AUTHENTIC with Shawn Boonstra

Many today struggle to understand their true significance and where they fit into this world. Out of this struggle has flowed untold sadness and tragedy. In this week's episode of Authentic, Shawn Boonstra explores how our understanding of our cosmic origins affects the value we place on ourselves and our role in the universe.

This week we're discussing the disturbing legacy of a different Reich in the 20th century. The sexual liberation movement promised to cast off the chains of oppressive morality—to let "free love" reign and hearts fully flourish. In the radical new thinking of figures like Wilhelm Reich, self-control and boundaries were now dangerous repression. But has the new paradigm truly delivered us from evil...

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by something so incredibly beautiful, it leaves you with a twinge of sadness? Shawn Boonstra explores this perplexing paradox of how experiencing beauty can produce joy and sadness, all at the same time.

Translating ancient Hebrew and Greek scriptures is hard enough WITHOUT the monarchy and Church coming for your head! Shawn Boonstra relates the astonishing journey of the English Bible, from radical idea to royal-approved release.

Say you've got a set of well-established Scriptures. How exactly do you come along and add a whole NEW set to it? In Authentic's next segment on the history of the Bible, Shawn Boonstra investigates the origins of the New Testament. Did its authors think they were writing Scripture? And what role do councils play in determining whether texts were inspired?

In a pain-choked world, we see the face of evil everywhere. And there's plenty of blame to fling around, which we do. Constantly. But maybe it's time, Shawn Boonstra says, for a good long look at the face in the mirror—half in light, half in shadow.

The book of Genesis is widely perceived as myth—on the same shelf as Gilgamesh and Zeus. So let's line them up side by side, shall we? Shawn Boonstra weighs the differences and charts strikingly separate worlds of meaning.

Turns out there might be a really deep reason the world's major religions share a common thread—a collective memory. And Shawn Boonstra says that's a really big deal for the way religion has shaped society.

Seems like bad people get away with too much, and that good people often suffer for it. Find out what justice really means and when you can expect it. Presented by Voice of Prophecy.

Maybe. Just maybe you can figure out why you exist. Historical records indicate that people have tried for millennia, so Shawn Boonstra says it must be important. Presented by Voice of Prophecy.

Admit it—you do things you know you shouldn't. We all do. It's almost like we can't help it. Shawn Boonstra explores how emotions almost always override logic. Presented by Voice of Prophecy.

Sitting in circles makes you a witch, right? Turns out medieval thinking and superstition still plague modern religion. Shawn Boonstra explores how the backstory can help you find a more meaningful life today. Presented by Voice of Prophecy.

What's the point of investing in your future, if everyone's going to die anyway? Shawn Boonstra tackles one of life's biggest questions. Presented by Voice of Prophecy.

The baby Jesus wasn't just born to die—as an eventual sacrifice at the cross. Christ was born to LIVE! Host Shawn Boonstra charts how 33 authentic years became eternity's liberating bridge between heaven and earth, and how Christmas is no mere birthday party.

This week on Authentic, Shawn gets to the heart of what exactly "inspired by God" means when it comes to Scripture—writing it, compiling it, interpreting it. And what about all those "extra" books of the Apocrypha? Are they Scripture? Join us for part 2 of our series on how the Bible came to be.

Almost one-third of humanity sees the Bible as “God-breathed.” But it didn’t appear out of thin air...so where did these scriptures come from, and who decided they were authoritative? Join Shawn Boonstra for a new Authentic series on the astounding history of the Bible. We’ll start with the rich cultures of ancient Mesopotamia—and take a moment to debunk a popular myth from “The Da Vinci Code.”

Join Shawn Boonstra on Authentic as he examines our moral responsibilities to future generations. Shawn questions our ability to engineer a utopia, reflecting on past failures and the pitfalls of ideological pursuits. Delving into ethical considerations and the value of divine guidance, this week's episode challenges our perspective on shaping a brighter future.

On this special episode of Authentic, host Shawn Boonstra is diving deep into the essence of Thanksgiving and why, for him, it might just be the most wonderful time of the year. Join Shawn in appreciating the simplicity, beauty, and life-shaping power of giving thanks.

Why was a tree that led to DEATH placed in paradise in the first place? Was God setting up Adam and Eve for temptation and failure? In part 6 of his "Answers for a Skeptic" series, Shawn Boonstra explores God's choices, our choices, and the troubling mystery of sin. Don't miss this fascinating discussion that sheds light on an age-old dilemma.

This week Shawn continues investigating the common idea of hell and comparing it with Scripture. Where IS hell, exactly? Is it burning in the bowels of the earth? Is hell really everlasting? And is it a truly just punishment? Be sure to catch last week's Part 1 if you haven't already.

Join host Shawn Boonstra for a compelling two-parter as he tackles the age-old misconceptions surrounding hell and eternal punishment. This week he'll explore the origins of these beliefs, the very purpose of hell, and how God's character relates to it all. This is part 3 in Shawn's series called "Answers for a Skeptic."

On this week's episode of Authentic, host Shawn Boonstra continues his series called "Answers for a Skeptic" by focusing on the claim that the Bible is full of mistakes and contradictions.

Join Shawn Boonstra on Authentic as he begins tackling some truly tough questions posed by skeptics about faith, God, and the Bible. First up: why does God stay silent and hidden? The answer may be closer than you think...

In the devil’s final temptation to Jesus, he offers to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world in return for worshipping him. Host Shawn Boonstra highlights the vital message that there are no shortcuts to glory—that is, to a meaningful relationship with God.