What do you say when someone asks, “If God is so loving, why do people end up in hell?” 

In this special Q&A at Times Square Church in New York City, Abdu Murray tackled some of the hardest questions about faith, truth, and the hope found in Christ. From challenges about the Bible’s trustworthiness to how Christians can minister to friends in the LGBTQ community, these questions cut to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s culture. 

Thanks to the efforts of Times Square Church, this evening brought together hundreds of seekers and believers for an honest, unfiltered dialogue.  

Other questions asked in this episode include: 

1. Why trust an old book like the bible? 

2. How do we minister to our LGBTQ friends?  

3. What's the big difference between Islam and Christianity?  

4. Outside of eyewitnesses, what evidence is there for the resurrection?  

5. Who were the Nephilim?  

6. And more! 

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.  

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. 

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

In this episode of All Rise, we are bringing you a wide-ranging dialogue between Abdu Murray (a former Muslim who is now a Christian) and Fred Stella (a former Catholic who is now Hindu) on life’s deepest questions. How did the universe come to be? Why is there evil and suffering? What happens after death—and what role do reincarnation and karma play? 

Together, in front of a packed audience at Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois, they engage candidly on the Hindu and Christian views of creation, the problem of suffering, the caste system, and the hope of the afterlife. With honesty and respect, this conversation highlights where these two great worldviews differ, but also where they challenge us to think more deeply about truth, justice, and ultimate meaning. 

Whether you come from a Hindu background, a Christian background, or are simply seeking answers to life’s biggest questions, this dialogue will give you fresh insight into how faith traditions wrestle with what it means to be human. 

This event also includes audience Q&A. 

Fred Stella is ordained as an Outreach Minister by his local Hindu temple. He also serves as a member of the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group based in Washington, DC, and is an in-demand voice actor. 

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.  

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond.

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

What do Muslims believe about God? In this episode of All Rise, former Muslim and Christian apologist Abdu Murray takes a deep dive into Islamic theology to explore who Allah is—his attributes, character, actions in history, and relationship with humanity. 

But this isn’t a caricature. This is a steelman critique. 

With both respect and clarity, Abdu outlines the Islamic view of Allah in its best and most compelling form—before thoughtfully examining how it differs from the Christian understanding of God. Drawing from his own background and family ties to Islam, Abdu explains why the biblical picture of God ultimately offers a more complete and relational view of the divine. 

Whether you're a Muslim, Christian, skeptic, or curious seeker, this episode offers a respectful and intellectually honest conversation about one of the most important questions of all: Who is God?

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.  

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations, debates, and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. 

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🙏 Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer people, not just questions. Partner with us: https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Tis the season … to discuss the resurrection! In this special bonus episode of All Rise, we take you back to a compelling 2016 debate between two men who have each made dramatic journeys of faith and doubt. Christian apologist and former Muslim Abdu Murray goes head-to-head with atheist and former Christian John Loftus on the foundational question of Christianity: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? 

This rigorous and respectful exchange tackles the historical, philosophical, and evidential claims surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or seeker, this debate offers valuable insights and thoughtful arguments from both sides. 

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Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the famed Muslim-turned-atheist and critic of religion along with her New Atheist cohort, shocked the world when she came out as a Christian in 2023. The partial story of her conversion from the UnHerd article she penned received backlash from non-Christian and Christian commentators alike. Recently, she sat down with agnostic Alex O'Connor to set the record straight. In this episode of All Rise, former Muslim, Abdu Murray, and former atheist, Derek Caldwell, react to Ayaan's more complete self-disclosure. 

Read the original article that started it all: https://unherd.com/2023/11/why-i-am-now-a-christian/.  

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The Christian world is finally awaking to the reality of the technological captivity of humanity. But one man who has been thinking about this from the beginning is Stuart McAllister. Gleaning wisdom from CS Lewis and many other authors, Stuart helps us navigate the technological world by first helping us understand the underlying problems and what is at stake.  

Stuart is the Director of Ministry for Thinking Out Loud (featuring Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse) and the Director of Leadership and Deployment for Restoration Presbyterian Church in Dacula, Georgia. Stuart is an in-demand speaker, author, and thought leader who has contributed chapters to several books and co-wrote Faith That Lasts: A Father and Son on Cultivating Lifelong Belief (InterVarsity Press, 2021). 

We mentioned a lot of resources in this episode! If you're interested in this topic, we recommend you check them out. Here is a list of the works referenced, which are all books unless otherwise noted: 

CS Lewis, The Abolition of Man 

Jacques Ellul, The Technological Society  

Peter Berger, Brigitte Berger, and Hansfried Kellner, Homeless Mind  

Zygmunt Bauman, Modernity and the Holocaust 

Neil Postman, Technopoly 

Norbert Wiener, The Human Use of Human Beings 

Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism 

Rod Dreher, Living in Wonder 

Gerard Manley Hopkins, God's Grandeur (poem) 

Robin Phillips and Joshua Pauling, Are We All Cyborgs Now 

Kevin Kelly, What Technology Wants 

Paul Kingsnorth, The Cross and the Machine (article) 

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Chloe Cole has lived a full lifetime in her 20 years. She joins the podcast to discuss the tumultuous early years of her life and the cultural and political trends and pressures impacting developing young girls and boys today. 

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Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) pepper Abdu with questions about transgenderism, denominations, selective acceptance of miracles, and if people are only Christian because they were born in Christian countries.  

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"All roads lead to God." "Live your truth." "Do what makes you happy." These truisms of the modern world lend themselves to the idea that the traditional Christian idea which states Jesus is "the only way" is intolerant and unloving. Abdu Murray discusses this major issue live at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.

Former Muslim turned Christian Abdu Murray takes tough questions from young adults at Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI. He touches on Islam, who salvation is for, the reliability of the Christian scriptures, Christians in politics, and more! 

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Is there something inherently "sick" about our politics that has infected the Christian life and witness? If so, what is the problem and what can we do about it? In this pre-Inauguration Day episode, Michael Wear talks about where we go from here.  

Check out Michael Wear's The Center for Christianity and Public Life at https://www.ccpubliclife.org/. "The Center for Christianity and Public Life is a nonpartisan nonprofit civic organization with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the good of the public. Our vision is for a healthier politics and public life which benefit from positive Christian contributions." 

You can find out more about Michael Wear's latest book, The Spirit of Our Politics, and find his social at https://www.michaelwear.com/spirit-of-our-politics.   

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew made a translation error and misunderstood the original context of Isaiah 7:14. If Matthew had known Hebrew and understood the context, he would have known that Isaiah was not prophesying a "virgin birth." If Dr. Ehrman is true, that means the Gospel story of Jesus is built on a lie. What is the truth? Find out in this in-depth investigation.  

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donations/.   

In this episode of All Rise, Kyla Gillespie joins us to explore the deeper theological debates surrounding gender and Scripture. Some voices argue that the Bible supports transgender identities—but what do those arguments really say? And how should we think about them in light of creation, redemption, and identity in Christ? 

With clarity and compassion, Kyla and our hosts explore what Scripture really teaches about gender, creation, and identity in Christ. Far from being a message of exclusion, the Bible offers a vision of wholeness, truth, and redemption that speaks to every human heart. 

Whether you’re wrestling with questions yourself or engaging with friends who are, this conversation will help you see both the strength of the biblical witness and the hope it offers.  

You can keep up with Kyla and her ministry, Renewed & Transformed, at https://kylagillespie.com/.  

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored. 

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond.

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew got the "Nazarene" prophecy about Jesus incorrect because there is no such prophecy found in all of the Old Testament.    

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Dr Andy Bannister joins us to discuss several of the questions that everyone wonders about but are often left unanswered. We talk about good vs evil, altruism vs selfishness, and the theory of evolution as a potential answer to these great wonders.  

Dr. Andy Bannister holds a PhD in Islamic Studies and he regularly speaks and teaches on Islam, philosophy, and atheism (among other topics) around the globe. He currently serves as the Director of Solas, an evangelism and training organization based in Scotland. He is ALSO an editor and contributor to the brand new book, Have You Ever Wondered?: Finding the Everyday Clues to Meaning, Purpose & Spirituality.  

Check out more from Andy: 

https://www.facebook.com/andygbannister https://x.com/andygbannister  

https://www.andybannister.net/ 

https://www.solas-cpc.org/  

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Abdu Murray and Pastor Chris Rea of Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI, discuss this chaotic election season in front of a live audience.

Abdu's Washington Times piece referenced in this episode can be found at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/26/american-souls-are-sick-this-election-season/.  

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J Warner Wallace talks to us about the many lessons learned from his life as a homicide detective.

J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective and a best-selling author and national speaker in the field of apologetics. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and an adjunct professor at several universities, including Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. His newest book is The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life (Zondervan, 2024). 

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One approach to testing the reliability, or lack thereof, of the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection is the "minimal facts" approach by which we look at only those facts that are undisputed among even the most critical scholars. But are there good reasons to move beyond the "minimal facts" to "maximal data"?     

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Data playlist on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIp6_r9Vga4&list=PLe1tMOs8ARn0sWTtdaXPg8oMRqmYnhU6M  

Lydia McGrew on facebook https://www.facebook.com/lydiamcgrewauthor/ 

Lydia McGrew Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@LydiaMcGrewChannel 

Lydia McGrew on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1MVo3rKGvGTKGRT2HztvQE 

Lydia McGrew on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B073V1ZP1Y  

Lydia McGrew website https://lydiamcgrew.com/  

Were the Gospels Anonymous? Anonymous gospels episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auJbD0IN6qk  

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Abdu is joined by the John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and a sought after author and speaker on the intersection of Christianity and culture.  

You can check out the Colson Center at https://colsoncenter.org/. Find John's socials at https://breakpoint.org/john-stonestreet/.  

The articles mention in this episode can be found at: 

https://www.breakpoint.org/lesser-of-two-evils-vs-lessening-evil/ 

https://www.breakpoint.org/the-gop-caves-on-life-and-marriage/ 

https://www.breakpoint.org/directions-for-dystopia/ 

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donations/.   

Analytic philosopher Dr. Lydia McGrew uses her specialty to answer the perennial question: Is the Gospel of John an eyewitness account or merely a theological fiction? 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Lydia McGrew on facebook https://www.facebook.com/lydiamcgrewauthor/ 

Lydia McGrew Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@LydiaMcGrewChannel 

Lydia McGrew on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1MVo3rKGvGTKGRT2HztvQE 

Lydia McGrew on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B073V1ZP1Y  

Lydia McGrew website with endorsements https://lydiamcgrew.com/  

Were the Gospels Anonymous? Anonymous gospels episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auJbD0IN6qk  

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Has life been created inside of the laboratory? Some scientists say YES, making some believe that God is an unnecessary hypothesis for the existence of life. What does the science actually say? Join us as we discuss WHAT scientists are saying, WHY they're saying it, and WHAT the acual science says with one of our finest living scientific minds, Dr. James Tour.  

Check out Dr. James Tour's website at https://www.drjamestour.com/.   

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Abdu and Derek get asked a lot about what they read to stay informed about the world and grounded in their faith. Today, they answer those questions in detail, highlighting a series of books that explore many relevant topics in our society today, including what atheism really is, the historical battles between science and religion, how to read the Bible, and so much more.  

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Did Jesus only sacrifice his weekend? S2E24 | "Twisted Logic"? Is Michael Shermer Right about the Cross!? 

Morality without God? S2E12 | Objection, Matt Dillahunty! Asked and Answered! and https://embracethetruth.org/blog/is-morality-based-on-evolutionary-ethics/  

Is Jesus God? https://embracethetruth.org/blog/is-jesus-god/  

Science DESTROYED Faith? The Curious Case of Nicholas Copernicus https://embracethetruth.org/blog/science-destroyed-faith-the-truth-about-nicolaus-copernicus/  

Did Curiosity Kill the Christian? https://embracethetruth.org/blog/did-curiosity-kill-the-christian/  

Rob Bowman responds to Bart Ehrman S2E27 | Rob Bowman Refutes Bart Ehrman’s Arguments Against Jesus’ Divinity, Part 1 and S2E28 | Rob Bowman Refutes Bart Ehrman’s Arguments Against Jesus’ Divinity, Part 2  

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We are hard at work on season 3 and new episodes will be dropping SOON. But today we felt it necessary to bring you an important episode where we discuss the recent Trump assassination attempt and what it seems to be revealing about the soul of America during these precarious times. 

What happens when the identity you built your life around suddenly collapses—and Christ steps in to rebuild it? 

Kyla Gillespie is a survivor. In this episode of All Rise, we sit down with Kyla, a woman who once identified as transgender but ultimately found truth, freedom, and a new identity in Jesus Christ. 

Kyla shares her raw and powerful story, not as a political argument, but as a deeply personal journey through pain, searching, and redemption. With honesty and grace, she unpacks what drew her into a false identity, what shattered her illusions, and how God patiently led her back to the truth of who she really is. 

Her story challenges cultural assumptions around gender, identity, and authenticity. And even more so, it points to the healing love of Christ that meets us when we’ve come to the end of ourselves. 

#Identity #Gender #sexuality #Christianity #JesusTransforms  

You can keep up with Kyla and her ministry, Renewed & Transformed, at https://kylagillespie.com/.  

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.  

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. 

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Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Abdu visits the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to answer questions from some of the brightest young minds in America. Listen in as Abdu fields questions on sexuality, Islam, and the reliability of the Bible. Do you have questions for Abdu? Send them to mail@embracethetruth.org. You never know when we might answer one live on the show!

 
All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

The world is full of wonders both mysterious and beautiful. Do we have reasons to believe that this beauty points to anything beyond itself? Our special guest, Xandra Grieme, says that when it comes to beauty, there may be more than meets the eye.

Xandra Grieme is an apologist, speaker, and curator for the Museum of Created Beauty. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Colorado State University, studied apologetics at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and completed an MA in Conservation Biology from Victoria University of Wellington. Her scientific research includes work in parasitology, flow cytometry, and ecological restoration.

You can keep up with Xandra and the Museum of Created Beauty by visiting them online at https://www.museumofcreatedbeauty.org/ and following their socials:

INSTAGRAM @museum_of_created_beauty

FACEBOOK @museum_of_created_beauty

TWITTER @MuseumofCBeauty

YOUTUBE @MuseumofCreatedBeauty

A few resources mentioned in this podcast include Benjamin Wiker and Jonathan Witt's A Meaningful World (IVP Academic, 2006), Thomas Dubay's The Evidential Power of Beauty (Ignatius Press, 1999), Elaine Scarry's On Beauty and Being Just (Princeton University Press, 2001), and Edward T. Oakes' essay "The Apologetics of Beauty" in The Beauty of God (IVP, 2007), edited by Daniel Treier, Mark Husbands, and Roger Lundin.

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

After Abdu's message at the University of Central Florida, several students came forward to ask their most pressing questions in a live Q&A. Listen in as Abdu fields questions on sexuality, slavery, and gender in the Bible, the toughest question he's ever received, and what it means to be a disciple. Do you have questions for Abdu? Send them to mail@embracethetruth.org. You never know when we might answer one live on the show!

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking the "Donate" button.

The late physicist, philosopher, and atheist Victor Stenger once said, "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings." This is a popular notion today, especially in the West where Christianity and the Bible are often blamed for anti-scientific superstitions, terrorism, racism, and sexism, among other maladies. But is this correct? Abdu confronts these tough objections during a 2023 address to a packed room of college students at the University of Central Florida. Check back in 2 weeks for the lively Q&A that followed!

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Recently, Dr. Bart Ehrman sat down and attempted to refute cherished Christian beliefs about the divinity of Jesus. Did he succeed? Dr. Rob Bowman says no! Join us for the second half of this exhilarating conversation as Dr. Bowman and Abdu discuss why Jesus was really crucified and whether the forgiveness of sins Jesus offers proves that he considered himself God.

Dr. Rob Bowman is an apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He is also President of the Institute for Religions Research, which researches and responds to some of the most difficult objections leveled against Christianity by other religious or anti-religious movements. 
If you would like to watch the YouTube clip we responded to, you can check that out on Alex O'Connor's channel, or go to Jesus Never Claimed to be God ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C96FPHRTuQU ) . For the full interview, go to Did Jesus Even Claim to be God? Bart Ehrman Says No.... ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2STiabRV8TE )

A few of Dr. Bowman's books were mentioned during this episode. These included his book co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ (Kregel, 2007), Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism (Deward Publishing, 2020), and Faith Has Its Reasons (IVP, 2006), co-authored with Ken Boa.

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Recently, Dr. Bart Ehrman sat down and attempted to refute cherished Christian beliefs about the divinity of Jesus. Did he succeed? Dr. Rob Bowman says no! Join us for the first half of this exhilarating conversation as Dr. Bowman and Abdu discuss whether Jesus identified himself as God in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and whether those Gospels contradict the Gospel of John on this matter.

Dr. Rob Bowman is an apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He is also President of the Institute for Religions Research, which researches and responds to some of the most difficult objections leveled against Christianity by other religious or anti-religious movements.

If you would like to watch the YouTube clip we responded to, you can check that out on Alex O'Connor's channel, or go to Jesus Never Claimed to be God. For the full interview, go to Did Jesus Even Claim to be God? Bart Ehrman Says No.... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2STiabRV8TE)

A few of Dr. Bowman's books were mentioned during this episode. These included his book co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ (Kregel, 2007), Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism (Deward Publishing, 2020), and Faith Has Its Reasons (IVP, 2006), co-authored with Ken Boa. All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button

#AbduMurray #EmbraceTheTruth #Christianity #Apologetics #AllRisePodcast #RobBowman #BartEhrman #Jesus

Abdu sits down with his friend, former homicide detective J. Warner Wallace, for a wide-ranging interview on the nature of evidence and persuasion, apologetics for children, the reticence of some Christians to accept apologetics, and so much more. Listen in on this masterclass as J. Warner and Abdu share much wisdom from their years of apologetics ministry.

J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective and a best-selling author and national speaker in the field of apologetics. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and an adjunct professor at several universities, including Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Several of J. Warner Wallace's books were mentioned in this article, including Cold-Case Christianity (David C Cook, 2013, 2023), which is now in a new, updated and expanded 10th-anniversary edition, Gods' Crime Scene (David C Cook, 2015), Forensic Faith (David C Cook, 2017), and Person of Interest (Zondervan, 2021), along with children's versions of the first three books mentioned here. You can learn more about J. Warner and access his helpful resources at https://coldcasechristianity.com/

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button. 

Popular internet personality Rhett McLaughlin, of Rhett & Link's Good Mythical Morning YouTube fame, has become famous for "deconstructing" his evangelical faith. In a recent Instagram Reel, he explains why: the experts! In this episode, Abdu and Derek look at Rhett's appeals to authority and confront two thorny issues: Is expert consensus emerging or is it being crafted? And should one's faith in consensus itself be deconstructed? This episode mentions several items that you may be interested in looking at further. You can find Matt Ridley's article for The Spectator, entitled "Science fiction: the crisis in research" at https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/science-fiction-the-crisis-in-research/ . Information on Dr. Laura Favaro's repressed research can be located at https://unherd.com/2023/04/did-city-uni-censor-my-gender-research/ . You can learn more about David Hutchings and James Ungureanu's book, Of Popes and Unicorns, at https://global.oup.com/academic/product/of-popes-and-unicorns-9780190053093 . And finally, the controversial documentary, Depp v Heard, can be accessed exclusively on Netflix. All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Michael Shermer is one of the world's foremost public atheists and critics of religious belief. In a recent tag team of tweets, Shermer sought to put on display the "twisted logic" of the biblical account of atonement, the cross, and forgiveness. In this episode, Abdu addresses Michael's objections and assumptions to see where the twisted logic truly lies. If you are interested in learning more about the cross and forgiveness, please consider starting with a classic on the topic, John Stott's The Cross of Christ (IVP, 2006). All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button. Episode 1 Link: https://youtu.be/3IfVyKJ6nI8?list=PLWzV2AIObvw_YLUoNlZz0MYHLt09-ZacK&si=t4dbpEppmavaACbR

Greg Koukl is a man who needs no introduction. He's got a new book out called Street Smarts, and it will revolutionize the way you think about engaging the culture today. Many evangelism tactics focus on harvesting, but Greg recommends gardening. Find out the key differences between the two and more on this episode of All Rise! Greg Koukl is a highly sought-after author and speaker. He is the founder and President of the apologetics organization Stand to Reason ( www.str.org ). He has written several books, including his classic Tactics, and his newest soon to be bestseller, Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges. If you visit www.streetsmartsthebook.com to pre-order the book, you will gain access to bonus content! All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Was the Scopes “Monkey Trial” ever really about science—or was it a staged showdown with a hidden agenda? 

In this episode of All Rise, we talk to Dr. Rick Townsend, a historian of ideas whose groundbreaking dissertation uncovers the real story behind one of the most famous courtroom dramas in American history: the 1925 Scopes Trial. 

For a century, we’ve been told it was the moment science defeated religion. But what if the real battle wasn’t evolution vs. creation—but parental rights vs. elite control? Dr. Townsend walks us through how the trial was orchestrated, how William Jennings Bryan became a media caricature, and how a false narrative took root that still shapes educational debates today. 

We also explore Mahmoud v. Taylor, a 2025 Supreme Court decision that echoes the same themes 100 years later. Are we still fighting the same battle—just with different labels? 

Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or just someone tired of being told a one-sided version of history, this episode will change the way you think about the “Monkey Trial”—and what’s really at stake in the classroom.

Dr. Rick Townsend's PhD Dissertation, "Reconsidering Bryan: William Jennings Bryan's Advocacy of Causes Using Rights-Based Arguments," can be accessed at https://utd-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/3aa73f5e-5985-4a20-8a04-7131c391dffb/content.   

Dr. Townsend's recent article in Salvo Magazine, "Still Unrefuted," about the anti-evolution arguments of William Jennings Bryan: https://salvomag.com/article/salvo73/still-unrefuted.  

Salvo Magazine's most recent issue, which includes Dr. Townsend's articles along with several others', can be accessed here: https://salvomag.com/issue/current (note that this link will only go to the correct issue while it is the "current" issue. For future reference, this is issue #73 from Summer 2025).  

You can keep up with Dr. Townsend through his LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/in/rick-townsend-271b2920. 

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.   

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. 

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Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/.  

Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Mystery gospels full of secret truths suppressed by the Church for centuries have finally been revealed! … Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? According to the millions of people who have bought books, watched movies, and read news stories with such headlines, it certainly is! We all love a good "mystery has been revealed" story, but is there anything to it, or is this just conspiratorial fiction? Today, we are joined by Bible scholar and apologist Wes Huff to investigate these claims by looking at, arguably, the most important of the so-called "suppressed" gospels, the Gospel of Thomas. Wes Huff is a popular author and speaker with Apologetics Canada, where he serves as the Central Canada Director, and is currently completing his PhD studies in New Testament and Christian Origins at the University of Toronto's Wycliffe College. Check out Wes's work, including his incredible infographics, at https://www.wesleyhuff.com/. All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Barbie is everywhere thanks to Greta Gerwig's recent blockbuster movie about the (in)famous doll. Some say it is anti-man propaganda that went too far while others say it didn't go far enough! Abdu and Derek discuss these reactions and some surprising was in which Barbie actually affirms the Bible, while also being confronted by it. This episode makes reference to two articles. The first, "I Saw the Movie 'They' Don't Want You to See" by Elaine Godfrey can be accessed at https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/sound-of-freedom-qanon-culture-war/674832/. The second, "Existential Barbie" by Annie Brownell Crawford, can be accessed at https://salvomag.com/post/existential-barbie. All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now, and much of the press has been concerned with one question: will AI unleash a technological revolution that inevitably ends in catastrophe? Cutting through some of the uninformed hyperbole of those who think it will destroy the world (and those who think it will save it!), Abdu and Derek discuss the issue with Michael Butler, a PhD candidate in Quantum Gravity.

Listen in as they discuss the pitfalls and promises of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, the speakers respond to comments from Adrienne LaFrance's piece in The Atlantic entitled "The Coming Humanist Renaissance." You can access it at https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/07/generative-ai-human-culture-philosophy/674165/.

All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross joins us to discuss the disruption of the James Webb Space Telescope images in our understanding of the early universe. Many pop science articles hailed it as a major disruptor of the theory of the Big Bang, even debunking the notion that the universe had a beginning. Is this true? Join us as Dr. Ross and Abdu deliberate! Dr. Hugh Ross, prolific author and founder and senior scholar of Reasons to Believe, holds an undergraduate degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He spent five years on faculty at Caltech before moving into his ministry where he seeks to communicate the compatibility of “God’s two books,” nature and the Bible. Check out Dr. Ross’s groundbreaking work at https://reasons.org/team/hugh-ross All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button. Don't forget to subscribe so you get this and more awesome content delivered to you

Join us LIVE,Tuesday July 11 @ 1sts :00 PM EST for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. Abdu and Derek discuss All Rise season 2 ep 18. Critical New Testament scholar Paula Fredriksen claims that the allegedly unknown author of Luke/Acts wrote his or her work in the second century and was not actually a travel companion of, nor all too familiar with, the Apostle Paul. But is that where the evidence truly points? Join Abdu and Derek as they investigate these claims! You can submit your questions on our social channels, through mail@embracethetruth.org, or in the chat during our livestream. We look forward to being with you this coming Tuesday and every two weeks afterward for Deliberations Live!

Critical New Testament scholar Paula Fredriksen claims that the allegedly unknown author of Luke/Acts wrote his or her work in the second century and was not actually a travel companion of, nor all too familiar with, the Apostle Paul. But is that where the evidence truly points? Join Abdu and Derek as they investigate these claims! This episode is in response to the comments Dr. Paula Fredriksen made on the MythVision Podcast (hosted by another Derek!), which you can view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAQNM455AXo All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button. Have questions or critiques? Comment below or email us at mail@embracethetruth.org and your question may be answered on our live show, Deliberations! You may also submit questions during the live show in the chat. We typically answer questions about a specific episode about a week after the original air date, but we are always happy to answer any question at any time. Subscribe to our channel to be notified when we are going live.

Join us LIVE,Tuesday June 27 @ 11:00 AM EST for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. Abdu and Derek discuss All Rise episodes 16 and 17. Ricky Gervais claims atheists just believe In one less god--Bart Ehrman claims the gospels are anonymous! You can submit your questions on our social channels, through mail@embracethetruth.org, or in the chat during our livestream. We look forward to being with you this coming Tuesday and every two weeks afterward for Deliberations Live!

Comedian Ricky Gervais claims that we are all essentially atheists with regard to 2,999 gods, and that atheists just have the courage/integrity (?) to go one god further. But is this a meaningful statement? Abdu and Derek address other claims made by Gervais, including what would happen if all science and history books disappeared and where God came from. This episode is in response to the comments Ricky Gervais has made in interviews, writing, and scripted television. Each of the claims responded to here are represented in his interview with Stephen Colbert: Ricky Gervais And Stephen Go Head-To-Head On Religion. https://youtu.be/P5ZOwNK6n9U All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

On June 13 @ 1:00 EST Abdu Murray will be joined LIVE by astrophysicist and founder of Reasons to Believe, Dr. Hugh Ross, to answer your questions about science, faith, and the Bible. Recently, Dr. Ross appeared on Abdu’s podcast, All Rise, to discuss claims made by popular astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson about the Bible’s alleged scientific errors (https://youtu.be/op2epgYmwko). Their dialogue sparked a lot of conversation and controversy. Be a part of the follow-up conversation with Abdu and Dr. Ross on Tuesday, June 13 @ 1:00 EST by going to Abdu’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@AbduMurrayOfficial, and clicking “subscribe”!

Bart Ehrman claims that the Gospels are anonymous because the names attached to them are too convenient and were added a century later, and because the disciples of Jesus were too illiterate to write such exquisite Greek texts. Has Dr. Ehrman overstated the case? This episode is in response to the comments that critical New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman has made in writing and to interviewers, such as in the video highlighted in our episode: Bart Ehrman on the Bible's Authors ( https://youtu.be/pDfYA21lDic ). Also mentioned in this episode was Simon Gathercole's article "The Alleged Anonymity of the Canonical Gospels" in The Journal of Theological Studies (2018), Craig Evans' Jesus and the Manuscripts (Hendrickson Academic, 2020), and Brant Pitre's The Case for Jesus (Image: 2016). All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Was "junk DNA" ever really junk—or did science just need to catch up with design? 

In this episode of All Rise, we talk to Dr. Fazale Rana (biochemist and President & CEO at Reasons to Believe) to dive into one of the most groundbreaking scientific reversals in recent history: the 2024 Nobel Prize awarded for discoveries showing that so-called “junk DNA” is functional and essential. 

For decades, large portions of the human genome were written off as useless leftovers of evolution. But was that ever good science—or just bad theology in disguise? Fuz Rana walks us through the history of this idea, why many Christian scientists and intelligent design theorists questioned it from the beginning, and how new discoveries are forcing a complete rethinking of what our DNA says about purpose, design, and even God. 

Is this the death of the “junk DNA” myth? What does it mean for Darwinian evolution? And how should Christians respond to this scientific turning point? 

Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just curious about what your genes are really saying, this conversation will give you a fresh look at the intersection of science, faith, and design. 

Resources mentioned in this podcast: 

George Haraksin and Krista Bontrager (eds.), Revealing God in Science: https://a.co/d/24u5RzX  

Other resources mentioned are forthcoming.  

🎙️ All Rise is the podcast where truth is put on trial. In each episode, ideas are cross-examined and evidence is explored.  

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and interviews from the world of Christian apologetics and beyond. 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray 

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Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/.  

Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

Join us for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. For this episode, we will ask "Is Bill Maher right? Jesus is based on pagan myths?" By now everyone has heard some version of "Jesus is based on [enter ancient deity here]." But these claims were debunked for nearly a century before being resurrected recently. And now, because overwhelming evidence debunked the older claims, new proponents have suggested different deities as the template for Jesus. Are these new claims any more successful than the older ones? You can submit your questions on our social channels, through mail@embracethetruth.org, or in the chat during our livestream. We look forward to being with you this coming Tuesday and every two weeks afterward for Deliberations Live!

By now everyone has heard some version of "Jesus is based on [enter ancient deity here]." But these claims were debunked for nearly a century before being resurrected recently. And now, because overwhelming evidence debunked the older claims, new proponents have suggested different deities as the template for Jesus. Are these new claims any more successful than the older ones? Find out in this new, packed episode of All Rise! Abdu interacts with several videos in this episode. They are: "Jesus, the Pagan Sun God" on the CAESAR'S MESSIAH channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG7Ls1ZySp8 "Osiris: The Risen God & Prototype of Christ" on the Atheologica channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xqqjMoXRqc "Are Jesus and Osiris the SAME?" on The Eleusinian Society channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tT-ZveXRf0 Two videos from Todd Gates, "Why I'm no longer so sure about Zoroastrianism's influence on Christianity" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkSBb9S-248 and "Why Zoroastrianism might *not* be one of the religions that influenced the Bible's authors" at https://youtu.be/-_HCu2_dbt0 Abdu references an earlier episode of All Rise entitled "The burden of proof," which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9aPyUmmcSU Some of the works consulted for this video include Ronald Nash's The Gospel and the Greeks (P&R, 2003); Stanley Porter and Stephen Bedard's Unmasking the Pagan Christ (Clements, 2006); Edwin Yamauchi's Persia and the Bible (Baker Academic, 1997); the multi-authored Come Let Us Reason (B&H Academic, 2012); and Lee Strobel's The Case for the Real Jesus (Zondervan, 2009). Have questions or critiques? Comment below or email us at mail@embracethetruth.org and your question may be answered on our live show, Deliberations! You may also submit questions during the live show in the chat. We typically answer questions about a specific episode about a week after the original air date, but we are always happy to answer any question at any time. Subscribe to our channel to be notified when we are going live. All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.

Join us LIVE,Tuesday May 16 @ 1:00 PM EST for Deliberations Live, a bi-weekly podcast where YOU, the jury, ask questions to Abdu and Derek. For this episode, we will ask "Can you handle the Truth? " Abdu discusses our complicated relationship with truth. Quite often, people simply seek verification for what they already hope is true. To complicate matters, painful disruptions in our lives make it more difficult for us to recognize what is good and true. So, how do we begin to escape the cycle of confirmation bias to find real truth? LIVE this Tuesday at 1:00 EST!" You can submit your questions on our social channels, through mail@embracethetruth.org, or in the chat during our livestream. We look forward to being with you this coming Tuesday and every two weeks afterward for Deliberations Live! #jackisback #atheist #apologetics #debate #livedebate #christianity

Abdu discusses our complicated relationship with truth. Quite often, people simply seek verification for what they already hope is true. To complicate matters, painful disruptions in our lives make it more difficult for us to recognize what is good and true. So, how do we begin to escape the cycle of confirmation bias to find real truth? All Rise is a listener and donor-supported presentation from Embrace the Truth. If you would like to see more content like this, prayerfully consider supporting us by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/ and clicking on the "Donate" button.