Challenging Conversations: Recent Episodes
The Edifi Podcast Network
Do you struggle with knowing what to say and how to say it when a controversial topic arises? "Challenging Conversations," hosted by best-selling author and worldview expert Jason Jimenez, is a conversational podcast designed to help Christians overcome their fears and learn to engage people of a different view or belief system respectfully. You will gain insight as Jason and his guests get into deep conversations about the Christian faith and discuss how Christians ought to be defending the gospel as they speak the truth in love to those around them.
Are you sick and tired of the politically charged version of Christianity advanced by progressive Christians and people on the Left? Or perhaps you are currently disenchanted with evangelical Christianity and find yourself leaning more toward a progressive point of view on a few biblical and moral issues. In this episode, Jason lays out the difference between biblical and progressive Christianity and shares advice from his new book, Hijacking Jesus.
To purchase Jason’s new book, click here.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Wokeism has become an attractive progressive ideology to subscribe to in our culture. It's a belief system that appears to stand for equality, justice, and inclusivity. But is it as inherently good and just as it seems to be on the surface?
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Have you ever shared Jesus with a Muslim? In this episode, Jason shares proper ways to speak the cultural language of a Muslim, which will help open the door to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Who would you say has the best explanation for how the universe came to be: the theist or atheist? And what about morality? In this episode, Jason puts forth two solid arguments that bear witness to the existence of God: (1) the principle of causality and the moral argument—providing you with tactics to use when talking to your atheist friends.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive? Forgiveness is a crucial concept in the Bible and plays a significant role in the Christian faith. In this episode, Jason outlines important points about forgiveness for Christians to apply and learn to trust the Lord to bring healing and restoration.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
There are many disturbing events described in the Book of Revelation. But one unparalleled event, the Great White Throne Judgment, has eternal consequences attached to it. In this episode, Jason analyzes the Great White Throne Judgment and clarifies what this final judgment is about and who it is for.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
The idea of being tormented in eternal agony isn’t something people like to think about, let alone bring up in casual conversation. That’s why most people avoid talking about hell or rule it out altogether. But did Jesus believe in hell? And if so, what did he actually teach about hell?
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
In a recent decision, the High Court deemed the basis of Affirmative Action policies to be unconstitutional because universities were violating the Equal Protection of students. But was that really happening? And what about the disparities clearly represented in specific social classes and ethnic groups? In this episode, Jason gives listeners five sensible points regarding the High Court’s decision.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
What would you do if a company you shopped at pushed an agenda contrary to your religious convictions? In this episode, Jason addresses the controversial Target display of trans clothing and the company's provocative stance on issues that have caused many to no longer step foot in their stores.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
When was the last time you had a hard talk with your kid about a controversial topic? How did it go? In today’s episode, Jason shares with parents the importance of engaging with their kids in faith and not in fear.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Some say any involvement with Halloween is opening the door to Satan. In contrast, other Christian parents believe that knocking on doors with their kids in the neighborhood is just good family fun. So, which is it? In this episode, Jason gives the difference between celebrating and participating and gives Christians some insight into the historical context of Halloween, and a few things to consider before dressing up your kid and strolling your neighborhood.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
America has passed a tipping point. More Americans are embracing the lie that they determine their own truth. On today’s podcast, Jason talks with Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, about how absolute truth changes everything and how to give a response to those who believe in speaking their own truth.
Links to Summit Ministries
- Summit Websites
- Follow on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Follow on Twitter
Links to Crossmap
- Crossmap Website
- Crossmap Facebook
Are you dealing with your doubts, or are your doubts dealing with you? Hopefully, whatever you are going through in your faith, this episode (with special guest Bobby Conway) will bring you much-needed comfort as you face your doubts and overcome them.
Link to One Minute Apologist
- YouTube
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Some progressive Christians go so far as to reject the miraculous claims of Jesus. What would that mean if Jesus didn’t perform miracles? Dr. Craig Keener joins the show to teach Christians the importance of miracles to the historic Christian faith.
Links to Dr. Craig Keener
- Dr. Keener's Website
- Dr. Keener's YouTube
- Dr. Keener on Twitter
- Dr. Keener on Facebook
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Many people in the Evangelical-faith space say it’s necessary to deconstruct your faith so that you can “reconstruct” it into an even stronger version than before. But is that really an essential step to growing your faith? Jason poses some hard-hitting questions on today's show to Maven founder and apologist, Brett Kunkle.
Links to Brett Kunkle
- Maven Truth Website
- Maven Truth on YouTube
- Maven Truth on Instagram
- Maven Truth on Facebook
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
From the blitz of social media tags to the millions of videos on YouTube calling out and labeling everybody and their mom a false teacher, it can get contentious and confusing trying to figure ought who is speaking the truth of God and who is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. In this episode, Jason’s guest, Allen Parr, YouTube sensation and pastor, offers seven identifications of a false teacher.
Links to Allen Parr
- Allen Parr Website
- The Beat on YouTube
- Allen Parr on Instagram
- Allen Parr on Facebook
- Allen Parr on Twitter
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
How would you answer someone who says that the Bible is an immoral book because it supports slavery? In today’s show, Dr. Paul Copan and Jason address this very heated topic and present reasonable answers and much-needed clarity to biblical passages that religious people have twisted to make it seem Christianity endorses the moral evil of slavery.
Links to Paul Copan
- Paul's Website
- Paul on Twitter
- Paul on Facebook
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
If you struggle with how to reconcile a God of love commanding his people, the Israelites, to commit acts of war and bloodshed in the Old Testament—then you don’t want to miss this episode. Jason sits down with Dr. Paul Copan, one of the foremost experts on the atrocities of the Bible, to offer explanations for troubling passages.
Links to Paul Copan
- Paul's Website
- Paul on Twitter
- Paul on Facebook
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
How sensitive are you to the spiritual battle between God and Satan? Are you familiar with how the Bible describes spiritual attacks and why they occur in our lives? In today’s podcast, author and investigative journalist Billy Hallowell joins Jason for a fascinating and challenging discussion about the spiritual warfare of demons.
Billy Hallowell Links
- Playing with Fire Podcast
- Playing with Fire Book on Amazon
- Billy on Facebook
- Billy on Instagram
- Billy on Twitter
Links to Show:
- Stand Strong Ministries
- Edifi Network
What was the last thing you thought was so beautiful that it took your breath away? There is so much beauty in the world, yet, we often miss the beauty because we’re either too busy to pay any attention to it or have slipped into a state where we are unmindful of what beauty is. In today’s podcast, Dr. Tim Willard talks with Jason about how Christians can revitalize their hearts and minds to the captivating power of beauty.
Links to Show:
- Stand Strong Ministries
- Edifi Network
Links to Dr. Tim Willard
- The Beauty Chasers: Recapturing the Wonder of the Divine
- Dr. Tim Willard Website
- Dr. Tim Willard on Instagram
How did you feel after hearing that Roe v Wade was overturned? What’s so shocking is how many self-identifying Christians publicly shamed other Christians for celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade. On today’s show, pro-life leader, David Benham, comes on the show to tackle the sensitive topic of abortion in the church.
Links to Show:
- Stand Strong Ministries
- Edifi Network
Benham Brothers Links
- Benham Brothers Website
- David Benham on Twitter
- David Benham on Instagram
- Benham Brothers on Facebook
Are you having a hard time speaking up for what you believe? Do you have a teen struggling to make sense of their faith? On today’s show, Jason and Sara Barratt, editor-in-chief at The Rebelution, discuss ways Christians can stand firm against the prevailing opinions that oppose Christianity and offer encouragement for moms and dads raising their kids in the Word of God.
- The Rebelution Website
- Sara Barratt Website
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Do you know how the Roe v Wade case got to the Supreme Court in the first place? Today, on Challenging Conversations, Jason pieces together some disturbing facts about the history and ruling of Roe v Wade that you need to know and share with others.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
Have you ever had to go through a church scandal? Not fun, is it? On today’s show, Jason continues his conversation with investigative journalist Warren Cole Smith. Together, they confront the messiness brought out by scandals and share much-needed advice on how to get through the unwanted pain.
Jason Jimenez on Social Media
- Follow @JasonPJimenez on Twitter
- Follow @JasonPJiminez on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jason Jimenez on YouTube
Our Guest, Warren Cole Smith
- Follow @WarrenColeSmith on Twitter
- Warren Cole Smith on Ministry Watch
Additional Resources
- Challenging Conversations book on Amazon
- Stand Strong Ministries Website
- Stand Strong Ministries on Facebook
It seems like every time you jump online or scroll through your social media feeds, you read about another church scandal. Why is that? And how should Christians respond? On today’s show, Jason discusses this sensitive topic with investigative journalist Warren Cole Smith, who has covered major scandals in his ministry career.
Did you know an effective tactic when engaging people of a different worldview is using movies and famous characters? On today’s show, Jason brings on world-renowned apologist Dr. Frank Turek to help Christians better understand the hidden messages in box office hits like Marvel and Star Wars and offer practical ways to share the gospel.
Do you really know what happened on Easter Sunday? In this episode, Jason pieces together one harmonious storyline represented by nine key events that unfolded on the day Jesus rose from the dead.
Are you aware that less than 4 percent of Bible-believing Christians can provide a compelling case for the Christian faith? As a result, Christians are losing their influence in the culture and losing their minds. On today’s podcast show, Jason talks with Dr. Travis Dickinson about the need to equip Christians with truth and logic, so they can give reasonable answers to those who challenge or question what they believe.
Things are heating up in the Middle East. Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is advancing nuclear weapons and deepening its alliance with Russia. But what does this all mean? In this episode, Jason talks about the existential threat of Iran and provides insight into how things are shaping up for future world conflict.
Even though Israel is one of the smallest nations in the world, it is, however, the most important. But, why? Why is Israel so important, and why should Christians care what happens to her? In this episode, Jason explores the Scriptures and cites historical events that shed light on the significance of Israel and why Christians should fix their eyes on the holy land.
Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? Will Russia lead an army against Israel in the future? In this episode, Jason smooths out some difficulties Christians have about the looming crisis with Russia and provides measured responses that reveal the role the Russian military plays in biblical prophecy.
What’s the best way to respond to a friend who says that being gay is genetic? Or how would you answer someone who says, "People can determine their gender?" This week, Jason poses these and other LGBT dilemmas to Dr. Christopher Yuan so that you will know how to lovingly and biblically respond the next time you find yourself in a challenging conversation.
We live in a time when there is so much confusion and questioning of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity that we, as Christians, need to be better equipped to know God’s divine design and how to address these pressing issues with truth and love. Join Jason and his guest, Dr. Christopher Yuan, as they offer a biblical perspective on sexuality and same-sex attractions.
As one might expect, there’s a great deal of speculation and false narratives about Jesus Christ. But how can we know Jesus’s true identity? In this episode, Jason and author, Tom Gilson, work through some false claims about Jesus and bring biblical clarity to his uniqueness as the Son of God
Did you know that over 25% of adults and 20% of young people have a mental illness? On today’s show, Jason talks with Dr. Danny Huerta, a professional counselor, about what we can do to address this stigma and provide the appropriate support for those suffering in silence.
Are you aware that the social justice movement is gaining considerable influence in the Southern Baptist Convention? What does that mean for the SBC and you? Dr. Josh Buice, founder of G3 Ministries, talks with Jason about the prevalence of the social justice movement in churches today and what Christians can do to confront these doctrinal concerns.
What would you say to a friend who says that anti-racism is taught in the Bible? On today’s show, Jason and Neil Shenvi break down the true meaning of anti-racism and shed light on some alarming features that Christians need to become aware of before it’s too late.
Would you be able to explain Critical Race Theory (CRT) to someone who asked you what it meant? In this episode, Jason talks with Neil Shenvi, one of the foremost Christian thinkers on CRT, about the framework of CRT, some of its critical thinkers, and tips on how to advance unity, equality, and justice.
With the resurgence of “Copycat Christianity” making its rounds on social media, Christians must know how to counter the lies perpetrated by this secularized movement. In this episode, Jason uncovers the inaccuracies and inconsistencies made by atheists when attempting to link the stories of Jesus to Greek Mythology.
What would you say to an atheist who asks you, "Isn’t belief in Jesus like believing in Santa?" In this episode, Jason lays out three responses you can use to refute the superficiality of such a claim that likens belief in Jesus to believing in the fictitious character, Santa Claus.
We're living in a time where 60% of professing Christians don't see anything morally wrong with casual sex outside of marriage. But is that true? On today's show, Jason has an open and honest conversation with his long-time friend, Sean McDowell, about what the Bible has to say about sex and how to help those engrossed with sexual sin.
Are you concerned about the Christian Left's expanding influence over churches? If that is the case, you don't want to miss what Jason Jimenez and Lucas Miles expose about this ideological movement and how you can defend against it.
Would you say what progressive Christians believe about Jesus and salvation aligns with Scripture? In this episode, Jason Jimenez and Lucas Miles, author of "The Christian Left," discuss several key tenets of Progressive Christianity and explain why they are not biblical truths.
Do you have a friend or family member who is an atheist? If so, then you won't want to miss this episode! Jason and world-renowned apologist, Dr. Frank Turek discuss a few of atheism's top arguments and why they don't hold up to scrutiny.
Is it hard motivating your kids to excel in school or map out a plan for their lives? In this episode, Jason talks with his long-time friend, Jason Benham, entrepreneur and Christian speaker and writer, on what parents can do to instill life lessons that are sure to build their kids up to their full potential as they live to honor God.
If someone were to ask you why you are pro-life, what would you say? In part two, Jason Jimenez and Scott Klusendorf (president of Life Training Institute) lay out the case for why they are pro-life. Their conversation will give you the reasoning and the skills to articulate your defense for the life of the unborn.
Many Christians say they are pro-life. But what does that mean? In part one of a two-part series, Jason chats with his good friend and leading pro-life apologist, Scott Klusendorf, to help Christians better understand the pro-life movement.