Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians

Keeping Christ in Christmas: How to Navigate Holiday Conversations in a Secular Culture

#10 In this festive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden delves into three hot-button topics surrounding Christmas in today’s world. From nativity scenes and “Happy Holidays” greetings to the controversy over “Xmas,” Paul offers thoughtful perspectives on how Christians can celebrate Jesus’ birth with grace and confidence in a pluralistic society.
Join us as Paul unpacks these timely questions and provides guidance for meaningful, Christ-centered holiday interactions:
Why “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” can both reflect Christ’s love
The history and meaning behind abbreviating Christmas as “Xmas”
How to approach holiday traditions in a way that honors Jesus and respects others
Living out an incarnational life of love in an increasingly secular world
Perfect for those who want to navigate holiday conversations with joy and thoughtfulness, this episode reminds us that Jesus remains the heart of the season—no matter the words or traditions we use to celebrate Him.
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

Home for the Holidays: Navigating Family Conflict and Finding Peace During the Holiday Season

#9 In this heartfelt episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the challenges of family dynamics during the holidays, especially when relational gaps are widened by political and cultural divides. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, Paul shares the story of a family torn by tension and offers practical, biblical wisdom for navigating these difficult conversations with grace.
Join us as Paul provides insights into how believers can bring peace to their families and reflect Christ’s love during the holiday season.
Understanding how the “war of words” is damaging relationships
Biblical guidance on “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)
Practical steps to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations
Replacing conflict with connection through humility and kindness
How God’s grace empowers reconciliation and healing in families
Perfect for those hoping to bring unity to their homes this holiday season, this episode offers hope and tools for fostering Shalom even in the face of disagreements. Discover how to create an atmosphere of peace and grace, guided by Jesus’ example of love and reconciliation.
 
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

Facing the Devil: A Biblical Perspective on the Devil & Demons

#8 In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden tackles a challenging topic that many believers ponder: what is the true nature of the Devil, and how should Christians view him?
Far from a caricature with horns and a pitchfork, the Devil represents a real and complex adversary. Paul explores two contrasting views on Satan: one that instills fear and another that reveals the Devil’s limitations in light of Jesus’ victory. This episode encourages listeners to live confidently, armed with biblical truths about evil and the power of Christ.
Unpacking the Devil’s role as portrayed in Scripture and Christian tradition
Understanding Jesus' triumph over Satan and why Christians need not live in fear
Insights from C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther on spiritual warfare
Practical guidance on facing demonic influence and resisting evil in today’s world
Perfect for those seeking a deeper, balanced understanding of Satan and demons, this episode invites you to live boldly in faith, recognizing God’s sovereignty over all things—including the powers of darkness.
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

Liberal or Conservative? Understanding Jesus Beyond Political Labels

#7 In this timely episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden addresses a question many believers wrestle with: where would Jesus fit on today’s political spectrum? Raised in a world that often labels Christ as either liberal or conservative, Christians find themselves divided and challenged by these simplistic views.
Join us as Paul dives deep into the teachings of Jesus, exploring a perspective that transcends modern political divisions and illuminates His true message.
Key moments in Jesus' ministry that challenge political labels
Biblical insights on authority, justice, and compassion
Discovering a balanced approach that prioritizes faith over partisanship
How to reflect Christ's love in a polarized society
Perfect for those seeking to go beyond the culture wars and live out an authentic faith in today’s world. Learn how to foster unity and understanding, guided by Jesus' words and actions, even in the face of division.
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+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
 

Celebrity Pastors: When Shepherds Lose Their Way

#6 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he tackles the controversial topic of celebrity pastors.
Explore the dangers of idolizing religious leaders and discover the biblical model for pastoral ministry.
Understanding the true role of pastors as shepherds
Biblical examples of good and bad shepherds
The dangers of fame and fortune in ministry
Balancing pastoral compensation with servant leadership
Recognizing the signs of a pastor losing their way
Perfect for believers seeking to understand the proper role of church leadership and how to support their pastors in a healthy way. Learn how to discern between godly shepherds and those who have fallen into the celebrity trap. Gain insights on how to pray for and encourage your spiritual leaders while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective on church authority.
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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
Produced by AM Socials
 

Creation vs. Evolution: Finding Faith in the Age of Science (Part 2)

#5 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he continues the discussion on Creation and Evolution. Building on last week's foundation, Paul explores how Christians can thoughtfully engage with evolutionary theory while maintaining strong biblical faith.
Understanding God-guided vs. atheistic evolution
How God works both directly and indirectly in creation
The Christocentric view of creation
Historical Christian perspectives on evolution
Engaging in grace-filled discussions about origins
Perfect for believers seeking to reconcile scientific understanding with biblical faith, or anyone wrestling with questions about evolution and Christianity. Learn how to approach this complex topic with wisdom and grace while keeping Christ at the center of your worldview.
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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
Produced by AM Socials

Creation vs. Evolution: Finding Faith in the Age of Science (Part 1)

#4 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he tackles the complex relationship between biblical Creation and modern science. This first installment of a two-part series explores the foundational aspects of the Creation doctrine and how Christians can approach this often controversial topic with grace and wisdom.
Understanding the purpose vs. process of Creation
Different Christian perspectives on Genesis 1-2
Reconciling biblical faith with scientific discovery
The ongoing nature of God's creative work
Engaging in Creation discussions with grace and understanding
Perfect for believers wrestling with questions about faith and science, or anyone seeking to understand how Christianity and modern scientific understanding can coexist. Learn how to maintain strong faith while engaging with different viewpoints about our origins. Join us next week for Part 2, where we'll dive deeper into the creation-evolution discussion.
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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
Produced by AM Socials

Beyond the Ballot: Christian Ethics in a Political World

#3 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he dives into the complex world of politics through a Christian lens. Explore how faith intersects with political engagement and discover a balanced approach to civic participation. 
Biblical views on government and authority
Jesus' teachings on earthly and heavenly kingdoms
Balancing political involvement with spiritual priorities
Praying for leaders across the political spectrum
Engaging in political discourse with grace and wisdom
Perfect for believers seeking to navigate today's polarized political landscape while staying true to their faith. Learn how to be salt and light in the public square without compromising your Christian values. Learn how to navigate political disagreements with grace, foster understanding, and build bridges across ideological divides.
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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
Produced by AM Socials

Redefining Tolerance: A Christian Perspective

#2 In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the often misunderstood concept of tolerance from a Christian perspective. Discover why tolerance isn't about accepting every idea as equally valid, but rather about treating people with dignity and respect despite our differences.
Key points covered:
The true meaning of tolerance in today's world
How to stand firm in your faith while showing Christ-like love to others
Biblical insights on balancing truth and love in our interactions
Whether you're grappling with difficult conversations or seeking to engage more effectively with diverse viewpoints, this episode offers valuable insights for both believers and skeptics. Learn how to navigate disagreements with grace, foster understanding, and build bridges across ideological divides.
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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
Produced by AM Socials

Nationalism vs. Patriotism: A Christian Perspective

#1 On today's episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christian host Paul Basden sits down to explore the controversial topic of nationalism. Dive deep into the biblical view of national loyalty and discover the fine line between healthy patriotism and idolatrous nationalism. Learn how to love your country while keeping God first, and understand the dangers of misplaced devotion. We'll discuss:
The difference between nationalism and patriotism
Biblical citizenship and heavenly allegiance
Balancing national pride with Christian values
Praying for leaders without blind loyalty
Embracing a global Christian perspective
Perfect for believers seeking to navigate today's politically charged climate with faith and wisdom. Don't miss this challenging exploration of God, country, and Christian identity!
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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
Produced by AM Socials
 
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