CrossRhoades: An Agnostic on Politics & Religion

In this episode Jack Rhoades takes a sobering look at the words of the President and the social, political and theological impact of the rhetoric used by the President and his Secretary of Defense with regard to the war in Iran. The unprecedented language of the President, stating the entire Iranian civilization "...will die tonight..." is placed in the context of international law, theology and the division it has caused within some very prominent MAGA influencers.

This week Jack Rhoades provides his commentary on "Wokeness" and his desire to take back control of the narrative from the political and social Right. Likewise, Jack shares a few of his thoughts on this past weekend's No Kings Rallies and Protests, including his wondering why the crowds are not more diverse.

When a pastor and spiritual adviser to the Secretary of Defense is on a podcast that calls a U.S. Senate candidate a demon who needs to be "stopped by any means necessary," and that same Secretary of Defense boasts about destroying enemies "as viciously as possible" while holding Pentagon worship services and praising the Crusades — it's worth asking a question Jesus himself gave us the tools to answer.Not who's a "real" Christian. That's not my chair to sit in.But what are the fruits?This week on CrossRhoades, we look at the collision between Brooks Potteiger, Joshua Haymes, Pete Hegseth, and James Talarico — and what it reveals about a theology that has found its way from a podcast studio to the highest levels of American military power.You'll know them by their fruits. Jesus said so.

In this episode Jack Rhoades takes a look at the complex and sometimes controversial issue of poverty in America. Sharing the unique perspective of the "safety net" from the point of view of a homeless mother that it failed and from the perspective a businessman it served well, this episode is sure to drive curiosity.

In today's episode Jack Rhoades exams the powerful and influential effects of Christian Nationalism in America today. From the way a large segment of the Christian Right blends national identity with religious identity to the way they exert their power within every level of government.

In this episode Jack Rhoades invites listeners into a one of the tough questions of Christianity in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel, the U.S. and Iran. Jack asks if the teachings of Jesus are still relevant in a world of geopolitical complexities Jesus never could have imagined. Jesus call to followers to be peacemakers, to love their enemies stands at the core of the discussion.

This week Jack Rhoades does a bit of soul searching as he is confronted with the notion of inherent bias. Join the honest discussion of biases we may all have and what we can do to counter them.

This week Jack Rhoades shares thoughts on polarization, tribalism and divisions within our society and even our family and circle of friends. An interesting encounter at Exit 114 on I24 in Tennessee is the heart of this episode.

This week Jack Rhoades continues his reflections on Minneapolis, Trump, the National Prayer Breakfast and the cost of beliefs and convictions.

CrossRhoades goes on location to the makeshift memorial on the site of Alex Pretti's death at the hands of federal immigration enforcement agents on the near south side of Minneapolis. Jack Rhoades seeks understanding and clarity in the face of something that may not have any of either.

In this episode, Jack Rhoades confronts the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti — a Minnesota ICU nurse killed by federal agents amid protests — and the national reaction that followed. Rather than offering tidy answers, Jack invites listeners into the struggle of holding courage, compassion, and conviction together in a moment that feels as raw as it is urgent.

In today’s political climate, certainty is loud and doubt is treated like a liability. The same has always held true in the religious realm.In this inaugural episode of CrossRhoades, Jack Rhoades introduces himself not as an expert with answers, but as a fellow traveler asking better questions. A former United Methodist minister turned agnostic, Jack reflects on politics, faith, and the complicated ways they shape our lives and public conversations.This episode sets the tone for what CrossRhoades is and is not. It’s not a debate stage or an outrage machine. It’s a space for thoughtful people who feel uneasy with absolutism, wary of slogans, and hungry for honest reflection. Here, belief is examined, doubt is welcomed, and curiosity is the engine of depth and growth.If you’ve ever felt caught between what you were taught and what you now see playing out around you, this is your invitation to step into the conversation.