It is Near

Owen Richard Kindig

For most of its history Christianity has promised blessings for its adherents and curses for those who doubt.

Now, for the first time in the Church's long reign, questions about the major claims of Christianity are overwhelming the "gospel".

Is Christianity losing the battle for men's minds? Yes. Is this a tragedy? No. It appears to be the Plan, becoming more clear every day. "It is near" examines the evidence.

Most Christian podcasts seem breathless in their self-defense of "the faith".
Gotta prove that God exists. Gotta set the record straight. Gotta battle atheism.
Gotta defend the Bible. Gotta warn people of future wrath.

"It is near" takes a different approach. First of all, the wrath if almost over. We're living through the "day of his wrath" right now. Just beyond the trouble -- which is aimed at human institutions, especially Christendom, is peace and tranquility that no one dares to hope for. "Even the bad news is good news." Yes, the Bible is true, but events will make that clear soon enough. Yes, there are good reasons to believe there is a God behind all of creation. But he is a much better God than the Church has ever taught its adherents, or explained to the world outside. Much more gracious. With a solution for every human problem, and a refusal to justify the sins of the Church herself.

The notion of human history that begins in disgrace, is haunted by tragedy, and ends in failure for the masses of mankind, is too outrageous to accept. Time for new messages: for the Christian, we say "Turn away from 'turn or burn.''" For the skeptics, we say, "The half was never told you. Of course there was a screw loose in the Christian "gospel" you heard. Of course the Church burned you and blamed you for leaving a dysfunctional human system. Of course a good God would end human injustice, cure cancer, protect the planet, and bring people together. And that's exactly what he's about to do."

The unbelievers' problem has never been with Jesus. He's always been likable enough. It's his Church that stumbles people and makes them look for a non-theocratic explanation of our origins.

Is it possible that Christians -- those who carry the burden of orthodoxy -- have gotten it partly wrong? Is it possible the Bible's depictions of God and his plans have been misunderstood? Is it possible there is significant "good news" that has been ignored?

The incredible claim of this podcast is that, in the face of ages of creed wars stacked against us, "when the Bible is more carefully examined, its message is a thousand times more comforting and more sensible than anyone imagined." Our mission is to prove this thesis to be true for non-Christians taught to believe they are responsible for the failures of our "Christian" world; and it is true for sincere Christians who worry about the myriads of people they have been taught will burn in hell -- including, often, their own closest loved ones.

Could it be that the geopolitical institution we call The Church is itself scheduled for self-destruction? Could it be her followers have been commanded to leave? That Reformation has already been tried and will no longer work?

Who are the words "Come out of Her, my people" addressed to? Who is commanded to "Avoid her sins. Escape her judgment"? See Revelation 18.

If you are interested in evidence that God sees, understands, and has good reasons for allowing crazyness to happen in the world he sent his Son to rescue, tune in.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

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Start Here

Listening to God

Listening to God

When we listen to God we often try to turn up the volume. But it seems the ancient prophets didn't hear it clearly until they turned their faces toward the wilderness. In this episode we explore the experiences of Samuel, Moses, Balaam, Jonah, Paul, Barnabas, Zecharias, Mary the mother of Jesus, and others. How do we seek God's word, and what do we do when we receive it? The Bible is full of insights. It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

Episodes

Listening to God

Listening to God

When we listen to God we often try to turn up the volume. But it seems the ancient prophets didn't hear it clearly until they turned their faces toward the wilderness. In this episode we explore the experiences of Samuel, Moses, Balaam, Jonah, Paul, Barnabas, Zecharias, Mary the mother of Jesus, and others. How do we seek God's word, and what do we do when we receive it? The Bible is full of insights. It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

What is "Near"?

What is "Near"?

it is Near explores the immediate future -- the next two or three decades from now to 2050. Is it bad? Way worse than even pessimists think, Is it good? Way better than any of us can imagine. I'm hoping you will join me to look with curiosity and without fear at all of the happenings that are right around the corner. My goal is not to preach, or change you. We are exploring the human condition without trying to influence what comes next. We need to turn down the volume on judging and blaming others, and turn up the intensity of our efforts to understand.Regardless of your background or beliefs, you will be challenged and at times irritated when you hear things you don't believe. This will be good, because the truth is wider and deeper than all of us are able to wrap our heads around. It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

Hell: A man to man talk

Hell: A man to man talk

Two Christians have a calm, respectful discussion about a topic they profoundly disagree about. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? And maybe, impossible? Murray grew up in orthodoxy, Owen grew up as a heretic. But they are good friends and brothers in Christ: and whichever side you are rooting for, you might learn something!It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

Abraham's 7 insights

Abraham's 7 insights

Who wants to live in a tent? Millions don't have a choice. But Abraham did and today we'll find out why. Something permanent is coming ... and it is near. This wide-ranging episode looks at migrants, including the recent ship full of them who were lost at sea. We turn to Abraham for seven insights about what is important, and what the future holds. Then our journey takes us to the subject of the kind of faithfulness that Abraham modeled. The a definition of this elusive way of thinking may surprise you. And to trace the footsteps of God, hidden in plain sight, we meditate on tragedies that have haunted the Jewish people across the centuries -- and yet simultaneously provide reassurance of the destiny of joys and blessings that await them -- and all of us.It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

A City is coming...

A City is coming...

We all live in a tent city. Temporary, half-baked, unfixable. But the vision of Abraham persists. "A City with foundations". Many long for it. Is it a vain hope? An impossible dream? The end of death; a global resurrection. Even the findings of physics and astronomy -- that all the heavier atoms that make life possible, literally came from heaven to earth. Supernovas that happened billions of years ago sowed the seeds of human life and flourishing. How strange, then, that the final vision of the Bible shows a completed city, made of one of the heaviest metals (metaphorically) descending to earth, with God and man to be reunited and reconciled? We keep walking down this path, examining evidence as we go....It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

Hell - Man to Man part 2

Hell - Man to Man part 2

Owen Kindig has a man to man conversation on what the Bible says about Hell with J. Murray Murdoch, emeritus professor of History at Cedarville University. Their viewpoints could not be more different, but their respect for the Bible and each other is profound. Enjoy this earnest and honest comparison of viewpoints on the most important themes of the Bible: what is faith, what is the gospel, what is salvation, and what are the genuine, biblical hopes for life and salvation for all people on planet earth? In this episode we discuss what the Bible says about "judgment", "sleep", "the soul", "hell", "the second death", and many other concepts spoken of by Jesus, the apostles, the prophets, and all the writers of the Bible. It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

The Thought Police

The Thought Police

Thirty-one years ago we took on an emergency family project -- we wrote a point for point rebuttal of a full page newspaper ad placed by Holocaust denier Bradley Smith in the Ohio State Lantern. In this podcast, I read the article we wrote, which was also published at the University of Michigan and other places where Smith had spread his lies. Objective truth is often the only way to challenge lies -- especially when the lies are bold, outrageous, and dangerous. After a summer break, this episode marks the first in a new series of episodes that will explore significant areas of disagreement about what is true. We will try to avoid the common pitfall of painting those who disagree with us as the ones who are liars or believing falsehoods. But we will discuss all the tools we have for determining the truth of a claim. We will call in question what Christians have been doing lately, and attempt to contrast our cultural norms with what the Bible says in its writings about law, ethics, character, and prophecy. It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."

Could the ancient struggles and prophecies of Israel hold the keys to a future where peace reigns supreme? Join us as we traverse the spiritual and geopolitical landscapes that have defined Israel's place in history, and ponder whether current events could be signaling the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. With a compassionate eye, we consider the tribulations faced by both Israelis and Palestinians, and the role of the international community in shaping media narratives.In this episode, we take you through a journey from the past to the prophetic future of the Middle East. From the covenant of the Israelites with God under Moses's guidance to their profound societal contributions, we explore the historical tapestry that has been woven through conflict, discipline, and resilience. We scrutinize the prophecies of Ezekiel 38, decoding potential alliances and adversaries, and discuss the intricate dynamics between Israel and nations like Iran and Yemen. The tensions surrounding Jerusalem, a sacred city to many faiths, are also dissected, along with the diplomatic endeavors to broker peace, including the commendable efforts of President Carter.As we conclude, our heartfelt respect for the Jewish people and their prophetic destiny shines through. Embracing the scriptural promise of a miraculous epoch to come, we invite listeners to engage with the Israeli narrative with empathy and a desire for understanding. This episode is a tapestry of admiration, prophecy, and a shared hope for a time when all will celebrate the realization of ancient promises. Join us as we navigate these complex topics, seeking wisdom and insight into one of humanity's most enduring stories.It is Near focuses on the alarming and the hopeful; the frightful and the forgotten; the blinding glare of giant problems, and the dark secrets that lurk even more menacingly in the shadows of global trends. "Amazing Grace" may have taught our hearts to fear, but for most Christians and non-Christians alike, divine grace as commonly conceptualized does not those fears relieve. It is Near will be informative, accessible, comforting, and challenging to every thinking person. It will call Christians to account and provide a breath of fresh air for secularists who, for once, would like to hear a conciliatory and intellectually honest message from a thoughtful Christian voice. Owen Kindig of Sitka, Alaska is your host, and is responsible for the content."Even the bad news is good news."