In this episode, Dr. Douglas Groothuis shares a timely Christian reflection on gambling, prompted by a recent commentary from Al Mohler and cultural attention around the Kentucky Derby. Drawing from a short editorial he originally wrote in response to a proposed state-run gambling initiative in Alaska, Dr. Groothuis explores the moral, philosophical, and spiritual dangers of gambling through the lens of the Christian worldview.

From the addictive nature of gambling to the flawed utilitarian logic used to defend it, this episode challenges listeners to examine the ethics of state-sponsored betting, personal responsibility, and trust in divine providence rather than chance.

🔑 Main Takeaways

• Understand why gambling is not a neutral activity, but a form of vice that undermines personal virtue and social trust.

• Learn the difference between investment risk and gambling risk, and why only one has ethical merit.

• Explore how gambling fosters covetousness, addiction, and misplaced hope, especially among the vulnerable.

• Discover why state sponsorship of gambling is especially troubling from a Christian ethical standpoint.

• Be reminded that the Christian work ethic, grounded in honesty and effort, stands in stark contrast to the gambling ethic of luck and chance.

📖 Biblical Principles Referenced

• Work and Provision – Colossians 3:23–24, Proverbs 13:11

• Stewardship and Self-Control – 1 Timothy 6:6–10, Proverbs 28:20

• Trust in God vs. Chance – Proverbs 3:5–6, Matthew 6:33

• Warnings Against Covetousness and Greed – Luke 12:15, Exodus 20:17

• Moral Responsibility and Integrity – Proverbs 10:9, Ephesians 4:28

🔗 Relevant Resources & Mentions

• The Briefing by Al Mohler — Segment on gambling and the Kentucky Derby

• 📘 How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer

• 📰 DouglasGroothuis.com — Essays, articles, and books

• 🏫 Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary

📣 Calls to Action

• 📘 Share this episode with someone involved in politics, ethics, or Christian education.

• 🔔 Subscribe to Truth Tribe for more cultural commentary from a biblical worldview.

• 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Groothuis and his academic ministry at DouglasGroothuis.com

• 💬 Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover Truth Tribe.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this Good Friday edition of Truth Tribe, Dr. Douglas Groothuis reads his recently published essay, Without the Resurrection, There Would Be No University. Originally featured by the National Association of Scholars as part of its “Minding the Academy” series, this powerful reflection unpacks how the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only the bedrock of Christianity but also the intellectual and moral foundation of the university system itself.

Drawing from Scripture, history, and philosophy, Dr. Groothuis presents a case for why the Christian worldview birthed the university, and why it still matters today. With references to C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and Tom Holland, this episode is both an Easter meditation and a cultural apologetic, reminding us that truth, education, and eternal hope are inseparably tied to the risen Christ.

🔑 Main Takeaways

• Understand why the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian worldview, without which faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15).

• Discover how Christian doctrine inspired the founding of the modern university through cathedral and monastic schools in medieval Europe.

• Learn why the Christian intellectual tradition — from Scripture to science and philosophy — continues to defend the resurrection as historical fact.

• Consider the implications of the resurrection for both Christian and secular higher education today.

• Hear a bold call for Christian colleges to honor the resurrection in all areas of curriculum and identity — or else stop calling themselves Christian.

📖 Bible Verses Referenced

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 17, 20 — Read at BibleStudyTools.com

👤 Guest

None for this episode.
This is a solo reading and reflection by Dr. Douglas Groothuis, professor of philosophy and Christian thought.

🔗 Relevant Resources & Mentions

• 📰 Without the Resurrection, There Would Be No University — Published at National Association of Scholars – Minding the Academy

• 📘 God in the Dock by C.S. Lewis

• 📘 How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer

• 📘 Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer

• 📘 Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

• 🌐 DouglasGroothuis.com

• 🏫 Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary

📣 Calls to Action

• 📘 Read the full article at nas.org and share it with a student, professor, or university leader.

• 🔔 Subscribe to Truth Tribe for more biblically grounded commentary on culture, philosophy, and public life.

• 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Groothuis’ writing, ministry, and academic work at DouglasGroothuis.com.

• 💬 Leave a review or share this episode to help others discover Truth Tribe.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this follow-up to his Hitchcock review, Dr. Douglas Groothuis offers a sharp and thoughtful worldview critique of the beloved 1989 film Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner. While the film presents a moving story of faith, family, and reconciliation, it does so through a distinctly New Age lens — one that subtly replaces the biblical God with the self as the ultimate authority.

Drawing from his background in Christian philosophy and apologetics, Dr. Groothuis unpacks the philosophical assumptions behind the film’s famous line, “If you build it, he will come”, and contrasts them with the truth of biblical revelation, divine transcendence, and eternal hope. For anyone learning to engage media with discernment, this short essay offers a powerful example of Christian film analysis in action.

🔑 Main Takeaways

• Understand why worldview analysis matters when watching emotionally compelling films.

• Learn how Field of Dreams reflects a New Age worldview, where the voice of God is replaced by the “inner self.”

• Explore how the film's portrayal of heaven, karma, and fulfillment differs from biblical eschatology.

• Hear a call to discern the difference between emotional resonance and theological truth.

• Be reminded of the true Christian hope: not dream fulfillment, but redemptive fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21–22).

Bible Verses Referenced

• Revelation 21, Revelation 22:15

Resources & Mentions

• 🎥 Field of Dreams (1989), directed by Phil Alden Robinson

• 📘 How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer

• 🌐 DouglasGroothuis.com

• 🏫 Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary

📣 Calls to Action

• 🎧 Enjoyed this film review? Share the episode with a friend who loves movies and cares about truth.

• 🔔 Subscribe to Truth Tribe for more worldview analysis, cultural critiques, and theological reflections.

• 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Groothuis’ writings and teaching at DouglasGroothuis.com

• 💬 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more listeners discover Truth Tribe.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.