Podcasts about Orthodox

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ ishttps://api.tuvu.com/redirectGroup/6a2ac0e2c9f728027338244cCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this episode of Kingdom Crossroads, TS Wright welcomes Matthew Mark McWhorter, author of Canon Crossfire, for a thoughtful conversation about faith, Scripture, evidence, and the formation of the biblical canon.Matthew shares how his journey began not in church, but through a personal crisis. After facing cancer and surviving a massive “widow maker” heart attack, he began reading the Bible seriously for the first time. As someone trained as a lawyer, Matthew approached Scripture through investigation, evidence, and comparison—reading across multiple Bible translations and Christian traditions.The conversation explores Matthew's path from skepticism to faith, including how books like The Case for Christ and Evidence That Demands a Verdict helped him examine whether Christianity is true. Matthew explains why he believes Christians must be grounded not only in the goodness of Christianity, but in the truth of Christianity.TS and Matthew also discuss Matthew's book, Canon Crossfire, which addresses questions surrounding the Old Testament canon, the differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Ethiopian, and other biblical traditions, and why simplistic answers about the canon can create problems when examined historically.A major theme of the episode is the importance of honest investigation. Matthew encourages believers, students, pastors, and scholars to look carefully at the evidence, especially when discussing disputed books such as 2 Maccabees and the broader historical development of the Bible.In This EpisodeTS and Matthew discuss:Matthew's personal testimony and health crisisHow reading the Bible changed his lifeWhy Christianity's truth claims matterThe role of apologetics in strengthening faithThe historical complexity of the biblical canonDifferences among Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Ethiopian, and Syriac canonsAthanasius and the early recognition of the New Testament writingsWhy Christians should avoid shallow answers when defending ScriptureMatthew's book Canon CrossfireWhere listeners can find Matthew's workGuest ResourceLearn more about Matthew Mark McWhorter and his book at:CanonCrossfire.comMatthew also mentions that his book is available in multiple formats, including print, ebook, audiobook, large print, and free copies for seminarians.Mentioned in this episode:TUVU - God Centered Concept Academy

Father Evan answers your questions on the best resources for learning the Orthodox mindset, how to set up a prayer corner in a radically larger living space, how to discern which Christian teachings are Apostolic, explaining the Eucharist to non-denominational Christians, how to best fulfill a financial vow to God, what to do when one is given the cremated remains of a non-Orthodox Christian, burial options for families feeling the financial pressure to choose cremation of a loved one, how to find a listing of the Orthodox biblical canon, and what the Moscow-Constantinople schism means for the average Orthodox Christian on this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

All Saints of North America and Antioch St. Matthew 4:18-23 On the Sunday of All Saints of North America and Antioch, Fr. Anthony reflects on how the same American instincts that often lead people to Orthodoxy can become obstacles to spiritual growth once they arrive. While habits of inquiry, comparison, and evaluation help many converts discover the Church, the Christian life requires a transition from constantly judging and analyzing to trusting the Church's proven path of formation. Drawing on examples from marriage, culture, and the lives of the saints, he argues that the Church has been making saints for two thousand years and invites us to relax into that process of transformation. --- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! This is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, which means we celebrate the saints. Now, some of you are thinking, "Father, wasn't that last Sunday?" Yes—but this Sunday we celebrate the saints who are the fruit of the Christian faith in particular places. Here in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, we commemorate both the Saints of Antioch and the Saints of North America. Antioch is where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. North America is where that same faith has borne fruit in our own land. Today we celebrate what happens when the Holy Spirit takes root in a people and a place and brings forth holiness. The saints were not abstractions. They were not merely names in books or faces in icons. They had families, homes, occupations, and daily struggles. They lived in particular places and faced particular temptations, just as we do. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for another age or another people. It is the calling of every Christian. I know some people who are jealous of Christians who lived in other times and places. I understand the temptation. We imagine what it must have been like to live in a culture where everyone was Christian, where theology, marriage, friendship, and worship were reinforced by the world around you. It can seem as though faith would come naturally in such a setting. But every culture has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every age has its temptations. Ours certainly does. This is one reason I often speak about the long, slow slog of salvation. It takes time for Christ to gain traction in our lives. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to draw us out of our sins, reorder our desires, and teach us to see the world according to the truth. As much as we may romanticize other places and times, the reality is that the whole world groans under the weight of sin. Consider the relationship between Church and state. Some Christians look with envy at times when governments openly supported the Church. One of my favorite examples is Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv. The church he built became known as the Church of the Tithes because he dedicated a tenth of his wealth to support it. That kind of patronage can be a tremendous blessing. It keeps the doors open. It provides a place where people can encounter Christ. But there is also a danger. If people do not intentionally offer themselves to the life of the Church, they can begin to take it for granted. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists have repeatedly observed that when the Church becomes too dependent on state support, participation often becomes passive. The buildings remain full, the clergy remain funded, but the active fellowship of the faithful can become hollowed out unless people are deeply intentional about their commitment. In modern language, we might say that people need some "skin in the game." Faith must become personal. It must become sacrificial. We cannot simply inherit it; we must offer ourselves to it. The same pattern appears elsewhere. My Greek friends often point out that Hellenistic culture provided many of the intellectual tools that helped people understand and articulate the Christian faith. Concepts such as the Logos and the philosophical vocabulary of the ancient world became powerful instruments in the service of theology. And yet those same intellectual strengths carried their own dangers. Some Christians were tempted toward Gnosticism. Others drifted into excessive rigorism. The very strengths of a culture can become weaknesses if they are not transformed by Christ. The same is true for us as Americans. There is much about our culture that I celebrate. We are approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation, and as a son of the American Revolution, I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. The First Amendment protects our ability to seek the truth and worship God according to our conscience. Many of us found Orthodoxy precisely because we were free to look beyond the assumptions of our surrounding culture. But there is another characteristic of American life that deserves our attention: consumerism. Consumerism is not merely an economic system; it is a pattern of thought. It trains us to compare, evaluate, and choose. Every trip to the grocery store involves a series of cost-benefit analyses. We compare quality and price. We examine options. We decide which product best meets our needs. That habit of evaluation has actually helped many converts find Orthodoxy. Most of us arrived here because we became dissatisfied with something. We sensed that something was missing. We began asking questions. We read books, listened to lectures, watched videos, and compared alternatives. We weighed ideas the same way we weigh products. Eventually, we discovered Orthodoxy and recognized that it offered something we had not found elsewhere: a way of life capable of leading us into deeper communion with Christ. For many of us, that process was a blessing. Without it, we might never have escaped the assumptions we inherited from our surroundings. We might never have realized that another way was possible. Now here is the challenge. The same habits that helped many of us find Orthodoxy can become obstacles once we are inside the Church. Let me explain through an analogy. Think about the way Americans approach courtship today. We live in a culture of options. Dating apps, personality profiles, compatibility scores, and endless advice all encourage us to evaluate potential spouses through a kind of cost-benefit analysis. We compare possibilities and try to determine which person is the best match. Now, thank God, many people eventually find someone they love. They build a life together, get married, and begin a family. But what happens if they never leave behind that consumer mindset? What happens if they continue to evaluate their spouse the way they once evaluated potential spouses? Sooner or later they discover something unexpected. They find an imperfection they did not anticipate. They encounter a habit they dislike. They discover a weakness that was not apparent before. At that point the consumer instinct kicks in. Some begin looking around, wondering whether there might be something better. Others begin trying to "fix" their spouse, treating the relationship like a renovation project. After thirty-six years of marriage, I can tell you that my wife became much happier when she gave up trying to fix me. There are some things that simply cannot be fixed. More importantly, that is not how healthy relationships work. A good marriage is not built through constant evaluation. It is built through trust, commitment, patience, sacrifice, and love. At some point you stop analyzing the relationship from the outside and begin living it from the inside. You relax into it. You allow yourself to be formed by it. That does not mean you stop growing. It means growth happens through love rather than manipulation. The same principle applies to the Church. I celebrate the fact that many of us found Orthodoxy because we were willing to ask questions, compare alternatives, and search for the truth. Those habits served us well. But once we arrive, we must be careful. If you have ever been a catechumen with me, you have heard me say something that may sound strange: don't become a catechumen unless you are ready to trust. You do not have to know everything before becoming Orthodox. No one does. We make sure people understand the essentials. We address the major questions and objections. But eventually there comes a point where a person must decide whether this is a place where he can be formed. If we carry the spirit of consumerism into the Church, we begin treating everything the same way we treated products on a shelf. We evaluate constantly. We compare constantly. We judge constantly. Combined with the polarization that already infects our culture, this can become spiritually destructive. We begin dividing ourselves into camps. We become critics rather than disciples. Instead of allowing the Church to form us, we place ourselves above it as evaluators. Now, that does not mean we stop improving things. We are always working to improve parish life. We renovate buildings. We develop ministries. We solve problems. But there is a profound difference between building up and tearing down. One spirit seeks to serve. The other seeks to dominate. One spirit acts from love. The other acts from judgment. One spirit strengthens communion. The other undermines it. At some point we must surrender the very habit of analysis that helped bring us here, just as a husband and wife must eventually stop evaluating one another and begin living together in trust. Once you have given your life to Christ and entered His Church, relax. You are in the right place. This is not a pig in a poke. Most of my catechumens know that expression. For those who do not, a "poke" is an old word for a bag. If you were buying a pig at market, you always looked inside the bag before handing over your money. Otherwise you might discover later that someone had sold you something entirely different. Orthodoxy is not a pig in a poke. You have looked inside the bag. You have examined the evidence. You have read the books. You have asked the questions. You have seen what the Church is. Now trust it. The Church has been forming saints for two thousand years. It has done so in Syria and Lebanon, in Greece and Romania, in Kyiv and Moscow, in Alaska and North America. It has formed saints in every culture, every language, and every century. It can form saints here. It can form saints out of us. But only if we allow it to do its work. There are very few places left in modern life where we can lower our defenses, let go of constant evaluation, and simply receive. The Church should be one of those places. This is one reason our worship is so carefully ordered. The prayers have been tested by generations. The hymns have been handed down through centuries. The services have been shaped by the wisdom of the saints. The Church knows what she is doing. Now, I still tell my catechumens and students to keep a little filter active during the homily. The prayers have been vetted by the Church. The sermon comes from me, and I am still a work in progress. But the larger point remains. Let the Church form you. The Church has been creating saints for two thousand years. It is not a cookie-cutter process. Saint Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Saint John were very different men. Yet all were united in Christ. The Church knows how to confront our sins. It knows how to heal anger, lust, despondency, pride, and despair. It knows how to help us become more patient, more loving, more peaceful, and more faithful. You do not need a guru. You do not need another internet rabbit hole. You do not need endless searches for the next great spiritual secret. The saints have already shown us the way. Pray. Love sacrificially. Open yourself to God's grace in the sacraments. Love God. Love your neighbor. This is the calling of every human being. This is the vocation of the royal priesthood. This is the path walked by the saints of Antioch, the saints of North America, and the saints throughout the world. And it is the path set before us today. May God strengthen us as we walk it together. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

This is the first lesson in a short series on Eschatology. In this lesson Pastor Tyler addresses the essential doctrines of an orthodox eschatology. 1. The Return of Christ 2. The Resurrection of the Body 3. Judgment

Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY60LIFE for 60% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Music by Dr Evo the Producer, Jay Dyer and Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/joinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau discuss the nature Orthodox exclusivity, the synod of Jerusalem, and the definition of salvation. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Father Emmanuel Lemelson is an American-born Greek Orthodox priest, hedge fund manager, investor, and social commentator. Ordained in 2011 in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, he has served in various parishes while leading Lemelson Capital Management as Chief Investment Officer, where he applies a value-based, Christian-informed approach to investing. He hosts The Fr. Emmanuel Lemelson Podcast, critiquing corruption in Wall Street, Washington, the pharmaceutical industry, Christian Zionism, technocracy, and geopolitical issues through an Orthodox lens. Watch the Cornerstone Forum 26'https://shaunnewmanpodcast.substack.com/Silver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionBitcoin: www.bowvalleycu.com/en/personal/investing-wealth/bitcoin-gatewayEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Expat Moneyhttps://expatmoney.com/snpGet your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500

Following Pentecost, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss how the Church protects and nurtures healthy parish culture while remaining faithful to Christ's command to care for His flock. Drawing on Scripture, canon law, and pastoral experience, they explore disruptive behavior, false teaching, predatory personalities, online "para-ecclesial" communities, and the responsibility of clergy and faithful alike to preserve unity without sacrificing truth. The episode concludes with a call to cultivate authentic Orthodox formation through prayer, worship, accountability, and life within the parish rather than through personalities, factions, or divisive online influences.

Mindy Schaper is a unique personality. Not only did she volunteer a kidney to save the life of a young man whom she did not know, but she also volunteered as a surrogate mother, carrying the child of an Orthodox couple full-term … and she did this twice! So now you understand the title of this podcast. Mindy Schaper grew up Chassidic in Boro Park, Brooklyn and now identifies as Modern Orthodox. She is a writer and marketing project manager, with degrees in psychology, English and Judaic Studies She helped to found and run Project Makom, an organization that supports people transitioning out of or re‑orienting from the Haredi world and often seeking a place in the Modern Orthodox world. Her video about being an Orthodox Jewish surrogate ("Being an Orthodox Jewish (and Married!) Surrogate" explores the intersection of modern family-building and traditional Halacha. It highlights the profound cultural and religious considerations required, including navigating Kosher dietary laws during embryo transfers and receiving specific Rabbinic guidance on fertility treatments. Here is a LINK to the video. In our post-interview segment, we share results from our recent survey on the issue of how and why Modern / Centrist Orthodox and Haredi identify and define themselves. The findings are in our new study "Issues of the Day: Orthodox Jewish Community Views on Key Current Issues," which also covers: Our strengths and top challenges; Top issues that we need to better understand; Dialogue and relationships with non-orthodox Jews and with non-Jews; and an Update on modern / centrist orthodox attitudes toward women in shul leadership. Click HERE to access the full report; and click HERE to access all of the Orthodox community research.

“Which Church Did Jesus Start?” This question opens a discussion on the distinctions between Catholic and Orthodox beliefs, including what defines the Catholic Church as the one established by Christ. Additional topics include addressing the term “Roman” Catholic Church, the nature of the Eucharist, and the reasons behind the Orthodox separation from Catholicism. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Which Church Did Jesus Start 17:09 – What makes the Catholic Church the one that Jesus started and not the Syrians, the Orthodox, or the Coptics? 22:26 – How do you go about correcting Protestants who use the term “Roman” Catholic Church in a pejorative sense? 36:40 – When the bread and wine is turned in to Jesus' body and blood, why does it still taste like bread and wine? 42:56 – Why is there no list of infallible Church teachings? 46:50 – Why did the Orthodox pull away from the Catholic Church? 51:30 – I have some SDA friends who believe in the long sleep instead of heaven or purgatory. What is the best refutation of the long sleep?

Kat Von D sat down with me for an in-depth discussion about her life and the journey to Orthodoxy. We discuss her youth, her time in LA and the series of events that led to her eventually making her way to our Church. Production: Mark C. Roe, Scooter Downey, Nick Mueller. Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY60LIFE for 60% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Music by Dr Evo the Producer, Jay Dyer and Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/joinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer and Editor-in-Chief of the State of the Bible research at the American Bible Society. With decades of experience as a pastor, missionary, professor, and researcher, John brings a unique perspective on how people are actually engaging with Scripture and what we should do about it. The “movable middle” is growing. // One of the most significant insights from recent research is the rise of what John calls the “movable middle”—millions of people who are open to the Bible but not yet engaged with it. This group has grown by approximately nine million people in recent years. They are curious, interested, and even positive toward Scripture, but they lack the tools, confidence, or guidance to engage it meaningfully. This represents a massive opportunity for churches willing to step in and help. People want a guide. // Through focus groups and research, John discovered that many people in the movable middle feel intimidated by the Bible. They struggle with language, context, and navigation. But perhaps most striking is they want help. Contrary to what some leaders might assume, they are not rejecting the church as a guide. In fact, many say, “If we can't trust the church to help us understand the Bible, what good is it?” This creates a clear invitation for churches to step into a more relational, guiding role in discipleship. A surprising discipleship gap. // One of the most sobering findings is that nearly half of weekly church attenders are not regularly engaging Scripture on their own. While churches invest heavily in preaching and programming, many people are not developing personal habits of Bible engagement. John suggests that churches often focus on delivering content rather than equipping people to engage Scripture themselves. The result is a gap between what happens on Sunday and what happens in everyday life. From teaching to equipping. // If churches want to close that gap, they must shift from being primarily content providers to equipping environments. This means helping people develop the skills, habits, and confidence to read and apply Scripture on their own. It also requires understanding the real barriers people face, like time constraints, confusion, or lack of community support, and addressing those barriers with practical solutions. A new tool for churches. // To help leaders take action, the American Bible Society has developed the “Next Step for Church” assessment. This free tool allows churches to measure spiritual health, Bible engagement, and key leadership behaviors within their congregation. Within a few weeks, leaders receive a detailed, data-driven report highlighting strengths, challenges, and suggested next steps. Data that leads to discipleship. // John emphasizes that data is not an end in itself; it's a tool for better shepherding. By listening to their congregation at scale, leaders can identify patterns, confirm instincts, and prioritize what matters most. The assessment surfaces both what's working and where growth is needed, giving churches a clear path forward. It also connects individuals to personalized Scripture engagement resources, helping them take their next step spiritually. Why Scripture engagement matters most. // Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than a person's relationship with the Bible. In fact, Scripture engagement accounts for a significant portion of overall spiritual health. When people consistently engage with God's Word, transformation follows—affecting beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Signs of hope for the future. // Despite broader cultural challenges, John sees encouraging trends, especially among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z show increasing openness to Scripture, even if they are still exploring. While overall trends may appear flat, meaningful change is happening beneath the surface. For churches willing to engage this moment, there is real opportunity for impact. To explore the research further or access the free church assessment, visit church.nextstep.bible and begin discovering how your church can better equip people to engage Scripture every day. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Risepointe Do you feel like your church’s or school's facility could be preventing growth? Are you frustrated or possibly overwhelmed at the thought of a complicated or costly building project? Are the limitations of your building becoming obstacles in the path of expanding your ministry? Have you ever felt that you could reach more people if only the facility was better suited to the community’s needs? Well, the team over at Risepointe can help! As former ministry staff and church leaders, they understand how to prioritize and help lead you to a place where the building is a ministry multiplier. Your mission should not be held back by your building. Their team of architects, interior designers and project managers have the professional experience to incorporate creative design solutions to help move YOUR mission forward. Check them out at risepointe.com and while you’re there, schedule a FREE call to explore possibilities for your needs, vision and future…Risepointe believes that God still uses spaces…and they're here to help. Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. I am so glad that you have decided to tune in today. This is one of those episodes that there’s a great resource in it that going to want to make sure you engage with. There’s super helpful content. Plus it’s about an area that I know so many of us are thinking about, we’re wondering about, we’re asking questions about. Rich Birch — So super excited to have John Plake with us today. He is the chief innovator ah innovation officer and editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible Research Series, which comes from the American Bible Society. And they’re on a mission to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford so that all may experience its life-changing message. ABS has really a whole bunch of different tools and approaches, and we’re excited kind of expose a little bit more about that today. John has been in ministry over 30 years. We’ll just call it over 30 years. And it served as a pastor, missionary, professor, researcher. John, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.John Plake — Thanks so much for having me today. It’s great to be with you.Rich Birch — Why don’t you fill in the picture a little bit? Tell us a little bit about your background. You know, what brings you to your current work?John Plake — Yeah. Closer to 40 years now. Rich Birch — Nice. Yeah, yeah. That’s great.John Plake — It’s a little uncomfortable to talk about that.Rich Birch — That’s great.John Plake — Yeah. You know, I start out like a lot of people in ministry. I grew up in a home that ministry was central. Actually, both my grandfathers were ministers. My father was a minister. Ministry is kind of the family business in a way, but I really did sense a direction from God when I was about 15 years old to to pursue full-time ministry.John Plake — There was some detail around that. Ended up going to Bible college and and then started what turned out to be about nine years of full-time pastoral service. And I hadn’t been in that for very long before I realized that everything I learned in Bible College was preparing me to serve a generation that no longer existed in a culture that was gone. John Plake — And I thought, my goodness, I know God’s word pretty well. And mean, I’m a lifelong learner of God’s word. I love the Bible. And yet, didn’t really know culture very well. And I didn’t develop those tools until just years and years of practice, some missionary service, wonderful teachers at at Wheaton College and graduate school and and just a lifelong journey of learning.John Plake — So at American Bible Society, when I got here, the State of the Bible, program or this research project was already underway. And we’d been helped out by the Barna Group, which does some wonderful foundational work. And eventually it just kind of grew up and it got to a place where we had an internal team that was running it ourselves, now in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Council or NORC at the University of Chicago. We just do, I think, what is the largest ongoing study of Americans’ relationship with the Bible and faith and the church. And we get to talk about it all the time. Rich Birch — Yeah, I love it.John Plake — So, I mean, this is the best job in the world.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. It’s it’s great research, something that I think should be on the kind of list of things that we need to be paying attention to. It’s been a gift to the church for so long and something that we should continue to to pay attention through. Now, let’s talk about you specifically. You spent three plus decades. I didn’t want to say almost 40. You know, I’m not saying that. I’m not saying that. I could say that, you know, a couple years ago, I clicked across one of those numbers with a zero on the end as my birthday. And ever since then, I’m a little sensitive about the the age thing. Rich Birch — So anyways, As a ministry, missionary professor, researcher, you’ve done a lot. How does wearing all of those hats, what do you what does that bring to you as you come to the data? How does that impact you as you think about really the state of the Bible research?John Plake — Yeah, you know, I think research can be dull. You know, it can sound like it’s all about writing questions or it’s all statistics and numbers. But for me, the research is all about the people. Rich Birch — So true.John Plake — It’s all about the people in our communities and in our churches that we’re trying to understand better so we can serve them well with the gospel. I, for years, I’ve used the analogy that that being in gospel ministry is like being a human bridge across a river. I grew up not very far from the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area, and there was a big 100-year flood when I was early on in ministry. And I mean, none of the bridges worked anymore. You couldn’t get from one side to the other.John Plake — And I thought, you know, that’s a tragedy that I encountered sometimes in ministry where maybe I was deeply rooted in one bank of the river, the text, but I wasn’t necessarily deeply rooted in the other bank of the river, which was the context.John Plake — And it’s this lived experience of the people that I was I was serving. And that I wanted to serve in my community, but I needed to understand them better. So I wasn’t just spouting you know Aristotelian logic to them. Or I wasn’t just coming at them with the pat answers that I’d learned. Like I’d never heard anybody in my life walk into my office and say, Pastor John, you got to tell me, what can you describe hamartiology to me from. You know like I had to learn that in school, but that’s not what people struggle with. Rich Birch — That’s so true. Yeah. John Plake — They had totally different questions and I needed to love them and honor them enough to understand their questions and answer them responsibly and reliably from the pages of scripture.Rich Birch — Yeah, love it. Okay, well, we’re going to dig into a little bit of just a couple of the findings just to kind of, we’re trying to whet your appetite, friends, to take steps towards this. So the 2025 data showed, and we’ve seen this, a real bump in Bible engagement, particularly among millennials and men. If I’m reading it correctly, though, we saw 2026, a shift happen, maybe back down. And so what’s going on? Actually, I heard another sociologist in a kind of a related field that was about church attendance talked about the dead cat bounce, that it was like, you know, which I thought, oh, that’s a, but there’s a similarity going on here. Pull this, this finding apart. Help us understand this.John Plake — Yeah, apologies to cat lovers out there.Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.John Plake — We were we were hoping, you know, I think we were really hoping. We looked at 2025. We saw that men in particular were leaning into the Bible in ways we hadn’t seen recently. Millennials doing the same thing. There there were some interesting numbers in 2025. And so when the 2026 numbers came to my desk in late January, I thought, I hope we’re extending I hope it’s going to be a trend. But it wasn’t. It was a blip.John Plake — And there’s more to it, though, than just the fact that scripture engagement didn’t go up. It also didn’t go down. And the level of people in America who are Bible disengaged, meaning they never pick up the Bible on purpose at all, that actually didn’t go up either. What grew was this kind of curious explorer group in the middle that we call the movable middle. And over the last two years, it’s grown by 9 million American adults. Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — And so what we do see is there’s there’s openness to the Bible. There’s experimentation with the Bible. But people are jumping in and they’re trying it and they’re not being able to get hold of it. And I think that’s largely because of us.John Plake — Because Bible people who are around them aren’t saying, please come do this with me. Let me help you. Let me honor you enough to to respect your questions, to ask what you’re dealing with, and help you explore those issues through the pages of Scripture.Rich Birch — I love that movable middle, man, that feels like the kind of group we want to connect with and reach out to in our community. Any other, when you, when you’ve been thinking about this movable middle, what are some other kind of characteristics of those people or other things that, you know, are kind of telltale signs of this group as we’re thinking about them as it, as it pertains to Bible engagement?John Plake — Yeah, they’re an amazing group, and we’re going talking more about them all year, but they are probably my favorite subject in America. There are 74 million American adults that are in the movable middle.Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — 74 million of our neighbors who are like…Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — …and here’s what they tend to say: They love the Bible. They think it’s a great idea. But if you handed them a Bible, they don’t know how to find what they’re looking for. They don’t know how to navigate it. They get confused by the language in in Scripture.John Plake — I remember doing a a focus group with a bunch of people in the movable middle. I was in Chicago. it was an area I was really familiar with. I used to pastor in that area. And we got them talking about their experience with the Bible. And we said, hey, does anything ever stop you or kind of you know make you check out because you’re struggling with what’s going on? John Plake — And one young lady at the table said, yeah, you know the language of the Bible is really really hard for me to understand. It’s it’s a really old book. It uses expressions I don’t understand. And a gentleman sitting across the table from her just kind of chuckled and said, yeah, what the hell’s a mustard seed? And everybody laughed.John Plake — I was behind the glass and I just about fell out of my chair because they didn’t teach me to talk like that in a Assemblies of God seminary.Rich Birch — Yes.John Plake —Things like that, you know, that’s just not the way we roll.Rich Birch — Yeah, yeah. Yes.John Plake — But it was so authentic and he wasn’t being mean.Rich Birch — No.John Plake — He was just saying, boy, I don’t I don’t get it. And then they said, you know, we really want a guide. Rich Birch — That’s good.John Plake — And so we pushed on that a little bit. At the time, there were some clergy abuse scandals that actually there were billboards up in Chicago about clergy abuse scandals that all of us lamented. And so we’re like, OK, listen, do you trust the church to be your guide? Because ee saw these billboards, you know, and it’s your city. And so what what do you think?John Plake — And they said, well, of course we do. I mean, it’s terrible when people in the church abuse their position and abuse others. And that’s not what they’re supposed to do. But if we can’t trust the church to help us understand the Bible, what good are they, really? And so, yes, we’re looking to you, church, to help us connect more deeply with the Bible, understand what it meant to the original hearers and readers and how we apply it to our lives today.Rich Birch — Okay, that’s yeah, that’s really cool. I look forward to hearing more about the movable middle in this coming year. Another thing that jumped out to me, which I feel like, man, I’ve seen this in my church. This is like you you named a group that I see, but it’s surprising, at least it’s surprising on its face. So nearly half of weekly church attenders, weekly church attenders, which is, that’s like really engaged, you know, are not regularly engaging, engaging scripture on their own.Rich Birch — Man, what, so what should we do about that? That’s an interesting, how does, how should that impact our discipleship strategy? What are you encouraging us to be thinking about? And these people that are with us all the time, but they’re not engaged with scripture.John Plake — Well, I think the first thing to do is to just recognize it. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — You know, a lot of pastors that I’ve talked to, when we talk about scripture engagement, they tell me things like this: Everything we do is scripture engagement. I spend my whole week preparing a scriptural message. I’m, you know, we’re preparing small group curriculum and Sunday school curriculum and all of this stuff. It’s all about the, everything we do is about the Bible. John Plake — Well, okay. But I had a I had a young youth pastor come to me not that long ago and he said, John, look, you were me once a few years ago. If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?John Plake — And the answer is I would do everything differently, than the way I ought to do it. Because what, in my tradition, there was a lot of emphasis on the preaching event, and I put a lot of effort into those communication events, but what I didn’t put as much effort into is empowering people in my church to do what I was doing, which was dig into scripture, understand it for themselves, giving them the tools to do that.John Plake — And then in May, we’re going to be releasing a chapter, just in a few few days now, we’re going to be releasing a chapter all about parents. And one of the startling things is the time pressure that moms are under. I mean, it’s incredible. And so we need to understand where they’re coming from and where they have barriers, but also have some compassion on them and help to support them when they’re really facing struggles. Like they don’t have enough time. They don’t have the resources or the community coming around them to help them to engage God’s word ah more fulsomely, more transformatively.John Plake — We know how to do this stuff, but we’re not connecting the dots to everybody that’s coming to hear us talk every…Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s good. I know I’ve in my seat as an XP, um you know, I’ve overseen a lot of what we do on the programming side and what we do on the weekends. And I’ve, you know, it’s like, that i don’t think I’ve ever said this publicly. It’s like the kind of behind the scenes conversation. I’ve sometimes wondered, I’ve said, you know, like, what we do on the weekend to try to make the Bible understandable is so completely different than Tuesday morning in someone’s life. Rich Birch — Like, we pull out all the stops to make it interesting. We get like world class communicators, incredible graphics, you know, emotional music, all of this to try to… But then the question is, okay, so now on Tuesday morning when you’re tired and you haven’t had your coffee yet and you’re just about to go read scripture, man, like that feels like a long ways away. There’s like a gap there that I sometimes wonder maybe we’re making it worse. You know. Maybe we’re making it harder. I said that. You didn’t say that. Rich Birch — So maybe there’s pastors that are listening here and they read this kind of report. They read this kind of finding and they’re like, hey, that’s interesting. But like, how what do I do in my church specifically? So you know we want we don’t want to just leave people with a tough stat.Rich Birch — I think we see that in our church. There’s people in our church that are here all the time. They’re not that engaged. But you’ve actually developed a new tool or ABS has developed a new tool to help us think through that. Why don’t you walk us through it? Tell us a little bit about it. How’s it work? Talk us how it can help us.John Plake — Yeah, so recently we developed two tools that kind of work together. One of them you can find on the internet at nextstep.bible. And it’s just for anybody who’s like, hey, I’m on a spiritual journey. I’m kind of stuck. I don’t really know what to do next. Maybe you’re just getting started exploring what it means to be a Christian. Maybe you’re Jesus’ little brother or sister. Wherever you are in that journey, there’s always a next step for us.John Plake — And so what we’ve done is analyzed along about a million spiritual life surveys. Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — And from this huge quantity of data, we’ve learned that people are at different places in that journey. They’re at different points on the map. And we want to make sure that they’re equipped to have the right thing at the right time. I think currently there are 21,000 scripture engagement resources available there.Rich Birch — Wow.John Plake — They’re absolutely free. They’re in English, Spanish, and French. So go check it out, nextstep.bible.John Plake — But if you’re a pastor or you’re a church leader, you’re probably wondering, well, what’s going on in my church, right? So I see all the national data, but I think our tendency is to say, well, we’re the exception, right?Rich Birch — So true. Well, that’s not our people. John Plake — I know I know everybody else is struggling, but we’re doing okay.Rich Birch — Yes.John Plake — And and so it’s good to check our assumptions a little bit. They used to say a really sad statistic that 10 o’clock on Sunday morning was the most segregated hour in America, which makes me sad. What makes me sad also is that 12 o’clock noon in America is the most dishonest hour in America. That’s the hour when pastors tend to start greeting their people after the church service closes and they hear all these comments: oh, Pastor, that was the best sermon I’ve ever heard. And it wasn’t. It just wasn’t. All right, let’s face it.John Plake — There’s somebody out there who preaches better than you do and better than I do. They’re available on YouTube. People don’t need you to be the best Bible teacher in the world. They need you to be the best pastor for them. Rich Birch — That’s good.John Plake — And the tools that are all about focusing on their relationship with the Bible, their holistic spiritual formation, and our leadership behaviors. And so for that, we built the Next Step for Church Assessment.John Plake — It’s actually standing on the foundation or built on the engine block, if you want a different metaphor, of the old reveal research that the Willow Creek Association had come out with. It’s no longer available. And we were able to acquire all of their historical learnings, but also add in things like human flourishing and e-pastoral leadership behaviors that lead to churches really being missionally effective and strong. Excellent stuff on Bible engagement and spiritual formation. John Plake — So the the big challenge we had, I was talking with Dr. Ed Stetzer about this because he was at LifeWay Research when the Transformational Church Assessment was being built. And it was always hard because analyzing this kind of data required a lot of human intervention. It’s very expensive to do. It’s very complicated to deliver. And even a small cost can be a barrier for churches that have strained budgets. It doesn’t matter if you’re a church of, you know, 2,500 25,000 or 250. There’s always more places to put your money than there are dollars that are available to do it.John Plake — And so at American Bible Society, we said, you know what, as a gift to the church, because we love the church, we need to make it completely free. And so you can go to church.nextstep.bible and you could sign up today. Literally, we’re recording this on a on a Thursday. You could go there today and by Sunday, you could be launching your survey. Two weeks later, you’d automatically have results in your own online dashboard. You’d get key highlights emailed to you. There’s a place for custom questions. There’s just all kinds of really, really rich information.Rich Birch — So good.John Plake — And it it doesn’t take the place of the kind of learning that you have as a pastor. You learn deeply in relationship with others. You’re observing what’s going on. You have a team that’s around you. But what it does is it provides this valid, reliable sift and sort function. It’s based on well, I don’t know even know how many, well over 3000 churches, well over half a million survey responses went into building this and making it a tool that that is a good benchmark for you to say, you know what, if we want to move from where we are today to where God is calling us, here are the things we need to focus on.Rich Birch — It’s so good. And friends, I want to encourage you to to go there. Just church.nextstep.bible. I know many of us have a heart for saying, listen, we want to measure more than just nickels and noses. The number of people that show up and revenue that comes in. And this a great way to kind of inject at something that’s at the core of what we’re supposed to be doing as a church. So why don’t we just give a little bit more detail?Rich Birch — What is it? You know, what’s it actually measuring? How is it? You know, how could it be helpful? How how could it kind of dovetail with some of the things we’re already tracking? Maybe give us, you know, what kind of insights are we going to gain from this if we if we put our people through this?John Plake — Yeah, maybe it’s worthwhile to just back up and say it’s based on a congregational assessment. So really this kind of work is all about just listening to your congregation at scale. So if you have 25 people coming to church, you can probably have this conversation with them if you know how to ask the right questions. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — You can go to the website. You’re like, what’s in the survey? There’s a button you can click. You can read the whole survey. It’s fine. We’re not going to try and surprise you with anything. But really simple stuff. How’s your relationship with Jesus? How often are you interacting with Scripture? What difference is that making in your life? We ask the standard Harvard human flourishing questions. We ask about um how the pastoral team or the senior pastor, him or herself, is doing at actually modeling Christlike leadership for you. Rich Birch — It’s so good.John Plake — And all of that reporting then gets brought into a database. It’s all anonymous. So individuals don’t, they don’t have to tell you who they are. They can’t tell you who they are other than by characteristics. And you’re going to get this really good, robust picture of what’s going on at the church. John Plake — Now, what does it take for somebody to do that? It takes about 20 minutes of their time, and time is expensive, right? People always have too much to do. So in return for that investment, at the end of their survey experience, they will have already told us everything we need to know to match them to great resources at nextstep.bible.John Plake — And with their permission, not without it, they can click a button, pass that data over to the individual nextstep.bible platform. They can create an account and right away, they’re going to be finding things like YouVersion Bible reading plans that are just for them.John Plake — If you’ve got people in your church and they’re outliers, they’re they’re way more spiritually advanced than everybody else, or they’re just getting started and everybody else is way ahead of them, these kinds of tools create bespoke pathways for them so they know what to do next. All the while, the church leadership can sit back and say, okay, here’s our results. And as a team, now what do we need to do to serve the whole congregation well?Rich Birch — I love this. You know, this is what incredible tool that you’ve put together here for our churches to wrestle through and to, you know, not only help us as a church as we’re thinking about these issues, but then help individuals in our church. What what would be some of the ways that churches might use the data that’s generated to impact what we’re doing in our programming? How how could we use this to improve what we’re doing?John Plake — Sure. There are really three things we want everybody to do. First, just discover what’s going on. Just just check your assumptions at the door and and say, okay, what do the data tell us about what’s going on in our church life and in our people’s lives? That’s the first thing.John Plake — Second thing is it’s going to surface for you the top three things that you’re doing great. And it’s going to give them to you in the report. And you need to throw a party. Like there are people who make these things happen for you. No pastor is doing this all by themselves. And so plan a party, celebrate what’s going well.John Plake — The third thing it’s going to do is it’s going to give you suggestions about, okay, here’s where your congregation is today. It won’t surprise you, but it might inform you. I’ve never seen a pastor look at the report and go, ah you guys got it wrong. Rich Birch — Sure, right.John Plake — Usually they they see the report and they go, yeah, okay, yeah, you got me.Rich Birch — Yeah. Confirmed some hunches I’ve had. Yeah. Yeah.John Plake — Right? But we don’t we don’t have time. We don’t have the resources. We don’t have the expertise to be able to sit down and and kind of scientifically walk through this process. So we do that for you. We deliver the report. And then we’re going to give you two key action items that we think churches like yours in a similar place have done that have helped move them toward spiritual health and missional effectiveness.John Plake — And that’s really what it’s all about. We want your congregation to be spiritually healthy. We want your your church as a whole to be missionally effective. And when that happens, often there’s numerical growth. Often there’s financial growth. But there’s certainly more missional impact that’s coming through your congregation and its work.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool. So if I’m like a church of a thousand people, let’s say, and just round number to picking out of the sky, how how what kind of percentage of my congregation would I need to take this to give me a reasonable, you know, statistical, you know, feeling good about the data for it? What what kind of number um should I be thinking about?John Plake — Well, the first thing is we’ve built in a tool that will tell you how to get to a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Rich Birch — Love it.John Plake — And that does vary depending on the adult attendance that you have. So let’s say you’ve a thousand adults. And by adults, I mean anybody in high school or older can probably take this survey. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — And you can cut the data like by gender or by age. All of that live filtering is in the online platform. Rich Birch — Oh, that’s so good.John Plake — So if you’re the you’re the youth pastor and you’re like, well, wait, tell me about the young people that took the survey. You can just look right at them and compare them to the rest of the congregation, which I bet will be enlightening. But nevertheless, how many do you need if you’re a church of 1,000, it’s about 275.Rich Birch — Okay.John Plake — If it’s a smaller church than that, then you’re still going to need a pretty significant percentage. So if I roll that all the way down to a church of 100, you need 80.Rich Birch — Okay.John Plake — And if you roll that up to a church of 5,000, well, you don’t need that many more than 275.Rich Birch — Interesting.John Plake — So you’re going to report that out to you. It’s very, very doable. And, you know, I’ve pastored at large churches and I pastored a small church. And I’ll tell you, when I pastored a church of under 100, I could have gotten a census of the people, like everybody, to do a survey like this. They would have been glad to tell me these things. Rich Birch — Right.John Plake — And it’s not that I couldn’t have had a conversation one-on-one with most of the adults in the congregation. It was something different in that case. I actually didn’t know what to ask. I used to run into this when I was a campus pastor at a Christian university. And I would have young people walk into my office and I was like, I know I should be able to help them, but the challenge they’re facing is different than anything I’m familiar with. I don’t have any analog for this in my personal experience. And so this sort of takes the mystery away. We don’t ask fluffy questions. We ask research proven questions that are going to give you the information you really need so you can take action.Rich Birch — That’s amazing. That’s think this is such a great tool for people. I can see how, you know, it’d be so helpful for folks that are listening in to, you know, might be be able to plug in grab this experience for their people, help their church, help the folks that are attending. That’s, that’s incredible.Rich Birch — So, you know, you’ve picked an interesting vocation to be connected with the American Bible Society. And because, you know, this is such a critical and important part of developing people’s relationship, obviously, with Jesus; its core to all of it. And we have seen a long historical downward trend, and you’re pushing against that, which is amazing. But what gives you hope in the middle of all of that? What would it when you look at the church around you know, the country, where do you see flashes of just good things going on that are like, you know, when it comes to the relationship with scripture that even, you know, even when we see maybe the overall numbers are not as great as we want them to be, what are some kind of flashes of hope we should, that we could encourage folks with today?John Plake — Well, I’d like to maybe point to just three things that leap to mind. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — The first of them is I never talk to anybody in the church who says the Bible is a bad idea. Rich Birch — Sure.John Plake — Everybody likes the Bible. We’re all trying to figure out how to communicate its message better, to understand it more deeply. It’s transforming our lives, and we want to be able to share it with others. John Plake — And that’s great because, number two, there’s nothing that makes a bigger difference in somebody’s spiritual life than their relationship with the Bible. I mean, absolutely nothing. And I’m saying this as a researcher. I’ve tested it. I can’t find anything that makes a bigger difference. John Plake — In fact, when we looked at Christian college and university students, 60% of their overall spiritual health across lots of domains—beliefs, practice, putting faith into action, loving God, loving others, all these things, 60% of the variance in their spiritual health is solely accounted for by their relationship with the Bible.John Plake — So if we can help people have a dynamic relationship with scripture, we win. That’s all there is to it. It’s just that simple. And so that is really encouraging.John Plake — And then the third thing, ah the third thing is how I say this nicely? I'm I’m from Gen X and so to my Baby Boomer friends, I’m sorry, but you guys don’t have the influence that you once did.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s true.John Plake — And that’s a good thing because there’s new openness among Millennials, and Gen Z and even younger Gen X um that we just don’t see among Baby Boomers. It’s like Baby Boomers made up their minds in the 60s and early 70s and said, this is what I believe and I’m not changing. And they haven’t. John Plake — That’s not to say that someone who’s a Baby Boomer can’t have a a spiritual experience and transformational experience. It does happen. But on the population level, like when we looked at the Bay Area of San Francisco, if you look at the scripture engagement, church engagement, love God, love others data in the Bay Area, it looks like what you’d expect, until you strip out the Baby Boomers. And then suddenly it looks better than every place else in America.John Plake — You’re like, what’s going on? Well, looks like all the unreconstructed hippies that moved to the Bay Area are actually holding a lid on the population numbers. And when you remove that and you go, oh, wait a minute, let me look under the headline and say what’s happening. There’s more going on than is easy to see. And I think this happens in big national trends.John Plake — Oh, is Scripture engagement up or down? Is you know church attendance up or down? Whats what’s going… big national trends. Yeah, okay, those are helpful, and we want those to change. But what’s changing first is below the fold. Things in Gen Z, things among Millennials, things in young men, those things are starting to change, and I think those are the first glimmerings that God is at work in a new way in America, and I can’t wait to see it.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s that’s a great word. And that lines up with what we’re seeing, even just experientially talking to churches across the country. You know we’re so we’re seeing there is something going on with younger generations, which is great to see. I was I was born in 1974, the lowest birth rate year of the 20th century. I am classic Gen X. Like you know I am like statistic I’m the statistical average Gen X and has spent a lot of my time trying to hand stuff from the Boomers to the Millennials. And, yeah, there’s lots of encouraging news there, particularly with the younger generations. Rich Birch — I also want to speak to on the the work I’ve done in the church growth stuff that I’ve done and coaching I’ve done with churches, one of the things that’s just undeniable is churches that have a high view of scripture, that is, they’re trying to get people engaged with scripture. They they talk about it like it’s actually true. How do we say don’t know what’s the best way to talk about that? Those are the churches that are prevailing, and that actually works out statistically. You see that time and again. Talk to us about that dynamic, which is kind of co-related to the things we’re talking about today. From your perspective in the stats and all that, how how have you seen that work out as you’ve looked at churches across the country?John Plake — Yeah, I think you’re exactly right. The churches that are the healthiest in America, that are growing, that where where people are spiritually healthy, have a really dynamic relationship with Scripture. And it kind of it cuts across tradition. Rich Birch — Yep.John Plake — There are some traditional things going on. I was listening to Justin Brierley and his surprising Rebirth of Belief in God podcast, and it was from last season, and he he had someone on, he was interviewing, and what she was saying was there are the parts of the church that seem to be thriving are kind of the, the the older, the ancientness traditions, whether it’s Catholic or Orthodox, that what she called somewhat irreverently, the smells and bells side of of the church.Rich Birch — Sure, sure.John Plake — And on the other side, kind of my end of the swimming pool, I’m, from the Assemblies of God, so the Pentecostal and Charismatic side. And she said, what’s going on is that both ends of that spectrum are totalizing. John Plake — They’re saying, you know what, the the Bible places certain expectations and demands on people. Christ places certain expectations and demands on people. And these parts of the church aren’t sort of shy about talking about that from a biblical perspective. She said, what’s what’s dying is that part in the middle where we’ve reduced church to a PowerPoint and you know an Excel spreadsheet. And she said, that part of the church seems to be dying and no one’s coming to the funeral. Rich Birch — That’s good. John Plake — And I thought, you know okay, right?Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, that’s good.John Plake — So if we revitalize our relationship with God through scripture, there’s a next step for every church. It doesn’t matter what, you know whether you’re mainline or evangelical or, you know, Pentecostal or Orthodox or whatever it is, but but reviving our relationship with God through Scripture is really where it’s at.Rich Birch — That’s so good. i Yeah, I call that middle group the just because it rhymes doesn’t mean it’s true group. You know, like the, you know, were just like, it’s all my thoughts. No one wants to come and find us. They want to find God ultimately. Well, I don’t want to pick any fights with anybody that’s listening in, but I really appreciate today’s conversation, John. This has been great. So we want to send people to church.nextstep.bible.Rich Birch — The the promise of in two weeks, your church could have a comprehensive report on spiritual health, on where your church is, spiritual health is at, that’s a huge promise. And so again, this is go to church.nextstep.bible. Any kind of final words as we wrap up today’s episode?John Plake — You know, you might be familiar with Cally Parkinson. Cally was the co-author of all of the Reveal books, every single one of them. She was head of communications for the Willow Creek Association when they were running this. She’s probably had more conversations with pastors and church leaders about survey results like this than anybody I know, maybe than anybody alive. And Cally likes this so much. She said, John, I want to have a personal consultation with the first hundred churches that go through this.John Plake — And so if you want to be in that group, she’s going to offer to spend an hour with you and just walk through your results and help explain it. There are videos throughout the platform that will explain it as well. And you can’t beat talking to Cally. She loves pastors. She says you’re the salt of the earth. And she just really wants to serve you because the work that you do to save people is just so valuable to her. So anyway, just wanted to offer that. And I know you’d probably love to meet Cally.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s fantastic. Well, appreciate you being here today. Thanks for the great work you do at the American Bible Society. John, appreciate you being on today. Thank you.John Plake — Thank you.

What does it take to build something that moves people — literally and figuratively? In this episode, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Sue Gilad — Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and co-producer of Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders, Who's Tommy, and Buena Vista Social Club — for a conversation about creative risk, resilience, leadership, and what the theater industry can teach us about life. Sue's path wasn't a straight line. She started as an actress, realized her real joy was in building — the team, the story, the room — and pivoted to producing before most people even knew that was a career. Today, she's behind some of the most celebrated shows on Broadway, driven not by the promise of profit, but by an irrational, unwavering love for the art form. This episode is about far more than Broadway. It's a frank, joyful conversation about the power of rejection, the discipline of creativity, what it means to lead a room full of artists, and why the skills of a theater kid might be exactly what the world needs most right now. Timestamps: 3:10 — What does a Broadway producer actually do? 5:34 — Finding the show: 8-10 years to develop a Broadway musical 6:37 — The art meets commerce challenge — and what makes a story evergreen 9:07 — How scripts get optioned and what writers actually get paid 14:30 — Each show is its own startup: fiscally and artistically 17:41 — From actress to producer: the pivot that changed everything 20:28 — The first show Sue ever produced — and the friend who handed her the script 22:07 — "I loved being in the room where we're all strangers — and two weeks later you can't imagine one person being gone" 26:32 — How Sue builds her team and what the "no jerks rule" really means 29:13 — The CEO and the janitor: what it means to lead a Broadway show 30:01 — Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders, and the moment a show tells you it needs to fly 31:37 — Investors, risk, and why you can't make a living but you can make a killing 35:30 — Recoupment on Broadway — and why it's getting harder 36:09 — The Stay Gold Project: turning teenage boys into theater kids 36:49 — Ticket prices, access, and the fight to bring new audiences into the theater 38:27 — Social media and how it drives ticket sales today 42:32 — The rise of Orthodox women's theater: a new creative frontier 45:28 — AI, creativity, and why analog theater is going to matter more, not less 46:23 — COVID and Broadway: 18 months dark, and how they kept skills alive 47:33 — "You can't make a living, but you can make a killing" 51:37 — Rejection in theater — and why "no" never means no forever 51:40 — What theater kids become in the real world 59:30 — October 7th, antisemitism on Broadway, and Sue's most important contribution 1:02:03 — Fast Five: rock bottom moments, sacrifices, skydiving with her daughter, and her message to women About the Guest: Sue Gilad Sue Gilad is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer whose credits include Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders (Best Musical, Tony Award 2024), The Who's Tommy, Buena Vista Social Club, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, among others. She began her career as a performer, discovering along the way that her true passion was building — assembling teams, developing stories, and creating the conditions for theatrical magic to happen. A longtime collaborator with producing partner Larry Rogowsky, Sue is known for her relentless optimism, her refusal to treat rejection as permanent, and her deep belief that theater has the power to open hearts and change minds. Through initiatives like the Stay Gold Project and the Matinee Mission, she works to bring first-time theatergoers — especially young people — into Broadway houses across the country. Sue is a proud mother of three, a passionate advocate for the arts in education, and someone who would happily pay for the privilege of doing what she does. This episode was made possible by our friends at Roth & Co., innovators in accounting and business advisory. We are grateful for their continued partnership in making these conversations possible.  

This episode Dr. Jenkins looks at the reaction of the Orthodox to the union,with the Council of Florence now behind. For Paideia Society: https://www.paideiasociety.org/ For Rule of Faith: https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/

Witness Weekly | WW001 | Kickoff Episode!0:00 Intro0:15 Mario Andrew – News6:26 Discussion of the Week21:05 James St Simon – Book & Film Recommendations / Review26:28 Michael – Redlines (Philosophy & Politics)30:25 Jeremy Jeremiah – Viewer Comments & Questions“Smells and bells” vs “bare walls” misses the point. We debate beauty, Scripture, continuity, and why people say they met God at the Divine Liturgy.A bishop detained under murky circumstances. A fresh call for Orthodox unity a decade after the Council of Crete. A study that claims part of a papal encyclical reads like it was AI assisted. We kick off the first Witness Weekly by moving fast through the headlines, then slowing down where it matters: what these moments reveal about religious freedom, public pressure on clergy, and the real stakes for Christians trying to live faithfully in a tense political climate.We launch Witness Weekly with Orthodox news, a deep dive on why evangelicals convert to Orthodoxy, and a candid look at how rhetoric and assumptions can flatten real theological differences. We close with Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, a challenge to political fixes for evil, and listener questions on worship music, conversion, and parish life.• Metropolitan Hilarion's detention in Lithuania and why prayer for clergy matters• Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's renewed call for Orthodox unity and what changed since Crete• A study suggesting AI assisted writing in a papal encyclical and where the line might be• Archbishop Elpidophoros' hospitalization and continued prayers for his recovery• Common conversion motives and why “aesthetics only” is an unfair summary• Purgatory as a Roman Catholic doctrine and why Orthodoxy gets mislabeled• Institutional continuity versus doctrinal continuity and how Reformers argued their case• The catechumen process as evidence that conversion is usually slow and deliberate• Book of the week The Brothers Karamazov and why it speaks to believers and skeptics• The problem of evil, the Grand Inquisitor, and the limits of political solutions• Listener comment on worship music, tradition, standards, and Christian art• Advice for Protestants navigating hard conversations when exploring OrthodoxyPlease let us know your thoughts in the commentsFrom there, we take on a question we keep seeing everywhere: why are evangelicals converting to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy? We challenge the lazy take that people switch churches because they got dazzled by “smells and bells” or seduced by a vague sense of history. We talk about the long, prayerful process most converts go through, the catechumen journey, and the way outsiders often lump Orthodoxy and Catholicism together, especially around doctrines like purgatory. We also dissect the rhetoric behind “continuity” claims, including how Reformers like John Calvin argued they were the true heirs of the ancient Church.We pivot into culture and formation with our book of the week, The Brothers Karamazov, and why Dostoevsky still feels uncomfortably current. We connect the problem of evil, the Grand Inquisitor's political temptation, and the hard truth that there is no ideology that can substitute for personal responsibility and repentance. Finally, we respond to listener comments on worship music, tradition, and standards, and we offer practical advice for Protestants navigating difficult conversations while exploring Orthodoxy. Can worship music be “frozen in time” and still alive? We respond to a tough listener critique, talk standards, lyrics, and the difference between church worship and Christian art. Mario Andrew  ⁨@AndrewStMercy⁩ James St Simon  ⁨@jamessaintsimon⁩ Michael  ⁨@redlineshq⁩  Jeremy Jeremiah Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

“What Church did Jesus found?” This question opens a discussion on the foundational beliefs of Christianity, touching on the Church’s teachings about Original Sin and the differing perspectives held by Jews and Muslims. Additionally, the conversation addresses the Orthodox view of apostolic succession and the implications of Jesus’ return for the Earth. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:09 – What Church did Jesus found? 12:14 – What does the Church teach about Original Sin, and why Jews and Muslims view it differently? 19:42 – The Orthodox believe that any validly consecrated bishop is the successor of Peter. And that Peter was called rock because he was the first to recognize the divinity of Christ. And Peter consecrated other bishops, so he cannot be the only foundation stone. 29:14 – What will happen to the Earth when Jesus returns? 32:07 – Is loving your neighbor and loving God more important than sacrifice. Because Jesus said we live by every word that comes from God, and he said love God and love your neighbor. So is that more important than the Eucharist? 35:20 – In the early Church is there more evidence for divine simplicity over the essence/energy distinction of the Eastern Orthodox? 41:35 – Who were the Apostolic Fathers? How many were there?

​ ⁨@heavythingslightly⁩  Race, Ethnicity & Nationalism: Is an Orthodox America Possible? https://youtu.be/qbeRxKVoN60?si=TYkootdjXwGleyCG  ⁨@JustPearlyThings⁩  The Biblethumper Circle of Cope and Gaslighting https://youtu.be/Xc3KZOB_bfQ?si=NTSTZ5wPOyIiVbDH  ⁨@GospelSimplicity⁩  Orthodox Anthropologist Discusses the Convert Surge https://youtu.be/HHakfcnGpx4?si=2zP2of-xHEDdrXIB  ⁨@JustPearlyThings⁩  Orthodox Deacon Seraphim (Richard) Rohlin, PART TWO | THE SITDOWN https://youtu.be/iP15Qukqfd4?si=xrHzAH9B0TqPuR08 Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism (Affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4aClqxa The Ancient City: A Study of the Religion, Laws, and Institutions of Greece and Rome (Illustrated) https://amzn.to/4ujTJAh     What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO TLC Search tool. https://thislittlecorner.net The Flotilla List: https://thislittlecorner.net/channels https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Ireland in June https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/finding-god-in-nature-and-culture-tickets-1988447493982 Event in Ireland London Breakwater Event link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flowinthedarkproductions/2159501 Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/pNeCeyHx Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give

People are leaving evangelical churches and flocking to Eastern Orthodoxy in search of something ancient, serious, and reverent. But is trading one set of forms for really the answer? Kevin and Josh weigh the claims of Orthodoxy against the Word of God — and find that the apostles say nothing about icons, prayers to saints, or the mystical epistemology at the heart of Orthodox theology.

This week, we finally tell the truth, siblings never get along, we have good news from the city that never sleeps, we celebrate a shirtless DILF, we rank the top 3 Elphaba's, and this week we are joined by twin Dad and psychologist Erez Harari who talks to us about truth and identity as it relates to his practice, how he started an organization for Orthodox queer youth, and why he'll never go on a boat with his kids again.Questions? Comments? Rants? Raves? Send them to GaytriarchsPodcast@gmail.com, or you can DM us anywhere @GaytriarchsPodcast

The leaders of 12 yeshivas have signed a letter saying that they will no longer send their seminary students to join tank units because of an army plan to integrate women into the Armored Corps. The yeshivas are all part of the hesder program, which allows Orthodox soldiers to combine military service with periods spent studying in yeshiva. Separately, the Knesset passed in its preliminary reading on Wednesday a bill that seeks to enshrine Torah study in Basic Law, as part of a proposal pushed by ultra-Orthodox parties that seeks to encourage draft evasion and change the status of Yeshiva students who do not serve, enabling them to continue receiving state benefits. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke about these issues with Rabbi David Stav, founder and head of the Tsohar movement, an organization which aims to make Jewish life accessible to secular Israelis. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the show with a TEXT here!You've heard it before: “That's just your interpretation.” But is that a meaningful reply, or simply a way to dodge what Scripture actually says? This common objection exposes a deep divide between how Bible‑believing Christians approach the text and how other groups often impose meaning onto the text rather than drawing meaning from it.In today's episode, we tackle this objection head‑on. We'll walk through how to handle it faithfully, how to approach controversial passages with accuracy and humility, and why this matters for the health of the church. We'll also examine the kinds of “converts” these groups tend to produce, and why so many of them struggle to engage with the gospel or the broader witness of Scripture.This is a delicate but crucial topic. Many are being pulled into these groups by confident claims and persuasive rhetoric, and our aim is to “save others by snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23) by exposing the deficiencies clearly and biblically.So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's dive deep into truth together.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin responds to listeners' feedback and comments, in conversation with Denah Emerson.In this episode we discuss:—Should every Jew be Orthodox?—Is the gap year in Israel “just a business”?—How does one develop their own Jewish identity at a phase in life when it's no longer mediated by institutions?Tune in to hear what the 18Forty community has been thinking about regarding the conversations we've shared.Voicemails begin at 9:40.David Bashevkin is the founder and host of 18Forty. He is also the Clinical Assistant Professor of Jewish Values at Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business. He completed rabbinic ordination at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, a master's degree at the Bernard Revel Graduate School, and his doctorate in Public Policy and Management at The New School's Milano School of International Affairs. He has published four books, including Sin·a·gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought and a Hebrew work, B'Rogez Rachem Tizkor (trans. In Anger, Remember Mercy).References: 18Forty Podcast: “Michael Eisenberg: Iran, USA, Israel: What Comes Next”Genesis 15 18Forty Podcast: “Michael Olshin: Reimagining the Gap Year in Israel”18Forty Podcast: “Diana Fersko: An Orthodox Rabbi Interviews a Reform Rabbi”18Forty Podcast: “Dovid Bashevkin: A Reform Rabbi Interviews an Orthodox Rabbi”How Judaism Became a Religion: An Introduction to Modern Jewish Thought by Leora Batnitzky“The Future Is Sephardic” by Mijal BittonJoshua 7 18Forty Podcast: “Mark Wildes: Is Modern Orthodox Outreach the Way Forward?”18Forty Podcast: “Elisheva Carlebach & Debra Kaplan: The Unknown History of Women in Jewish Life”For more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/join CALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.org IG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Fr. Sergei Sveshnikov grew up in the Soviet Union during the final years of state-sponsored atheism before immigrating to the United States on his own. After some life happenings and lots of revelations, he became an Orthodox priest. A fascinating aspect of his ministry has been in the prisons. We get into what that is and how it compares and contrasts with being a priest in a parish. In this conversation, we discuss life under Soviet atheism, prison ministry, freedom and repentance, the struggle against the passions, fasting, and the challenges facing Christians in the modern world. We also explore technology, artificial intelligence, and what it means to cultivate wisdom in an age overflowing with information. Sponsor: Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

​ @rigelwindsongthurston  Cosmic Navel Gazing with Rigel and Friends https://www.youtube.com/live/55qETj1eNjk?si=6maoCRFw6ObVM5IM   @GospelSimplicity  Orthodox Anthropologist Discusses the Convert Surge https://youtu.be/HHakfcnGpx4?si=bd-cTrhRIuQy3LRH   @OrthodoxStudiesInstitute  Church Growth and the Priest Shortage in the OCA https://www.youtube.com/live/2gKyUFo2Wrw?si=LQu63m9ETLdldPNq   @JustPearlyThings  Orthodox Deacon Seraphim (Richard) Rohlin, PART ONE |THE SITDOWN, https://youtu.be/tZqUB2ZYjb8?si=XM4bV_PxxbyA_w9B   @JustPearlyThings  Orthodox Deacon Seraphim (Richard) Rohlin, PART TWO | THE SITDOWN https://youtu.be/iP15Qukqfd4?si=Zn_hy9A8r6pZFZCA   @climbingmt.sophia  The Heart: Authority, Love and Education with DC Schindler, Cory Kobel https://www.youtube.com/live/b3F-SKbfvPs?si=asXuGOZVV4OdeQcD   @Neal_Daedalus  What is the TLC? - The Realized, Embodied, Actualized, Lived (REAL) Guide https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=rHdCRFGjiM-vg5hg    Ireland in June https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/finding-god-in-nature-and-culture-tickets-1988447493982 Event in Ireland London Breakwater Event link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flowinthedarkproductions/2159501 What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO TLC Search tool: https://thislittlecorner.net The Best Flotilla List we've got right now: https://thislittlecorner.net/channels https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Vanderklips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg Bridges of Meaning Discord Link: https://discord.gg/pNeCeyHx https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Estuary Hub Link  https://www.estuaryhub.com/ For the audio podcast mirror on Podbean http://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/ To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Also on Odysee: https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give

"St Cyril was... from Alexandria, born about the year 376, the nephew of Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who also instructed the Saint in his youth. Having first spent much time with the monks of Nitria, he later became the successor to his uncle's throne in 412. In 429, when Cyril heard tidings of the teachings of the new Patriarch of Constantinople, Nestorius, he began attempting through private letters to bring Nestorius to renounce his heretical teachings about the Incarnation; and when the heresiarch did not repent, Saint Cyril, together with Pope Celestine of Rome, led the Orthodox opposition to his error. Saint Cyril presided over the Third Ecumenical Council of the 200 holy Fathers in the year 431, who gathered in Ephesus under Saint Theodosius the Younger. At this Council, by his most wise words he put to shame and convicted the impious doctrine of Nestorius, who, although he was in town, refused to appear before Cyril. Saint Cyril, besides overthrowing the error of Nestorius, has left to the Church full commentaries on the Gospels of Luke and John. Having shepherded the Church of Christ for thirty-two years, he reposed in 444." (Great Horologion)   Today we commemorate St Cyril's repose. He is also commemorated on January 18, the date of his restoration to his see in Alexandria after he had been driven out by Nestorians.

Justification by faith alone is the cornerstone of Protestant theology. But is justification only a legal ruling by God or is there something more? We will compare the various Protestant views of justification to the Orthodox understanding.

What's going on? Is this a reaction against thin, seeker-friendly evangelicalism? Spiritual nostalgia? Across the Western church, some younger Christians seem to be searching for deeper roots: tradition, transcendence, beauty, liturgy, sacraments and a stronger sense of connection with the historic church.Some evangelicals have become Roman Catholic or even Orthodox. Even a church formerly affiliated with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in the UK has become Orthodox.Orlando Saer, senior pastor of Christ Church Southampton, describes himself as something of a “spiritual mongrel”, shaped by Roman Catholic, high Anglican, low Anglican, independent Baptist and FIEC influences.On sabbatical in Australia, Orlando has been thinking deeply about why Christians are longing for rootedness, transcendence and tradition, and how evangelical leaders should respond.Anglican AidTo find out more about supporting Anglican Aid. Support the show

She was a wealthy and noble lady, born in Spain. Her husband and two of her children died and, seeing the vanity of worldly things, she travelled to Egypt to visit the monks at Nitria. She gave away most of her great wealth to the needy, and to Egyptian Christians being persecuted by the Arians. It is said that in three days she fed some 5,000 people. When the Orthodox in Egypt were exiled to Palestine, she went with them to Jerusalem, where she built a convent for virgins; she entered the convent herself, and reposed there in 410. Her grand-daughter, Melania the Younger, is commemorated on December 31.

Link to video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/aeVekOqP7-YThe tables have turned! The wonderful, renowned Orthodox Jewish podcaster Dovid Bashevkin, host of 18forty, who interviewed me for his podcast, returned the favor and joined me for a candid conversation about the inside-outside perspectives. He inside, I outside, together we have an interest in the same thing from different angles.Bashevkin is one of the most thoughtful voices in the Orthodox Jewish world, for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, doubt, Shabbos, Jewish identity, community, America, Israel, assimilation, spirituality, and what it means to build a meaningful Jewish life in 2026.What makes this conversation especially interesting to me is that Dovid and I approach many of the same questions from different locations. He speaks from deep inside Orthodox communal life; I often speak from the margins, or from outside looking in. And yet we share a fascination with how people search for meaning, belonging, transcendence, and authenticity.Links:• Dovid Bashevkin on Twitter/X: [@DBashIdeas](https://x.com/DBashIdeas?utm_source=chatgpt.com)• 18Forty podcast: [18Forty](https://18forty.org/podcasts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)• My appearance on his podcast: [My conversation with Dovid Bashevkin on 18Forty](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEaI-Paltfc&t=1s&utm_source=chatgpt.com)We talked about:• why he created the 18Forty podcast• the “institutional scaffolding” of modern Jewish life• why younger Jews are restless even inside successful communities• Shabbos as both beautiful and difficult• assimilation, identity, and the pressure to “earn” love• celebrity culture and existential longing• the future of American Orthodoxy• why so many young Orthodox Jews are drawn to Israel• cultural translation between Jewish worlds• gum as contraband in Hasidic childhoods

Today's podcast answers a question from someone who has been going through somatic experiencing therapy. They are concerned that it is not rooted in the Orthodox Faith and does not overtly guide on Orthodox principles. What this type of therapy is and whether it is safe or not are discussed.

In this episode of FACTS, we step into the fourth century and examine one of the most important witnesses to early Christian baptism: St. Ambrose of Milan.Drawing directly from Chapters 2–4 of On the Mysteries, Ambrose takes us inside the baptismal rites of the ancient Church and explains what newly baptized Christians experienced as they entered the waters of regeneration. Far from viewing baptism as a mere symbol, Ambrose presents it as a sacrament through which God truly acts—washing away sins, imparting new life, and incorporating believers into Christ.In this study, Stephen Boyce and Pat May explore:• Why Ambrose compares baptism to the crossing of the Red Sea• The significance of renouncing Satan before entering the waters• How Ambrose interprets Old Testament events as foreshadowing Christian baptism• The connection between baptism, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual rebirth• Why Ambrose believed baptism accomplished something real, not merely symbolic• What his testimony reveals about the faith and practice of the fourth-century ChurchWhether you are Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in the history of Christianity, Ambrose's words provide a remarkable window into how the early Church understood the sacrament of baptism.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7Here is a link to the Mysteries:https://ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210/npnf210.iv.v.iii.html#StAmbrose #Baptism #ChurchFathers #EarlyChurch #Catholic #Orthodox #ChristianHistory #Patristics #AncientChristianity #FACTSPodcast

Q&A: Why Support Israel? Is the Antichrist Here? The Final Hegemon?In this episode of the TikTok Roundtable, Pastor Ryan and Sarah tackle the complex and controversial questions surrounding Israel's spiritual duality and its role in end-times prophecy.   They address the tension of supporting a nation that contains both the "LGBTQ capital of the world" in Tel Aviv and the deeply religious Orthodox communities of Jerusalem. Drawing from Romans 9–11, they explain the biblical concept of Israel's "partial hardening" and why they believe a day of spiritual restoration is coming when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.The conversation also dives deep into the identity of the Antichrist, identifying current Syrian “president” as a primary candidate based on 44 specific criteria from Christian and Muslim eschatology.  They explore the prophetic role of the United States as the final global hegemon and the "feet of iron and clay" from Daniel's statue.   Finally, the duo discusses the timing of the post-tribulation rapture, the impending destruction of Damascus and New York City, and the urgent need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit to navigate the days ahead.

Find this episode on YouTube: Is American Orthodoxy even possible? John Heers sits down with Ben Michael (Orthodox Luigi) to talk about race, ethnicity, what it means to be an American — and whether there's a future for Orthodox Christianity in a nation built on rootlessness.This conversation goes where most won't — deep into the tension between ethnic identity and faith, the rise of nationalism, and the hard question: can America — a country of immigrants with no single ethnic root — ever truly become an Orthodox nation? John and Ben pull from history, theology, and their own experiences to explore what American Orthodoxy might actually require.

For this week's Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by the Spectator's political editor Tim Shipman, the writer Guy Stagg and the author and host of How to Fail Elizabeth Day.This week, the guests discuss whether Nigel Farage's Reform UK can see off the threat from Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain. Restore Britain's success may be modest and, so far, very online but that doesn't mean they won't hinder Farage's effort to reach Number 10. If polls from the Makerfield by-election are anything to be believed, Restore could have a real impact. The battle for the tight is also having an impact across the political spectrum too – should Labour move further to the right to appeal to Reform and Restore's disgruntled voters, or should they simply ignore them? For Elizabeth Day, there is an ‘ironic and beautiful symmetry' to the Reform versus Restore dynamic, which almost makes her nostalgic for the 'Tory boy' politics of post-Thatcher era.Also this week: from Makerfield to Mandelson, the government has been busy this week responding to the latest tranche of messages released on Monday. Yet – were some missing? Tim discusses the missing messages of Starmer loyalist Darren Jones MP which he exclusively revealed in this week's Spectator. How damaging is this for Labour? And how should we treat WhatsApp messages legally?Plus, they discuss: the travel experiences that have shaped their lives, from Orthodox churches perched on Istanbul rooftops to the ‘most bombed hotel' in Belfast; if collecting books is an acceptable form of hoarding; whether they would take frog poison; and finally, with the news that Nigel Farage may have been banned from Desert Island Discs, they reveal some of the items they would take with them.Elizabeth Day's latest book One of Us is out now and available in all good bookshops.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:00 Introduction00:57 Being sick in the hospital is not hypocrisy07:16 Apostolic Christianity is not religious philosophy or psychology19:06 Creation is an invitation to spiritual experience, not the experience itself23:44 Why this spiritual life requires The Church in the formal sense32:01 Making worship an obligation is like making romance an obligation37:32 God taught us what the best way for us to worship Him is39:40 Orthodox worship is the fulfillment of all things which are Good43:46 Theology & practicality are united in our understanding of persons50:27 The divine persons do not change, so becoming like them does not change53:28 This season will be a lot of defining terms to avoid ambiguity58:51 The ecumenical councils preserve the effective therapy for spiritual healing61:20 Closing ~~~The Orthodox View of Spiritual Therapy & HealingOrthodox EcclesiologyS8E2~~~In this episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, Fr. Simeon Keyes & James John Marks discuss the Orthodox view of salvation, spiritual healing, the sacramental life of the Church, & more.~~ Scripture citations for this episode:Luke 15:11-32 - The prodigal sonJohn 9:1-38 - The healing of the man born blind~~~Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.~~~#orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #Salvation #Repentance #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #TheologyThe Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://x.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcasthttps://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.socialIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2026

“How can the Catholic Church be infallible?” This question addresses concerns about the Church’s historical positions, including its past endorsement of burning heretics. Other topics include the nature of worship as sacrifice and the confusion some feel about identifying as a Christian amidst various denominations. Additionally, there are discussions about the papacy and its perception within the context of modern issues. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – My non-Catholic friend asks how can the Catholic Church be infallible when it has flip-flopped on issues. The issue he cites is the Church endorsement of burning heretics, and then later saying we shouldn't. 14:45 – I've heard you say that worship is sacrifice. But my Protestant friend says they do sacrifice — sacrifice of praise. 24:25 – I'm not Catholic or Protestant or Orthodox because it is so confusing. So I just identify as a Christian. 42:25 – I'm considering Catholicism but I have some concerns. My SDA friend sent me a document saying the papacy was the beast of Revelation. Also I feel like the Catholic Church is not as welcoming to the LGBT community.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of “pilot” security zones inside Lebanon from which Hezbollah terrorists would be banned. This comes as the US House, for the first time, approved a war powers resolution that would halt the US military action against Iran, even as the US is still negotiating a permanent ceasefire with the Islamic Regime. Horovitz unwinds the storm of headlines from the US and speaks about the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Dozens of ultra-Orthodox extremists smashed windows and caused property damage while trying to break into Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg’s house during a riot Wednesday night, in the latest such violent demonstration targeting law enforcement over the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers. Sohlberg’s wife, Meira, said to reporters outside her vandalized home. “Look at this devastation; it’s a pogrom. What is this, Kristallnacht?” Horovitz weighs in on what led up to this smashing of a societal red line. Lawmakers voted 61-57 in the Knesset on Wednesday to elect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal lawyer, Michael Rabello, as state comptroller in a controversial do-over vote marred by accusations that illegal pressure tainted the election. Can Rabello freely criticize the government of his former client? We get Horovitz's take. And finally, Horovitz narrates a troubling conversation he held this week -- with AI. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Israel and Lebanon agree to renew truce, create ‘pilot’ zones where Hezbollah is banned US House backs symbolic resolution aiming to halt Iran war, in rebuke of Trump Netanyahu downplays row with Trump, says he and US leader agree on the ‘main things’ ‘A pogrom’: Haredi rioters smash windows, damage home of deputy Supreme Court chief Netanyahu forces through election of his lawyer as state comptroller amid tainted vote Google’s Gemini AI admits it is unfit for purpose: ‘You should not trust a single thing I say’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government is overshadowed by an already notorious phone call where Donald Trump reportedly dropped multiple F-bombs on Benjamin Netanyahu for threatening Israeli strikes on Beirut. Yonit and Jonathan dissect the increasing strain in the US-Israel relationship - and a new equation set by Iran that will alarm all Israelis. Meanwhile, two warning signs this week for the state of Israeli democracy, as Netanyahu appoints his personal lawyer as State Comptroller, with members of the Knesset pressured to reveal their secret ballot - and a mob vandalizes the home of a Supreme Court justice in a bid to intimidate the judiciary over demands to exempt the ultra-Orthodox from mandatory military service. Also - an inquiry into antisemitism in UK's cherished NHS, while Canada's PM admits the country failed its Jews, prompting a new advisory council with a questionable membership. And finally (and thankfully), it's a crowded field for our mensch of the week award.   00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Events 02:47 The Impact of Smartphones on Society 05:38 Ceasefire Agreements and Regional Tensions 09:22 US-Israel Relations and Political Dynamics 13:13 Political Appointments and Democratic Erosion in Israel 18:50 Judicial Intimidation and the Rule of Law 23:02 Global Anti-Semitism and Responses 29:35 Celebrating Women in Film: Helen Mirren and Emma Thompson 35:17 A Culinary Milestone: Mutra's Michelin Star  

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned ultra-Orthodox rioters who attacked the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg on Wednesday night. Sixty-two Haredim were detained after trying to break into the 64-year-old judge’s private residence in the community of Alon Shvut, south of Jerusalem. The attack was also condemned by President Yitzhak Herzog and by Ashhkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber who condemned violent demonstrations “even if in the pursuit of sacred values.” KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Benny Gesundheit, who lives next door to the Sohlberg residence. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick answers questions ranging from the rites of the Catholic Church and differences between Eastern Catholic and Orthodox practices to the emotional tug-of-war families sense over traditional Latin Mass versus contemporary liturgies, wrestling with reverence, choir commitments, and parental concerns for their children’s formation. He shares thoughts on altar girls, highlights generational shifts in liturgical norms, and responds to listener reflections about the abolitionist movement within pro-life circles, threading through conflicting impulses of tradition and innovation while also confronting online hostility and resurfacing anti-Jewish rhetoric. These moments, layered with personal anecdotes and real-time problem-solving, propel the episode forward with frankness, vulnerability, and a call for discerning faith in a world pulsing with contradiction. Monica (email) - Could you elaborate on the Greek / Russian Orthodox. Are their priests ordained like ours? Can we attend their mass and receive the Eucharist? (00:43) Kristy (email) - Should we alternate Sundays between our local Novus Ordo parish (where our 9-year-old homeschooled son loves singing in the children’s choir twice a month) and the Traditional Latin Mass parish an hour away, or commit to one church to avoid confusing him? (06:27) Michael (email) - Should I allow my 6-year-old daughter—who already wants to be a nun—to serve at the altar in our reverent Novus Ordo parish (which has great reverence for the Eucharist), or would that risk pushing her away like my parents’ decision to forbid my sister, who later left for Protestantism? (19:51) Rich - What are your thoughts on being pro-life vs being an abortion abolitionist? (29:43) Andrew - I attended a wedding in a park and the presider said 'by the power invested in me by the universal life church, God, and her universe...' (41:24) Irene - I came across a Catholic group on X that hates Jews (48:27)

In this live episode of Right On Radio Live (June 3, 2026), host Jeff opens with humor and moves into a wide-ranging discussion about faith, culture, and the turbulent state of the world. The show includes the popular “Word on Word” feature, where Jeff and guest John Brisson compare two scripture passages (Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:4) and reflect on how biblical wisdom applies to present-day anxieties. The episode addresses social disconnection, mental health, and the fatigue many feel living under constant economic and social pressure. Jeff and John play two short clips: a commentary about societal withdrawal and overwhelm, and a quote from Edward Snowden about terms-of-service and mass surveillance. Their conversation branches into concerns about corruption, surveillance law, the erosion of freedoms, and the legal and cultural complexities that leave people feeling controlled and exhausted. The hosts critique contemporary religious figures and movements—calling out false prophecy, discussing Russell Brand's controversial new book (and its symbolism), and questioning some Orthodox and mainstream approaches to conversion and baptism. They also discuss the broader geopolitics shaping the future: tensions in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Middle East dynamics involving Netanyahu, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, Trump-era diplomacy, the Abraham Accords, and the possibility of a global financial transition. The episode explores how these geopolitical shifts might intersect with biblical prophecy. Throughout the show, Jeff and John emphasize the need for Christian faith and spiritual grounding amid uncertainty. John recommends the Gospel of John for those seeking assurance of salvation. Jeff announces new short video releases based on his Mass Deception series, asks listeners for prayers regarding an upcoming personal project, and reminds the audience about a community prayer meeting. The episode ends with encouragement to love God, family, and neighbor and to stay engaged in community and scripture during turbulent times. Want to Understand and Explain Everything Biblically? Click Here: Decoding the Power of Three: Understand and Explain Everything or go to www.rightonu.com  Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith

In this live podcast, I talk through issues that are front and center for the Global Methodist Church. A few articles have been published in the past month that prompted me to offer this live response podcast.  Youtube - https://youtu.be/jRApmf0_YdoAudio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcastApple -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses, Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude andHeaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/coursesAnd don't forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon! Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching. Today's episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.eduIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! For more from Andy Miller III, visit andymilleriii.com or follow @andymilleriii on X.Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:14 – 15:22)James Talarico, Theological Liberal: Talarico's Brand of “Christianity” is No Christianity at AllAre Texans Ready for Talarico's Kind of Christianity? by The New York Times (Ruth Graham and J. David Goodman)Texans Will Decide if Jesus Was a Lefty by The Atlantic (Elizabeth Bruenig)Part II (15:22 – 20:24)The Book of Common Worship vs. James Talarico: James Talarico Contradicts His Denomination's Confessional Documents As Well as Historic, Orthodox, Biblical ChristianityDemocrat Strategists Asked ChatGPT To Create A Christian Candidate. They Got James Talarico. by Daily Wire (Allie Beth Stuckey)Talarico candidacy spotlights contrasting views of Christianity by Texarkana GazettePart III (20:24 – 22:43)James Talarico and the SBC: Talarico's Grandfather was a Moderate SBC Pastor in the 1960s, and It Shows in the Life and Theology of His GrandsonPart IV (22:43 – 26:41)Gov. Beshear Says, ‘Happy Pride, Y'all': Kentucky Governor Signals to the Left on His LGBTQ SupportGov. Andy Beshear recognizes June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Kentucky by Lexington Herald Leader (Hannah Pinski)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Find the full text of this article at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/orthodox-modern-bavinck-cultural-apologist/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He was born in Constantinople around 758, of pious parents: his father had been exiled under Constantine Copronymus for his steadfast veneration of the holy icons. Nikephoros served in the imperial palace as a secretary, but later renounced worldly success to struggle in monastic life near Constantinople. He built and administered a monastery which soon became filled with monks; but he himself never took the monastic habit, feeling himself unworthy. Though a layman, he took part in the Seventh Ecumenical Council at the request of the Emperor and Patriarch because of his remarkable knowledge of Holy Scripture. Much against his will, he was made Patriarch of Constantinople at the death of Patriarch Tarasios. He was made a monk, then elevated through all the priestly orders in a few days, then enthroned at St Sophia in 806.   A few years later, the Emperor Leo the Armenian took the throne. Patriarch Nikephoros, as was customary, sent him a Confession of the Orthodox Faith to sign. Leo put off signing the document until his coronation, then revealed himself to be an Iconoclast heretic. The Patriarch tried quietly to bring him back to the Orthodox faith, but to no avail. When the Emperor, in his turn, tried to make the holy Nikephoros bow to iconoclasm, the Patriarch clearly and publicly upheld the veneration of the holy Icons. For this he was deposed and driven into exile at the Monastery of St Theodore, which he himself had founded. Here he reposed, having served for nine years as Patriarch, and thirteen years in exile and privation.

About a year ago I launched a new podcast and YouTube show called Author Update. It is primarily a news show but recently we covered a news story I wanted to share with you here on the Christian Publishing Show. Pope Leo XIV recently published an encyclical titled MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS. It the the best theological breakdown I've seen on AI, and that means a lot coming from me because I'm not Catholic. I'm not aware of any authoritative stances on AI from either the Orthodox or Protestant churches, which means, if and when those do come out, they will be responding to and echoing the Pope's Encyclical. If you have ever been curious about how, when, and why Christians can use AI I think you will find this breakdown helpful. But I want to share one other news story first that will help give some context. This story is about the Anti AI Butalrian Jihad that my cohost Jonathan Surger and I break down. Support the show

Orthodoxy Live with Fr. Evan Armatas offers listeners an opportunity to ask pointed questions about the Orthodox Church. Perfect for seekers, converts, and cradle Orthodox Christians alike, this program is your chance to ask the tough questions about the Orthodox faith. 0:00 - Intro 3:41 - Resentment towards Father? 16:44 - Challenges attending church due to neurodivergence 28:50 - Ad break 29:53 - On Confession 31:32 - Terminal genetic disorders? 48:06 - Why is the Orthodox Bible different than others? 1:03:33 - Outro

The Russian state monopoly on violence is officially cracking. While the Kremlin legalises private corporate militaries for Gazprom and Rosatom to defend against systemic Ukrainian drone dominance, the regular troops are left stranded in a neo-feudal logistics nightmare.In this episode, we dissect the absolute breakdown of the Mariupol-Crimea "Highway of Life" under autonomous, AI-targeted UAV strikes—and how the Russian military brass responded by executing their own tech talent in frontline meat assaults. Meanwhile, the home front is facing an economic and physical infrastructure heart attack: VCIOM polling data is bleeding out despite intimidation tactics, the middle-class concrete housing market has entered a terminal Japanese-style zombie coma with 25% mortgage rates, and local authorities admit to an 85% wear-and-tear rate on utility grids.We cap it off with the ultimate "raspil"—the multi-billion-rouble grift to reopen an obsolete Soviet tank academy in Chelyabinsk in an era where drones cause 90% of casualties—and look at the dark, ultra-violent "Black Redistribution" civil war that the Z-patriots themselves are now predicting once the central authority collapses.Support the show, keep the digital bunker running, and get vital gear to the front lines:Become our patron:https://www.patreon.com/theeasternborderMerch store + another option for memberships:https://theeasternborder-shop.fourthwall.com/Follow what's going on here in the very border of Eastern Europe:https://bsky.app/profile/theeasternborder.lvDownload all episodes for free on our website; pictures accompanying certain episodes can be found there as well!http://theeasternborder.lv/Car4Ukraine Eastern Border Summer Campaign!https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-trucks-2026-eastern-borderSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.