Defend the Hope Within You

When I was in middle school, my small group teacher taught us about always having an answer for the reason for the hope within us. We need to be ready to explain why do we believe what we believe. This quote really stuck with me because it challenged me to be able to answer questions about my faith beyond just “well, I grew up Christian” or “it’s what my parents told me.” I had to take ownership of my faith and also form an understanding for my belief.

Formally, this practice is known as apologetics - the defense of a religious belief through logical arguments and discourse. From that point in middle school, I embarked on a journey to grow my understanding of my faith to be able to give a defense of it. When I say that, many take ‘defense’ and connect it to a fight, but in this realm, argument is not fighting but discussion. I remember taking a philosophy class and discussing how the point of arguing is not to win, but for both parties to grow deeper in their understanding. Sadly, debate has become so popular but for the purpose of showing how much of an idiot the opposing person is. I much more prefer arguing for the purpose of both parties learning more and refining their thoughts.

Watch History

25 Christians vs 1 Atheist

This video comes from the Youtube Channel Jubilee and their new show Surrounded. It’s a scenario where an individual is surrounded by 25 others that have the opposing viewpoint on a given topic. They’ve had some really good episodes that I have also enjoyed watching. This episode features Atheist Alex O’Connor. I’ve seen Alex before but never really looked into his content. He’s very well spoken and clearly knows his stuff. While watching this, there were moments in which I got frustrated. Not at Alex. At the Christians.

There’s an art to debate. It requires experience. Knowing your opponent, knowing what they are trying to get at, knowing if your argument can withstand their points, and knowing the root of the opponents argument. I found that sometimes when people just want to prove their own intellect, they don’t follow the best method for arguing. They fall into the trap set by Alex into statements that almost cannot be won.

I sat through this debate and rather than sitting here ‘enjoying a win’, I wanted to keep understanding Alex O’Connor’s arguments. Why? because when the opposition can clearly articulate a debate, there is now an opportunity for great discussion in search of truth and growth.

Unpacking Religion

Enter this discussion. A lengthy conversation between a man wrestling with God and one insistent of the lack thereof.

This was such an incredible discussion. It turned into a full theological and even philosophical debate seeking deep understanding and definition of belief. I was annoyed at times with how Jordan Peterson gets into the weeds of definitions but I was thrilled nonetheless.

I love watching things like this because well articulated arguments mean you get to learn the most - learn how to articulate things you agree with better and learn how to defend against the things you don’t agree with. It’s why I thought it so valuable to listen to Alex and his views. I can hear what the opposing viewpoint is and then start to form counterarguments. I get to watch the arguments that fall flat and know to not make the same mistakes as those did.

Add to Watch Later:

• The Money Making Expert (NEW): The 7,11,4 Hack That Turns $1 Into $10K Per Month! Daniel Priestley

• How To Build a Successful Brand In The Social Media World | GaryVee Q&A Fireside Chat

• 3 Steps To Make Money On Social Media In 2025 | GaryVee Keynote — Newtown High School

Psst. I made a Playlist on YouTube for the videos I’ve mentioned here so that you can always refer back to it!

Reading List

We Who Wrestle With God by Jordan Peterson

As I read through section 3 and continue to unpack the story of Cain and Abel, the chapters revolve around the dynamic between good and evil. Why do we choose evil? What is required of us to choose evil or to choose good? Good is the character with upward aim, Evil is the one with downward aim. It even touched on the political connection to such natures but I left off with the chapter on The Good Shepherd as Archetypal Leader. All of this is very enlightening, going in depth understanding human nature and predispositions. I’m continuing reading this as my “bedtime story” before bed. It’s lovely.

The Growth Log Library

I’ve compiled a list of the books that I mention in case you want to pick any of it up. Full disclosure, these are affiliate links. Doesn’t cost anything extra on your end, I just get a kickback if you use my link to make a purchase.