Crossing Faiths
163 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsCrossing Faiths is a podcast in which people from diverse religious backgrounds engage in open dialogue about all the things you're NOT supposed to discuss at the dinner table. Join hosts John Pinna, a military intelligence veteran and D.C. insider, and Elliot Toman, a former media director in the Evangelical church, as they engage in lively conversations about the impact of faith on current events. Crossing Faiths also welcomes guests from a wide variety of religious and experiential backgrounds to share their own insights.
The podcast was initially developed in collaboration with, Matt Hawkins, is a former policy director for the Southern Baptist Convention. Their conversations built on a decade of their collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C. for religious freedom domestically and around the globe. The two developed the podcast with a desire to share conversations that model friendship and collaboration despite deep differences in religion and background. The podcast has a reach of almost 3 million multi-faith listeners, 83% of which are millennials.
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Episodes
120: Jonathan Randall
June 03, 2024 05:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBThe conversation covers a range of themes and topics revolving around Jonathan Randall's identity as a Jewish comedian and activist advocating for Palestinian rights. Randall discusses the distinction he sees between Judaism and Zionism, criticizing the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians as a violation of Jewish values. He expresses support for the Palestinian cause, denouncing the occupation and human rights abuses, while also sharing his struggles navigating these views within t...
Rabbi David Rosen
May 27, 2024 05:00 - 40 minutes - 36.6 MBJT Pinna interviews Rabbi David Rosen. The conversation revolves around the Abrahamic Family House, a remarkable multi-faith complex in Abu Dhabi that houses a mosque, church, and synagogue side by side. Rabbi David Rosen, who serves as an advisor to the initiative, provides an in-depth overview of the complex, discussing its architectural design, functioning worship spaces, and the vision behind promoting religious pluralism and mutual respect. He highlights the complex's educational and int...
Breaking Cycles of Genocide: Rachel Miner, Bellwether International
May 20, 2024 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIn the conversation, Rachel Miner discusses her organization Bellwether International, which focuses on disrupting the cycle of genocide and creating genocide-resistant societies. She explains their approach of combining top-down systems change with bottom-up grassroots resistance movements, empowering local "bellwethers" to lead peacebuilding efforts. Miner highlights their evidence-based programming, such as trauma healing for Yazidi genocide survivors in Iraq, and their efforts to develop ...
117: Luke Higuchi - The Unification Church
May 06, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBMore 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.
Practical Interfaith Engagement with Peter Henne
April 29, 2024 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBIn 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 and humble, small-scale initiatives rather than grand efforts. He shares insights from his book on how states often fail when trying to use religio...
Congressman Frank Wolf
April 22, 2024 05:15 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBIn 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 for a resurgence of religious leadership motivating their constituencies to take specific action, such as banning lobbying for countries designated...
114: Dr. Daisy Khan: The Rise of Islamophobia
April 15, 2024 05:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThis 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 faith. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims through initiatives like sharing meals and attending com...
113: There's No Islam in Easter!
March 30, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour - 79.6 MBA 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 struggles to understand the attraction of a faith that could consider the Crucifixion to be meaningless. But since John isn't a very good Muslim, and Elli...
112: Lou Ann Sabatier
March 25, 2024 05:15 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBIn 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, intentional storytelling that resonates with audiences and drives change. Sabatier shares her "F.R.A.M.E.S." framework for crafting compelling narratives,...
Minhdao Le: Vietnam and the Cao Dai Religion
March 19, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBMinhdao 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. "THE CAO DAI RELIGION VS. ITS IMPOSTOR" https://vnforb.org/the-real-cao-dai-1/ Special Guest: Minhdao Le.
111: Dr. John Morrow
March 18, 2024 04:15 - 55 minutes - 51 MBIn 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 monks of Mount Sinai in shaping his understanding of Islam. The conversation delves into Dr. Morrow's research on the covenants of the Prophet, which...
Sal Litvak
March 11, 2024 04:15 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBSalvador 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, and the Greatest Jewish Jokes of All Time. https://www.accidentaltalmudist.org/ Special Guest: Sal Litvak.
Dr. James Tabor
March 04, 2024 05:15 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBDr. 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 archaeology fieldwork in Israel and Jordan, including as co-director of the Mt. Zion excavation in Jerusalem since 2008. Tabor testified before Congress in ...
Leray Heynes: Jesus Christ's CEOs
February 28, 2024 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBLeray 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 (https://jcceos.com/leray-heyne)) Website: https://jcceos.com/
Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett
February 26, 2024 05:15 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBThe 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 as Canada’s first Ambassador for Religious Freedom and Head of the Office of Religious Freedom from 2013 to 2016 in the department of Global Affair...
Knox Thames
February 19, 2024 05:15 - 39 minutes - 36 MBKnox 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 Near East and South / Central Asia at the State Department. The first to serve in this special envoy role, he received a civil service appointment t...
Sam Nagasaka: The Unification Church in Japan
February 14, 2024 05:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBAn 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 connection to the organization. Afterward, John examines Sam's story through the lense of his experience with the highly traditional Shinto traditions of ...
106: David Curry - Violence against religious minorities
February 12, 2024 05:00 - 50 minutes - 45.8 MBJohn 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 and practice. He discusses the failures of governments to properly address extremist violence against religious minorities and the need to focus on...
IRF 2024 #3: Ex-Muslims of North America
February 07, 2024 05:15 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBAysha 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 marriage, inheritance, testimony in court, and the sanctioning of husbands beating disobedient wives. She examines the contradictions between Islam and...
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett
February 05, 2024 05:15 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBIRF 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 her father, the late Congressman Tom Lantos. Under her leadership, The Lantos Foundation has rapidly become a distinguished and respected voice on...
Adjudicating Islamic Law for Muslim Americans
January 29, 2024 20:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBJohn 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 America. Sayyid explains key aspects of Shi'a Islamic law and practice such as the concept of jurists who interpret religious rulings. He highligh...
IRF 2024 #2: The IRF Industrial Complex?
January 26, 2024 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBIn 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 Ministerial and Summit, critiquing them as superficial with little measurable outcomes. He calls for greater accountability, prioritizing evidence-based pe...
IRF 2024 #1: The Story So Far
January 26, 2024 12:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBIn 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, advocating for prisoners of conscience, and helping to organize early IRF conferences. Pinna explains his more recent work founding an initiative to engage ...
103: Ambassador Akiva Tor
January 22, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBAkiva 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 discuss Israel's challenges in drafting a constitution, given divisions amongst religious parties, as well as current basic laws and the Supreme Co...
The Political Perils of Biblical Archeology
January 20, 2024 14:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBIn this podcast conversation, host John Pinna interviews journalist and documentarian Simcha Jacobovici (https://www.simchajtv.com/) 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 Jesus, including finding the ossuary of Caiaphas and the controversial "Jesus family tomb," as well as analyzing the tr...
Public Martyrdom
January 15, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBJohn 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 meaning and purpose, tensions within evangelicalism, and Elliot's personal faith journey and evolving views on these issues. Elliot shares some of his ...
100: Burma and the Rohingya Genocide
January 10, 2024 15:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBJohn 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, shedding light on the manifold challenges confronting the community. The three explore advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the Rohingyas...
98: The Technology of Religion
January 01, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBJohn 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 about rapid technological advances, like AI, transforming societies and economies faster than institutions and mindsets can adapt. They debate contr...
What Do Unitarians and Satanists Have In Common?
December 24, 2023 19:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBJohn 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 religious people, faith involves choosing to believe in a certain conception of God. He suggests that it doesn't make sense to exert belief in a deity that...
The Candy Cane Conspiracy
December 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBThe 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 Christian symbol. They look up the actual history and determine this story is likely false propaganda. This leads to a broader discussion about religious ...
95: Millennialism and Antisemitism
December 11, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBSupport this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
94: There's Always Another Jerk
December 04, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBJohn, 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 (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
Unpacking the Resurfaced Bin Laden Letter
November 27, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBJohn 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-oppressed narrative prevalent today, they examine philosophical questions around justification of violence and the complex historical realities that often...
92: The West's Claim to Western Values
November 20, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBA 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 "Western values." Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
A War of Minorities
November 06, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBThis 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 conflict, with mention of displaced European Jews and indigenous populations. The recent Hamas attack in Israel is discussed, with speculation about sec...
90: Straw Men and Henchmen
October 31, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBSupport this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
89: Israel and Hamas
October 17, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBSupport this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
88: Dignity of Human Life
October 16, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBA 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, and protecting civilians in war. John argued Palestinian leadership and the broader Muslim community should clearly condemn Hamas as un-Islamic. The...
87: Eastern Orthodoxy
October 05, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBTopics 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 in 20th century. The situation with Orthodoxy in Ukraine, including the split between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Patriarch of Moscow and...
86: Montezuma's Revenge
October 05, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBIn 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 distinct from overt takeover. Other topics include the possibilities of lost civilizations and hidden archaeological discoveries, examining claims made...
Montezuma's Revenge
October 05, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBIn 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 distinct from overt takeover. Other topics include the possibilities of lost civilizations and hidden archaeological discoveries, examining claims made...
Accidents of Substance
October 01, 2023 19:30 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBA 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 (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
Double Standards for Muslims?
September 15, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBIn this episode, John Pina and Elliot Toman discuss the nuances of cultural integration for Muslims in the Western World. Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
Textual Integrity and Cognitive Dissonance
September 09, 2023 20:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBIn 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 Two Branches of Islam 43:20 Catholic Converts to Evangelicalism 50:40 The Problem of Authority Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon....
The religious veneer of Conservatism
August 29, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBChapters: 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. Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
Putting the Man Back in "Son of Man"
August 25, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBJohn 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 29:00 Who's In? Who's Out? 37:00 Religious Violence 52:30 Muslims Aiding the Christian Minority in Pakistan Support this podcast via Patreon (https://w...
80: This is The Way
August 16, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBJohn 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 the Law 56:00 The Search for Certainty
080: This is The Way
August 16, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBJohn 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 the Law 56:00 The Search for Certainty
079: Evangelical Lutheranism and Salvation by Grace
October 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBJohn interviews Tim Bupp, a pastor of two local Evangelical Lutheran congregations. Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).
79: Evangelical Lutheranism and Salvation by Grace
October 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBJohn interviews Tim Bupp, a pastor of two local Evangelical Lutheran congregations. Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths).