Tag: Millennials

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Is My Anger Righteous? Know About Jesus

Interview With Brant Hansen (Part 1)

Talking about anger has never been more fun! Radio personality and author Brant Hansen joins the Know Why Podcast to discuss his book Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. In Part 1 of his interview, Brant explains Jesus’ teachings on anger and forgiveness, sharing personal testimonies revealing that “the way to freedom is the way of Jesus.” 

The Way of Jesus

In Unoffendable, Brant makes an argument many find startling: we are not entitled to hold on to anger. But many of us have been taught that “righteous anger” is justified, and that anger can even be helpful in getting things done.

Brant points to Jesus’ teachings to show this is the wrong way to think about anger. “We are never entitled to harbor anger because we have to do something that Jesus is very big on—it’s called forgiveness,” he told Know Why.


“The way to freedom is the way of Jesus.”

Brant Hansen

That doesn’t mean that we have to ignore injustice, though. Brant says we should be motivated to help others and correct the wrongs in our world because it’s the right thing to do—not because we’re angry.

“I can do the right thing and do it better without anger,” Brant said. As an example, he tells the story of how he once confronted his mayor about a criminal act against his wife that had been ignored by city officials. Approaching the problem with resolution but without anger, he got his result.

Listen to the episode for the full story, and don’t miss Part 2 next week!

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How Did Jesus Treat Women? Know About Jesus

Interview With Dr. Sandra Glahn (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this interview, Dallas Theological Seminary professor Dr. Sandra Glahn offers insight into Jesus’ interactions with women and what it means for Christians today. She explains cultural context surrounding several Bible stories and passages, answering hard questions (such as why Jesus’ 12 apostles were male). Dr. Glahn also exposes certain blindspots that can impede our understanding of—or even hide—women’s presence in the Bible. 

Jesus’ Radical Inclusion of Women

In the agrarian societies to which Jesus preached, women were low in the pecking order—lower than animals, Dr. Glahn explained. Typically, if women had means and influence, it was because they were in proximity to positions of power, not because they held positions of power themselves. Knowing context clues like these is essential in understanding certain stories of the Bible and can illuminate Jesus’ interactions with women—particularly how he bucked the norms of his time by including women in spaces previously reserved for men.

“It’s a sign of the Spirit, not a sign of male failure, that everybody is proclaiming the Good News.”

Dr. Sandra Glahn

In the New Testament, we see Jesus taking the time to talk with women, which surprised his male disciples. He even talks to women about matters of theology, which would have offended many at that time. He has female followers, including those who travel with him and financially support his ministry. He also appears first to a woman after his resurrection from the dead, instructing her to tell his male disciples of the greatest miracle in history. In this way, Dr. Glahn notes, a woman becomes the “apostle to the apostles,” to quote Thomas Aquinas.


“What’s happening here that women are showing their agency as they follow Christ.” 

Dr. Sandra Glahn

Recognizing Our Blindspots

But our worldview is shaped by our own cultural norms and biases, Dr. Glahn told Know Why. This is why important stories about women in the Bible and Church history have been often overlooked, misread, or forgotten. While today’s Christians often debate about the “biblical” role of women in the church, the New Testament and Church history are rich with diverse examples of women’s involvement in both Jesus’ earthly ministry and in the early church.

Be sure to catch Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Dr. Glahn next week, where she discusses what Christians get wrong about gender stereotypes, and how we can misunderstand what “biblical” manhood and womanhood actually mean.

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What Did Jesus Say About Justice? Know About Jesus

Interview With Jon Noyes (Part 2)

Do Jesus’ teachings on justice conflict with Old Testament teachings on justice? In Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with apologist Jon Noyes, we examine the continuity of biblical justice throughout the Old and New Testaments. Jon even argues that a proper understanding of justice can help us answer this question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Jon shares free resources at the end of the episode for those wishing to read further on this topic. Find the links at the bottom of this article.

A Better Society for Everyone

In Part 1, Jon said that in order to define justice, we have to determine what standard we are basing are concept of justice on. Jon argues that God’s standard justice “actually provides a better and more just society for everybody, believer or non-believer.” Why? Because “true justice is impartial,” and “God’s law doesn’t contort to whether you’re rich or poor.”

Jon says the world often favors those with money or other forms of status, but “God’s standard puts a highlight on the poor.”

The Same Definition?

Did Jesus preach thee same definition of justice as God did in the Old Testament? Jon says the answer is yes.

“God is unchanging and the standards of God are unchanging,” Jon told Know Why. ‘Jesus didn’t shy away from those standards or back off those standards…he actually built on that.”


“True justice is impartial.”

Jon Noyes

Jon says Jesus exemplified this when he said the two greatest commandments are to love God and love one’s neighbor. “This is the foundation of biblical justice,” Jon told Know Why.

What About Suffering?

If God is just, why do bad things happen to people who don’t deserve it? While that’s a heavy question that demands more time to address in full, Jon offered a few thoughts toward the end of the episode.

It’s important, he argues, to remember our sins affect other people. “We live in a world that we corrupted, and corrupted people produce corrupted situations,” he said.

While we don’t like suffering, it can lead us to a deeper understanding of our need for a savior, Jon argues. “We’ve all realized that life is difficult by now,” he told Know Why. “Suffering cries out the need for a savior, for a rescuer. We all need to be rescued, and we just need to come to realize that.”

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Is There Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection? Know About Jesus

Interview With Robby Lashua: Part 2

Historical tests affirm that the New Testament we read today accurately reflects the original documents—but were the authors of the New Testament telling the truth? Did Jesus really do the impossible—come back to life? In Part 2 of our interview with Robby Lashua, an apologist with Stand to Reason, we walk through the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, including what non-Christian historians have to say about the event. 

Is Evidence Possible?

Jesus’ original followers claimed he died and rose from the dead three days later. In fact, Jesus’ followers today still claim that. Can there be evidence for something miraculous? Robby’s answer is yes, and he says there is “a ton of evidence for the resurrection.”


“If Christians study any apologetics, they should study the resurrection.”

Robby Lashua

One indicator of the strength of the evidence of the resurrection is what non-Christian believers believe about the disciples’ claim. “When historians, non-Christian historians, study this, they admit to four or five historical facts that happened surrounding the life of Jesus,” Robby told Know Why. Those facts include that Jesus died from Roman crucifixion (a fact established through secular sources as well as Christian sources), and that his disciples were being sincere; they truly believed that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to them after his crucifixion.

Why Did the Disciples Believe?

So even non-Christian historians believe that the disciples believed in the resurrection. “So the questions for us becomes, what led the disciples to believe that it happened?” Robby said.

Robby explains multiple pieces of evidence in the New Testament and other historical sources to answer “alternative theories”—for instance, the theory that those who claimed to see Jesus after his death hallucinated, or the theory that Jesus never actually died at all.


“These twelve guys turned the world upside down based on the belief that Jesus rose again.” 

Robby Lashua

Many people find early Christians’ lives compelling—the fact that disciples faced torture and martyrdom for the belief that Jesus rose again, and the fact that fierce opponents of Jesus, like Paul, converted to Christianity after his death. What Robby finds especially compelling is that Jesus’ own siblings eventually believed that Jesus was God, even though they didn’t at first. Listen to the episode to learn why this particular point matters.

If you missed Part 1 of Know Why’s interview with Robby Lashua, listen here.

More Resources

See the following resources recommended by Robby for more historical scholarship regarding the resurrection:

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How Can I Improve My Mental Health in 2024?

Interview with Ben Bennett

Want to tackle loneliness, anxiety, or depression in 2024? Improving mental health is a common New Year’s resolution. In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, returning guest Ben Bennett of the Resolution Movement shares practical tips from brain science that can help you go from feeling pressured to feeling empowered. 

Overcoming Loneliness

Ben Bennett, Director of the Resolution Movement, says that isolation is one of the biggest contributors to poor mental health, especially among members of Gen Z. But isolation isn’t just physical; Ben told Know Why. that loneliness is really a “lack of meaningful connection.”


“One of the biggest contributors to poor mental health is isolation … We need one another. We find solution and answers through one another.”

Ben Bennett

“We need one another,” he said. “We find solution and answers through one another.”

Succeeding at Goals

For many people, New Year’s resolutions can result in feelings of pressure—not good for mental health. Ben recommends focusing on the smaller steps rather than the end goal. “We’re trying to set a goal of the result, but really we need to set a goal of the steps,” Ben said.

He encouraged listeners to “keep it simple. Remember to play the long game.” And if setting goals in January doesn’t work best for you, then don’t feel pressured to do it.

No matter when one sets a goal, success is possible when new habits are formed in the brain through neuroplasticity. Listen to the episodes for more tips from Ben, including information about he overcame anxiety through retraining his brain.

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To read more about overcoming mental health struggles, see The Resolution Movement’s devotional plans available through the YouVersion app, linked below:

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What Questions Are Teens Asking?

Interview With Joe and Tiffany Williamson

What are the most pressing issues facing teens and young adults today? What questions are they asking about life, purpose, and religion? Joe and Tiffany Williamson work in youth ministry at Thousand Hills Church in Hickory Creek, Texas. They joined the Know Why Podcast with firsthand insight into the questions young adults ask, what support they need, and why.

A Lonely Generation

Joe said mental health is a top problem for today’s teens and young adults—particularly loneliness. “There’s a loneliness with this generation right now, and it doesn’t matter who the kid is,” he said, noting that even students who are popular and seem to be doing well on the outside could be struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide.

Despite being “connected” over social media, many of today’s youth lack real connection with other people. Tiffany attributed part of the problem to the changing landscape of social media. Today’s teens and young adults are constantly
“on” with no reprieve.

Alone in Their Faith

That’s why in-person connection, including through local church bodies, is so critical to teens. But it can also be difficult for teens to attain, since many of those who come to church are the only Christians in their families. Without spiritual community and guidance at home, many teens and young adults are left with no where to turn for advice, answers to tough questions, or to express doubts.


“This generation has the heart of Jesus, they just don’t necessarily know him yet.”

Joe Williamson

Joe encourages members of his church to mentor youth and young adults in their lives. He told the story of an 80-year-old church member who volunteered to serve in youth ministry. The result has been “life-changing” for the girls she mentors, he said.

An Unstoppable Generation

Tiffany is hopeful about the next generation, saying that when they “get it” and are committed to God, they are unstoppable. Joe said that many of the concerns and causes of young adults today are aligned with Jesus, but they don’t know much about him. That’s why they’re eager to learn.

“This generation has the heart of Jesus, they just don’t necessarily know him yet,” he said.

Make a Difference

If you would like to help support more conversations on issues relevant to young adults that point them to truth, you can make a donation here.

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Best of 2023

What do Know Why listeners want to know about?

We looked at our most-downloaded episodes of 2023 and compiled the highlights here. Listen for excerpts from five of listeners’ favorite episodes of the year, with selections from every Know Why Series series of 2023!

In this episode, you’ll hear snippets of the following interviews (click to listen to the full interviews or read more):

1. Is Social Media Robbing Me of a Richer Life? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview with Dr. Brad East

2. Are All Pro-Lifers Religious? Know About Pro-Lifers Series: Interview with Monica Snyder (Part 1)

3. What Does the Bible Have to do with the Israel-Hamas War? Interview with Dr. Gary Frazier

4. Why is the Black Community Overrepresented in Abortions? Know About Pro-Lifers Series: Interview with Cherilyn Holloway

5. Can I Avoid Burnout at Work? Know About Thriving at Work: Interview with Dr. Eddy Brewer

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Why is Jesus’ Birth Significant?

Interview With Joshua Barnes: Part 2

Joshua Barnes of the popular YouTube channel The Bible Explained is back! He demonstrates why Jesus’ birth is unique compared to the origin stories of ancient mythical gods. Josh also highlights intriguing prophesies that predicted the details of Jesus’ birth hundreds of years before it happened. 

Is Jesus’ Birth Story Unique?

You may have heard claims that stories about Jesus’ birth and life are remarkably similar to other stories about ancient mythical gods, including Mithra, Horace, and Dionysus. Joshua explains key differences in these myths compared to the historical accounts of Jesus’ life in the New Testament Gospels. “If you look at any of those myths, you can’t find any evidence that any of these things were believed about these mythical gods before Jesus came on the scene,” Josh told Know Why.

“The intricate fulfillment of prophecy in the Christmas story is mind-blowing, and it should excite every Christian, because it shows that we’re not just closing our eyes and believing the things in the Bible—we actually have evidence.”

Joshua Barnes

Odd Details and Prophecy

“The cool thing that we often just forget is that the Gospel accounts are historical documentation,” Josh said. But why do many of the details recorded in the Gospels—from the Roman census that led Jesus’ mother to Bethlehem, to the fact that she was a virgin—really matter? Listen to the episode for a discussion of the religious and historical significance of these details, which were foretold by prophecy hundreds of years prior to the events.

“The intricate fulfillment of prophecy in the Christmas story is mind-blowing, and it should excite every Christian, because it shows that we’re not just closing our eyes and believing the things in the Bible—we actually have evidence,” Josh told Know Why.

Read the passages of Scripture Josh mentions in the episode by clicking below, and check out the previous episode recorded with Josh, “Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins?“

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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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