In this episode of the podcast, we tackle three pressing topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and politics: *Why Evangelicals Love Culture Wars* We explore the motivations behind the Christian right's obsession with cultural battles, from debates over "woke" ideologies to bathroom laws and Trump Bibles. Are these battles advancing the Kingdom of God, or are they distractions from the true mission of discipleship? We delve into the historical, theological, and societal implications of engaging in culture wars and argue why Christians may need to refocus on living out the Gospel authentically. *How DEI Became a Curse Word for Conservatives* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become lightning rods for controversy, especially among right-wing conservatives. We examine how DEI has been weaponized as a coded attack on Black professionals and other marginalized groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This segment dives into the hypocrisy of meritocracy claims, the historical context of systemic bias, and the true value of DEI initiatives for creating inclusive and thriving organizations. *Fan Mail: Should the Church Be More Political?* We respond to a listener’s thoughtful comment arguing that “Christ is King of every facet of life, including politics,” and the church should therefore engage more in political life. Is this approach biblical, or does it risk compromising the church’s mission? We analyze the risks of conflating faith and partisanship and why stepping back from the political fray might actually strengthen the unity of the body of Christ. Throughout this episode, we challenge believers to reflect on their role in a polarized society. Are we called to fight culture wars and dominate politics, or are we called to a higher mission of love, justice, and reconciliation? Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission #unfilteredcrossroads #culturewars #podcast #dei #barronjones #diversityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion

In this episode, we dive into some of the most pressing and controversial topics shaping the current cultural and political climate in the United States. First, we discuss the federal judge’s decision to block Louisiana’s law requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. We examine the underlying motivations of such legislation, the broader implications of these culture wars for the church, and why Christians should prioritize authenticity and personal transformation over political stunts. Next, we tackle the challenging question: Can Christians maintain fellowship with those on the opposite end of the political spectrum? With the 2024 election results still fresh, we explore how the divisive rhetoric and partisanship within American Christianity have made unity increasingly difficult. We reflect on the need for repentance, humility, and stepping away from partisanship to foster true Christian fellowship. Finally, in our fan mail segment, we respond to listeners’ reactions to previous episodes, including critiques about race, voting choices, and the enduring legacy of redlining. From addressing the hypocrisy of "letting it go" to dismantling why certain political alignments lack moral authority, we engage candidly with your feedback while holding a mirror to societal and spiritual issues. This episode is a thought-provoking, no-holds-barred look at how faith intersects with politics, culture, and race in 2024. Whether you're grappling with these issues personally or within your faith community, this episode offers insight, challenge, and encouragement for the road ahead. Shout Hallelujah written by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission #unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones #louisiana #tencommandments #politics #politicaldivide

In this episode, we dive into two pressing post-election topics that are stirring up both political and cultural conversations. Segment 1: Oklahoma’s “Bible in Schools” Initiative Oklahoma’s State Superintendent has launched an initiative to distribute 55,000 Bibles to public schools, supposedly to highlight the Bible’s historical role in America. But as we unpack the details, we’ll explore whether this is a sincere attempt to support spiritual growth or another move to score political points in the ongoing culture wars. We’ll look at the choice of the so-called “Trump Bible”—the only Bible initially approved for distribution as it includes both the Bible and the Constitution bound together—and question why this specific version was chosen. Are we seeing a genuine effort to nurture young minds or simply a political stunt that manipulates faith to push a conservative agenda? We’ll also touch on the Oklahoma education system, currently ranked 49th in the nation. Instead of focusing on the critical needs of students in underperforming schools, the state leadership is prioritizing Bible distribution over necessary educational reform. We’ll break down the real motives behind this initiative and discuss the fundamental question: Should the Bible even be mandated in a pluralistic public school setting? Segment 2: Post-Election Reflection – “Now What?” Recorded after Election Day 2024, we’re stepping back to look at where America stands after a divisive election season. This segment offers a hard-hitting critique of the state of American politics and explores the often troubling patterns that have defined recent elections, particularly among Christian conservatives. Why do many voters seem more motivated by partisan identity than by principles of integrity, morality, or truth? What does the support for authoritarian candidates say about American values today? We’ll discuss the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight, exploring his influence on the electorate and how it reflects the ongoing struggle within the American church between nationalism and true Christian witness. Addressing both Republicans and Democrats, we’ll confront the reality of why partisanship is a stumbling block for unity in the church and why the future of American Christianity requires a critical reflection on its political entanglements. This is a challenging look at the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, one that calls on believers to consider whether our political choices align with the Kingdom values we profess. Shout Hallelujah written by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission #unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones #oklahoma #trumpbible #2024elections