Christian Parent, Crazy World

How Can a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering? Wrestling with the Toughest Question in Faith For many parents—and for the next generation—one question stands above the rest as the #1 barrier to Christian belief: If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil and suffering in the world? This episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World dives bravely into that profound dilemma, equipping parents to address their children’s toughest doubts and their own deepest struggles. Join host Catherine as she sits down with Dr. Douglas Groothuis, one of the most respected minds in Christian apologetics. Dr. Groothuis is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University, and the author of over 20 books, including the acclaimed Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. Beyond his accolades, listeners will be moved by Dr. Groothuis’s personal journey through heartbreak and grief, offering a unique blend of intellectual rigor and heartfelt empathy. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Why Every Worldview Faces the Problem of Evil Dr. Groothuis breaks down why not just Christianity, but every philosophy—atheism, pantheism, secularism—must wrestle with the existence of evil. Discover how Christianity uniquely anchors the concepts of good and evil. A Personal Journey Through Suffering In a moving account, Dr. Groothuis shares how the loss of his brilliant wife Rebecca to dementia challenged—and deepened—his faith, giving listeners a firsthand look at trusting God in the depths of pain 16:55. The “Greater Good” and Soul-Making Explore the idea that God can use pain, loss, and evil for a greater good—one we may not fully see from our limited vantage. As Dr. Groothuis says, “I can trust the God who I know for the things I can’t understand” 16:49. Lament: Biblical Permission to Grieve with God The conversation tackles the Biblical tradition of lament—bringing our confusion, anger, and sorrow honestly to God. Dr. Groothuis points to the Psalms and the disciples’ struggles, reminding us that doubt and pain are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust 31:19. Answering Teens’ Toughest Questions From why God couldn’t create a world with free will and no evil, to whether evil actually exists, the episode tackles real questions from young people with honesty, logic, and compassion. Heaven: The True Hope for Suffering Believers Dr. Groothuis illuminates the ultimate Christian hope—a new heavens and new earth where suffering is redeemed, not forgotten, and God’s presence is our deepest joy 54:56. Notable Moments & Quotes: “I can trust the God who I know is there for the things that I can’t understand.” — Dr. Groothuis “Every worldview has a problem with evil—it’s not just Christianity.” — Dr. Groothuis “Jesus is the only one who has the words of life.” — Catherine 01:02:51 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain.” — CS Lewis, quoted by Catherine 44:37 “Where else are we going to go? Nothing else will satisfy.” — Catherine reflecting on Peter’s words 35:06 Why This Matters: For Christian parents, the challenge of suffering is not just an abstract question—it strikes at the heart of faith formation in our families. This episode arms parents with both deeply reasoned answers and encouragement to walk alongside their children in seasons of doubt, suffering, or loss. Modern Application: No home is untouched by suffering. Parents, are you equipped to guide your children through questions about God’s goodness in a hurting world? Can your family find meaning in pain, and hold onto hope in hardship? About the Guest: Dr. Douglas Groothuis is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University and the author of over 20 books, including Christian Apologetics and Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament. His insights come not only from scholarly study, but from a heart acquainted with sorrow and a faith refined by fire. EPISODE LINKS: Dr. Groothuis' Website Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament Truth Tribe Podcast with Dr. Groothuis Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S. (Baptist News Global, 6/8/18) Thought-Provoking Question: How is your family responding to the painful “why” questions of life? Are you willing to walk with your children into the hard places—and point them toward the only One who holds the words of life? Tune in for an episode that will challenge, comfort, and equip you to lead your family with courageous faith—even when the answers aren’t easy. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At some point, every Christian parent finds themselves facing “giants” — immense obstacles and seemingly impossible circumstances that stand between them and God’s promises. How you respond in these moments determines whether you move forward into the life God intends, or let fear and discouragement hold you back. In this deeply personal and practical episode, Catherine invites listeners into her own challenging season—her husband’s unexpected job loss, a year of solo parenting, and a disastrous home renovation that threatened to derail everything. With remarkable honesty, Catherine unpacks the real struggles families encounter as they pursue God’s calling in the midst of overwhelming adversity. But this episode is more than a story of hardship. Catherine shares six powerful, actionable steps for any believer facing a giant—whether in their marriage, career, finances, health, or faith: Gain God’s Perspective: When circumstances look hopeless, seek to see your situation through God's eyes—not just the intimidating physical realities (08:01). Drawing inspiration from Elisha’s story in 2 Kings 6, Catherine encourages listeners to pray for spiritual vision that reveals God’s power at work beyond what’s visible. Keep Your Eyes on God, Not the Enemy: It’s tempting to focus on the size of your problems, but victory comes from fixing your gaze on the God who is bigger than any obstacle (13:10). Stories of Moses and Peter remind us that fear grows when we focus on the enemy, but faith grows when we focus on God. Find Your Fight Songs: Worship is a weapon. Catherine describes how building a playlist of battle songs, like "Greater is He" by Blanca, helped her replace fear with hope—even when nothing changed externally (18:09). She urges parents to let worship shape their outlook during trials. Gather Your Weapons: Know and wield the Word of God. Catherine describes creating lists of personalized scriptures to pray daily over her children, her family, and her battles. She emphasizes the importance of having these spiritual “weapons” ready before the fight comes (22:41). Partner in Prayer: Giants don’t fall through solo efforts—find others to pray with and for you. Whether it’s a spouse, small group, or prayer team, uniting faith with others shifts the battle (27:08). Speak to Your Giant—Prophesy Its Future: Refuse to agree with the enemy’s narrative. Catherine recounts how publicly rejecting the enemy’s threats and speaking agreement with God’s promises led to unexpected breakthroughs—in her bathroom remodel, in her home sale, and in her family’s future (31:05). She clarifies: this isn’t “name it, claim it” theology, but the biblical principle of aligning your words and faith with God's revealed plan rather than fear. By sharing her vulnerability, setbacks, and ultimate victories, Catherine both comforts and challenges parents: your fight with giants is part of God’s story for you. This episode provides not only encouragement, but also a spiritual toolkit you can use immediately—so you can keep moving toward God’s promises, no matter how daunting the battle seems. Resources and Further Support Free scripture resources and faith-building tools available at Catherine’s website Blanca "Greater Is He" For any parent standing at their own “Red Sea,” this episode equips you to see beyond your current circumstances, lean into practical faith, and trust the God who is always greater than your giant. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Too often, our entire healthcare system is designed to chase symptoms, not solutions. We numb the pain, mask the problem, and patch the visible cracks—rarely pausing to dig for the real reason something is wrong. But what if this approach is quietly failing our children and families, creating lifelong challenges where there could have been correction and healing? In this memorable episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked arenas where symptom-chasing can rob families of true wellness: our children’s oral and airway health during sleep. Bringing practical wisdom, expert insight, and personal experience, Catherine is joined by Dr. Kallie Hale—one of the country’s leading dentists specializing in dental sleep medicine and airway health. Free Dental Airway Assessment: Visit www.toothpillow.com/cpcw and use CODE: CPCW to get a free upgrade that includes a full video assessment, a $50 value. Meet the Guest: Dr. Kallie Hale is the co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of The Airway Dentists and the founder of Tooth Pillow, a teledentistry platform helping families nationwide address airway-related root causes of health issues. With a national speaking career and a passion for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Hale has made it her mission to change how dentistry and medicine care for children’s well-being—by getting to the source of symptoms rather than merely managing them. Episode Highlights & Key Insights: The “duct tape” problem in medicine and parenting: Many health challenges—headaches, poor sleep, crooked teeth, even mental health—are met with short-term remedies rather than curiosity about their origins (Catherine, 03:38). Oral health, airway function, and your child’s future: Dr. Hale describes how issues like crooked teeth, mouth breathing, tooth grinding, and even bedwetting can signal deep-seated airway problems that affect not just dental aesthetics, but growth, learning, and emotional health (Dr. Hale, 12:00). Rethinking orthodontics: For generations, standard dental practice has started “too late,” waiting until adolescence to straighten teeth and sometimes extracting healthy teeth—while missing the root cause: underdeveloped jaw and airway structures. Dr. Hale urges, “The way we do our orthodontic treatment on our children now will determine how they live for the rest of their life, and how they age.” (Dr. Kallie Hale, 13:41) Signs parents can’t afford to ignore: Grinding, snoring, chronic tiredness, allergies, dark under-eye circles, and persistent bedwetting are early warning lights on the dashboard. “That’s your check engine light,” warns Dr. Hale. From symptom to solution: Tooth Pillow—a simple, child-friendly appliance—offers early, gentle intervention that addresses the root of airway-related dental and sleep struggles, and their virtual platform means families everywhere can access screening and help. Spiritual parallels: Just like in health, our faith calls us to look below the surface—not just masking the manifest struggles but seeking the deeper heart issues, trusting God to reveal the true diagnosis and pathway to healing. Catherine shares personal anecdotes—her own long path through dental fixes, her children’s struggles, and the frustration of being offered “duct tape” solutions, never a path to wholeness. Dr. Hale vulnerably discusses what it cost her to become a voice for root-cause medicine in a profession slow to change, and how she’s equipping parents to “challenge the narrative” in everything—from their dentist’s advice to the way they advocate for their children’s health and future. Are you masking symptoms or courageously seeking the root? As Christian parents, we’re called not just to fix what’s on the surface, but to ask better questions, seek deeper truth, and partner with God in healing—from head to heart. Don’t miss this episode for hope, wisdom, and a practical roadmap to get out of the symptom-chasing maze and into true wellness for your whole family. Take Action: Has your parenting or healthcare journey been focused on surface fixes? Visit www.toothpillow.com/cpcw and use CODE: CPCW to get a free upgrade that includes a full video assessment, a $50 value. Instead of just a form response, one of their doctors records a video walking through your child's photos one by one, explaining exactly what they see, why it matters, and what they recommend. You watch it on your own time, revisit it later, or share it with family. Where is God calling me to look deeper—to discover the root, restore what’s broken, and help my child become all He created them to be? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is no greater heartbreak for a Christian parent than watching a beloved child drift away from the faith. Yet in today’s world, navigating doubt and rebellion in our kids is increasingly common — and even the most dedicated parents may find themselves walking the painful road of the prodigal. In this powerful and hope-filled episode, Catherine concludes her two-part “Best Of” series on Gen Z with Laurie Christine , originally aired on Redeeming the Chaos. Together, they tackle the hard questions: How do you parent a child who’s struggling in their faith? How do you protect your relationship and retain influence when your child is questioning, doubting, or rejecting core beliefs? What actions can help draw a wandering heart back — and what parental mistakes might actually push them further away? Seven Big Reasons Gen Z Is Leaving the Faith Catherine briefly recaps the top reasons young people cite for leaving Christianity, referencing Barna Research: Struggling with the existence of evil and suffering Perceiving Christians as hypocrites Belief that science contradicts the Bible Dismissing Christianity as a “fairy tale” Disillusionment over injustices in Christian history Apathy or perceived irrelevance of church Negative experiences with Christians or church Guidance for Parents Navigating a Prodigal Child's Journey With raw honesty and wisdom, Catherine draws from her own family’s story and years of hosting Christian Parent Crazy World. She and Laurie Christine outline practical steps — and critical mindset shifts — for parents of teens and adult children who are wrestling with faith: Prayer is your first line of defense. Catherine emphasizes the unique spiritual authority parents have in prayer over their children, describing the importance of persistent, faith-filled intercession. Know your stage of parenting. Are you a caregiver, cop, coach, or counselor? Catherine details how your approach must shift as your child grows, especially in the late teen and adult years. Lead with unconditional love. Affirm your love no matter your child’s beliefs or choices. Laurie Christine highlights the importance of commending kids when they open up about doubt or disagreement, not reacting with panic or punishment. Set and communicate healthy boundaries. While extending grace, be clear about the behavioral standards for living in your home — but avoid enabling harmful choices. Don’t give endless sermons. Teens know what you believe. What they need now is to see the love of Christ in action and to encounter God for themselves. Reject the urge to convince, convict, coerce, or control. Catherine unpacks how these tactics either step into God’s role or mirror the enemy’s strategies. Instead, keep your focus on love, wise counsel, and prayer. Humble yourself and own your mistakes. Apologize when you’ve erred. Humility builds bridges and trust. Releasing Guilt and Entrusting Your Child to God Every parent will wonder “What did I do wrong?” Catherine compassionately reassures listeners that even a perfect parent—God Himself—had two children in the Garden who chose rebellion. She delineates what is a parent’s responsibility, what belongs to the child, and what only God can do. Parents must let go of crushing guilt and trust God’s relentless pursuit of prodigals. Practical Resources Catherine references a bundle of free resources for parents of prodigals, including scripture prayer lists and episode archives, available at her website. Powerful Reminders Above all, Catherine reminds parents that God’s love is unconditional — “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christian parents must model this same radical love, never shunning, always hoping, and continually interceding for their children. Guest Bio: Laurie Christine is host of Redeeming the Chaos and a mother of four boys. Her passion is equipping moms to raise courageous sons rooted in Christ. This honest and practical episode is a lifeline for any parent feeling the heartbreak of doubt, struggle, or estrangement. Whether your child is beginning to question, entrenched in rebellion, or seemingly far from God, you’ll find encouragement, wisdom, and hope for the journey. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Parents cannot afford to ignore why so many Gen Zers are walking away from Christianity. Understanding the reasons behind this dramatic cultural shift is essential for any Christian parent hoping to nurture enduring faith in their children. In this sobering and highly relevant episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine is joined by guest Laurie Christine (author, podcast host, and biblical parenting coach) for a deep dive into the top seven reasons Gen Z is leaving the faith. Pulling from recent Barna research, Catherine outlines the most prominent factors cited by young people, including the prevalence of evil and suffering, hypocrisy within the church, challenges regarding science, accusations that Christianity is “fairy tale,” historical injustices, church irrelevance, and personal bad experiences with Christians. Each of these issues is explored, not only in terms of what is driving the exodus but with practical suggestions and resources for parents at every stage—from young children in the home to teens on the brink of adulthood. Key Points Covered: A Crisis of Worldview in Churches Only 37% of pastors and 51% of evangelical pastors have a biblical worldview (09:24), according to the American Worldview Inventory. Parents are cautioned not to outsource spiritual formation solely to churches—home must be the primary place for faith development. The Power and Pervasiveness of Cultural Influence Social media, internet, and secular worldviews bombard kids daily, requiring parents to proactively engage in conversations about pantheism, secularism, suffering, identity, and more (10:49). Barna’s Seven Reasons Gen Z Is Leaving the Faith (12:02), (32:55) 1. I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world (29%): see EPISODE 66 w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis 2. Christians are hypocrites (23%) 3. I believe science refutes too much of the Bible (20%) See Dr. Stephen Meyer: Signature in the Cell, The Return of the God Hypothesis, and Darwin’s Doubt; also see Dr. John Lennox (The “God Delusion “ Debate with Richard Dawkins) 4. I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%) see “The Case for Christ” & “The Case for Christ for Kids” by Lee Strobel 5. There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity (15%) see Episode 9: How Does Christian Worldview Creates the World We all Want to Live”, see Episodes 93, 94, & 95 w/ Os Guinness 6. I used to go to church, but it’s just not important to me anymore (12%) 7. I had a bad experience in church/with a Christian (6%) see Episodes 39, 40, 41, & 42; see “When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional & Spiritual Abuse” by Dr. Chuck DeGroat Parenting Solutions for Each Season Practical foundation-building for young children: daily devotions, scripture memory using music, and apologetics resources like Foundation Worldview (21:45). Teen and adult strategies: prioritizing tough conversations, choosing churches wisely, and seeking out other trusted Christian influences when parental voice decreases (19:08), (25:20). The unique call to pray for, encourage, and intentionally speak truth into the distinctive gifts and struggles of each child. Featured Resources Foundation Worldview curriculum (with discount code) Books: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, Signature in the Cell by Dr. Stephen Meyer, When Narcissism Comes to Church by Dr. Chuck DeGrow Podcast episode recommendations for parents of prodigals and those wrestling with the problem of evil Guest bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, wife, and mom to four adventurous boys. She leads Redeeming the Chaos, equipping moms of boys to raise courageous kids rooted in Christ. Want deeper guidance? Subscribe to Catherine’s website for a free prodigal bundle (podcasts, articles, scripture lists, and music), plus weekly encouragement and parenting resources. For parents walking the prodigal path, there is hope—you are not alone. Do not miss this critical conversation—because if we want to help Gen Z return to the faith, we must first understand why they’re leaving. RESOURCES REFERENCED AND CITED: “Emerging Gen Z may deliver huge blow to religion in U.S.” by Jeff Brumley (June 8, 2018) The American Worldview Inventory in 2022 highlights worldview beliefs of American pastors. “Only Half of Evangelical Pastors Possess a Christian Worldview: Incidence Even Lower for Most Denominations” (Cultural Research Cente::ACU) ACU Cultural Research Center Worldview Inventory 2020-current Foundation Worldview Curriculum (use “CPCW10” code for 10% discount) Apologia: What We Believe (4 volume set) EPISODES CITED: Episode 57: “How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz Episode 58: “7 Lies Culture is Selling Our Kids: Are They Buying?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz Episode 72: “What Do People Leaving the Faith often Get Wrong about God?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowics Episode 84: “How To Learn More Scripture in 2024 Than You Ever Have Before” w/ Zac Fitzsimmons Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.