13 Reflections Why

Special Disclaimer: This podcast discusses the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The discussion of this series is by no means an endorsement by Pastor Brian Chilton, the Bellator Christi Podcast, BellatorChristi.com, or its affiliates of this highly controversial series. 13 Reasons Why is for mature audiences only (TV-MA) and contains graphic language, violence and discusses suicide and depression.

Bullying is a major problem holding several major negative connotations. The Center for Disease Control has linked suicide with bullying (see the report at https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-suicide-translation-final-a.pdf). Recently, an 8-year-old boy named Gabriel Taye from Cincinnati, Ohio took his life after persistent bullying transpired at his school. 8-years-old!!! We have a major problem in our nation with how we treat one another.
For that reason, the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why is an important work. The series is graphic and contains horrible language. However, the show does demonstrate the problems surrounding depression, bullying, and suicide. The show is about a high-school junior named Hannah Baker. Baker takes her life after being met with several instances of aggression. Baker records 13 tapes which indicate the reasons why she decided to take her life. I do not suggest this series for everyone as it is quite difficult to watch. However, it is important to discuss the issues surrounding the series. In this podcast, we discuss the following observations from a Christian perspective. We consider 13 reflections on why the Christian worldview can add optimism and depth to this problematic situation.

* Depression is a serious issue and must not be treated lightly.
* Bullying is never acceptable especially from Christians.
* Take care in where you go.
* Rape is never the victim’s fault: it is the aggressor’s.
* Covered sins produce worse sins.
* Cyber-bullying is still bullying.
* As a Christian, be willing to befriend the outcast–Jesus did!
* Don’t downgrade others to upgrade yourself.
* Don’t always trust the rumors you hear about others–the first-century authorities lied about Jesus.
* View people through the eyes of Jesus.
* You never truly know what another person is facing.
* One way or another, God will bring justice to the evil of the world.
* A person’s purpose is found in God and not the opinions of others.

About the Author:
Brian Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. He hopes to enter doctoral studies soon in the realm of theology and/or biblical studies. Brian is full member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics and the Christian Apologetics Alliance. Brian has been in the ministry for over 14 years and serves as the pastor of Huntsville Baptist Church in Yadkinville, North Carolina.
About the Podcast
The Bellator Christi Podcast is a production of BellatorChristi.com and is protected under Creative Commons copyright. All rights reserved. The theme is the song “Crucified,” written by John and Michaela Lemonis, performed by Crosby Lane, and produced by Mansion Entertainment (https://crosbylane.com). The views expressed on this podcast may not represent those of Bellator Christi or its affiliates. Be sure to subscribe to BellatorChristi.com to receive all the articles and podcasts in your inbox for free. Also, be sure to check out The Bellator Christi Podcast on iTunes,