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Hi All,
I think most people take civilization for granted. We have all been reared since infancy in a world where we can enjoy the fruits of centuries of progress. For example, many Eastern, African, and Aboriginal peoples must still walk long distances with large pots to capture water for the day’s chores while we have been living off the Romans’ development of infrastructure so the water comes to you for a couple of millennia.
But it isn’t simply practical convenience that makes a civilization. As I discussed in my most recent podcast linked below, civilization can be described as the richness of life. That feeling you have knowing you are part of something that seeks out the best in ourselves and marks it for the world to see. Or, to quote T.S. Eliot from his book Christianity and Culture, “Culture may even be described simply as that which makes life worth living. And it is what justifies other peoples and other generations in saying, when they contemplate the remains and the influence of an extinct civilization, that it was worth while for that civilisation to have existed.”
Yet, are we passing down those values and concepts of beauty that have been cultivated by our forefathers? Today’s society values new and edgy rather than long-standing tradition and the tried-and-tested. We like the excitement of the unfamiliar and become shocked when they birth disaster. Just look at the transgender calamity of the last ten years. Will anyone think a thousand years from now that cutting off functional organs in our children was something that made it worthwhile for our civilization to have existed?
A central point Eliot makes in his essay on the “Three Senses of Culture” is that the development of culture can never be separated from a society’s religion. Religion refines culture as it informs us as to what is the good to which we should aspire, what is the truth about the world and how it works, and what should classify as beautiful. In other words, how we can aim to grow into better versions of ourselves. It is our faith that shapes and molds the values to empower our civilization to greater heights and the legacy of Western civilization shows this.
The crisis in failing to pass along the truth of Christianity means we are truly in danger of warping our cultural understanding of the good, the true, and the beautiful. And that means the Christian west is in danger of becoming as extinct as the Aztecs or the Babylonians—an interesting museum piece, but not much more.
MINISTRY UPDATE – Dare to Defend Coming to Kalamazoo!
I’m very excited to announce that our next Dare to Defend Conference has been set for September 25 and 26 in Kalamazoo, Michigan! The theme of the conference is Dare to Defend: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth” and will feature speakers such as Dr. Tim McGrew, Dr. Doug Groothuis, Dr. Bradley S. Belcher and Rob Bowman and myself. We are putting together the website now and tickets should go on sale beginning April 1. Here’s a short description of what you’ll be experiencing:
In a culture that says truth is personal and faith is private, can Christianity really stand up to scrutiny? Dare to Defend: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth” is a powerful weekend designed to equip everyday believers and students with clear, compelling reasons for confidence in the Christian faith. Explore the historical evidence for the Resurrection, the reliability of Scripture, and how to answer the toughest cultural challenges posed to believers today. Learn why Christianity is not built on wishful thinking or emotional preference—but on clear evidence that can be examined and defended. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith can withstand tough questions, join us this September.
I’m busy with several different writing projects as well. I’ve finished a rough draft of a book telling the true story of an Iranian woman’s journey from Islam to Christ, and showing how she survived and overcame both depression and physical abuse by discovering Jesus and his healing. I’m also a co-editor on an upcoming compilation tentatively entitled 8 Things The Church Must Answer Now: Christian Apologetics for Our Cultural Moment. I
will be contributing two chapters, one on the threat to the traditional family and one on the pervasive abuse of language to score political points. Both these projects are extremely important, especially with the headlines we read today. Please keep these in prayer. Writing is hard work!
FINANCIAL UPDATE
As you might imagine, all the projects described above require significant time and resources. God has faithfully sustained this ministry for thirty years, but continuing this work has often required stretching our resources.
That’s why I’m preparing to launch our Defenders Campaign, seeking individuals who recognize how important this ministry is in helping Christians think clearly and engage our culture.
A Defender is someone who commits to supporting this ministry monthly. There are several giving levels to choose from, and Defenders receive exclusive access to our Dare to Defend Library—a collection of videos, notes, and resources not available to the general public.
You can become a Defender today at:
https://www.comereason/defenders/
Or, if you prefer, you can make a secure onetime gift through our giving page:
https://www.comereason.org/support/
Either way, your partnership is a tremendous blessing to this ministry.
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY
One of the most encouraging things for us at Come Reason is hearing how God uses this ministry in people’s lives. Many readers have told us that our talks, articles, and videos have helped them better understand Christianity and engage others with confidence.
If Come Reason has impacted you, would you consider sharing a short story with us? Even a few sentences can make a difference and may encourage others in their faith journey.
Here are a few prompts if helpful:
- What questions or challenges were you facing before encountering Come Reason? How has that changed?
- Was there a particular talk, article, or video that made a difference to you?
- How has Come Reason helped strengthen your confidence in your faith or conversations about Christianity?
- Have you seen something you learned here influence others in your life?
- If you were describing Come Reason to someone new, what would you say about its impact on you?
You can simply reply to this email and share your thoughts. With your permission, we may share a portion of your story in a future newsletter to encourage others.
Thank you for being part of the Come Reason community and may you be blessed this month!
Blessings,
Lenny
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What Happens When a Civilization Ignores God? The Bible Already Told Us
In this episode of the Come Let Us Reason Podcast, Lenny Esposito explores Deuteronomy 4 and Moses’ warning that cultures survive only if they listen to God’s Word, remember the lessons of the past, and pass those truths to the next generation.Drawing from thinkers like C.S. Lewis, Chesterton, and Roger Scruton, this episode examines how the erosion of Judeo-Christian foundations threatens modern society—and why the biblical warning is more relevant today than ever.
Watch ➤
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If You Burned Every Bible, You’d Still Be Stuck with Jesus — Here’s Why
What if someone destroyed every Bible ever printed? Would the case for Jesus disappear with them? Cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace argues the answer is a definitive no. In this compelling episode, Wallace applies the same investigative technique he used to solve decades-old murders to one of history's most contested questions: who was Jesus of Nazareth, and does the evidence demand a verdict? Using what he calls the "fuse and fallout" method Wallace traces the historical shockwave of Jesus's life through science, art, music, education, and world religion. What he found surprised even him.
Watch ➤
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Positioned for Miracles: The Faithful Steps God Uses to Do the Extraordinary
Do miracles still happen today? And if they do, why do some believers seem to experience God’s power while others never do? In this episode, we explore how ordinary, covenant-rooted faithfulness positioned Israel to experience extraordinary results — and what that means for believers today. If you’ve ever longed to see God move in your life, this
episode will help you understand the practical steps Scripture models for being fully used by Him.
Watch ➤
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What Drives a Cult Leader like David Koresh?
Thirty-three years ago on March 16, the U.S. Government surrounded the compound of David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, sparking a stand-off that would last 51 days.
It tragically ended in gunfire with 75 of the 84 people inside dead, including children.
Just what motivates a cult leader like Koresh and
why would people follow him to their deaths?
Read More ➤
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How Can I Know I'm Going to Heaven?
Can just praying a prayer get you into heaven? In this article, Lenny answers a young person who is questioning her faith and wondering if God is real, how we can hear from Him, and how we can know where our eternal destiny lies.
Read more ➤
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Upcoming Speaking Events:
Christianity, Superhero Movies, and the Problem of Evil
March 16, 2026
Turining Point USA CBU Meeting
4130 Adams Street
Riverside, CA 92504
Details ➤
This Changes Everything: The One True God
April 12, 2026
The Church Family Fellowship
4130 Adams Street
Riverside, CA 92504
Details ➤
Why Doesn’t God Make Himself More Obvious?
April 19, 2026
The Church Family Fellowship
4130 Adams Street
Riverside, CA 92504
Details ➤
Michigan Dare to Defend Conference: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth”
September 25 -26, 2026
Oakwood Bible Church
855 South Drake Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Details ➤
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1. T. S. Eliot. Christianity and Culture: The Idea of a Christian Society and Notes toward the Definition of Culture. Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1949. 100. |
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