Our Times today and tomorrow - Dorian Scott Cole’s Substack Podcast

Food insecurity is a growing problem. It may get worse with economic changes and government program reduction. 3.5 million workers and their families go homeless every year due to business changes. Eventually most find new jobs, but the interim period is inhumane. It can happen to any of us. This non-profit business addresses the food side of the equation, in a self-supporting business model for all, that gives free or discounted food to those in need. Using my business experience and using stress testing, this is designed to work at 50% of target. (I couldn’t get stress testing down to 25%, but 50% is safe.) Also, later this week I’ll publish a very detailed and soundly researched plan to adjust our government, democracy, and capitalism so they work for all, making everyone and every company more prosperous without leaving people out. For more information visit dorianscottcole.com/nationsagenda/food_service.php.Or watch a less information packed video: YouTube video: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

The new normal is growing worse:o Conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot this week.o In June, Democratic state politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered in Minnesota.o Two Israeli embassy employees were killed in Washington in May.o Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was targeted in an arson attack the previous month.o 2024 after an assassination attempt against Trump.o A high school shooting in Colorado resulted in two students wounded. 13-year-old Shooter had an arsenal of firearms.Gun violence is the biggest killer of our children.No one will make it stop but us. It may seem hopeless, but we can do it.Currently free, my book "Unleash Movements that Matter: Break through barriers to change," explains how to effectively create change even for intractable problems. https://dorianscottcole.com/promotions/freesignup.htmMy article this week talks about solving gun violence problems:Stopping the Gun Violence Plague on Patheos. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/newgenerationsexplorefaith/2025/09/stopping-the-gun-violence-plague/Ending the Gun Violence Plague on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

In this series, I look at why the US, and some other nations, need profound change. It isn't a matter of whether change would be nice. It's a matter of we are already well into a decline in social values and economics. But it's not too late to turn it around, and there are ways to create the necessary change, as I also outline in my book: Unleash Movements that Matter: Break through barriers to change, free for a limited time on https://dorianscottcole.com/promotions/freesignup.htm. The first article and podcast in the series, "Turning the World Upside Down" on Youtube, Substack, Patheos, and Apple and Spotify podcasts, explores the challenges and necessity of societal change, drawing parallels between modern social movements and the impact of Jesus's message. I argue that change is universally resisted, yet essential for progress, referencing historical events like the 1960s civil rights and anti-war movements, contemporary issues like racial inequality, and Jesus. It's Biblically sound.I connect these struggles to core American ideals of equality and justice, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and to biblical verses that highlight both peace and division as joint outcomes of profound truth. Ultimately, achieving a more just and peaceful society requires understanding how to effectively organize and push through deeply ingrained resistance, with attitude change being a critical yet difficult, component. The series aims to educate readers on how to initiate and sustain meaningful movements for change. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

I try to be good. But it’s so hard! 21st Century Spirituality and Religion Isn’t it enough to simply try to be good, at least by our own values? Jesus was often impressed by the faith of those outside of Judaism and even said that they would be sitting at the banquet table and in Heaven with him. With this in mind, isn’t the grace of God sufficient? By that standard, is it okay for a gangster to kill many people and then be nice to his family because he has “family values?” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Are there things we can see and know about the spiritual world? There are many hints from Jesus, his apostles, mystics, and NDEs. We have to be discerning about the source of some information - it may have an agenda. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Secrets hook everyone. Secret knowledge seems like it might have more to offer than anything else. Is there wisdom in old literature, especially texts that are lost to history?Do the Masons, Knights Templar, and other secret societies know something we don't? Secrets put a lot of people in danger, like the Templars. In this week's post I look into the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. Why was it not included in the Bible? Why was it labeled Gnostic and heresy? It could be some people simply wanted it repressed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Explores the philosophical question of suffering and God's role in it, challenging traditional notions of divine omnipotence and human passivity. Instead of questioning God's actions, humanity should focus on its own responsibility to address injustice and suffering in the world. A Bible verse from Amos emphasizes a call to action and co-creation with God, rather than simply accepting hardship as part of a divine plan. Binary logic in understanding complex spiritual and existential questions, fails to reach a nuanced approach that acknowledges human free will and the inherent challenges of life. Readers should view tragedies as opportunities for collective improvement and social justice, highlighting humanity's partnership with God in making the world better. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Do we expect candy from God? What do we expect?Our expectations are often set by the most trivial of things. We often overlook what is expected of us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Explores fundamental questions about God, including various perspectives on understanding and experiencing the divine, including philosophical arguments like the First Cause and Intelligent Design, the source of morality, and the significance of religious experiences. It also discusses the human tendency to anthropomorphize God and touches upon historical concepts of deities in ancient religions. Ultimately, belief in God is often a lived, experiential journey rather than a matter of scientific or logical proof.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Will Gen Z be effective in making needed changes so that the problems of the 20th. Century quit plaguing us? Or will they fail like so many previous generations? I'm for this generation, but my confidence level is around 44%. They need to get this up to over 60% to reach a tipping point, and 75% to be unstoppable. In this podcast, I evaluate seven what I think are critical factors in the ability of new generations to make change. Patheos blog article: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/newgenerationsexplorefaith/2025/05/is-a-new-world-dawning/ To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

I look around me and the world is on fire with rage against everything. The lack of money is at the root of much of it. The less we understand those different from ourselves, the more easily fear and condemnation take root. What makes so many people seem callous and uncaring towards others? Have they truly bought into this 'dog eat dog' world concept?It's disheartening to see how many people have such a negative view, even a fearful one, of a higher power, believing we're all inherently bad and condemned.But let me assure you: the world, despite its challenges, is a better place than it has ever been. You are not inherently 'bad to the bone' or out of favor with a higher power, but we should always evaluate our behavior. And importantly, we absolutely have the capacity to create a much better world for everyone.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

We are what we think. If we think of ourselves as bad, we tend to get worse. If we think of ourselves as good, we tend to get even better. Some Christians focus on how bad we are and we’re doomed. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Will Christianity die with a whimper like so many cults of old? Or is there real power in Christianity that people can find? Many powerful people have hijacked Christianity so that it is hardly recognizable, and new generations see the tragic misrepresentations and avoid it. They like Jesus and are spiritual, but can't live with injustice supported by some. A purified message might win the day. But can the "devil" be rooted out of the church?Dorian Scott Cole’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Some modern religious and political extremists are hijacking the faith by conflating it with nationalistic and discriminatory agendas, mirroring historical instances of religious zealotry that destroyed the Jewish Temple, destroyed the Jewish nation, and can destroy Christianity.Subscriptions are free. Dorian Scott Cole’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

A dangerous movement falsely claiming "Jesus was wrong" has infiltrated government, military, and even churches, prioritizing power over Jesus' core teachings of love and service. This "hijacking of Christianity" distorts Jesus' authentic message, which resonated with past and present generations through its inherent truth.Subscriptions are free. Dorian Scott Cole’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Dorian Cole's article on Patheos explores the concept of "hijacking Christianity," arguing that power and financial gain have increasingly distorted its core message of love and service. He contends that historical and modern examples, such as the rise of "corporate Christianity" and the blending of political agendas with religious practices, demonstrate this deviation. Cole contrasts this with the actions of Jesus and the values of younger generations who prioritize authenticity and social justice. The piece references biblical verses and historical events to support its claim that the pursuit of wealth and influence can undermine the true essence of Christian teachings. Ultimately, the article calls for a return to the central principles of love, compassion, and working towards a better world for everyone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Are you a musician, writer, or filmmaker? Are you worried AI will eliminate your job or destroy creativity? Here is good news for you.The creative world is buzzing with concerns about AI. Videos and articles shout doomsday headlines about how AI will replace us or kill us. But can AI replace us? As a writer, musician, and filmmaker, I understand the concerns. I can alleviate some of these. But I also tell it like it is.Podcast is from my Patheos article on New Generations Explore Faith. Copyright © 2025 by Dorian Scott Cole This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

A futuristic story Chapter 1: Can AI police itself?Dorian Scott Cole’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. Most posts are free. Only subscribers can comment. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Dorian Cole's "The Beautiful Generation" explores the concept of vulnerability as a strength, particularly among younger generations, contrasting it with older generations' emotional restraint. The article examines how embracing imperfection and authenticity fosters deeper connections and self-understanding. It emphasizes cultivating self-worth by challenging negative self-talk and focusing on personal strengths and achievements, while also navigating societal pressures of perfection. The piece suggests practical strategies for building self-esteem, practicing self-compassion, and establishing supportive relationships. Ultimately, the author promotes self-acceptance and connecting with others as ways to embrace one's inherent worth. The article closes with resources for building community, ways that churches can minister to new generations, and opportunities to develop probability and potential thinking. Original article link with additional information and resources: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/newgenerationsexplorefaith/2025/02/the-beautiful-generation/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe

Reflections on 50 years of marriage, sharing humorous anecdotes about early missteps and offering advice for marital success. I attribute the declining divorce rate to increased maturity and pragmatism in modern relationships. I emphasize the importance of clear communication, commitment, and addressing issues proactively. The post also includes personal reflections and original an love song. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dorianscottcole.substack.com/subscribe