Breakpoint

Want to improve your life? Open the Bible at least four times a week. __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

For the disbelieving youth, remembrance is more important than ever. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

The national champion in college football has been crowned. Players from both Ohio State and Notre Dame make news during the week for their outspoken faith. An inauguration, controversial sermons, and a host of executive orders made Washington D.C. a very lively place last week. And former Planned Parenthood head Cecile Richards passed away. Recommendations Breakpoint: Everybody Was Talking About Jesus Monday Night, even Scott Van Pelt WORLD: Ohio State's season of purpose WORLD: Dystopia on a New York subway Segment 1 - Faith and Football Breakpoint: Everybody Was Talking About Jesus Monday Night, even Scott Van Pelt FOX: Riley Leonard on Ohio State and Notre Dame's faith Segment 2 - Wild Week in Washington TIME: 'I Am Not Going to Apologize': The Bishop Who Confronted Trump Speaks Out AP: Everything Trump did in the first executive orders and actions of his presidency Segment 3 - Former Planned Parenthood Leader Dies Washington Post: Former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards dies at 67 __________ Become a monthly partner for the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/monthly.

We are all theologians. The church needs good ones. ___________ Support the ongoing production of Breakpoint by becoming a monthly partner at colsoncenter.org/monthly.

But does God really care who wins the Super Bowl? __________ Find more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment at Breakpoint.org.

Ancient finding may mean Christianity spread wider and faster than once thought. ____________ For more resoruces to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

When it comes to marriage, the GOP looks bluer than ever. Related Resource What Would You Say?: Is Cohabitation Good for Relationships? ___________ Register for the upcoming Breakpoint Forum: A New Sexual Revolution at colsoncenter.org/phoenix.

Chuck Colson on the uniqueness of this day. Related Resources: What Would You Say?: Should Christians Vote? Breakpoint Forum: Should Christians Get Political? ___________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

This is the final week of the Biden administration. John and Maria look back at the political landscape. Professional and college athletes are getting more comfortable talking about their faith. What's driving the trend? And the Andrew Tate debate has many asking, "What is Masculinity?" Segment 1 - Political Transition CNN: Key lines from President Joe Biden's farewell address CBS: Meta ends diversity programs, joining McDonald's, Walmart and other major companies to back off DEI How the News Makes Us Dumb: The Death of Wisdom in an Information Society by C. John Sommerville Segment 2 - Faith in Sports John Stonestreet on Culture Friday: Faith, forgiveness, and football Christian Post: Hundreds gather, dozens baptized at revival event on Ohio State University campus Sports Spectrum: Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard believes 'this team trusts in Jesus' ahead of title game Athletes in Action Breakpoint: OU Softball Team and the Culture of Joy ACSI Rooted Conference Segment 3 - Christian Masculinity Breakpoint: Using Fathers to Close Prisons - Dr. Anthony Bradley __________ Register for the upcoming Breakpoint Forum: A New Sexual Revolution at colsoncenter.org/phoenix. Become a monthly partner for the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/monthly.

The freak-out for "rights" is about image bearers at war with themselves. Christians can help. What Would You Say?: I Don't Like Abortion, but Should it be Illegal? __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

One act of faith is using finances well. Learn more about Compass and the resources they have for various demographics at compassfinancialministry.org. __________ Support the ongoing production of Breakpoint by becoming a monthly donor at colsoncenter.org/monthly.

Making home ownership a Christian cause. ___________ Find more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment at Breakpoint.org.

Aggressive sex identity messaging may be in retreat in 2025. ___________ Register for the upcoming Breakpoint Forum: A New Sexual Revolution at colsoncenter.org/phoenix.

The virtual sexual revolution and a new kind of tyranny. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

John and Maria discuss the devastating fires ravaging Southern California, a new report identifying Christians as the most persecuted religious group in the world, and Facebook does away with its fact checkers. Recommendations Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Paul Vitz Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism by Paul Vitz The Church Before the Watching World : A Practical Ecclesiology by Francis Schaeffer Segment 1 - LA Fires and Global Persecution of Christians CNN: Los Angeles wildfires live updates 2025 Global Persecution Index FOX: Christians increasingly persecuted worldwide as 'modern and historical factors converge' Open Doors World Watch List US Dept. of State: Countries of Particular Concern, Special Watch List Countries, Entities of Particular Concern Breakpoint: No, Religious Freedom is Not "Safer Than Ever" 2025 Colson Center National Conference Segment 2 - Facebook Exiles Fact Checkers Meta: More Speech and Fewer Mistakes The Free Press: How 'The Babylon Bee' Predicted the Vibe Shift Babylon Bee: Guy Who Said Facebook Was Not Suppressing Free Speech Announces Facebook Will Stop Suppressing Free Speech Segment 3 - Pixar Drops Gay Character WORLD: Federal court strikes down Biden's Title IX revisions NBC: Disney removes transgender storyline from upcoming Pixar streaming series __________ Become a monthly partner for the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/monthly. Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

How intentional laws can value life. What Would You Say?: Assisted Suicide is Compassionate __________ Find more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment at Breakpoint.org.

Cultural narrative bends toward catastrophizing life, but Christians are anchored to something better. __________ Breakpoint Forum: Should Christians Get Political? Register for the upcoming Breakpoint Forum: A New Sexual Revolution at colsoncenter.org/phoenix.

Is the growing belief in the supernatural an a la carte counterfeit? __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

Islamism in the Muslim and Christian world. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

The littlest known Christian holiday with major significance. __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The New Year's Day attack in New Orleans has us taking a closer look at Jihad and Islam. And there's been a spike in Bible sales this year. John and Maria look for reasons why. They also discuss the life and faith of former President Jimmy Carter. __________ Recommendation Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World by Bari Weiss Segment 1 - New Year's Day Terrorism CNN: New Orleans attack news AP: Cybertruck exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel Huntington What ISIS Really Wants by Graeme Wood Open Doors Report NYT Matter of Opinion Podcast: An Atheist's Case for More Christianity in Politics BBC: Badenoch calls for national inquiry into 'rape gangs' Segment 2 - Bible Sales Up Dramatically FOX: Bible sales are booming, despite a decline in religiosity Niall Ferguson on becoming a Christian Atheism Without Reason by Sarah Haider Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World by Bari Weiss Segment 3 - Remembering Jimmy Carter __________ Become a monthly partner for the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/monthly. Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The simple act of speaking up can change a culture. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit breakpoint.org.

Even our spare time should glorify God. __________ Find more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment at Breakpoint.org.

How the hymn "Amazing Grace" can set right our hearts for the New Year. ___________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, visit Breakpoint.org.

Voting is a "good" Christians should do. ____________ We're almost to our year-end goal, and our challenge grant has not only been met, but it's been extended by another $100,000. You can help us get there by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

Even atheists recognize it's better to live around Christians. __________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

John and Maria discuss the top six stories of the year, from AI to transgender politics. Recommendations Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The Church in Society by Francis Shaeffer Being the Body by Chuck Colson Segment 1 - The Rise of AI Colson Fellows Program Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: The Church in an AI Future Honestly podcast with Bari Weiss 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by John Lennox Resources from Sherry Turkle Breakpoint Forum: The Perils and Promise of Artificial Intelligence Segment 2 - Shifts in the Transgender and Pro-life Movements Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: The Shifting Ground of "Gender-Affirming Care" Breakpoint Forum: The Real Facts About Gender Ideology Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: The State of the Pro-Life Movement Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: Christianity is a Cultural Good Segment 3 - The Presidential Election and the Rise of Antisemitism Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: Elections and the Kingdom of God Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: The Resurgence of Antisemitism __________ Learn more about donating your stocks to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/faq. Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/december. Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

A massive body of research proves the danger and deception of transition interventions for gender dysphoria. ___________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

Christians must know their purpose to steer a world dominated by AI. _____________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

How an often-overlooked detail in the Gospel of Luke reveals the value God places on preborn life. __________ Support the ongoing production of Breakpoint at colsoncenter.org/december.

Adding sacred text to original work to reveal a deep love for God. __________ Learn more about gifting your stocks to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/faq.

With more millennials choosing no kids, would-be grandparents mourn the end of their family line. __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The shooting at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin has reignited the discussion about how to stop the violence. A new study shows that those with a college education are increasingly believing in the supernatural. And John and Maria make some suggestions to enliven your Christmas. Christmas Season Recommendations A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens New York Times: A Cathedral of Sound This Little Babe - Benjamin Britten Segment 1 - What Should We Do about School Shootings? AP: Official says Wisconsin shooter was new student at Christian school where her victims had deep ties Breakpoint: Why We Shouldn't Just 'Do Something' Steven Curtis Chapman: "Heaven In The Real World" Segment 2 - Belief in Miracles on the Rise Ryan Burge on belief in miracles Breakpoint: Six Key Worldview Stories of 2024: Christianity is a Cultural Good The Way of the (Modern) World by Craig M. Gay Breakpoint: The Restlessness of the "Spiritual but Not Religious" Living in Wonder by Rod Dreher Making Sense of Your World by W. Gary Phillips, William E. Brown, and John Stonestreet __________ Learn more about donating your stocks to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/faq. Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/december. Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The fight to protect the innocent saw many changes this year. ___________ Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center through December at colsoncenter.org/december.

The cry to act for its own sake isn't helpful in troubling times. __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org. Learn more about donating your stocks to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/faq.

The case for Just War. __________ Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center this month at colsoncenter.org/december. To learn more about making a stock donation visit colsoncenter.org/faq.

Remembering the Tsunami of 2004 __________ Support the ongoing production of Breakpoint by becoming a monthly partner at colsoncenter.org/monthly.

The power of small, faithful acts in dark times. Related Resource: WWYS: Does Advocating for Religious Liberty Hurt Our Christian Witness? __________ Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/december.

Daniel Penny, Luigi Mangione, and the importance of worldviews in discerning right from wrong. A new study finds 1 in 4 young adults believes AI partners could replace real-life romance. And John and Maria discuss their favorite Advent traditions. Recommendations Joy of Every Longing Heart by Sara Groves The Advent of Christmas by Matt Maher Handel's Messiah The Promise by Michael Card Segment 1 - Defining Good and Evil CBS News: Daniel Penny speaks out after being found not guilty in NYC subway chokehold death Scott Jennings on X Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Reuters: Luigi Mangione was charged with murder - then donations started pouring in Segment 2 - AI Relationships Artificial Intelligence And Relationships: 1 In 4 Young Adults Believe AI Partners Could Replace Real-Life Romance Sherry Turkle on impact of technology Sherry Turkle TED Talks Bioethics: A Primer for Christians by Gilbert Meilaender One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by B.J. Novak __________ Double the impact of your gift to the Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/december. Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The last year revealed deep antisemitism. __________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

AI's anti-human rants, and why users should proceed with caution. Related Resource: Breakpoint Forum: The Perils and Promise of Artificial Intelligence ___________ For more resoures on how to live like a Christian in this cultural moment visit Breakpoint.org.

Even medical marvels should be grounded in a proper understanding of human value. Related Resource WWYS - Does Technology Make Religion Obsolete? __________ Help us equip and strengthen the Church in 2025 by making your best gift at colsoncenter.org/December.

Studies show that family mealtimes are a key component to health and happiness. __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.

The natural world is so well designed, math can prove it. __________ Register for the upcoming Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body webinar featuring Dr. Christopher West, Founder and President of Theology of the Body Institute at colsoncenter.org/identity.

The Supreme Court heard attorneys debate a Tennessee law that prohibits puberty blockers and cross sex hormones for children. Notre Dame is reopening after being heavily damaged by a fire in 2019. And the UK House of Commons votes to legalize doctor assisted suicide. __________ Recommendations Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body webinar The Identity Project Segment 1 - Transgender Arguments at Supreme Court United States v. Skrmetti Breakpoint: Why We Need to Read the Cass Report on Gender Ideology Segment 2 - The Rebuilding of Notre Dame CNN: Notre Dame will soon reopen. Here's what you need to know Breakpoint: The Meaning of the Cathedral Colson Fellows Program Segment 3 - Euthanasia in the UK New York Times: British Lawmakers Voted to Legalize Assisted Dying Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org. Register for the upcoming free webinar Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body featuring Dr. Christopher West, Founder and President of Theology of the Body Institute at colsoncenter.org/identity.

Voting is a "good" Christians should do. __________ Help us equip and strengthen the Church in 2025 by making your best gift at colsoncenter.org/December.

Why Jesus taking on flesh matters. Don't miss the upcoming webinar, "Understanding Our Identity: A Theology of the Body" featuring theologian and author Christopher West. The webinar will take place on December 10 at 7PM. You can save your seat by signing up at colsoncenter.org/identity. __________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december.

Why it matters that the mind and soul are more than mere products of the brain. __________ Register for the upcoming Identity Project webinar featuring Dr. Christopher West at colsoncenter.org/identity.

The motley crew assembled at the nativity reminds us that Jesus came for everyone. ___________ Find more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment at breakpoint.org.

Even atheists recognize it's better to live around Christians. __________ Help us equip and strengthen the Church in 2025 by making your best gift at colsoncenter.org/December.