The Moral Minority Show

President Trump was challenged by Rev Buddy to have mercy on marginalized groups. Our hope in this episode is to talk through our personal christian journeys and show what our faith looks like under a new and antagonistic administration.

In the hopeful aftermath of the cultural phenomenon of Drake vs Kendrick, Drake gives his first musical offering since and Kennedy and Josh breakdown the project.

In the 2024 election president trump won the popular vote just four years after one of the biggest civil rights movements in modern America. How did that happen? I would like to take a series of segments to talk through how something like this was even possible and what aspects of liberal messaging should perhaps shift in order to make a better appeal in 2028. On this episode we will talk through the moral appeal that was made in 2024 election and perhaps the need to shift that messaging.

In the 67th annual Grammys kendrick Lamar swept the night with his moderately popular song they not like us. As he received his reward the portion of the song accusing drake of being child predator was playing with many in the crowd singing along. Drake's rap beefs have throughout his career been more akin to a smear campaign against his character and person. In this episode I hope to show that pattern and reveal why it seemingly never works.

The 2024 Election was clearly one of the most shocking and revealing elections in American history. One of the most unelectable candidates in American history was was reelected for the second time in three term attempts. Over the past four years President Trump has spear headed an insurrection, been criminally charged with multiple felonies, and continued to spew anti democratic rhetoric. But this did not stop the American populous for voting for him in record number with Trump becoming the first Republican nominee to win the popular vote in twenty. So what exactly happened to cause this? We break that down as much as we can on this episode. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/bernie-sanders-democrats-working-class/

As we are coming to the conclusion of the 2024 election cycle there is extreme optimism around the rejuvenated Democratic Party ticket there is still a cloud looming over this election. As we approach the anniversary October 7th we are reminded of the evil and genocidal response to that national tragedy. As the DNC continues to neglect this issue and support the funding and support of this retaliation it has put the average voter in a precarious circumstance. We have a conversation with friend of the show Nikki Thompson as she brings her wealth of knowledge and research to this intense but needed convo. Al Jazeera Palestine Timeline: https://remix.aljazeera.com/aje/PalestineRemix/timeline_main.html DNC Rejecting Demand for Palestinian Speaker: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/22/they-want-to-erase-us-how-dnc-rejected-demand-for-palestinian-speaker ICJ Summary: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240524-sum-01-00-enc.pdf?__cf_chl_tk=vnnVdzWuRUsEfZ04ZTCve38ptlqX4MyTCyNZloZFA60-1726110402-0.0.1.1-5161 For further reading: Noam Chomsky on Palestine: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/4/9/qa-noam-chomsky-on-palestine-israel-and-the-state-of-the-world Angela Davis on Palestine: https://hammerandhope.org/article/angela-davis-palestinians-gaza

As we approach the 2024 general election we are on the precipice of the second black presidency of America's history. Kamala electrified this presidential run with her entry into the election. This has led to a plethora of controversial conversations about her race and identity. The usual suspects of former president Trump and his vice presidential candidate have both questioned Kamala's racial identity. But unfortunately they were echoed by prominent rap artist kendrick Lamar during his highly publicized beef with Drake. Does this have any implications on this years presidential election? We believe it does. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-08-11/kendrick-lamar-drake-hip-hop-kamala-harris-blackness

The Drake vs Kendrick beef has not only intrigued and engaged the entire hip hop community but has become a pop cultural for the ages. Potentially the biggest exhibition in the history of the genre has done everything from garner cheers to induce eye rolls. It also demanded a bevy of cultural conversation around race, sexual impropriety, domestic abuse, cultural authenticity, and the future of hip hop. Joshua and Kennedy do their best to both summarize an analyze this beef and speak to how in affected them as both hip hop fans and black Americans. This one is for both the casuals and the hip hop heads. Clarification: Kendricks aunt actually became his uncle. We misspoke in the episode.

Racism has been a long standing issue in the American context. Healthy but at times trite solutions have been given to create common language that can be used and understood by the masses. Racism equals prejudice plus power has been a main stay definition for many activist and advocates for justice on the lay level. In this episode I attempt to use more sophisticated language that may help broaden understanding on the issue and potentially create kinder engagement for us as a society. A great source on this topic among others would be Ibram X Kendi's book "How to be an anti racist"

A myth of fascism is that cities are the epicenter of depravity and a social contagion that rural areas are trying to hold off in order to save our country. This becomes very prevalent in a world where many right wing pundits and even politicians have embraced ideas of fascism. With many citing their apprehensive views towards cities with the Bible it may be helpful to debunk the notion that the Bible hates both ancient and modern cities. On this episode Josh seeks to do just that. Light scriptural references Gen 19, Joshua 2, Rev 21, Luke 19:41-44, Deuteronomy 14:28-29, Habakkuk 2:20, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

The U.S. supreme court recently voted that Texas can not block federal border agents from cutting their new razor wiring along the Texas border. Texas has since defied the court ruling and with backing from the vast majority of the GOP this situation seems like a mixture of a political stunt and a volatile situation. Here is Josh's brief response that hopefully brings clarity and nuance to this seemingly unhinged dilemma. Sources: Whitehouse.gov "The Economic benefits of extending permanent Legal Status to unauthorized immigrants" worldrelief.org "Evangelical views on immigration are shifting" hrc.org "ICYMI:New data shows support LGBTQ+ rights reaches highest rates ever recorded"

On this episode I discuss Taylor Swift's massive push for her millions of adoring fans to be registered to vote. With the 2024 election nearly a calendar year away it feels more pressing than ever to discuss why voting is essential to maintaining democracy and how we should think about voting moving forward.

Josh here, Hello and welcome to the moral minority show. On this episode I’m going to do something I’ve been wanting to do for some time now. The show has historically featured more long form conversation with guest so I wanted to make a concise side series that entails many of my thoughts on politics, theology, and societal trends. The goal of this segment is simply to be an even more accessible resource for those who share similar interest and or desire to engage more deeply with these topics. Hope this is a welcomed and well received new aspect of our show.

Liberalism seemed to be a great response to monarchy and class hierarchy leading up to the 18th century. It created more autonomy and individual rights based on law. Cole Niles joins us to discuss if perhaps we can find a more collective and creative way go assure human dignity and an organized society.

Joshua and Kennedy look forward to the college football season! Is Georgia going to be good again, will Texas & OU win this season, are A&M and LSU back? These are the questions we are asking this episode!

Bonton is a longstanding neighborhood in the South Dallas area that houses the nonprofit Josh has been privileged the last year to work at, Bridge Builders. On this episode Josh and Kennedy invite Tyran Eddington, a coworker to Josh, to talk about not only Bonton's impact on himself growing up but his investment back into the community.

Disability Pride month is a remarkably overlooked awareness month and is gaining appropriate steam in notoriety. This is similar to how the disabled community is an often forgotten minority group. Not only does our society as a whole struggle with ableism but christianity in particular has used the healing narratives of scripture to communicate something that we believe God never has. In this episode Josh is joined by Nikki Thompson and Madi Snow to process through what aspects of both society and theology need to be adjusted to accommodate more to our disabled siblings and neighbors. Good resources would be:Nancy Eiesland, Stephanie Tait, Amy Kenny, Lamar Hardwick. Also follow Madi on her Substack "Funny Body" and on her instagram @madi.snow

Hip Hop has been traditionally viewed as a substantively weak genre yet it has produced culturally thought provoking music like "F da police" by N.W.A. and lyrically dense tracks like "N.Y. State of mind" by Nas. On this episode Kennedy and Josh are joined by Jeremy Brown who earned a music and education degree and teaches high school choir. Jeremy joins the conversation to give his input on the topic and aid us in explaining that hip hop might be a more substantive genre than most assume.

June is special month for our LGBTQ+ siblings and neighbors. It is a month where we celebrate and hold space for the queer community. In times that are far more hateful than affirming we hope to challenge wicked traditions of anti gay rhetoric and uphold the dignity and rightness of those who identify with this community. Nikki Thompson Brown joins us to add her brilliant insight into the topic and we venture topically from past personal beliefs on the issue, to modern views on the trans community, to biblical arguments for affirming this lifestyle. Hope you enjoy as Kennedy and Josh brave another difficult social conversation with grace and passion.

After an opening twelve minutes of fun conversation around beloved television series Joshua, Kennedy, and guest dive into the dark topic Old Testament violence. The nonviolent Jesus of the gospels seem on the surface to contradict the lighting bolt striking Old Testament God. But is it really so? Is the popular conception of a divided God and their divided story true? What if God never commanded a genocide and the violence of the Old Testament has far more nuance upon further evaluation? We hope this episode brings clarity and yet leaves room for more questions and discovery.

Josh and Kennedy discuss what evangelism looks like historically, theologically and in the modern context, and they attempt to give a more complicated and expansive understanding of how Evangelicals should practice this aspect of their faith. themoralminority@gmail.com

Tiffany Thompson joins us again! Hip hop is about fifty years and as it is in many ways aging gracefully it has many polarizing aspects. In this episode we talk female hip hop, the Memphis scene, and where hip hop is going. We try our best to be as predictive about it's future and nostalgic. Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com.

Mass shooting are beginning to have a chilling rhythm in American society. On a cycle we morn, protest, and become quiet until it happens again with no policy change. Many American's are beginning to live in fear of large crowds/events, sending their children to school, and just being in public in general. At the rate mass shootings are happening every some people are experiencing them multiple times in a lifetime. Kennedy, Martin, and I attempt to make sense of why it's happening and give theological reasons for sensible gun reform. Resource: "When thoughts and prayers aren't enough." Taylor Schumann Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

Josh, Kennedy and guest Martin Rodriguez reflect on the recent Christian revival at Asbury University and walked through the history and the future of Christian revivals in America. Martin is a youth pastor at Tyler Street Church in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, TX. Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @MinorityShow, @kennedycurley44, @my_luck3, @rod_tre Instagram: @Moral.Minority, @Kennedy_a_curley, @just_my_luck3, @m_rodriguez96

Josh and Kennedy talk about the nature of scripture and whether its ethical principles lean more conservative or progressive. Recommended Books: "Why am I a Christian" by John Stott "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Dr. Beth Allison Barr "Beyond the Curse" by Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer "Jacob & the Prodigal" by Kenneth E. Bailey "The Problem with Evangelical Theology" by Ben Witherington III Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter:  @MinorityShow, @kennedycurley44, @my_luck3 Instagram: @moral.minority, @kennedy_a_curley, @just_my_luck3

Josh and Kennedy discuss Chris Rock's latest standup comedy performance, "Selective Outrage," and it addresses his infamous situation with Will Smith at the Oscars. Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter:  @MinorityShow, @kennedycurley44, @my_luck3 Instagram: @moral.minority, @kennedy_a_curley, @just_my_luck3

Josh and Kennedy walk through the historical survey of the Black Church and its theological development over the duration of American history. email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @kennedycurley44, @my_luck3 Instagram: @kennedy_a_curley, @just_my_luck3 "How Africa Shaped The Christian mind" Thomas C. Oden  "A Black political Theology" J Deotis Roberts  "African American Theology" Frederick L. Ware  "The black church in the African American experience" C. Eric Lincoln and Lawerence H. Mamiya  "African American Readings of Paul" Lisa m. Bowens  

Josh and Kennedy discuss the evolution of athletes and how it affects G.O.A.T. conversations, the cultural backlash of Super Bowl entertainment performances and the Florida governor's restriction of educational resources. Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @kennedycurley44, @my_luck3 Instagram: @kennedy_a_curley, @just_my_luck3

Josh and Kennedy walk through a theological perspective of the Holy Spirit and discuss if modern audiences can still find a place for them in their spiritual practices.   Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 Instagram: @kennedy_a_curley @just_my_luck3

On this episode Kennedy and I discuss the unfortunate loss of the Dallas Cowboys and then swiftly transition to a more complex convo about the nature of loneliness amongst men and it's adverse effects on society.   Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com  Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 Instagram: @kennedy_a_curley @just_my_luck3

On this episode we discuss can a college football playoff be competitive after the Georgia TCU game, are conservatives turning on MLK day, what is the gas stove culture war and is it necessary.  Email: moralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @my_luck3, @kennedycurley44 Instagram: just_my_luck3, @kennedy_a_curley

In this episode Josh and Kennedy discuss a brief history of how media in America has depicted black culture over time.   Email: moralminorityshow@gmail.com  Twitter: @my_luck3, @kennedycurley44 Instagram: @just_my_luck3, @kennedy_a_curley

Josh and Kennedy talk Elon Musk being overacted and hated.  Also we talk about the adverse effects of black capitalist in spite of their celebrity.  Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @Kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 

Josh and Kennedy discuss the controversy behind Brittney Griner's release, memorialize Mike Leach, and Lecrae's newest album.  Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my-luck3

Josh and Kennedy talk about the harmful effects of recent rhetoric from pop icon Kanye West. Social Media: @kennedycurley44 (twitter), @kennedy_a_curley (instagram) @my_luck3 (twitter), @just_my_luck3 (instagram) themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

Josh and Kennedy discuss the A&M-LSU upset, Deion Sanders' departure from Jackson State and the dark past of Jerry Jones. Social Media: @kennedycurley44 (twitter), @kennedy_a_curley (instagram) @my_luck3 (twitter), @just_my_luck3 (instagram) themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

Josh and Kennedy discuss the trajectory of the SEC following the Alabama-LSU upset and the impact of two titans in the music industry releasing their recent albums. Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com 

In this episode we discuss the complicated nature of prejudice in the black community in light of Kanye and Kyrie Irving's recent anti-semitic statements and actions.  Can black people be racist? We discuss this at length in this newest episode. Twitter: @kennedycurle44 @my_luck3 Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

In this episode, Josh and Kennedy discuss pop culture, sports and recent events including the dynamic of the black quarterback, the entitled rich and power dynamics in relationships. Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

On this episode, Josh and Kennedy discuss a brief overview of the mythic past ideology and how to challenge it with modern sociology and healthy theology. Twitter: @kennedycurley44 @my_luck3 Email: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com

Christian church history is often a white, western, and male-dominated field of study. Modern American Evangelical theology tends to neglect the perspectives of ethnic minorities, the Eastern Church, and women. In Scripture, Christ's movement was made all the richer by the women that were a part of his disciples and the women that were the first proclaimers of the gospel — the apostles to the apostles. Dr. Beth Allison Barr joins the podcast once again to bring attention to the phenomenal women of the medieval church, and how focusing on them could revolutionize the way we study and interpret church history. Follow Dr. Barr: bethallisonbarr.com Twitter // @bethallisonbarr Instagram // @bethallisonbarr The Anxious Bench Blog --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Instagram // @moral.minority | Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

“Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This teaching from Jesus of Nazareth is often considered the epitome of forgiveness and forbearance. Author and pastor Melissa Florer-Bixler believes that perhaps this has been occasionally misapplied, and has a much richer interpretation, particularly for those who have been abused or have been oppressed. How can marginalized people follow the way of Jesus while fulfilling Christ’s vision of uplifting the lowly? Follow Melissa: www.melissaflorerbixler.com How to Have an Enemy --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Instagram // @moral.minority | Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

Christianity Today recently dissected one of the most popular church movements in the modern era: Seattle’s Mars Hill Church, led by Mark Driscoll. Mars Hill was a popular brand, only trumped by Driscoll’s own popularity. The podcast series has shed light on that church’s fall from grace and the cult of personality that pervaded the environment. Ryan Poehl, Adult Ministries Pastor at Grace Bible Church in College Station, TX, joins the podcast to give a unique perspective from a pastoral point of view as to what creates an unhealthy church culture. Through our discussion, Ryan offers guidance on how to avoid creating a toxic church culture. Connect with Ryan: ryanpoehl@gmail.com --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Instagram // @moral.minority | Twitter // @MinorityShow Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

Over the past 2000 years, Christianity has largely been given the side-eye by its observers. At best, the Jesus movement was seen as a quirky community that sometimes cared for the greater culture in radical new ways. At worst, Christianity appeared to be a movement that engaged in cultic practices, such as eating flesh and blood or the exchange of “holy kisses”.  Over time, groupthink and outmoded ethics have increasingly grown to characterize Christianity in the West, furthering this cult-like perception. Is Christianity truly a cult? To begin our new series, “Reconsidering Christianity”, we investigate whether it is fair or foul to describe Jesus-followers as a cult movement. Former host Nina Leon joins once again to help discuss the strangeness of Christianity, and whether or not those differences are wholesome and holy. Follow Nina: Instagram // @ninabeana_17 --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Instagram // @moral.minority | Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

In 2017, hip hop officially surpassed rock as the most consumed genre of music in the world.  Hip hop is no longer a marginal expression of creativity, but is markedly a global phenomenon. 2021 has been a unique year of hip hop that only comes around every so often -- most of the biggest names and personalities in the space produced quality content or full-length albums. In response to this exciting year of music, we wanted to provide a bonus episode dedicated to analyzing this year in hip hop. Joining us for this conversation is returning guest, Tiffany Thompson, as well as a new friend of the show, local minister Kevin Garcia. We hope you enjoy our panel discussion -- let us know your own spicy takes on these albums! Follow Kevin: Twitter // @RealKevinGarcia --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

So you’re deconstructing. Or maybe you’re not. Either way, there’s a good chance that you know someone who is wrestling with theology. What can we do to best love and care for those who are in the midst of a faith crisis? Shane Blackshear, host of the acclaimed podcast, Seminary Dropout, joins Josh and Joel to help us understand how to best guide those around us through challenging seasons with God. Shane has spent almost a decade interviewing a wide range of scholars and thinkers across the theological spectrum, from N.T. Wright to Jon Foreman to Michael Gungor to Rob Bell, and he himself has shifted theologically along the way as well. Shane also helps lead a local church, Austin Mustard Seed, where he is in the thick of walking alongside individuals who are in a variety of places spiritually. Tune in to learn more about how to engage in faith transition is a healthy way, and how to seek truth without despair. Follow Shane: shaneblackshear.com Twitter // @ThatShaneB --- We have a website! Visit us at moralminority.space Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

The Dark Night of the Soul is a poem by 16th-Century Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross. We haven’t read it, but it’s about the difficult and dark path of the spiritual life that ultimately leads to God. Joel was quite the happy-go-lucky Evangelical for most of his life. But from 2016 onward, his spiritual journey took a turn into depression, doubt, and uncertainty. Listen as Joel tells his story of wrestling with the hiddenness of God, the science-faith debate, biblical inerrancy, and the Evangelical culture wars. Through this painful journey, however, he has found Hope on the other side, and a much more robust theological framework. Also, we discuss Donda. Certified Lover Boy was 10x better. Why Do I Struggle with Doubt? | Joel Sam Has Science Disproven God? | Joel Sam The history of the Fundamentalist movement What is Biblical Inerrancy?  --- Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

So you no longer identify as Evangelical... Now what? Nikki Thompson, 10th Grade English Teacher and writer for Unorthodoxy joins Joel and Josh for a discussion on the impact of theological shifts on politics, morality, and relationships. The crew discusses Nikki’s recent article on the Israel-Palestine conflict, exploring how political interests have driven theology on the Evangelical Right to the point where policies are endorsed that harm those made in the image of God. Nikki also gives her take on the claim that idolatry and immorality can be unhealthy driving forces for deconstruction. Joel plays the role of Devil’s Advocate after reading too many John Piper tweets. Israel, Palestine, and You: A Christian Response to the Israel/Palestine Conflict Madonna and the Whore Podcast Follow Nikki: Instagram // @snikkithompson Twitter // @nikkithompson97 --- Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

Let’s get Orthodoxical. Kyle Bumgarner comes onto the show to discuss what it means to be theologically orthodox when American Evangelicalism has hurt the Christian reputation in the public square. How can we follow Jesus and strip away cultural baggage? What is required to form authentic ideological communities of like-minded people? Bonus: Kyle and Josh engage in the classic Drake vs. Kendrick debate, while Joel zones out and thinks about lunch. Follow Kyle: Instagram // @orthodoxical Twitter // @_orthodoxical --- Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

Another notable author joins the Moral Minority guest list! A.J. Swoboda brings his expertise in the areas of pastoral ministry and biblical studies to the topic of deconstruction. Dr. Swoboda is an Assistant Professor of Bible, Theology, and World Christianity at Bushnell University and is the recent author of After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It. This conversation between Joel, Josh, and Dr. Swoboda analyzes why people undergo faith transitions, discusses the role of idolatry in deconstruction, and explores healthy pathways back to a firm foundation in Christ. Follow Dr. Swoboda: ajswobodawrites.com Twitter // @mrajswoboda --- Contact us: themoralminorityshow@gmail.com Twitter // @MinorityShow --- Follow the hosts: Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 | Twitter // @my_luck3 Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai