Entry Points: Recent Episodes
Baron Decker and Trevor Cartwright
We discuss points of agreement between different worldviews and the Christian faith from the perspective of a Psychology graduate and a theologian. Our mission is to foster constructive conversations in a polarized world by identifying entry points. We believe that almost every genuinely held perspective is built upon some structure of truth that Christians agree with. When identified, these truths can open doors to better conversations with those of different worldviews.
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In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss the social dimension of being human. Having spent considerable time studying human social wiring, Baron provides vital insights into the importance and inescapability of this crucial human dynamic. He and Trevor also discuss how thinkers of all worldviews in this individualistic age must contend with this anthropological fact and what implications it may entail.
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Abortion is one of the most polarizing issues in American politics. Pro-lifers accuse pro-choicers of baby murder, while the latter accuses the former of trying to make the "Handmaid's Tale" a reality. In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss the concerns of both sides of the abortion debate. They try to help both sides converse with one another and find some common ground in the pursuit of honoring the dignity of every person.
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In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss the recent attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. They explain what happened on that dreadful day, discuss the conditions that led to its occurrence, and provide some advice for learning how to build bridges with those we disagree with, politically or otherwise. Indeed, the mission of Entry Points is more relevant than ever!
In this opening episode of season two, Baron and Trevor discuss the Feminist movement and how some areas of agreement exist between the Christian worldview and Feminist ideology. They delve into topics such as the importance of healthy masculinity, the dangers of toxic masculinity, and the debates over the meaning of womanhood in the twenty-first century. They also discuss some of the changes to the podcast beginning in season 2.
Baron and Trevor discuss the famous clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson in this episode. While Baron and Trevor admire and appreciate Peterson's psychological perspectives and rules for life, they depart from Peterson on certain points because his views do not always align with the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Join our hosts today for a riveting discussion on the remarkable contemporary figure. Also, someone finally has to eat hot sauce! Who is it? Tune in to find out!
In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss the recent atrocities that occurred in the Middle East. The terrorist group Hamas mercilessly attacked Israel, and now Israel is preparing to retaliate. What should Israel do? How do we in the West make sense of this tragic situation? Tune in to hear Baron and Trevor discuss these and other questions.
Join Baron and Trevor as they continue their exploration of the "In this House We Believe" sign. This episode discusses the immensely popular phrase "love is love." Baron and Trevor discuss what the phrase means and try to find some common ground with this deceptively complex three-word statement.
In this new series, Baron and Trevor discuss the increasingly popular sign that contains several loaded political statements, such as "Love is love" and "Women's rights are human rights." Baron and Trevor seek to find some common ground with these statements. In this first episode, they discuss the statement "Science is Real."
In part two of their exploration of Jean Piaget's theories regarding rules and fair play, Baron and Trevor discuss how and if human beings can find an ultimate moral grounding. Cultures and groups can develop rules of morality, but does the buck stop somewhere? Is there an ultimate source for morals?
In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss psychologist Jean Piaget's theories involving how human beings play and interact according to rules, reciprocity, and fair play. They discuss his theory and tie in how Christians must live in community and exist together in a spirit of cooperation and, ultimately, love.
In this episode, Baron and Trevor delve into Aristotle's concept of the golden mean. We live in a world of polarization and extremes, so Aristotle's ancient concept of finding a proper balance may be more relevant for today's world than many have realized. Is this the case? Listen and find out!
In this episode, Baron and Trevor discuss the popular NBC show called "The Good Place." The entertaining show speculates on the afterlife, but does its vision of heaven match a Christian understanding of life after death? Join Baron and Trevor in this episode as they compare and contrast the "good place" of the show with the heaven of the Bible.
In this episode, Baron and Trevor explore the philosopher Aristotle and his conception of living a good life. What motivates the decisions we make? Why do we do what we do? Aristotle argues that we are motivated by an ultimate good of some sort. What is it? Join us today and find out!
In this episode, Baron and Trevor analyze how several movies' plotlines borrow from Plato's famous allegory of the cave. Baron and Trevor also explore how Plato's allegory applies to the Christian view of ultimate reality.
Baron and Trevor explore Plato's understanding of the soul in this episode. They describe Plato's proposed anatomy of the soul, but, more importantly, they discuss Plato's argument for how a properly oriented soul can live a happy and balanced life. Drawing from Scripture and psychological theory, Baron and Trevor show how Plato's views shed light on what it looks like to live a fulfilled life of joy and virtue.
In Plato's Classic work The Symposium, he addresses the nature of love and the ultimate end of human desires: the Beautiful. The modern world preaches fulfillment through stuff, sex, and accomplishments, but this formula never truly satisfies us. And we all know it. Come with us as we explore Plato's classic philosophical text. His words are just as relevant and inspiring today as they were almost 2,500 years ago.
In a world fixated on the importance of women assuming masculine traits and goals, we reach out to Jung and engage with his concept of animus possession. We do so guided by current research on a diverse set of topics.
We all have an internal compass offering guidance on our behaviors. This compass, when listened to, provides direction and tools we did not have before. Join us as we discuss Jung's concept of individuation (or the incorporation of the inner compass) and its relation to the Christian notion of Sanctification.
Stories play a powerful role in our understanding of the world and our lives. Carl Jung understood this truth and developed a theory about what he called the archetypes of the collective unconscious. Join us as we discuss these archetypes and the power of stories.
Many today point to one's personal history and environment to explain the behaviors of themselves and others, particularly when these behaviors have detrimental consequences. Join us for a discussion of Skinner, the father of radical behaviorism, which in its day provided a scientific backing to the emphasis on one's history as the cause of their current behaviors.
In this first episode of Entry Points, Baron and Trevor explore the humanistic psychology of Carl Rogers and discuss the common ground it shares with the Christian worldview.