The Bulletin

Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares his insights on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, examining the implications for the region. He also delves into the ongoing legal battles surrounding the abortion pill, highlighting the changing attitudes towards reproductive rights. The discussion then shifts to the rise of Hasan Piker, a Twitch influencer merging politics with entertainment, exploring why he resonates with audiences today.

Miroslav Volf, a leading Croatian theologian and Yale professor, discusses the true cost of ambition. He delves into how the pursuit of success can strain personal identity and relationships. Volf critiques the competitive nature of society, likening it to the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team, where ambition sometimes overshadows empathy. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, urging listeners to reflect on the balance between striving for excellence and cultivating a more inclusive community.

Join Brian Dijkema, a public policy analyst and president of Cardus Canada, and Andrew Egger, White House correspondent for The Bulwark, as they dissect pivotal political events. They delve into Canada’s recent election and the surprising shifts it reveals about governance and identity. The dialogue also tackles America’s falling birth rates, critiquing the current responses to family dynamics and societal pressures. Finally, they analyze Trump's first 100 days in office, offering insights into media strategies and public perception during his presidency.

News headline roundup. Secular violence. Find us on YouTube. Show notes: In this episode of The Bulletin, Mike and Clarissa share what headlines they’re following as the week begins, and Mike talks with author Tal Howard about who’s more violent -- religious people or secular people.  GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUEST:  Tal Howard is a professor of humanities and history at Valparaiso University, and previously taught at Gordon College, where he founded and directed the Jerusalem and Athens Forum honors program and led the Center for Faith and Inquiry. He is the author and editor of many books, including the recently published, Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History.  ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Alexa BurkeEditing and Mix: Kevin MorrisMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dalibor Rohac, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine amid Russia's military escalation. He analyzes the controversial decisions that could reshape international relations and NATO dynamics. The discussion also reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, exploring his outreach and impact on the Catholic Church, while contemplating the implications of his recent passing. Rohac offers insightful commentary on the moral responsibilities of leaders in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Join author and counselor John Eldredge, president of Wild at Heart, as he dives into the complexities of modern masculinity and spirituality. He discusses the challenges posed by far-right politics and reclaiming authentic male identity. Eldredge emphasizes the healing power of personal experiences of God's love and critiques 'hard-ass masculinity' in church settings. The conversation also touches on navigating spirituality amidst digital distractions, advocating for deeper connections with Christ for true fulfillment.

A deportation showdown, Pete Hegseth’s cleanup of the Naval Academy library, and the impact of USAID cuts in war-weary Sudan. Find us on YouTube.This week, the Trump administration continues its deportation plan despite court orders, defense secretary Pete Hegseth cleans out the Naval Academy library, and war-weary Sudan experiences the tragic consequences of USAID cuts. The Bulletin is joined by Elizabeth Neumann, Karen Swallow Prior, and CT contributor Mindy Belz to discuss these headlines and why they matter to you.  GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack.  Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Elizabeth Neumann is a national security expert who has served across three presidential administrations—on the inaugural staff of the White House Homeland Security Council under President George W. Bush, as an advisor to the office of the director of national intelligence during the Obama Administration, and as the Department of Homeland Security’s deputy chief of staff and assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention in the Trump administration. Neumann is also a national security contributor for ABC News, board chair for the National Immigration Forum, a fellow of the fourth class of the Civil Society Fellowship of The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.Karen Swallow Prior is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis; On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books; Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More—Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist; and Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me. She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, Vox, Think Christian, The Gospel Coalition, and various other places. Mindy Belz is a journalist who has covered wars and victims of conflict in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, and the Balkans. She recounts some of her experiences in a 2016 award-winning book, They Say We Are Infidels. David Brooks with The New York Times calls her “one of the bravest and best foreign correspondents in the country.” She is the former senior editor at World magazine and has done writing and editing for Christianity Today.ABOUT THE BULLETIN:The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.The Bulletin listeners get 25 percent off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Alexa BurkeEditing and Mix: TJ HesterMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Bahnsen, a prominent financial commentator and chief investment officer at The Bahnsen Group, dives into the complex world of tariffs. He clarifies how tariffs impact consumer prices and trade dynamics, drawing on historical perspectives from figures like Donald Trump. The conversation also addresses ethical sourcing issues and the benefits of free trade in reducing global poverty. Bahnsen emphasizes a market-driven approach to trade, advocating for equitable deals while reassuring listeners about maintaining long-term investment strategies amid market volatility.

Paul D. Miller, a Georgetown University professor and former White House staffer, and Matthew Lee Anderson, a theology professor at Baylor University, dive into the intricate U.S.-China trade tensions. They explore how tariffs affect not only economics but also the church's role during crises. The conversation shifts to a Christian response to cancel culture, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in academia. Finally, Justin Giboney inspires hope, urging proactive engagement in societal issues rather than paralysis amid political upheaval.

Lydia Dugdale, a Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and an expert in clinical ethics, joins the discussion about a significant measles outbreak in Texas. The conversation focuses on the vital role of vaccinations in preventing health crises and the impact of misinformation. They explore the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of community trust in public health. Additionally, Dugdale delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by medical practitioners and the need for informed public engagement to combat misinformation.