Summary: <br> <br> Many people take antidepressants because they have been led to believe their depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. But <a title="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a recent study suggests</a> that "there is no convincing evidence that depression is associated with, or caused by, lower serotonin concentrations or activity."<br> <br> So, if a chemical imbalance isn't the problem, why does it seem like our society is slowly spiraling into a perpetual state of doom? We keep seeing rising rates of suicide, drug use, depression, anxiety, and other indicators of unhappiness--especially in teenagers and young adults. Could it be that we have a WORLDVIEW imbalance? After all, if we're going to believe that there is no God and life has no meaning, might that cause us to be a bit depressed?<br> <br> To help turn the tide, <a title="https://maryjosharp.com/" href="https://maryjosharp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mary Jo Sharp</a>, a former atheist who is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University, has helped put together a 14-episode video series and curriculum called <a title="https://darkroomfaith.com/" href="https://darkroomfaith.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Darkroom</a> to give teens (age 13-17) the OK for expressing their doubts and questions about the Christian worldview in a safe environment. This million-dollar curriculum is available for FREE online for church leaders, youth ministers, parents, and anyone seeking to lead and engage students in discussions on 14 key issues of faith using materials that are sure to hold their attention.<br> <br> Some of the topics addressed in this Gen-Z narrative-driven curriculum include:<br> <br> * sin<br> <br> <br> * science<br> <br> <br> * suicide<br> <br> <br> * deconstruction<br> <br> <br> * the Bible<br> <br> <br> * the problem of evil<br> <br> <br> * the purpose of the church<br> <br> <br> * sexuality and love<br> <br> <br> * pain and suffering<br> <br> <br> * and more to come!<br> <br> Mary Jo, author of '<a title="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PQ4Y128" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PQ4Y128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why I Still Believe</a>' and several other books, is a clear communicator with a heart for people. She talks with Frank about her fascinating journey from atheist to assistant professor of apologetics and the importance of being able to ask questions (especially at a young age) when experiencing doubt in the Christian faith. During the last part of the show, Frank also answers listener questions on the topics of animal suffering, inalienable rights, theocracy, God's morality, and Hell.<br> <br> Darkroom curriculum: <a title="https://darkroomfaith.com/" href="https://darkroomfaith.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DarkRoomFaith.com</a><br> <br> Mary Jo's website: <a title="https://maryjosharp.com/" href="https://maryjosharp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MaryJoSharp.com</a><br> <br> Contact Mary Jo: <a href="https://bit.ly/3b89CY7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/3b89CY7</a><br> <br> If you would like to submit a question to be answered on the show, please email your question to <a href="mailto:Hello@Crossexamined.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hello@Crossexamined.org</a>.<br> <br> Subscribe on Apple Podcast: <a href="http://bit.ly/CrossExamined_Podcast">http://bit.ly/CrossExamined_Podcast</a> Rate and review! Thanks!!!<br> Subscribe on Google Play: <a href="https://cutt.ly/0E2eua9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://cutt.ly/0E2eua9</a><br> Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="http://bit.ly/CrossExaminedOfficial_Podcast">http://bit.</a>
