Tag: Christianity

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Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins?

Interview with Joshua Barnes

Have you ever heard that Christmas has pagan origins? Does the date we celebrate Christmas—December 25th—have anything to do with ancient holidays like Saturnalia, Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or even the Winter Solstice? Are traditions like caroling and decorating trees borrowed from other religions? Find out in this interview with Joshua Barnes, creator of popular YouTube channel The Bible Explained.

Questions and Misconceptions

Did the Christian Roman emperor Constantine adapt pagan celebrations and attach them to Christmas?

Is Christmas celebrated on the same date as ancient pagan feasts that came before it?

Why did Christians choose December 25th to celebrate the birth of Jesus—and does it matter?

Is the tradition of decorating Christmas trees tied to the cult of Asherah (and forbidden in the Bible)?

Is decorating one’s home with mistletoe a Druid practice?

Should Christians celebrate holidays that aren’t mentioned in the Bible?

Did the Puritans ban Christmas in America, and if so, why?

Joshua answers these questions and more in this episode of the Know Why Podcast, citing primary historical documents that tell the true story. You’ll hear some myths busted and gain a clearer understanding of some similarities between Christmas and other celebrations that are often referenced by critics of Christianity.

“Singing, giving gifts, decorating…these are things that, in the ancient world, were part of every celebration. So the fact that they’re part of Christmas and other things is not evidential.”

Joshua Barnes

Learn more by listening to the episode and following the links below. Don’t miss next week’s episode for a discussion on whether Jesus’ birth story is unique compared to ancient mythology.

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Should Chatbots Scare Me? Know About Healthy Tech Habits

Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 2)

Chatbots can be problematic, but can they also be useful? If artificial intelligence can do everything we can do, what makes humans unique? Back to think through tough questions like these is Kate Lucky from Christianity Today. She shares insight from her recent feature piece, “AI Will Shape Your Soul,” a deep-dive into what theologians and tech experts are saying about AI chatbots. Don’t miss part two of this interview, the final episode of our #KnowAboutHealthyTechHabits series! Listen to part one here.

Embodiment

Kate believes that everyone innately recognizes the importance of embodiment. “We feel that there’s something important to our bodies, to our humanity,” she told Know Why. Kate says this points back to the truth of the Christian tradition, which teaches that God took on a human body in the person of Jesus Christ. “It’s a really exciting place for a lot of these theologians, who are finding that the tech world is asking a lot of these questions about embodiment, for example,” she said.

Another question many are wrestling with considering the rapid advancements of AI: what does it mean to be human? If artificial intelligence can do things like converse and create art, what makes humans unique?

“We are more than any capability that we might have, any gift, any function that we can perform.”

Kate Lucky

Kate also points to Christian faith as providing peace in a time when many people worry about these questions. In short, our humanity doesn’t depend on our performance. “We are more than any capability that we might have, any gift, any function that we can perform,” Kate told Know Why. “We’re made in the image in the God just because we’re made in the image of God, and that’s that.”

Perks of New Technology

While we should think carefully about how our interactions with chatbots affect our habits and even our mental health, there could be helpful perks to the new technology. It’s not something to completely reject or accept without critical thinking, Kate says. “AI, for Christians, is always a starting point … it’s always just one piece of the puzzle.”

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How Will Chatbots Affect My Soul? Know About Healthy Tech Habits

Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 1)

Are you prepared for a world where AI bots have replaced customer service workers, tutors, and even therapists? Do we lose part of our humanity when inconvenient, messy conversations with people are replaced by streamlined, efficient chatbots? Here to think through this with us and provide some answers is Kate Lucky, senior editor of audience engagement at Christianity Today. She shares insight from her recent feature article, “AI Will Shape Your Soul,” a deep-dive into what theologians and tech experts are saying about AI chatbots. Listen to part one of this interview now!

Something Different

Kate points out that Artificial Intelligence has been around for a long time and has many helpful uses. But a more recent development in AI technology are chatbots like ChatGPT, released by OpenAI last year. These systems can generate poetry, replicate art, and carry on convincing conversations. While fascinating, the humanness of such chatbots made many people uncomfortable, Kate says.


“We feel that there’s something important to our bodies, to our humanity. We feel that there’s a difference when we’re on a zoom call and when we’re sitting around a meeting table in person.”

Kate Lucky

Some people are enthusiastic about the potential uses for these kinds of chatbots, but Kate warns that we will miss out on life’s “richness” when authentic human interactions are replaced by AI. “A chatbot won’t pushback on you, won’t challenge your perspective on something,” Kate told Know Why. “You can’t really learn humility from a chatbot.”

To learn more about how our interactions with chatbots have the potential to form our habits and our souls, listen to Part 2 of Kate’s interview next week. You can also see the resources below.

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Is Social Media Robbing Me of a Richer Life? Know About Healthy Tech Habits

Interview With Dr. Brad East

When college students enter Dr. Brad East’s class at Abilene Christian University, they’re often spending six hours or more on social media per day. Then he challenges them to give it up. Listen to this episode as Dr. East shares what young adults gain when they give up their screen addiction—and what you lose when your life is spent staring at your screen. And if you’re brave enough, take Dr. East’s 60-day challenge!

Giving Up Bad Tech Habits For Something Better

In a recent article at Christianity Today, Dr. East argues that certain tech habits are important factors in retaining one’s faith in college. For instance, students should forgo online church services and attend a local house of worship, even if they go to a Christian college or university.

“God is our creator and he knows what we need, and what we need is actual, flesh-and-blood, in-person community,” Dr. East told Know Why, adding, “The community is not a kind of ‘extra’  that might help you in your personal journey of faith—it’s actually essential. It’s actually the thing that God, from the beginning, has been doing and continues to do—calling and forming a people in the world.” 


“God is our creator and he knows what we need, and what we need is actual, flesh-and-blood, in-person community.” 

Dr. Brad East

Dr. East also recommends that college students’ faith will stay stronger if they delete social media in college. As shocking as that seems to many of his students, those who participate in his 60-day challenge are often surprised by the multiple benefits they experience afterward.

What could you gain from developing better tech habits?

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What Does the Bible Have to Do With the Israel-Hamas War?

Interview with Dr. Gary Frazier

What does an ancient story about a father, two sons, and a promise have to do with the Israel-Hamas war?

In this episode, Know Why Podcast interrupts its series on Healthy Tech Habits to discuss a current and important world event—the war between Israel and Hamas that began with Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, this episode addresses the history of conflicts surrounding Israel, which stretch back thousands of years.

“This conflict is ancient. It’s 6,000 years old. And unfortunately and regrettably, it’s still going on.”

Dr. Gary frazier

Dr. Gary Frazier joins Know Why sharing his insight as a frequently-sought after speaker and author on Israel, current events, and biblical prophecy. The founder of Discovery Missions International, Dr. Frazier has visited Israel 187 times throughout his life.

While 82 percent of Americans describe themselves as religious, spiritual or both, fewer and fewer Americans are aware of everything the Bible contains. Listen to hear how ancient stories from Scripture illuminate the events unfolding around the world today.

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Are Screens Stealing Our Autonomy? Know About Healthy Tech Habits

Interview with Doug Smith

Are you in control of your screen time… or is it the other way around? Listen as Doug Smith helps kick off Know Why’s series Know about Healthy Tech Habits. In the episode Liberty and Doug discuss his recent book, [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free, written from his perspective as a former software developer. Doug offers insights that are both sobering and hopeful—you don’t want to miss them!

Identity

Identity is a big question many people wrestle with. Who am I? What do I like? What do I want? What do I believe? We’d like to think that we are fairly autonomous in determining our identity. But Doug argues that isn’t the case.

“We end up thinking we’re constructing a unique identity when we’re just constructing an identity that’s been formed for us and tends to lead us to a bad end,” he told Know Why.


“They’re exploiting weaknesses in our behavioral psychology and neurology to teach us to make decisions that are most profitable for them, but often harmful to us and certainly against our God-given purpose.” 

Doug Smith

What’s forming our identity for us? Our screens—or more precisely, the companies, algorithms, and technology behind them.

Reclaiming Our Habits

There is hope for reclaiming our identity and decision-making willpower, but it involves developing new habits that aren’t centered on screen time. In his book, Doug points to the Bible as helpful in this journey.

“We are learning a lot in terms of the details about how the brain works,” he said. “But what we continue to find is that these truths are just confirming what we’ve already learned in ancient wisdom, especially in the Bible.”

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How Do I Overcome Failure and Workism? Know About Thriving at Work

Interview With Peyton Luke: Part 2

In Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Peyton Luke, also the final episode of our Thriving at Work series, Peyton talks about a public “fail” she experienced in college and what it taught her about life and career. Peyton also pinpoints the root of much of America’s workism and offers pointers for developing a healthier work-life balance. Listen to Part 1 here.

Ancient Wisdom for Working Today

At the end of the previous episode, Peyton mentioned the importance of one’s mental state in overcoming imposter syndrome—specifically in viewing pressure as an opportunity.

In this episode, Liberty and Peyton discuss passages from the Bible relevant to work life, including those that highlight the importance of positive thinking. Philippians 4:8 says, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

“I think a lot of people don’t have an accurate perception of what the Bible contains,” Liberty noted. “There is so much wisdom in it and encouragement.” Science also shows the crucial mental and physical health benefits of a positive thoughts over negative ones.

“Your worth is not just in your work.”

Peyton Luke

Peyton referenced the preceding verses, Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“That was a verse that I would return to so much in those times,” Peyton said of difficult seasons in college, in addition to other favorite wisdom from the Bible that helped her through seasons of work:

  • “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
  • “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

What if I Fail?

There are times when life doesn’t go as planned. What happens when you don’t get the job you wanted? When a work project doesn’t go well, or when you make a mistake? Peyton shares about an experience of hers in college that many considered a fail, but resulted in life lessons and even better outcomes than she had anticipated. “Just because you fail doesn’t mean you stop,” Peyton said.

Overcoming Workism

Workism, previously covered on the Know Why Podcast, is a pervasive and growing issue in the United States that doesn’t lead to personal happiness or, ironically, even the most productive outcomes at work. Peyton theorizes that workism stems, in many cases, from a hardworking immigrant mentality of appreciating new opportunities, desiring to prove oneself, and striving to survive. Peyton shares the story of her own family’s immigrant heritage and how that still influences her work ethic today.

But you have to develop a healthy balance, she realized. If you neglect other aspects of life including relationships, community, and sleep itself, you’ll suffer.

“Your worth is not just in your work,” she said.

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How Can I Overcome Imposter Syndrome? Know About Thriving at Work

Interview with Peyton Luke (Part 1)

Over 80% of people experience imposter syndrome. Has that ever been you? In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, Liberty’s longtime friend Peyton Luke, Media Specialist at First Liberty Institute, shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and learned to handle the hurt of being misunderstood in a professional position. Peyton and Liberty also discuss the importance of strong faith and solid friendships, specifically in helping one thrive at work. Are you ready to gain confidence in where you’ve been placed? Listen now, or keep reading.

Letting Go

Peyton is the Media Specialist at First Liberty Institute, as well as the producer and a host of First Liberty Live. Previously Peyton worked as a church media director, in the presidential office at Oral Roberts University, and interned with Fox News in New York City. She majored in Convergence Journalism at ORU where she also served as student body president her junior year, and is now working on her Master of Jurisprudence degree from A&M School of Law.

In short, Peyton understands the pressures of being thrown into high-visibility roles with lots of responsibility. In this episode (the first in a two-part interview), Peyton talks about the hurt of being misunderstood by others and how she learned to let go of worrying about other people’s perceptions while maintaining professional decorum.

“You cannot control what other people’s perception is of you, especially in a public position,” she told Know Why.

“If someone else was meant to be there, they would be there.”

Peyton Luke

These types of work stressors aren’t unique. Research continuously shows that younger generations, including younger millennial and Gen Z, are the most stressed out at work, are struggling with imposter syndrome, and feel pressure to perform perfectly.

For Peyton, the key to overcoming these kinds of pressures at a young age was staying grounded in her Christian faith. That included staying focused on her calling and surrounding herself with strong friends who would encourage her during difficult times.

You’re Not a Fraud

Eighty-two percent of people experience imposter syndrome, according to research. In the episode, Peyton defines imposter syndrome and gives some tips for overcoming it. One tip learning to see work pressure differently. “When you start to feel the pressure, take it as an opportunity,” she said.

Click here to listen to Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Peyton Luke.

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Can I Enjoy Work Outside of My Dream Job? Know About Thriving At Work

Interview With Steve Miller (Part 2)

In the second installment of this two-part interview, radio producer Steve Miller talks about his favorite jobs, what job he hated, and what made the difference. At the core of this conversation are some important questions… is it possible to do what you’re passionate about, even when it doesn’t pay the bills? Is it possible to enjoy a job that isn’t your “dream?” And what does worshiping God have to do with it all? The latest in Know Why’s Thriving at Work series, this episode is a conversation you’ll enjoy. (Listen to Part 1.)

What Makes You Love a Job?

In recalling what the varied job titles he’s held, Steve shares what make certain jobs awful, tolerable, or enjoyable. “It’s hard to say what makes you love a job,” he says. “I think it’s a combination of loving the actual work you do and loving the environment you’re in.”

That doesn’t mean you have to be working your “dream job” to be enjoy work. In fact, Steve believes it’s important to accept that for most people, desires and work aren’t always perfectly aligned.

“To find pleasure in the work that we are given to do is in itself a communion with God.”

Steve Miller

There are even some benefits to separating one’s passion—or avocation—from one’s job—vocation. For instance, burnout is more likely when the thing you’re most passionate about and the thing that pays the bills are one and the same. It can be hard to draw proper work-life boundaries.

Reject the Idea of the ‘Idealized’ Life

The idea that one’s reality must match up perfectly with their “ideal” is faulty, Steve argues. He says waiting on the “perfect” thing to come along—whether that’s the perfect job or the perfect life partner—is a recipe for misery. Instead, we should look for joy in what’s already before us.

As a Christian, Steve argues that God created humans to work and find joy in it. “To find pleasure in the work that we are given to do is in itself a communion with God,” he said.

Other Advice

To find happiness in both avocation and vocation, Steve has a few tips:

  • Try to find a job you’re good at and enjoy, even if it isn’t your “dream job.”
  • Seek counsel from others. Specifically, ask trusted people what talents and abilities they see in you.
  • Find a local faith community and get involved with other people. A good community—even if unrelated to your specific line of work—will refresh your soul and offer the strength you need to face whatever work is before you.
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Can I Avoid Burnout? Know About Thriving at Work

Interview with Dr. Eddy Brewer

Is burnout unavoidable? With workplace stress at an all-time high, it may seem that way. But according Dr. Eddy Brewer, Senior Pastor at Capitol Hill Assembly of God in Oklahoma City, the answer is no! His studies prove it is possible to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. He shares the “how”—backed by extensive research and ancient wisdom—in this episode of the Know Why Podcast, the first in our series on Thriving at Work. 

A Common Problem

New research from Future Forum found in 2023 that over 40 percent of workers (of 10,000 full-time, desk-based employees in six countries) reported being burned out. Those under 30 experienced burnout at even higher rates, and were the most at risk for burning out.

This aligns with Dr. Brewer’s findings. After writing his doctoral dissertation on burnout among clergy, Dr. Brewer discovered that “the majority of burnout among ministers happens within the first five years, and the majority of that happens within the first three years.”

It’s your responsibility to give attention to your spiritual condition.”

Dr. Eddy Brewer, Capitol hill Assembly of God

In short, work-place stress is hitting young adults hard. Dr. Brewer found other information in his research that may surprise listeners. Those most likely to experience burnout are unmarried singles. Among married people, those without children are more likely to experience burnout than parents. In general, women experience more burnout than men.

Think you might be experiencing symptoms of burnout? It’s typically marked by three signs, Dr. Brewer explained: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of personal accomplishment.

Several factors can lead to burnout, Dr. Brewer said, including “unrealistic expectations” both of your job and your own performance. Lacking identity outside of work is also a big factor. “Try to separate your identity from your work,” he said. “Get your identity from who God made you to be, not just your career.”

Preventative Measures

How can you avoid burnout? Dr. Brewer suggests five steps:

  1. Take care of your spiritual health.
  2. Be thankful.
  3. Rest.
  4. Get a hobby.
  5. Maintain meaningful and healthy relationships.

He also recommends reading the biblical book of Psalms, even if you’re not a frequent reader of Scripture. Many of the Psalms were written by David, a figure in the Bible who experienced burnout and frequent stress. The range of emotions expressed in the Psalms will resonate with anyone experiencing burnout. David wasn’t the only biblical figure to experience burnout. On the podcast, Dr. Brewer shares stories of others in the Bible who are burned out and learn to cope through things like delegation of leadership, naps, food, and more.

More Resources

Dr. Eddy Brewer has offered to email his dissertation on burnout to anyone who requests a copy. Readers will find a detailed list of resources on the topic in the dissertation. To request a copy, email [email protected].

He also recommends The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer.