The AC Podcast - podcast cover

The AC Podcast

Apologetics Canadaapologeticscanada.com
The Apologetics Canada Podcast helps churches understand and speak the language of our culture and address questions being asked with intellectual honesty, gentleness and respect. Hosted by Troy Lydiate
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Surprising Demise of Atheism

The Four Horsemen of the New Atheists: Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett, have faded from the cultural spotlight they once attracted. The New Atheists are now the Old Atheists. In fact, only two of the four are still alive. The questions they once raised still linger faintly but cultural conversations have shifted dramatically. Instead of asking, "Does God exist?" there are now an array of books and personalities asking and answering questions of sex, gender, ...

May 17, 202456 min

Satan, the Good Guy?

Is Satan the good guy? Spoiler alert: absolutely not. Yet, there's a rising trend in secular circles casting Satan as a misunderstood cosmic vigilante. From mainstream cartoons to lively round-table debates with Satanists, this narrative is gaining traction. Why is Satan suddenly getting a makeover? And what does this mean for believers and the broader culture? Join us on this week's AC Podcast as Troy, Steve, and Wes dive deep into the shift in perspective. Discover why this reimagining of Sata...

May 10, 202448 min

When the Church Breaks Your Heart

If you've been a part of a church community for any length of time, you've likely experienced moments of hurt, disappointment, or even betrayal. These painful incidents often drive people away from their local congregation, their ministry, or, in the worst cases, the faith itself. But what if there's a way to address these wounds before they push us toward deconstructing our faith? What would it take for us to go from, the Church breaking our hearts, to our hearts breaking for the Church? Join u...

May 03, 202443 min

Peace Be the Journey

On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, Troy sits down with TWU students, Rea, Marko, and Jeremy to talk about peace. Recently, this trio of student body leaders were invited to the 3rd Global Peace Summit organized by Humanitarian Affairs Asia. "It is a conference designed to empower the next generation of peacebuilders from diverse corners of the world." In addition to representing TWU at the GP Summit, Rea, Marko, and Jeremy were selected to attend as leaders at the conference. Only 11 peop...

Apr 26, 202447 min

Reacting to Mark Driscoll: How to Blow Up a Conference

In the realm of Christian figures, few have stirred as much controversy in recent years as Mark Driscoll. Amid the echoes of the podcast "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill," the rock-and-roll preacher once again finds himself at the epicenter of Christian discourse. Recently, as a guest speaker at one of the nation's largest Christian men's conferences, Driscoll sparked uproar by beginning his talk with a rebuke for opening the men's conference with a chest baring, male acrobat. This public disagre...

Apr 17, 202444 min

Richard Dawkins Converts to Cultural Christianity?

Once known as the leading figure of the Four Horsemen of New Atheism, Richard Dawkins made a name for himself for his vitriol against religion in general and Christianity in particular. So, then, it surprised many people to hear him self-identify as a cultural Christian. While he rejects the truth claims of Christianity, he still seems to see value in the impact of Christianity, at least in comparison to some other worldviews. Is this new from Dawkins? What should we make of the comment itself? ...

Apr 12, 202439 min

Sikh and Ye Shall Find

On this week's episode, Troy sits down for an in-person conversation with Trinity Western student, Rea and AC Adjunct speaker, Isaac Paul. The nature of their conversation revolves around the importance of interfaith dialogue. Listen as Rea unpacks her story of deconverting from Sikhism to Christianity and Isaac's insights as to how we can take a more relational approach to evangelism.

Apr 05, 202459 min

Jesus is Coming, Look Busy?: A Theology of Rest

Rest: an event that often eludes the entrepreneur, parents, and ministry leaders, among many others. As we observe the remainder of the Holy Week on Good Friday and Easter, a person should naturally be reflecting on the finished work of the cross. However, the scriptures outline that there is still much work to be done for the sake of the gospel, while also instructing us to find rest in God. So what is the true sabbath, and how should it be observed? Join Troy and Steve on this week's episode o...

Mar 29, 202437 min

Divinity of Jesus? Prove It. Part 2

Didn’t Jesus say that the Father is greater than he is? Didn’t he call the Father his God? Isn't he called the "firstborn" of God's creation? One of the core teachings of Christianity is the claim that Jesus is God. Yet, some verses seem to contradict this very claim. Andy, Steve, and Wes continue their discussion on the deity of Jesus this week by addressing some verses commonly brought up by those who reject this essential teaching of Christianity.

Mar 22, 202446 min

Divinity of Jesus? Prove It. Part 1

One thing that sets Christianity apart is our view of Jesus as God. This core teaching is connected to other core teachings of the Church such as the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. So, it’s no surprise that those who reject Christian orthodoxy often come at it by denying the deity of Jesus. How would you back up the claim that Jesus is God? If you're not sure, you’ve come to the right place. Andy, Steve, and Wes sat down to address this important topic in this week’s episode of the AC Podcast....

Mar 15, 202458 min

The Recap: Reflection on ACC 24 - BC

That's a wrap! The "Can I Trust the Bible" AC Conference in BC has come to another bittersweet end for 2024. From kicking off the weekend with the series premiere to packing out Northview Community Church, there's so much to be thankful for. On this week's episode of the AC Podcast, "The Quad" consisting of Troy, Andy, Steve, and Wes take the time to reflect and express their gratitude to all who made this year's BC Conference week a success.

Mar 08, 202447 min

The Church of Psychedelics

The popularity of psychedelics in the West, particularly in the pursuit of spiritual experiences, is only becoming more and more popular. For this week’s podcast Wes interviews Will Do, who grew up in a Buddhist household in Toronto and ended up later in his life following several New Age practices – including the partaking of several psychedelic substances. Will’s desire to find truth ultimately led him out of the New Age and hallucinogenic substances and into following the one who is The Truth...

Mar 01, 202436 min

Lowkey Racism

February is a month popularized by celebrating Black History Month. As such, we decided it would be appropriate to have an episode discussing the complexities of racism. From the portrayal of diversity in antiquity to modern jokes based on cultural identifiers, the need for gentleness can't be understated. In this week's episode the podcast team of Troy, Andy Steve and Wes seek to look at the biblical grounding for diversity while sharing their experiences with race.

Feb 23, 202449 min

Top 50: The Church and Global Persecution

It’s easy for us to let our immediate church context define what the Church (capital “C”) looks like around the world. This is particularly so for those of us who live in a country where being a Christian is relatively easy. Today, Apologetics Canada brings you an eye-opening interview. Listen in on the conversation Steve had with Rev. Gary Stagg, the Executive Director of Open Doors Canada. They discussed Open Door’s 2024 World Watchlist, an annual list produced by Open Doors to rank the top 50...

Feb 16, 202445 min

Out of the Ashes: Uncovering History with A.I.

Buried, burnt, and bygone. An entire library of ancient scrolls was buried under the ash and lava of Mt. Vesuvius in the city of Herculaneum, a Roman village less than 20km from the famous city of Pompei. But with some amazing new technology, these scrolls are being unrolled (digitally at least) and we can peer through the charred ash and carbon to read them for the first time in nearly 2000 years. Wes, Andy, and Troy get together on this week’s podcast to talk about the Herculaneum papyri and o...

Feb 09, 202439 min

Adulting 101: From Dentistry to Ministry

Adulting is hard and at no point does it appear to get easier. Yet, it's human nature to desire a reprieve from what seems like the cyclical woes of growing up. On this week's episode, Troy sits down with AC intern, Lyzandria. They discuss whether or not the young people of our generation have a healthy understanding of struggle and whether or not life's challenges are something we can be better prepared for.

Feb 02, 202429 min

A Biblical View of Fasting

"We're going without, to go within!" On this week's episode of the AC Podcast Andy, Wes, and Troy are talking about a biblical view of fasting. While spoken about widely throughout scripture, why is it often a topic undervalued or even absent in the modern evangelical church? More than a diet or a trend, biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline that profoundly changes us to draw near to God.

Jan 26, 202441 min

Response to O'Connor's Interview with Richard Dawkins

Do theists have any good arguments at all? Not according to Richard Dawkins. He was recently interviewed by Alex O’Connor, aka the Cosmic Skeptic. When asked what good arguments he had encountered, Dawkins replied that theists (including Christians) have no good arguments. Zero. Zilch. Zip. If that seems like a pretty bold statement, you are not alone. Andy, Steve, and Wes came together this week to offer their reactions to both O’Connor and Dawkins, and to hash out some of the implications of s...

Jan 19, 202446 min

Finding Apologetics in Art

There will forever be a conversation about how the use of art and creativity can break down barriers and cross boundaries that otherwise may have seemed impossible. Yet, it can often be overlooked in theological circles as a tool for apologetics. On this week's episode, Troy talks with Premier Radio Director and Host, Ruth Jackson, about apologetics in art.

Jan 12, 202450 min

Introducing AC’s Filmmaker, Max Chadwick

It's the New Year and the AC Podcast is back! We kick the year off introducing our newest addition to the AC team, Max Chadwick. Max join us as our official filmmaker who will be sure to help transform round table ideas into compelling visuals. Listen to this week's episode to learn about Max's journey to filmmaking and faith.

Jan 05, 202432 min

The Miracle of Christ

For the last podcast of the year, we figured what better way to end 2023 than to close it out with a podcast reflecting on the miraculous incarnation of Christ! While Christmas may be over, the significance is still worth the conversation and undoubtedly more. Troy and Steve continued their conversation with our friend, Dr. Raphael Samuel, to delve into Part Two of the year-end podcast, "The Miracle of Christ."

Dec 29, 202329 min

The Miracle of Birth

Christmas is just around the corner. ’Tis the time of the year when we take the time to reflect on God coming in the flesh. Our thinking often starts with the typical nativity scene, with Baby Jesus already lying in the manger in swaddling clothes. We rarely think about the pregnancy and the actual birthing process. Since we believe that Jesus is truly human as well as truly God, reflecting on the miracle of the human birth will help us appreciate the miracle of the divine birth. Troy and Steve ...

Dec 22, 202328 min

Does God Harden Hearts?

Is the God of the Bible a cosmic Grinch? What do we do with verses in both the New and Old Testaments that describe God "hardening people's hearts?" Wes and Andy sat down to talk about the character of God as it relates to God's goodness and how, why, and when he might harden someone's heart.

Dec 15, 202343 min

Teachers vs. Influencers: Where's the Accountability?

With the rise of social media, we are witnessing the rise of a new kind of celebrity: influencers. From testing cosmetics to advocating for political causes, influencers of all kinds impact the lives of thousands, and even millions, of followers. Many Christians, of course, have also joined this phenomenon. From the discipleship perspective, how should Christians approach being an influencer? What does it mean to be an influencer, anyway? And is an influencer distinct from a teacher? What implic...

Dec 08, 202333 min

MAiD and the Mental Health Crisis: An Update

By now you have at least heard about Medical Assistance In Dying, otherwise known as MAiD. What you might not know is that MAiD safeguards have been quickly removed in Canada. Despite the best efforts of those in opposition, it appears we are set for new legislation in March that will expand access to MAiD to those suffering with mental illness. This has many of us concerned for these vulnerable people in our society. On this week's episode Andy sits down with David Guretzki PhD, President of th...

Dec 01, 202350 min

Deep in the Heart of ETS

"The stars at night, are big and bright... deep in the heart of... ETS....in Texas!" The Evangelical Theological Society is a professional academic society of biblical and theological scholars, pastors, and students. Sound intense? It is! On this week's episode Andy, Troy and Wes hang out with a few friends while attending this years annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. Why is there such a challenge with the head meeting the heart? Listen as they recount moments of inspiration as well as mom...

Nov 24, 202342 min

Speaking in Tongues: A Christian’s Claim to Flame - Part II

When it comes to spiritual conversations in the church, there are few practices that bring up more discussion than speaking in tongues. What is it? Has the gift of tongues ceased or continued? How should it be practiced? Does speaking in tongues have salvific concern? Listen to Part 2 this week as Andy, Troy and Wes continue the discussion of tongues from their own personal experiences, and dive into some of the historical relevance and understanding of tongues in the ancient world.

Nov 17, 202338 min

Speaking in Tongues: A Christian’s Claim to Flame - Part I

When it comes to spiritual conversations in the church, there are few practices that bring up more discussion than speaking in tongues. What is it? Has the gift of tongues ceased or continued? How should it be practiced? Does speaking in tongues have salvific concern? Listen to Part 1 of two this week as Andy, Troy and Wes discuss their own personal experiences, unpack some of the nuance and even begin to address what appears to be the contextual understanding of tongues in the ancient world....

Nov 10, 202338 min

Good Ground, Good Fruit

One of Jesus' well known parables is the parable of the sower, the idea that good soil, creates a conducive environment for good seed to grow and flourish. On this week's episode the full team sits down as Troy asks them to recount their time as students. From degrees to PhD's, what does it take to be good ground in order that you might produce good fruit.

Nov 03, 202344 min

Why the Church? A Testimony of New Believers

If you asked the average Believer if they believe the church is essential to Christian life, most if not all would say yes! They may point you to where scripture reminds us not to forsake the gathering of the saints, but why? Why do we need the church? On this week's episode Andy sits down with new Christians Nathan and Juniper and asks the question, "Why the Church?"

Oct 27, 202332 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android