Professor Nancy Pearcey, renowned author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity," joins us in this enlightening episode of Mama Bear Apologetics to tackle the complex issues surrounding masculinity, Christianity, and culture at large. We discuss the cultural assault on masculinity and how the church can counteract these negative narratives, providing a balanced view that uplifts men rather than tearing them down. Nancy offers valuable insights, supported by sociological data, that demonstrate how evangelical men who are deeply committed to their faith actually excel as husbands and fathers.

We journey through the historical transformations in perceptions of masculinity, from family-centric values to the career-driven ambitions influenced by Darwinian evolution and social Darwinism. Highlighting the troubling narratives from influencers like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, we emphasize the urgency for the church to present a positive and healthy view of masculinity. These secular scripts, often equating manhood with promiscuity and primal behavior, are infiltrating even Christian educational environments, creating conflicting messages for young men about strength and character. We also explore the significant role of fatherhood in nurturing healthy masculinity. This episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and supporting the role of men in the family and the church.

Main Points Covered

• Where does the war on masculinity stem from?
• Is there a difference in “toxic masculinity” between evangelical and non-evangelical men?
• How the Industrial Revolution changed what the expectation of men in the home was.
• The difference between a real man and a good man.
• What does it mean to be a man?

People and Resources Mentioned

• Nancy Pearcey - Author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity" and "Total Truth."
• Brad Wilcox - Sociologist at the University of Virginia, cited for his research on evangelical men and family dynamics.
• Washington Post Article "Why Can't We Hate Men?"
• The Moral Animal by Robert Wright

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Social Darwinism: The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection and plants and animals.
• Andrew Tate: An American-British social media personality, whose views are often seen as mysoginistic and controversial.
• The Cultural Mandate: Be fruitful and multiply and subdue the Earth.

Could your child's playlist be as influential as their peers? That's the question we tackle, as Taylor Swift's "Tortured Poets Department" sweeps through headphones and homes, stirring a wave of concern among Christian parents. We’re peering into the heart of the matter, unraveling how the melodies and lyrics that echo in our kids' ears might be shaping their worldviews and emotional landscapes. We're not just talking tunes here—we're discussing the seeds of beliefs being planted with every beat and verse they hear.

The allure of beats and harmonies isn't simply a matter of taste—it's a powerful force with the capacity to sway moods and beliefs. This episode isn't shy about confronting the myths surrounding the impact of music like Taylor Swift's, challenging the notion that it's all harmless entertainment. Instead, we spotlight the psychological and spiritual battlegrounds within our children's mental health, leaning on both scripture and science to navigate this complex terrain. We're opening up the conversation to equip families with the discernment needed to face the subtle, yet profound, influences their children encounter in their favorite playlists.

Navigating the celebrity culture maze becomes all the more important when stars like Swift command not just the airwaves, but also the hearts of their listeners. We dissect the weighty influence wielded by artists over their fanbases, recognizing the fine line between admiration and idolization. By fostering a foundation built on truth, we empower our listeners to guide their children in engaging with culture without losing their footing in faith. It's a call to all parents to anchor their young ones in a faith that withstands the tidal waves of cultural fads and fan fervor.

Main Points Covered

• Should I be concerned about my kids listening to Taylor Swift?
• How does music affect the brain?
• Art is an expression of worldview.
• Being a "Swifty" should not be a primary identity statement.
• Be on guard for yourself and your children so that you aren’t taken in by the culture.
• Tips for healthily engaging with your kids around music.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Romans 1:18
• Mark 12:30
• Romans 12:2
• 1 Corinthians 10:5
• University of Central Florida Article

Thanks to Our Sponsors

The CSB Bible Translation

The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Summary

My heart swells with gratitude when I recall the gentle whispers of wisdom my own mother shared with me, shaping my spiritual path. This Mother's Day, join us as we celebrate the extraordinary influence mothers, both biological, adoptive and spiritual have on nurturing faith. Alongside my friend and ministry partner Alexa, we weave together touching narratives and Biblical wisdom to honor the irreplaceable role of mothers in faith formation.

The world often measures success in material wealth and titles, but we want to acknowledge the profound beauty in the simplicity of a faith-filled home. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:26, we discuss the pressures modern moms face, encouraging a return to wisdom, kindness, and the nurturing of young souls.

We also discuss the importance of a nurturing church environment that shows respect, equips for the journey, and accepts every mom with open arms. As we wrap up, we offer parenting wisdom and encouragement, acknowledging the various expressions of motherhood and the power of speaking life into our children. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to all the 'mama bears' out there, standing firm in faith and love.to a resource that helps you have those conversations with your children.

Main Points Covered

• Mom’s you are vital in nurturing the faith of your child.
• You don’t have to “have it all” to have it all.
• Your church is there for you.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Proverbs 31:26
• https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/
• https://www.barna.com/research/faith-heritage-faith-practice/
• https://www.barna.com/research/moms-christians-households/

Thanks to our Sponsors

The CSB Bible Translation

The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Summary

On this episode we are Joined by Christopher Yuan to discuss The Holy Sexuality Project and what led him to create it. Christopher vulnerably shares his story of how he stepped into a homosexual lifestyle and how, as he says, the prayers of his own Mama Bear led to his salvation. We focus on the pivotal role of parents and grandparents in shaping the conversation on sexuality, emphasizing the necessity of home discipleship. Through the lens of Christopher's ministry, we explore why he felt the need to create resources aimed at equipping families to broach these topics from a biblical context.

We also discuss the challenges and timing of introducing the concept of sexuality to children and the pressing need for parents to guide their children before the onset of puberty. We recognize the flood of "almost true" information that surrounds our kids on a daily basis, even from the Christian community and the hope of this episode is to not only help provide a biblical context for confronting that messaging but also point you to a resource that helps you have those conversations with your children.

Main Points Covered

• What is the current landscape of the sexuality conversation in our culture?
• When is right time to talk with your child about sexuality.
• The importance of clarity over agreement in the conversation of sexuality.
• What is Side A and Side B as it relates to the Christian conversation on sexuality?
• What is a biblical view of identity and sexuality?

People and Resources Mentioned

• The Holy Sexuality Project
• Christopher Yuan's Website
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Matthew 18:6-14

Thanks to our Sponsors

The CSB Bible Translation

The brand-new CSB Men’s Daily Bible makes the ideal Father’s Day gift. Whether it be for a biological, adoptive, or spiritual father, they’ll love the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind a gift that walks with them through the finer points of fatherhood specifically and manhood generally. Use the code MDB50 at lifeway.com and you will receive 50% off your purchase.

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Side A: Your sexual orientation is unchangeable and is part of your identity that should be accepted.
• Side B: Your sexual orientation is unchangeable and is a part of your identity that should be deprived.
• Celibacy (in relation to Side B same-sex orientation): A volitional vocation of being single. (This is a practice primarily informed by the worldview that your sexual orientation cannot be transformed, but is a part of who you are).

Summary

Hello, fellow Mama Bears! On this episode we are ROAR'ing through the latest He Gets Us commercial that aired during the Super Bowl at the beginning of this year. We want to take a careful look at what the message is and what it isn't. Our hope is to highlight the importance of sifting through the media we consume, even media that appears wholesome of biblical on the surface. We want to hold the message of the He Gets Us commercial against the scriptures to examine where it does or doesn't line up with what the Bible teaches.

We will do walk through each step of our ROAR method to discern what the appropriate steps are for engaging with that message and how to disciple our children accordingly. We're here to empower each other to raise discerning, wise, and loving families. So, let's sharpen our ability to recognize truth under the veneer of messages that surround us, and pass on this legacy of wisdom to our little ones.

Main Points Covered

• What is the He Gets Us campaign?
• The 4 issues we see with the message of the He Gets Us Super Bowl commercial
• How to discern the the false and true messaging in the commercial
• How shepherd your children in media consumption

People and Resources Mentioned

• He Gets Us Commercial
• Commercial Explanation
• John 13:1-20
• Luke 22:24
• Prov 6:16-19
• James 1:19
• Colossians 4:6

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Register today at summit.org/roar/. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24.

In this episode of Mama Bear Apologetics, we discuss all things bible translations — Formal, Functional, and Optimal. We also explore the difference between a translations and paraphrases. We delve into the historical sacrifices made by early translators to bring the Bible into the English language and offer guidance on choosing translations that foster faith and understanding, especially for children and new believers.

We dissect the balance between literal accuracy and readability, as well as the pros and cons of each type of translation or paraphrase. And we also address the much asked question "What translation do we use at Mama Bear Apologetics?" Finally, we address the "KJV Only" movement — what is it, how should we approach it, and what is the historical context that should come to bear on the topic. This episode invites listeners to broaden their understanding of bible translations and their historical context so that the power and clarity of God's word is not lost in translation.

Main Points Covered

• How did we get our translations?
• Broad categories for translation types
• Translations vs Paraphrase
• What are the pros and cons of each?
• What to consider in buying a bible for your Kids
• Should you only read the KJV translation?

People and Resources People and Resources Mentioned

• Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
• Leningrad Codex
• Aleppo Codex
• United Bible Societies Greek NT
• Novum Testament Graece

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Formal Equivalence (Literal Equivalence) Translations: Word for Word as much as possible. This translation seeks to find an English equivalent word for every Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic word.
• Functional Equivalence (Dynamic Equivalence) Translations: Though for thought as much as possible. This translations translates a phrase as a whole and is not as concerned with preserving the exact same number of words or equivalent grammatical constructions.
• Optimal Equivalence: This is a blend of both Formal and Functional translation styles. This form uses word for word translation where possible, but switches to thought/phrase whenever the meaning isn’t clear.
• Paraphrase: This is not a true translation, but rather a retelling of Scripture based on original texts and/or modern translations. It often uses the most common modern idioms.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/

Summary

Every mother's prayer journey is unique, yet bound by a common thread of seeking God's guidance through the chaos and beauty of raising children. Julie and Hillary, walk through the pages of "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears," a new book birthed from the depths of maternal hearts and a collaboration that spans the nation. We reveal the sometimes raw, unpolished dialogues with God that range from the humorous pleas of wanting to use the bathroom in peace to the heartfelt petitions of a mother facing a miscarriage.

Hillary and Julie, alongside voices from the Mama Bear community, crafted a tapestry of prayers that we hope speaks to the soul of motherhood. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of this unique creative process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity as we addressed delicate subjects like addiction and family dynamics. Poring over every word, we ensured that our prayers resonated with truth and relevance, offering a lifeline of hope and solidarity for mothers everywhere.

As we share personal insights and practical tips for integrating prayer into the daily grind, "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears" is more than just a book—it's a spiritual companion for every season of motherhood. From fill-in-the-blank prompts to theological expertise, we've poured into this project with a shared goal: to empower mothers to foster honest, heartfelt communication with God, and to support one another as we navigate this transformative journey called motherhood. We hope it blesses you!

Pre-order the book now at mamabearapologetics.com/book

Main Points Covered

• Why did we write this book?
• The difference between Honest and Shallow prayers.
• Creating a collective voice from moms
• Prayer book creation process
• How to use this book
• Honest journaling
• Our favorite, most convicting and hardest to write prayers

People and Resources Mentioned

• Every Moment Holy - Douglas McKelvie
• Honest Prayers for Mama Bears

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That's one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Learn more at summit.org/roar/. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/

Quotable Quotes

“I think sometimes learning how to do honest prayers often starts with shallow prayers. And so I just want to give mom's permission to pray the shallow prayers, if that's where you are starting." - Hillary Morgan Ferrer

"We made it. We're not saying it's perfect, but... our heart's desire was to make sure that these prayers were Theologically sound." - Hillary Morgan Ferrer

"I know I thought back on what were some of the times that really drove me to prayer, maybe as a younger mom, as a mom of a teenager, and then even now. I had some opportunities to write some prayers that maybe approach more being a mom of an adult child too, because that's a whole other season there." - Julie Loos

SUMMARY

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries, as we explore the vital connection between a biblical worldview and the flourishing of science, justice, and compassion in society. Listen in as we tackle the myth that Christianity is at odds with scientific progress and uncover how faith has been a driving force behind some of the most significant advancements in history. We also counter common misconceptions about Christian indifference toward life post-birth, justice, and environmental concerns, showcasing how Christian teachings have been integral to shaping a world where every life is valued and cared for.

We discuss the Christian belief in the sanctity of human life and how this has translated into actions that shaped the foundations of adoption, healthcare, and social justice. The role of Christians in art, science, politics, and education is highlighted, revealing an often unrecognized legacy that continues to nurture human dignity and freedom.

Finally, we address the crucial task of empowering our children with the skills to critically assess the worldviews they encounter. Learn how asking insightful questions can guide our children towards critical thinking, discernment, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Discover how to equip the next generation with the ability to sift through information with wisdom, and join us as we stand together as Mama Bears, committed to nurturing and defending the truth for our families and communities.

MAIN POINTS COVERED

• How have Christianity and Christians historically impacted the world?
• How have Christians historically been pro-life advocates?
• How have Christians stood for justice over the course of history?
• How is the biblical worldview distinctly different than other worldviews?
• How do we engage with kids who are coming home from college with questions or new ideological thoughts?

People and Resources Mentioned

• John 8:32
• Daniel Kahneman: Thinking Fast and Slow
• Truth Changes Everything by Dr. Jeff Meyers
• Summit Ministries

UNFAMILIAR VOCABULARY

• Working Definition of Justice: The idea that we are to treat every person as an image bearer of God.
• Tort Law: The concept of tort law is to redress a wrong done to a person and provide relief from the wrongful acts of others.
• String Theory: string theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This episode is made possible in part by the support of Summit Ministries. Our hope, like yours, is that your children will grow up to develop an unshakeable faith, to be followers of Jesus Christ and live out His call on their lives in a way that brings God’s glory and flourishing. That’s one of the reasons we love Summit. Summit takes biblical worldview training and makes it seriously fun. If you have a child between the ages of sixteen to twenty-two, send them to a two week conference in Colorado or Georgia this summer. Learn more at summit.org/roar/. Save $200 when you use the code ROAR24–and another $200 if you register before March 31st. Register today at summit.org/roar/

The post 99. How Christianity Changed the World for the Better. appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary In this episode, Amy Davison and Alexa Cramer examine the Enneagram’s influence on faith and family. They question the Enneagram’s purported ability to peel back layers to our ‘true self’ and the implications it has on how we interpret Scripture, raise our children, and understand our own identities. They explore how it stands apart […]

The post 98. Crash Course in the Enneagram appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary In this episode, Hillary and Amy address four different types of love in-depth — Agape (unconditional, self-sacrificial love), Storge (familial love), Phileo (strong friendship love), and Eros (sexual attraction). They stress how each type of love is different from the other and should not be confused. Hillary and Amy also discuss how today’s culture […]

The post 97. The Four Types of Love and Why Our Kids Need to Understand Them appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary The hardest conversations to have often aren’t with strangers, but with our own family, especially when it comes to hot-button issues like a woman’s right to an elective abortion. In this podcast, mama bear Jennifer DeFrates chats with host Amy Davison on how to speak with truth and grace on the subject of abortion […]

The post Episode 96. How to Discuss Pro-Life Arguments with Friends and Family appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary In this impromptu podcast, Hillary and Amy wished the Mama Bears a Happy New Year and a challenge: to focus on discipling the home in spiritual faithfulness. In the past 5 years a focused attack has been waged on societal unity and the sanctity of the home. Secular culture has focused on vilifying the […]

The post Episode 95. Family-Focused Resolutions for 2024 appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

This is the third podcast in our Advent 2023 series. Did you miss the third one about “Joy to the World”? You can watch it here. Summary As we close out the season of advent, we reflect upon the theme of love. Acts of love quickly come to mind at Christmas in the form of […]

The post Episode 94. Advent 4: The Theology of Hark the Herald Angels Sing appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

This is the third podcast in our Advent 2023 series. Did you miss the second one about “O Holy Night”? You can watch it here. Summary If there’s one word that can sum up the Christmas season it’s joy! But while the world offers superficial excitement over presents or food, Christians have ultimate joy in […]

The post Episode 93. Advent 3: The Theology of Joy to the World appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

This is the second podcast in our Advent 2023 series. Did you miss the first one about “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”? You can watch it here. Summary Peace can seem hard to find during the Christmas season when our eyes and schedules are filled with the bustle of the season. However, when we focus […]

The post Episode 92. Advent 2: The Theology of O Holy Night appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary Merry Christmas! In honor of Advent, Mama Bear wanted to help you keep Christ the focus of the season by taking you through the theology of your favorite Christmas Carols. The theme of the first Sunday of Advent is “hope,” and one carol that encapsulates hope is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” This 18th […]

The post Episode 91. Advent 1: The Theology of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary In a Crash Course to the Israel-Palestine Conflict Part 1, Hillary, Amy, and guest David explained the terminology, the history of the Israel-Palestine Conflict, and the evidence showing how Israel has belonged to the Jewish people. In this episode, Hillary and Amy shift from history to the importance of why we stand by Israel. […]

The post Episode 90: A Crash Course in the Israel – Palestine Conflict Part 2 appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary October 7, 2023, saw the attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. Conflict is nothing new to this region, but for Americans, the way in which the coverage has been handled shifts with each news outlet. Did Israel bring this attack on themselves through an alleged colonization of Palestine? Is Hamas the freedom […]

The post Episode 89: A Crash Course in the Israel-Palestine Conflict (Part 1) appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary On this episode, we ROAR through the topic of ghosts. What are they? What are the common misconceptions around ghosts and the supernatural? What does the bible say about ghosts and how are Christians supposed to engage this topic?   Main Points Covered How does the world see ghosts? What is a ghost truly? […]

The post Episode 88: ROARing Through the Concept of “Ghosts” appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Summary This week we are joined by Krista Bontrager to discuss how the occult is becoming more popular among younger generations, what that looks like and what parents should be on guard against. Krista has a wealth of knowledge on this topic and we are grateful for the wisdom she shares with us. Main […]

The post Episode 87: The Rise in Occult Fascination Among Youth with Krista Bontrager appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.