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    Ep. 135 - What Else Are We Supposed To Do With The Migrant Caravan?

    enNovember 02, 2018

    Podcast Summary

    • Criticism of Trump's migrant caravan plan and lack of clear alternative from the leftThe discussion raised questions about handling migrant caravans, with Trump's plan facing criticism, but no clear alternative from the left. The idea of an age limit for presidential candidates was also touched upon.

      During the Matt Walsh show, the discussion revolved around the criticism of Trump's plan to handle the migrant caravan and the lack of a clear alternative from the left. Walsh also touched upon the age limit for presidential candidates, raising the question of whether there should be an upper age limit. The media and the left have criticized Trump's approach, but they haven't presented a clear alternative. The question is, what should be done when thousands of people arrive at the border? Should we just let them in, or should there be some requirements for asylum claims? The discussion also touched upon the idea that if people can claim asylum, then the concept becomes meaningless, especially when they were offered asylum in Mexico but declined it. The age limit for presidential candidates was also discussed, with Walsh suggesting that an upper limit should be considered, but the idea is unlikely to happen due to the requirement for a constitutional amendment.

    • Complexities of handling asylum applications and temporary housing for familiesSpeakers debate the need for humane and efficient processing of asylum applications, while acknowledging the challenges of providing temporary housing and care for applicant families.

      The discussion revolves around the complexities of handling asylum applications and the challenges of providing temporary housing and care for applicant families while their applications are being processed. The speakers agree that applications must be processed and that detaining applicants is necessary, but disagree on how to do so humanely and efficiently. They also touch upon the distinction between asylum and immigration and the potential dangers of housing families together in detainment facilities. The speakers express concern about the resources and funding required to provide temporary safe housing for entire families indefinitely, and question whether some critics have fully considered these logistical issues. Additionally, a side conversation about Christian judgment is included in the discussion.

    • Judgmental behavior by some Christians can be off-puttingChristians should focus on being welcoming, loving, and accepting instead of making petty critiques or showcasing theological knowledge to attract and include all.

      Petty judgments and theological critiques from some Christians can drive people away from the church. A recent example involved a Christian artist's performance on a popular talk show, where some Christians criticized the artist for not explicitly mentioning certain theological points in her song. This behavior, while well-intentioned, can come across as pompous and judgmental to outsiders. It's important for Christians to remember that defending the faith and upholding biblical values doesn't have to involve petty critiques or showcasing theological knowledge. Instead, we should strive to be welcoming, loving, and accepting, allowing people to express their faith in their own ways. This approach will make the church a more attractive and inclusive place for all.

    • Avoiding Judgment and Respecting Others' BeliefsAvoid imposing beliefs on others, respect their choices, and engage in productive discussions instead of using religious texts out of context to make others feel guilty or judgmental.

      While it's understandable for individuals and families to have personal beliefs and values, it's important to avoid being judgmental and making others feel bad for not sharing the same opinions. The discussion touched upon the topic of Halloween and how some Christians choose to announce their refusal to celebrate it, labeling it as the devil's holiday. However, the speaker pointed out the absurdity of this notion and the harm caused by trying to make others feel guilty for enjoying the holiday. Another example given was the issue of tattoos, where the speaker shared their own experience of receiving judgmental emails from Christians. The speaker emphasized the importance of respecting others' beliefs and engaging in productive discussions, rather than trying to impose one's own beliefs on others and using religious texts out of context to do so. Overall, the key takeaway is to promote understanding, respect, and open-mindedness in our interactions with others, even when it comes to seemingly small and irrelevant issues.

    • Judging Others: Mindful of Our Words and ActionsBe mindful of judging others based on personal preferences or beliefs. Open-mindedness and inclusivity foster positive communities.

      It's important to be mindful of our actions and words, especially when it comes to judging others based on our personal preferences or beliefs. The discussion highlighted the issue of Christians insisting that those who consume alcohol cannot be true followers of their faith, despite biblical references contradicting this view. This behavior not only makes the church appear petty and divisive but also alienates individuals. The same applies to other situations where we might be quick to judge or exclude people for trivial reasons. It's crucial to remember that being open-minded and welcoming is essential for fostering a positive and inclusive community. Additionally, the conversation touched upon Kanye West's political shift and the tendency for people to make assumptions about individuals based on their public personas. Overall, the key takeaway is to avoid being judgmental and to respect others' beliefs and choices, even if they differ from our own.

    • Critically evaluating celebrity opinionsEvaluate celeb opinions critically, engage with opposing views, and respect atheist arguments for a strong faith defense.

      It's important to critically evaluate the influence of celebrities and engage with opposing viewpoints, rather than blindly following or dismissing them. In the discussion, it was pointed out that some people may be envious of celebrities and their opinions, leading to an exaggerated response. The case study of Kanye West's conservative conversion was used to illustrate this point. It was also emphasized that atheists and their arguments should be taken seriously and engaged with, as effective defenders of faith require a strong understanding of opposing perspectives. The speaker acknowledged having listened to and respected various atheist thinkers, and encouraged open dialogue and critical thinking.

    • Engaging with Atheist ObjectionsSeriously consider and respond to atheist objections like the hiddenness of God and problem of suffering to strengthen faith and communicate reasons for beliefs effectively.

      As Christians, it's important to engage with atheist arguments directly and not just rely on Christian apologists to defend our faith. The hiddenness of God and the problem of suffering are two formidable atheist objections that require serious consideration. While some may dismiss these objections as insignificant, the best theologians throughout history have taken them seriously and attempted to provide thoughtful responses. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can strengthen our own faith and effectively communicate the reasons for our beliefs to others.

    • God's hiddenness allows us to chooseGod's hiddenness enables genuine love and joy, but also allows for suffering and the freedom to choose.

      God gives us the ability to choose in order for love and joy to be genuine. If love and joy were compelled, they wouldn't be real. However, this concept doesn't fully explain why there is suffering in the world, such as children dying of cancer or people drowning in tsunamis. There is a mystery to these issues that we cannot fully understand, but we can begin to grasp them. Regarding the hiddenness of God, he remains hidden because this is our time to choose. If God were to reveal himself in an undeniable way, it could hinder our ability to choose, as we would likely be overwhelmed and unable to make a decision. As for the problem of suffering caused by disease and natural disasters, God has set up the laws of nature and allows them to work mostly on their own. He intervens sometimes, but not constantly. This setup allows us to make choices and decisions for ourselves, which is important for our growth and development. These two issues are linked, as constant intervention from God could create a pointless world where we have no ability to choose. While the answers provided do not fully address these complex questions, they offer a starting point for further exploration and understanding.

    • Embracing new experiences and perspectivesEngaging with diverse ideas and tastes broadens our understanding and appreciation for life.

      Engaging with different ideas and perspectives, even those that seem absurd or offensive, is important for growth and understanding. The speaker shares an extreme example of Ben Shapiro's dislike for whiskey, which the speaker sees as a sign of immaturity and a lack of appreciation for the joys of adulthood. The speaker argues that many things in life, including whiskey, are acquired tastes that require maturity to enjoy. By dismissing whiskey and those who enjoy it, Shapiro is dismissing a significant aspect of human experience. The speaker encourages everyone to reconsider their own biases and be open to new experiences, even if they initially seem unappealing.

    • Ben Shapiro discusses legal dispute and potential resignationBen Shapiro discussed a legal dispute, considering resignation, but might still receive payment, and encouraged listeners to have a peaceful weekend.

      Ben Shapiro, a prominent journalist and commentator at The Daily Wire, discussed the possibility of resigning due to a legal dispute, but he also mentioned that he might still receive payment as the aggrieved party. He encouraged listeners to have a peaceful weekend and promised to talk to them again on Monday. The tone of the conversation was serious, but there was also a hint of resignation and even a suggestion of enjoying a whiskey in honor of a "venture hero." Ultimately, the conversation underscored the complexities of legal disputes and the potential financial consequences for those involved.

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    The Amigos (and one Amiga):

    Don MacKenzie: Rev. Dr. Donald Mackenzie, a minister of the United Church of Christ, is a graduate of Macalester College, Princeton Theological Seminary and New York University. He taught at Princeton Seminary, and was a minister at Nassau Presbyterian Church, Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, and University Congregational Church in Seattle. Since 2001, he has been part of the Interfaith Amigos, with whom he has co-authored three books. Don is also an accomplished country musician. He currently lives in Minneapolis.

    Jamal Rahman: Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and interfaith relations. Along with his Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in the New York Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs. Jamal is co-founder and Muslim Sufi minister at Interfaith Community Sanctuary and adjunct faculty at Seattle University. He is a former co-host of Interfaith Talk Radio and travels nationally and internationally, presenting at retreats and workshops. In addition to the books he has co-authored with the Interfaith Amigos, he is also author of three books on Sufi spirituality, most recently Sacred Laughter of the Sufis.

    Laura Duhan-Kaplan: Laura Duhan-Kaplan is Director of Inter-Religious Studies and Professor of Jewish Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology, and Rabbi Emerita of Or Shalom Synagogue. She has won many awards for her teaching of religion and philosophy, including the Carnegie Foundation’s prestigious U.S. Professor of the Year. Rabbi Laura is the author of Mouth of the Donkey: Re-Imagining Biblical Animals and Shechinah, Bring Me Home: Kabbalah and the Omer in Real Life. She has also collaboratively authored four books on interfaith topics including friendship, reconciliation, othering, and hope. She states that she is delighted to be part of the Interfaith Amigos, after admiring their work for many years. If you want to hear more from Laura, please check out episodes one and two with her on What Matters Most.

    During our conversation, I asked my guests for recommendations for reading and spiritual practice. Jamal recommended Rumi, the great Sufi mystic.  I have linked to one translation of his poems, but there are many others to explore. Don recommended Marcus Borg, and I have linked to one of his books, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, but there are many others. Laura noted her doctoral supervisor Rabbi Marcia Prager, the Path of Blessing, a book I am excited to read. There was so many things mentioned, and I might forget something, but I wanted to link to a book Jamal mentioned, American Grace.

    Since St. Mark’s Centre for Christian Engagement seeks to enable the creation of a culture of encounter and dialogue, let me invite you into that discussion. Please follow me on Twitter @biblejunkies, or on Facebook, at Biblejunkies, or on Instagram @biblejunkies. Or email me at jmartens@stmarkscollege.ca. Let me know what you think.

    I also want to ask you to help out by letting people know about the podcast. If you are enjoying the podcast, please let your friends know. You can also let people know by rating and reviewing What Matters Most on your favourite podcasting platform. This lets people find the podcast more easily and lets people like you enjoy the work that we are doing. I think these are important and inspiring discussions and I would like people to have a chance to listen in!

    This episode I think makes it clear why this name of this podcast is What Matters Most, as what matters to us leads to behaviors and practices that seek out the good of the planet and its people or that lead to destruction and anger. Keep in mind what Rabbi Laura said about gratefulness: what can you be grateful for today? What gives you hope? What can you do today that helps preserve the planet or that helps you get along better with your neighbour? Thanks so much for listening.

    Peace,

    John W. Martens

    Another Crisis at the Border

    Another Crisis at the Border

    Increasing numbers of Haitian migrants have been traveling to the border town of Del Rio, Texas, recently, in the hope of entering the United States.

    Border Patrol took action — in some cases, sending the migrants back to Haiti; in others, taking them into custody or releasing them as they await trial.

    Why did so many thousands of Haitians come to the border in the first place? And what was behind the Biden administration’s reaction?

    Guest: Michael D. Shear, a White House correspondent for The New York Times. 

    Sign up here to get The Daily in your inbox each morning. And for an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

    The Nature of Evil

    The Nature of Evil

    Evil is a very broad topic, however, it is one of the most interesting concepts in philosophy and has great implications on theology. 
    As a result, in this video, I am joined by Warren to talk about the extent of this evil  and talk about the different forms that it comes in. Ranging from existential evil to radical evil, I hope you find this discussion is interesting and thought provoking.
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    Feel free to check out my YouTube channel Apologetics for All for more information. 

    Support the show

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