According2Sam Podcast

'Josiah'

In the century between the Assyrian captivity and the Babylonian captivity, the Kingdom of Judah experienced a spiritual roller coaster. King Hezekiah watched the Assyrians destroy the Kingdom of Israel and scatter the northern tribes, but he resisted their advance and remained on his throne in Judah. Hezekiah honored the God of his forefathers by destroying pagan altars and outlawing the worship of foreign gods. However, his son Manasseh was a wicked king who rebuilt pagan shrines and led the kingdom into idolatry. Later in life, he repented and turned back to Yahweh, tearing down the pagan altars once again. After his death, his son Amon rebuilt the shrines and returned Judah to idolatry. When his short reign ended, his son Josiah destroyed the pagan shrines once more and restored the worship of Yahweh in Judah. What happened to Judah as a result of this spiritual fickleness? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #366. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Manasseh'

Manasseh became king of Judah when his father, Hezekiah, died, taking the throne at just twelve years old. He ruled for fifty-five years. Unlike his father—who was a righteous king that honored the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—Manasseh chose a path of extreme wickedness and idolatry. He restored the pagan altars and idols his father had destroyed and turned away from the God of his forefathers. He worshiped pagan gods and practiced witchcraft, divination, necromancy, and even child sacrifice, offering his own son on an altar to Baal. He went so far as to set up altars and idols dedicated to pagan gods within the Temple itself. His reign became one of the most corrupt and evil periods in Judah’s history. How did Manasseh’s reign set Judah on a path that ultimately led to its destruction? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #365. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Empire Strikes Back'

Former President George W. Bush and his family are reportedly planning to end the so-called “Bush Exile” and reclaim control of the Republican Party from President Trump—and to shut down his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement—once Trump leaves office. According to a former Bush aide, Vice President J.D. Vance already has a head start in securing the GOP nomination in 2028. However, there is expected to be a broad, open field, with several potential challengers. Bush may endorse one of these alternatives—and possibly even campaign alongside them. While no specific names have been confirmed, there are a number of figures who could embody the Bush brand of conservatism. How likely is it that Bush could really steer the Republican Party back to its pre-Trump identity, and what strategy might they be using to do so? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #364. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Yom Kippur War'

On October 6, 1973, Israel was suddenly attacked from the north and south simultaneously by Egypt and Syria. It was Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, and the surprise attack caught the Israeli people off guard. Although there was intelligence indicating that an attack was coming, no one believed it would occur on such a solemn holiday. Prime Minister Golda Meir had contacted the United States and requested support from the Nixon administration for a preemptive strike, but Secretary of State Henry Kissinger advised against it, warning that if Israel attacked first, it would be viewed as the aggressor. This decision forced Israel to wait until it was attacked, not knowing when the assault would begin. How did the Yom Kippur War change the relationship between the United States and Israel? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #363. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'American Empire'

The Triggernometry podcast interviewed comedian Dave Smith last week. The two hosts are British citizens, and Smith is a libertarian who strongly opposes aggressive foreign policy and America’s involvement in wars, whether as active participants or as financial sponsors. Smith’s views were challenged by the hosts, who argued that America is an empire and that the world depends on this American empire. They claimed that if the United States were not the global hegemon, a power vacuum would emerge that would be filled by China or Russia. Smith joked, “Then they would be $38 trillion in debt and not us.” He also argued that the United States is a constitutional republic and was never meant to be an empire. Who is correct? Is America an empire or a republic—and what is the difference? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #362. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]