Best Matt Hawkins and John Pinna Podcasts (2024)

1
117: Luke Higuchi - The Unification Church 1:01:10

3h ago1:01:10

1:01:10

More Information: Unification Church in Atlanta https://www.facebook.com/Atlantafamily English YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lukehiguchi6044/videos YouTube Channel in Japanese https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBlyDjFRpM49u2L0JeY1icQ Special Guest: Luke Higuchi. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
Practical Interfaith Engagement with Peter Henne 36:23

7d ago36:23

36:23

In this interview, Peter Henne discusses his academic work on religion and conflict. He talks about his early involvement with the Pew Research Center's groundbreaking work on quantifying religious persecution globally. Henne reflects on the challenges of engaging with religion from a policy perspective, emphasizing the need for religious literacy …

1
Congressman Frank Wolf 41:18

14d ago41:18

41:18

In this conversation, Congressman Frank Wolf discusses the current state of international religious freedom advocacy with John Pinna. Wolf expresses concern that religious leaders and faith communities are not speaking out and advocating for religious freedom as they did in the past, citing examples like Chuck Colson and Rabbi Saperstein. He calls …

1
114: Dr. Daisy Khan: The Rise of Islamophobia 50:34

22d ago50:34

50:34

This conversation between John Pinna and Dr. Daisy Khan explores the rise of Islamophobia in the United States, particularly in the wake of the October 9th attack. Khan explains how Islamophobia has manifested at both the individual and institutional levels, with Muslims facing discrimination, harassment, and even job loss for expressing their fait…

1
113: There's No Islam in Easter! 1:26:56

1M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, Elliot and John engage in a lively Easter-themed discussion when Elliot starts by posing the question: What to Muslims believe about the Resurrection? The conversation becomes tense at times as John wrestles with the validity of a God who would be willing to die, and Elliot struggl…

1
112: Lou Ann Sabatier 53:40

1M ago53:40

53:40

In this interview, John Pinna and Lou Ann Sabatier discuss the importance of effective storytelling, particularly in the context of advocating for international religious freedom and persecuted communities. They explore the challenges facing journalists and content creators in an evolving media landscape, emphasizing the need for strategic, intenti…

1
Minhdao Le: Vietnam and the Cao Dai Religion 1:28:55

2M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Minhdao Le is a third-generation practitioner of Cao Dai, a religious belief system from Vietnam. In this interview, Minhdao provides some insight into the beliefs of Cao Dai, and brings attention to what he describes as a communist government-led usurping of the religion that took place when the government officially "recognized" Cao Dai in 1997. …

1
111: Dr. John Morrow 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

In this episode, John Pinna interviews Dr. John Andrew Morrow, a Muslim academic and author. Dr. Morrow shares his spiritual journey starting from a young age, studying various religious scriptures and ultimately embracing Islam after being deeply moved by the Quran. He highlights the pivotal role of the Covenant of the Prophet Muhammad with the mo…

1
Sal Litvak 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

Salvador Litvak is a Hollywood film director who became the Accidental Talmudist after a little miracle launched him into seven years of daily Talmud study. Sal’s Accidental Talmudist platform reaches over a million followers in 70 countries and includes Talmud classes, Torah teachings, live shows, podcast, holiday programming, Israel education, an…

1
Dr. James Tabor 55:51

2M ago55:51

55:51

Dr. James Tabor taught Christian origins and ancient Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for 33 years until retiring in 2022, serving as department chair for a decade and holding a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1981). Tabor has published 9 academic books and over 50 articles combining his textual research with archaeolo…

1
Leray Heynes: Jesus Christ's CEOs 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

Leray Heyne is the Founder and lead overseer of Windows of Heaven Jesus’ Storehouse and its three ministries: Jesus Christ’s CEOs, Jesus Christ’s CEOs Bible Institute, and Jesus Christ’s CEOs TV. (Source) Website: https://jcceos.com/ Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

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Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett 59:23

2M ago59:23

59:23

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett is the Director of Cardus Faith Communities at Cardus, Canada’s faith-based think-tank. He also serves as Senior Fellow at the Washington, DC-based Religious Freedom Institute. He is an ordained deacon in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in the Eparchy (Diocese) of Toronto and Eastern Canada. Fr. Deacon Andrew served …

1
Knox Thames 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

Knox Thames is an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author who has dedicated his career to promoting human rights, defending religious minorities, and combatting persecution. Known for his nonpartisan approach to advocacy, both the Obama and Trump administrations appointed Knox as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the N…

1
Sam Nagasaka: The Unification Church in Japan 42:10

3M ago42:10

42:10

An interview from the IRF Summit with Sam Nagasaka, Secretary General of the Public Relations Committee for the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Sam shares his poignent personal story of the efforts his family in Japan made to deprogram him from association with the Unification Church and how this ultimately reinforced his connect…

1
106: David Curry - Violence against religious minorities 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

John Pinna interviews David Curry, head of Global Christian Relief and commissioner for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, about the state of international religious freedom. Curry asserts that conditions for religious liberty globally have never been worse, with more authoritarian regimes restricting access to religious texts …

1
IRF 2024 #3: Ex-Muslims of North America 21:34

3M ago21:34

21:34

Aysha discusses her journey leaving Islam and becoming an atheist. She introducts the Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) organization, where she began as a volunteer and now serves as Director of Operations. Aysha explains the restrictions she faced as a Muslim woman growing up in a traditional Pakistani household, including limited rights in marr…

1
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett 1:03:34

3M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

IRF Month begins with an interview with Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. Afterward, John and Elliot discuss youth involvement in the IRF movement. Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett serves as President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, established in 2008 to continue the legacy of…

1
Adjudicating Islamic Law for Muslim Americans 55:21

3M ago55:21

55:21

John Pinna interviews Sayyid M.B. Kashmiri, who represents the Grand Ayatollah Sistani in America. They discuss Sayyid's family lineage tracing back to Prophet Muhammad; his experience migrating from Iraq to Iran, Lebanon, and finally the U.S.; and his role leading the Imam Mahdi Association, which serves as Sistani's representative entity in North…

1
IRF 2024 #2: The IRF Industrial Complex? 48:31

3M ago48:31

48:31

In this discussion, Pinna continues sharing his perspective on issues with the international religious freedom (IRF) movement. He argues that IRF advocacy has become an "industry" dominated by a small group of organizations and leaders who control narratives and funding. Pinna questions the impact of high-profile IRF events like the annual Minister…

1
IRF 2024 #1: The Story So Far 25:33

3M ago25:33

25:33

In conversation with Fr. John Anderson, John Pinna discusses his extensive experience in the field of international religious freedom (IRF), beginning with the origins and impact of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. He details his past advocacy work with the American Islamic Congress, including engaging in interfaith dialogue, advocatin…

1
103: Ambassador Akiva Tor 1:06:28

4M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Akiva Tor is the Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Korea. In their wide-ranging discussion, Pinna and Tor touch on Israel's ongoing engagement efforts with Jewish communities worldwide, grappling with issues of pluralism and anti-Semitism, while also navigating complex relationships with the Vatican and varying Christian denominations. They d…

1
The Political Perils of Biblical Archeology 51:50

4M ago51:50

51:50

In this podcast conversation, host John Pinna interviews journalist and documentarian Simcha Jacobovici about his investigations into biblical archaeology and how he uses an investigative journalism approach to explore issues related to faith and history. They discuss several of Jacobovici's projects researching archaeological evidence related to J…

1
Public Martyrdom 1:05:20

4M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

John and Elliot discuss American televangelist Jimmy Swaggart's public confession of sin in the late 1980s, exploring ideas around repentance, forgiveness, and redemption in the evangelical Christian tradition. This leads to a broader discussion of theological perspectives on Christ's crucifixion and sacrifice, different interpretations of its mean…

1
100: Burma and the Rohingya Genocide 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

John Pinna engages in an illuminating discussion with Simon Billenness and Lucky Karim regarding the persecution faced by the Rohingya people in Myanmar. Simon provides historical context about the oppression and genocide endured by the Rohingya minority, while Lucky shares poignant personal anecdotes about her experiences as a Rohingya refugee, sh…

1
98: The Technology of Religion 1:21:42

4M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

John and Elliot have a wide-ranging conversation touching on technology, cultural change, politics, education, immigration, religion, and more. They discuss how modern cars and devices constantly "ping" people with notifications and alerts, creating a sense of anxiety, versus the simplicity yet risk of vintage vehicles. This leads into a dialogue a…

1
What Do Unitarians and Satanists Have In Common? 49:17

5M ago49:17

49:17

John and Elliot have a wide-ranging discussion about religion, covering topics such as the nature of God, the purpose of religion, different religious groups and practices, religious extremism, and more. They start by talking about whether it makes sense to believe in a God that is morally questionable or "bad." Elliot argues that even for religiou…

1
The Candy Cane Conspiracy 1:05:41

5M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

The conversation starts with John finding some Christian pamphlets called "The Candy Cane Story" that were left at his business. He asks Elliot if he's familiar with the religious symbolism ascribed to candy canes. Elliot says he is, so John has him read through the pamphlet, which suggests candy canes were invented by a candy maker to be a Christi…

1
95: Millennialism and Antisemitism 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
94: There's Always Another Jerk 1:10:44

5M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

John, a Muslim and Elliot, an Evangelical Christian, talk religion and politics. This week, the hosts discuss Chick Tracks, which are small evangelistic comic books that promote fundamentalist Christian beliefs. This leads to a discussion about common tendencies of fundamentalism seen in both faith traditions. Support this podcast via Patreon. Supp…

1
Unpacking the Resurfaced Bin Laden Letter 1:16:23

5M ago1:16:23

1:16:23

John and Elliott discuss Osama bin Laden's controversial 2002 "Letter to America" that recently resurfaced and went viral on TikTok. They debate the letter's authenticity and analyze it through various lenses - post-colonialism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, generational reactions to 9/11 and the War on Terror. Touching on the oppressor-oppress…

1
92: The West's Claim to Western Values 34:36

6M ago34:36

34:36

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion and politics. This week, John and Elliot discuss Ayaan Hirsi Ali's essay, "Why I Am Now a Christian," in which the popular thought leader describes her transition from Muslim to atheist to Christian. This leads to a lively discussion on the appropriateness of the West's claim to what are popularly called "West…

1
A War of Minorities 1:19:09

6M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

This conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the roles of Hamas, Hezbollah, Jordan, Egypt, and Iran. Hot takes on Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro's perspectives, with cautions against holding views that are too simplistic. There is debate over the religious and territorial roots of the confl…

1
90: Straw Men and Henchmen 1:06:43

6M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
89: Israel and Hamas 1:03:05

7M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
88: Dignity of Human Life 1:08:54

7M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

A conversation between John Pinna, a Muslim, and Father John Anderson, a Christian priest, discussing the current Israel-Palestine conflict sparked by recent Hamas rocket attacks and Israeli retaliation. John condemned Hamas' attacks on civilians as inconsistent with Islamic teachings. They discussed principles in Islam like human dignity, jihad, a…

1
87: Eastern Orthodoxy 57:06

7M ago57:06

57:06

Topics discussed in this conversation include: Overview of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, including its history, different churches/denominations, leadership structure with various patriarchs. They discuss the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism in 1054. Persecution of Orthodox Christians, especially under communist regimes…

1
86: Montezuma's Revenge 1:24:20

7M ago1:24:20

1:24:20

In this speculative conversation, the hosts cover a range of topics related to history, culture, religion, and society. They discuss the legacies of historical figures like Christopher Columbus and the complexities of European colonization in the Americas. This leads to a debate about the definition of "colonization" and whether opportunism is dist…

1
Accidents of Substance 1:09:47

7M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, we discuss transubstantiation, internal factions within Christianity and the question of primacy. Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
Double Standards for Muslims? 1:05:33

8M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

In this episode, John Pina and Elliot Toman discuss the nuances of cultural integration for Muslims in the Western World. Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
Textual Integrity and Cognitive Dissonance 57:15

8M ago57:15

57:15

In this episode, John Pina, a Muslim and Elliot Toman, a Christian, put on their apologetic hats in a wide-ranging discussion that touches on multiple contentious points between their mutual faith traditions. Chapters: 00:00 Mutual Acceptance 08:10 Cognitive Dissonace 13:00 What is a Muslim, and who gets to say? 20:30 Textual Integrity 35:00 The Tw…

1
The religious veneer of Conservatism 57:42

8M ago57:42

57:42

Chapters: 01:00 What we don't know. 02:18 Parfait me. 07:55 Are you as religious as you think you are? 14:15 The blurred lines between religion and politics. 22:24 The religious veneer of Conservatism. 27:00 The rise of radical Islam. 42:00 Parallels between Christian and Islamic conservatism. 44:30 The Jesus Movement. 54:20 The freedom to believe.…

1
Putting the Man Back in "Son of Man" 1:06:06

9M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

John Pina and Elliot Toman compare Evangelical Christian and Muslim ideas of The Rapture with a little help from Charlton Heston and Nicholas Cage's left behind. Forays into religious exclusivism, religiously motivated violence, martyrdom and charity. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Khartoum 08:00 Left Behind 18:20 The Rapture 23:30 Fundamentalism 29:0…

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80: This is The Way 1:14:39

9M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

John Pina and Elliot Toman discuss issues of faith and certainty in the context of Islam and Charismatic Evangelical Christianity. 00:00 Introduction 03:30 How We Met 06:30 Team Jesus 10:25 Invoking The Holy Ghost 18:00 This is The Way 24:00 Charismatic Christianity 30:00 Prayer Circle in the White House 40:00 The Problem of Authority 49:30 Beyond …

1
79: Evangelical Lutheranism and Salvation by Grace 1:07:51

1+ y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

John interviews Tim Bupp, a pastor of two local Evangelical Lutheran congregations. Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
78: Hurricane Ian; Protests in Iran 49:12

1+ y ago49:12

49:12

Matt chats a bit about his parents experience in Fort Myers, FL following Hurrican Ian. John talks about what life is like for religious minorities in Iran. Support Crossing Faiths Links: When I die which religion will offer the best deal? | Religion | The Guardian Relief Sites - IanBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

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77: The Evangelicals Problem 1:01:01

1+ y ago1:01:01

1:01:01

This week, John and Matt discuss a survey suggesting that a growing number of Evangelicals no longer strictly hold to basic Evangelical doctrines. This leads them to ask—what is an Evangelical anyway, and how is the definition of "Evangelical" being shifted by the growth of Christian Nationalism? Episode Highlights: 12:45 - Basic Evangelical belief…

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76: Headlines: The Queen, Ukraine, and Christian America declines 44:36

1+ y ago44:36

44:36

Matt and John chat about the Queen's funeral, a quick Ukraine update, and the ramifications of a fading Christian America. mh Support Crossing Faiths Links: America's Christian majority is on track to end as more leave religion : NPR How the U.S. Religious Landscape Could Change Over the Next 50 Years | Pew Research Center THIRTEEN Specials | Amen-…

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75: The Queen; John and the King; John speaks to Christians on 9-11; VP Harris speaks to National Baptists 1:01:40

1+ y ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Support Crossing Faiths Links: Vice President Harris Delivers Remarks at the National Baptist Convention 142nd Annual Session - YouTube Text: Remarks by Vice President Harris at the National Baptist Convention 142nd Annual Session - The White House What Is Quiet Quitting? A Burnout Expert Discusses. - The Atlantic Matt's take on VP Harris speech to…

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74: John holds a legendary spear; An Intelligence review of the Crucifixion? 40:14

1+ y ago40:14

40:14

John tells of his experience in Austria handling the legendary Spear of Destiny and the conversation just unravels from there... Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

1
Abortion/Kansas 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

John and Matt discuss the post-Roe abortion vote in Kansas and its implications for the political climate. Also, what Islam smells like, and Naziing as a verb. Support this podcast via Patreon. Support Crossing FaithsBy John Pinna and Elliot Toman

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