The Universe Next Door

Special guests Alycia Wood and Emily Marasco from Apologetics Inc. join to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence and its ethical implications. In this episode, they discuss whether AI is inherently unethical and delve into the creative process behind the technology. Is there a larger purpose behind AI? Also, what is "AI Jesus"?  Did this podcast help you? Consider becoming a monthly impact...

Welcome to Couch Talk Conspiracies on The Universe Next Door. This episode dives into the groundbreaking discovery of massive structures beneath the pyramids of Giza, challenging the long-held beliefs about the pyramids being tombs for Pharaohs built 4500 years ago. The sonar technology has suggested the existence of spiraling structures, possibly extending miles underground, raising questions abo...

In this installment, we explore the intriguing notion of undiscovered letters to biblical churches and the nature of the Gospels as ancient biographies. We also tackle the challenging concept of the unforgivable sin and how it relates to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we engage in the age-old debate of salvation through faith alone versus faith accompanied by works, with insights fro...

Today we begin tackling 40 intriguing questions posed by young adults from a Bible study group. As we venture into this three-part exploration, we delve into topics ranging from the nature of exorcisms and the beliefs surrounding guardian angels to the critical role of prayer and communion in different Christian traditions. Join us in this engaging discussion aimed at equipping listeners with wisd...

Why do statistics tell us that the Church in America is getting smaller? In this episode, we explore the state of Christianity in the United States, analyzing the shifts in religious affiliations both inside and outside the church. We examine recent surveys and statistics, from pre-COVID times to today, to understand the cultural and theological dynamics influencing Christianity.   Send your quest...

If the Old Testament sacrificial system was effective, why would we need Jesus? This discussion is rooted in a closer examination Hebrews 10, as we unravel the true purpose of sacrifices and their limitations, but also the true intention of the sacrificial system.  We also examine the Day of Atonement as described in Leviticus 16, examining its role in cleansing sacred space rather than forgiving...

Join us as we delve into the concept of Sola Scriptura, examining the Protestant and Catholic perspectives on biblical authority. Join us as we analyze a video from Catholic Answers and discuss the significance of Scripture alone versus Scripture plus church authority. We aim to simplify these complex arguments, starting from the basics and building our understanding from there. Don't miss an enga...

As political landscapes shift, we navigate the implications of transitioning from a 'woke left' to a 'woke right' movement, examining the ideological threats posed to Christianity both inside and outside the church. What should we look for? How should we respond? How do we maintain a posture of worship in light of so many distractions and duties? Are you equipped to understand crucial cultural iss...

In this episode of The Universe Next Door, join us as we tackle some thought-provoking questions from our listeners. From the divine role of Mary and the nature of hell to the traditions and beliefs of the Greek Orthodox Church, we delve deep into significant theological discussions. Discover insights on why salvation is ultimately found through faith in Jesus Christ and explore the complexities o...

In this episode of The Universe Next Door, we continue our in-depth exploration of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Jesus' divine claims in response to Bart Ehrman's assertion that Jesus never claims to be God in this book. Join us as we delve into chapters 9-16, highlighting how Jesus consistently presents himself as divine through prophecies, parables, and direct statements. Send your questions t...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here How do we define truth? Is there a difference between determining what truth is and how to know it? Are there any good reasons to believe that objective truth exists? Why does it seem as though our current culture is in a "truth crisis"? Nick Shalna interviews Matthew Mittelberg (Speaker and Apologist for Apologetics Inc) on what truth is and why it matters...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here While the New Testament does not give an explicit date or any date at all for the birth of Jesus, does it offer clues and insights as to when His birthdate may have been? Is the Christmas holiday really based on pagan myths and legends such as Saturnalia? Is it possible that scholars have been misled by a mistake Josephus made regarding the timing of the re...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Bart Ehrman famously proclaimed that Jesus never claimed to be God in the Gospel of Mark and that this was a later invention by the church. Is he correct? Did Jesus see Himself as only a prophet? Nick Shalna provides an example from every chapter of Mark where Jesus makes an undeniable claim to Deity. Related Episodes: What You Don't Know About the Transfig...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here In this episode of the Universe Next Door, Nick Shalna responds to Dr. James Lindsay's article that was published on American Reformer, a well-known Christian Nationalist publisher. In the article, Dr. Lindsay modified the Communist Manifesto and submitted it for publishing. What does this tell us about the underlying issues with Christian Nationalism? What...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Have you ever been asked an important question about your faith and panicked feeling like the blood was sucked out of your face? How would you respond if someone asked you why you follow Christ? Would you have a convincing and honest answer prepared, or would you resort to telling them how you became a Christian rather than why? Send your questions to infor...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Is the United States past the point of return in regard to division? Did the Catholic Church invent hell as a scare tactic? Are science and faith contradictory? Why do people die physically? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org Original Sin: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/235413/episodes/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-t...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here What does the term 'predestination' mean? Is everyone chosen either to be saved or not to be saved, and on the other hand, should we ignore the term? Why is Romans 9 so highly debated and does it provide a strong argument for reformed theology? What sort of tension existed between Jews and Gentiles in the first century? Send your questions and disagreements...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here In this episode of Couch Talk Conspiracies (by The Universe Next Door): Why has there been so much talk of a Civil War in the US? Is America a failed experiment and what's intended to take its place? How important is it for Christians to be informed of what's going on and what can we do to make a positive and significant change? Four Stages of Ideological S...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here What is Christian Nationalism? How might the term be deceiving? Why do things in our nation seem to be going downhill rapidly and what is the right response? What is the "woke right" and how is it being weaponized? Join us as Nick Shalna explains the issues and consequences associated with the Christian Nationalism movement. *Catholic Intregalism is another...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Does God determine ahead of time who He'll save and who He won't? Are we totally depraved to the point that we can't recognize the goodness s and power of the gospel? Why does the Bible say that "Many are invited but few are chosen?" What can we do to avoid being trapped in a theological framework that causes us to be unobjective? Send your questions and di...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Join us hopefully later in the week or next Tuesday for our next episode! In the meantime: John 6 and Transubstantiation: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/15851846-why-transubstantiation-has-nothing-to-do-with-john-6-the-bread-of-life Is Scripture Innerant in Every Way? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/episodes/155...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here What did Jesus mean when He said "I am the bread of life" in John 6? Did He intend to make a statement about consuming Him physically in one sense or another? Is the idea of transubstantiation biblical and is it found in John 6? What parallels might John be trying to draw between this story and similar accounts in the New Testament? Send your questions and...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Jesus sends us out to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. What traps should we be on the lookout for? How do we avoid being tricked into admitting something we didn't do or promoting something we don't believe in? How can recognizing these traps help us to be shrewd and avoid disabling our ability to share the gospel and defend Christian values...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Nick Shalna interviews Dr. Richard Weikart on why there has been so much recent talk about Hitler being an "ok guy" and Churchill being the real villain of WWII. Why have young men in the Christian Nationalist movement recently sympathized with the Third Reich? Why has there seemingly been a large effort to rewrite history? How much of the holocaust origina...

Send us your Questions and Comments Here Send in your questions to information@apologetics.org for our next Q&A! Abortion and Amendment 4: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/15613164-abortion-amendment-4-and-incrementalism-vs-abolitionism-scott-klusendorf The Evidence for the Resurrection is Overwhelming: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12577844-why-the-evidenc...