The Bulletin

Gather around for a heartwarming special reading of the Christmas story! Experience the birth of Jesus through a poetic lens and the beautiful song reflecting transformation. Delve into the shepherds' encounter with angels and their visit to the newborn. Explore the significance of Gentiles in the narrative, as the Magi follow the star and present their gifts. With voices and music that inspire, this is a festive celebration of hope and joy just in time for the holidays.

Leslie Leyland Fields, a writer and mother of six, dives deep into the cultural stigma surrounding large families and the label 'breeder.' She critiques the child-free movement, discussing how it has reshaped societal views on family. Leslie emphasizes the value of children in nurturing qualities like tolerance and service while warning about the demographic and economic implications of declining birth rates. Through personal anecdotes and research, she makes a compelling case for embracing parenthood as part of a balanced life.

Join Adam Kinzinger, a former U.S. representative and political commentator, as he shares his insights on pivotal moments in American politics. He candidly discusses his experience on Capitol Hill during the January 6 riots, illustrating the personal and political costs of standing up to Trump. Kinzinger also reflects on his documentary, The Last Republican, emphasizing the importance of courage and empathy in a fractured political landscape. The conversation touches on global tensions, including the war in Ukraine, and the moral complexities of American actions abroad.

Rabbi Joshua Stanton, a leader in Jewish-Christian relations, discusses how recent violent attacks have instilled fear in Jewish communities. Bishop Robert Stearns, a Christian Zionist advocate, shares the moral imperative for Christians to combat antisemitism and foster meaningful connections. They urge a profound reexamination of historical theological teachings. Steve Cuss lends a reflective touch with a meditation on Christmas hospitality, emphasizing the importance of embracing those considered strangers, resonating with the broader themes of love and support.

Charlie Sykes, a seasoned political commentator, delves into the legal controversies surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent military actions. Gretchen Ronnevik, a Minnesota farmer and author, shares the harsh realities of how tariffs are impacting local farmers, emphasizing the mental health struggles they face. Meanwhile, Bob Smietana analyzes new Pew data indicating that while religiosity in America isn't plummeting as rapidly, generational shifts present both challenges and opportunities for churches. Tune in for insightful discussions on politics, agriculture, and faith.

In this engaging discussion, Rebeccah Heinrichs, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, dives into the '1939 Project,' exploring how historical narratives shape modern politics. She highlights a concerning trend where young men are drawn to authoritarian ideals and explains how shifting perceptions of WWII threaten global alliances. Rebeccah also discusses the risks of isolationism, China's authoritarian strategies, and the importance of robust U.S. defense partnerships to deter aggression and maintain global stability.

Andy Olsen, a senior features writer at Christianity Today, discusses the impact of the Trump administration's pause on asylum processing following a tragic shooting by an Afghan refugee. He provides insights on the Afghan resettlement program and the balance between national security and honoring humanitarian obligations. Dalibor Rohac, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, weighs in on Russia's rejection of a pro-Kremlin U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine and critiques the implications for Ukrainian morale. The episode wraps up with a morally charged conversation about recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela.

In this festive discussion, Steve Cuss, a pastor and founder of Capable Life, joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to kick off Advent. They debate when to start playing Christmas music and reflect on how carols gain deeper meaning over time. The conversation touches on the importance of grief during the holidays, exploring Joseph's role and the themes of adoption. Steve humorously shares Australian Christmas traditions, and they all reminisce about cherished family moments and beloved holiday films, blending joy, nostalgia, and emotional depth.

The kidnapping of children from a school in Nigeria highlights the ongoing issue of Christian persecution in the region. In unexpected news, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's announced resignation raises questions about political unity. Meanwhile, newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani's friendly meeting with Trump prompts analysis on media strategies and political implications. The hosts also share heartfelt listener gratitudes and discuss some creative holiday gift ideas, making for a compelling mix of current events and personal reflections.

On Thursday, Christianity Today announced that Nicole Martin will be our new president and CEO. In this episode, Nicole and CT board member Walter Kim join Clarissa Moll for a conversation about the legacy of Billy Graham, the call to unity in the midst of division, the centrality of Christ and pro-life values, and the vision for CT’s future. 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 GUESTS:  Nicole Martin is Christianity Today’s president and CEO. Formerly, she was CT’s chief operating officer. She is the author of several books including Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender and Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry. Walter Kim is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and is on Christianity Today’s board of trustees. He previously served as a pastor at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and at churches in Vancouver, Canada and Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as a campus chaplain at Yale University.  ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). 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 Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper   Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices