Episode Archive - Page 36 of 60 - Plain Bible Teaching

Andy Sochor July 2, 2019

Socialism (Season 13, Episode 9)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Socialism can take various forms, but the most common way it is used today is to describe a particular political ideology. In a nutshell, socialism is the belief that a central, national government ought to oversee and control all aspects of the economy, rather than leaving private businesses and individuals to conduct their business as they see fit. It is rooted in the notion that all property and wealth is to be shared and the national government is the entity which determines how they are to be shared. Of necessity, socialism demands a strong centralized government to be able to function in this way.

Those who argue in favor of socialism will often claim that it is the fairest way for a society to function economically and that it protects individuals from wealthy individuals or big corporations. Many will even attempt to use the Bible in order to defend this idea. One alleged example of socialism that is commonly given is that of the early Christians who sold their property to share with those who were in need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).

Mentioned in this episode:

A 2018 Gallup poll found that 37% of Americans had a positive view of socialism.
Among young Americans (ages 18-29), 51% have a positive view of socialism compared to 45% who view capitalism positively.
Civil Government by David Lipscomb
The Evils of Socialism by W. F. Lemmons

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Andy Sochor June 25, 2019

Atheism (Season 13, Episode 8)

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Atheism (Season 13, Episode 8)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Atheism is the belief that there is no God. It is related to humanism and secularism. Humanism is the philosophical belief that values human reasoning over religion and superstition. Being opposed to religion, humanism embraces secularism.

Those who argue in favor of atheism will claim that there is no evidence for the existence of God. Those who embrace atheism and humanism believe that society is better off without religion. They believe that the universe came about by chance and that we are the product of evolution. Some atheists/humanists are indifferent toward religion while others are openly antagonistic toward “people of faith.”

Mentioned in this episode:

A 2014 study found that just 3.1% of Americans identified themselves as atheists.
However, the “nones” – a category which includes atheists, agnostics, and those who say their religion is “nothing in particular” – grew to 23% of the United States population in 2014. The same study found that the “nones” are becoming less religious.
About 62% of Americans believe that humans evolved over time, but just 33% believe that humans and other living things evolved solely through natural processes.
Daniel Sommer on the Foolishness of Atheism
Plain Sermons by Daniel Sommer

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Andy Sochor June 18, 2019

Drug Abuse (Season 13, Episode 7)

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Drug Abuse (Season 13, Episode 7)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Drug abuse is a broad topic. It includes illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, etc.), legal drugs (alcohol and tobacco), and even prescription drugs. This lesson is not about the medicinal use of drugs but the recreational use of such substances.

Those who argue in favor of recreational drug use (including “social drinking”) will often argue that as long as they remain in control and do not use these substances in excess or to the point of harming themselves or others, it is perfectly fine. As a way to justify their behavior, it is common for those who want to defend drug and alcohol use to liken it to eating unhealthy foods.

Mentioned in this episode:

Drug Abuse Symptoms, Facts, and Statistics

Tagged With: alcohol, drugs Leave a Comment

Andy Sochor June 11, 2019

Racism (Season 13, Episode 6)

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Racism (Season 13, Episode 6)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Racism can take on different forms and exist in various degrees. A milder form of racism may simply mean that one views his own race as superior to other races (or possibly over one race that has been singled out in particular). More extreme forms of racism can include hostility and even violence against others based on their race.

Those who argue in favor of racism will often cite common prejudices or negative stereotypes as the basis for looking down upon a particular race. Personal anecdotes are often used to support racist arguments (a negative experience with one person can be used to portray everyone of that race in the same light). Some will even use the Bible (more accurately, they will misuse it) to argue in favor of racism.

Mentioned in this episode:

In a 2017 study, 58% of Americans viewed racism as a “big problem in our society.” Breaking down this number, 81% of blacks said racism is a big problem in society today compared to just 52% of whites.

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Andy Sochor June 4, 2019

Gender Roles (Season 13, Episode 5)

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Gender Roles (Season 13, Episode 5)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Gender roles are about the responsibilities that men have as men and women have as women. Most instructions in the Bible are not specific to gender – they are for all people. But there are some that are specifically for either men or women.

Many argue that there are no specific gender roles. They claim that there should be no difference between what a man can do and what a woman can do. On the extreme of this issue is the “feminist ideology.” In addition to confusing/changing gender roles, feminist ideology also embraces abortion, lesbianism, and hostility toward males (to include the assumption of guilt in every accusation of sexual assault).

Mentioned in this episode:

Tagged With: home, women, women preachers Leave a Comment

Andy Sochor May 28, 2019

Transgenderism (Season 13, Episode 4)

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Transgenderism (Season 13, Episode 4)

In this season, we’re discussing social issues – problems that are facing our society and what the Bible has to say about these issues.

Transgenderism has become a “hot topic” lately. It is often grouped together with homosexual causes (LGBT). However, this is not about sexuality, but identity. Homosexuality is an attraction to those of the same sex/gender. Transgenderism is about how one identifies himself/herself.

Those who argue on behalf of transgenderism claim that these individuals are being true to themselves and that the sex they were assigned at birth is different from who they are inside (how they identify themselves). They claim this is not a choice (for example, a man might choose to wear women’s clothing but not be transgender).

Mentioned in this episode: