Truth Changes Everything

Was America founded as a Christian nation, or is that simply a myth? And if Christianity played a significant role in America's founding, how do we reconcile that with the reality of slavery? In this episode of Truth Changes Everything, Dr. Jeff Myers sits down with historian Mark David Hall, one of the leading scholars on Christianity and the American founding, to explore one of the most debated questions in American history. Together they examine the influence of Christian ideas on America's founding documents and institutions, the complicated relationship between Christianity and slavery, and how believers can think truthfully about America's achievements and failures without falling into either blind patriotism or cynical revisionism. Whether you're skeptical of Christianity, skeptical of America, or simply looking for a more accurate understanding of history, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about faith, freedom, justice, and the nation's founding. Topics discussed: • Did Christianity influence America's founding? • Was America founded as a secular nation? • The role of Christianity in slavery and abolition • How Christian ideas shaped human rights and political liberty • Teaching the next generation about America's history • Faithful Christian engagement in politics • Avoiding both nationalism and historical cynicism Subscribe for more conversations that help you think biblically about culture, history, and the ideas shaping our world. Be sure to send us your questions at Podcast@Summit.org!

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think, work, and relate to one another. But what does AI mean for truth, identity, and what it means to be human? As technology races toward AGI and even transhumanism, Christians need a biblical framework for understanding these cultural shifts. In this episode of the Truth Changes Everything podcast, Randall Niles—a pastor, lawyer, and leader at GotQuestions.org and AllAboutGOD.com—explores the worldview driving the AI revolution and explains how the biblical doctrine of the image of God (imago Dei) provides clarity and hope in an age of accelerating technology. We discuss: How AI is changing everyday life The worldview behind AI, AGI, and transhumanism Truth and identity in a digital age What it means to be made in the image of God How following Jesus reshapes our use of technology Why authentic community and human presence matter more than ever Whether you're curious about artificial intelligence, Christian ethics, or the future of humanity, this conversation offers a thoughtful biblical perspective on one of the defining issues of our time. Be sure to send us your questions at Podacst@Summit.org!

What does the Bible actually mean by justice? And how should Christians think about "social justice" in today's cultural climate? In this episode of Truth Changes Everything, we sit down with Dr. Christina Crenshaw to explore why justice has become such a defining issue for Gen Z and how Christians can pursue justice in a way that is rooted in Scripture rather than shifting cultural ideologies. Drawing from her book Redeeming Justice: Reclaiming God's Vision for Doing Good in the World, Christina explains the difference between biblical justice and modern social justice, why worldview matters, and how the gospel transforms the way Christians engage brokenness in the world. Together we discuss: *Why justice has become central to Gen Z identit *The difference between biblical justice and social justice *Worldview assumptions behind modern activism *Grace-based justice vs. guilt-driven activism *How Jesus redefined justice *What biblical justice looks like for students today Dr. Christina Crenshaw is an Assistant Professor at Arizona Christian University and a Fellow with its Cultural Research Center. With more than twenty years in Christian education, she has taught widely in leadership, spiritual formation, literature, and human trafficking prevention. She is the author of Redeeming Justice: Reclaiming God's Vision for Doing Good in the World. Learn more about Christina and her work: https://drchristinacrenshaw.com This podcast is a resource of Summit Ministries. At Summit, we exist to equip and support the rising generation so they may know God's truth and become champions of a biblical worldview.

In a world where Gen Z is more connected than ever—and yet more anxious, lonely, and unsure of their worth—what questions are they really asking about God? In this episode of Truth Changes Everything, Dr. Jeff Myers sits down with Tanita Maddox to explore the deeper spiritual and emotional struggles shaping today's generation. Drawing from decades of ministry experience and doctoral research, Tanita explains why many young people are not rejecting faith as much as they are searching for meaning, belonging, authenticity, and hope. Together, they unpack: * Why Gen Z often feels unseen, misunderstood, and "not enough" * How smartphones and social media reshaped identity and self-worth * The difference between answering theological questions and hearing the pain beneath them * Why apologetics alone cannot address loneliness, anxiety, and suffering * What Gen Z actually wants from parents, mentors, and the Church * How everyday presence and authentic relationships can open the door to deeper faith conversations * Why young people care deeply about injustice, suffering, and whether God is restoring the world Tanita also shares practical insights for parents, pastors, educators, and mentors seeking to communicate truth in ways that feel real, compassionate, and deeply relevant to everyday life. If you've ever wondered why younger generations seem disconnected from faith—or how to better reach them with the hope of the Gospel—this conversation offers both clarity and encouragement. Listen in. For more from Summit Ministries, visit https://www.summit.org/.

Today, we're talking about something every follower of Jesus should consider carefully—influence. Whether we notice it or not, we're constantly shaping the people around us. But what does Christlike influence actually look like, and how do we steward it well? We'll explore how faith reframes our understanding of persuasion, leadership, and everyday impact—and why influence becomes most powerful when it flows "from above." My guest today is Brian Ahearn. Brian is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. He's an international speaker, coach, and consultant, and one of only a dozen people worldwide to hold the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation, as well as the Pre-suasion Trainer certification. He's written four books on influence, including Influence PEOPLE, named one of the Top 100 Influence Books of All Time. His LinkedIn courses have reached more than 800,000 learners, and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has surpassed one million views. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org.

Do you ever wonder if Jesus really claimed to be God? Maybe you've heard people say, "Jesus never said he was God," or you've been asked, "Why believe Jesus is divine if he never claimed it?" These questions don't just come from skeptics outside the church—they show up in church, too. Even if you're not coming from a place of doubt, you might still wonder how well what we're taught about Jesus matches up with what he actually said. So, did the historical Jesus really claim to be divine? That's what today's discussion is all about. Today we're honored to have on Dr. Mikel Del Rosario. Mikel is a professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has coauthored 31 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra alongside his mentor, Darrell L. Bock. A member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Del Rosario hosts The Apologetics Guy Show, a podcast on YouTube and the Christianity Today Network, and previously hosted Dallas Theological Seminary's cultural engagement podcast, The Table. He lives in Chicago with his wife, where he enjoys teaching, writing, and engaging with culture. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Or maybe parenting leaves you feeling a little disoriented—like you're spinning upside-down? You're not alone. We all love our kids and want them to have a flourishing faith and embrace God's upside-down Kingdom. Today, we're honored to have Matt Jones and Janel Greig on the show. They are co-hosts of Summit's newest podcast: Upside-Down Parenting! In the podcast, they offer practical insights, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to help you navigate the tough times and everyday challenges of parenting. If parenting sometimes feels upside-down, that's okay. Following God's design often is upside-down compared to the world around us—and that's exactly what makes it so powerful. Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribe on YouTube!

Truth Rising isn't just a documentary—it's a call to courage for Christians navigating a culture redefining faith, identity, and morality. In this episode, Dr. Jeff sits down with John Stonestreet of the Colson Center as they explore the civilizational moment we're living in and why clarity and conviction matter more than ever for Christians. Through the lens of Truth Rising, they discuss how ordinary believers can make an extraordinary impact by choosing courage over fear and grounding their lives in Christ-centered truth. Truth Rising: The Study is a four-part small group study designed to move Christians from feeling powerless in the face of civilizational decline to realizing their God-given calling in history. Built on the framework of hope, truth, identity, and calling, each lesson teaches a key ingredient of the Christian worldview so Christians can be equipped with unshakeable confidence in the Truth. Then, each teaching video is followed by the inspiring story of a Christian who lived out the Truth to show what courage can look like in our cultural moment. Truth Rising: The Study is taught by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, featuring the inspiring stories of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Jack Phillips, Chloe Cole, and Omega Buckner. Learn more at colsoncenter.org/truth.