Life Academy

For the past century, the prevailing viewpoint among mainline Protestant scholars and church leaders (labeled ‘theological liberalism’) was based on a number of assumptions and presuppositions. Many of these have, in recent years, been proven to be flawed and inaccurate. Pastor emeritus Doug Pratt exposes these errors and invites us to embrace the truth of the reliability of the Bible.

Pastor Emeritus Doug Pratt addresses some of the tragic mistakes made, in history and in our own times, when people become passionately committed to an ideology they think is virtuous and righteous, but is fundamentally flawed. The Bible gives us one vivid example of a person who turned from error to truth before it was too late.

Pastor Doug Pratt addresses issues of contemporary relevance. Is it a "just war"? What are the underlying deep divisions that have prevented peace? What should be the role of the United States in a hostile and polarized world?

Pastor Emeritus Doug Pratt reflects on an ancient story from Genesis about a powerful empire that fell apart from within. Could this be a warning for America today? And how should Christians respond in a divided society?

A Christian Perspective on Accountability and Forgiveness In this audio podcast episode Pastor Doug Pratt addresses two explosive new books revealing government overreach during COVID and the concealment of President Biden’s health decline. He offers a Christian response rooted in truth, accountability, and forgiveness.

A Christian Perspective The Danger of Premature Conclusions In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug shares a timely reflection on how to navigate the rapid and dizzying changes happening in today’s world. While it’s tempting to predict how events will unfold, there is wisdom in recognizing that history cannot be fully understood while it’s being lived. This episode invites listeners to embrace patience...

Life Academy | A Christian Perspective on the Pace of Change In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt examines the rapid pace of change in our government, cultural values, and world events from a Christian perspective. He reflects on how long periods of stability can suddenly give way to swift shifts, and he explores the biblical lens through which we can understand these unexpected spiritual chan...

A Christian Perspective | The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon In this new audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt discusses The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon. This Canadian psychologist, best-selling author, and internet sensation has sparked intense debate across society. Pastor Doug provides a brief review on some of Peterson’s books, evaluates his perspectives and spiritual journey, and examines his cultural...

A Christian Perspective on a Window Into 2025 The year 2024 has brought some dramatic developments to our world, but what will be the practical consequences of these events in the year ahead of us? And how can Christians pray intelligently and have a clear and accurate understanding of changes?

A Christian Perspective | The Danger of Flawed Assumptions In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt reflects on two major news stories of 2024, examines how flawed assumptions led to costly mistakes, and explores the lessons we can learn from them. 

Life Academy | A Christian Perspective on a Disappointing Election An important national election is just around the corner. If the polls are accurate, roughly half of Americans will be satisfied with the results, while the other half may feel disappointed—or even worse. How can we emotionally and spiritually prepare for the outcomes ahead? And how can we find a way to live together as a nation th...

A Christian Perspective on the Blessing of Letting Go. With the recent stunning announcement of the President’s withdrawal from his re-election campaign, Americans have been reminded of the difficult transitions and losses that can come in life. At any time, millions of people are dealing with the same essential challenge as the President: how do you let go of something (or someone) that has been...

The eyes of the world are on the Olympic Games in Paris. This year’s Olympiad is the centennial anniversary of a remarkable competition in 1924. Two British Olympic runners won gold medals, and their stories are the focus of the Oscar-winning film "Chariots of Fire". One of them was a true Christian hero.

In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt identifies a troubling trend in our society as various groups who gain power and influence attempt to enforce their preferred viewpoints upon others. He also looks at how their actions are contrary to the spirit of freedom and tolerance in our country’s founding documents, and violate of the ethics of the New Testament.

Part 2 of Pastor Doug Pratt’s podcast addresses two profound doubts that have been expressed about Christianity: (1) If God is all-powerful and loving, why do people suffer? (2) If there is a God, why doesn’t He reveal Himself more obviously to everyone?  Visit the Life Academy for this exploration of reasons for faith. (For further reading on these and other related questions, see our Book of the...

Part 1 of Pastor Doug Pratt’s podcast addresses two profound doubts that have been expressed about Christianity: (1) If God is all-powerful and loving, why do people suffer? (2) If there is a God, why doesn’t He reveal Himself more obviously to everyone?  Visit the Life Academy for this exploration of reasons for faith. (For further reading on these and other related questions, see our Book of the...

We get comfortable in the bodies we inhabit. Even when they don’t work right or cause pain, they’re still ours and we love and care for them. But the Bible calls the human body a "tent". And what is a tent but a temporary dwelling that is fragile and cannot last? For all of us that destination is unavoidable, no matter how diligent we are at self-care. One day our tent is folded up and is...

National news media have discovered that evangelical Christians are significant subculture in our society, and that their votes can male a big difference. Many journalist have criticized those evangelicals who have supported former President Donald Trump as being hypocritical because of his known personal flaws. Pastor Doug Pratt seeks to understand the political mindset of biblically-centered Chr...

Why do things so often go wrong? Why do our best-laid plans so often go awry or produce unintended consequences? The problem is not necessarily a lack of brain power. The challenges of human life go deeper than that. Pastor Doug Pratt offers his insights into our continual challenges in the audio podcast “A Christian Perspective on Smart People Making Dumb Choices.

The pursuit of happiness is part of our nation’s founding document, assuming this is what every person wants. But achieving a state of perfect happiness is elusive. Author Arthur Brooks in a new book offers some powerful insights into how we can become happier in our life. Pastor Doug Pratt offers a review and his own assessment of this universal and timeless issue.

A Christian Perspective on the Sources of Anti-Semitism” by Pastor Doug Pratt.  Since the terror attack on Israel in early October, Americans have been surprised to see so many vitriolic protests and at times violent attacks on Jews, both in our country and around the world. Where does this hatred come from, and why is Israel (which was clearly the victim of Hamas) being treated as the cause of th...

Pastor Doug Pratt offers his future vision for America in “A Christian Perspective on the Salvation of the Republican and Democratic Parties”.

Pastor Doug Pratt addresses the void in national leadership that we see in our nation’s political parties, and why our current political system has led us to such troubling and polarizing results.

The saying is that life sometimes imitates art. When Hurricane Ian’s destructive winds and waves struck Florida, life provided a dramatic confirmation of a story told almost 2,000 years ago by the world’s greatest storyteller. Pastor Doug Pratt shows the connection in this latest podcast. Audio only.

Pastor Doug Pratt offers a commentary on the tendency in human conflicts to ratchet up the level of engagement with opponents—to the level of mutual destruction. He offers thoughts on an alternative way to handle conflict... a way that reduces the inter-personal tension and mutual escalation.