conclusions of Biblical justice within the our current circumstances. What role must mercy and forgiveness play in order to justice that is righteous. What should be our attitude towards the marginalized and how do we identify them? All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Maurício Mascaro from Pexels...
Nov 23, 2020•33 min•Ep. 30
In part 3 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we begin to describe and analyze the problems related to recent events involving claims of injustice. How do we recognize when injustices are taking place and how should we react when they do? How do we approach the system of law of enforcement we have in the US and objectively critique it devoid of any bias. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels...
Oct 19, 2020•22 min•Ep. 29
In the previous episode we established that the natural world is devoid of any justice and if we are looking for justice we are forced to look beyond the natural world and humanity. In this episode we take a look at what the Bible says about justice. The Hebrew word "mishpat" is translated as "justice" in English but it seems to go much further than our English understanding. It demands much more of us. All episodes can be found at switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Sarw...
Sep 15, 2020•21 min•Ep. 28
We are starting a brand new series called "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society." It not difficult to look out into the cultural and political landscape and see people making claims of injustice left and right. In this series we want to peel back the surface of these tensions and get to the heart of the matter and define the word "justice." In this first episode we want to take the natural world outside of humanity and see if there are any clues or any guidance that would lead us to defining wh...
Aug 27, 2020•23 min•Ep. 27
In the final episode of the "Avoiding the Significant" series we hold culture under the microscope to observe its part in avoiding conversations and ideas of utmost importance. What kind of movements are we seeing that keep people at a distance from the God who desires them? How can we navigate through life with these kinds of ideas and influences right at our doorstep? You can find all episodes at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexels...
Jul 25, 2020•18 min•Ep. 26
We continue our series on the curious question of "Why do we tend to avoid conversations of ultimate importance and divert our attention from these significant questions and ideas?" In this episode we want to look at the role that distraction plays in all of this. We are all guilty to some degree of being distracted but how much of our day do we fill with distractions that keep our attention away from what or who is of utmost importance? Timestamps 1:57 Recap of part 1 and intro of part 2 2:54 T...
Jul 01, 2020•27 min•Ep. 25
In part one of this three part series we take a look at a seemingly common mentality of avoiding conversations of ultimate significance. Why is this? We start in this first episode of simply establishing what IS significant or what is of ultimate significance. We finish the episode by helping to personally identify what we value and how much we value it. All episodes and blog material can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels...
Jun 13, 2020•18 min•Ep. 24
In the final episode of our Coronavirus series we question "How should we react in a troubled time such as this?" Is bunkering down and obtaining supplies using wisdom or is it reacting in fear? Is this really a very unique time with a very unique opportunity? Music by Brian Buchanan All episodes found at switchinglensespodcast.com
May 03, 2020•16 min•Ep. 22
We continue our three-part series on taking a look at our reaction to the coronavirus. We are seeing many different reactions to this virus and the potential threat it poses to some people's lives. So it prompts the question:"How do we value...life?" If I don't believe in God, or any life after this, how might I react when my life might be threatened? What if I do believe that this life isn't all there is? How might I react? We discuss all of this to provide some proper perspective on how we sho...
Apr 06, 2020•18 min•Ep. 21
In this episode we ask "What is the expected reaction from the coronavirus?" Is this a grave injustice to humanity or is this just part of living in a broken world? We also look at how the advancement of technology has really shaped our expectation of how our lives should look and the associated disappointment when things go wrong. Email the show at feedback@switchinglensespodcast.com Visit switchinglensespodcast.com for all podcast episodes, videos, and blog articles. Music by Brian Buchanan...
Mar 22, 2020•17 min•Ep. 20
On this episode we shake things up a bit. Josh and Shane have prepared difficult questions to ask each other without previously discussing them. These questions come from common questions and issues many people have about Christianity and the Bible. All questions are time-stamped below: (6:43) Question 1- If I’m a good person who does more good things than bad and live a happy life, why would I need God? (13:38) Question 2- How do approach sharing your faith with someone from a Muslim background...
Jan 06, 2020•53 min•Ep. 19
Don't judge me! This is a common response to moral correction or disapproval but does it have any merit? Are we ever allowed to point out mistakes or flaws in other people? Many will point to the Bible and say that it says "Don't judge others lest you be judged." This topic can be a bit tricky but we will break this idea down in this episode. We will look at the intent of this phrase and other similar phrases dealing with "being judgmental." Then we will look at the natural outworking of a socie...
Dec 22, 2019•40 min•Ep. 18
In this episode we approach the notion that the book of Genesis is incompatible with science and therefore is often viewed as myth. This view is becoming more and more popular due to a rising belief in scientism. But does the modern scientific view actually validate some of the Genesis creation narrative? Josh and Shane take a look at three claims: - The consensus of recorded human history - The common descent of man - Life from non-life Is there a congruency between the two? Follow the show on ...
Nov 28, 2019•37 min•Ep. 17
We welcome author, writer, and host of the "Truce Podcast" Chris Staron to the show. We spend some time getting to know Chris and talk with him about his release of season 3 of the Truce Podcast. We also dive into the topic of evangelism in light of our previous episode "Is Evangelism Offensive" and provide our experiences and strategies of sharing the Gospel message with unbelievers. You can info for the Truce Podcast at https://trucepodcast.com/...
Nov 12, 2019•50 min•Ep. 16
On the latest episode of Switching Lenses we address the question “Is evangelism offensive?” According to a Barna Group survey there are many who share this sentiment that it is wrong to share your faith with someone in hopes that they will one day share the same faith. So, are personal beliefs so sacred that they are above any kind of dissenting views or objections? Have we reached a point where we are unable to disagree? And what happens if we hold up a particular belief and question its truth...
Nov 01, 2019•38 min•Ep. 15
