Best 77 Seconds or Less Podcasts (2025)

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Burning Questions on Hell, Islam, Sexuality, and More Answered (NYC Q&A) | Ep 89 50:43

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22d ago50:43

50:43

What do you say when someone asks, “If God is so loving, why do people end up in hell?” In this special Q&A at Times Square Church in New York City, Abdu Murray tackled some of the hardest questions about faith, truth, and the hope found in Christ. From challenges about the Bible’s trustworthiness to how Christians can minister to friends in the LG…

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My Dialogue with a Hindu on Creation, Evil, Reincarnation and Much More! | Ep 88 1:36:27

1M ago1:36:27

1:36:27

In this episode of All Rise, we are bringing you a wide-ranging dialogue between Abdu Murray (a former Muslim who is now a Christian) and Fred Stella (a former Catholic who is now Hindu) on life’s deepest questions. How did the universe come to be? Why is there evil and suffering? What happens after death—and what role do reincarnation and karma pl…

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Beyond the Binary? What the Bible REALLY Teaches with Kyla Gillespie | Ep 87 45:05

1M ago45:05

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In this episode of All Rise, Kyla Gillespie joins us to explore the deeper theological debates surrounding gender and Scripture. Some voices argue that the Bible supports transgender identities—but what do those arguments really say? And how should we think about them in light of creation, redemption, and identity in Christ? With clarity and compas…

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Gender Confusion and Finding Faith w/ Kyla Gillespie (Pt. 1) | Ep 86 1:09:06

2M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

What happens when the identity you built your life around suddenly collapses—and Christ steps in to rebuild it? Kyla Gillespie is a survivor. In this episode of All Rise, we sit down with Kyla, a woman who once identified as transgender but ultimately found truth, freedom, and a new identity in Jesus Christ. Kyla shares her raw and powerful story, …

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100 Years Later: The REAL STORY Behind the ‘Monkey Trial’ w/ Dr. Rick Townsend | Ep 85 1:11:37

2M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

Was the Scopes “Monkey Trial” ever really about science—or was it a staged showdown with a hidden agenda? In this episode of All Rise, we talk to Dr. Rick Townsend, a historian of ideas whose groundbreaking dissertation uncovers the real story behind one of the most famous courtroom dramas in American history: the 1925 Scopes Trial. For a century, …

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PROOF Junk DNA was NEVER Junk! Science Finally Caught Up … with Fuz Rana | Ep 84 1:13:19

3M ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Was "junk DNA" ever really junk—or did science just need to catch up with design? In this episode of All Rise, we talk to Dr. Fazale Rana (biochemist and President & CEO at Reasons to Believe) to dive into one of the most groundbreaking scientific reversals in recent history: the 2024 Nobel Prize awarded for discoveries showing that so-called “junk…

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The Untold Story of the Quran's Formation with Quran Scholar Andy Bannister | Ep 83 1:42:08

3M ago1:42:08

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Is the Qur’an truly the perfectly preserved word of God—or is its history more complicated than many believe? In this episode of All Rise, Abdu Murray and Qur'an scholar Andy Bannister explore the turbulent early history of the Qur’an: from its oral roots to the compilation controversies that many Muslims have never been told about. Was there reall…

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Rebuilding Faith: Doubt, Scripture & "A Teachable Spirit" with AJ Swoboda | Ep 82 54:05

4M ago54:05

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What comes after deconstruction? In this episode, we talk with AJ Swoboda—pastor, professor, and author of After Doubt and A Teachable Spirit—about why doubt has become so common, why it shouldn't be the end of the story, and how real spiritual formation takes shape in our lives. We explore: The limits of “just me and my Bible” Christianity A fresh…

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Jesus in Islam: Prophet, Messiah … But Not God? | Ep 81 1:21:20

4M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Muslims love Jesus—but do they know who He really is? In this episode of All Rise, Abdu Murray explores the Islamic view of Jesus, known to Muslims as "Isa." What does the Qur’an say about Him? Is He just a prophet, or something more? And how do Islamic beliefs about Jesus at the end of time—His return, His role in judgment—compare with what the Bi…

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Why Didn't the Virgin Birth Convince Jesus' OWN Family? | Ep 80 54:39

4M ago54:39

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"If the virgin birth really happened, why did Jesus’ own family think He was out of His mind?" That’s the sharp question we received after releasing two episodes on the historical and theological credibility of the virgin birth. And honestly, it’s a great one. In this episode of All Rise, Abdu Murray and Derek Caldwell explore the surprising—and of…

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Who is Allah? Understanding the Islamic View of God | Ep 79 47:10

5M ago47:10

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What do Muslims believe about God? In this episode of All Rise, former Muslim and Christian apologist Abdu Murray takes a deep dive into Islamic theology to explore who Allah is—his attributes, character, actions in history, and relationship with humanity. But this isn’t a caricature. This is a steelman critique. With both respect and clarity, Abdu…

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BONUS DEBATE: Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? Abdu Murray vs. John Loftus | Ep 78 2:04:19

6M ago2:04:19

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Tis the season … to discuss the resurrection! In this special bonus episode of All Rise, we take you back to a compelling 2016 debate between two men who have each made dramatic journeys of faith and doubt. Christian apologist and former Muslim Abdu Murray goes head-to-head with atheist and former Christian John Loftus on the foundational question …

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Former Muslim Responds: Why Ayaan Hirsi Ali Left New Atheism for Jesus | Ep 77 1:24:13

6M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the famed Muslim-turned-atheist and critic of religion along with her New Atheist cohort, shocked the world when she came out as a Christian in 2023. The partial story of her conversion from the UnHerd article she penned received backlash from non-Christian and Christian commentators alike. Recently, she sat down with agnostic Alex…

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Are We Witnessing the Abolition of Humanity? With Stuart McAllister | Ep 76 1:05:13

6M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

The Christian world is finally awaking to the reality of the technological captivity of humanity. But one man who has been thinking about this from the beginning is Stuart McAllister. Gleaning wisdom from CS Lewis and many other authors, Stuart helps us navigate the technological world by first helping us understand the underlying problems and what…

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Chloe Cole on Gender Affirming Care, Faith, and Finding Hope | Ep 75 1:16:08

7M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Chloe Cole has lived a full lifetime in her 20 years. She joins the podcast to discuss the tumultuous early years of her life and the cultural and political trends and pressures impacting developing young girls and boys today. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/a…

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Live Q&A from MIT: Transgender Inclusion, Denominations, Judaism, and More! | Ep 74 41:08

7M ago41:08

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Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) pepper Abdu with questions about transgenderism, denominations, selective acceptance of miracles, and if people are only Christian because they were born in Christian countries. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://tw…

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Live at MIT: Is Christian Exclusivity a Loving Truth or Hateful Intolerance? | Ep 73 41:17

8M ago41:17

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"All roads lead to God." "Live your truth." "Do what makes you happy." These truisms of the modern world lend themselves to the idea that the traditional Christian idea which states Jesus is "the only way" is intolerant and unloving. Abdu Murray discusses this major issue live at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Keep in touch with Abdu an…

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Ex-Muslim Christian Answers Questions about Islam, Salvation, and the Quran vs the Bible | Ep 72 52:30

8M ago52:30

52:30

Former Muslim turned Christian Abdu Murray takes tough questions from young adults at Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI. He touches on Islam, who salvation is for, the reliability of the Christian scriptures, Christians in politics, and more! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurra…

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Is There Any Hope for American Politics? With Michael Wear | Ep 71 46:56

9M ago46:56

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Is there something inherently "sick" about our politics that has infected the Christian life and witness? If so, what is the problem and what can we do about it? In this pre-Inauguration Day episode, Michael Wear talks about where we go from here. Check out Michael Wear's The Center for Christianity and Public Life at https://www.ccpubliclife.org/.…

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Questioning Christmas: Did Matthew Mangle the Virgin Birth? Responding to Bart Ehrman | Ep 70 1:08:33

10M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew made a translation error and misunderstood the original context of Isaiah 7:14. If Matthew had known Hebrew and understood the context, he would have known that Isaiah was not prophesying a "virgin birth." If Dr. Ehrman is true, that means the Gospel story of Jesus is built on a lie. What is the truth? Find out i…

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Questioning Christmas: Where is the Prophecy About the "Nazarene"? Responding to Bart Ehrman | Ep 69 49:35

10M ago49:35

49:35

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew got the "Nazarene" prophecy about Jesus incorrect because there is no such prophecy found in all of the Old Testament. Abdu's socials: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep…

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Is Hope Hardwired? And Other Things We Wonder About with Andy Bannister | Ep 68 48:58

10M ago48:58

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Dr Andy Bannister joins us to discuss several of the questions that everyone wonders about but are often left unanswered. We talk about good vs evil, altruism vs selfishness, and the theory of evolution as a potential answer to these great wonders. Dr. Andy Bannister holds a PhD in Islamic Studies and he regularly speaks and teaches on Islam, philo…

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How to Live the Narrow Way During a Chaotic Election (LIVE with Q&A) | Ep 67 51:54

11M ago51:54

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Abdu Murray and Pastor Chris Rea of Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI, discuss this chaotic election season in front of a live audience. Abdu's Washington Times piece referenced in this episode can be found at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/26/american-souls-are-sick-this-election-season/. Facebook https://www.facebo…

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J. Warner Wallace on True Crime and What It Reveals About the Meaning of Life | Ep 66 1:14:47

12M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

J Warner Wallace talks to us about the many lessons learned from his life as a homicide detective. J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective and a best-selling author and national speaker in the field of apologetics. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and an adjunct professor a…

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Maximal Data & The Gospels with Dr. Lydia McGrew | Ep 65 59:31

1y ago59:31

59:31

One approach to testing the reliability, or lack thereof, of the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection is the "minimal facts" approach by which we look at only those facts that are undisputed among even the most critical scholars. But are there good reasons to move beyond the "minimal facts" to "maximal data"? Resources mentioned in this episode: Min…

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Faith and Politics: Finding Your Way Without Losing Your Mind w/ John Stonestreet | Ep 64 1:05:09

1y ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Abdu is joined by the John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and a sought after author and speaker on the intersection of Christianity and culture. You can check out the Colson Center at https://colsoncenter.org/. Find John's socials at https://breakpoint.org/john-stonestreet/. The articles mention in this episode…

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Is the Gospel of John theological fiction? With Dr. Lydia McGrew | Ep 63 58:41

1y ago58:41

58:41

Analytic philosopher Dr. Lydia McGrew uses her specialty to answer the perennial question: Is the Gospel of John an eyewitness account or merely a theological fiction? Resources mentioned in this episode: Lydia McGrew on facebook https://www.facebook.com/lydiamcgrewauthor/ Lydia McGrew Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@LydiaMcGrewChannel Lyd…

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The MASSIVE Failure of Origin of Life Science w/ Dr. James Tour | Ep 62 1:13:58

1y ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Has life been created inside of the laboratory? Some scientists say YES, making some believe that God is an unnecessary hypothesis for the existence of life. What does the science actually say? Join us as we discuss WHAT scientists are saying, WHY they're saying it, and WHAT the acual science says with one of our finest living scientific minds, Dr.…

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10(ish) Books You Need To Read This Summer | Ep 61 1:14:54

1y ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Abdu and Derek get asked a lot about what they read to stay informed about the world and grounded in their faith. Today, they answer those questions in detail, highlighting a series of books that explore many relevant topics in our society today, including what atheism really is, the historical battles between science and religion, how to read the …

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SPECIAL: What Trump's Assassination Attempt Reveals About the US | Ep 60 31:18

1y ago31:18

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We are hard at work on season 3 and new episodes will be dropping SOON. But today we felt it necessary to bring you an important episode where we discuss the recent Trump assassination attempt and what it seems to be revealing about the soul of America during these precarious times.By Abdu Murray

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Is Religion Dangerous? LIVE Q&A at MIT | Ep 59 40:13

1+ y ago40:13

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Abdu visits the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to answer questions from some of the brightest young minds in America. Listen in as Abdu fields questions on sexuality, Islam, and the reliability of the Bible. Do you have questions for Abdu? Send them to [email protected]. You never know when we might answer one live on the show! All Ri…

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Does Nature's Beauty Point to a Creator? With Xandra Grieme | Ep 58 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

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The world is full of wonders both mysterious and beautiful. Do we have reasons to believe that this beauty points to anything beyond itself? Our special guest, Xandra Grieme, says that when it comes to beauty, there may be more than meets the eye. Xandra Grieme is an apologist, speaker, and curator for the Museum of Created Beauty. She earned her b…

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The Toughest Question Abdu's Been Asked? LIVE Q&A at UCF | Ep 57 47:43

1+ y ago47:43

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After Abdu's message at the University of Central Florida, several students came forward to ask their most pressing questions in a live Q&A. Listen in as Abdu fields questions on sexuality, slavery, and gender in the Bible, the toughest question he's ever received, and what it means to be a disciple. Do you have questions for Abdu? Send them to mai…

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Is Christianity Dangerous and Delusional? LIVE at the University of Central Florida | Ep 56 42:10

2y ago42:10

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The late physicist, philosopher, and atheist Victor Stenger once said, "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings." This is a popular notion today, especially in the West where Christianity and the Bible are often blamed for anti-scientific superstitions, terrorism, racism, and sexism, among other maladies. But is this correc…

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Rob Bowman Refutes Bart Ehrman’s Arguments Against Jesus’ Divinity, Part 2 | Ep 55 43:29

2y ago43:29

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Dr. Rob Bowman is an apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He is also President of the Institute for Religions Research, which researches and responds to some of the most difficult objections leveled against Christianity by other religious or anti-religious movements. If you would like to watch the YouTube clip we responded to,…

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Rob Bowman Refutes Bart Ehrman’s Arguments Against Jesus’ Divinity, Part 1 | Ep 54 33:49

2y ago33:49

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Recently, Dr. Bart Ehrman sat down and attempted to refute cherished Christian beliefs about the divinity of Jesus. Did he succeed? Dr. Rob Bowman says no! Join us for the first half of this exhilarating conversation as Dr. Bowman and Abdu discuss whether Jesus identified himself as God in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and whether those G…

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J. Warner Wallace Returns for an Unexpected Conversation! | Ep 53 56:51

2y ago56:51

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Abdu sits down with his friend, former homicide detective J. Warner Wallace, for a wide-ranging interview on the nature of evidence and persuasion, apologetics for children, the reticence of some Christians to accept apologetics, and so much more. Listen in on this masterclass as J. Warner and Abdu share much wisdom from their years of apologetics …

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Rhett McLaughlin Expertly Appeals to Authority | Ep 52 57:32

2y ago57:32

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Popular internet personality Rhett McLaughlin, of Rhett & Link's Good Mythical Morning YouTube fame, has become famous for "deconstructing" his evangelical faith. In a recent Instagram Reel, he explains why: the experts! In this episode, Abdu and Derek look at Rhett's appeals to authority and confront two thorny issues: Is expert consensus emerging…

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"Twisted Logic"? Is Michael Shermer Right about the Cross!? | Ep 51 55:11

2y ago55:11

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Michael Shermer is one of the world's foremost public atheists and critics of religious belief. In a recent tag team of tweets, Shermer sought to put on display the "twisted logic" of the biblical account of atonement, the cross, and forgiveness. In this episode, Abdu addresses Michael's objections and assumptions to see where the twisted logic tru…

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Street Smarts for a Combative New World, with Greg Koukl | Ep 50 47:09

2y ago47:09

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Greg Koukl is a man who needs no introduction. He's got a new book out called Street Smarts, and it will revolutionize the way you think about engaging the culture today. Many evangelism tactics focus on harvesting, but Greg recommends gardening. Find out the key differences between the two and more on this episode of All Rise! Greg Koukl is a high…

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Is the Gospel of Thomas Proof of the Church's Suppression of the Truth? With Wes Huff | Ep 49 52:35

2y ago52:35

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Mystery gospels full of secret truths suppressed by the Church for centuries have finally been revealed! … Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? According to the millions of people who have bought books, watched movies, and read news stories with such headlines, it certainly is! We all love a good "mystery has been revealed" story, but is there anything t…

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The Gospel According to Barbie? How Ken it Be!? | Ep 48 48:19

2y ago48:19

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Barbie is everywhere thanks to Greta Gerwig's recent blockbuster movie about the (in)famous doll. Some say it is anti-man propaganda that went too far while others say it didn't go far enough! Abdu and Derek discuss these reactions and some surprising was in which Barbie actually affirms the Bible, while also being confronted by it. This episode ma…

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Will AI Destroy the World!? with Michael Butler | Ep 47 1:05:34

2y ago1:05:34

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Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now, and much of the press has been concerned with one question: will AI unleash a technological revolution that inevitably ends in catastrophe? Cutting through some of the uninformed hyperbole of those who think it will destroy the world (and those who think it will save it!), Abdu and Derek discuss the …

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Does the James Webb Space Telescope debunk the Big Bang? With special guest Hugh Ross | Ep 46 46:48

2y ago46:48

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Astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross joins us to discuss the disruption of the James Webb Space Telescope images in our understanding of the early universe. Many pop science articles hailed it as a major disruptor of the theory of the Big Bang, even debunking the notion that the universe had a beginning. Is this true? Join us as Dr. Ross and Abdu deliberat…

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Deliberations: Luke and Acts are Fiction!? Hold on Paula Fredriksen! | Ep 45 1:08:49

2y ago1:08:49

1:08:49

Join us LIVE,Tuesday July 11 @ 1sts :00 PM EST for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. Abdu and Derek discuss All Rise season 2 ep 18. Critical New Testament scholar Paula Fredriksen claims that the allegedly unknown author of Luke/Acts wrote his or her work in the second century and was not…

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The Gospel of Luke and Acts are Fiction!? Hold on a second Paula Fredriksen! | Ep 44 44:56

2y ago44:56

44:56

Critical New Testament scholar Paula Fredriksen claims that the allegedly unknown author of Luke/Acts wrote his or her work in the second century and was not actually a travel companion of, nor all too familiar with, the Apostle Paul. But is that where the evidence truly points? Join Abdu and Derek as they investigate these claims! This episode is …

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Deliberations: Ricky Gervais's "one less God" and Bart Ehrman's "anonymous Gospels" | Ep 43 1:07:35

2+ y ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Join us LIVE,Tuesday June 27 @ 11:00 AM EST for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. Abdu and Derek discuss All Rise episodes 16 and 17. Ricky Gervais claims atheists just believe In one less god--Bart Ehrman claims the gospels are anonymous! You can submit your questions on our social channe…

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Ricky Gervais Claims Atheists Just Believe In One Less God. … And?? | Ep 42 44:50

2+ y ago44:50

44:50

Comedian Ricky Gervais claims that we are all essentially atheists with regard to 2,999 gods, and that atheists just have the courage/integrity (?) to go one god further. But is this a meaningful statement? Abdu and Derek address other claims made by Gervais, including what would happen if all science and history books disappeared and where God cam…

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Immerse Beginnings - Week 16: Day 80 Deuteronomy 8:01

2+ y ago8:01

8:01

Today's reading comes from: pp. 324-327 in Beginnings, volume 2 in the Immerse Bible series. To buy Immerse: Beginnings or any of the Immerse Bible series, check out https://immersebible.com And for the full 16 week plan, visit https://www.immersebible.com/beginnings-16-week/ 4 Questions to get your conversations started: 1. What stood out to you t…

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Immerse Beginnings - Week 16: Day 79 Deuteronomy 7:30

2+ y ago7:30

7:30

Today's reading comes from: pp. 320-323 in Beginnings, volume 2 in the Immerse Bible series. To buy Immerse: Beginnings or any of the Immerse Bible series, check out https://immersebible.com And for the full 16 week plan, visit https://www.immersebible.com/beginnings-16-week/ 4 Questions to get your conversations started: 1. What stood out to you t…

77 Seconds Or Less Podcasts