The Lion, the Way and the War
by Craig Allison Chattanooga
A podcast focused on Christ, His church, and the spiritual war we are fighting. Topics include pressing spiritual issues relevant to everyday Christian life. New episodes every Friday!
Podcast episodes
Season 4
S4 Ep 2: #61 - Still Carrying Church Hurt? Here's How to Start Healing
This week on The Lion, the Way, and the War, Craig sits down with Kelsey Hart Thrash, a counselor working in public schools, to talk honestly about mental health—and how the church sometimes fumbles the conversation. This episode is raw, thoughtful, and full of moments that’ll make you stop and think—especially if you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or quietly ashamed for struggling mentally as a believer. It’s time we stop pretending Christians are supposed to have it all together—and start having real conversations about what healing and peace actually look like.
S4 Ep 1: #61 - Does the Bible Teach Us That Mankind Is Alone In the Universe?
In this season opener Tyler Gilreath joins Craig once again to take a closer look into the on-going disclosures that are coming from some of the highest levels of government regarding potential extraterrestrial technology. How should Christians handle the growing empirical evidence? Can these disclosures be trusted? Is it possible that God created other intelligent beings? Who or what might these beings be if they are real? Is this topic one in which Christians should be concerned about and if so, why? This episode explores these questions and many other elements including demonic interference, ontological trauma, and how one's faith might be impacted if and when we discover we are not alone.
Season 3
S3 Ep 20: #60 - Is It Time for Churches to Step Out of Their Comfort Zones?
Join us for the final episode of season three on 'The Lion, the Way, and the War!' Craig sits down with Dale Taylor, the Executive Director of Agape Asia, who has an incredible story of missionary work in China, from learning Mandarin and helping communities, to now leading efforts in various Asian countries. As they reminisce about challenging yet rewarding experiences, they discuss the evolving interpretation of Matthew 28, the critical importance of obedience-based discipleship, and how to practically incorporate Jesus’ teachings into everyday life. 00:17 Meet Dale Taylor: Missionary and Leader 01:26 Life and Language in China 03:46 The Journey to Becoming a Missionary 06:11 Challenges and Rewards of Mission Work 10:13 Transitioning Back to the U.S. 11:11 Agape Asia: Mission and Impact 22:15 The Decline of American Churches 23:57 Generational Differences in Faith 24:09 Cultural and Missional Dynamics 27:00 Hypocrisy in the Church 33:59 Obedience-Based Discipleship 42:18 Implementing Change in Church Culture 45:17 Supporting Agape Asia 47:08 Season 3 Finale and Future Plans
S3 Ep 19: #59 - Are Young Adults Losing Their Faith or Finding New Paths?
In this episode Craig Allison talks with Isabel Creasey about the spiritual journey of Generation Z. They discuss statistics on declining church affiliation, the impact of technology and social media, and how personal and educational backgrounds shape faith. Isabel shares her own experience of staying connected with her faith through college and why some young adults may be turning away from church. The episode also dives into the need for authentic religious experiences and the importance of making churches welcoming and inclusive for younger generations. 00:39 Isabel's Background and Interests 01:44 Coffee Preferences and Fun Banter 02:53 Yoga and Physical Wellness 04:04 Generation Z and Church Disaffiliation 11:00 Personal Experiences with Faith 19:08 Challenges and Hypocrisy in the Church 21:46 Virtual Church and Authenticity 24:54 Navigating Biblical Teachings in Modern Churches 26:20 Addressing Mental Health in Gen Z 31:31 The Impact of Social Media on Youth 40:35 Challenges of Church Inclusivity 44:35 The Role of Mentorship and Relationships
S3 Ep 18: #58 - Is Your Understanding of the Bible Missing Key Ancient Contexts?
In this episode, Craig is joined by Jeff Griffith. The two dive deep into discussions that intersect faith, biblical narratives, and ancient Mesopotamian literature. Jeff brings a unique perspective as the host of the 'Strangely Biblical' podcast. They explore themes from creation myths, the Babylonian epic of Marduk, to the Genesis flood narrative, challenging conventional interpretations and encouraging deeper biblical study. This episode is a rich tapestry of theology, ancient history, and contemporary faith struggles, aiming to enrich the listener's understanding of the Bible in its historical and cultural context. 00:29 Jeff Griffith's Background and Career 04:15 Family Life and Challenges 06:49 Generational Shifts and Parenting 09:39 Mesopotamian Creation Myths 13:37 Biblical Polemics and Psalm 104 30:07 The Unique Nature of the Judeo-Christian God 30:42 Ancient Myths and the Role of Mankind 31:21 The Genesis Account and the Nature of Evil 32:34 The Story of Apa and the South Wind 34:55 The Serpent in Genesis and Its Implications 35:40 The Hierarchy of Heavenly Beings 36:25 The Rebellion of the Divine Beings 44:53 The Influence of Ancient Cosmology on Scripture 48:19 The Importance of Understanding Ancient Context