Thinking Out Loud with Alan Shlemon

What Are My Concerns with Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference?

Alan attended Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference, an event intended to equip parents and ministry leaders how to reach out to LGBTQ youth. In this episode, Alan provides his assessment of the conference, including three major concerns.

Is it Difficult to Define a Woman?

Why has it become so hard to define a woman? Alan looks at a few definitions that are offered, explains what’s wrong with them, and then offers his own definition.

Do Christians Have an Ulterior Motive for Being Kind?

Alan addresses the objection that some people claim Christians are only kind to people so they can convert them.

Should Abortion Remain Legal So Women Don’t Pursue Back-Alley Abortions?

Alan offers three steps to respond to the rhetorically powerful, yet flawed argument that women might get injured or killed through dangerous, back-alley abortions if abortion is made illegal.

The Puzzling Inconsistency of Abortion and Homicide Laws

Alan describes the inconsistency in current laws surrounding abortion and homicide and offers a simple solution.

Deconstructing Is Not Reforming Your Faith

Some Christians and many former Christians are promoting a trendy approach to doubting and questioning your faith called deconstruction. Is it the same as reforming your faith? Alan explains the one key element that distinguishes between the two.

Dishonest Images of the Unborn

A recent article in The Guardian displayed some misleading images of what is removed in an abortion from a 9-week pregnancy. Alan explains the problems with the article and the images.

Man or Maker: Who Has the Answers to Humanity’s Most Critical Questions?

When it comes to answering critical questions about how we humans should live, identify, and behave sexually, who should we listen to? Man or our Maker?

Gay Idioms Don’t Time Travel

Alan addresses a progressive Christian who claims that Jesus wants LGBT people to “come out,” by explaining how he misuses a common literary device.

Christ’s Crucifixion Isn’t Child Sacrifice

Some object to the idea that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins through his death on the cross, calling it "child sacrifice." Alan, however, offers three reasons why characterizing it that way is inappropriate.