Holy Tangents

How could a mother murder her own children, and what does that tragedy (as well as the shocking level of support she has received) reveal about the state of our culture and our souls? In this episode, we examine the Lindsey Clancy case, questions of responsibility and justice, and the spiritual realities that often go ignored in modern discussions of evil and mental health. We also explore the rise of self-centeredness, despair, and therapeutic culture, contrasting them with the biblical vision of sacrificial love, family, and parental joy. Ultimately, we argue true flourishing happens when both parents, father and mother, model the selflessness of Jesus Christ.

What happens when a worldview interprets every relationship through the lens of power, oppression, and conflict? In this episode, we explore the foundations of Critical Theory, its influence on modern culture, and its insistence on dividing people into competing groups and classes. We examine why Critical Theory offers grievance and revolution but never provides reconciliation or lasting hope. Most importantly, we contrast this framework with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which provides a radically different vision of identity, justice, and redemption.

How should Christians respond when cultural movements begin to reshape the message and mission of the Church? In this episode, we examine the modern Woke movement, its roots in Critical Theory and identity politics, and why it is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We discuss how being Woke gained influence within evangelicalism over the past decade, the divisions that followed, and the warning signs churches should recognize today. Most importantly, we argue that true reconciliation, forgiveness, and identity are found not in grievance-based activism, but in Christ alone.

Where should we turn when our souls are troubled—therapy, medication, or God? In this episode, we explore the rise of modern psychology, the shortcomings of a purely secular approach to soul care, and the biblical conviction that true healing cannot ignore the soul's relationship with its Creator. We discuss the roles of pastors, Christian community, forgiveness, and doctrine in caring for the inner person, while affirming the proper place of science and medicine. Ultimately, we argue that the Creator who made the soul is the One best equipped to heal it.

What makes you more than a collection of cells, chemicals, and electrical impulses? In this episode, we explore the nature of the mind, the soul, and consciousness, examining what it means to be made in the image of God and why human beings are fundamentally different from the rest of creation. We contrast the Biblical view of body and soul with modern materialism, discussing the limits of purely physical explanations for morality, meaning, and human identity. Join us as we consider the eternal significance of the soul and ask whether the deepest wounds of the human heart require more than a material solution.

Have you ever read a passage in the Bible and wondered, "Why don't we talk about this more often?" In this episode, we explore some of Scripture's strangest and most overlooked stories, from Jephthah's tragic vow and God's confrontation with Moses to Balaam's talking donkey and Jacob's miraculous prosperity. Along the way, we uncover powerful lessons about biblical literacy, obedience, trusting God's provision, and the surprising ways He accomplishes His purposes. Join us as we discover that even the Bible's most unusual stories have profound truths for God's people today.

What does God expect when His people gather to worship? In this episode, we explore the liturgical practices of the early Church, the role of Scripture, prayer, Communion, and singing, and the ways different Christian traditions express these priorities. We examine the tension between God's holiness and His nearness, arguing that liturgy should reflect both reverence and intimacy. Join us as we consider whether modern churches have lost something essential and why both the heart behind our worship and the pattern of our worship matter to God.

Can a nation show compassion without abandoning its responsibility to protect its borders? In this episode, we explore the Biblical view of borders, assimilation, and national pride, drawing from Scripture, history, and modern examples. We examine common arguments from the pro-immigration movement while distinguishing the roles of government and the Church. Join us as we challenge listeners to think carefully about borders, sovereignty, and the reality that not all worldviews are created equal.