Numbers 19 outlines the ordinance of the Red Heifer, a purification ritual for those who become ritually unclean through contact with a dead body. According to the law, a blemish-free red heifer must be sacrificed outside the camp, and its ashes collected and mixed with fresh water to create the “water of purification.” A ritually clean person then sprinkles this water on the unclean individual on the third and seventh days, restoring their ritual purity. According to Jewish law, these ordinances must be performed on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem before construction of a new temple can begin. Are plans currently underway to carry out this ritual? If so, how far along are they, and how are these plans contributing to tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #354. 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
Eschatology is the study of events that are believed to bring about the end of human history, the world, or even the universe. There are many different interpretations of eschatology, and often multiple views exist within the same religious tradition. For example, Hinduism and Buddhism each have several different End Time narratives. In Islam, Shiite eschatology differs significantly from that of their Sunni counterparts. Even within Christianity, beliefs about the End Times vary widely—not just between Protestants and Catholics, but among different denominations and theological schools. A particularly divisive topic in Christian eschatology is the role of the modern State of Israel. Many Christians view it as a key component of prophetic fulfillment, while others see it as having no eschatological significance at all. Why is the modern State of Israel so controversial? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #353. 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
Just seven weeks after the October 7th attack, ‘The New York Times’ published an article titled, “Israel Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Ago.” At the time, Israel was launching its ground invasion of Gaza, and the emotional weight of the attack was still fresh. The article revealed that the Israeli government had obtained a 40-page blueprint detailing Hamas’s attack strategy over a year in advance, but many argued it wasn’t the right moment to question the leadership, and that doing so could distract from the mission to eliminate Hamas and rescue the hostages. However, now that the war is over and all hostages have been released, those difficult questions can no longer be avoided. What exactly did the Israeli government know beforehand, and could the attack have been prevented? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #352. 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
The Abrahamic faiths are monotheistic, meaning they involve the worship of only one deity. This sets them apart from the many polytheistic belief systems that have existed throughout history, going back to the ancient Sumerians, who worshipped a pantheon of gods known as the Anunnaki. For most ancient cultures, the idea of worshipping only one god was foreign—it simply didn’t make sense to limit themselves to a single deity. However, the God of Abraham commanded him, and his descendants, not to worship any other gods. The very first of the Ten Commandments is: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Despite this clear directive, the descendants of Abraham eventually turned to idol worship during the time of the Kingdom of Israel. What were the consequences of their idolatry? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #351. 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
It appears that a new peace agreement may be on the horizon in the ongoing conflict between the Palestinians and the State of Israel. The deal would bring an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which began two years ago following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas has reportedly agreed to release all remaining hostages and return the remains of those killed. Additionally, the group has consented to transfer governing authority in Gaza to another body. The specifics of that transition—including which entity will assume control—are currently being negotiated in Cairo, where delegates from both sides are meeting to finalize the terms. Representatives from the Trump administration are also present, acting as mediators. Can they reach a deal that brings lasting peace, or will this be like all of the other peace agreements? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #350. 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
The Tribe of Dan is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Dan, the first of two sons born to Jacob and Bilhah, the maidservant of Jacob’s second wife, Rachel. The tribe is associated with early instances of idolatry in Israel, particularly during the reign of Jeroboam I, who established a shrine in the city of Dan that included a golden calf dedicated to Baal. Notably, the Tribe of Dan is absent from the list of the 144,000 sealed tribes of Israel in Revelation 7. This omission has led to various speculations and interpretations among scholars and theologians regarding the tribe’s spiritual significance and possible future role in prophecy. In the Bible, Dan is symbolically associated with a snake, based on the blessing Jacob gave him in Genesis 49. This serpent imagery has contributed to the tribe’s negative portrayal in biblical tradition. What other animal is associated with the Tribe of Dan? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #349. 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
A 1998 film starring Nicolas Cage, ‘Snake Eyes’, began trending following the recent murder of Charlie Kirk. The movie takes place over a single night at a casino in Atlantic City during a heavyweight boxing match. Notably, the date shown on the event marquee is September 10—the same day Kirk was assassinated. The marquee also features the name of the defending champion: Tyler “The Executioner.” This drew attention, as the man who is being charged with executing Charlie Kirk is also named Tyler. The parallels don’t end there. The film’s plot revolves around the assassination of a politician, shot in the neck—just like Kirk. The character’s name? Charles Kirkland. Is this all a coincidence? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #348. 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
FBI Director Kash Patel shocked the nation last weekend when he revealed on social media that the FBI is still actively investigating the murder of Charlie Kirk. He stated that the bureau is examining numerous aspects of the case, including several conspiracy theories that have been circulating. He said they were still investigating the location from where the shot was taken, the possibility of accomplices, the text message confession and related conversations, Discord chats, the angle of the shot and bullet impact, how the weapon was transported, hand gestures observed as potential signals, and visitors to the alleged shooter’s residence in the hours and days leading up to the assassination. Why was this post so shocking, and how confident can the public be in the narrative presented so far? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #347. 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
Human nature is not complicated. We are all born with the same basic instincts, and it’s easy for us to understand when people act in ways that align with this shared nature. But when someone behaves in a way that diverges from it, we often find it confusing—even foolish. For example, the moment when Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, spoke at his memorial and said she forgave the man who murdered her husband. Many people admitted they could never do what she had done. Even President Trump, speaking after her, implied he could not imagine offering such mercy. Why is her act of forgiveness so difficult for most people to comprehend? Because it is supernatural, and it transcends every natural instinct we possess. What is the source of that supernatural strength, and how can you have it too? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #346. 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
The outraged cries about threats to free speech following ABC Disney's suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' ring hollow—especially coming from the same voices that once cheered when Roseanne Barr was fired for comments about former National Security Advisor Susan Rice. These same individuals also pushed for Tucker Carlson’s removal from Fox News and celebrated when it happened. They applauded social media companies for suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story ahead of the 2020 election and supported censorship of dissenting views during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around vaccines and alternative treatments. Yet now, they claim to be defenders of free speech and the First Amendment. How does their sudden concern only serve to highlight their hypocrisy? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #345. 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
Over the past few days, since the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk, many on the political left have argued that political violence in America is a problem on both sides of the aisle. However, while making that case, numerous individuals on the left have simultaneously been posting videos that callously celebrate and mock Kirk’s death. Some have recorded themselves singing gleeful songs with lyrics like “we got Charlie in the neck,” while others have created T-shirts depicting him being shot, accompanied by slogans such as “debate this” and “protect ya neck.” This widespread mockery and celebration of his murder is coming exclusively from the left. What comparable examples exist of similar reactions from the right in response to a political figure’s murder? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #344. 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
Every year in late spring, as the semester winds down and universities prepare for commencement ceremonies, there is always at least one student who takes to social media to celebrate a particular accomplishment. It’s not just the achievement of completing their education and earning a degree, but they're celebrating the fact that they made it through college without becoming a liberal. In many ways, this is seen as a greater accomplishment than earning the degree itself, given that liberal indoctrination on college campuses has shaped the minds of the vast majority of students. How did Charlie Kirk help students reach this milestone, and why did that make him a threat to his opponents? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #343. 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
In various parts of Europe, a new trend has emerged among women who wear long, loose-fitting shirts—often referred to as "subway shirts"—while commuting on public transportation. The purpose of this clothing choice is to feel safer and reduce the risk of harassment during their daily travels. Many reports of harassment have surfaced in countries such as France and the United Kingdom, with many women sharing their experiences on social media. These posts often include demonstrations of how they use oversized shirts to conceal their figures, along with advice encouraging others to do the same. Is this trend a practical solution to protect women, or does it reflect a larger, unaddressed challenge related to migration and public safety in Europe? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #342. 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
Tensions in the United Kingdom have escalated significantly, with civil unrest approaching dangerous levels. At the heart of the division is the contentious issue of illegal immigration. Many British citizens have expressed frustration over the increasing number of migrants crossing the English Channel and entering the country illegally. One form of protest is a campaign known as ‘Operation Raise the Colours’, where individuals display the Flag of England and the Union Jack in public spaces. Critics argue that the flags are racist, and they have gone so far as to call for a parliamentary ban on them. How is this situation similar to the ongoing immigration debate in the United States, and how has the success of the Trump administration at reducing illegal immigration inspired some in the UK to demand similar government action? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode 341. #unitedkingdom #ILLEGALimmigrants #RaiseTheColours 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
For nearly a decade, we’ve been told that Russian operatives hacked the Democratic National Committee and stole emails and other documents, which were then passed to WikiLeaks and published ahead of the 2016 election. Both WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the Russian government have denied that Russia was the source of the leaked DNC materials. Although no definitive evidence has been publicly presented to prove Russia was responsible, many Americans still accept this claim as fact. However, recent declassifications and disclosures from the current Director of National Intelligence cast doubt on that narrative, revealing that parts of the intelligence community had only low confidence in Russia’s involvement. What, then, is the most likely source of the leaked DNC documents in 2016? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #340. 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
The stakes are high for the 2026 Congressional midterm elections, and both Democrats and Republicans know it. This urgency is driving the mid-decade redistricting efforts now underway in several states. In Republican-controlled states, district lines are being redrawn to boost the party’s chances of retaining control of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats are pursuing redistricting in the states they govern in hopes of regaining power in Congress. If Democrats succeed, it could mark the end of President Trump's agenda—and potentially lead to his impeachment. That’s why the stakes are so high. However, what happens if Democrats fall short? What would that mean for the future of their party? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #339. 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
A new analytical report from The New York Times, published this week, reveals a significant disparity in voter registration between the two major political parties from 2020 to 2024. In the 30 states that track party affiliation, Democrats lost registered voters to Republicans in every single one—often by a large margin. The report describes the Democratic Party as “bleeding support” and in a state of “crisis.” This has left many Democrats questioning why they are losing ground. Yet, based on their current strategy, the answer seems to elude them. Rather than adjusting course, the party appears to be doubling down on everything they have been doing. Why are voters turning away from the Democratic Party, and can they repair the damage before the midterm elections next year? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #338. 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
A recent talking point among some Democrats and members of the legacy media is that President Trump’s efforts to resolve global conflicts are motivated primarily by a desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Some go further, suggesting his interest stems from envy over President Obama’s receipt of the award. Regardless of his motivations, what is undeniable is that President Trump has taken active steps toward peace in several international conflicts. In just six months, he has done more in pursuit of peace than President Obama accomplished in eight years. Has opposition to President Trump become so deeply rooted that it obscures any objective assessment of his actions—even when those actions contribute to global peace? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #337. 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
President Trump set a goal for his second administration: to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He famously stated during last year's campaign that he would end the war on his first day. While he did not achieve that ambitious timeline, he has been aggressively pursuing a peace agreement between the two nations. It marks a significant policy shift from the Biden administration, which made no attempts at diplomacy or peace. The latest effort is hosting a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Many foreign policy experts have criticized this move, suggesting they preferred Biden's approach more. Why is Trump's approach correct, if the objective is really peace? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #336. 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
It’s been over two months since the public fallout between President Trump and Elon Musk. Elon said President Trump was unstable due to his age, while Trump called Musk a “b******t artist.” The spectacle entertained many—especially Democrats and members of the media—who had long predicted a rift between the two. Watching it unfold so publicly was a bonus, playing out in real time across social media feeds. Looking back, the entire episode seems almost too perfect, almost scripted. The most explosive moment came when Musk alleged that Trump appeared in the Epstein files and suggested that this was the reason they hadn’t been released. Since then, Democrats and the media have been obsessed with obtaining the Epstein files. Did they take the bait? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #335. 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