Category: Podcast

Abortion Fiction: Part 3 – Abortion Policy in Colonial America

In this episode we continue to respond to John Irving’s article from the New York Times that attempts to prove that the pro-life idea that human life from conception deserves not to be killed is a recent innovation in the United States. Irving attempts to argue that early colonial America was friendly to abortion during the time of the Puritans.We examine this premise by doing what Irving doesn’t do in his article–prove his assertion by actually citing sources. We look at three court records from colonial America that prove that abortion before “quickening” was still considered “murder” and a felony. Then, we ask the questions about why abortifacient advertisements seemed to abound in the early 1800’s.Sources Cited:“The Long, Cruel History

Abortion Fiction: Part 2 – The Pro-Life Bible and Early Church

In this episode we continue our response to John Irving’s article for the New York Times that attempts to bash pro-life advocates over the head with a history lesson. Irving claims that colonial America was actually friendly to abortion practices.Before we examine the colonial period we look at Scriptures against abortion. Then, we observe a consensus among Christians of the first five centuries that abortion at any stage of pregnancy is wrong–even if the science of the day could not tell when life begins in the womb!Articles Cited:“The Long, Cruel History of the Anti-Abortion Crusade”https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/opinion/anti-abortion-history.htmlReferences:Didachehttp://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-lake.htmlEpistle of Barnabashttp://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/barnabas-lightfoot.htmlLetter to Diognetushttp://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-lightfoot.htmlAthenagorus of Athens“The Christians Condemn And Detest All Cruelty” from A Plea for the Christianshttp://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/athenagoras-plea.htmlTertullian:“Apology” (chapter 9)http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/tertullian01.html“On the Soul” (chapter 27)http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0310.htm“On the

Abortion Fiction: Part 1 – Men in Power

In this episode we begin to respond to an opinion piece written by John Irving for the New York Times. We put Mr. Irving’s reasoning to the test of logic and fact and show how his references to “men in power” and “modern diagnostic ultrasound” contradict the very premises on which he bases his idea that colonial America was more friendly to abortion practices.We also note that Mr. Irving accuses pro-life advocates of evil intent. Yet, he never addresses the actual position that pro-life advocates claim for themselves. He never even attempts to deal with the real arguments against abortion. This is a huge elephant in the living room for Mr. Irving’s article.Articles Cited:“The Long, Cruel History of the Anti-Abortion

Dark Humor in the Bible

Prepare to be simultaneously shocked and entertained as we look at some examples of dark humor in the Bible. How many sermons have we heard tackling these rather unsettling portions of Scripture with a little embarrassment or cringing? Since the Word of God is pure and holy, we have to understand that God has a side to Him that can require some thick skin on our part.Put on your seat belts and try to be amused with these six stories (with dark humor titles):Quail Fail (Num 11:10-20)Left-handed and under-handed (Jud 3:14-25)What’s the point? (Jdg 4:1-24)The supply and demand of madmen (1Sa 21:10-15)The false god who needs a potty break (1Ki 18:20-39)The king is dead, long die the king! (2Ch 21:1-20)*****Like

Revenge of the Extroverts

To relieve possible tension from you extroverts who may have been ruffled by the previous episode, we allow extroverts to voice their own advantages over introverts. We hope extroverts will appreciate this modest attempt to bow down to some ways in which you are superior to introverts.Remember: this episode and the last one are for entertainment purposes only!Five advantages of extroverts includeExtroverts are more likely happierExtroverts are often more outwardly health consciousExtroverts create wider social networks in businessExtroverts synergize a lot moreExtroverts statistically earn more moneyArticles cited in this episode:“The Secrets of Happiness”http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200910/the-secrets-happiness?page=2“Do Extroverts Have an Advantage in Entrepreneurship?”https://www.entrepreneur.com/amphtml/299999“The Advantages of Extrovert Employees Over Introvert”https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-extrovert-employees-over-introvert-24479.html“4 Advantages Extroverts Consistently Have Over Introverts at Work, According to a New Study”https://www.inc.com/business-insider/4-advantages-extroverts-have-over-introverts-at-work.html*****Like what you

Six Superpowers of Introverts

Introverts rise! I, Daniel Mynyk, the host of Truthspresso hereby admit that I am an introvert. I embrace the term as an accurate description of part of my personality.In this episode, we push against conventional wisdom. We contend that being an introvert can actually give us some advantages over extroverts in society. We may even be the ones who make the world go round. We even see how the Bible can champion the virtues of being an introvert.The six “superpowers” of introverts covered in this episode:Introverts are good listeners and observantIntroverts are more independentIntroverts are often more humbleIntroverts are usually more creativeIntroverts are often more frugalIntroverts can learn to be adaptableNote: Understand that this episode is for entertainment purposes only!

Finances and the Bible with Brennan Falks

In this episode of Truthspresso I have my first guest: Brennan Falks. Brennan is a financial planner in Dave Ramsey’s recommended list.Topics that we discussed include the following:Does the Bible teach that Christians should not worry about finances because of faith?What are the most common financial struggles that people face that can easily be solved?What are some safe investment moves and what are some pitfalls to avoid?How can parents train their children to think about finances?How can college students avoid unnecessary financial difficulties?How do we avoid difficulties during economic booms and busts?Brennan Falks’ website is Under 1 Love.*https://www.under1love.org/*(Note: I do not endorse the content on the website that is related to “Hebrew Roots” theology)*****Like what you hear? Donate to Truthspresso

The Law School Trap

The college advice continues! In the last episode I gave some positive tips for liberal arts graduates on how to make the most of their lives and even to launch successful careers.In this episode, I tell liberal arts graduates (or even STEM graduates) to beware of the “law school trap.” This is a trap that lures many struggling college graduates into promises of a successful career, but many find themselves going from the frying pan into the fire.A real life story and a fictional story hit home the wisdom to avoid the law school trap.Articles consulted:The Balance: Average Law School Debthttps://www.thebalance.com/average-law-school-debt-4588830Above the Law: Understanding the Law School Graduate Underemployment Problemhttps://abovethelaw.com/2019/02/understanding-the-law-school-graduate-underemployment-problemCollege Consensus: Best Degrees for Law Schoolhttps://www.collegeconsensus.com/features/best-degrees-for-law-schoolNew York Times: An Expensive

Tips for Liberal Arts Graduates

Episodes 2 and 3 discussed majors that are ranked as good or bad for job prospects.If you are thinking, “What if I have one of those liberal arts majors that are ranked near the bottom?” this episode is for you.I provide three tips to help struggling liberal arts graduates trying to make ends meet and advance their career:Be the best you can be at your current jobGood work can lead to better benefits and even promotions. Complaining doesn’t help anything.Learn some technical skillsSome basic business-related computer skills can help a career that your major may not be able to do on its own.Become an entrepreneurThis doesn’t mean you have to start a business. There are some good tools for freelancing

Four Habits That Nickel and Dime Your Savings

Given that we are all creatures of habit and may struggle with various vices, I provide four daily or weekly habits that may be leaking holes in your wallet with your keen eye to realize it.We may even be aware that these habits may cost us, but we may not be tracking just how much they really do!Calculating out these habits to yearly expenses really puts pennies into perspective.The four habits are:Daily drive-through coffee (or walk-in at a coffee shop)Eating out for lunch at workAlcoholic beveragesSmokingArticles cited:“The Smart Reason We Waste Our Dollars On Coffee”https://www.forbes.com/sites/robasghar/2015/05/22/why-we-should-all-be-selling-coffee“The Cost of Your Drinking”https://www.clarityway.com/infographic/the-cost-of-your-drinking“How Much Money Does Smoking Cost You?”https://www.thebalance.com/how-much-money-does-smoking-cost-you-4143324*****Like what you hear? Donate to Truthspresso and give a shot of support!*****