The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris was less than a week ago. Even in such a short period of time, Casey and Benjie have seen Christians piling on criticism, attacking their character, and engaging in tons of whataboutisms.

On today's episode, Casey and Benjie talk about how Christians can demonstrate submission and respect for authority figures even when we might disagree with them, from the president to your pastor. 

This week Casey and Benjie discuss how they observed MLK, Jr. Day and their different approaches to engaging in online "discussions." They also share the best thing they saw this week, which includes a few show recommendations from your resident Marvel nerd.

The storming of the Capitol last week was troubling for a number of reasons. In this episode, Casey and Benjie talk through their immediate reactions to last week's news and how Christians can respond. They discuss echo chambers, evaluating news sources, being willing to have uncomfortable conversations, the intermingling of evangelicals with white nationalists, and much more in the maiden voyage of season 2's new format.

New format. New season. We'll be in your feed again early next week.

Casey and Benjie share about what they've been learning over the last month of intentional conversations around race and faith. They share stories of conversations, personal realizations, and some insight they've gained over the last month. They also share about how Hot Takes on Hot Topics will be working over the next few months to continue the work of true racial reconciliation.

April Franklin, a student mobilization specialist with the International Mission Board, speaks with Casey about why it's important for white people not lean so much on their black friends on issues of race. She shares about her experience as the only black friend for a lot of white Christians and how that's helped her understand some things but produces some weariness in her heart. 

Jason Thomas, a former BCM director at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and current African-American Church Mobilization Strategist shares his perspective as a black man on police and policing in America. He shares his personal perspective on growing up around police officers and contrasts that with policing practices in many cities. Jason also offers valuable insight and advice for believers who want to be a part of the solution to the underlying tensions centered on race and policing.

*Note: this was recorded prior to the death of Rayshard Brooks. 

Racial tension and the reality of racial inequity are often unspoken realities in most contexts. On today's pod we're joined by David Rogers who shares his story of coming to see the elephant in the parlor, how God has led him to engage in the conversation, and how he deals with the sometimes negative response he receives from peers. 

David is a Spiritual Health Advisor with Christ Community Health and an elder at Unashamed Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Benjie and Casey have a conversation about the current racial climate in the country, share some thoughts on steps they have taken to deepen their own empathy and understanding and introduce the next series of Hot Takes podcasts.

Dave and Jennifer Best were both serving at a local church in Dave's hometown. Dave was the youth minister and Jennifer was practicing as a counselor through the church. But things started to go sideways. Eventually, Dave resigned from the church and they moved. 

But that's only the beginning of the story. Over the next 5 years, Dave and Jennifer found themselves dealing with a mix of frustration, anger, hurt, disenfranchisement, and doubt. But unlike many who find themselves reeling from church hurt, Dave and Jennifer have persisted in their faith in Jesus and are now actively involved in the life of another local church.

In today's episode, Dave and Jennifer share their story of how they came through to the other side of church hurt and share advice on how you can navigate through similar experiences.