The Bulletin

What's making rural America so angry? And why do Christians seem to hold their tongues when it comes to sports gambling? Mike, Nicole, and guest host Bob Smietana converse about the new bestselling book White Rural Rage with guest Mike Waddey, former pastor of a town of just 88 people. Mike Cosper shares his own story about the temptations of sports betting, and producer Clarissa Moll joins Cosper and Dr. Kris Bauman, former Trump administration Israel adviser for the National Security Council, to talk about the current slowdown in the Israel-Gaza war and Israel’s complicated path forward.This week’s guests:Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications, and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religion writer at The Tennessean, correspondent for Religion News Service, and contributor to OnFaith, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. He is best known for his coverage of evangelical Christianity, end-time cat worshipers, and the human side of religion.Mike Waddey has pastored in two small, rural communities over the past 20 years. He is the former mayor of Cottage Grove, the smallest incorporated town in the state of Tennessee (88 people), a position he held while also serving there as pastor. Mike holds a DMin from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies and is a proud husband and father of six children and grandfather of two.Kris A. Bauman, Ph.D., Colonel (ret.) USAF is the Brent Scowcroft Professor of National Security Studies at the United States Air Force Academy where he teaches American Foreign and National Security Policy, and Middle Eastern Politics. Col. Bauman previously served at the White House on the National Security Council as Director for Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian Affairs. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producer: Erik PetrikProducer: Clarissa Moll and Matt StevensAssociate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed GilliamEditing and Mix: TJ HesterMusic: Dan PhelpsShow Design: Bryan Todd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Inazu, Washington U professor, discusses Christian civility; U.S. Congress tensions are debated; Bernie Sanders' 4-day work week proposal. Topics include civility, politics, unity, empathy, setting ground rules in conversations, technology impact, work hours, and evangelical relationships.

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Russell Moore and Mike Cosper talk with Tom Nichols of The Atlantic about theatrics on the world stage -- Donald Trump’s promise to pardon rioters from the January 6 attacks on the Capitol and Vladimir Putin’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Moscow. With his characteristic wit, Nichols helps listeners navigate the confusing messages politicians send and, with the hosts, clarifies the call of Christian witness. Producer Clarissa Moll talks to Mike and Russell about the bridge collapse in Baltimore and how Christians can resist indifference to the news. Finally, Mike and Russell remember the 10th anniversary of Mars Hill Church’s closure and reflect on the dangers of nostalgia. This week’s guests:Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter.He is a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years, and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School. He has served as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House and the U.S. Senate. He writes about international security, nuclear weapons, Russia, and the challenges to democracy in the United States and around the world—along with occasional contrarian views on popular culture. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. He is also a five-time undefeated Jeopardy champion.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producer: Erik PetrikProducer: Clarissa Moll and Matt StevensAssociate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed GilliamEditing and Mix: TJ HesterMusic: Dan PhelpsShow Design: Bryan ToddGraphic Design: Amy JonesSocial Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast episode explores the crisis in Gaza, Russia re-electing Putin, and the significance of the Psalms during times of conflict. Discussions on determining responsibility, Christian perspectives on Gaza, Putin's military ambitions, and the transformative power of the Psalms for spiritual guidance.

The podcast delves into the crisis in Haiti, challenges faced by Haitian refugees, and the need for genuine public apologies for historical injustices like lynchings. The discussion also covers the new weight loss drug Ozempic, its potential impact on health and society, and the complexities of medication use for weight loss.

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Russell Moore tackle tough topics that divide many faithful Christians -- immigration, politics, and reproductive rights. Bri Stensrud of Women of Welcome joins the show to talk about immigration, security, the current situation at the southern border. Then, Mike and Russell review Super Tuesday’s results with an eye for hope amidst political despair. Finally, Dr. Jeffrey Keenan of the National Embryo Donation Center joins the conversation to talk about Alabama’s recent ruling related to in vitro fertilization -- what IVF looks like today, where Christians disagree, and how believe in the dignity of human life can anchor us as we make difficult decisions in the courts and in our families. This week’s guests:Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Throughout her previous work in the pro-life movement, Bri continually faced questions from those concerned about immigrants and refugees. Understanding that many concerns were rooted in fear and misinformation, she started a journey to detangle from politically partisan narratives and seek out a biblical perspective to uplift and advocate for immigrants and refugees. Bri holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children’s book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God’s Light into the World Around You.Dr. Jeffrey Keenan, a highly respected infertility and reproductive medicine specialist, leads the National Embryo Donation Center team. He is the center’s president and medical director and a fertility specialist with Rejoice Fertility in Knoxville, TN. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In practice since 1990, Dr. Keenan has performed innumerable fertility procedures with outstanding success rates.“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayExecutive Producer: Erik PetrikProducer: Clarissa Moll and Matt StevensAssociate Producer: McKenzie HillEditing and Mix: TJ HesterMusic: Dan PhelpsShow Design: Bryan ToddGraphic Design: Amy JonesSocial Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Topics discussed include the self-immolation of protestor Aaron Bushnell, Nikki Haley's potential bid for the Republican nomination, and the Supreme Court review on free speech restrictions on social media. Guests Madeleine Kearns and Bonnie Kristian offer insights on these issues.

Anxiety about AI in the workplace, Navalny’s death, and Black History Month’s continuing relevance. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Nicole Martin join special guests Steve Cuss, Robert Nicholson, and Esau McCaulley to talk about our anxieties -- real and imagined. First, our worries in the workplace increasingly center around the role of artificial intelligence. Can we keep a level head when we're concerned that computers will take away our jobs? Next, Alexei Navalny's death reminds us that peace often requires speaking truth to power. What can we learn from Russia's response to Navalny, and should we be anxious about the future of global democracy? Finally, Black History Month plays an important prophetic role in American life. If we're worried about highlighting Black accomplishments and stories, what does this say about the narratives we've believed about history and faith? Listen and be challenged.For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/70-anxiety-artificial-intelligence-navalny-black-history.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exploring Christian nationalism in the upcoming documentary 'God and Country' with insights from Rob Reiner and evangelical figures. Delving into the paradox of Southern Baptists engaging with Christian nationalism. Reflecting on the intersections of politics, Christian nationalism, and societal anxieties. Discussing the risks of political violence in American society and the misinterpretation of martyrdom and faith.

Guests: Yossi Klein Halevi: author, Michael Oren: former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Rabbi Yehiel Poupko. The podcast explores the roots and controversies of Zionism through interviews with Zionist Jews who have fled their homes, discussing religious messianic longing, the rejection of victimhood, and the dangers of vilifying Israel without historical context. It also highlights the experiences of living on the Israel-Gaza border and the community's resilience in the face of violence.