According2Sam Podcast

'Reverse the Trend'

The United States and Israel have long been engaged in a shadow conflict with Iran, involving proxy forces and covert operations. Over the weekend, that conflict escalated into direct military strikes on Iranian targets, killing several senior officials. For years, war-hawks in Israel and the United States have advocated for stronger direct military action or regime change in Iran, and now they are getting what they have long wanted. Critics argue that President Donald Trump, who previously pledged to avoid new foreign wars, may be influenced by these hawks rather than what is best for the American people. What actually motivated his decision to authorize military action, and does this violate his commitment to pursue peace? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #388. 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]

'Antisemitism'

When Antiochus IV Epiphanes marched into Judea in 167 BC, laid siege to Jerusalem, and defiled the Temple, his actions sparked a revolt that is still commemorated today. The festival of Hanukkah—which means “dedication” and is celebrated for eight days each winter—marks this event. The Maccabees ultimately defeated the Seleucid forces, regained control of Judea, and cleansed and rededicated the Temple to Yahweh. Antiochus not only desecrated the Temple and humiliated the Jewish people, but he also persecuted and killed many of them. Although it may be tempting to describe Antiochus simply as an antisemite motivated by hatred of the Jews, that interpretation can be overly simplistic. What other factors might have motivated Antiochus to persecute the Jews, apart from antisemitism? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #387. 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]

'British Mandate'

After the viral interview between Tucker Carlson and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, I realized that the major point of contention is not whether the nation of Israel should exist or whether the Jewish diaspora has a right to migrate there. Rather, the issue is where that right comes from. Carlson stated that he believes Israel should exist as a Jewish state, but he pressed Ambassador Huckabee on the source of that right. When Huckabee insisted that it comes from God and rests on a biblical mandate, Carlson strongly challenged his claims. He questioned the biblical borders, the ancestry of the settlers, and how we can know they are Abraham’s descendants, as the Bible describes. Ultimately, the debate raises a broader question: Why is the British Mandate a stronger argument than the biblical mandate for Israel’s right to exist? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #386. 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]

'The New Israel'

Former Miss California, Caroline Prejean Boller, has been in the news lately after she was removed from the White House's Religious Liberty Commission. During a recent meeting of the commission, Caroline engaged in heated debates with Jewish guests and other members. The confrontation centered around Zionism, antisemitism, and her question of whether not being a Zionist means one is an antisemite. The answer given was yes. Caroline, who was raised as an evangelical Christian but has since converted to Catholicism, said that response was anti-Catholic because Catholics do not embrace Zionism. In a later interview, she claimed that Catholic teaching holds that the Church is the New Israel. Is there a rise in opposition to Zionism among Catholics, and does Catholic teaching support it? The Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #385. 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]

'Syrian Wars'

The Maccabean Revolt is one of the most important events in Jewish history. The Maccabees defeated the Seleucid Empire under Antiochus Epiphanes and established a new Jewish dynasty under Hasmonean rule. They took control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple after Antiochus defiled it with pagan gods and the blood of swine. This is commemorated each winter with the celebration of Hanukkah and the lighting of the menorah. However, there is much more to the story. The Seleucid Empire was far more powerful than the band of Jewish rebels who defeated it. They had more soldiers, better weapons, and cavalry with horses and elephants. How did the Syrian Wars weaken the Seleucid Empire and allow the Maccabees to win despite unfavorable odds? The Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #384. 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]