Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Rachel Gilson is a noted author and speaker specializing in Christian sexual ethics. She serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture at Cru, a dynamic missionary organization. Rachel is also in the advanced stages of completing her PhD in public theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Her acclaimed book, "Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next" is considered a valuable resource on Christian sexual ethics. Rachel is passionate about helping Christians navigate complex cultural issues with a gospel-centered approach.Key Takeaways:Navigating Cultural Shifts: Rachel sheds light on how Christian parents can stay true to biblical principles while adapting to today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.Early Conversations: Discover why it’s crucial to start talking to your kids about sexuality and faith early on, and how to weave these discussions into the fabric of the gospel.Authenticity and Compassion: Rachel advocates for a genuine approach to parenting—living out Christian values in a way that radiates love and compassion.Practical Parental Guidance: Get actionable advice on preparing your children to engage thoughtfully with diverse beliefs about sexuality they’ll encounter in their daily lives.Community Support: Learn how leaning on your church community can provide invaluable support and wisdom as you raise your kids in faith.Visit: Rachel's websiteFollow: Rachel on XOrder: Rachel's book "Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World"Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XPurchase Rebecca's Books:Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest ReligionDoes the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about ChristianityJesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the LordNo Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for FriendshipConfronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the GospelsAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.

Where did the Bible come from—and how do we know we can trust it? Rebecca is joined by textual scholars John Meade and Peter Gurry to explore how Scripture was written, copied, translated, and recognized as canon. From the Septuagint to the Apocrypha, they unpack the Bible’s complex history—and why that history strengthens rather than weakens Christian confidence in God’s Word.Follow Peter:XFollow John:XUse code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.

Are human beings basically good—or fundamentally broken? Rebecca is joined by clinical neuropsychologist Jo Johnson to explore what decades of psychological work reveal about human nature, shame, and our deep sense that something is “off.” Together they argue that Christianity doesn’t deny our inner darkness, but offers the only true freedom: being fully known and fully loved in Jesus.Buy Jo's Book: DisentangledUse code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.

Rebecca talks with Anglican minister and theologian Dr. Rob Smith about what “transgender theory” actually claims—and why clarity matters before conversation can even begin. They explore how the Bible frames bodies, sex, and “gender expression,” starting in Genesis and touching on why Christians can’t simply throw the word “gender” away. This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion of Rob’s book The Body God Gives.Buy Rob's Book:The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender TheoryFollow Rob:InstagramUse code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.

What does a 4th-century African bishop have to do with smartphones, social media, and AI chatbots? Rebecca sits down with ethicist Autumn Ridenour to explore how Augustine’s famous line, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” exposes both the appeal and the danger of our digital lives—from endless scrolling to AI “relationships” and deepfake-fueled distrust.Use code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.