In this episode of Unfiltered Crossroads, we tackle two powerful topics that challenge how we think about faith, power, and influence.First, we take a hard look at the intoxicating nature of power—especially in the political sphere. We’re watching leaders who once spoke out against Donald Trump suddenly fall in line to secure their own positions. Why are so many people willing to compromise their morals just to stay close to power? From JD Vance to Marco Rubio, we examine how quickly people switch sides when it benefits them. As Christians, should we be concerned when leaders prioritize power over principle? And what does Jesus teach us about true leadership and authority?Then, we shift gears and ask a different question: Does God care about sports? Some say God has bigger things to worry about, but if He knows the number of hairs on our heads, why wouldn’t He care about something that impacts millions? Athletes pray for victory just like people pray for promotions, protection, and success in their careers. So why do some dismiss the idea that God could have a role in a game? We also break down the deeper issue of competing prayers—when both teams pray for a win or when soldiers on opposite sides of a war both ask for God's protection. How do we understand God’s role in situations where there are clear winners and losers?These discussions will make you think, challenge assumptions and hopefully spark some real conversation.Drop your thoughts in the comments! Are political leaders compromising for power? Do you think God is involved in sports and other competitions? Let’s talk about it.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#barronjones #podcast #UnfilteredCrossroads #politics #FaithAndSports #politicalpower

In this episode, we begin with a sobering discussion on genocide, inspired by the account in Luke 9 where Jesus rebukes his disciples for suggesting the destruction of a Samaritan village. Against the backdrop of modern conflicts and the rise in genocide rhetoric, we examine the historical and cultural context of this passage and draw lessons on restraint, compassion, and rejecting impulsive, destructive solutions to conflict.Next, we dive into the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats program, which allows players to spotlight causes they care about. One player’s choice to support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sparked controversy due to the organization’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. We explore the complexities of freedom of expression, whether athletes should be tied to every aspect of the organizations they support, and the growing tension between personal values and societal expectations.We close with our Fan Mail segment, revisiting listener comments from last week’s fiery discussion on reparations. While the focus was on Donald Trump’s proposal for reparations to white people, many listeners pivoted to debate reparations for Black Americans. We tackle the myths, misconceptions, and outright contradictions in these arguments, highlighting the deep-seated resistance to addressing historical injustices while exposing the double standards often applied to these conversations.Join us for an episode that delves into some of the most contentious topics of our time, unpacking race, religion, politics, and culture with an unfiltered lens designed to challenge and inspire.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#barronjones #podcast #unfilteredcrossroads #genocide #nfl #mycleatsmycause #reparations

In this episode, we dive into some tough but important conversations about race, faith, and politics.Segment 1: Let’s talk about the tricky spot Black Christians often find themselves in. On one side, there’s the pro-Black movement that sometimes expects faith to take a backseat. On the other, predominantly white Christian spaces that often ignore the realities of being Black in America. How do you stay true to both your faith and your identity when neither side fully embraces you?Segment 2: So, Donald Trump is talking about “reparations for white people.” Yep, you heard that right. We break down what he means by this, how it ties to his fight against DEI programs, and why it’s not as surprising as it might seem. Plus, a little history lesson on how reparations have worked in America—and spoiler, it’s not in favor of Black Americans.Fan Mail: We’re responding to some comments, like the classic “racism was pretty much gone in the ‘90s” and “the best way to end racism is to stop talking about it.” Really? Let’s unpack why these arguments just don’t hold up and why the conversation around racism is far from over.This episode is raw, real and unapologetic. Let’s get into it!Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#Race #Faith #Politics #DEI #Reparations #BlackChristians #unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones

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” InitiativeOklahoma’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

In this week's thought-provoking episode, we delve into two impactful and often polarizing topics that intertwine faith, history, and social discourse.Segment 1: Are Christians Embracing Pagan Celebrations? We kick off by tackling the annual debate that resurfaces as the holiday season approaches: Should Christians participate in celebrations with alleged pagan origins, such as Halloween and even Christmas? This segment breaks down the historical and cultural contexts of these holidays, discussing whether modern practices retain their so-called pagan roots or if they're simply part of contemporary life. We explore what the Apostle Paul says about disputable matters in 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14 and how Christians can navigate these discussions without falling into judgmental traps. Are we misplacing our focus on what truly matters in the Kingdom of God? Tune in for a balanced, scripture-based examination that challenges conventional narratives and invites listeners to think deeper about their choices.Segment 2: Why I Choose Not to Vote - With the 2024 presidential election just days away, the second segment takes a personal yet analytical look at why some Christians, including myself, choose not to engage in the voting process. While emphasizing that this is not an attempt to dissuade anyone from voting, I share my journey and reasoning, rooted in staying nonpartisan and maintaining an objective stance when addressing faith, race, and politics. We confront the pressures, particularly from white evangelical circles, that push the idea of voting as a moral obligation—and how such pressure can become divisive within the body of Christ. I also discuss how stepping back from partisanship can open the door to focusing more on unity and the Kingdom of God, free from political entanglements.Fan Mail: Responding to Feedback on Race Discussions - In our weekly fan mail segment, we respond to a few pointed comments from last week's episode, which discussed why everything in America is about race. One listener mentioned, "Did you know Black Banks did red lining as well?" while another bluntly stated, "BS, stop playing the victim." We break down these comments, explaining how deflective arguments and dismissive retorts often sidestep the real issues at hand. This segment is an off-the-cuff, candid conversation that addresses common rebuttals and digs into why acknowledging systemic problems is necessary for progress.Join us for a candid, no-holds-barred exploration of these critical topics that challenge conventional perspectives and encourage open, honest dialogue.Shout Hallelujah written by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#halloween #christmas #voting #politics #unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones

In this episode, we dive deep into two issues that intersect faith, society, and the challenge of authentic Christian living.In the first segment, we unpack the profound concept of forgiveness, using scriptural examples like Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, Jesus’ plea on the cross, and Stephen’s last words of compassion. Forgiveness, while powerful, is often misunderstood and even misused as a tool to pressure victims into immediate reconciliation. We explore why acknowledging harm is essential, and how true forgiveness must be supported within a community that understands the difficulty of the journey, rather than forced as a "test of faith." By respecting the time and space it takes to heal, believers can grow toward forgiveness in a way that aligns with Christ’s teachings, without diminishing the real pain inflicted.In the second segment, we address the often-heard critique that “not everything is about race” and dissect the reality behind this claim. Why is race central to so many conversations in America, and why does it feel pervasive in nearly every aspect of life? From history to modern systems, we look at how race has been embedded into laws, economics, education, and everyday life across centuries, creating a reality that cannot simply be ignored or “color-blind.” Addressing this head-on, we discuss why race still matters today, how it shapes experiences, and why glossing over these truths only deepens divides rather than bridging them. Listeners will gain insight into why acknowledging the impact of race is not just relevant but essential if we hope to foster genuine change and understanding.In the Fan Mail section, we revisit comments on last week’s “America First” episode. Some listeners defended symbols like the American flag in worship spaces, asserting its representation of “freedom” and “God-given rights.” We respond by examining how symbols can alienate some believers, especially those from marginalized groups, and why the call to unity in Christ often challenges national and cultural symbols that may exclude or marginalize others.Join us for an episode that calls for a deeper, more inclusive understanding of both forgiveness and social awareness as followers of Christ, urging us to live a faith that authentically represents the unity, compassion, and radical love of the gospel.Shout Hallelujah written by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones #americafirst #forgiveness #racematters