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The time has come at last to bring this podcast to a close. Join us as we reflect on the past year and a half. What did we learn? What has changed in our lives? And what is next for the boys? Find out in our final episode! Thank you for listening to Facing The Gates.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

You asked, we answer! Join us in a very special Q&A episode of Facing The Gates. Why aren’t Michael and David Christian yet? Does Bailey think ghost hunting is a sin? And why is there a fad for spirituality - minus the actual religion part? Great questions! We talk about these and more in this episode. For a long time. But it’s great, we promise!   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today, we are more divided than ever on a national level. But why is that? What are the roots of our division? And how do we move forward? Is it even possible? Join us as we wrap up our political ramifications series, discussing these questions and more.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Critical Race Theory is a highly divisive topic. But what exactly is it? What are its tenants, and what does this theory propose as a solution? In this episode, we break down what exactly CRT stands for, analyze some of its political implications, and debate its strengths and shortcomings.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Critical Race Theory: An Introduction | Richard Delgado & Jean Stefancic Ep. 1280 - How To Defeat Critical Race Theory | The Ben Shapiro Show S4E17: The Grace High School Controversy: Teaching and the Voice of Conscience with Paul Rossi and Jordan Peterson | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Ep. 71 - Yes, Critical Race Theory Is Being Taught And Yes It’s Horrible | Cooper Stuff Podcast Atlanta Elementary School Institutes Racial Segregation - The Matt Walsh Show | https://youtu.be/AKwW2lmT6hA The History of Redlining | https://nhc.org/the-history-of-redlining/ Louisianna Redlining Law Review | https://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6275&context=lalrev Who Banned Slavery When? | https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-slavery/chronology-who-banned-slavery-when-idUSL1561464920070322 Average Income Around the World | https://www.worlddata.info/average-income.php

Transgenderism has come front and center in our culture today and as a result, has spawned a legion of questions. What exactly is gender dysphoria? Why is there so much interest in the issue now? What are the philosophical and ideological claims being made? And what is the history of this phenomenon? All of this and much more in today’s episode!   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Science, the Transgender Phenomenon, and the Young - Abigail Shrier | https://youtu.be/DWbxIFC0Q2o S4E11: Irreversible Damage? - Abigail Shrier | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Puberty Blockers | https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/transgender-center/puberty-blockers Wi Spa Story | https://youtu.be/BUCONAocWs4 The Transgender Craze Seducing America: An Interview With Author Abigail Shrier | https://youtu.be/yQ2I_pzOvJU Loudoun County School Rape (½) | https://youtu.be/KMvCDs7fdeo Loudoun County School Rape (½) | https://youtu.be/0bDqsibgYXw Ep. 782: There Is A Conspiracy To Sexualize Your Children. Here's Where It All Started. - The Matt Walsh Show | https://youtu.be/tSNe1uJHWKY?t=60

Continuing our discussion on the topic of gay marriage, what do science and statistics have to say about the issue? Are people born gay, or can they change? What exactly are Christians asking of gay people? All this and more in today’s episode.   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Homosexuality: Speaking the Truth in Love - Mike Winger | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsp1qWCFFN2JPKd5b6_LPED HIV in the United States - CDC | https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html How Can Homosexuality Be Wrong If It Doesn’t Hurt Anyone? | https://youtu.be/F2nPRV8dmOk Philosophize This! | Episode #148 ... On Media pt. 1 - Manufacturing Consent Philosophize This! | Episode #149 ... On Media pt. 2 - Marshall McLuhan Obergefell v. Hodges | https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf

Yet another controversial issue of our day is the topic of gay marriage. What exactly does Christianity have to say on the topic? Why do Christians disagree on the matter? And what is the underlying point of it all? Find out in today’s episode.   CONTACT INFO Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Homosexuality: Speaking the Truth in Love - Mike Winger | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsp1qWCFFN2JPKd5b6_LPED 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6 - The Whole Counsel of God The Lost Message of the Bible - Inspiring Philosophy | https://youtu.be/33MleMmkFOM

Today we wrap up our discussion on one of the most controversial issues of our day: Abortion. In this episode, we discuss the history of Planned Parenthood, the implications of abortion, and what we believe can be done to solve the problem.   SOURCES: Abortion Statistics (Abort73): https://abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/ Abortion Statistics (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion Abortion Data & Statistics (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/index.htm Maternal Deaths from Abortion: https://www.statista.com/statistics/658555/number-of-abortion-deaths-us/ Get Informed: https://www.liveaction.org/ History of Planned Parenthood & Deleiden Expose: https://youtu.be/ElEC5sazrYk Abortion Procedures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCroccSjXWR9HVr_ooA3ErEAR0SifdwY The Effects of Fatherlessness: https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic Help for Women: https://www.liveaction.org/learn/resources/ Fight The New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/overview/ Porn Negatively Affects Relationship Quality, According to 30 National Studies: https://fightthenewdrug.org/30-national-surveys-porn-consumption-is-associated-poorer-relationship-quality/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we begin our discussion on one of the most controversial issues of our day: Abortion. Should it be legal? Why or why not? Hear our thoughts on this issue as we begin our discussion with an overview of the topic, alongside an analysis of the statistics and abortion procedures.   SOURCES: Abortion Statistics (Abort73): https://abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/ Abortion Statistics (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion Abortion Data & Statistics (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/index.htm Maternal Deaths from Abortion: https://www.statista.com/statistics/658555/number-of-abortion-deaths-us/ Get Informed: https://www.liveaction.org/ History of Planned Parenthood & Deleiden Expose: https://youtu.be/ElEC5sazrYk Abortion Procedures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCroccSjXWR9HVr_ooA3ErEAR0SifdwY The Effects of Fatherlessness: https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic Help for Women: https://www.liveaction.org/learn/resources/ Fight The New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/overview/ Porn Negatively Affects Relationship Quality, According to 30 National Studies: https://fightthenewdrug.org/30-national-surveys-porn-consumption-is-associated-poorer-relationship-quality/   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we break down the stories we tell ourselves: both on the left and on the right. We analyze the predominant political philosophies of our day, conservatism and progressivism, and attempt to understand what they are at their core. And at the end of the day, we attempt to tie it all back to worldview and discuss how politics is merely the outworking of your pre-existing beliefs about the world.   SOURCE: Political Visions & Illusions - David Koyzis   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Today we begin our discussions on politics. As a primer for you, we’ve decided to begin by laying out our personal philosophies on the purpose of government, laws & rights. We also talk about our political leanings and personal biases that affect our thinking on these issues.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Up to this point in the show, we’ve mostly discussed topics that are relevant to worldview - topics that can be explained by either theism or atheism. But what about those subjects that don’t fit neatly into a worldview category? That’s right - today we’re going in-depth on the topic of aliens, paranormal experiences, and the unknown.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Are dreams just nonsense that our brains make up when we sleep, or is there something more to them? Are near-death experiences real, and if so, what evidence is there for them? And how exactly are these two topics related? Find out in today’s episode.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Two Near-Death Experiences that Can’t Be Explained Away (Dr. Gary Habermas): https://youtu.be/X8SO_aCk_sU Dr. Gary Habermas - Near Death Experiences: https://youtu.be/ac9pF32gRxU Journal of Near-Death Studies

What is nihilism, and why do people subscribe to it? Why does suicide seem rational for some people? And ultimately, what is the meaning of life? Today, we’re going to go deep and answer life’s deepest questions.   Disclaimer: This episode may contain triggering content on the topic of suicide. We realize that this is a serious subject, but for the sake of this conversation, we will be discussing the matter from a philosophical perspective. Please keep this in mind if you choose to listen to this episode. We do not advocate for suicide. If you believe you are in an unstable state of mind, do not listen to this episode. You can always listen some other time. If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. That all being said, on with the episode.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

We often hear that Christians live under grace, meaning that God will forgive their sins so long as they seek repentance. But if Christians will always be forgiven, doesn’t this create a moral loophole? Why do anything good? You can always apologize for your sins after you commit them, and besides, since God is contractually obligated to forgive you, why not do whatever you want now and think about the consequences later? This formula is often abused because the underlying theology is largely misunderstood - and not only that, but it pushes people away from Christianity. Today, we’re going to talk about the doctrine of grace.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/

Sin is a concept unique to the Abrahamic religions. But beyond the appropriation of the word “sin” into our modern culture, what actually is sin? How do we define it, and what does it do to us? What happens when a worldview lacks the concept of sin? Today, we’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of sin, what it is and what it does, then we’re going to discuss the seven deadly sins, the unforgivable sin, and the implications of the concept of sin within your worldview.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/   SOURCES: Defenders 3: Doctrine of Man (Part 20): The Fall of Man and the Nature of Sin - William Lane Craig What is the Unforgivable Sin? What is Blasphemy Against the Spirit? - Kenneth Berding https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2021/what-is-the-unforgiveable-sin-what-is-blasphemy-against-the-spirit

Submitting to any particular worldview is a massive commitment. Becoming a Christian, for example, comes packaged with a new set of assumptions about the world, as well as moral prescriptions that one must strive to follow. Today, we’re going to talk about the practical cost of commitment.   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Over the course of the past several episodes, we have visited quite a few different types of churches. Each one had a different approach to their worship style, and each one viewed Christian theology a bit differently from one another. Today we’re going to unpack our final thoughts on all of these things, and talk about what the implications of these views and worship styles are.   VIDEOS THAT INSPIRED THIS SERIES: Learning About Other Churches: Ten Minute Bible Hour | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeLDw8KQgqi4vbm__vNR6gMnwhLmGj0Cd Love Across the Lines: Gospel Simplicity | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPYmFzsNDDO9uFTZR6NnOaaHYcmVWL8X7   CONTACT INFO: Email: facingthegatespod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates Twitter: https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/  

Today we’re discussing our thoughts after visiting St. John’s United Methodist Church! What was it like being back at Michael and David’s home church? How do we feel about this service compared to others? Is Pastor Kendell always cracked on coffee? All this and more in today’s episode!   GUEST‌ ‌CONTACT:‌ ‌ St. John’s United Methodist:‌ ‌‌https://stjohngraniteville.com/  ‌ CONTACT‌ ‌INFO:‌ ‌ Email:‌ ‌facingthegatespod@gmail.com‌ ‌ Facebook:‌ ‌‌https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Twitter:‌ ‌‌https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Instagram:‌ ‌‌https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/‌ ‌

Today‌ ‌we‌ ‌sit‌ ‌down‌ ‌with‌ ‌our‌ ‌guest,‌ ‌Pastor‌ Kendell ‌of‌ ‌St. John’s United Methodist Church,‌ ‌and‌ ‌learn about Michael and David’s home church! Why be methodist? What was the holiness movement? How much coffee has Pastor Kendell had? Find‌ ‌out‌ ‌in‌ ‌today’s‌ ‌interview.‌  ‌ GUEST‌ ‌CONTACT:‌ ‌ St. John’s United Methodist:‌ ‌‌https://stjohngraniteville.com/  ‌ CONTACT‌ ‌INFO:‌ ‌ Email:‌ ‌facingthegatespod@gmail.com‌ ‌ Facebook:‌ ‌‌https://www.facebook.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Twitter:‌ ‌‌https://twitter.com/FacingTheGates‌ ‌ Instagram:‌ ‌‌https://www.instagram.com/facingthegates/‌ ‌