Crossing Faiths

In this candid conversation between John Pinna and Elliot Toman, the hosts explore compelling aspects of religious narratives, focusing on Christianity and Islam's different interpretations of Jesus. John, a Muslim, argues that the Islamic view of Jesus presents him as a prophet who didn't die on the cross but ascended to heaven, removing the "cult of personality" that Christianity created. Elliot, approaching from a Christian perspective, suggests that Christianity's narrative of God "flipping the script" through Jesus's sacrifice can be deeply compelling when properly understood. The conversation examines tensions in both faiths, including Islam's emphasis on clear guidelines versus Christianity's redemptive story, while questioning why God's message seems ambiguous across religions. They critically discuss how religious communities handle persecution complexes, with American Christians redefining "martyrdom" to maintain religious identity while living comfortably, and ultimately reflect on how messianic figures like Trump can supplant authentic religious ideals in contemporary society.

In this podcast interview, John Pinna speaks with Michael Barton, a Muslim revert from Wichita, Kansas who converted to Islam in 2006. Barton discusses his journey from Methodism to Islam, describing how he felt disconnected from his Christian upbringing despite a strong belief in God. He shares how his college anthropology studies and encounters with Muslim students sparked his interest in Islam, particularly when he discovered Islam's connection to biblical prophets and its pure monotheistic concept of God that resonated with his own beliefs. Barton details his gradual immersion in the Muslim community, from his first visit to a mosque to taking his Shahada during Ramadan, through his struggles balancing his new faith with old habits, to eventually becoming a principal at an Islamic school. He now actively shares his faith through TikTok and other social media platforms while reflecting on the challenges of being a Muslim in America's Bible Belt and the importance of presenting Islam with knowledge, nuance, and cultural sensitivity appropriate for the American context. https://linktr.ee/MichaelBarton

The interview between John Pinna and Mustafa Akhwand explores various themes related to U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and Muslim-American experiences. The conversation centers on the need for direct engagement and better understanding between the U.S. government and Middle Eastern countries, particularly in places like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Akhwand, as executive director of Shia Rights Watch, emphasizes the importance of having the right advisors with on-the-ground experience rather than relying on those who lack direct cultural understanding. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with Islamophobia in America, the challenges of current diplomatic approaches, and the need for the new Trump administration to engage directly with minority communities. Throughout the conversation, both speakers stress the importance of moving beyond surface-level policies to develop more nuanced, culturally-informed diplomatic strategies that can better serve both American interests and international relations. Mustafa Akhwand is the founder and Executive director of Shia Rights Watch, with a background in Journalism and Media publishing. He is awarded by Human Rights Education Association for minority rights and certified human rights education trainer. He worked as an advisor for a number of non-violence organizations such as Freemuslim (Center for De-Radicalization & Extremism Prevention). In addition to his work, he cost the podcast “Human Rights Sentinel“, hosting members of minorities in different regions to highlight the human rights violations against other minorities. https://shiarightswatch.org/

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Eli Feder discuss their endeavor to explore the relationship between science and religion, specifically focusing on using physics to argue for the existence of God. Motivated by a desire to reconcile modern scientific understanding with religious belief, they challenge the notion that science and faith are incompatible. The rabbis introduce the concept of "fine-tuning" in physics, arguing that the precise mathematical constants governing the universe suggest an intelligent designer rather than random chance. They critically examine the multiverse theory as an alternative explanation, presenting it as a less plausible scientific hypothesis. Drawing on their backgrounds in Talmudic study and scientific research, Zimmer and Feder aim to provide a rigorous, accessible argument for God's existence by demonstrating the improbability of our universe's precise conditions arising by accident. Their approach combines deep scientific analysis with the ability to communicate complex ideas in understandable terms, ultimately seeking to offer people a rational framework for understanding faith in the modern world.

In this thoughtful conversation between John Pinna and Adi Sharabi, they explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and religious traditions across multiple communities. Adi, who identifies as an Arab Jew with Yemeni roots currently living in Thailand, discusses her journey from being a tour guide in Israel to becoming an online educator and content creator reaching millions of viewers. The conversation delves into the complexities of maintaining multiple cultural identities, particularly as members of diaspora communities, while raising children in multicultural environments. They discuss shared experiences around food traditions, family dynamics, and the challenges of bridging traditional and modern worlds. The dialogue touches on important themes of religious evolution, particularly regarding women's roles in religious spaces, and concludes with a discussion about the potential of "matriarchal diplomacy" as a means of fostering understanding across cultural and religious divides. Special Guest: Adi Sharabi.

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John and Elliot engage in a conversation about the archetypal influences behind Star Wars that eventually leads to an examination of how ideological agendas can reduce the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention.

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John pushes back against Elliot's suggestion that the Gospel is the cornerstone of Western Civilization by asking: Who's Gospel?

A Christian and a Muslim talk religion & politics. In this episode, John and Elliot discuss the function of religion in superimposing meaning over apparent meaninglessness.

The conversation between John Pinna and Elliot Toman delves into various sociopolitical and cultural topics, including the legal and cultural implications of religious freedom in the U.S., with a focus on misconceptions about Sharia law and legislation in Texas. They discuss broader cultural dynamics, such as the intersection of religious literacy and education, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the cultural fears driving political movements. The dialogue also critiques political leadership, economic struggles, and the role of civic engagement in shaping governance. Through anecdotes and analysis, they emphasize the importance of understanding complex societal issues while addressing the challenges of polarization and misinformation in contemporary discourse.

Lawrence Stephenson was born and raised on the East Side of London to atheist parents. After years of spiritual exploration, he became a Christian as an adult and went on to help plant a thriving church in Scotland. Now, Lawrence has overcome his dyslexia to write a fascinating piece of Christian fiction in which he explores heaven, hell, and the mysteries surrounding the early portions of Genesis. Lawrence Stephenson's Website: https://www.heaventoearth.co.uk/ The Death of Levi on Amazon: https://a.co/d/04xqXW5

Lucien Greaves is a prominent social activist and the co-founder and spokesperson for The Satanic Temple. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Greaves studied neuroscience at Harvard University, specializing in false-memory syndrome. In this wide-ranging interview, John Pinna Lucien about religious freedom, misconceptions about Satanism, and the organization's core principles. Greaves explains how the Satanic Temple aims to challenge historical "Satanic panic" narratives and religious persecution while promoting humanistic values through its seven tenets, which include compassion, justice, bodily autonomy, and scientific understanding. He discusses how the organization's use of Satanic imagery serves as both a declaration of independence from religious oppression and a reminder of historical witch hunts and persecution. The conversation touches on the Temple's legal advocacy work, its role in promoting religious pluralism, and how it confronts persistent misconceptions about Satanic rituals and practices. Throughout the interview, Greaves emphasizes that the Satanic Temple's goal is not to promote evil or antagonize other faiths, but rather to stand for principles of religious freedom and challenge religious authoritarianism while fostering acceptance of diverse belief systems. https://luciengreaves.substack.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucien_Greaves

Note: Elliot would like to apologize for butchering Zoltan Istvan's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoltan_Istvan) name in relation to the 2020 election. The 2024 presidential candidate for the Transhumanist Party (https://transhumanist-party.org/) is Tom Ross. Disclaimer: The personal opinions stated in this episode are just that: Personal opinions. They in no way reflect the official position of any group, organization or affiliation.

In the podcast, Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Violence Against Women and Girls, discusses her role and mission to address and combat violence against women and girls globally. She highlights the complexity and scope of her work, including engagement with both governments and non-state actors, and emphasizes her commitment to centering survivors' voices and adapting her focus as new forms of violence emerge. Alsalem speaks on critical issues such as the dangers of digital and online violence, the exploitative nature of prostitution, and the pervasive effects of pornography, which she frames as significant contributors to violence against women and harmful gender norms. She also reflects on her personal motivations rooted in her experiences growing up in the Middle East, her career with the UN Refugee Agency, and her belief that faith can be a powerful ally in advancing human rights. Alsalem encourages a holistic approach, calling for collective responsibility to challenge harmful stereotypes and support survivors worldwide. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-violence-against-women Special Guest: Reem Alsalem.

In this engaging conversation between host John Pinna and Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, they explore the intersection of faith, humor, and community leadership. The discussion begins with Rabbi Franklin's personal journey to becoming a rabbi despite initially resisting following in his father's footsteps, then moves into his current work serving both local and global Jewish communities through digital engagement. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the rich tradition of Jewish humor, its historical roots in religious texts like the Talmud, and its role as a coping mechanism for trauma and anxiety throughout Jewish history. The rabbi shares several jokes and anecdotes to illustrate how humor has helped Jewish communities navigate everything from ancient hardships to contemporary challenges, including recent tensions surrounding Israel and rising antisemitism. The conversation also touches on interfaith relationships in the Hamptons community and the delicate balance between appropriate and inappropriate religious humor, concluding with insights into how humor can serve as a pressure release valve during difficult times. Rabbi Josh Franklin heads the Jewish Center of the Hamptons (East Hampton) as the Senior Rabbi. In his seven years on East End, he has helped revitalize and grow the Jewish community through engaging programming, transformative classes, inspiring worship, and welcoming community outreach. Hundreds of people flock to his community for Shabbat on the Beach each week over the summer for an innovative and magical prayer experience. All year round, he draws people to the Jewish Center of the Hamptons to hear from him and learn with him. In addition to his role at the synagogue, Rabbi Franklin contributes widely to the greater Hamptons community. He co-writes a bi-monthly column in Dan’s Papers called “Hamptons Soul,” discussing issues of spirituality and justice in the Hamptons. He has sat on numerous local committees including the East Hampton Police Reform Committee and the Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force. He also sits on the board of L’Arche Long Island, a community center and home for adults with developmental disabilities. Rabbi Franklin was named to the 2021 Schneps Media Powerlist, honoring the movers and shakers on the East End of Long Island. Dans Papers named Rabbi Franklin one of its “People of the Year: East Enders Who Made the World A Better Place in 2022.” https://www.rabbijoshfranklin.com/ Special Guest: Josh Franklin.

In the conversation, John Pinna, a Muslim, and Father John Anderson, an Orthodox Christian priest, discuss various aspects of Islamic law, particularly focusing on "Zina" (adultery or illicit sexual relations). They explore how threats of sexual violence, such as rape, violate Islamic principles, including the prohibition against violence unless in self-defense, and how such threats also fall under Zina. They also touch on cultural and religious dynamics in Muslim-majority countries, including how religious law is enforced differently in various regions. The dialogue highlights differences and intersections between faith practices, addressing the moral and legal responsibilities within Islam. Special Guest: Father John Anderson.

This interview between John Pinna and Joseph Atwill revolves around Atwill's controversial thesis from his book Caesar's Messiah (https://a.co/d/5uLF2iY), which posits that the Gospels were a Roman invention designed to quell Jewish messianic rebellions during the first century. Atwill argues that the Flavian emperors, particularly Vespasian and his son Titus, fabricated the figure of Jesus as a peaceful, pro-Roman messiah to counter the militant zealots. The conversation explores how the Gospels may have been written with a political agenda, portraying Jesus as a pacifistic figure to discourage rebellion. They also discuss the possible vanity and propaganda motives behind the Flavian dynasty's role in shaping early Christianity. The broader themes include the relationship between religion and power, historical revisionism, and the manipulation of faith for political control. Caesar's Messiah: The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus https://a.co/d/5uLF2iY

In this interview, John Pinna speaks with Abbie Hafez about her journey from Christianity to Islam. Abbie discusses growing up in a small Christian community in Michigan, her unexpected move to Dubai, and her gradual exposure to Islam through her Muslim husband. She describes the profound emotional and spiritual impact of reading the Quran and praying for the first time, which led to her conversion. Abbie shares her experiences with online criticism and support after posting about her faith journey on social media, as well as her family's reactions to her conversion. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive in-person Muslim community and views her faith as a gradually growing flower. Throughout the interview, Abbie stresses the personal nature of faith, the diversity within Islam, and her belief that everyone's spiritual journey is unique and should not be forced. Special Guest: Abbey Havez.

In this podcast interview, Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz ("Rabbi Noyo") and John Pinna engage in a thoughtful conversation centered on the power of language in multi-faith dialogues, particularly regarding sensitive issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. They explore how certain charged words, like "genocide," can halt meaningful conversations and discuss the importance of using language that facilitates productive dialogue rather than escalating tensions. Rabbi Noyo also shares personal experiences from their work in inclusive religious spaces, emphasizing the need to modernize traditional language and practices to accommodate diverse identities, including the use of gender-neutral Hebrew and inclusive rituals for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progressive change to foster a more welcoming, accessible faith community. https://therabbinoyo.com/ Special Guest: Rabbi Noyo.

Troy Gramling is pastor of Potential Church, a fast-growing church based in the Fort Lauderdale area with over 20,000 members. He recently released his new book, the title of which is "Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You." In this interview, Elliot Toman engages Troy in a discussion about his definition of success in the context of Christian ministry, and his experiences transitioning from a small church in rural Arkansas to a megachurch in South Florida. They also discuss the challenges of pursuing a positive legacy in church leadership, about the differences between Joel Osteen and Rick Warren, and about Pastor Troy's appearances on the @preachersnsneakers Instagram feed. Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You (https://www.amazon.com/Potential-Uncontainable-Power-God-Within/dp/B0CLHT426K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1PWY286C83PL8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ogeYyjlKRHVHVi5e6yS6xDJYtDLcidXCrevNjBUrplQ.3yK0A_EAtD27-WTQHamu5YF9NRgVhj-Kj2dTm4v3oZo&dib_tag=se&keywords=potential+troy+grappling&qid=1709419645&sprefix=potential+troy%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1) https://troygramling.com/ Special Guest: Troy Gramling.

The conversation between John Pinna and Father John Anderson on the podcast centers around the role of political debates in U.S. elections, particularly reflecting on a recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They criticize the current state of media-driven debates, viewing them as spectacle rather than informative discourse, arguing that debates should focus on policy specifics rather than personal attacks or superficial commentary. They emphasize the need for a more responsible and informed citizenry, advocating for multiple thematic debates that cover crucial issues like the economy, national security, and foreign policy. They also explore concerns about political leadership, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the importance of holding political figures accountable for clear, actionable policies. Special Guest: Father John Anderson.