Zera Today with Dr. Lorenzo Neal

It's the first day of February and Black Heritage Month. In 2023, this month is clouded by a governor banning AP Black History courses, five black Memphis police officers are charged with the murder of a black man (Tyre Nichols) and a state government attempting to take control of a predominately black major city in Mississippi. There's a lot to unpack on this first day of BHM so join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day. Connect with Dr. Neal on www.lorenzotneal.org and become a patron on Patreon-www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

This is a test show for s2023

After having been away for a minute, Dr. Neal plays catch up with  the recent headlines of the robbery and follow up controversy of Bishop Lamar Whitehead and Bishop Patrick Wooten bashes Beyonce over lyrics and use of legendary Clark Sisters music sample. Listen and share across your social media. Become a patron-www,patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

On Saturday, a white man entered a predominately black neighborhood grocery store and opened fire killing ten and wounding three. The perpetrator streamed his evil act on Twitch and also penned a manifesto that stated his belief in the white replacement conspiracy theory. Dr. Neal discusses this tragedy and the ramifications it will continue to have in the future. Today's episode is sponsored by Skillshare. Click the link to get your free month today https://skillshare.eqcm.net/L94gY

Instagram and Youtube social influencer Kevin Samuels passed away and many were celebrating and also spreading false information regarding the circumstances of his passing. Also, the US Department of Homeland Security recently established a "Disinformation Governance Board" to counter misinformation attacks by agencies and countries against American security. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.  

For nearly 50 years, pro-life/anti-abortion activists have sought to overturn the Roe v Wade SCOTUS decision. On Monday, a draft copy of Justice Alito's majority opinion was leaked by media outlet Politico supposing that SCOTUS would be overturning the case setting up political fights regarding abortion access and rights across the country. This leak presents problems for both sides of the abortion or reproductive rights camps. What should we expect once the official decision is released and what are the implications of this leak on the integrity of the legal and systems in the country? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day. 

Music has long been said to be the "universal language" connecting all humans together. Historically, black musical artists always found greater success outside of black audiences. This trend continued and morphed into mainstream musical genres incorporating black R&B and hip-hop rhythms into their genres. Recently following a performance at a CMT event, R&B artist Monica responded to a commenter who stated that "Country music is different. It's not Wakanda." She performed and actor Anthony Mackie served as host. CCM artist Chandler Moore is being rebuked for denying his culture and race to appeal to whites. This begs to question whether whites are truly comfortable with blacks in their predominate spaces or if they are simply virtue signaling to seem non-racist. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

The 2022 Oscars Awards telecast audience was left in shock after Will Smith calmly walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock after Rock made a poorly received joke about Will's wife Jada. Although Smith apologized in his acceptance speech, there were mixed reactions from celebrities and others regarding the incident. The one thing that was clear, is that violence against black men is something that seems to be a sanctioned action and profitable for some. What can we do to change the image of black men and do celebrities get a pass when it comes to negative behaviors that bring negative reflections to the communities they represent? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

A report released in February 2022 claims that blacks are becoming non religious at a faster rate than any other ethnic group. This is not surprising when as recently as several weeks ago, some high profile blacks either left their religious communities or denounced faith altogether. Black Non-Believers founder Mandisa Thomas joins Dr. Neal once again to discuss how this is impacting black communities. 

Staying along the vein of the church in black history, I decided to venture into the archives and share a conversation with author and filmmaker Jeremiah Camara from 2016. Jeremiah Camara is the director and producer of the documentary film Contradiction: A Question of Faith, which examines the saturation of churches in African American communities coexisting with poverty and powerlessness. Contradiction can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video. Camara is the author of the books Holy Lockdown: Does The Church Limit Black Progress? and The New Doubting Thomas: The Bible, Black Folks & Blind Belief. Camara is also the creator of the widely watched YouTube video series Slave Sermons… a mini-movie series addressing the harmful effects of religion. His latest and upcoming documentary project is titled, Holy Hierarchy: The Religious Roots of Racism in America. Holy Hierarchy… explains how the presumptions of a Supreme Being in colonial America led to precepts and beliefs in supreme human beings and how these beliefs morphed their way into the legal system and ultimately turned racism into an institution. (Source-filmfreeway.com/JeremiahCamara) Visit our sponsor-www.betterhelp.com,  Order your copy of Dr. Neal's latest book "He Was Clean" https://amzn.com/B09M4TF7FG Become a Patron-www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

The Holiness movement of the late 19th century spurred a new dimension of the black religious experience. At the forefront of this movement were CP Jones and CH Mason founders of the Church of Christ Holiness USA and the Church of God in Christ respectively. Author and Pastor Dr. CJ Rhodes joins Dr. Neal to discuss this rich history of the Black Holiness church movement and it's impact on the black church experience of the 20th century in his latest book "Deeper Still". 

Sexuality and sexual expression have long been a taboo topic of discusssion in the black church yet we have a number of black clergy and laypersons who fall into sexual immorality. Where does sexuality in all of its expressions fit into the black religious experience and how should the church accurately and properly breach this area of faith and family? Duchess Cashmere, a grio and performer joins Dr. Neal to discuss this topic. 

Since the pandemic began in 2020, thousands of people have chosen not to return to their employment for a number of reasons. As church worship services moved to virtual platforms, many clergy decided to make to move away from pastoral or church ministry. How will this "Great Clergy Resignation" impact the future of the church in a post pandemic world? What can be done to help pastors and other clergy find some degree of relief for the burdens that ministry brings? Plus Bishop Noel Jones and Nick Cannon make headlines for interesting reaasons. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

Last week two prominent Christian rappers made statements that shook up the American Christian world. Brady Godwin known as Phanatik of the Chrsitian rap group Cross Movement, says he sent a letter to his church withdrawing his membership and renouncing what he believed and shared for over 30 years. Grammy winning Christian rapper LeCrae wrote a tweet about leaving "politicized Christianity" that led to him losing a performance booking. While blacks are still the most religious group of Christians in America, many are beginning to deconstruct their faith or leave Christianity all together. How should pastors and church leaders address this burgeoning problem? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

Dr,. Neal is back discussing various topics of the day including Pastor Todd's poor sermon illustration and why the Senate is stalling on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2021. Also get your copy of Dr. Neal's latest book "He Was Clean" now available on Amazon-https:/www.amzn.com/B09M4TF7FG and become a Patron-www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

On December 11, 2021 a video of a man claiming to have taken the life of his girlfriend and proposing to do the same to his wife and himself went viral after he followed through with his threat. This action is just one of many that has occured and been on the rise since 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day and week.  

Black Love has been the celebrated chant for black celebrity relationships like Will and Jada Smith, Magic and Cookie Johnson, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, and the former epitome of black love Bill and Camille Cosby and Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis (RIP to them both). Even the odd ones like Oprah Winfrey and Stedman are highlighted as 'relationship goals" for black women and some black men. The Black Church has used marriage as the key to community development and sustentation but has done little to provide support as some openly advocate against traditional family identity and values. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

As if 2021 cannot get any stranger, there was plenty happening the last several days to make the world shake. Kanye West holds his first Sunday service since releasing his Donda album earlier this year. Pastor John Piper of Desiring God ministries explains how God uses ugliness as a grace gift. Finally, firm believers in Q Anon crowded the streets of downtown Dallas with the hopes of seeing a resurrected JFK, Jr and a restored Trump presidency. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.   www.lorenzotneal.com Show sponsors are www.skillshare.com  Legalshield www.legalshield.com Become a patron-www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

It's no secret that the church and the "Black Church" in particular is experiencing a significant shift across the board. For the black church explicitly, a recent research project reported that some 15% of black pastors are walking away from the profession and changing occupations. Also, Bishop TD Jakes has recived approval from Atlanta city officials to begin the development of a multi-use site on a former army base in the city. Join Dr. Neal discusses this and other topics of the day.

This show is somewhat of a makeup show for the last several on trending topics from the death of Colin Powell, vaccine mandates, and Jon Gruden's firing among other things. Support the show by becoming a patron on www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

Political commentator and now former candidate for governor of California Larry Elder raised his profile with a strong challenge to Gov. Greg Newsome. Kanye West finally drops his Donda album after weeks of listening parties and anticipation. It's a work of his religious and mental exploration since losing his 2020 presidential bid and his separation from Kim Kardashian. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

Personal Development Coach and public speaker Andy Charles joins Dr. Neal to discuss how personal coaching can help individuals achieve their long and short term goals. Find Andy on his website https://andyspersonaldevelopment.com/ and on all social media.

Dr. Neal is joined by Andrew J Schaknik, author, legal scholar, radio and podcast host and have a wonderful conversation on faith, social justice, policiing, academics, and law. To learn more about Andrew Schatnik visit his website at https://schatkinshow.com. Please support the Zera Today Show by becoming a patron on Patreon: www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

As the 2020/21 Olympics are underway in Japan, world champion gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from further participation due to poor performance and mental unreadiness and as a result some have criticized her patriotism and athletic abilities. As the summer comes to an end and many public schools prepre to reopen for Fall, the issues of critical race theory and wearing of masks is creating chaos for school districts across the country. How should this be approached that will be in the best interest of the students and not the politics? Lastly, as the Delta variant of Covid spreads, the conversation regarding vaccination is once again attempting to breach the black church and community. What does a successful vaccination campaign for churches and communities look like and how effective will it be? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

 For over a century, black communities across the country have observed June 19th as a day of celebration and liberation for freed slaves. Now thanks to President Biden it is a federal holiday. The Southern Baptist Convention met and elected a new president all while wrestling with critical race theory and its impact on the denomination and the country. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics 

It's been a year since George Floyd was murdered by former officer Derreck Chauvin. There hang been a number of other incidents and social unrest across America since then. How directly has this impacted and changed black Americans and what should be expected in the near and distant future for Black American DOS? Join Dr. Neal as great discusses this and other topics of the day 

THe last several years have really brought strain on the collective black community in the US. Blacks are feeling overwhelmed with external threats of microaggressions and racism, and internal pressure of being excessively black or not black enough. This combined with the pressure and trauma brought on by COVID-19 has some blacks experiences serious exhaustion. Who is to blame for this experience and what can be done to counteract both the external and internal pressures? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

For nearly a decade now, the mantra of Black Lives Matter has come to the forefront of American minds as the media reports more officer involved shootings and deaths leading to rioting and looting of urban areas already impacted by economic plight. This is contrasted by the under-reporting of black homicides against each other even when children or teens are the victims of said crimes where there is much outcry but a scarcity of major mainstream media outside of local outlets. Some would identify the former as a form of black menticide where behaviors and reactions have been carefully and deceptively usurped by powers seeking to maintain control and eventually direct thought behavior for Black America. Is this a form of brainwashing or simply a new narrative of empowerment for urban Black America and how should Black churches and clergy respond to it? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

Former officer Derrick Chauvin has been convicted for the murder of George Floyd. While some are celebrating this as a victory, there is still a collective trauma that has yet to be fully addressed. Join Dr Neal as he discusses this and o other topics of the day.

Rapper Lil Nas X rose to fame with He has his old town Road that had many parents crying from their children's repetitive insistence on singing it. Following that he announce that he was a gay man to the chagrin of many of his country music fans. His latest project has created just as much controversy as the first one except this one is seemingly targeted towards Christians as his music video to pick Satanic imagery and an IG post when he blames being Christian and wrestling with his sexual identity and orientation as the reason behind the imagery. Is there a place for shunning  in the Christian church and how can we provide better reception for people like you Lil Nas X? Join Dr. Nealas he discusses this and other topics of the day 

It was roughly a year ago that Americans were becoming more aware of the Covid 19 as the virus quickly morphed into a global concern. We were learning that we would not be able to worship in person, and would be prohibited from attending large gatherings and even funerals for our friends and loved ones. A year later, vaccines have been created and are being distributed across the country, cases and hospitalizations are on the decline, states are beginning to lift some of the restrictions and mandates in favor of inciting growth and a return to normalcy. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses how this has impacted the church and what the church could possibly look like as we try to get back to normal. Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this broadcast. Join now for up to 40% off annual membership by clicking the link below and be sure to become a patron on Patreon on the link below https://skillshare.eqcm.net/c/1939542/1000759/4650" www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

History was made as Joe Biden, Jr was sworn in as the 46th POTUS and Kamala Harris as the 49th Vice President. Many were simply glad to see Trump out of the White House. In spite of turning out in record numbers this past election cycle, a recent research study by the Barna Group reports that many Black Americans feel more politically powerless than 25 years ago. The study also found that blacks found a greater sense of comfort and control in the church. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day. Today's show is sponsored by Skillshare and Legalshield. Click the links below to learn more about their services and savings and become a Patron for Dr. Neal on Patreon today www.skillshare.com        www.legalshield.com        www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal

Happy new year everyone! Now that 2020 is over what do we have to look forward to in 2021? We already have some groundbreaking history in Congress qith the election of Pastor Ralph Warnock as US Senator from Georgia and the hopes that with the new vaccines things will slowly creep back to normal. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses the latest news topics and  shares his reflections and expectations for 2020 and 2021.

Although the POTUS election has ended with Biden and Harris declared the winner and Trump still contesting the results, the black community is now considered the most valuable asset to both political parties. What should black leaders demand from the administration and how will we fit into an intersectional paradigm? Plus another influential pastor admits to moral failure and is fired from his church. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses these and other topics of the day. Show sponsor is Skillshare. Click the link for 14 day of free Skillshare Premium killshare.eqcm.net/c/1939542/476278/4650"  

The 2020 election cycle has finally come to an end but the results for the POTUS race are still uncertain. it appears that Americans turned out in record numbers to cast their ballot. How will the elections results impact black communities and in particular black men. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of th day

As we approach the National election, the race to secure the black vote is in full swing. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns are reaching out more than usual to black voters but black men like Ice Cube and others are voicing dissent from the groupthink mentality placed upon black voting population. Rev. Dean Nelson, Chairman of the Douglass Leadership Institute and the Frederick Douglass Foundation, joins Dr. Neal to discuss this and other concerns of black communities across the country. To learn more about the Douglass Leadership Institute visit www.dlinstitute.org and the Frederick Douglass Foundation visit fdfnational.org.

This week, Pope Francis acknowledged same se unions and a pastor leaves his church over politics.As the Presidential Election Day draws closer, the candidates are doing their best to pander to the communities they believe will help them win. Black Americans have been the most pandered to but always get left out afterwards, Rapper and actor Ice Cube led efforts to present a contract with Black America (CWBA) for black descendants of slaves to have something to guarantee that they would fair better following the election. He's caught a lot of hits from prominent black celebrities because of him working wit POTUS Trump campaign. Is a contract with black Americans worth the effort or not? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

Politicians have long had the reputation for being somewhat untruthful when it comes to saying and doing things to get elected or remain in political power. Journalist and author Tim Ward along with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky co-wrote the book "Pro Truth-A Practical Guide for puttting Truth back into Politics" to help bring to light much of the deception and misinformation techniques used by main stream media and politicians to keep the general public misinformed and divided. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

Former Florida mayor and Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum comes out as bi-sexual on the Tamron Hall Show. Netflix'srecent movie "Cuties" has come under fire because it seems to exploit children. The movie follows an 11 year old Senegalese girl who becomes a member of a dance troupe against her mother's wishes. Black women have long been viewed as hyper sexual and for some non-blacks the only image of black women are those seen in hip  hop music videos. Black women are also listed as the most educated group among minorities.  What can be done to change the image of black women and prevent the sexualization of children in society? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

This year is certainly an emotional roller coaster. The death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has rocked Hollywood and black America. Will it be an impetus for black men to do more for sale care and preservation? Forbes has officially listed Tyler Perry on the billionaire list. What does this say about black achievement and the struggle narrative presented by the BLM movement? And finally amidst all the noise regarding policing in communities, it seems that much of the violence is being perpetrated by non-blacks. Is this narrative intentionally being put out in the public to maintain the black status quo vote? Join Dr. Neal for these and other topics of the day. Visit my website: www.lorenzotneal.com  Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/LorenzoTNeal    

As Election day inches closer, even during this pandemic, politicians from both parties are canvasing black communities with their usual pandering. As both major parties host their conventions, the race to bait the black vote is front and center. Conservatives, Liberals, Moderates, Progressives, and even Socialists are weaponizing the BLM movement and protests/riots as tools to sway black voters to their platform and eventual vote. Recently rapper and actor Ice Cube proposed a question that all blacks should consider before casting a vote for either party. Join Dr. Neal discusses this and other topics of the day.

In his book "The Souls of Black Folk" WEB introduced the concept of black double conciousness or the idea that blacks in America experience a "a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity." As the BLM Global Movement has garnered international attention, the general narrative presented by it is one of black inefficacy or inability to help ourselves or fix our own problems without the full assistance of non-blacks who in turn may reinforce this narrative to prove they are less racist than other non-whites. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day. Feel free to share your comments. Become a patron of the show here: www.patreon.com/lorenzotneal and visit Dr. Neal's website www.lorenzotneal.com 

This week saw the passing of legends of faith and freedom John Lewis, CT Vivian, and JI Packer among many others, A new Pew Research report states that globally, more people are questioning the necessity of belief in God for moral goodness and China forces Christians to remove crosses and replace them with photos of Communist leaders. Finally, in his first campaign rally this past weekend, Kanye West opened up on his views of abortion and said something about Harriet Tubman that may have ended his portential run before it even began. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.

As the beginning of a new academic school year comes closer, concerns about how to educate students are brought the torefront. CNN anchor Don Lemon makes a very bold statement about an unperfect Jesus and superstar celebrities Will and Jada Smilth acknowledge the frailties of their marriage leading to an "entanglement with a younger mentee. What could be the church do to address issues of the character of Jesus and infidelity in relationships? Listen as Dr. Neal discusses this and other topics of the day.

The US Supreme Court makes favorable rulings for religious organizations regarding healthcare exemptions and employee dismissals that can affect all religious schools and organizations. One July 4th, Kanye West tweeted out his announcement to run for POTUS and as states revisit their re-opening plans, churches are faced with the challenges of dealing with rising COVID cases and returning to in-person worship services. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses these topics of the day.

The 1960's and 70's saw the rise of black identity and a militant black liberation movement. The 2010's saw the emergence of the Black Lives Mattter movement. Both have a connection to the moral and social injustice that plague Black Americans have been facing since the beginning of post Reconstruction.Jim Crow society. Is the BLM movement the ideological child of the Black Power Movement and if so what is the end goal for today? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.Black Liberation vs Black Lives

This June is more meaningful as we observe the 5th Anniverssary of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME in Charleston, SC and 155 years since the announcement to slaves in Galveston, TX that they were officially freed. Both are significant and relevant to the wave of protests occuring across this country. What should the end game for this day be for American Descendants of Slaves and how can the Black Church contribute and maintain relevance and moral authority and influence to this new movement? Join Dr. Neal for this and other topics of the day

Looting and riots have become normalized following race or police related violence towards black lives. From Ferguson to Baltimore, it is an unfortunate after effect of an injustice against black Americans. What has made the looting and rioting following the death of George Floyd is the virtue signaling from political leaders that is further dividing the country along political and faux religious ideaologies. The leading political figures used the Bible as a prop this week to one up each other as to whose more right and righteous. Dr. Neal speaks to this on this broadcast.

It's another week of Covid and viral videos that reveal the deep disconnect in America between black Americans and whites. We viewed white women now dubbed generically as Karen calling 911 for simply feeling threatened in a black man's presence and one raging for a manager because of her dissatisfaction with an encounter by a retailer. We viewed a police officer who happens to be white exert his power granted by the state to excessively subdue a black man to death while looking completely content with his position of power over the man. Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day

"The Doors of the Church are Open" are words that are uttered regularly during many worship experiences after the sermon during the invitation to Christian discipleship. As the country slowly reopens, so are many churches in spite of the growing concerns of how this could impact the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. There are many adjustments that must be made but are some churches willing to make the adjustment? Listen in as Dr. Neal discusses this and other topics of the day.

As more details emerge about the Amaud Arbery shooting and as states and cities slowly reopen economically, there is a growing sense of distrust and mistrust within the African American community for state and federal agencies and policies. How will this affect economic, health, and racial policiries and relationships between black communities and the agencies that are supposed to support and protect them?.  What should be the role of the Black Church in this time? Join Dr. Neal as he discusses this and other topics of the day.