Expressive individualism is a term used today to describe the intuitive way that we think about ourselves as human beings.

Dr. Carl Truman talking about his presentation at the 2025 issues, etc., making the case conference.

We think about ourselves as free, autonomous, self-determining, and we place a great emphasis upon our feelings as being decisive for who we are.

Now, from a Christian perspective, feelings are part of what it is to be human, but also we understand as Christians that made in the image of God, we are dependent creatures.

We're obliged creatures. We don't self-invent or self-create ourselves.

And what I want to do in this talk is analyze the problem and then suggest ways that the church can

combat this within our congregations.

You can meet and hear Dr. Carl Truman making the case against expressive individualism at this year's Making

the Case Conference, July 18th and 19th, at Concordia University Chicago.

Learn more at issue ZTC.org.

What if you are depressed and nothing makes you happy?

If you get pregnant, should you rush into marriage?

How do I stop holding grudges?

Welcome back to Issues, Et cetera.

I'm Todd Wilkin.

Those are some of the questions that kids have. It's time for our series, kids have questions. Pastor Jonathan Conner joins us. He is pastor of

Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. Jonathan, welcome back.

Thanks, Todd. Happy to be here. Are arranged marriages a sin if the two people don't love each other?

All right, great. Love this question. I say to the child,

this is a very important question, and the answer may surprise you a little.

It will surprise you because it will challenge some of the assumptions

you have been raised on in American culture.

...