Under the Juniper Tree

Who do we sing? We might normally respond with, "God commanded it." Technically, that is a correct answer, but there may be more at play here than we think. Studies on the brain have shown that the entirety of it is at work, not just when we listen to music or play it, but also when we are involved in the act of singing. God created us with the power to be emotionally invested in song. Let's take...

If tears are a natural thing, then why do we consistently apologize for them? We need to have a serious discussion on the topic.

If children with autism are demon possessed, the only way a child could receive relief is through said demon being cast out. The question is, "Do miracles still occur today?" In answer, we examine 1 Corithians 13.

While studying for a different episode, we found an article that claimed some Biblical people were autistic. Were they? Let us take a few moments to discuss the matter.

Recently, a viral video has made its rounds. A "preacher" from a Texas denomination claimed that congregants should throw their medication in the toilet and apologize to the toilet. Today, Andrew unpacks a few statements from the 52-second clip and points out that no, you should not. Episode Resources: FDA Drug Disposal List: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know...

In today's episode, we discuss what is commonly called the Cycle of Anxiety or Avoidance. In this, we will discuss what the cycle is and how we can overcome it. We will also speak of some of the spiritual things we avoid and how we can apply our advice concerning the cycle.

Today, Andrew interviews Paul Mays. Brother Mays has been using TikTok to spread the gospel of Christ and encourage listeners to be baptized for the remission of sins. What some may not know is that brother Mays has been suffering from major health issues for a few years. Despite this, he has been using the TikTok Ministry for the glory of God.

The new year has started! What are some healthy practices we either need to start or continue practicing? One practice revolves around the sleep we get, while the other two are spiritual in nature.

Is it true that all who are rich are miserly, stingy folk without any redeeming qualities? It might a good idea to rethink this trope as Andrew covers a study on Income Inequality and Generosity and makes some application from Paul's writings to Timothy.

Alzheimer's Disease is something that causes pain, not just for those who suffer from it, but also for those who care for the suffering. Andrew interviews Wayne Johnson, a Christian whose wife suffers from the terrible disease, about the frustrations, advice to others, and hope found in Christ. We hope this episode can encourage those who are caregivers and offer help during times of frustration....

There have been claims concerning the Amish community, acetaminophen, and autism. Are they true? False? We take some time to look at facts concerning these subjects. Episode Resources: https://imfar.confex.com/imfar/2010/webprogram/Paper7336.html https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/amish-population https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6302a1.htm https://psychiatryonline.org/doi...

We look at five examples of suicide where A.I. played somewhat of a role. This week, we spend a little time discussing some alarming facts about suicide. Episode Resources: https://www.vice.com/en/article/man-dies-by-suicide-after-talking-with-ai-chatbot-widow-says/ https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/chatgpt-obsession-mental-breaktown-alex-taylor-suicide-1235368941/ https://publ...

Last time, we discussed what a bias is. This week, we discuss why a bias would be problematic.

In this episode, we unpack something we all have: biases. What is a cognitive bias and how are they shown?

Many are looking for ways to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health. With the wealth of information we have in this world, many have taken to become "experts" while seeking to make money off misinformation without a care for others. Today, we want to examine the plan of attack these take and the need to be those who research the facts and discerners of fact from reality. Episode...

Some might be unwilling to express their struggles to the congregation due to the prevalence of gossip. But what do the scriptures say about gossip? Let's examine that in today's episode.

In the late 90's, the STEP (Great Prayer Experiment) study supposedly proved prayer is ineffective. But did it? That's what we want to examine in today's episode. Episode Resources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7208885 Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer STEP in Cardiac Bypass Patients A Multicenter Randomized Trial of Uncertainty and Certainty of Receiving Interces...

Politics is everywhere. It can be tiring to be that aware of the information and misinformation on a variety of political subjects. What is a Christian to do? That's what we discuss in today's episode.

Sometimes, medication may cause one to become heat-intolerant or experience other issues related to the heat. In today's episode, Andrew discusses a possible cause and how we can beat the heat. Episode Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459227/ https://www.sweathelp.org/pdf/Diaphoretic_Class.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123 https://www.semisportmed.com/heat-alert-exer...

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, May 1, 2025 As the title asks, “What does the subject of nose picking have to do with just reading the headlines?” That’s the question Andrew will answer as he hopes to encourage us to stay away from cognitive bias and to read more than just the headlines of […]

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, April 24, 2025 This is opening a can of worms. Why? We are discussing the hotly contested subject called autism. In this episode, Andrew discusses the history of autism, some possible reasons why we might be seeing more people diagnosed with it, and looks at the study done by Andrew Wakefield. Episode Resources: Lake Worth-area […]

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, April 17, 2025 We might find ourselves overwhelmed with any number of tasks with work, the local congregation, or elsewhere and do not know what to do. In this episode, we examine Moses and the advice given to him by God and Moses’ father-in-law. This helps us remember we […]

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, March 20, 2024 In today’s episode, Andrew revisits one of his first episodes for Under the Juniper Tree. Our sins affect our mental well-being, but the question he failed to answer eleven years ago is why. After all, not everyone who sins deals with depression, anxiety, or some other […]

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, March 6, 2024 In this episode, Andrew discusses how the problems of life could lead to depression or other mental health issues. Then, he looks to an example of the early church in one of their problems to give some pointers of what the modern Christian might do to […]

Host: Andrew Crowe  |  Released Thursday, February 13, 2024 There are a variety of dangers in dealing with ADHD. One of them is the act of tardiness. “Time blindness” is a major problem in the life of a person with ADHD and can endanger a variety of different relationship. Andrew addressed the issue and briefly […]