https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-eqxdv-1996ffe  I chat with Andrew Berg, who authored “Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel.” Andrew challenges conventional political narratives and examines the moral implications of U.S. support from both conservative and progressive angles. Andrew emphasizes the need for empathy toward both Palestinians and Israelis and advocates for a reevaluation of accountability in... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mhzh8-198bfa2  Professor Anthony Baker discusses the Barmen Declaration and its implications for American Christianity today. We analyze its historical context from the 1930s and why we are not currently experiencing a similar moment. Professor Baker emphasizes the declaration's intent to maintain the church's independence from the state, a principle that modern churches risk overlooking. We... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mhhy9-1981a3d Today we look at the compassionate conservatism and its relevance in today's political climate with historian John Fea. We examine the origins of this movement, rooted in social justice and faith-based initiatives, and its initial implementation during the George W. Bush administration, particularly through programs like PEPFAR. John highlights how the philosophy has deteriorated... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6he3m-1976c5b Todd Stavrakos discusses the mission of Pathways for Peace, focusing on fostering dialogue between the Jewish and mainline Christian communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of the situation, including the roles of Hamas and the Israeli government. The discussion also touches on the historical... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xn382-196ce1e I chat with Jason Micheli, a United Methodist pastor, on the pitfalls of pathos in politics, emphasizing its potential to overshadow core Christian tenets. Drawing on Jason's article "Deprive Them of Their Pathos," we reflect on Karl Barth’s theological insights, arguing against conflating faith with political ideologies. Our conversation addresses the challenges of preaching... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-thsb6-1961c9e In this episode, Ken Sundet Jones discusses the Iowa Preachers Project, emphasizing the importance of community among pastors and the need for compelling preaching in today's context. We look at the challenges pastors face, the significance of grace in preaching, and the transformative power of the gospel. Iowa Preachers Project Lutheran Toolkit by Ken... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6m6pv-195025a If there is one word that could describe our current politics, it would be anger. The anger in our politics doesn’t seem to move us forward towards solutions, but forces us to draw lines.  And this anger seems to infect our relationships, especially our churches.  How can we move past this anger and be... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tnmrn-1948f67 This is a crossover episode with Future Christian and sort of a tradition with my colleague Loren Richmond Jr. as we converse from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN. We did this together in person in 2023 when GA was in Louisville, KY.  We talked about the... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-j7dgr-19311c8 A short note to let you all know I'm taking a break for the next two weeks and returning on August 29.  I share some notes on the future of the podcast and end with some hopeful words from the Mother of Jesus.   Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew... Continue Reading →