This week on The Bulletin, our hosts explore why third party candidates appeal to voters, how the pro-life movement became so hypocritical, and what amazes us about Beyonce’s new chart-topping album. Hosts Mike Cosper and editor in chief Russell Moore talk with CT’s political correspondent Harvest Prude, New York Times columnist David French, CT’s chief impact officer Nicole Martin, and Nashville songwriter and producer Charlie Peacock as they dive deep beneath the headlines to the stories that are shaping our world. Resources Referenced: Some Evangelicals Want a Third-Party Option, Even Without a Chance at Winning | News & Reporting | Christianity Today The Gospel of Life: Evangelium Vitae: John Paul II Today’s Guests: Harvest Prude is a CT’s national political correspondent and a congressional reporter based in Washington, D.C. She is a former reporter for The Dispatch and WORLD, having served there as political reporter for their Washington bureau. David French is a columnist for the New York Times. He’s a former senior editor of The Dispatch. He’s the author most recently of Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. Charlie Peacock, born Charles William Ashworth in Yuba City, California is a Nashville-based, 4x Grammy® Award-winning, multi-format jazz and pop recording artist, composer and record producer. Peacock’s production credits range from Chris Cornell and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to AAA and Americana successes such as The Lone Bellow, Holly Williams, The Civil Wars, Ben Rector and Brett Dennen. Nicole Martin serves Christianity Today as chief impact officer after serving on its board of directors. Nicole oversees three major strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of CT including The Global Initiative, the Big Tent Initiative, and the Next Gen Initiative. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran’s intentions, the implications for other global conflicts, and the necessity of a strategic and supportive American response. In this special episode of The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and editor in chief Russell Moore talk with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger about Iran’s missile attack on Israel over the past weekend. Today’s Guest: Adam Kinzinger served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Kinzinger originally represented Illinois's 11th congressional district and later Illinois's 16th congressional district. After President Donald Trump was defeated in the 2020 presidential election, Kinzinger became known for his vocal opposition to Trump's claims of voter fraud and attempts to overturn the results. Kinzinger served in the U.S. Air Force, flying missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and Guam. He has served in the Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Wisconsin Air National Guard. He is presently a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and founder of CountryFirst. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's making rural America so angry? And why do Christians seem to hold their tongues when it comes to sports gambling? Mike, Nicole, and guest host Bob Smietana converse about the new bestselling book White Rural Rage with guest Mike Waddey, former pastor of a town of just 88 people. Mike Cosper shares his own story about the temptations of sports betting, and producer Clarissa Moll joins Cosper and Dr. Kris Bauman, former Trump administration Israel adviser for the National Security Council, to talk about the current slowdown in the Israel-Gaza war and Israel’s complicated path forward. This week’s guests: Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications, and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religion writer at The Tennessean, correspondent for Religion News Service, and contributor to OnFaith, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. He is best known for his coverage of evangelical Christianity, end-time cat worshipers, and the human side of religion. Mike Waddey has pastored in two small, rural communities over the past 20 years. He is the former mayor of Cottage Grove, the smallest incorporated town in the state of Tennessee (88 people), a position he held while also serving there as pastor. Mike holds a DMin from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies and is a proud husband and father of six children and grandfather of two. Kris A. Bauman, Ph.D., Colonel (ret.) USAF is the Brent Scowcroft Professor of National Security Studies at the United States Air Force Academy where he teaches American Foreign and National Security Policy, and Middle Eastern Politics. Col. Bauman previously served at the White House on the National Security Council as Director for Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian Affairs. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, a law professor takes us to school to learn about Christian civility, Mike and Russell discuss the contentious U.S. Congress, and Bernie Sanders proposes a 4-day work week. Hosts Mike Cosper and editor in chief Russell Moore are joined by Washington University professor John Inazu, CT chief impact officer Nicole Martin, and chief investment officer David Bahnsen of The Bahnsen Group for lively conversation about this week’s headlines and current events. Fans of FX’s The Bear will appreciate this week’s Ritchie reference! This week’s guests: John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. His latest book is Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect (Zondervan, 2024). Nicole Martin serves Christianity Today as chief impact officer after serving on its board of directors. Nicole oversees three major strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of CT including The Global Initiative, the Big Tent Initiative, and the Next Gen Initiative.  David L. Bahnsen is the founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a bi-coastal private wealth management group with offices in Newport Beach, CA and New York City, managing over $5.3 billion in client assets. David is a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business and is a regular contributor to National Review and Forbes. He is the author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Russell Moore and Mike Cosper talk with Tom Nichols of The Atlantic about theatrics on the world stage -- Donald Trump’s promise to pardon rioters from the January 6 attacks on the Capitol and Vladimir Putin’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Moscow. With his characteristic wit, Nichols helps listeners navigate the confusing messages politicians send and, with the hosts, clarifies the call of Christian witness. Producer Clarissa Moll talks to Mike and Russell about the bridge collapse in Baltimore and how Christians can resist indifference to the news. Finally, Mike and Russell remember the 10th anniversary of Mars Hill Church’s closure and reflect on the dangers of nostalgia.  This week’s guests: Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years, and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School. He has served as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House and the U.S. Senate. He writes about international security, nuclear weapons, Russia, and the challenges to democracy in the United States and around the world—along with occasional contrarian views on popular culture. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. He is also a five-time undefeated Jeopardy champion. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Russell Moore and Nicole Martin are joined by New York Times columnist David French to talk about the growing crisis in Gaza and Russia’s recent re-election of Vladimir Putiin. With so much suffering and conflict in the world, how do we determine who is truly responsible and how do we create a way forward? Theologian David Taylor stops by to talk about the book of Psalms in seasons of conflict, how lament offers us language for the suffering we see around us and how regular engagement with the psalms can shape us into people who persevere with hope, regardless of what the headlines are. Take our listener survey and let us know what you think of the show. Visit MoreCT.com/Bulletin. This week’s guests: David French is a columnist for the New York Times. He’s a former senior editor of The Dispatch. He’s the author most recently of Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. David Taylor is a theologian, author, speaker, priest, and director of initiatives in art and faith. A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. He has written for The Washington Post, Image Journal, Theology Today, Worship, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, and Books & Culture, among others. He is the author of Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life. lives in Austin with his wife Phaedra, a visual artist and gardener, and his daughter Blythe and son Sebastian. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, Hannah Anderson joins hosts Mike Cosper and Nicole Martin to talk about the emerging political and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, a Maryland lynching apology that’s falling flat, and the necessity truthtelling in a culture that avoids confession and repentance. Physician and New Yorker writer Dhruv Khullar stops in to talk about the new miracle weight loss drug, Ozempic -- its risks and rewards and the way it may reshape how we view weight and health for years to come. Take our listener survey and let us know what you think of the show.  Visit MoreCT.com/Bulletin.  This week’s guests: Dhruv Khullar is a contributing writer at The New Yorker, where he writes about medicine, health care, and politics. He is also a practicing physician and an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, and serves as director of the Physicians Foundation Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership. His research, which focuses on value-based care, health disparities, and medical innovation, has been published in JAMA and The New England Journal of Medicine, and his writing has previously appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Khullar earned his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine and completed his medical training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also received a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a fellow at the Center for Public Leadership. Hannah Andersen is the author of Made for More, All That’s Good, and Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul. Resources Referenced: What Evangelicals Owe Haiti | Christianity Today The Year of Ozempic | The New Yorker “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Russell Moore tackle tough topics that divide many faithful Christians -- immigration, politics, and reproductive rights. Bri Stensrud of Women of Welcome joins the show to talk about immigration, security, the current situation at the southern border. Then, Mike and Russell review Super Tuesday’s results with an eye for hope amidst political despair. Finally, Dr. Jeffrey Keenan of the National Embryo Donation Center joins the conversation to talk about Alabama’s recent ruling related to in vitro fertilization -- what IVF looks like today, where Christians disagree, and how believe in the dignity of human life can anchor us as we make difficult decisions in the courts and in our families. This week’s guests: Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Throughout her previous work in the pro-life movement, Bri continually faced questions from those concerned about immigrants and refugees. Understanding that many concerns were rooted in fear and misinformation, she started a journey to detangle from politically partisan narratives and seek out a biblical perspective to uplift and advocate for immigrants and refugees. Bri holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children’s book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God’s Light into the World Around You. Dr. Jeffrey Keenan, a highly respected infertility and reproductive medicine specialist, leads the National Embryo Donation Center team. He is the center’s president and medical director and a fertility specialist with Rejoice Fertility in Knoxville, TN. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In practice since 1990, Dr. Keenan has performed innumerable fertility procedures with outstanding success rates. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Nicole Martin discuss the recent self-immolation of protestor Aaron Bushnell, joined by journalist Madeleine Kearns. Conversation continues with Kearns as the three talk about Nikki Haley’s seemingly fated bid for the Republican presidential nomination. The episode ends with fascinating insights into the limits and benefits of free speech as CT ideas editor Bonnie Kristian joins the show to talk about the recent Supreme Court review of Texas and Florida laws restricting free speech on social media.  This week’s guests: Madeleine Kearns is a staff writer at National Review and a senior fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum. She is from Glasgow, Scotland, and is a trained singer. Bonnie Kristian is the editorial director of ideas and books at Christianity Today and a fellow at Defense Priorities. She is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community (2022) and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today (2018). Her writing on religion, foreign policy, the modern American right, civil liberties, electoral politics, and more has been published at outlets including The New York Times, The Week, USA Today, CNN, Politico, The New Atlantis, Reason, and The Daily Beast.  “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anxiety about AI in the workplace, Navalny’s death, and Black History Month’s continuing relevance.  This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Nicole Martin join special guests Steve Cuss, Robert Nicholson, and Esau McCaulley to talk about our anxieties -- real and imagined. First, our worries in the workplace increasingly center around the role of artificial intelligence. Can we keep a level head when we're concerned that computers will take away our jobs? Next, Alexei Navalny's death reminds us that peace often requires speaking truth to power. What can we learn from Russia's response to Navalny, and should we be anxious about the future of global democracy? Finally, Black History Month plays an important prophetic role in American life. If we're worried about highlighting Black accomplishments and stories, what does this say about the narratives we've believed about history and faith? Listen and be challenged. For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/70-anxiety-artificial-intelligence-navalny-black-history.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Bulletin, host Mike Cosper traveled to Washington, D.C. to sit down with producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland in anticipation of their upcoming documentary, “God and Country.” The film examines the implications of Christian nationalism in the United States, and features interviews with several prominent evangelical Christians, including Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today.  Resources Referenced: God and Country “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producers: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Audio Engineer: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Graphic Design: Bryan Todd Additional Design: Joel Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Promised Land: A Bulletin Miniseries, host Mike Cosper visits Shalom Hotel in Jerusalem to meet with Zionist Jews who have fled their homes after October 7. Digging beneath the facade of popular thought, Cosper explores the roots, identity and inspiration of Zionism. Interviews with Yossi Klein Halevi, author and former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Michael Oren, Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, and others paint a fuller picture of Jewish connection to the land of their ancestors – and why this longing often has sparked controversy. Promised Land is a limited series exploring the moral, spiritual, and political challenges presented by the Israel-Hamas War. Host Mike Cosper (The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill) takes listeners with him to locations across the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, bringing you into the homes, lives, and stories of people for whom this conflict is their everyday experience.  For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/68-promised-land-zionism.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. response to Iran’s actions, the weight of celebrity endorsements, Mark Zuckerberg apologizes, and a report from Sundance. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin, and Russell Moore discuss the recent attacks in the Middle East and the complexity of responding to Iran’s aggression. Next, they cover the influence of celebrities in politics and the impact of their endorsements. Also, what is the significance of a public in our current culture? Plus, a report on the Sundance Film Festival from “Be Afraid” host Kutter Callaway. For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/67-iran-swift-facebook-sundance.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump wins the NH primary, TikTok Jesus hawks a prosperity gospel, and Lenin is dead (still).  This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin, and Russell Moore are joined by The Dispatch columnist Mona Charen for a New Hampshire primary post-mortem. The quartet discuss Nikki Haley’s viability, Trump’s domination at the polls, and what America needs as it moves toward the general election. Next, Mike, Nicole and Russell deep dive into TikTok and find an AI Jesus who promises to fulfill our deepest longings, prompting the question, “Is our understanding of faith too transactional?” Finally, this week marked the 100th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin’s death. If the dead still speak, what can they say about our present moment? For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/66-your-own-personal-jesus.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump wins in Iowa, Israel goes to court, and polyamory is trending. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and Nicole Martin visit with special guest Charlie Peacock to talk about the new/old practice of polyamory and our longing for identity. In politics, is nothing new under the sun either? The hosts discuss Trump’s win in the Iowa caucus and the perpetual problem of colonialism, this time as an accusation lodged against Israel. Listen in for a sneak peek at Charlie’s intentions for his new CT Media podcast, Music & Meaning. For show notes and more information, visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/65-threes-crowd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pope condemns surrogacy, evangelicals critique their own, and politics returns to the pulpit. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin and editor-in-chief Russell Moore sit down with special guest Charles Camosy, Professor of Medical Humanities at the Creighton University School of Medicine, to talk about the pope’s latest condemnation of surrogacy and what it means to hold a pro-life ethic over and against consumerist culture. The episode continues with honest words about why we evangelicals sometimes need to critique our own and how politics muddies the gospel when it enters the pulpit. Listen for compelling, thought-provoking discussions that will expand your faith. For show notes and more information, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harvard removes Claudine Gay, Republicans struggle as caucuses approach, and we’re all tired of being tired. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin and editor-in-chief Russell Moore welcome the new year with lively conversation about race and power, politics, and the fatigue we often feel when we look at the headlines. Discussion includes Harvard’s decision to remove its first African American president Claudine Gay and Republicans’ struggle to find a leader in advance of January caucuses. The episode ends with Mike, Nicole, and Russell’s favorite holiday movies and books. For show notes and more information click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bulletin looks back and ahead and makes resolutions for the new year. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin and editor in chief Russell Moore reflect on their 2023 predictions -- what came true, what didn’t, and what surprised them when it arrived. Conversation continues with what we hope to see in 2024 and whether or not resolutions are worth making as the new year approaches. For show notes and more information, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pope blesses same-sex relationships, Colorado bumps Trump from the ballot, and Brian Houston’s got a new church. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin and editor in chief Russell Moore gather around the microphone to talk about the authority figures shaping our world. This past week the pope sent ripples through the Catholic Church when he declared that same-sex relationships would now be invited to blessings. Colorado followed with ripples of its own when the court determined Donald Trump is ineligible to run for president in 2024. And, rising from scandal, Hillsong’s Brian Houston is starting a new church in the coming year. Tune in and join the conversation. For show notes and more information, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happened on October 7 changed everything for Israelis. We visit Kfar Aza to understand why.  Introducing…. Promised Land: A Bulletin Miniseries Promised Land is a limited series exploring the moral, spiritual, and political challenges presented by the Israel-Hamas War. Host Mike Cosper (The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill) takes listeners with him to locations across the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, bringing you into the homes, lives, and stories of people for whom this conflict is their everyday experience. For show notes and more information visit: https://christianitytoday.com/podcasts/60-promised-land-israel-hamas-kibbutz-kfar-aza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices