Dr. David Shapiro shares his journey from an Orthodox Jewish upbringing to his struggle with dyslexia and disconnect from faith. His encounter with Jesus and subsequent conversion had a profound impact on his family and relationships, leading to a significant cost but also a transformation in his self-confidence and self-esteem. The conversation delves into the significance of embracing silence and losing comfort in noise, highlighting the transformative power of moments of silence. It then explores the life of a Christian and pastor, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of the journey. The discussion also addresses misunderstandings about Judaism and provides insights into approaching conversations with understanding and care, emphasizing the importance of building relationships.TakeawaysOrthodox Jewish upbringingStruggle with dyslexiaDisconnect from faithJourney to faith in ChristImpact on family and relationships Embracing silenceThe importance of building relationshipsChapters00:00 Early Life and Upbringing02:05 Struggle with Faith and Dyslexia08:03 Encountering Jesus and Conversion20:17 Cost of Conversion21:14 Embracing Silence and Losing Comfort in Noise22:40 Life as a Christian and Pastor26:40 Misunderstandings About Judaism34:20 Approaching Conversations with Understanding and Care

The conversation delves into the history and development of Judaism, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the impact of historical events on the faith. It explores everyday Jewish life, the agreement between Judaism and Christianity on the nature of God, and the significant theological difference regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. The conversation culminates in the single greatest dividing line between Judaism and Christianity: the identity of Jesus. The conversation delves into the differences and similarities between Judaism and Christianity, focusing on the Messiah, forgiveness, and the relationship between the two faiths. It emphasizes understanding, respect, and love in conversations about these topics.TakeawaysUnderstanding the shared history and foundational beliefs of Judaism and Christianity.The significant theological difference between Judaism and Christianity regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. Understanding the differences and similarities between Judaism and ChristianityThe importance of love, respect, and humility in conversations about faithChapters00:00 The Hope of Israel03:16 The Development of Modern Judaism05:38 Misconceptions About Judaism12:40 The Impact of History on Judaism23:29 Everyday Jewish Life24:25 Agreement on the Nature of God32:17 The Doctrine of the Trinity34:51 The Dividing Line: Who is Jesus?35:20 The Messiah in Judaism and Christianity44:59 How is Someone Made Right with God?53:38 Teshuva and Sudaka in Judaism59:23 The Cross and Forgiveness01:01:18 Christianity's Relationship with Judaism

The conversation explores the uniqueness of Christianity, emphasizing God's pursuit of humanity, the nature of worldviews, the theological nature of every person, the direction of Christianity, the identity of Jesus, and the significance of the resurrection. It highlights the distinction between sincerity and truth, the centrality of Christ in Christianity, and the invitation to trust in Him.TakeawaysChristianity begins with God pursuing humanityEvery worldview attempts to answer fundamental questionsSincerity does not create truthChristianity is the story of God pursuing sinful people through the life, death, and resurrection of his sonBiblical faith is confidence placed in someone who has proven himself trustworthyChapters00:00 What Makes Christianity Different?05:24 The Nature of Worldviews06:22 The Theological Nature of Every Person18:29 The Direction of Christianity29:14 The Identity of Jesus36:39 The Resurrection

The episode explores the concept of walking by faith, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of trusting God in the midst of life's uncertainties. It draws insights from biblical figures like Joseph, Job, and Jesus, highlighting the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and practicing obedience in everyday life.TakeawaysTrusting God in the midst of life's uncertaintiesThe importance of remembering God's faithfulness and practicing obedience in everyday lifeChapters00:00 Walking by Faith in Uncertainty13:21 Joseph's Story: Trusting God in the Midst of Uncertainty25:59 Understanding God's Sovereignty and Providence36:59 Practicing Faith in Everyday Life

The Bible has been changed.The Bible is full of contradictions.The Council of Nicaea created Christianity.The "real" gospels were left out.If you've spent any time online, you've probably heard some version of these claims. But are they true?In this episode of Rooted in Logos, Brad examines some of the most common objections raised against the Bible and explores the historical evidence surrounding Scripture's reliability and preservation.Together we'll discuss:

What if the most popular religion in America isn't Christianity, Islam, or atheism?What if it's the worship of self?In this episode of Rooted in Logos, Brad examines the growing belief that truth, identity, and morality should be determined by the individual rather than by God. From the Garden of Eden to modern slogans like "follow your heart" and "live your truth," the temptation remains the same: to become our own authority.Drawing from Scripture, culture, and personal experience, this episode explores the origins of self-rule, the promises it makes, and the consequences it produces. You'll hear how the rebellion of Lucifer, the fall of Adam and Eve, and the temptation of Christ all point to the same fundamental question:Who gets the final say—God or me?Topics include:The rise of expressive individualismThe dangers of "live your truth" cultureWhy personal autonomy has become a modern idolThe connection between Genesis 3 and today's cultural momentHow Jesus responded to the temptation of self-ruleWhy true freedom is found in submission to God, not independence from HimWhether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode challenges one of the most influential assumptions of our time and asks a simple but profound question:Will we trust God to define reality, or will we attempt to define it ourselves?Scripture References:Genesis 3, Matthew 4, Judges 21:25, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1, and others.Connect with Rooted in Logos:Follow, rate, and share the podcast to help others engage thoughtfully with Scripture, theology, and culture from a biblical worldview.

The conversation explores the rise of deconstruction, the process of deconstruction, reasons for leaving Christianity, public examples of deconstruction, the role of doubt and unbelief, the question of authority, and healthy reconstruction. It emphasizes the importance of truth, the authority of Christ, and the distinction between healthy and unhealthy deconstruction.TakeawaysDeconstruction is a process that challenges and dismantles falsehood, legalism, and abuse, with the goal of building a life anchored in Christ.The ultimate question in deconstruction is about authority—who gets the final say? This leads to a deeper exploration of the role of doubt, the search for truth, and the reconstruction of faith anchored in Christ.Chapters00:00 The Rise of Deconstruction11:42 Reasons for Leaving Christianity18:12 Public Examples of Deconstruction28:39 The Role of Doubt and Unbelief35:30 The Question of Authority46:08 Healthy Reconstruction

The conversation delves into the threat of biblical illiteracy, its consequences, and the root of the problem. It explores the collapse of biblical literacy, its impact, and the dangers of false teaching. The influence of social media, devotional Christianity, and the importance of biblical maturity are discussed, along with the solution to biblical illiteracy, the practice of biblical literacy, and an encouraging conclusion.TakeawaysBiblical illiteracy is a significant threat to the modern churchThe collapse of biblical literacy has led to vulnerability to false teaching and cultural influenceChapters00:00 The Threat of Biblical Illiteracy08:23 The Impact of Biblical Illiteracy20:12 The Role of Devotional Christianity42:44 The Practice of Biblical Literacy50:00 Encouragement and Conclusion

The conversation explores the imperfection of the church and the reasons why people may choose to leave. It delves into the challenges and preferences faced within the church, the importance of staying and fighting for the church's health, and the significance of prayer, biblical confrontation, and contending for the faith. It also addresses reasons to leave, such as spiritual abuse, unrepentant sin, gospel compromise, unaccountable leadership, and the inability to grow spiritually. The conversation concludes by emphasizing that the church ultimately belongs to Christ and the importance of staying rooted in the truth of God's word.TakeawaysChurch ImperfectionReasons to LeaveChapters00:00 The Imperfect Church46:24 Prayer and Concerns54:30 Reasons to Leave01:00:23 Spiritual Growth and Leaving Well01:09:07 The Church Belongs to Christ

The conversation explores the cultural moment where disagreement is often interpreted as rejection of people themselves, especially surrounding issues of identity and sexuality. It also delves into the struggle of modern culture to distinguish between disagreeing with beliefs and hating the person.TakeawaysDisagreement is often interpreted as rejection of people themselvesModern culture struggles to distinguish between disagreeing with beliefs and hating the person