Is what we're hearing about Israel actually true?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, Daniel Cohen—journalist, Israeli resident, and Jewish follower of Jesus—joins me to unpack the growing gap between media narratives and on-the-ground reality in Israel.

From the "apartheid" accusation to the deeper theological questions surrounding Israel's role in history, this conversation cuts through noise and the misinformation from voices, like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, to get us back to truth.

We also explore why this issue isn't just political—it's deeply spiritual—and why Christians must move from passive opinions to informed, prepared boldness.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Do my views on Israel come from firsthand understanding—or media headlines?

• Am I willing to seek truth even when it challenges popular narratives?

📌 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The myth vs. reality of Israel as an "apartheid state"

✅ What daily life actually looks like in Israel

✅ The role of Arab citizens in Israeli society

✅ Media distortion and selective reporting

✅ The 1947 UN Partition Plan and its lasting impact

✅ Why Israel's wars are framed as defensive

✅ The biblical covenant and why it matters today

✅ A breakdown of replacement theology

✅ The concept of Zionism—what it really means

✅ The "Ring of Fire" surrounding Israel

✅ Key Islamic terms shaping global conflict

✅ Why visiting Israel changes everything

✅ The responsibility of Christians in civic engagement

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Study Scripture to understand the full biblical context of Israel

🧠 Question media narratives—seek primary sources

🗳 Engage in voting and civic responsibility

✈️ Consider visiting Israel to experience reality firsthand

🙏 Pray with both conviction and understanding

🔗 Connect with Daniel Cohen:

Website: https://reallifenetwork.com/program/the-daniel-cohen-show

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reallifenetwork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancohentv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newsanchor11

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#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #IsraelTruth #MiddleEast #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndCulture #DanielCohen #ChristianPerspective #Geopolitics #TruthMatters #StandWithIsrael

What happens when politicians use the Bible to support ideas in ways that contradict the Bible?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, Joshua Arnold, senior writer of The Washington Stand, joins me to break down the rise of progressive Christianity in politics with Texas State Representative James Talarico as the most recent case study.

We examine how Talarico uses biblical language to justify modern political positions on issues like abortion and gender identity—and why that approach is gaining traction in today's culture.

We walk through specific examples of how scripture is being interpreted, where those interpretations break down and why biblical literacy matters now more than ever.

This conversation isn't about politics alone—it's about truth, authorit and how we engage a culture that increasingly redefines both.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Do I know Scripture well enough to recognize when it's being misused?

• Am I forming my beliefs from truth—or from persuasive voices?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ What "progressive Christianity" actually is

✅ Why biblical language is being used to support political agendas

✅ The case of James Talarico and his national influence

✅ The debate over gender, language, and the nature of God

✅ How the media amplifyies certain theological voices

✅ The role of biblical illiteracy in shaping public opinion

✅ The difference between interpretation and distortion

✅ Why truth is increasingly seen as subjective

✅ How Christians should respond with clarity—not hostility

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Commit to deeper biblical literacy—know what Scripture actually says

🧠 Think critically about how faith is presented in media and politics

🗣 Engage conversations with truth and humility

🙏 Pray for leaders—even those you strongly disagree with

🔗 Connect with Joshua Arnold / The Washington Stand:

Website: https://washingtonstand.com/

Family Research Council: https://www.frc.org

Twitter/X: https://x.com/frcdc

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

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What happens when politics starts borrowing the language and imagery of faith?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I talk about President Trump's recent social posts, boundaries on political leadership using Christian symbolism, and the growing tension inside the church around accountability and truth.

This isn't about left vs. right—it's about biblical consistency.

From Trump's Easter messaging to AI-generated imagery, this conversation explores a deeper issue: when political influence begins to take on spiritual weight, and why the church must respond with clarity now and not silence.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Do I hold my leaders to biblical standards—or political ones?

• Where might I be confusing loyalty with truth?

📌 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The intersection of faith and political messaging

✅ Why symbolic actions matter more than we think

✅ The concept of "functional idolatry" in modern culture

✅ The difference between biblical leadership and power culture

✅ Why self-control—not retaliation—is true strength

✅ The dangers of using sacred imagery for political gain

✅ The growing silence within the church

✅ Why consistency matters when calling out truth

✅ The role of pastors and leaders as "watchmen"

✅ How fear influences what we choose to say—or not say

✅ Supporting policy without sanctifying politicians

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Anchor your standards in Scripture—not personalities

🧠 Evaluate leaders through character, not charisma

🗣 Speak truth with clarity—even when it's uncomfortable

🙏 Pray for discernment, courage, and consistency

⚖️ Separate political support from spiritual authority

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

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Why do massive cultural moments, like the assassination of Charlie Kirk, 9/11 or national tragedies, spark spiritual interest…but fail to produce lasting faith?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, Dr. George Barna from Arizona Christian University's Cultural Research Center shares new research on the shocking gap between short-term religious response and long-term worldview transformation.

The data is clear: while crises temporarily drive people toward God, they rarely lead to real discipleship.

We explore why that is, what the modern church is getting wrong and how believers can move from passive reaction to intentional, prepared boldness.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Am I reacting to cultural moments or building a lasting biblical worldview?

• If someone challenged my faith today, would I be ready to give a defense of my answer?

📌 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The "six-week window" after national crises

✅ Why church attendance spikes—but discipleship doesn't

✅ The alarming decline of biblical worldview in America

✅ Why only 4% of adults think biblically

✅ The generational collapse (Gen Z & Millennials)

✅ The failure of modern church success metrics

✅ How churches measure the wrong things

✅ The difference between attendance and transformation

✅ How to turn everyday moments into Gospel opportunities

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Build a biblical worldview through daily time in Scripture

🧠 Prepare answers to hard questions before they come

👥 Invest in real discipleship—not just church attendance

🗣 Practice boldness in everyday conversations

🙏 Pray for consistency—not just crisis-driven faith

🔗 Connect with Dr. George Barna / Cultural Research Center:

Website: https://azcu.edu/culturalresearchcenter

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

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Was America simply founded by human effort—or was there someone truly divine more behind it?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, Cynthia Scott and I explore the role of Divine Providence in the founding and shaping of the United States.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary, this conversation challenges the way we think about history, faith and the public square. We walk through key moments—from the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact to George Washington's miraculous survival in battle and Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War—and ask a deeper question: was God actively involved?

We also discuss why so many Christians today hesitate to speak about faith in public life, and why recovering both historical truth and spiritual boldness is critical for the future of the nation.

This episode isn't just about the past—it's about what we do next.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Do I see history as random or guided with purpose?

• Where have I been hesitant to speak truth about faith in public spaces?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ What "Divine Providence" really means in American history

✅ The spiritual intent behind the Pilgrims and early settlers

✅ The significance of the Mayflower Compact

✅ How faith shaped early American education

✅ George Washington's "miraculous" survival stories

✅ The role of prayer during the Revolutionary War

✅ Lincoln, faith and the Emancipation Proclamation

✅ Why Great Awakenings shaped national identity

✅ The danger of Christian self-censorship today

✅ How the 250th anniversary could be a turning point

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Study history for yourself—don't outsource your understanding

🙏 Commit to consistent prayer for your nation and leaders

🧠 Equip yourself with facts about America's spiritual foundation

🗣 Speak truth with clarity and confidence in your sphere of influence

🔗 Connect with Cynthia Scott:

Website: https://godourfounder.com

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org

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🙌 SUBSCRIBE for bold conversations at the intersection of faith, freedom, and truth in a world gone mad.

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Why does it feel like no one agrees on reality anymore?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I speak with veteran religion reporter Terry Mattingly. He writes the nationally syndicated On Religion weekly column and he's joined me to unpack the collapse of objective media—and how the rise of the subscription economy is reshaping truth itself.

We explore how the old model of journalism, which was built on fairness, accuracy and reaching broad audiences, has been replaced by a system that rewards bias, outrage and "preaching to the choir."

The result? A fragmented culture where people live in completely different information worlds.

We also dive into what Terry calls the "religion ghost"—the media's inability to accurately report on faith—and why this blind spot is fueling deeper cultural division between those who believe in absolute truth and those who see truth as subjective and evolving.

This isn't just about news bias. It's about the future of truth, culture and how we understand reality itself.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Am I seeking truth—or just consuming content that confirms what I already believe?

• How has my information diet shaped the way I see the world?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why objective journalism is disappearing

✅ The shift from advertising to subscription-driven media

✅ How media now profits from reinforcing bias

✅ What "information silos" are doing to our culture

✅ The rise of alternative media voices like podcasts

✅ The "religion ghost" and why faith is misrepresented in news

✅ The deeper cultural divide over the definition of truth

✅ How elite media frames "good" vs. "bad" religion

✅ The role of Big Tech in controlling visibility and influence

✅ How AI and technology are shaping the next generation

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧠 Evaluate your information sources—are they forming or informing you?

📖 Seek out perspectives that challenge your assumptions

🗣 Have real conversations with people outside your "information bubble"

📱 Be intentional about how technology shapes your family and worldview

🔗 Connect with Terry Mattingly:

On Religion column: https://tmatt.net

Rational Sheep Substack: https://tmattingly.substack.com

Acton Institute article, Evolving Religion of Journalism - https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/volume-33-number-1/evolving-religion-journalism

GetReligion: https://www.getreligion.org

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

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🙌 SUBSCRIBE for bold conversations at the intersection of faith, freedom, and truth in a world gone mad.

#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #MediaCrisis #TruthMatters #TerryMattingly #Journalism #MediaBias #FaithAndCulture #InformationWar #BoldNotBelligerent

Can the media be trusted anymore? And what happens when news is replaced with camouflaged opinions?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I sit down with Jennifer Nohelty of the Washington Policy Institute to talk about the growing crisis in modern media—and what it will take to restore truth in journalism.

We unpack how media has shifted from factual reporting to opinion-driven narratives, the role of advertisers and consolidation in shaping what stories get told and how alternative voices—like podcasters and independent journalists—are stepping in to fill the gap.

Jenny shares how the Washington Policy Institute is working to create a "revolution of common sense" by bringing together lawmakers, media and firsthand experts to highlight stories the mainstream often ignores.

This conversation is about more than media. It's about truth, influence and the future of public discourse.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Where am I getting my information—and is it shaping my worldview more than truth?

• Am I consuming headlines… or actually seeking understanding?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why modern media has shifted from facts to opinion

✅ The impact of media consolidation and advertiser pressure

✅ How "clickbait culture" is shaping public perception

✅ What shadow banning is—and who it's affecting

✅ The role of Big Tech in controlling information flow

✅ Why independent media voices are rising

✅ How policy makers actually respond to public pressure

✅ The importance of hearing from firsthand sources

✅ The connection between media narratives and public policy

✅ What it will take to restore trust in journalism

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧠 Be intentional about where you get your news

📣 Engage with your elected officials—your voice matters more than you think

🔍 Look beyond headlines and seek primary sources

🤝 Support platforms and organizations committed to truth

🔗 Connect with Jenny Nohelty / Washington Policy Institute:

Website: https://washingtonpolicyinstitute.org

Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernohelty/

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

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🙌 SUBSCRIBE for bold conversations at the intersection of faith, freedom, and truth in a world gone mad.

#PeterDemos #UncommonSensePodcast #MediaBias #JournalismCrisis #TruthMatters #WashingtonPolicyInstitute #FreeSpeech #MediaReform #FaithAndCulture #BoldNotBelligerent

Is patriotism biblical? And what does it actually look like for Christians to engage the culture without compromising their faith?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I talk with Ryan Helfenbein, Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University, about faith, freedom and the responsibility Christians have in today's "negative world."

Loving your country is not in conflict with loving God—if it's rightly ordered. Ryan explains how patriotism can be an extension of loving your neighbor, why disengagement is no longer an option and how Christians can develop a "working apologetic" for civic and political involvement.

We also dive into the cultural shift from a neutral society to one increasingly hostile toward Christian values—and why this moment demands prepared boldness, not silence or retreat.

📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• Have I confused comfort with faithfulness when it comes to engaging culture?

• Where is God calling me to show up—not just speak up—in my community?

📌 In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Is patriotism biblical—or is it idolatry?

✅ The proper hierarchy: loving God first, then country

✅ Why Christians must engage—not withdraw—from culture

✅ The mission of Liberty University & the Standing for Freedom Center

✅ What it means to live in a "negative world" hostile to Christianity

✅ The danger of "low T" evangelicalism and cultural compromise

✅ How to develop boldness before pressure hits

✅ Why presence (not just opinion) shapes the next generation

✅ Discipleship vs. secular indoctrination

✅ The slow drift happening in Christian institutions

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🇺🇸 Get involved locally—school boards, city council, or community initiatives

📖 Build a biblical foundation for your political and cultural views

🧠 Equip yourself to think clearly about faith and public life

🙏 Pray for courage to stand firm without becoming combative

🔗 Follow Ryan Helfenbein / Standing for Freedom Center:

Website: https://standingforfreedom.com

Liberty University: https://www.liberty.edu

Twitter/X: https://x.com/RyanHelfenbein

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/

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