Ezra Institute Podcast for Cultural Reformation

Latest Episodes:

Buddhism II: The Buddhist Illusion and its Seduction of the West Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen delve into Buddhism's surprising influence on Western thought. They discuss the core teachings of Buddhism, its impact on Western minds through figures like Sam Harris and the Dalai Lama, and why Buddhism's philosophy offers little more than a self-salvation death cult. The conversation contrasts Buddhist detachment with Christian transformation and looks at how Christians can respond to and understand these cross-cultural influences. The episode also explores the global sociopolitical implications of popular Buddhist teachings and highlights the superiority of a Christian worldview rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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CHAPTERS: 00:00 ReformCon '25 00:46 Cold Open: Buddhism's Influence on Western Culture 02:12 Podcast Intro 02:36 Introduction and Overview 03:08 Exploring Buddhism's Practical Expressions in the West 03:56 Sam Harris: Atheism Meets Buddhism 06:44 The Illusion of Self and Personal Identity 09:04 The Contradictions of Sam Harris's Views 21:29 Mindfulness and Detachment: A Critical Look 41:29 The Reality of Pain and Suffering 53:19 Exploring Pleasure from Pain 54:00 Contradictions in Moral Landscape 54:20 Acknowledging Pain and Suffering 54:45 Counterfeit Relief and Thought Detachment 55:46 Christian Perspective on Anxiety and Prayer 57:04 Escapism vs. Embracing Humanity 57:30 Sam Harris's Teachings on Self-Illusion is Delusion 59:14 Christian Response to Buddhist Self-Illusion 01:09:41 Critique of Buddhist Ethics and Karma 01:11:00 Dalai Lama's Influence and Secular Ethics 01:33:56 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events 01:36:20 Podcast Outro

The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition;

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/ For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

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World Religions: Buddhism - Part I Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen examine the origin, history and core beliefs of Buddhism.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Cold Open 03:20 Podcast Intro 03:40 Welcome 05:25 The Historical Context of Buddhism 08:00 The 3 Periods of the Buddha's Life 14:33 Core Teachings: The Four Noble Truths 21:00 Inherent Problems with the Four Noble Truths 25:10 The Great Buddha (Messiah) to Come 32:01 Liberation: The Renunciation of Self 33:03 Folk Buddhism vs. Enlightened Buddhism 35:06 Buddhism's Self-Salvation is a Death Cult 36:41 ReformCon '25 AD 37:27 Navigating the Eightfold Path: Ethical Conduct in Buddhism 46:15 The Illogic & Hopelessness of Buddhism 48:46 Understanding Nirvana 50:00 Desire is NOT the Enemy 54:00 The Eightfold Path is Full of Pot Holes 58:50 Various forms of Buddhism: Tantric, Zen, Animism and Occultism 01:03:11 Gnosticism Within: Illusion, Sin and the Self 01:09:00 Body/Mind Dualism within Buddhism 01:14:15 Conclusion 01:15:06 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

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World Religions: Hinduism Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Pastor Nate Wright examine the world and life view of Hinduism.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Cold Open: Hinduism 05:40 Intro 07:50 Show Set Up 23:06 Hindu's Origin & Mythology 27:15 ReformCon '25 AD 28:01 The Gnostic Root of Hindu Paganism 35:34 The Hiduisation of the West: Oneism vs. Twoism 50:19 The Cultural Implications of Karma 56:19 Conclusion and Upcoming Conference 01:00:09 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

A Biblical Response to Trump's Joint Session Address Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Joe Boot think Christianly about Donald Trump's recent Joint Session Address.

Episode Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkFKNkAEzQ8

Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

World Religions: Judaism Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot is joined by Ezra Fellow P. Andrew Sandlin to talk about Judaism.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Cold Open: Judaism 04:52 ReformCon '25 AD 05:40 Intro 06:04 Welcome 07:28 Understanding Judaism 09:13 Theological Reflections on Judaism 14:26 The Concept of God in Judaism and Christianity 32:19 The Term 'Judeo-Christian' 35:55 Core Features of Judaism 38:45 Misunderstanding the Law in Modern Judaism 41:16 The Role of the Temple and Sacrificial System 43:15 The Blindness of Modern Judaism 48:21 The 'Puritan Hope' 51:32 Understanding Antisemitism: Interest Bedfellows 01:02:46 Christianity is True Judaism 01:09:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Conference 01:13:05 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Education: Secular or Christian? Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re featuring a thought-provoking interview with Dr. Joe Boot on Revelation TV, where he tackles the critical question: Should education be Christian or secular? In this discussion, Dr. Boot examines the foundations of modern education, the role of faith in shaping our understanding of truth, and why a truly Christian worldview must extend to how we teach and train the next generation. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on the impact of education in shaping culture and the future of society.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Fighting to WIN the Culture War Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen discuss the recent cultural victories in the Christian community, focusing on the importance of engaging with current events through a biblical worldview. They analyze the implications of tariffs on national identity and trade, the role of taxation, and the cultural shifts in corporate America regarding DEI and CRT. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to direct their frustrations toward the correct political figures and to celebrate the positive changes occurring in society. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various cultural shifts observed during the Super Bowl, the evolution of entertainment platforms like Saturday Night Live, and the importance of boldness in addressing societal issues. They reflect on the significance of recent events in media and entertainment, emphasizing the need for Christians to engage in cultural conversations and uphold biblical values. The discussion culminates in a reminder of the enduring nature of God's word amidst changing societal norms.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461

CHAPTERS: 00:00 ReformCon '25 AD 00:46 Intro 01:05 Welcome 02:00 WINNING! 05:41 Thinking Through the Headlines 06:42 Anti-Americanism as Faux Canadian Patirotism 09:00 Canada vs. USA: Tariffs & Trade Wars 27:50 Big Business Ditching DEI? 32:38 A Super "Safe" Super Bowl 36:50 SNL 50: A Cultural Shift in Comedy and Cancel Culture? 43:53 Marvel Moving Back on Wokism? 48:39 Capitalize on the Winds of Change 52:25 Pursuit: Keep Pushing! 54:28 Conclusion 59:52 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

World Religions: Jehovah's Witnesses Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen step into the watchtower to examine the origin, history and beliefs of the cult–Jehovah's Witnesses.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/v6hi4pg-zoroastrianism.html

CHAPTERS: 00:00 ReformCon '25 AD 00:45 Cold Open: The Religion of Zoroaster 05:27 Intro 05:48 Examining the Watchtower Podcast 01:05:25 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

World Religions: Zoroastrianism Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Joe Boot examine the origin, history, and theology of one of the world's most primitive dualistic pagan religions: Zoroastrianism. Though small, this religion has had a significant impact on history. Join us as we dive deep into Zoroastrianism.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/v6hi4pg-zoroastrianism.html

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Cold Open: The Religion of Zoroaster 03:15 Intro 03:25 Welcome 05:03 Upcoming Events 07:02 Why Zoroastrianism? 11:21 Who is Zoroaster or Zarathustra? 13:10 What Did He Teach? 18:00 Understanding Zoroastrianism through a Biblical Lens 20:18 Nimrod & The Table of Nations 21:56 Zoroaster: The Seed of the Woman? 23:47 The Hope for the Seed of the Woman, the Seed of Religion 34:10 ReformCon '25 AD 34:56 A Distorted Faith 37:12 The Influence of Zoroastrianism/Ancient Dualism 43:10 Saoshayant: The Zoroastrian Messiah 43:47 Core Beliefs of Zoroastrianism 46:14 Salvation Without Atonement 49:34 Ahura Mazda: An Impersonal God 53:27 The True Seed of the Woman: Jesus Christ 59:23 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Mormonism ft. Cultish's Jeremiah Roberts Jan 29, 2025

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In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright is joined by Cultish's Jeremiah Reoberts to discuss the origins, history, and theology of Mormonism–The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Don't miss this riveting discussion on a uniquely American mythology.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 ReformCon '25 00:46 Cold Open: Origins of Mormonism 07:19 Intro 07:40 Welcome 09:57 Engaging the Cults 16:56 A Concise History of Mormonism 29:37 The Cult Tendnecy to Bypass the Mind 31:31 Reaching Your Mormon Neighbour 37:12 Are Mormons Christians?: Examining LDS Theology 47:43 False Religions & the Lack of Atonement 49:17 The Modern Mormon Challenge & the Future of the LDS 58:04 Presupp and the Internal Critique of Mormonism 01:01:37 3 Things: Tell Better Stories, Guard Your Heart, Know Your Bible 01:06:00 The Word of God MUST Be Your Firm Foundation 01:08:43 Conclusion/Send-off 01:11:30 Outro

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: Christ is King World Missions Conference - "Gospel Culture" | January 19-22, 2025 | San Antonio, TX: https://christisking.church/lyw; Faith & Medicine Conference | January 19-22, 2025 | Atlanta, GA: https://faithandmedicine.org/;

REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

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