Sharpening Arrows

Continuing his deep dive into immigration issues, Victor lays out the most important reason to limit legal immigration. He starts by looking at what makes America -- America. He then goes through how America's values, especially its Judeo-Christian heritage, make the country unique. Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you learned so far about immigration? Is there anything you're...

It's Independence Day, but not everyone is ready to party. Victor discusses why some Americans don't celebrate the their country. He then lays out why you should. Parental pause point questions: 1. Why do countries celebrate days like Independence Day? (1:17) 2. What's appealing about the arguments against celebrating Independence Day? (7:44) 3. Have you every celebrated an imperfect p...

Victor takes a brief break from immigration to dig into a timely foreign policy debate. He helps teens and parents think through the pros and cons of President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you think some of the differences are between discussing domestic and foreign policy? (1:50) 2. Regardless of your position, what is the best argument agai...

Victor dives into two more arguments against limiting legal immigration. First, he looks at the accusations that racism motivates those seeking immigration restrictions. Second, he discusses if unlimited legal immigration is needed to avoid demographic collapse. Finally, he responses to both of those arguments. Parental pause point questions: 1. What stands out in those arguments? (9:21) 2. Which...

Victor discusses if it's appropriate to limit legal immigration. He looks at one of the most popular arguments against restricting doing so: It's not right for a nation of immigrants to limit immigration. Parental pause point questions: 1. Should the U.S. limit legal immigration? (4:36) 2. Whether you agree or not, what's appealing about this argument? (10:15) 3. Which of The Great 8 questions app...

Victor dives into land acknowledgements. They are quite popular is some circles, but is there more than meets the eye? He begins by explaining what a land acknowledgement is. Then, he gives three arguments for land acknowledgements. He rebuts those arguments, including explaining the principle involved. He then provides three arguments against doing them. Parental pause point questions: 1. What do...

Victor begins a discussion of immigration with this question, "Should countries have borders?" He lays out three arguments against having borders and four arguments for having borders, including what the Bible says about the issue. Parental pause point questions: 1. What's an issue you feel passionate about? Can you make an argument for the other side? (6:34) 2. Should countries have...

Victor finishes laying out "The Great 8," questions everyone should have in their toolbox when considering a policy issue or idea. On today's show, he shares the final four questions: 5. What do you mean by that? 6. Is this an appeal to emotion or logic? 7. Am I focused on the speaker or the argument? 8. What does the Bible say? Pause point questions: 1. What were the first four ques...

Victor discusses "The Great 8," questions every teenager should have in their toolbox when considering a policy issue or idea. On today's show, he shares the first four questions: 1. What happens next? 2. Has this been tried before? 3. Is there a principle involved? 4. What are the trade-offs? Pause point questions for parents: 1. What questions do you ask when encountering a new idea? (4:24) 2. W...

Victor walks parents and teens through one of the hardest questions Christians have to face. How can a loving, all-powerful God allow evil? He discusses the argument that Christians can't have all three: God is loving. God is all-powerful. Evil exists. Finally, he lays out the problem — the inaccurate assumption — snuck into this argument, which successful counters it. This is an important discuss...

The phrase "my truth" and "your truth" are everywhere in today's culture. But have you thought about if truth can be a personal position. In today's show, Victor helps parents and teenagers think about the implications of if truth is relative or reflects actuality. He then walks through the arguments that truth is relative. Finally, he presents the case that the truth i...

Victor guides parents and teens through a discussion of the most foundational concept in economics. Do we live in a world of plenty or scarcity? First, he looks at the implications of this idea. Then, he lays out the arguments that we live in a world of plenty. Finally, he makes the case that resources are limited while human needs and desires are unlimited.

Is man basically good or evil? This profound question matters more than you might think. Join us as we explore the implications of this belief on your emotions, society and even salvation. Then we look at the best arguments for both sides of this question. This is a question teenagers need to wrestle with.

In this episode of Sharpening Arrows, host Victor Joecks discusses the challenges parents face in guiding their teenagers through the complexities of politics, theology, and critical thinking. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and discussing opposing viewpoints, particularly in relation to bad ideas and their appeal. Joecks encourages parents to create an environment where teens can qu...