Jeff Mitchell was raised in a Christian home but did not fully commit to Christianity until he decided to devote his life to Christ at the age of 16. For the next three decades, he studied the Bible intensively, believing it to be the Holy Inspired Word of God and a direct message from the one true deity. However, over time, Mitchell began to encounter what he perceived as numerous errors, contradictions, and troubling teachings within the Bible. He also observed widespread conflict, chaos, and confusion among Christians, which led him to question his beliefs.

Driven by a desire to uncover the truth, Mitchell embarked on a journey of inquiry and reflection. Through this process, he came to several conclusions: if a God exists, Mitchell believes there is no logical explanation to support that this deity is good or compassionate. In his view, if there is a God, this being uses divine power to remain hidden and silent. Furthermore, Mitchell posits that such a God neither wants nor needs praise, and is unworthy of it.

Mitchell now holds the perspective that humanity is on its own. He believes that if people desire a better life, it is up to humans themselves to turn their dreams into reality, rather than relying on divine intervention.

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Special Guest: Jeff Mitchell.

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In this interview, John Pinna speaks with Nicole Jansezian, a Christian journalist living in Jerusalem. They discuss Jansezian's journey from being an Italian-American New Yorker to marrying into the Armenian community in Jerusalem and her experiences as a religious minority in Israel. The conversation covers various topics including the diversity of religious communities in Jerusalem, recent attacks on Christians, the complex political landscape of Israel, and the ongoing debate about judicial reform. Jansezian shares insights about the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem, its historical significance, and current challenges faced by the community, particularly regarding land ownership and potential demographic changes. The interview also touches on the unique aspects of Israel's government system, the lack of a formal constitution, and how these factors affect religious minorities. Throughout the discussion, Jansezian provides a nuanced perspective on life in Jerusalem, balancing observations about religious freedom with acknowledgment of existing tensions and challenges.

Nicole Jansezian lives in Jerusalem where she reports on the complicated yet beautiful aspects of this city as well as the challenges facing the people of the Holy Land. She and her husband Tony are raising three children in a crossroads of languages, cultures and religions.

Special Guest: Nicole Jansezian.

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In this podcast interview, John Pinna and George Sorial discuss current societal issues, focusing on divisiveness, extremism, and the erosion of traditional values. They express concern over recent protests involving flag burning and anti-American sentiment, questioning the motives and understanding of those involved. The conversation touches on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the importance of religious freedom, and the need for a return to basic principles of faith, family, and country. Both speakers emphasize the importance of finding common ground, rejecting victimhood narratives, and promoting more positive, unifying messages in society. They also discuss economic challenges and the value of hard work, drawing on their personal experiences and observations from different cultures. Throughout the conversation, Pinna and Sorial advocate for a more optimistic outlook and greater engagement in addressing societal issues, emphasizing the shared desires for peace, prosperity, and freedom across different communities.

Special Guest: George A. Sorial.

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John Pinna speaks with Josh Heath about Heathenry, a modern revival of Norse pagan religion. Heath discusses his personal journey to Heathenry, the beliefs and practices of the faith, including ancestor worship and the concept of fate, and how it differs from pop culture depictions of Norse mythology. He explains the community structure of Heathenry, from individual practice to larger organizations, and addresses the issue of white supremacist groups misappropriating Norse symbols. Heath also talks about his efforts to gain recognition for Heathenry in the U.S. military, his experiences as a Heathen soldier, and the faith's approach to death and burial. Throughout the conversation, Heath emphasizes the importance of community in Heathen practice and the faith's focus on supporting and protecting one's local community, regardless of racial or cultural background.

Special Guest: Josh Heath.

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Brittney Hartley is an Atheist Spiritual Director through the Center of Nonreligious Spirituality. Her book is entitled No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools, No Faith Required. She has a Masters Degree in Theology with a focus in the Future of American Religion.

In this podcast interview, John Pinna and Britt Hartley discuss Hartley's journey from Mormonism to atheism and her work as a secular spiritual director and nihilism coach. They explore themes of religious deconstruction, brain biases in faith, the role of women in spirituality, and the concept of evil from an atheist perspective. Hartley shares her views on experiencing spirituality without religious beliefs, the importance of facing existential fears directly, and her approach to helping others find meaning and connection outside of traditional religious frameworks. The conversation also touches on the historical shift from matriarchy to patriarchy in religious systems and its impact on society. Throughout the interview, Hartley emphasizes the value of critical thinking, compassion, and personal exploration in developing a secular spiritual practice.

You can find Britt on social media under the handle No Nonsense Spirituality.

Special Guest: Brittney Hartley.

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In this episode of Crossing Faiths, host John Pinna interviews Fr. John Anderson about his recent article "Identifying Threats to the Republic." They discuss the concept of human dignity in relation to concerns about the American republic. Anderson argues that the U.S. has lost sight of individual human value, instead treating humanity as a commodity. He expresses worry about the military-industrial-congressional complex that Dwight D. Eisenhower warned against, and how it threatens personal freedoms and democratic values. The conversation touches on the importance of an informed, active citizenry in maintaining a republic, the dangers of complacency and comfort, and the need for accountability and rule of law. Anderson uses examples from the COVID-19 pandemic to illustrate his points about oligarchy and the erosion of individual rights.

In the second half of the conversation, John Pinna and Fr. John Anderson discuss the recent presidential debate and express concerns about President Biden's cognitive abilities. They argue that Biden's performance in the debate raises questions about his mental competence and fitness for office. The speakers discuss the potential implications for national security and global affairs, suggesting that a competency test or medical examination of the president may be necessary. They explore the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment if Biden is found unfit, which would result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of respecting the dignity of the individual (including Biden himself) and the need for responsible leadership given the current global challenges. They also touch on broader issues such as the Ukraine conflict, American values, and the integrity of the electoral process.

Article: Identifying Threats to the Republic

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Special Guest: Father John Anderson.

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In this interview, John Pinna speaks with Nury Turkel, a former commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), about his life experiences and work in promoting religious freedom globally. Turkel discusses his background as a Uyghur born in a re-education camp in China, his journey to the United States, and his advocacy for religious minorities. He explains the importance of the USCIRF's annual report, detailing how it designates countries of particular concern and special watch list countries based on religious freedom violations. Turkel emphasizes the significance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right and its role in U.S. foreign policy. He also addresses challenges in advocating for religious freedom, including bureaucratic resistance, global events affecting religious communities, and the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing religious persecution. The interview concludes with Turkel suggesting practical steps for advancing religious freedom globally, including working with willing countries, advocating for prisoners of conscience, and building international coalitions.

https://www.nuryturkel.com/

Special Guest: Nury Turkel.

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In this episode, John Pinna interviews Soraya Ahmadyar, a Muslim woman of Afghan descent living in California. They discuss Soraya's journey of faith, from growing up in a culturally Muslim family to embracing her Islamic identity as a young adult. Soraya shares her experiences balancing her Afghan heritage, American upbringing, and Muslim faith, particularly as she raises her own children. The conversation touches on challenges facing Muslim communities in the US, including stereotypes, security concerns, and conflicts between religious values and certain social trends. Soraya also discusses her involvement in local politics and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of grassroots action to address issues affecting families and communities. Throughout the interview, themes of cultural identity, faith, parenting, and civic responsibility are explored in the context of Soraya's unique perspective as a Muslim woman in contemporary America.

As the eighth child out of 9 of a family of immigrants who escaped the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the late 70s, Soraya Ahmadyar has called California her home for her entire life. She attained her bachelors degree in business administration and later on pursued a masters in public administration and public policy where she now works for a local public institution.

Growing up, balancing her cultural roots while assimilating to the new American values has always been a challenge. Soraya has inherited a unique worldview that tries to balance her Afghan identity with her American values while also trying to embody her Muslim identity in all facets of her life. Her professional career has led her to dedicate her life to a life of public service. From managing her own non-profit to working with the American University of Afghanistan and the American Chamber of Commerce in Afghanistan and now working in Human Resources for the capitol of Silicon Valley, Soraya is striving to raise two boys with solid core values to be invaluable members of both their home community here in America and the world community at-large.

Special Guest: Soraya Ahmadyar.

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In this episode, John and Elliot discuss the Biblical figure, Barabbas. During his brief appearance in all four canonical Gospels, Barabbas is presented as the anti-messiah that the people choose instead of Jesus. But John poses an interesting question: Was Barabbas the first recipient of Jesus' salvation?

Join us as two thick-skinned friends from respectively Muslim and Evangelical Christian backgrounds discuss the implications around Barabbas, including the nature of salvation, the traditional precidents for antisemitism, and the question of whether Barabbas is best seen as a real historical person or as a pointed literary device.

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Pinna and Elsanousi discuss how faith leaders and religious institutions can be assets in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts around the world. They highlight examples where religious figures like the Pope and local faith actors have facilitated dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas. The conversation emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions, understanding different faith traditions, and fostering inter-religious relationships at the grassroots level. Elsanousi advocates for utilizing theological resources, strengthening relationships between diverse faith communities, and bringing faith-based approaches to address social issues collaboratively.

Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, a global network that connects grassroots peacemakers with global stakeholders for enduring peace. Formerly, he directed Community Outreach and Interfaith Relations at the Islamic Society of North America andserved on the Department of State's working group on Religion and Foreign Policy. Dr. Elsanousi holds a bachelor’s in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University, Pakistan, a Master of Laws from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Law and Society from Indiana University School of Law as well as a graduate diploma in philanthropic studies from the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy.

Special Guest: Mohamed Elsanousi.

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