Defend and Confirm Podcast

Episode 44: Truth, Oppression, and Critical Theory

Critical theory teaches that the "lived experience" of oppressed people gives them special access to the truth, while oppressors are blinded by the privilege of their social position. Behind this claim is a view called "standpoint theory", an epistemology that is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity.

Episode 43: Down With The Hegemony?

"All truth is God's truth." 

True. 

But Critical Theory isn't true. Contemporary Critical Theory is not a tool that Christians should keep in their tool belt. Rather, CCT is a religion that is fundamentally at odds with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There will always be a hegemony, the only question is, "Which hegemony? That which flows out of Christianity...or cultural Marxism?"

Episode 42: History of Critical Theory

In this third episode in our series on Critical Theory we look at the history and development of Contemporary Critical Theory. Specifically, we explore the relationship between CCT, the Frankfurt School, and Marxism. Oh, you don't like history? Good thing we didn't ask for your opinion. 

Episode 41: What Is Contemporary Critical Theory?

In this second episode in our series on Critical Theory, we take a closer look at the major tenets of Contemporary Critical Theory (CCT). What characteristics tie the various streams of CCT together? Don't we see similar characteristics taught in the Bible? We answer these questions and more with the help of special guest Young Will.

Episode 40: Introduction to Critical Theory

What is Critical Theory? Why would we talk about it? Are we even qualified to talk about it? This is the first episode in our series on Critical Theory, and here we lay some important ground work for future episodes. Is this the most exciting and controversial stuff on the internet dealing with Critical Theory? Definitely not. But is it helpful? We think so.

Episode 39: Our Kingdom, or God's?

What does it look like when a pastor builds his own kingdom? In this episode we talk about the dangers of self-branding and self-promotion in ministry.

This episode's "book you should read" is C.J. Mahaney's Humility (https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Greatness-C-J-Mahaney/dp/1590523261/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cj+mahaney+humility&qid=1594481383&sr=8-2_)

Also, if you haven't seen it, watch the film There Will Be Blood (2007).

Episode 38: On Social Media

We're back! After a year-long hiatus, we came back together to discuss social media. We dig in to cognitive bias, disunity in the church, and other spiritual dangers that Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms present. We also offer some simple suggestions for Christians struggling in this area.

This episode's "book you should read" is an article by Mark Dever: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting Something Online

Episode 37: Prosperity in the Atonement

Does God promise healing for all believers in this life? Katherine and Russell team up for this episode on in our series on the prosperity gospel. They discuss the relationship between prosperity theology and the atonement, identify the various proof texts and arguments used by prosperity teachers to justify their views on the atonement, and present a scriptural alternative. 

Episode 36: Dissecting The Pro-Choice Argument

Pun intended. In this episode, we review our experiences at the "My Body My Choice" rally, talk about the changes that have occurred in the pro-choice rhetoric over the last few years, and outline an apologetic strategy for engaging with the other side.

Episode 35: The Roots of Prosperity Theology, Part 3

Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today.

In this series, we recommend three "book you should read":

1. The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel

2. Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel

3. No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful