Mind + Heart

In this week’s episode of Mind + Heart, Phillip Holmes interviews Dr. Michael Kruger. Dr. Kruger is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina where he serves as the Samuel C. Patterson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. He is also the author of numerous books, including Surviving Religion 101. Holmes asks Dr. Kruger for his personal history and conversion story. Dr. Kruger talks about growing up in a Christian home, his time in college at USC Chapel Hill, meeting his wife, and their ministry serving at RTS for 20 years. Holmes plays Dr. Kruger’s previous Wisdom Wednesday episode, which answered the question, “Why does it seem like the smartest people are the ones who reject Christianity?" Holmes asks Dr. Kruger his definition of a worldview. Dr. Kruger explains worldview as a series of components that constitute the lens through which the holder views reality. He also explains the subtle nature of worldview and its ability to affect a person’s perceptions without their awareness of its presence. Holmes, referencing a previous episode with Dr. John Fesko, talks about the noetic effects of sin on the human mind, and asks Dr. Kruger how worldviews shape what we believe. Dr. Kruger explains the concept of bias and the necessity of an overwhelming amount of evidence in order to overcome bias. Holmes asks if it is possible for a person’s worldview to change. Dr. Kruger explains that it’s possible for a worldview to change via conversion. He and Holmes discuss the nature and effects of conversion, the enormous differences between Christianity and human systems of religion, and the necessity of conversion in order for the Christian worldview to be grasped by the human mind. Holmes asks Dr. Kruger about the contrast between the Christian worldview and non-Christian worldviews. Dr. Kruger compares Christianity to a new operating system for the human heart and mind, as opposed to a mere cosmetic or programmatic change. Holmes refers to the latter as “easy-believism.” Holmes and Dr. Kruger dialogue over whether a person must desire God in order to become a Christian. Dr. Kruger explains the necessity of a change to the affections, will, and mind. Dr. Kruger and Holmes dialogue about the miracle of conversion and the necessity of clear communication about the demands of the gospel, as opposed to a merely proclamational approach to evangelism. They also discuss the importance of listening well, and talk through Christianity’s reputation for stridency in the current cultural moment. Holmes asks Dr. Kruger for any final thoughts. Dr. Kruger directs listeners again to the original question, and offers a reminder that God keeps a remnant for himself.