Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians

Faith & Fundamentalism: Navigating Rigid Religion with Grace and Truth

#19 Religious fundamentalism is often associated with rigid beliefs, sharp boundaries, and a no-compromise attitude—but is that what Jesus called us to? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden explores the roots of Christian fundamentalism, why it resonates with so many believers, and where it can fall short of Jesus' example of love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The historical and theological origins of Christian fundamentalism✅ Why fundamentalism often leads to exclusion and division✅ Jesus' and Paul’s warnings against legalism (Matthew 23:4, 1 Timothy 6:4-5)✅ How to disagree with fundamentalists without dehumanizing them (Colossians 3:13)✅ A call to live out faith with conviction and compassion
This episode challenges us to reflect on how we engage with those who hold rigid views—do we meet them with love, or with judgment of our own? Whether you’ve wrestled with fundamentalist thinking or simply want to have better conversations across theological divides, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Evangelical: Recovering the True Meaning of the Good News

#18 The word evangelical is everywhere—but does it still mean good news? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden dives into the history, theology, and controversy surrounding the term. What once stood for a movement centered on Jesus and the Gospel has, in many circles, become synonymous with political agendas. Can we reclaim its true meaning?The true meaning of "evangelical"—rooted in the Greek word evangel, meaning "Good News"How the movement started and evolved over 300+ yearsWhy many Christians are rejecting or redefining the term todayNavigating faith beyond political and cultural labelsWhat it really means to live out the Gospel message (Romans 14:17, Hebrews 12:2)
 
This episode challenges the modern understanding of evangelicalism and invites listeners to focus on what truly matters—Jesus, the Gospel, and loving others well. Whether you embrace the term or struggle with its baggage, this conversation will help you think deeper about your faith and its role in today’s world.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Let's Talk About Sex: Understanding God’s Design for Intimacy Pt. 2 featuring Marriage Experts Warren and Sonya Jacobs

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden welcomes marriage experts Warren and Sonya Jacobs to explore sex and intimacy from a biblical perspective. Drawing from their own marriage journey, they discuss the impact of purity culture, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of sexual intimacy in a thriving marriage.
 
Key Takeaways:
How purity culture shaped Christian views on sex and intimacyThe four pillars of intimacy in marriage—spiritual, emotional, mental, and physicalWhy inviting God into your sex life can transform your marriageBreaking unhealthy patterns and fostering deeper connectionHow humility and confession lead to healing and intimacy
 
This candid conversation brings biblical wisdom, personal experiences, and practical advice to help couples strengthen their marriages and navigate intimacy with grace.
 
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 The Celebration of Sex – Dr. Douglas Rosenau📖 The Meaning of Marriage – Tim Keller📖 Resources by Dr. Juli Slattery📖 Resources by Dr. Michael Sytsma
Join us as we challenge the cultural narratives about sex and embrace God’s design for intimacy in marriage.
Listen now and subscribe for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and deepen your faith!Connect with Warren and Sonya 
Connect with Paul Basden

Let's Talk About Sex: Understanding God’s Design for Intimacy Pt. 1

#16 Sex is one of the most talked-about topics in our culture—but how does it align with God’s design? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores what the Bible says about sex, why culture often distorts its purpose, and how Christians can engage in meaningful conversations about this sensitive subject.
 
Join Paul as he unpacks:
What culture says about sex vs. what God intended
Why sex is a beautiful, God-given gift (Genesis 1:22)
The dangers of sexual distortion and its consequences (1 Thessalonians 4:3, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
The redemptive power of God’s grace for our sexual brokenness (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
How to talk about sex with both truth and compassion
Sex was created for intimacy, not indulgence—for union, not exploitation. If you've ever wondered how to approach this topic with biblical wisdom, grace, and honesty, this episode is for you.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Pro-Life and Pro-Love: Navigating Compassionate Conversations About Abortion

#15 In this deeply important episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the sanctity of life and how Christians can advocate for the unborn while showing love and compassion to mothers facing difficult decisions. Through biblical truths, thoughtful discussion, and a special guest interview, this episode challenges believers to embrace a pro-life stance that looks more like pro-love.
 
Join Paul as he examines:
The biblical foundation for the value of life, including:
Matthew 19:13-14 (Jesus welcomes the children)
Psalm 139:13 (God knits us together in the womb)
Jeremiah 1:5 (God knows us before we are born)
Matthew 18:14 (God’s desire that none should perish)
Matthew 25:40 (Caring for "the least of these")
The importance of discussing abortion with grace instead of condemnation
How to support both the unborn child and the mother with Christlike love
A conversation with Angie Daniels from Embrace Grace, an organization dedicated to helping women navigate unplanned pregnancies with support and hope
Perfect for those seeking to approach the abortion conversation with wisdom, empathy, and truth, this episode reminds us that being pro-life is not just about advocacy—it’s about embodying the love of Jesus in every interaction.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and needs support, Embrace Grace provides love, encouragement, and practical help. Learn more about their mission and how you can get involved:
Visit Embrace Grace: www.embracegrace.comFollow on Social Media: @embracegraceincFind a Support Group Near You: www.embracegrace.com/find-a-groupTo Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Race and Christianity: Seeing Beyond Skin Color to Love Like Jesus

#14 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden addresses the sensitive and critical topic of race. Through biblical insights, historical context, and a heart for unity, Paul challenges listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about race with compassion, humility, and a commitment to seeing others as God does.
Join Paul as he explores:
The origins of race-based prejudice and its devastating impact
Biblical truths that reveal God’s love for all people, regardless of race
Understanding concepts like Black Lives Matter, Critical Race Theory, and "woke" culture from a Christian perspective
Practical ways to listen, learn, and foster unity in a divided world
Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of race through the lens of faith, this episode invites listeners to wake up to the realities of injustice while embracing the call to love others as Christ loves us. Let’s learn to reflect God’s heart for humanity and be part of the solution.
Scriptures Referenced: 
Acts 10:34 
Matthew 22:39 
Galatians 3:28 
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Rethinking Church: Unity, Hurt, and the Hope of God’s Plan A

#13 In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the complexities of the church—its purpose, its struggles, and its enduring hope as God’s chosen instrument in the world. Despite its flaws and divisions, the church remains central to God’s plan for redemption and unity.
Join Paul as he examines:
Why the church is more than a building or a denomination
The impact of church hurt and how to offer healing and reconciliation
How to embrace the church as the Body of Christ while acknowledging its imperfections
A vision of the church as God’s family, called to reflect Christ’s love
Perfect for those wrestling with their relationship with the church, this episode offers encouragement, understanding, and a challenge to see the church through God’s eyes. Discover how to foster unity, humility, and hope within the Body of Christ.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

The Bible: God’s Great Love Story to Humanity

#12 In this compelling episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the heart of the Bible and its profound role in the life of a believer. Moving beyond doctrines, commandments, and devotions, Paul reveals how Scripture tells the greatest love story ever written—God’s self-revelation and plan to redeem humanity.
 
Join us as Paul unpacks:
Three common ways Christians view the Bible—and why it’s more than all of them
How the Bible follows a universal narrative of love, danger, rescue, and redemption
The incredible ways God reveals His love throughout Scripture
How understanding the Bible as a story deepens our faith and relationship with God
Perfect for those seeking a fresh perspective on Scripture, this episode invites you to see the Bible as God’s massive love letter to humanity. Discover your place in His story and let it transform how you read, understand, and live out His Word.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]
To Purchase Finding Your Place in God's Great Story [purchase]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com
 

Bonus Episode: Beneath the Lyrics: The Theology behind ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’

In this special bonus episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden takes us on a journey through one of the most beloved Christmas carols, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Written by the prolific hymnwriter Charles Wesley, this timeless carol is not just a beautiful song—it’s rich with deep theology and biblical truths.
Join Paul as he unpacks the carol verse by verse, exploring its profound message about the birth of Christ:
The biblical references behind the carol’s powerful lyrics
Wesley’s vision of Jesus as Immanuel, God with us, and the Prince of Peace
How the song captures the wonder of the incarnation and the hope of salvation
A reflective reading of the carol to inspire your Christmas season
 
Perfect for those who love the beauty and depth of traditional carols, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the story of Christ’s birth and the eternal truth of God’s love. Let the words of this hymn fill you with peace, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

The Power of Belief: How to Share Your Faith with Love and Respect

#11 In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the concept of belief—what it is, how it shapes our lives, and why it often becomes a source of contention. Drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical guidance, Paul explores how Christians can hold their beliefs with conviction while respecting the freedom of others.
Join us as Paul dives into key questions surrounding belief and its role in our relationships and faith:
What is belief, and how does it make sense of our lives?
Why beliefs can divide—and how to avoid turning convictions into coercion
The biblical call to express faith through love (Galatians 5:6)
Practical ways to share your beliefs respectfully and keep meaningful conversations alive
Perfect for those seeking to navigate conversations about faith and values with grace, this episode offers a roadmap for fostering understanding and connection in a divided world. Discover how to model Christ’s approach to sharing beliefs—through love, humility, and respect.
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be featured on the show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com