Introduction and Guest Introduction 0:05 Matthew Wireman introduces the podcast, emphasizing his 25 years of coaching experience and the integrated approach to coaching mind, body, and soul. Matthew introduces Dr. Josh Chatraw, highlighting his roles at Beeson, including the Billy Graham Chair for Evangelism and Cultural Engagement and the launch of a concentration in apologetics. Josh Chatraw discusses his previous roles, including heading an apologetics group in Raleigh and being the resident theologian at Holy Trinity Anglican. Matthew mentions his collection of Josh's books and lists them, including "Truth Matters," "Apologetics at the Cross Cultural Engagement," and "The Augustine Way." Josh's Journey into Apologetics 2:50 Josh explains his accidental entry into apologetics, driven by practical questions from his church members about textual criticism and the reliability of the Bible. He describes his PhD work in biblical theology and how it led him to address common questions from young people in his church. Josh discusses his response to Bart Ehrman's criticisms of the New Testament and how it shaped his early books. He emphasizes his approach to apologetics as a pastor and theologian, focusing on practical questions and different assumptions compared to dominant approaches. Defining and Explaining Apologetics 8:15 Matthew and Josh discuss the common misconception that apologetics involves apologizing, clarifying that it is about providing reasons and evidence for beliefs. Josh explains the importance of defining terms and understanding the assumptions behind questions in apologetics. They explore the concept of intuition and how it relates to belief in God, referencing Augustine, Blaise Pascal, and Alvin Plantinga. Josh argues that most people have a sense of God and that apologetics can appeal to these intuitions and make arguments in various ways. Arguments for God's Existence 13:16 Matthew and Josh discuss different arguments for God's existence, including the moral argument and the ontological argument. Josh explains the limitations of proving God's existence and the importance of an abductive approach, which considers what best explains the evidence. They explore the concept of transcendence and how it is a common assumption in human history, even among non-religious people. Josh emphasizes the importance of appealing to intuitions and making arguments that challenge naturalistic worldviews. Cultural Engagement and Apologetics 29:09 Josh discusses the challenges of cultural engagement and apologetics, emphasizing the need for a humane approach that avoids fierce intellectual encounters. He shares a personal story of engaging with an atheist by asking about his life and finding common ground in loneliness and joy. Josh highlights the importance of starting conversations with people's stories and asking good questions to build relationships. He criticizes the tendency of some apologists to engage in intellectual wrestling matches that can be off-putting to people seeking to cope with life. Addressing Doubt and Deconstruction 40:59 Matthew and Josh discuss the phenomenon of deconstruction and how it relates to doubt and disillusionment with faith. Josh emphasizes the importance of listening to people's stories and understanding their experiences, rather than dismissing their doubts. They explore the concept of skeptical theism, which acknowledges the limitations of our understanding and the need to trust God even when we don't fully understand His reasons. Josh encourages people to explore the core beliefs of Christianity and to be critical of both the attic (reactionary) and the cultural spaces outside the house (attic). The Role of Stories in Evangelism 1:12:06 Josh discusses the importance of storytelling in evangelism and how it can be a more effective approach than scripted methods. He explains that people are still storytelling beings, and the cultural moment offers opportunities to engage with the Gospel story through the stories they already consume. Josh emphasizes the need to recognize the echoes of the Gospel story in popular culture and to use these as entry points for evangelism. He encourages Christians to be storytellers themselves, sharing the Gospel story in ways that resonate with people's experiences and intuitions. Understanding Cultural Stories and Their Impact 1:16:43 Chatraw discusses how the gospel has left marks on Western culture, even influencing secular people. Matthew Wireman mentions the concept of "Christ haunted" as described by Percy Walker. Chatraw explains that cultural stories of achievement, true love, identity, and freedom shape people's lives. The importance of stepping inside these stories to understand their meaning and impact is emphasized. Augustinian Perspective on Cultural Stories 1:18:16 Chatraw elaborates on the Augustinian view that certain cultural stories, if made ultimate, can be destructive. Chatraw shares personal experiences of being damaged by the achievement narrative and finding healing in worshiping the living God. The idea that worshiping the true story of Jesus can lead to a rightly ordered love for family, work, and creation is discussed. Matthew references Augustine's quote about restless hearts finding rest in God. Engaging Culture with the Gospel 1:20:59 Matthew asks for a clarion call on how Christians should engage with culture. Chatraw suggests living life in light of the Gospel story as a community and engaging in counter-catechesis to understand and combat idols. The role of sanctification in forming the right type of apologists and spiritual doctors is highlighted. The connection between sanctification and evangelism is emphasized, with both being interconnected. Being Ambassadors of Christ 1:23:49 Matthew Wireman and Speaker 1 discuss the importance of being non-anxious ambassadors for Christ. The need for a deep love for God and His word to effectively share the Christian story is emphasized. Josh prays for a humble and joyful approach to evangelism, free from guilt or burden. The episode concludes with a prayer for a deeper love for Christ and the ability to defend the faith out of love for others.