Purpose That Prevails

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis speaks with two religious historians and scholars who, like Otis, grew up as kids during the 1980’s “Jesus Movement” era, and whose faith was shaped by this period of rise in Christian evangelicalism. Dr. Ansley Quiros is a Professor of History at the University of North Alabama, has written extensively on race, politics and religion in today’s society, and has been integral in the development of an interracial faith community in Americas, Georgia. Sam Perry is a Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at the University of Oklahoma, and has been a leading scholar in creating awareness of the dangers that nationalism can have when buttressed with Christian faith, even being interviewed by the January 6th Committee as an expert contributor. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include the rise of Christian nationalism and its dangers to society, how Christianity has become manipulated by American politics, and why racial healing and social justice have helped create multicultural communities in the South. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis discusses the growth of multiculturalism in the Christian church over the last 20 years and it’s positive impact on Christians of all races with Howard & Kellie Brown, a husband & wife pastoral team who are pioneers in the field of “multicultural church planting” for the Presbyterian Church’s PCA, where they have helped bring diversity to Christian communities across the South. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include the history of church planting and how it has successfully brought welcome diversity to predominately White Christian communities across the South, the challenges faced by both black and white parishioners as they seek to share their faith with people outside of their race, and how racial healing has been integral in the success of creating racially diverse Christian communities. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails [https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails]

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis has a dynamic one-on-on talk with religious scholar and award-winning author Dr. Robert P. Jones, whose articles on religion, politics and culture are featured in TIME Magazine, The Atlantic, the New York Times and other major media outlets. He is the Founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and his book, “White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity,” won the 2021 American Book Award. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include the current state of white supremacy in American Christianity, the hidden roots of white supremacy in American history, and how the changing demographics of the US is diminishing the power of white supremacists. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis visits with two of his most esteemed colleagues from his days of working in racial healing and social justice in Mississippi, Dr. Jennifer “Bingo” Gunter, a college professor and civil rights dynamo who has been deeply involved in racial healing and social justice in the South for more than 20 years, and the renowned Dr. Susan Glisson, dubbed a “hero of the New South in civil rights” by Time Magazine, and whose work in civil rights over the last 30 years, especially in Mississippi, has been recognized and supported by global leaders, including former US President Bill Clinton. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include Dr. Glisson’s 30 years as a civil rights pioneer in the South and the experiences that have most impacted her journey, how “Bingo”, Dr. Otis, and dozens of future leaders in racial healing and social justice were mentored by Dr. Glisson and what they learned, and how Susan and “Bingo” recently collaborated on a very special event that brought together the descendants, of all races, of former Confederate General Robert E. Lee to meet, share and engage in racial healing. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis speaks with national speaker, religious historian and New York Times Bestselling author Dr. Jemar Tisby. Dr. Tisby earned his PhD in History at the University of Mississippi and has written 3 books that address racism from a religious, sociological and historical perspective, including the New York Times bestselling book, “The Color of Compromise,” which discusses the history of racial challenges in America and provides solutions designed to bring meaningful integration to the Christian Church. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include Dr. Otis’s and Dr. Tisby’s longtime friendship and their years of work together in racial healing in Mississippi, the history of the Christian church’s battle with racism, and how Dr. Tisby has chosen to embrace writing and speaking as means for positively touching lives rather than preaching on the pulpit. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails