When idolatrous invaders plunder Israel, iconoclast Judge Gideon demonstrates that victory must be achieved through spiritual means. Salvation and kingship can come only through a grassroots movement and adherence to tradition. (Gidon, Gideon, netzach, spirituality, physicality, fatherhood, fathers, parents, tradition, faith, Judges, Book of Judges, Bible).

Deborah and Barak have a subtle exchange that leads to crucial lessons in male-female relationships. Ian & Erin break down the 'best practices' for relationships and marriage, and how Deborah and Barak, with help from Above, shifted the thinking of their times away from indulgent, blasphemous idolatry. Emphasis on faith, humility, family meetings, conflict-resolution, healthy conflict, and gender differences. Erin Christensen received her BA from Western Washington University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She was a family history consultant for over five years; did the family history for an Archbishop of the Catholic Church; and was on local television to do family history for several celebrities. She has also held multiple callings at her church…and is an awesome, positive, wholesome cousin of mine! (Media, mainstream media, brainwashing, misinformation, information, truth. Bible. Judges. Book of Judges. Deborah, Devorah, Barak).

A new study shows how sexual restraint leads to flourishing societies. Understand why Jael's achievement demonstrates this, and why she and her people are mentioned in The Book of Judges.  (Jael, Yael, sexual morality, Judges, Deborah).

The Judge and Prophetess Deborah experiences a world similar to our own: full of lies, baloney, and poppycock. Learn how she shakes off the pressure and washes away the brainwashing from the controlled, censored media of her time. Idolatry doesn't stand a chance. (Media, mainstream media, brainwashing, misinformation, information, truth. Bible. Judges. Book of Judges. Deborah, Devorah, Barak). 

Lockdowns. Stay-at-home orders. Emergency directives. 2020 brought the world something that was never new--these practices have been going on for centuries. The infamous Philistines engaged in this 'destruction by subtraction' thousands of years ago. In this episode, I break down the divisive "Guarding" roots of the Philistines and the only solution: Shamgar and his proper use of "Guarding" power. In this episode of Downstream from Religion we highlight Step 2 in the Bible's 7 step process to bring salvation and kingship.

The dramatic story of Ehud brings us validation in a confused world. The point of his sword symbolizes truth and slashes away the aggression of 'tolerance.' King Eglon the "Fat Calf" is defeated and his poisonous idolatry of acceptance is vanquished.

We begin our exploration of the Book, understanding who some of the Tribes and Judges are, and why particular nations are sent to attack Israel.  We end up with lessons in assertiveness, faith, and belief in ourselves.

This episode introduces you to my methodology and gives you the background for the Book of Judges as to how it transitions from the Book of Joshua. I also explain why I entitled the series "Downstream from Religion."