Summary
In Episode 4 of Reasonable Talk, VBC staff members Amanda Jarvis, Jerod Jarvis, and Pastor Chris Martin talk about how Christians can engage with the news without becoming anxious, angry, or overwhelmed.
They explore the difference between news and commentary, why truly “objective” journalism doesn’t exist, and how a Christ-centered worldview helps us sort through headlines with wisdom.
They also discuss common responses to the news—news junkies, social media warriors, and avoiders—and offer biblical principles for staying informed while keeping our hearts anchored in God’s sovereignty and peace.
Helpful Resources:
- The World & Everything in It - a daily news podcast from a Christian wordview
- WORLD Watch - a weekday 10-minute news broadcast for teens
- WORLD Magazine - a monthly magazine featuring sound journalism, grounded in facts and biblical truth
- God's World News - a news magazine for elementary-age students
Topics and Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome & Why Christians Need to Think About the News
2:29 – What Is News? Facts, Opinion, and “Biblical Objectivity”
7:36 – News Junkies, Avoiders, and Social Media Warriors (Heart Issues)
13:08 – Wise Engagement: Responsibility, Limits, and Local Focus
20:59 – Youth, Culture, and Reading the Times with Discernment
27:59 – Outrage, Algorithms, and Sensationalism in Modern Media
41:45 – Faith, Suffering, and Finding God’s Work in a Broken World
47:22 – Sharing Links, Loving People: Relational Wisdom in How We Talk About News
Comment(1)
Peggy Jackson says:
February 2, 2026 at 8:01 amVery helpful! Thanks for doing this. Being a bit “infirm” these days, I find myself watching a lot of the news. I have found myself in all three of the “buckets” in various times of each month lately. It is very difficult to know what is true and what is not…..especially with AI getting into everything! I pray for wisdom and discernment. I saw a post last week that was very helpful to me. He was saying that God gave very specific instructions for building the Ark. What He did not give were instructions to install a rudder or a steering wheel. Noah was asked to build, and then to get in and let God have complete control of his life, of his family’s lives, of where they went and how long they were there. He was to be a good “floater!” I knew that, but somehow, this just put it to the forefront of my mind and turned down the bit of anxiety I was beginning to feel by looking at the state of our country. I’m so grateful to God for His faithfulness in taking all my burdens and giving me His peace. And for putting people like the three of you in my life to help give guidance and to remind me of what I already know, but sometimes lose sight of. I’m trying, with God’s help, to be a better “floater” this year! Thank you so much.