One of the most pressing and contested topics on college campuses today is social justice, and many Christians are confused about how to understand it through a biblical lens. I hope this conversation will clear away some of the confusion. I’m joined by Dr. Thaddeus Williams, a professor of theology and philosophy at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Williams is the author of Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth.  In it, he argues that Christians are called to care deeply about justice, but that not every version of “social justice” reflects a biblical understanding of truth, human dignity, or the gospel. Instead, he invites readers to recover a vision of justice rooted in Scripture, the character of God, and the dignity of every human being made in the image of God. In our conversation, we explore how Christians can think carefully and faithfully about justice, truth, identity, and cultural engagement—especially in the context of higher education. In this podcast we discuss: How Thaddeus came to be interested in this topic and write Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice. Why social justice is such a central topic on campus and in our culture. Defining “Social Justice B” and its underlying philosophy, Critical Theory. Why these ideas now provide ultimate meaning for many (becoming their religion). How students can understand and affirm biblical justice as true social justice (and how John Perkins helped clarify the four guideposts of correct social justice). How our culture’s understanding of social justice (“Social Justice B”) actually leads to further injustice, making our culture cruel and uncaring. Why understanding the Image of God helps us think well about issues of social justice and equality. How to distinguish between “Social Justice A” and “Social Justice B” in conversations, papers, and class discussions. Resources mentioned during our conversation: Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice Thaddeus Williams’ Podcast “The Shed & Beam” J.P. Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul Hellen Pluckrose & James Lindsay, Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity―and Why This Harms Everybody Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer, Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice–Implications for the Church and Society Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer, Pose Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Stan Wallace, “How Should Christians Understand Critical Theory?”

In this episode, I’m continuing my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I’m joined by Jaime Noyd, the Director of the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). We discuss what ESN is and how it will be of great help to you if you are considering following God’s call to one day serve Christ as a professor. In this podcast we discuss: How Jamie came to direct ESN Why ESN exists–the vision of the ministry How scholarship can be a sacred calling If students may join ESN if they are not involved in InterVarsity How students can join ESN before they start college Some examples of students greatly helped by ESN Where ESN is going in the next 20 years Questions to regularly ask yourself (or others) in following God’s calling to the professorate The next step to joining ESN Resources mentioned during our conversation: Emerging Scholars Network website Contacting Jamie: [email protected] The American Scientific Affiliation Christian Professional Societies InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministries Cru’s Graduate Student Resources Veritas Forum Communities The Society of Christian Scholars The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students Christianity and Intellectual Inquiry: Thinking as Pilgrimage by Douglas Jacobsen and Rhonda Hustedt Jacobsen The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by A.J. Sertillanges Love The Lord Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. Moreland Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential by Gordon T. Smith The Call by Os Guinness Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student’s Guide to Earning a Master’s or Ph.D. by Robert L. Peters The Thinking Christianly podcast Scholars’ Compass (ESN devotionals) The Biblical Story and the Story of the Academic Disciplines (free with a Society of Christian Scholars membership)

Writing papers is a part of every student’s life. Writing a good one can feel overwhelming. But what if it’s about more than just getting a grade? What if your writing is actually an opportunity to think clearly, communicate truth, and even honor God? In this episode of College Faith, we’re talking about what students need to understand first in order to write well, the essential elements of a strong paper, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and how to approach research, AI, and the writing process with wisdom and integrity. To guide us, I’m joined by Dr. Bruce Barron, an experienced writer, editor, and communications leader who has spent decades helping scholars, students, and public thinkers express complex ideas with clarity and impact. Bruce has served in senior editorial roles with major policy and Christian publications, edited books and academic manuscripts, and coached countless writers from rough drafts to polished, compelling work. His experience at the intersection of careful research, thoughtful Christian engagement, and practical communication makes him an ideal guide for any student who wants to become not just a better writer, but a more faithful one. In this podcast we discuss:  What students should understand first to write a good paper The elements of a good paper The single biggest mistake students make when writing a paper A balanced, biblical approach to your studies, including writing papers Proper and improper ways to use AI when writing How much research for the paper is enough The steps in writing a good paper  The importance of building a good relationship with your professors How to see your studies as an act of worship The most important thing to remember when writing a paper Some ways writing skills impact all of life after college   Resources mentioned during our conversation: BruceBarron.substack.com  Bruce Barron, “On Writing So Well That You Don’t Need an Editor” (Society of Christian Scholars webinar)

In this episode I continue my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I am joined by Charles Askew and Caysie Ashton, campus ministers with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Charles and Caysie bring their unique perspectives to help us better understand the ministry of RUF and whether it might be right for you. In this podcast we discuss: What “Reformed” means How Casey and Chuck got involved in RUF How RUF got started The core mission of RUF How to find a RUF chapter What to expect at a RUF chapter How chapters differ campus-to-campus What is required to be involved in RUF What makes RUF distinct from other campus ministries Why RUF doesn’t have a curriculum that students go through How RUF helps students build deep relationships RUF’s weekly activities for students  RUF’s strengths and weaknesses Why students should look into joining a RUF chapter The importance of just showing up Why we shouldn’t fear the “secular” university Resources mentioned during our conversation: RUF website & various RUF chapter’s Instagram accounts C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (especially “The Golden Book of the Christian Life” section) Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will

There are an estimated 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including your classmates, neighbors, and friends. Many are interested in discussing spiritual topics, including the person of Jesus. But how do we have these conversations–and share the good news about who Jesus really is–without the conversation turning into an argument? Alan Shlemon has an answer that he and many others have found to be very helpful: beginning with the Koran instead of the Bible to break down barriers. Alan is a staff apologist with Stand To Reason, a sought-after speaker on this topic, and my guest on this episode of College Faith. In this podcast we discuss: How Alan got interested in this topic Why we should care about sharing Jesus with Muslims Why Muslims are open to discussing Jesus What our attitude toward Muslims should be Essential Muslim beliefs and practices How to discuss the accuracy of the Gospels What to avoid in conversations with Muslims Alan’s overall strategy to get to Gospel conversations with a Muslim Why the Gospel is “good news” for the Muslim Resources mentioned during our conversation: Stand To Reason website Get to the Gospel with Muslims, Stand to Reason The Cost Muslims Pay for Missing Jesus, Stand to Reason The Quran Gets Crucifixion Wrong, Stand to Reason Is “Allah” Just Another Word for God?, Stand to Reason STR U, Stand to Reason’s free online training program (includes his course on “Engaging Muslims”)

Are you or someone you know considering going to law school (and majoring in pre-law to prepare)? In this episode, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Law, I’ve invited Mike Schutt, J.D., who has wide experience and vast knowledge in this field. In this podcast we discuss: How Mike got interested in studying Law Some of the career options for those who study Law Undergraduate majors to prepare for law school Where he discovered some of the connections between the Christian worldview and law, and how that shaped him What helped him grow in his faith during law school Some challenges he faced as a believer in law school Things you must understand to pick the right law school and flourish there Some ways Christians in law can have a redemptive influence for Christ The importance of joining the Christian Legal Society for the journey through law school The proper role of the Lord in the discernment process when considering law school Resources mentioned during our conversation: Mike Schutt, Redeeming Law: Christian Calling and the Legal Profession Christian Legal Society CLS Law Student Ministries Cross and Gavel podcast Robert F. Cochran, Jr. and John Inazu, The Servant Lawyer: Facing the Challenges of Christian Faith in Everyday Law Practice

In this episode, we challenge the idea that studying as a student (and throughout the rest of our lives) is a necessary evil. Rather, we discuss why study is to be embraced and how it plays an important role in forming us into Christ’s image as we increasingly learn to love God with our minds. My guest is Dr. Richard Smith, who has just written Such a Mind as This, a study of the role of thinking well in the Old Testament.  In this podcast we discuss: The role the mind plays in our flourishing What the Old Testament has to say about the role of thinking in spiritual formation Why so many churches and ministries see the mind as the enemy of growth in Christ How the shift in worship music can be harmful to our spiritual life How the belief that deeper study is harmful to our spiritual life negatively affects students Examples of students who have flourished by asking good questions and finding good answers  Resources mentioned during our conversation: Richard Smith, Such a Mind as This John Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism Daniel Strange, Making Faith Magnetic Richard Smith, The Heart Thinks Getty Music Sovereign Grace Music L’Abri Suggested book list (left side of home page) Such a Mind as This YouTube Lester R. Juarez YouTube Centro de Estudios Cristianos Kuyper Cosmovisión Bíblica College Faith #20: How Christian Study Centers Minister to University Students College Faith #49: Why Are Students Required to Take General Education (or “Core Curriculum”) Courses? College Faith Podcast #61: Redeeming Philosophy: How Christian Scholars Changed The Conversation College Faith Podcast #38: The Pop-Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ College Faith #1: How University Students Can Love God with Their Minds – Dr. JP Moreland

This episode’s conversation is especially important if you’ve ever felt like your faith was unraveling—or if you’ve watched someone you care about go through that. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Schuurman, a sociologist, pastor, and co-author of Blessed Are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada. It’s a book full of real-life stories from people who have struggled with their faith — and it addresses themes well beyond the Canadian context. Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or just trying to hang on to your faith—this conversation is for you.  In this podcast we discuss: Why Peter wrote Blessed Are The Undone for this moment What surprised him most when interviewing believers who are “deconstructing” their faith Why it is so important to know why Christianity is true before going to college The role parents, pastors, and Christian communities can have in helping students doubting their faith Discerning the difference between healthy doubt and losing one’s faith Why “inerrancy” and LGBTQ are often stumbling blocks leading students (and others) to deconstruct their faith How to rebuild a sustainable faith after deconstruction Advice on finding a healthy church The importance of also deconstructing our atheistic, hedonistic culture and universities The value of listening to others’ stories of their journey to faith Resources mentioned during our conversation: Peter Schuurman and Angela Reitsma Bick, Blessed Are The Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada Keith Campbell, “Filter-Free Praying When Things Get Tough,” College Faith Podcast #57 Stan Wallace and J.P. Moreland, “An Introduction to Have We Lost Our Minds?,” Thinking Christianly Podcast #33 Stan Wallace, Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth Rick Mattson, “Finding the ‘Middle Way’ in the LGBTQ+ Conversation,” College Faith Podcast #40 Ross Douthat, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious Justin Brierly, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old And Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again Larry Sanger, “How a Skeptical Philosopher Becomes a Christian”(see also The Gospel Coalition’s “Wikipedia Founder Embraces Christianity: Larry Sanger’s Testimony Highlights”) Joseph A. Scimecca, The Not So Outrageous Idea of a Christian Sociology

In the mid-20th century, many in academia assumed that serious philosophy had little room for Christian belief. But in the past fifty-plus years, something remarkable has happened—a quiet revolution in the philosophy departments of leading universities. Christian philosophers have not only entered the conversation; they’ve shaped it, challenged prevailing assumptions, and earned a respected place in scholarly dialogue.  In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Greg Ganssle, author, philosopher, and Department Chair of Talbot School of Theology’s Philosophy Department. We explore how the revival of Christian philosophy began, the thinkers who helped spark it, and what it means for students of faith navigating the intellectual climate of today’s colleges in all academic departments. In this podcast we discuss: Why conversations about what is really real (including God) were off the table in the early 20th Century What happened in the 1960s to change this climate in our universities How these changes opened the door for Christian philosophy to re-enter the academic conversation The importance of intentionally uniting biblical truth and philosophical truth, and of forming community among Christian philosophers The methodology and strategy of Christian philosophers to renew their discipline for God’s glory How Christian philosophers earned respect for their perspectives The state of apologetics (applied philosophy) today and in the future How students in other majors can apply what we learn from the renaissance of Christian thought in philosophy What insight from philosophy has been most helpful to him personally in his walk with Christ Resources mentioned during our conversation: The Society of Christian Philosophers (Journal: Faith and Philosophy) The Evangelical Philosophical Society (Journal: Philosophia Christi) Alvin Plantinga, God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God Rivendell Institute at Yale University Greg Ganssle, A Reasonable God: Engaging the New Face of Atheism Paul Gould, Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World Greg Ganssle, Our Deepest Desires: How the Christian Story Fulfills Human Aspirations Clifford Williams, Existential Reasons for Belief in God: A Defense of Desires and Emotions for Faith Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine College Faith podcasts on Community JP Moreland, The Recalcitrant Imago Dei: Human Persons and the Failure of Naturalism Stan Wallace, Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing Arthur Holmes, Contours of a World View Mark Noll, Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind Closer To Truth (YouTube channel) – short interviews with Christian philosophers and others  Tom Morris, ed., God And The Philosophers: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason Kelly James Clark, ed., Philosophers who Believe: The Spiritual Journeys of 11 Leading Thinkers  

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Corey Miler, the President and CEO of Ratio Christi, an apologetics ministry on over 100 campuses in the U.S. I’ve invited him to join me to discuss the ministry of Ratio Christi.   In this podcast we discuss: What “ratio Christi” means and how that relates to doing “apologetics evangelism” How Ratio Christi differs from other apologetics ministries and from other campus ministries How Ratio Christi overlaps with other apologetics ministries and with other campus ministries How Ratio Christi connects with the local church What a student can expect at a Ratio Christi chapter meeting How Ratio Christi campus leaders are selected Resources provided to those in Ratio Christi chapters The path to joining Ratio Christi’s staff   How students can find a Ratio Christi chapter Ratio Christi resources for church and community groups Stories of how Ratio Christi chapters have made a real difference in students’ lives The importance of the local church caring about the state of higher education and equipping believers to defend the Faith   Resources mentioned during our conversation: RatioChristi.org Ratio Christi Press College Faith Podcast #59: “Learning With Others to Defend the Faith: Joining a Reasonable Faith Chapter” Stand To Reason Outposts (small groups) Reasons to Believe Veritas Forum J.P. Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul Stan W. Wallace, Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing    Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, More Than A Carpenter Norman Geisler and Frank Turek, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist Mark A. Noll, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind