Kirk Cameron seeks to answer an age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

August 21, 2013

Writer

On radio this morning, Glenn spoke to actor Kirk Cameron about his new documentaryUnstoppable. Kirk’s first film, Monumental, explored America’s founding principles, and his latest endeavor tackles a more theological theme that revolves around one of the most frequently asked questions: Why does God let bad things happen to good people?

Unstoppable is set to show in partnership with Liberty University at theaters across America for one night only on Tuesday, September 24 (information and tickets can be found here).

Read a rough transcript of the interview below:

GLENN: I am proud to call as a friend Kirk Cameron who is just a great, great guy. We worked with him on his movie Monumental, and we urge you to go see that. And if you haven't seen it yet, go rent it. Go buy it. Monumental, it's phenomenal. He's got a new movie out coming September 24th called Unstoppable, and it's based on the idea of, how can there be a God? How can he possibly let all these things happen? And where is your faith? Kirk Cameron, welcome to the program. How are you, Kirk?

KIRK CAMERON: Good morning. I'm doing great, Glenn. Nice to be talking with you.

GLENN: So tell me what tell me the motivation behind the movie that you've made.

KIRK CAMERON: Boy, you've still got me thinking about all these things you were just talking about before, before we started talking. I've got to switch gears here. The reason that I made Unstoppable was because this is this is something that's been gnawing at me lately because one of my very good friends, a 15 year old boy, Matthew Sangren, just passed away and died of cancer. In fact, last night I was in the emergency room with my grandfather who's just had a couple of heart attacks, and we're praying and we're singing and other families are weeping and wailing because of tragedy in their life, and this has just hit so close to home for me recently that I wanted to get to the bottom of this, of this faith wrecking question: Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering. And I'm trying to approach the subject without just an intellectual apologetic treatise connecting the dots between a loving god and the real existence of evil and tragedy but offering a holistic, emotional and spiritual answer that is nourishing to people's faith and helps them come out the other side of trials with their faith stronger rather than shredded and destroyed.

GLENN: I will tell you, Kirk, I am really concerned because I think we have such a lack of understanding, as a society and whole, a lack of understanding of who God is and how He works and how tragedy fits into that and everything else and, you know, just exactly what you're addressing. And I really, truly believe that with the dark days that could be on our horizon that they will be dark days because too many people will say, "Well, there can't be a God, and He's just..." and there will be others that say, "Well, He's angry at us" and everything else. No. No. God is there to comfort and to guide. And as we go astray, we will have the punishments ourselves because we are our walking on the wrong path will be our own punishment. He is always is there and He's always loving. And too many people I just saw it in our own circle of friends. Somebody passed away and they were inconsolable. The family was inconsolable. And Tania and I walked away and we said, you know, they claim they're Christians, but they don't really even understand the real† they will say, "Well, we're going to see him again," but they don't believe it. And that's the difference. If you really believe it, if you really apply it, tragedy can become something that is uplifting in a strange sort of way.

KIRK CAMERON: Well, I think that so much of what you're saying resonates in all of us. We understand that God has a plan for things and- but often we're just wrestling and struggling to understand what that plan is. And my approach in dealing with this question is I'm thinking, wait a minute. If maybe maybe I'm so close to my pain that I can't see past it. But if I could climb up into heaven's balcony and if I could have heaven's perspective on tragedy and pain, not just in my lifetime but throughout all of history, and I try to take you as a viewer back to the Garden of Eden where we have the very beginnings, the genesis of pain and suffering, and show you the murder of one brother by his other brother and go into the flood of the entire world and then through the nation of Israel, the crucifixion of the savior and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, you see that the author of the story has allowed tragedy from the beginning and somehow he's been steering all of it to work together for good for those who love Him and produce in you the very apex of the heart toward others when they go through trials.

GLENN: Kirk, I'm going to send you a link to a Man in the Moon because you're describing much of what we just did in a completely different format this summer and you need to see it and watch it with your kids because you'll love it. Your movie comes out on September 24th, Unstoppable. It is a one night event. It's a Fathom event. Go to Unstoppablethemovie.com. See this incredible trailer at Unstoppablethemovie.com. Facebook and YouTube originally blocked the links to this originally, didn't they?

KIRK CAMERON: Yes, they did. And we don't know if that was something that happened internally or simply a result of the safety mechanism that you can press on any video: Hey, click this if you want to report it as spam or unsafe. And if enough people click that, well, they could shut it down. So we had a few million people let Facebook know that they wanted to see it and they put it back up. So we're thankful for that.

GLENN: What a Christian way to answer that question.

STU: (Laughing.)

KIRK CAMERON: You know, it's the Kirk Cameron versus Facebook headlines that I'm standing in line to see.

GLENN: Kirk, it's always good to talk to you and it's always good to see you, and I hope we see you here in a couple of weeks when this is out and we'd love to do something again and try to encourage our audience to see your work because it is it's truly inspiring and it's good to see a good man of faith stand up and speak the truth as much as you do. Thank you very much.

KIRK CAMERON: Well, thank you. It's a pleasure to be talking with you guys and please keep up the good work.

GLENN: You got it. Kirk Cameron, Unstoppablethemovie.com.

The Woodrow Wilson Mother's Day loophole

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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