We often feel we need to provide all of the answers in a discussion about faith. If that is the case, then we will never be ready. However, some of the most important moments are when we can lovingly reveal that the questioner has gaps in their understanding.

Approximately 30 million people watched and listened to a recent Joe Rogan podcast with New Testament scholar and apologist Wes Huff (Wes Huff on the Joe Rogan Experience: warning: Rogan curses quite a bit). Huff was invited onto Rogan’s podcast after a debate with agnostic Billy Carson went viral (Wes Huff vs. Billy Carson debate). 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a fair chunk of time digesting these two appearances (the Rogan show alone is over three hours) and the reactions to them across the internet. I think Huff’s popularity is a cause for great encouragement and also a challenge to us as Christians. 

 Three encouragements:

1.People are hungry for truth

In a time where disinformation and misinformation are rampant, people are hungry for solid answers. A look at the top of the podcast charts finds podcasts like Joe Rogan, The Daily from the New York Times (news), and Huberman Lab (health). Jordan Peterson, whose long-form conversations cover psychology, well-being, and religion has a significant following. People are not afraid of hard conversations.

2.Apologetics is very much alive

Apologetics (a defense of the faith) has a long history within the church. Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Origen, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, and Blaise Pascal are some of the greatest voices in responding to questions about the faith throughout history. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, perhaps because of a more laissez-faire culture attitude, it seemed as though many Christians had moved away from apologetics to relational approaches in evangelism. While relationships remain as important as ever in evangelism, responding to the questions of unbelievers seems to be rising in importance. Some of my favorite public apologists are Tim Barnett (Red Pen Logic), Gavin Ortlund (Truth Unites), and Glen Scrivener (The Air We Breathe).

3.There is a specific opportunity with young men

Joe Rogan’s podcast audience is 80% male, most between 18 and 34 years old. Young men seem to be particularly spiritually motivated right now. Gen Z is the first generation where a more significant proportion of men attend church than women. 

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