Mama Bear Apologetics

As we head into the summer months, we'll be revisiting some of our most popular and impactful Mama Bear Apologetics podcast episodes. These conversations continue to offer timely wisdom and practical encouragement for parents navigating today's cultural challenges. In this replay episode, Amy sits down with Molly DeFrank to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing families today: technology's influence on our children and how a digital detox can help restore healthier relationships, clearer thinking, and stronger family connections.

In todays episode, Amy interviews author and parenting advocate Molly DeFrank about the growing influence of screens...

Show NotesIn this Mama Bear Movie Minute, we discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures—a touching story about grief, purpose, friendship, and one unforgettable octopus. We explore the beautiful relationship between Tova, Cameron, and Marcellus, discuss themes of intergenerational mentorship, serving others, finding identity, and embracing the season God has placed us in. We also highlight a few worldview concerns, including the normalization of drug use in media, and share conversation starters to help families engage thoughtfully with the film.

In this Episode

01:08 Meet Tova, Cameron & Marcellus

04:00 Grief, Identity & the Search for Purpose

07:00 Th...

In this Father’s Day-focused episode, Amy welcomes her husband, Michael Davison, to discuss the restoration of biblical manhood, fatherhood, and discipleship in the home. Michael shares how a coworker’s assumption that he was an atheist became a profound wake-up call, revealing that he had compartmentalized his faith and failed to visibly represent Christ in his workplace.

The conversation explores the dangers of separating faith from everyday life, the cultural decline of male spiritual leadership, and the need for Christian men to reclaim their God-given role as disciples and leaders within their families. Michael explains how lean...

In this episode, Amy and Tricia continue their apologetics series exploring the top reasons Christianity is true by examining the possibility, purpose, and discernment of miracles. They discuss why belief in miracles is foundational to Christianity, particularly because the faith depends upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The conversation contrasts biblical miracles with frauds, paranormal claims, psychosomatic experiences, providential events, and demonic counterfeits. Using the example of John of God, a Brazilian faith healer later exposed as a fraud, they emphasize the importance of discernment in evaluating miracle claims. They explain how biblical miracles reveal God's character, authenticate His...

This episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast explores one of the biggest challenges to the Christian faith: the problem of evil. Amy & Tricia discuss how both children and adults wrestle with suffering, tragedy, and the existence of evil in a world created by a good and all-powerful God. Using scripture, philosophy, practical examples, and personal stories, they explain the difference between natural evil and moral evil, define goodness and evil from a biblical worldview, and demonstrate why evil actually points toward the existence of God rather than disproving Him.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactively...

In this episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast, Amy and Tricia Scribner continue their series on arguments for the existence of God by exploring the moral argument, also called the “right and wrong argument.” They explain that if objective moral laws exist, then there must be a moral lawgiver behind them. The conversation carefully distinguishes between descriptive statements (“what is”) and moral or prescriptive statements (“what ought to be”), arguing that morality cannot arise from impersonal forces or mere social convention.

Amy and Tricia address several common objections to objective morality, including moral relativism, emotional subjectivism, and Darwinia...

In this episode, Amy and Tricia Scribner explore how order and design in the universe point to an intelligent Creator. Building on prior discussions of truth and causation, they introduce the teleological argument—the idea that purposeful design requires a designer. From microscopic bacteria to the fine-tuning of the cosmos, the hosts demonstrate that both the smallest and largest aspects of reality exhibit complex, specified, and ordered patterns that cannot reasonably arise by chance. They connect science, logic, and everyday analogies (like puzzles and pickup sticks) to show that design implies intelligence, encouraging parents to help their children recognize God...

Amy sits down with Leslie Nunnery from Teach Them Diligently to re-center the conversation around discipleship as the true goal of parenting—not homeschooling itself. While many families consider homeschooling as a solution for raising faithful children, Leslie gently corrects this mindset: education is a tool, not the savior. The heart of the discussion is a shift from performance-based parenting (checking boxes, academic success) to relationship-driven discipleship (shaping hearts for Christ). Leslie introduces the idea of “heart schooling,” emphasizing that parents are called first to point their children to Jesus, not merely manage their education.

The conversation also h...

This episode walks listeners through one of the most foundational and powerful arguments for God’s existence—the cosmological (cause-and-effect) argument. Amy and Tricia build on earlier discussions about truth, logic, and worldview, showing that belief in God isn’t a leap in the dark but a conclusion supported by both reason and scientific evidence. They explain that everything that begins to exist must have a cause—and since the universe began to exist, it must also have a cause. Through accessible examples (like hot coffee cooling or balloons expanding), they demonstrate how scientific observations align with this logic.

The...

This episode lovingly equips parents to navigate the tension between fun Easter traditions and the truth of the resurrection. The hosts affirm that while eggs, bunnies, and cultural practices can be enjoyed, they should never overshadow the central claim of Christianity: Jesus truly lived, died, and rose again.

Lindsey and Robin address common internet claims about Easter’s supposed pagan origins, showing that much of the argument rests on weak historical evidence and linguistic confusion. The conversation then shifts to the heart of apologetics—can we trust the resurrection? Through historical references, medical analysis of crucifixion, and eyew...

In this episode, the focus is on worldviews—the lens through which people interpret reality. Tricia Scribner explains that everyone has a worldview, whether they realize it or not, and that lens shapes how we answer life’s biggest questions. The discussion centers on three foundational worldviews: theism, atheism, and pantheism, and how each one answers six essential questions about life: origins, identity, meaning, morality, knowledge, and destiny. By learning these six questions, parents can train their children to recognize the assumptions behind the messages they hear in music, social media, classrooms, and entertainment.

Rather than passively abso...

In this episode, the Mama Bears continue laying the groundwork for raising children who can stand firm in a culture that often sounds persuasive but isn’t logically sound. The focus is on self-refuting (or self-defeating) statements — claims that collapse under their own weight because they contradict themselves in the very act of being spoken. Our kids are growing up in a world saturated with emotionally charged slogans and viral soundbites. They are told things like “truth is relative,” “we can’t know truth,” or “science is the only source of truth.” These statements are often presented as intellectual or compassionate...

Amy and Tricia continue their classical apologetics series, diving into discursive reasoning—the step-by-step thinking process that distinguishes humans as rational beings made in God’s image.

This conversation is a mental workout (in the best way possible!). The mamas unpack the difference between deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning. They emphasize that Christianity does not require blind faith—it calls us to love God with our minds and think well. With practical examples—from the cosmological argument to presidential debates, to lipstick on the wall—the mamas show how logic protects our children from being swayed by emotional m...

In this foundational episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast Amy Davison and Tricia Scribner tackle the concept of truth in an age dominated by relativism and subjectivism. Drawing from Scripture, personal anecdotes, and years of experience in apologetics and teaching, the conversation provides a powerful defense of truth as objective, absolute, and rooted in God’s nature. The episode dismantles cultural misconceptions like "my truth" and "perception is reality" and explains why these ideas, though popular, are intellectually inconsistent and dangerous. The offer practical strategies for parents and grandparents to help their kids develop a clear, biblical understanding of...

Amy and Tricia, two of our Mama Bears, define logic and explain why it’s essential for critical thinking, biblical reasoning, and defending the Christian faith. They stress that logic isn’t made by humans—it’s discovered—and reflects an objective reality that testifies to the existence of God. The conversation explores the three foundational laws of logic (identity, excluded middle, non‑contradiction), shows how logic applies in everyday life and worldview discussions (including gender, truth claims, language, and worldview differences), and gives practical guidance for parents on how to help children recognize sound reasoning vs. faulty logic. They also ta...

In this episode of Mama Bear Apologetics, Amy hosts Krista Bontrager (a public theologian with decades of experience) to unpack why theology is foundational for Christian living. They define theology, remove intimidation around it, talk about practical ways families can study theology with kids, and point listeners to resources that make theology accessible. The big idea centers around this: theology equips Christians to think well about God so that apologetics isn’t just reactive but rooted in truth. They stress that theology is not just for “academics in tweed jackets,” is essential for discipling children, and that everyday families can be...

In this Christmas‑themed podcast, the Mama Bear team addresses the biggest questions Christian parents often hear around the holiday season. They explain what Christmas is truly about, how to talk to children about Jesus and Christmas, and address common controversies like whether Christmas is pagan, the role of Santa Claus, and what phrases like “Happy Holidays” mean. They also share practical tradition ideas families can adopt, and recommend books and resources that help keep Christ at the center of the season.

Main Points Covered

In this episode, Amy reflect on the season of Advent and how it points believers toward four core spiritual truths — hope, spiritual warfare (peace), worship (joy), and human dignity (love). Christmas is not about the trappings of the season (lights, gifts, cookies), but about celebrating the coming of Christ, renewing hope, engaging in the cosmic battle against evil, worshiping God, and affirming the value of every human life. She encourages listeners to live out these truths practically — through grief with hope, spiritual headship and discipleship at home, heartfelt worship amid busyness, and compassionate generosity toward the vulnerable — so that their f...

In this episode, Amy is joined by Tricia Scribner, a classical apologist, to explore how we can know Christianity is true. They walk through a systematic, logical framework known as classical apologetics, beginning with the existence of truth and culminating in the evidence for Christ's resurrection and divinity. They compare this approach with cultural apologetics and emphasize the importance of understanding presuppositions in conversations about faith. The episode provides a high-level overview of the evidential and logical basis for Christianity’s truth claims and previews an upcoming series that will break down 20 evidences for the Christian faith.

Ma...

On this episode, we are revisiting the concept of ghosts. Every year around this time, we start to see more depictions, decorations, and stories about ghosts —and your kids may be hearing more about them at school. But what are they? We will be examining the idea of ghosts using our ROAR method. What are they? What are the common misconceptions around ghosts and the supernatural? What does the bible say about ghosts and how are Christians supposed to engage this topic? Our hope is that you will be able to use the tools outlined in this episode to he...

This episode of Mama Bear Apologetics explores the spiritual dangers behind the Enneagram and the teachings of Richard Rohr, particularly how they subtly oppose biblical Christianity. Amy is joined by fellow Mama Bear Alexa Cramer, who explains how Rohr redefines key Christian concepts like Jesus, sin, salvation, and the Bible itself. While Rohr’s language may sound Christian, his theology is rooted in mysticism, perennialism, and a pantheistic view of God—where all people and things are seen as inherently divine. The episode outlines how such teachings undermine the gospel and can mislead Christians, especially children, who may encounter the...

Amy is joined by Tricia Scribner to encourage and equip grandparents for intentional discipleship. Using the cultural moment sparked by Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Tricia challenges older believers not to “pass the baton,” but to “get in the game.”Grandparents often underestimate their influence, yet they are among the top voices teens turn to for questions about faith and life. Tricia emphasizes that this season of life—with more free time and hard-earned wisdom—is ideal for re-engaging in spiritual formation. She counters the lies that older Christians “can’t learn” or are “no longer relevant,” offering practical ways to grow in apologetics...

In this somber episode, we reflect on the tragic and violent loss of Charlie Kirk. Just hours before he was killed, Charlie shared his favorite verse—Romans 8:28—a verse that has become a guiding light for many through the grief and confusion left in the wake of his death. Our hope with this episode is to give parents some tools for walking through this tragedy with kids who may be affected by it. We offer a biblical framework for looking at it as well as some practical advice. We want to encourage families to grieve deeply, to lament biblically, and t...

This episode tackles the cultural lie of Best-Selfism — the belief that personal happiness and fulfillment should be the highest priorities in life, often at the expense of faith and family. Host Amy Davison argues that this ideology, endorsed by celebrities like Tom Brady and various influencers, is a destructive blend of emotionalism, self-help, and idol worship. Contrasting this worldview, they uplift Scotty Scheffler’s Christ-centered perspective, where faith and family take precedence over personal or professional success. The episode emphasizes the biblical model of self-denial, sacrificial love, and discipleship within the home.

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Main Points Covered

In this episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast, Hillary, Amy and Alexa analyze the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters using their ROAR method: Recognize the message, Offer objective discernment, Argue for a healthier approach, and Reinforce through discussion, discipleship, and prayer. With the film gaining popularity among teens and younger audiences, they break down the worldview behind the catchy music, vibrant visuals, and overarching narrative. They highlight both accurate portrayals of spiritual warfare and problematic messages such as redefining sin, the role and reality of the demonic and fighting shame with pride...which is counter to the Gospel...

In this episode, we tackle a hot-button question that’s tripping up Christians left and right: Can Christians judge? And if so, how do we do it well and teach our kids to do the same? We dive into this by unpacking the recent backlash against Chip and Joanna Gaines for featuring a homosexual couple on their new show and Chip's comments that Christians are part of a "judge first, understand never" culture. We explore what Scripture actually says about judgment—particularly looking at Matthew 7:1 and John 7:24—and clarify that while we aren't called to condemn (only God does that...

Welcome back, Mama Bears—and this week, we’re tagging in the Papa Bears! In part two of our conversation with Shane Winnings (Army vet, former cop, and now CEO of Promise Keepers), we go full throttle into what it means for men to lead their families biblically—as protector, provider, and priest. Spoiler alert: this isn’t just about paying the bills or owning a shotgun. We’re talking spiritual warfare, intentional discipleship, and standing between your kids and cultural chaos.

Shane pulls zero punches as he calls men to reject passivity and step into their God-given...

This month, we're turning the spotlight on our Papa Bears—and what better way to kick it off than with Shane Winnings, the new CEO of Promise Keepers! In this episode, we dive into Shane’s powerful testimony—from military life and law enforcement to full-time ministry—and his heart for helping men stand firm in their God-given identity. We talk about the challenges facing men today, the spiritual attacks on biblical masculinity, and how the church (and us mamas!) can partner in equipping and encouraging the men in our lives. Shane shares real, practical insight on discipleship, marriage, and how...

Hey Mama Bears! In this special episode, we’re lightening things up with a hilarious and heartfelt collection of real-life “mom fails” and kid shenanigans straight from our own community. From toddlers cleaning toilets with sriracha to spontaneous airport throw-up disasters (yes, really), this episode is all about laughing through the chaos and remembering God’s grace in the middle of motherhood mayhem. We wrap it up with a powerful reminder from Proverbs 31 and a sweet prayer to send you into summer with joy, encouragement, and a whole lotta hope.

Main Points Covered

Hey Mama Bears! In this special episode, we’re turning the tables a bit. Instead of pouring out more theology and apologetics for parenting (don’t worry—it’s coming!), we’re pouring into you. We sat down with Kate Henderson and Rebecca Bradford from Gather Moms, a gospel-centered ministry equipping moms to be intentional, supported, and rooted in biblical truth. We talked about everything from the overwhelm of modern motherhood to practical ways the church and family can support mamas in the trenches. Whether you’re knee-deep in diapers or navigating teenage hormones, this episode will encourage your heart, remin...

Can modesty actually be an act of worship? And what does that even look like in a world where “less is more” seems to be the fashion motto? In this episode, we dive into the ever-relevant and controversial topic of modesty—but not in a finger-waggy, rulebook kind of way. We’re talking about modesty as a form of worship that honors both God and the bodies He gave us. From 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 to 1 Peter 3:3-4, we unpack what Scripture actually says about how we present ourselves—especially in an era where TikTok trends and Insta-influencers are shaping how our daughte...

Hey Mama Bears! In this episode, Hilary and Amy tackle a growing trend we’ve seen online: calling out churches in a way that crosses from accountability into straight-up bashing. One post in particular claimed that churches without special needs ministries are leading people away from God—and whew, we’ve got thoughts. We unpack the difference between genuine concerns and unfair criticism, especially when it comes to things like flashy worship, big congregations, and limited resources. Are we pointing out sin, or just style differences?

We want to explore this topic with grace, wisdom and discernment. So we...

Hey Mama Bears! Today, we’re tackling some big misconceptions about the Holy Spirit. He’s not just a mystical force or a gut feeling—He’s a person, fully God, with wisdom, and power. And getting this right matters! A.W. Tozer and R.A. Torrey remind us that a faulty view of the Holy Spirit can lead to serious theological errors. So, let’s dive into Scripture—Acts, Romans, and Galatians—to see who He really is and what that means for us.

Now, what’s the real evidence of the Spirit at work? It’s not just spiritu...

Hey Mama bears (and Papa Bears too!), let’s talk about something super important—how we read the Bible. It’s not just about opening the pages and hoping for a divine light bulb moment. Nope! If we’re not careful, we can end up twisting Scripture to say what we want it to say instead of what God actually meant.That’s why we’re diving into biblical interpretation—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts both our faith and our kids’. We’re navigating the difference between Exegesis (drawing out what Scripture actually says) and Eisegesis (rea...

In this episode, we’re exploring the intersection of Christian values and politics in a divided world. How do we apply our faith in the political realm? We’ll discuss the importance of humility in conversations, especially with teens who are forming their own views.

We’ll also examine the roles of government and church in issues like border policies through the lens of Scripture, looking at Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter. And we discuss essential rules and tools for how to navigate these, very oftentimes, difficult conversations with those you disagree with — emphasizing the importance of clear definiti...

Join us in this episode as we explore the insights from Wesley Huff's impactful interviews, notably his appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast as well as a pivotal discussion with Billy Carson, hosted by Mark Maynard. We highlight how Huff's composed and respectful defense of faith amidst hostility serves as a remarkable model for teaching children critical thinking and biblical love. On this episode, we will explore five things we can practice in becoming better apologists, emphasizing the importance of preparing for and engaging in challenging conversations.

We will wrap up with how parents can effectively engage with...

Join us as we kick off the new year with a conversation about prayer, featuring Julie Loos, co-author of "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears." We explore the challenges that mothers face, such as the guilt from busy schedules and the fear of missing opportunities to teach children about prayer. Julie's story is a testament to the power of prayer in personal faith and spiritual warfare, offering encouragement to mothers eager to strengthen their prayer lives and pass on a legacy of faith.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the unique nature of each child's faith journey and the...

Have you ever faced the heart-wrenching challenge of having your child walk away from their faith? On this episode, Mary Comm joins us to share her profound journey of learning to love and relate to her adult prodigal child. With authenticity and vulnerability, Mary opens up about her own past as a prodigal, shedding light on the nuanced differences between genuine estrangement and simple familial disagreements. This episode promises a wealth of guidance for parents navigating these emotionally charged waters, especially within the Christian community. We discuss the spiritual battles faced by families, drawing wisdom from biblical stories like...

This episode of Mama Bear Apologetics takes you on a journey through the creative landscape of the new Netflix movie "Mary," directed by D.J. Caruso. Drawing inspiration from the pseudo-evangelical book of James, we dissect how this film reimagines the Christmas story, providing parents with guidance on navigating its differences from biblical accounts. Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to foster meaningful conversations with your kids about faith, scripture, and the importance of historical and theological contexts.

We consider the creative liberties taken by the filmmakers and how these narrative choices can...

Join us in this thought-provoking episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast as we tackle the challenging task of discussing racism and social justice with children from a biblical perspective. We're excited to welcome our friends and esteemed guests, Krista Bontrager and Monique D

uson, authors of the insightful book "Walking in Unity." Together, we explore how to communicate love, justice, and racial unity amidst today's tense political climate. We emphasize the importance of defining terms clearly and understanding their roots in social sciences, ensuring that parents and educators can engage in meaningful conversations with the younger...