Generations Radio

San Antonio Christian Film Festival Wrap-up The source of a lot of unhappiness in the home is connected to the kind of entertainment "enjoyed," by the occupants thereof. Yet, the form and types of emotive experiences enjoyed can also lead to a great deal of contentedness and lasting joy. Thankfully, Christians are finally realizing a distinctively Christian worldview, and they are bringing it into the area of film and other forms of entertainment. Kevin Swanson presents the winners for the San Antonio Christian Film Festival. But here is also a more extensive analysis of what constitutes nurturing and edifying entertainment in the home. Kevin asks whether a steady diet of movies and television is ever all that edifying, and suggests a regimen for a good diet of entertainment.

Ted Haggard and the HBO Special With the increasingly public and thorough moral collapse of leadership within the evangelical church, Kevin Swanson opines from Elbert County, at a fairly safe distance from the demise of western Christianity. Will Haggard's HBO Special and his appearance on Oprah result in thousands of homosexuals repenting of their sins and coming to Christ? We doubt it. But it would be nice to see one sinner acknowledge that he has actually broken God's law (not his own law), and perhaps even repent. But who are we to judge this man, and who is anybody else for judging us for judging this guy? Here Kevin Swanson speaks to the risks of making judgments and the responsibility taken by anybody who takes the position of making judgments, whether it be parents, pastors, elders, or civil judges.

William Wilberforce and You A diminutive, odd little man of devout Christian faith shows up in England's House of Commons in the latter part of the 18th century, and makes a mark on the world that will never be forgotten. His commitment to basic human rights based on the laws of God, and his intrepid and determined persistence is a lesson for any and all of us engaged in the monumental battle against evil in our own time. Eric Metaxas, author of "Amazing Grace," draws inspirational lessons from the life of William Wilberforce that will surely impact you deeply, on this edition of Generations.

Sacrifice, Expense and Hassle Why do Christian parents send their children to schools that do not teach the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom? A survey of 35,000 Christians reveals the primary reasons and these are considered on this edition of Generations. Are ideas inculcated in children over 18 years all that important? Does it really matter if a child picks up the wrong sort of theory of knowledge, ethics, and reality, as long as he believes in somebody named Jesus, (whoever that might be)?

Getting off the Dime But what do you do when the pool is a little shallow in your own church community, where the marriageable boy to girl ratio is 8 to 1 or vice versa? Many of the on-line dating services (Christian and non-Christian alike) provide for the typical strangers-in-the-night exchanging glances scenario. That might work for the anonymous lifestyle of the vagabonds in the big city, but not for people like us who live in covenant relationship and accountable community. Kevin Swanson interviews Richard Emmonds, homeschool father of four, and director of the new website, reformedsingles.com. Richard explains why involvement from pastors and parents in the process can prevent a lot of emotional damage and problematic marriages in the long term.

TeenPact According to a recent USA Today front page article, the homeschooling movement is growing at a rate of 8-9% per year, now exceeding 1.5 million children. And, according to a recent study conducted by NHERI, these homeschool graduates are 14X more likely to be involved in political leadership (at 18-25 years of age), than their counterparts graduating from public schools. They are politically motivated and eager to make an impact on the world around them. But are they going to make an impact for man or for God, an impact defined by the righteous principles of God, or by the arbitrary, ever-shifting laws of men? Kevin Swanson interviews Aaron Watson of TeenPact on a Christian civics program that has given tens of thousands of young Christian teens a vision for political involvement, and equipped them for it.

Handling Change Philosophical, moral, and economic change may be bring about shifts in political boundaries. Some academicians even forecast the end of America in the near future. As we consider the future, the hosts of Generations launch into a discussion on how to handle change. The one thing you can count on in life is change - things will not always be the way they've always been. But some changes are for the better and some are for the worse, and that can only be determined by an absolute Law. Kevin Swanson draws a critical distinction between revolution and reformation (or repentance), and takes issue with the use of the word "change" in one recent presidential race.

Shepherds Dr. James Dobson counts the greatest tragedy of the 20th century as the destruction of the family in the west. But what would it take to repair the family? Homeschooling? Single moms? Barrack Obama? Focus on the Family or the American Family Association? Not even close. Kevin Swanson interviews Ken Carpenter, father of 9 and president of Franklin Springs Media on the restoration of the family in the 21st century - and the single most important thing that must happen if the nuclear family will survive.

Education 101 Kevin Swanson gives three reasons why the world is far more socialistic in 2009 than it was in 1960, primary of which is the education system. We are educated TO BE socialists. He then interviews Penn Pfiffner of the Independence Institute on how to educate young men and women in the principles of freedom, especially if they have already been indoctrinated in socialism.

Complaints about Generations Some are concerned that the Generations broadcast is too optimistic and yet others think that the program is too pessimistic! So do we just file this under the Can't-Keep-Everybody-Happy-All-The-Time file? Kevin Swanson and Dave Buehner interact with the input from either side, suggesting that maybe we aren't optimistic enough about the kingdom of God, and maybe we aren't pessimistic enough about the empires of men. Concerted time is spent considering the phrase, "Things have never been this bad." A comparison is drawn between 2009 America and 1789 France. You'll find some helpful historical perspective on this issue of Generations.