Up for Debate

Should pastors marry cohabitating couples? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys explores both sides of this issue with guests offering divergent opinions. Some say, “Why wouldn’t pastors want to help cohabitating couples stop living in sin?” Yet others feel marrying these couples just legitimizes their wayward lifestyle. Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 a.m. on Up For Debate!

Are Christian romance novels edifying entertainment—or emotional pornography? Julie Roys discusses the issue this Saturday on Up For Debate. Joining her is Dr. Rosalie de Rosset, an outspoken critic of these novels—and Dr. Rebecca Barrett-Fox, who defends the genre. Don’t miss the discussion this Saturday at 8 AM on Up For Debate!

Ten years ago, fewer than two-thousand housechurches existed in the United States. But now, according to Barna Research Group, there are about 30-thousand housechurches in America! This Saturday on Up for Debate, Julie Roys explores the pros and cons of this burgeoning movement. Should Christians support and join housechurches – or should they be wary of them? Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 a.m. on Up for Debate!

Can Christians embrace evolution—or is so-called “theistic evolution” a contradiction in terms? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys discusses the issue with Dr. Ard Louis, a proponent of theistic evolution and a professor at Oxford University—and Dr. Paul Nelson, a proponent of Intelligent Design and fellow at the Discovery Institute. Listen and join this challenging discussion this Saturday at 8 a.m. Central Time on Up For Debate!

Fewer than 40-percent of Protestants think drinking is a sin. But, is drinking wise? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys discusses whether or not Christians should drink with a pastor who advocates abstinence—and a pastor who actually owns a brewing company! Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 a.m. Central Time on Up For Debate!

Could God have created the universe 14 billion years ago with a Big Bang? Or, does this theory contradict Scripture? This Saturday on Up for Debate, Julie Roys discusses the issue with Dr. Hugh Ross, a Christian astrophysicist who believes in the Big Bang—and Dr. Danny Faulkner, a Christian astronomer who does not. Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 AM on Up for Debate!

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers”—and urged His followers to turn the other cheek. But, does this mean believers can never serve in the military or fight in self-defense? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys tackles this challenging issue with author and pastor, Dr. Preston Sprinkle, who’s a pacifist—and Moody Professor, Dr. Bryan Litfin, who is not. Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 AM on Up For Debate!

Is it okay for Christian groups to provide humanitarian aid without also preaching the gospel? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys discusses the issue with Richard Stearns, president of World Vision—and Craig Carter of Tyndale University. That's this Saturday at 8 a.m. on Up For Debate!

Should Christians—in an effort to combat consumerism—buy nothing for Christmas? Aiden Enns, founder of Buy Nothing Christmas, thinks they should. But, historian Gerry Bowler disagrees, arguing that gift-giving is a uniquely Christian tradition that should be preserved. Both Enns and Bowler join host Julie Roys this Saturday on Up for Debate. Don’t miss the lively discussion at 8 AM Central Time on Moody Radio.

Is hell a place of eternal suffering? For centuries, Christians have held that it is. But now, some evangelicals are asserting that hell is a place of total annihilation where sinners cease to exist. This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys explores both options with Dr. Edward Fudge, a so-called annihilationist—and Dr. Kevin Zuber who supports the traditional view. Julie will also take your calls, this Saturday at 8 AM Central Time on Up For Debate!

Is modern youth ministry biblical? Or, does separating youth from their families actually violate the discipleship model presented in Scripture? This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys tackles this important issue with Scott Brown, a proponent of so-called family-integrated churches; Luke MacDonald, Pastor of Student Ministries at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL; and Doug Brown, dean of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary. Don't miss this important discussion, this Saturday at 8 AM Central Time on Up for Debate! 

All the major Christian music labels are owned by secular companies—and some Christian music doesn't even have explicitly Christian lyrics. So, how Christian is today's Christian music? This Saturday on Up for Debate, Julie Roys explores this issue with Glenn Kaiser of Rez Band; a former member of the band Chevelle—and a top Christian music industry executive. Listen and join the lively discussion this Saturday at 8 AM on Up For Debate!

Is social media killing our souls? This Saturday on Up for Debate, Julie Roys explores this question with Shane Hipps, a pastor who's skeptical of social media—and Caleb Gardner, a social media enthusiast. Some say Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest lead to narcissism and exhibitionism. Others argue they build and enhance our social connections.Listen and offer your thoughts this Saturday at 8 a.m. CST on Up for Debate.

Is Christian Zionism really Christian? Many evangelicals believe it is. But, a growing number assert that it's not—and say the movement confuses biblical prophecy with Israeli nationalism. This Saturday on Up For Debate, Julie Roys discusses the issue with pro-Zionist, Dr. Michael Brown, and anti-Zionist, Dr. Stephen Sizer. Listen and join the discussion this Saturday at 8 a.m. CST on Up For Debate!

Should the church encourage gay Christians to change, or is doing so simply an exercise in futility? This Saturday on Up for Debate, Julie Roys discusses the issue with Wendy Gritter, executive director of New Direction Ministries, and Anne Paulk of Restored Hope Network. Wendy says, "A change in persistent, dominant sexual orientation is rare." She adds that pressure someone to change his or her orientation "can be harmful on multiple levels." Anne, however, disagrees. She says God makes sexual redemption available to those who seek it—and says she's experienced this kind of change herself.