The Cold-Case Christianity Podcast

A cold-case style investigation tackles five of Jesus' most puzzling sayings. The conversation applies historical, literary, and linguistic tools to test difficult Gospel passages. Topics include priority in discipleship, metaphorical language about spiritual feeding, the nature of an unforgivable sin, teachings on divorce, and the call to prioritize kingdom work.

A detective-turned-apologist critiques blind and reckless versions of faith and defines three types of belief. He compares Christian trust to courtroom reasoning and explains why a forensic, evidence-friendly faith matters. The conversation warns against relying solely on experience, examines Hebrews 11 and Doubting Thomas, and urges believers to investigate historical claims to protect the next generation.

J. Warner Wallace, Dateline-featured cold-case detective turned Christian apologist and professor, applies forensic witness standards to the Gospels. He recounts his shift from skepticism, examines eyewitness variation and abductive reasoning about the resurrection, contrasts belief that with belief in using a vivid vest story, and discusses testing miracles and comparing world religions.

A detective-style investigation of the Shroud of Turin, tracing its medieval appearances, chain-of-custody gaps, and motives for relic creation. Scientific tests and controversies are explored, from STURP findings to the disputed 1988 radiocarbon dating. Forensic details, pollen claims, and arguments for and against authenticity are weighed without abandoning the limits of any single artifact.

A detective-style survey of why the triune understanding of God fits the biblical evidence. Short takes on who rejects this view and why, plus pitfalls like modalism and tritheism. A clear “one what, three whos” definition is offered along with scriptural signs that Father, Son, and Spirit each share divine attributes.

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity podcast, J. Warner Wallace takes you inside the current crisis of confidence in American law enforcement—from the perspective of someone who actually wore the badge. Drawing on decades of experience as a gang officer, undercover cop, SWAT operator, and cold-case homicide detective, Jim helps Christians think more clearly and biblically about the role of police in our culture. Are all officers the same? Is there a difference between local cops and federal agents like ICE? How should thoughtful followers of Jesus respond to viral videos, headlines, and public outrage? If you've ever struggled to reconcile your Christian worldview with what you see on the news about policing, this episode will help you rethink assumptions, make careful distinctions, and respond with both truth and compassion. If this conversation is helpful, please subscribe to the Cold-Case Christianity podcast and take a moment to rate and review the show in your podcast app. Your subscription, rating, and review really do help more people discover this content and think more carefully about the Christian worldview.

A forensic-style look at the claim that Jesus is not divine, testing key New Testament texts and early Christian testimony. Listens to Johannine language, creeds, and councils to weigh divine titles and worship. Explores passages used to deny deity and considers what functional subordination and the incarnation imply.

A detective-style probe into whether ancient flood tales reflect a single catastrophic event. Short comparisons with Atrahasis and Gilgamesh and a survey of worldwide flood traditions. Discussion of migration patterns, shared motifs like boats and birds, and theological contrasts between polytheistic myths and the biblical account. Consideration of geology, ark practicality, and how oral transmission might preserve a real memory.

A close look at three opening chapters in the New Testament that present Jesus as creator, sustainer, and visible image of God. The conversation treats John 1, Colossians 1, and Hebrews 1 like investigative evidence. Listeners hear explanations of phrases like "firstborn of all creation" and "exact imprint" and why early Christians worshiped Jesus as divine.

An alien thought experiment asks whether modern churches match the book of Acts. A personal journey from megachurches to a home church informs critiques of consumer culture and passive attendance. Biblical images—ekklesia, household, and body—are used to contrast 'people who' with 'place where.' Practical ideas for smaller, mission-focused, participatory gatherings are proposed.