Crossing Faiths

Robert Nicholson, president of The Philos Project, joins the show to talk about his article, "Islam is Different—and That’s Okay." Excerpts:

Islam is not Christianity; the Middle East is not the West. We share some things, yes, but there is no obvious reason why we should want to be the same. There is, in fact, a strong argument that pretended similarities will only frustrate real coexistence.

The argument is simple: Islam is not Hebraic because it makes no place for the Hebrew Bible. The three religions also lack a common discourse because they do not share a common text. The degree to which America was inspired by Hebraic sources is directly proportional to America’s cultural disconnect from the Islamic world.

As a Muslim, John both appreciated the article and wanted to challenge some of the points. Listen in and tell us what you think!

Special Guest: Robert Nicholson.

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Links:

• Robert Nicholson - Providence
• Philos Project | Christian Advocacy in the Middle East | NonProfit
• Providence Magazine - Christianity and Global Affairs
• Article 1: What Ilhan Omar's Israel Affair Can Teach Americans about Respecting Islam
• Article 2: Islam is Different—and That’s Okay
• Peshawar Nights | Books on Islam and Muslims | Al-Islam.org
• Amman Message – The Official Site
• I Was a Misunderstood Muslim: Common Misconceptions About Islam | Desiring God
• A Muslim reads Abraham Kuyper’s 'On Islam' | Acton Institute
• Religious Freedom in Muslim and Christian Lands: Review of Philpott’s Religious Freedom in Islam and Wilken’s Liberty in the Things of God - Providence
• Abraham Kuyper’s Christian Advice for Foreign Policy - Providence — here
• Islam and North America: Loving our Muslim Neighbors - Kindle edition by Micah Fries, Keith Whitfield. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
• Surah Ali 'Imran [3:84-90] - Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم
• Surah Al-Ma'idah [5:44-48] - Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم
• Surah Al-Baqarah [2:256] - Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم

In this interview, John Pinna and Jack Jewell discuss the complex and often contentious issues surrounding queer theory, LGBTQ+ identity, and the politicization of sexuality. Jewell, a gay man, critiques what he sees as the ideological capture of LGBTQ+ activism by queer theory and gender identity politics. He argues that these movements have strayed from earlier goals of equality and acceptance, instead promoting divisive ideas that alienate many gay people. The conversation touches on the parallels between queer theory and religious ideologies, the medicalization of transgender identities, and the challenges faced by those who dissent from mainstream LGBTQ+ narratives. Jewell expresses concern about the impact of these ideologies on children and the erosion of women's spaces. Throughout, Pinna draws comparisons to his experiences with religious extremism and identity politics in Islam, highlighting the similarities in how ideologies can co-opt and divide communities.

Jack Jewell is an Irish man living in London and an independent political commentator on YouTube. He creates entertaining video essays, reaction videos, and also hosts his own podcast - The Jack Jewell Podcast - where he discusses current issues as well as interviewing guests in long form. Jack primarily focuses on social and cultural issues. He regularly promotes freedom of speech, condemns cancel culture, and critiques the rise of ‘wokeism,’ - sharing his opinions on how these issues are impacting Western society, particularly gay people.

Special Guest: Jack Jewell.

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John 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 controversial political issues like immigration and cultural integration in Europe. Looking through a historical lens, they conclude that change is inevitable, but healthy cultures openly negotiate to balance preserving identity with pragmatically incorporating outsiders. Ultimately, they see religion and technology as parallel tools for bringing order and meaning to human lives amidst chaos.

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John, 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.

Support Crossing Faiths