Truce

Become a patron of the show and help me make even more great episodes! Donate by visiting www.patreon.com/trucepodcast One murder changed the course of Christian history. And it wasn't of a pope or church leader - it was the murder of Russia's last czars, the Romanovs. This is the beginning of our series on how communist Russia shaped modern Christianity in America. Tsar Nicholas II made many crucial mistakes: allowing Rasputin into his life, ignoring workers, the Russo-Japanese War, and many others. How we dealt with these tragic errors led the country into the hands of the Bolsheviks. Oh yeah, and we made stroganoff. The recipe is below. Truce is a listener-supported show. Please consider donating a little each month via Patreon (which entitles you to some cool bonus material) or helping out with a one-time gift on Paypal. These gifts are not tax-deductible. Our research was greatly aided by the following books: The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore A Well Ordered Thing - Michael D Gordin Dairy-free s

Truce is back with a special guest: Phil Vischer, one of the creators of the VeggieTales video series. He's also the creator of the new Laugh and Learn Bible and one of the hosts of the Holy Post Podcast (strongly recommended). You can find our bonus material for this episode at www.patreon.com/trucepodcast. Links: https://philvischer.com/ Topics discussed: * How did Phil create VeggieTales? * How do Christians deal with loss and negative criticism? * Phil Vischer's recent response to LGBT rights in the Christian Post * Answering your questions about VeggieTales * Where is my hairbrush? * The Laugh and Learn Bible * Why should I read the Bible on my own? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Truce is back for a third season! We'll begin with a conversation with Phil Vischer, creator of the popular VeggieTales animated series and the author of the new Laugh and Learn Bible. Then we're going to take a sharp turn and study Russia: how did tsarist Russia fall, how did communism gain its hold, and how did that shape the American church. I promise you, it's going to be fascinating! Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Napoleon Bonaparte. No question he was a military genius and was partially responsible for modernizing Europe. But there are some things we just aren't sure about. Like, was Napoleon a Christian, a Muslim, or a poser? In this, the final episode of season 2, we're going to explore the faith history of one of the most influential men of all time. We're joined by Pastor Justin Butler (highlandccky.org), author of Double-Sided Power: Studies in the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Our goal is to make Truce the best Christian podcast available. We need your help to do that! We're currently over $3,000 in the hole in this project. Would you consider helping us you? Donate on our website at http://www.trucepodcast.com. God willing, we'll be back with more Truce in early October. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've started to post bonus content for Truce on our Patreon subscribers. If you give as little as $3/ month you'll get special bonus episodes like this one. You can donate at https://www.patreon.com/trucepodcastSpecial thanks to Eric Nevins of the Halfway There podcast. Learn more about his show at: https://ericnevins.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember Occupy Wall Street? That movement from the early 2000's caused a stir after the financial crisis of 2007-2008. They demanded that the people responsible for the crash be punished for their actions. We in the Christian church often struggle with the rich-- how to treat them, how to see ourselves. In this episode we take a look at some statistics that will make us rethink our view of the wealthy.This episode was produced by Nick Staron. When Nick isn't busy with the podcast, he's working as a stand-up comedian. He's the perfect guy for your church picnic, youth night, or college gathering. Find more about Nick at www.nickstaron.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John D. Rockefeller was a shrewd businessman. Even to the point of breaking the law to get what he wanted. His Standard Oil company was eventually broken up using the Sherman Antitrust act. But his money kept influencing society. On this episode of the Truce Podcast, we take a field trip to the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park to see how one wealthy family strong-armed Congress into declaring federal land. And we see how this kind of leverage is used in the modern Christian church. The Bible verse used in this episode was excerpted from the Streetlights Audio Bible. https://www.streetlightsbible.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John D. Rockefeller was the richest man... maybe ever. His Standard Oil Company swallowed up the competition and broke the law. Yet, this man claimed the name of Christ.We're in the middle of a series about money in the church. How does it get to the church? Does it matter where the money comes from and where it goes?This episode of the Truce Podcast was written and produced by Nick Staron: https://www.nickstaron.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Christians supposed to tithe? It's a big question, one that many pastors disagree on. A tithe literally means 10%. A bunch of people in the Old Testament were commanded to give 10%... are we supposed to continue that tradition today?This is the first part in our series about money in the church -- how it gets there, where it's used, and how it can be used to gain power. Special thanks to our friends who gathered around the campfire with us.Topics discussed in this episode:* Does the 10% tithe still apply to modern Christians?* What is a tithe?* What is the verse in Malachi that talks about giving?* How much money should a pastor make?* Do we have to pay our pastor?* Should a pastor wear expensive clothes?* What does Jerry Savelle think about tithing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reaching Muslims via the Internet. Can it be done? Our special guest today uses Google Ads, videos, and messaging apps to reach out in Muslim countries. We can't give any specifics about who he is or which organization he works for. But we think you'll find this episode inspiring. Topics explored: * How can we reach out to Muslims using the Internet? * What questions to Muslims have about Christianity? * Where are the greatest numbers of Muslims turning to Christ? * Where should I start reading in the Bible? * How do I share my faith with Muslims? * Is Islam as dangerous as mainstream media says it is? * How can I be praying for the Muslim world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pew Research Center released a study stating that there will be more Muslims in the world than Christians by the year 2050. That study terrified many Christians! Because we're so used to being the dominant religion on Earth. So there seemed to be only one solution -- have more babies.On this episode of the Truce Podcast, we press pause on the would-be baby boom and ask, "is there a better way?". This episode is the third in a series on reaching out to Muslims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus episode features Samy Tanagho, author of "Glad News, God Love You My Muslim Friend". Samy explains a few ways that Christians can reach out to our Muslim friends. He recommends that we start with common ground: Jesus as Messiah, Abraham and Isaac, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 9/11 many American Christians became afraid of Islam. Even to the point of no longer wanting to share the gospel with Muslims. On this special episode of the Truce Podcast, Chris speaks with Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries and Samy Tanagho, author of "Glad News, God Loves You My Muslim Friend". In this episode we discuss:* How international ministries can impact Muslim countries like Iran through media* Ways Christians can reach out to Muslims* Encouragement for Christians to love on Palestinians as well as Jews.* Economic and social issues within Iran, including massive inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If life begins at conception, what do we do with all of the embryos left after in vitro fertilization? Author and journalist Nate Birt joins us to discuss embryo adoption and his book Frozen But Not Forgotten. This is a Truce Podcast extra. Truce is a listener supported show. Donate on Patreon, GoFundMe, and on our website. Send us an email to let us know what you think of the show and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle murder Virginia Rappe? That questions defined the film industry for thirty years. Upset with Hollywood's moral failures, Christians demanded changes. We took over, fighting until the studios decided to censor themselves.This special episode of Truce ties into our last episode with Abby Johnson of the Unplanned movie. This episode explores:* Who was Fatty Arbuckle?* Who was Virginia Rappe?* Did Fatty Arbuckle murder Virginia Rappe?* What is the MPAA?* What started the Motional Picture Association of America?* Did Christians really censor the golden age of films? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freedom of speech. We all say we want it, but do we really? On this episode of the Truce podcast, we talk with Abby Johnson, the subject of the new film "Unplanned" which hit theaters in March. Abby shares her story of having worked for Planned Parenthood and how she quit after witnessing an abortion for herself. Please note: this episode may not be appropriate for all listeners. We also speak with Dr. Richard Land about his thoughts concerning censorship. The interviews in this show (including American Family Radio, The Museum of the Bible, and more) were recorded at the 2019 Proclaim Conference, hosted by the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Anaheim, CA. Special thanks to their team for allowing Chris to attend for free with a press pass. Topics discussed in this episode: Did Twitter block the account for the Unplanned movie? Do we really want unregulated freedom of speech? Why were conservatives so upset when NFL players knelt during the national anthem? Are Christian and conservative mess

Did you know that Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump have all stumped for the multi-level marketing industry? MLMs, direct sales, and network marketing have powerful friends. But what about Christian "celebrities"? On this, our fourth and final episode on MLMs, we're going to demonstrate how the gospel is used to sell an illegitimate business model. People like Josh McDowell have spoken for Amway. But does that make his actions wrong? He is, after all, there to preach the gospel to a captive audience. Who can blame him?Ideas explored in this episode:* What was the Trump Network?* Did Bill Clinton speak at Amway events?* How was George Bush involved with MLMs?* Who is Terri Savelle Foy?* Can we mix the gospel and business?* Why do Christians and people of faith sell for pyramid schemes?* How do pyramid schemes target Christians?Want more information and links? Visit our website at www.trucepodcast.com. Truce is a listener supported show. Donate now on Patreon, GoFundMe,

The Amway Decision. The Federal Trade Commission decided that Amway was not an illegal pyramid scheme, but a legitimate business. How did that happen? Why is it important. This week on the Truce Podcast we're joined once again by Robert Fitzpatrick of Pyramid Scheme Alert (https://pyramidschemealert.org/), author of Ponzinomics to explore the history of MLMs.Also in this episode is a brief history of the founders of Amway: Richard DeVos and Jay VanAndel. The DeVos name probably sounds familiar. Our current Secretary of Education is Betsy DeVos, daughter-in-law to Richard. She's made a lot of news in her position because of her stances on charter schools and arming teachers in public schools. A lot of information for this episode came from the book "Dark Money" by Jane Mayer (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/215462/dark-money-by-jane-mayer/9780307947901/). It is an excellent read and raises a lot of good questions about money in politics. Did you know that the Truce Podcast is listener supported? Find

We know that tying business to religion can be tricky. Think about recent stories involving Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, or In-N-Out Burger. But what happens when we tie our religion to a business model that just doesn't work?That's what many multi-level marketing (MLM) companies do every day. They saddle distributors with debt and product they can't sell... often in the name of Jesus. We're joined once again by Robert Fitzpatrick of Pyramidschemealert.org, author of Ponzinomics. Questions answered: (well... we put this here to help search engines)What is an MLM?Is this company a scam?What is a pyramid scheme?Do people lose money on MLMs?Is direct sales for me?How do people get rich in direct sales?Is this a Christian company? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is multi-level marketing? It turns out, it is a very popular business model that targets Christians and other people of faith. But... it is almost guaranteed to fail. Because MLM's and direct sales companies are not designed to sell a product but to sell the business itself.Joining us for this episode is Robert Fitzpatrick. He's the president of Pyramid Scheme Alert and the author of the new book “Ponzinomics: The Untold History of Multi-Level Marketing and How Direct Sales Became an American Swindle”.Also mentioned in the episode is the podcast The Dream. Season one talks in great detail about pyramid schemes. Please be aware that some of the episodes use strong language.Topics covered in this episode:What is multi-level marketing?What is a pyramid scheme?What is a Ponzi scheme?Who are Ponzi schemes named after?Who was Charles Ponzi?Is multi-level marketing the same thing as a pyramid scheme?What is the difference between a pyramid scheme and multi-level marketing and a Ponzi scheme?What is a good book