About
Johanna Blanding-Koskinen
Apologist | Chaplain | Seminary Student | Author
Welcome to Living Apologetics! I'm passionate about equipping believers to understand, articulate, and defend the Christian faith with both intellectual rigor and Christlike character. This platform exists to explore the deep questions of faith, theology, and culture—demonstrating that Christianity offers not only spiritual truth but intellectual credibility.
My heart's desire is to see communities, cultures, and worldviews across the globe introduced to the transforming power of God's Word, and for this site to be a place where the Wisdom of God is clearly displayed for all to see.
My Story
My journey with apologetics began with questions—honest, difficult questions about faith, truth, and the reliability of Scripture. Like many believers, I discovered that Christianity not only welcomes questions but provides compelling answers grounded in evidence, reason, and divine revelation.
As a Community Chaplain with SEMA, I've witnessed firsthand how faith sustains people through their darkest moments. During disasters and emergencies, theological abstractions become intensely practical. This work has deepened my conviction that Christian apologetics isn't merely academic exercise but vital ministry.
Through my volunteer work with GotQuestions.org, I've had the privilege of engaging with seekers from around the world—atheists, skeptics, believers wrestling with doubt, and new Christians hungry to understand their faith. Each question represents a person made in God's image, seeking truth. What an honor to point them to Christ and His Word!
What I Love to Talk About
I'm always eager to discuss Christian apologetics, church history, biblical commentaries, and theological questions. Whether you're a skeptic with honest questions, a believer seeking to grow deeper, or a fellow apologist wanting to connect—I'd love to hear from you!
My passion is helping people think deeply about their faith and engage meaningfully with the toughest questions Christianity faces in contemporary culture. I believe the gospel can withstand scrutiny—in fact, it flourishes when examined carefully and honestly.
Favorite Authors
- C.S. Lewis - All of his works captivate me, from Mere Christianity and The Abolition of Man to The Chronicles of Narnia and Till We Have Faces. Lewis masterfully combines rigorous apologetics with imaginative storytelling.
- G.K. Chesterton - His wit, wisdom, and winsome defense of Christian orthodoxy never fails to delight and instruct. Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man are perpetual favorites.
- D.A. Carson - His rigorous biblical scholarship and theological depth challenges me to think carefully about Scripture. His commentaries are treasures of exegetical insight.
Podcasts I Listen To
- Nate Sala - Every Word and Wise Disciple. Nate's work training Christians to think, speak, and act like Jesus is invaluable for contemporary discipleship and apologetics.
- Gavin Ortlund - Truth Unites. Gavin's thoughtful exploration of Christian theology, church history, and ecumenical dialogue models charitable engagement with complex issues.
- Ward on Words - For those who love diving deep into biblical languages and careful exegesis. Understanding the original languages illuminates Scripture in profound ways.
Research & Writing
Though my research and teaching focuses on Early Christianity, biblical commentaries, and apologetic methodology, I've discovered a passion towards Christian Mythology. I'm particularly interested in how the great Christian thinkers—from the early church fathers to contemporary apologists—have defended and articulated the faith across different cultural contexts.
Currently, I'm working on a book of Christian mythology that draws inspiration from the legendary Inklings—C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and others who understood that imaginative storytelling can convey profound theological truths. Like Ursula K. Le Guin's thoughtful explorations of morality, meaning, and transcendence, I'm seeking to craft stories that illuminate the beauty and depth of Christian truth through narrative art.
The Inklings demonstrated that Christianity doesn't fear imagination—it embraces it. God Himself is the ultimate Creator, and we bear His image as sub-creators. Myth, properly understood, can point to Truth. Stories can bypass intellectual defenses and speak directly to the heart.
Living Apologetics: The Vision
Living Apologetics exists because I believe the gospel deserves our best thinking. Christianity is not anti-intellectual—it provided the philosophical foundations for Western civilization, birthed modern science, and produced some of history's greatest minds. Yet many Christians today feel ill-equipped to defend their faith in an increasingly skeptical culture.
This platform aims to change that. Here you'll find:
Rigorous Worldview Analysis
Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Secularism, Postmodernism, and more
Philosophical Apologetics
Addressing life's ultimate questions with clarity and depth
Theological Resources
Grounded in careful biblical study and sound doctrine
Science & Faith Integration
Showing Christianity's harmony with genuine scientific inquiry
Cultural Engagement
Helping believers navigate contemporary challenges thoughtfully
Faith Under Fire
Testimonies demonstrating Christianity's transforming power
My prayer is that this site equips you to think clearly, believe deeply, and live faithfully for Christ's glory. Whether you're here to strengthen your own faith, find answers to give others, or investigate Christianity's claims for yourself—welcome. Let's pursue truth together.
Let's Connect
Have questions? Want to discuss apologetics or theology? Need prayer? I'd love to hear from you!
Get In Touch