What if the path to true peace and justice isn't through resistance, but through embracing the concept of non-resistance to evil? Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's profound spiritual journey and his disillusionment with institutionalized religion, we explore how his radical interpretation of "do not resist evil" redefines strength and justice. Rather than advocating passive submission, Tolstoy's philosophy calls for an inner resilience that challenges societal norms and critiques institutions like courts and governments. We unpack how his transformative ideas demand personal reflection and emphasize that real change must begin within ourselves—echoing his belief that the "kingdom of God is within you."

Join us as we reflect on Tolstoy's exploration of idealism and the often messy reality of change through the lens of his fiction. His flawed characters struggle with maintaining their principles in a complex world, mirroring our own battles with systems of violence and oppression. Tolstoy's timeless challenge invites us to examine our roles and make conscious choices that embody the change we wish to see. As we contemplate the possibilities of embracing non-resistance in our own lives, we are reminded that building a better world begins with individual transformation, one act of love and non-resistance at a time.

What if the Gospels could be examined like a true-crime case? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with our guest, Jay Warner Wallace, a renowned homicide detective turned author. In this captivating episode, Wallace employs his detective skills to scrutinize historical evidence for Christianity. We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on the reliability of the Gospel narratives as eyewitness accounts, see how variations in these accounts mirror real-life testimonies, and understand their alignment with modern medical insights. Journey with us through the fascinating world of historical claims and the cosmological argument for God's existence, while considering the plausibility of miracles within a divinely created universe.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the Gospels. Wallace leads us into the realm of extra-biblical sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls to examine messianic prophecies and their alignment with Jesus' life. We tackle the resurrection's profound implications, highlighting Christianity's rapid spread despite fierce opposition, and challenge the notion of blind faith by emphasizing the importance of evidence-based belief. This episode encourages skepticism and critical inquiry, inviting you to question and follow the evidence to find truth. Ultimately, we discuss how living as "cold case Christians" can spark curiosity and lead to meaningful conversations about faith, harmonizing belief with reason.

What really defines our beliefs, and how do they wield power over our lives? Join us as we embark on an exploration that stretches beyond traditional religion, venturing into the realms of politics, self-perception, and global understanding. From the eerie manipulation of truth in Orwell's "1984" to the inspiring hope found in Anne Frank's diary, we unpack how stories from different eras mirror our personal struggles with belief and doubt. We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on how these narratives from Orwell, Tolkien, Dostoevsky, and others can illuminate the complexities of human conviction.

Our discussion doesn't shy away from tough questions as we navigate through the metaphorical landscapes of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" and Dostoevsky's "The Idiot," where faith collides with harsh reality. Witness the existential crises of Tolstoy's characters, who grapple with life's profound questions despite their perfect lives. Together, we'll unravel how these timeless stories resonate with today's world, urging reflection on our own beliefs. This episode invites you to contemplate the constructive and destructive potentials of belief, challenging you to reflect on what you hold true and why it matters.

Can baptizing an infant truly cleanse one of inherent sinfulness? Join us on a journey through the tumultuous history of baptism as we examine the heated debates and their real-life implications from the early Church to the Middle Ages. We explore the Council of Carthage's decisions in 418 AD, the diverse views of theologians such as Sedulius and Hilarius of Syracuse, and the persecution faced by groups like the Anabaptists who championed adult baptism. Hear the riveting accounts of figures like Berengarius and learn about the persistence of adult baptism practices into the eighth and ninth centuries, challenging the perception of infant baptism's universal acceptance.

In the second part of our discussion, we tackle the theological tension between free will and original sin, using infant baptism as the crux of this debate. We contrast Thomas Aquinas' emphasis on intellect and understanding with Augustine's notion of original sin, delving into how these perspectives shape our interpretation of scripture and influence contemporary issues like social justice and environmentalism. By delving into these historical and theological debates, we encourage you to challenge your assumptions and seek out new insights, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and its role in the modern world. Tune in and engage with a conversation that spans centuries and continues to be relevant today.