THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT FERTILITY | BIRTH CONTROL, IVF, MARRIAGE & CHRISTIAN ETHICS

What does the Bible say about sexual ethics, fertility, birth control, IVF, and family planning? Should Christians think differently about contraception, sterilization, and the purpose of sex in marriage?

In this episode of Thinking Biblically, I am tackling one of my most requested (and controversial!) topics: Christian sexual ethics. After years of studying Scripture and walking through secondary infertility and miscarriage, I share how my understanding of fertility, marriage, and the Christian view of the body has changed.

We are talking about hormonal birth control, vasectomies, IVF, surrogacy, and natural family planning. This conversation may challenge what you have always believed, but the goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you a starting point for further formation.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * What Scripture teaches about fertility, marriage, and sex
 * Why my views on contraception has changed
 * The ethics of hormonal birth control and sterilization
 * IVF and surrogacy
 * How infertility and miscarriage have shaped my perspective
 * Approaching family planning with biblical wisdom

Watch the entire episode to hear my personal story, the research behind my changing views, and the questions I believe Christians should be asking. Email me for the notes from this episode at phylicia@phyliciamasonheimer.com.

CONTINUE LEARNING WITH PHYLICIA
Visit phyliciamasonheimer.com [http://phyliciamasonheimer.com/] for more biblical teaching, articles, and episodes of Verity Podcast. While you are there, you can also explore Every Woman a Theologian [http://phyliciamasonheimer.com/] for Bible studies, books, and theological resources created to equip Christians to know what they believe and communicate it graciously. In a couple of weeks, we gather in person for our annual theology conference, please join us in Northern Michigan Nov. 6–7. Tickets still available at https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/conference/

MORE FROM VERITY PODCAST
Explore the Thinking Biblically series for more conversations about Christian theology, culture, and everyday discipleship.
SUBSCRIBE for future episodes, and share this conversation with someone who enjoys digging deeper into Scripture!

Join the conversation: What questions are you still working through about Christian fertility and family planning?

#PhyliciaMasonheimer #ThinkingBiblically #ChristianFertility #EveryWomanATheologian #IVF

182 | Sex and Fertility

Should Christians read spicy books? How do we choose books that honor God? And how do we actually find time to read when life is busy?

In this episode of the Verity Podcast, we discuss thinking biblically about reading habits, Christian discernment, and how the books we choose shape our minds, hearts, and faith.

I share my thoughts on the decline of literacy, why Christians should care about what they're reading, and how Philippians 4:8 can guide our book choices. I tackle the growing popularity of sexually explicit fiction, and share my personal journey of breaking free from an addiction to erotic fiction.

But this episode isn't just about what NOT to read! I also share my favorite genres, Christian book recommendations, how I read multiple books at once, and the simple reading routine that works for me as a homeschooling mom, author, and ministry founder.

In this episode, we're talking about:

 * Why reading and literacy are declining in our digital world
 * How to choose books using biblical discernment and Philippians 4:8
 * The rise of sexually explicit fiction an the impact of it on our spiritual lives
 * Book genres worth exploring
 * How to develop better reading habits and improve your attention span, based on my own experience
 * Book recommendations and an update on Riverside Bookshop!

Whether you are an avid reader, trying to get back into reading, or wondering how to approach popular fiction as a Christian, this conversation will encourage you to think more intentionally about the books on your shelf.

RESOURCES & LINKS

 * Shop Every Woman a Theologian books and Bible studies: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/]
 * Explore Every Woman a Theologian and other resources for growing in biblical literacy.
 * Riverside Bookshop: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594166642407
 * Phylicia's Book Recommendations: https://tsfqr.com/phys-fav-books
 * Have a book recommendation? Email Phylicia at phylicia@phyliciamasonheimer.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
What are you reading right now? Do you have a favorite fiction or nonfiction book that aligns with Philippians 4:8? Share your recommendations in the comments! We'd also love to hear what books you think we should carry at Riverside Bookshop.

Subscribe to the Verity Podcast for more conversations about Christian theology, biblical literacy, spiritual growth, and thinking biblically about everyday life.

#PhyliciaMasonheimer #ChristianReading #VerityPodcast #ChristianBooks #BiblicalDiscernment

181 | Thinking Biblically About Reading Habits

This week in our Thinking Biblically series, we're talking about another hot topic: the use of AI in Bible study. Whenever there is new technology, especially at this scale and influence, we as Christians are called to be discerning. But how do we determine what to use it for—or not use it for—when it seems Christians at large differ so widely in if, or how, they use it?

In this episode we'll talk about:
- Why it's important as a Christian to seek discernment about the use of AI
- How work, especially creative work, is a partnership with God, and how we image Him when we do our work well
-  Why it matters to have a strong theology of the Holy Spirit
- Every Woman a Theologian's AI policy
- What I don't recommend using AI for
- What I do recommend using AI for

If you've been told that AI is just a morally neutral tool and aren't quite sure how to think about it with a biblical mindset, this episode is for you!

 * Where to find our AI Policy https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/p/your-ai-sermon-is-showing
 * Fall Shop is coming October 8th! Subscribe to our Newsletter to be the first to know when it launches. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/newsletter/
 * Before you reach for AI, seek the answer for yourself. We have resources to help in your study. Start with Bible Study Basics, Interpreting the Bible Correctly, and Glossary of Theological Terms all available in the Every Woman a Theologian shop. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/bible-study/
   
   Additional resource to watch, Jonathan Pageau: https://youtu.be/yZUuKzDQSsI?is=aQhzt9TZ4l2JRY2n

180 | Thinking Biblically about AI in Bible Study

What is a "village," and how do we cultivate one in our own lives? In this episode, we'll take a look at the traits of a village, reflect on the loneliness epidemic in America, and how the Bible gives us guidance on overcoming that epidemic by providing real instructions for cultivating community. We'll also consider how we often view friendships in a scarcity mindset, but how we can build healthier ones with an abundance mindset.

We'll discuss:

 * Historical traits of a "village"
 * What's causing the loneliness epidemic and how the Bible guides us to overcome it
 * Specific Bible verses on cultivating community
 * Three principles and three red flags to keep in mind when discerning friendships
 * Practical advice on how to make friends

If you've struggled with friendships or feeling like you don't know how to build community, this episode is for you!

Loving our Thinking Biblically series? Subscribe to Verity Podcast for a new episode each week:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Join us for Every Woman a Theologian Conference Nov. 6-7. All denominations welcome! https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/confe... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUZZTVljRnFfcTZEaGdCdEtPNl80VUNpUVhnTHxBTl9pYzRlODltWkNVNDJoaFhqck9abnZPSXF0UDFXWWM0QWJRc3kyOEpuZ2gxZ3lLS0h4X2hUZXJ1TkhHcWxtbVJ0S0NLSGNSV2w1NU8wMGJCQmlDVTY3NjU4QnRIVm9Td3hm&q=https%3A%2F%2Fphyliciamasonheimer.com%2Fconference%2F&v=dYyIO1Qf5Sg]

Stay tuned for our Fall Shop coming October 8th! Bible studies, homeschool curriculum, autumn candles, mini pumpkins, and more! https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/new-items/

Find your next Bible Study to study on your own or in small groups in our shop! ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/bible-study/

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram:   / phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram:   / everywomanatheologian

179 | Thinking Biblically About "Finding Your Village"

In this episode, Phylicia talks about the practice of using devotional books in the Christian walk. Are they a recent addition to Christian life, or have they been in use longer than we think? She then discusses the criteria she uses to discern whether a devotional book is helpful for her spiritual growth, and completes the episode by sharing a few of her favorites.

Loving our Thinking Biblically series? Subscribe to Verity Podcast for a new episode each week:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Join us for Every Woman a Theologian Conference Nov. 6-7. All denominations welcome! https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/conference/

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

NEW! Believe! A Devotional-Style Bible Study Through the Gospel of John by Seana Scott. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/believe-a-devotional-style-bible-study-through-the-gospel-of-john/

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com
Instagram:   / phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram:   / everywomanatheologian

178 | Thinking Biblically About Devotionals 

In this episode, we look at the 8,000+ Christian denominations and ask whether all that division is evidence of a broken church — or branches growing off one vine. We'll walk through where the major denominations came from, why gathering with a local body isn't optional for a Christian, and how to actually choose a church without waiting for a perfect one.

In this episode, we examine:
- what the word "church" has meant since the assembly of Israel, and why a cookout with Christian friends isn't it
- why John 15's vine and branches is spoken to a gathered community, not to you alone in your living room
- the grace evangelicals are cutting themselves off from when church becomes optional
- a fast tour of church history: the Jerusalem church, the 1054 schism, the Reformation, and the origins of Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anabaptist, Congregational, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Pentecostal traditions
- the difference between denominations that split over doctrinal orthodoxy, over practice, and over mere preference
- what each tradition does well, and what they need to learn from one another
- four things to look for when choosing a church: doctrinal truth, social change, maturing community, and holding your preferences loosely

If you've been church hunting for years without finding the right fit, or you've wondered whether denominations are a problem to be solved, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
Order Every Woman a Theologian:
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram:   / phyliciamasonheimer   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVHgyWXl1NjJIbkM2ZXQwWkhhWWR0N3xBTl9pYzRlTFlyYnZlT0FBQXdyUFR6cUJ2VUk0WktkWmVqbVBwRWNfN0JVR2g4RVE4Z2ZWS1BvZ1ZucFJBbF9DX3lTaXpsUjZ6ZUk4ZnVzT1k5YXo3Rk04XzRJeFVwNjNqZFFW&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fphyliciamasonheimer&v=y3PVbdb0hv4]
EWAT Instagram:   / everywomanatheologian   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUUUzY1dtLUR5MnVCSEN5NFVSMHFCY3xBTl9pYzRlU2dvY0w0eXg2Um56RHhyRTloRWt1MkJWQ2huRjlaOE5pVXpBU0ZWeDAwWmJXTXUxbU5rY3pXVUN1WktpTGVoSUl3ZnhoV2pCMXJGbzlZOE9jbUVOWGRHczNYcE5D&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Feverywomanatheologian&v=y3PVbdb0hv4]

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.
#VerityPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/veritypodcast] #EveryWomanATheologian [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/everywomanatheologian] #FaithBuilding [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/faithbuilding] #ChristianWomen [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/christianwomen] #PrayerLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/prayerlife] #FaithLife #BibleStudy

177 | Thinking Biblically About Denominations

In this episode, we look at the Bible to answer the question both “trad wives” and feminists are attempting to answer: what is the purpose of a woman? We’ll see how both ends of the spectrum turn into fundamentalism, and how Scripture points us to a better and more practical understanding.

In this episode, we examine:
- the way current American culture defines the terms, “trad wife” and “feminist”
- historical roles of women in America, going back to the 1700s
- how the two viewpoints provoke one another and impact culture
- what the primary purpose of a Christian person is according to Scripture
- how to consider the purpose God has called you to in your current season

If you’re looking for clarity amidst the arguments of both sides and wondering what God says about your calling as a woman, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
Order Every Woman a Theologian:
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram:   / phyliciamasonheimer   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVHgyWXl1NjJIbkM2ZXQwWkhhWWR0N3xBTl9pYzRlTFlyYnZlT0FBQXdyUFR6cUJ2VUk0WktkWmVqbVBwRWNfN0JVR2g4RVE4Z2ZWS1BvZ1ZucFJBbF9DX3lTaXpsUjZ6ZUk4ZnVzT1k5YXo3Rk04XzRJeFVwNjNqZFFW&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fphyliciamasonheimer&v=y3PVbdb0hv4]
EWAT Instagram:   / everywomanatheologian   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUUUzY1dtLUR5MnVCSEN5NFVSMHFCY3xBTl9pYzRlU2dvY0w0eXg2Um56RHhyRTloRWt1MkJWQ2huRjlaOE5pVXpBU0ZWeDAwWmJXTXUxbU5rY3pXVUN1WktpTGVoSUl3ZnhoV2pCMXJGbzlZOE9jbUVOWGRHczNYcE5D&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Feverywomanatheologian&v=y3PVbdb0hv4]

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.
#VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #FaithBuilding #ChristianWomen #PrayerLife #FaithLife #BibleStudy

176 | Thinking Biblically About the Trad Wife Debate 

For the best experience, visit our YouTube Channel! [https://youtu.be/hD-4PVO-4kY]

For those who followed me when I was on social media regularly, you know that I love a good thrift store! There is a special kind of joy in thrifting that can't be replicated online. You walk into the store not knowing what you'll find, and every shelf holds possibility. There's something especially satisfying about finding a beautiful theology book on a shelf for just a few dollars. Over the years, thrifting has become one of my favorite ways to build a library. Not only is it more affordable, but it feels like the true reflection of what I'm finding in a book about God: treasure.

In today's video, I'm taking you along and sharing:
• How I hunt for theology books in thrift stores.
• How I discern which books are worth bringing home.
• Why I recommend some books to others and keep different books for my own reading.
• Practical tips for thrifting theology books and building your own library on a budget.

If you'd like my theology book lists and recommendations, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at phylicia@phyliciamasonheimer.com.

Visit our newly launched Summer Shop at www.everywomanatheologian.com [http://www.everywomanatheologian.com/].

My new favorite! Carry your summer reads in our new Preach Christ Summer Tote [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/preach-christ-canvas-tote/], designed to keep your favorite books close at hand all season long.

At Every Woman a Theologian, we believe theology isn't reserved for scholars. Every Christian is invited to know God more deeply through His Word. Subscribe for rich biblical teaching, practical discipleship, and encouragement to think biblically and live faithfully in everyday life. And if you'd like Bible teaching delivered right to your inbox, join our email list [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/newsletter/] for the latest resources, recommendations, and updates.

#ThriftingBooks #TheologyBooks #ChristianBooks #BookRecommendations #BibleStudy #EveryWomanATheologian #PhyliciaMasonheimer #ChristianYouTube #BookThrifting (edited)

Thrift With Me! How Phylicia finds Theology books on a Budget (audio only)

We've spent three months talking about prayer, and this final episode is where all of it comes to life. A few months ago, Jesse, our social media coordinator at Every Woman a Theologian, reached out to our community and asked them to share how God has been moving in their prayer lives. What came back left me emotional. Story after story of a personal, specific, loving God who hears and answers prayer. Sometimes with a yes, sometimes with a no, and sometimes in ways that are even more beautiful than what was asked for.

You'll hear testimonies of answered prayers through miscarriage and grief, infertility and miraculous pregnancies, job searches, family conflict, postpartum anxiety, healing, and so much more. I want to be honest with you—not all of these are happy endings. Some of the most powerful testimonies in this episode come from women holding the tension between grief and gratitude. But all of them point to a God who sees, who cares, and who answers specifically.

If your faith has been feeling thin or your prayers feel like they're hitting the ceiling, I hope these stories remind you that our God is not distant. He is near, and He is listening.

Shop Prayer Resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:

https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:

https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:

https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.

Order Every Woman a Theologian:

https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1

https://tsfqr.com/psalms

Follow along:

Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]

Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer

EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

#AnsweredPrayer #PrayerTestimonies #VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #FaithBuilding #ChristianWomen #PrayerLife

174 | Answered Prayer: Testimonies to Strengthen Your Faith

Dr. Rachel Rauch and Phylicia Masonheimer will talk about the relationship between anxiety and prayer: how to navigate the tension of physical and spiritual causes for anxiety, and how women can find peace with God.

Rachel Rauch, board certified as a traditional Doctor of Naturopathy and founder of Eiro Wellness, is a Christ-follower who recognizes that restoring health involves more than addressing the physical body. True healing also requires support for emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. She specializes in brain and mood health, understanding that fatigue, digestive concerns, and hormone imbalances often coexist with anxiety and depression.

Check out Eiro Wellness:
https://eirowellness.com/

⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:
https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.

Order Every Woman a Theologian:
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1
https://tsfqr.com/psalms

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

#anxiety #PrayerLife #VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #BiblicalTheology #womenshealth

173 | Women, Anxiety & Prayer with Dr. Rachel Rauch

The Verity podcast is hosted by author, speaker and public theologian Phylicia Masonheimer. Covering topics of faith and culture from a biblical perspective, through a historical lens, the podcast is 

Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer · Zencastr

Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer

The Verity podcast is hosted by author, speaker and public theologian Phylicia Masonheimer. Covering topics of faith and culture from a biblical perspective, through a historical lens, the podcast is designed to inspire you to ask better questions, go deeper in faith, and defend your beliefs with both grace and logic.