Crossing Faiths

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, founder of the Salam Institute, about his work in conflict resolution, interfaith engagement, and peacebuilding. The discussion centers on the Salam Institute's mission to address conflict from within local cultural and faith frameworks, highlighting how Islamic principles of mercy (rahmah) and reconciliation (sulh) can be leveraged to counter extremist ideologies, reduce Islamophobia, and combat the politics of fear. Dr. Abu-Nimer outlines the institute's initiatives to integrate forgiveness and nonviolence curricula into education systems across the Arab region, its domestic programs engaging youth in the DMV area and U.S. Muslim schools, and an upcoming academic conference focused on expanding empirical research on localized peacebuilding. Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer is a Palestinian-American scholar, author, and peacebuilder. He serves as a Professor in the School of International Service at American University and holds the Abdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, he founded the Salam Institute for Peace and Justice to advance civic education, capacity building, and interfaith dialogue.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Elliot speaks with Adam Terrell about his book Public Stoning: God's Design for a Nation Without Prisons, exploring a Christian perspective on prison abolition through the implementation of biblical law and judicial alternatives. Terrell outlines his framework of complete intra-ecclesial jurisdiction, arguing that modern prisons are an unlawful form of punishment under Scripture and that Christian congregations should exercise internal discipline, restitution, and—where biblical criteria are met—capital punishment rather than relying on secular state systems. The conversation examines Old Testament penal precedents, including the death penalty for severe or persistent offenses like childhood rebellion and blasphemy, while touching on historical theocracies, Calvin's Geneva, and the role of voluntary submission in ecclesiastical governance. Terrell also reflects on his homeschooling background, his work running a faith-based halfway house, and a practical scenario from his book's epilogue designed to test judicial discernment within church communities. Born and raised in Denton, Texas, Adam was extensively educated in the Bible by his father and has no academic credentials, for better and for worse. He hosts a quarterly podcast that focuses on neglected Biblical law, and he has worked in the TV/film industry documenting work on government, public healthcare, and law enforcement.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John and Elliot discuss the complex interplay of theology, politics, and power dynamics surrounding Christian Zionism and political advocacy groups like CUFI (Christians United for Israel) and AIPAC. They critically examine the motives behind Christian Zionism, debating whether its support for Israel stems from apocalyptic end-times prophecies or biblical promises, while highlighting the contrast between political rhetoric and theological beliefs. The conversation also delves into the historical and spiritual significance of the Temple Mount, questioning the validity of various religious claims over sacred sites in Jerusalem and contrasting Islamic and Christian perspectives on relics and holy places.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Halim Rane, Professor of Islamic Studies at Griffith University, to explore the complexities surrounding Islamophobia, religious literacy, and Muslim identity in contemporary Western societies like Australia and the United States. Prompted by Rane’s recent article for ABC Religion & Ethics, the conversation examines how media narratives and political discourse often conflate mainstream Islam with extremist groups, leading to systemic disparities in government responses and funding when addressing hate speech against different religious groups. Rane highlights the rich, multi-generational history of Muslims in Australia—including historical connections with Indigenous populations—and emphasizes the theological foundations in the Quran and Sunnah that mandate peaceful coexistence, human security, and adherence to civic covenants. Halim Rane is a Professor of Islamic Studies and a Sociologist of Religion. He leads the Islam-West Relations field of study at Griffith University where his teaching and research focus on contemporary Islamic thought, covenants in Islam, religious and ideological extremism, and interreligious relations. Professor Rane is a recipient of the prestigious ‘Australian University Teacher of the Year’ award and a founding member and president of the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS). He has authored over 80 publications on Islam and Muslim issues, including his latest book, Covenants with Allah: Keystone of Islam.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Aiden Simardone about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shifting American political dynamics, and the role of alternative media and discourse in shaping public understanding. Simardone details his research methodology as an analyst and podcaster, outlines his critique of Zionism as an ideology distinct from Judaism, and argues that evolving demographic attitudes in both the United States and the Jewish diaspora are weakening unconditional support for Israel. The discussion covers the legal and moral implications of the war in Gaza, potential domestic accountability for citizens participating in foreign military actions, and economic and demographic vulnerabilities within Israel. Simardone advocates for a single-state solution ensuring equal rights for all inhabitants alongside economic redistribution, while predicting that an eventual decline in U.S. intervention will coincide with a broader shift toward a multipolar Middle East. Aidan Simardone is a geopolitical analyst and immigration lawyer. His writings on international relations have appeared in Newsweek, Jacobin and The Cradle. Aidan's legal advocacy has been featured in The Guardian, Al Jazeera and CBC. He hosts the Simardone Show and produces videos on current events and Global South history on social media @aidansimardone. In 2023 he received media attention for being "The Smartest Man In Canada" after a street interview went viral.