Charlie Kirk was murdered.And the bullet didn’t just take his life — it echoed the very words he spoke just two years ago.“It’s worth having a cost of some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment… That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”This episode isn’t about celebrating anyone’s death — but it is about facing the consequences of cold, ideological rhetoric in a country addicted to guns, violence, and the myth of “God-given rights.”In this episode of Unfiltered Crossroads, we confront:🔺 The chilling irony of Charlie Kirk’s final words being “gang violence”🔺 The coldness of his earlier statement about acceptable gun deaths🔺 The backlash against Black communities and HBCUs — despite a white shooter🔺 The emotional and theological immaturity of American gun culture🔺 The idol worship of the Second Amendment among American Christians🔺 The lie that gun ownership is a “God-given right”🔺 The hypocrisy of the pro-life movement’s silence on gun violence🔺 The moral disconnect between “freedom” and compassionCharlie Kirk died wearing a shirt that said “Freedom.”He was shot while deflecting from mass shootings by blaming trans people and Black people.And he was killed, according to reports, by a white man — not by a gang, not by the boogeymen his movement has obsessed over for years.This episode is not about gloating. It’s about reckoning.With our words.With our idols.With our culture.With ourselves.If we can’t pause here and reflect… when will we?👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — but come correct.We’re not here for performative outrage. We’re here for real talk, unfiltered.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#CharlieKirk #GunViolence #UnfilteredCrossroads #SecondAmendment #ProLifeHypocrisy #ChristianNationalism #WhiteSupremacy #AmericanViolence #GodGivenRights #MassShootings #PoliticalViolence #AmericanChristianity #barronjones

🎙️ Episode 13 | The Pope, the Mascot & the Church: A Reckoning on RepresentationIn this episode of Unfiltered Crossroads, we explore how race, religion, and politics continue to collide in today’s discourse—from representation in sacred spaces to racially charged nostalgia in American sports. Plus, a fan comment sparks a brutally honest look at the legacy of Christianity.🔹 Segment 1: Representation Suddenly Matters—When It’s YouMany people claim representation doesn't matter—until it’s someone they identify with. This segment explores how Americans often dismiss the importance of diverse representation in media, government, and leadership, but celebrated the appointment of the first American-born Pope with pride. The hypocrisy exposes how representation only becomes meaningful when it reflects one’s own identity, and why this selective celebration underscores deeper issues of racial and cultural bias.🔹 Segment 2: Trump Wants the Racist Mascots BackPresident Donald Trump wants to bring back team mascots that many communities have fought to retire—caricatures of Native Americans that have long been viewed as racist. But this isn’t just about sports nostalgia. It’s about reclaiming cultural dominance and signaling resistance to racial progress. This segment dissects why Trump’s comments resonate with some Americans and what it says about the state of race relations in 2025.🔹 Fan Mail: Christianity—Help or Harm?A thoughtful listener challenges the legacy of Christianity, questioning whether it has hurt progress as much as it’s helped. We don’t shy away from the hard truth: from slavery to segregation to modern evangelical complicity in racism, the Church has a lot to answer for. This segment wrestles with the dissonance between Christ’s original teachings and the actions of many who now carry His name.✊🏽 Honest talk. No filters. No slogans.🎧 Subscribe, like, and join the conversation.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#UnfilteredCrossroads #RepresentationMatters #RacistMascots #Christianity #DonaldTrump #CultureWars #RaceReligionPolitics

In this episode of Unfiltered Crossroads, we dive into two hard-hitting conversations that challenge the cultural and racial narratives shaping America today.🟠 Segment One: "Believe All Women" — When Slogans Say Too Much

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, one slogan gained major traction: Believe All Women. At first glance, it appears simple—powerful, even. But what are the implications when a slogan tries to say everything? In this segment, we explore the deeper layers of what happens when language, meant to uplift, begins to oversimplify.We look at:The origin of the “Believe All Women” sloganThe power and danger of slogans that say too muchThe difference between seeking justice and eliminating nuanceThe real-world consequences for victims and the falsely accusedWhy discernment and truth—not blanket beliefs—should guide usA personal story about being falsely accused and how that shaped the host's view on this phraseThis isn’t about silencing women—it’s about making sure the truth doesn’t get lost in the noise of oversimplified rhetoric.⚫ Segment Two: "The Shedeur Sanders Slide – When Talent Isn’t Enough"

The 2025 NFL Draft brought surprise and controversy as Shedeur Sanders—star quarterback and son of Deion Sanders—fell to the fifth round. Analysts and fans alike projected a first or second-round pick. So, what happened?We take a hard look at:Shedeur’s stellar college career at Jackson State and ColoradoWhy most projections had him going in the first two roundsThe uncomfortable question of race and perception in professional sportsWhy competence, confidence and independence often invite criticism when embodied by a Black manThe subtle and not-so-subtle ways anti-Black racism still operates in 2025The burden of having to be “twice as good” just to be seen as equalWe wrap up by reflecting on how buttoned-up, quiet racism hides behind boardroom doors and scouting reports—and how Shedeur’s future success may yet vindicate what his draft position tried to deny.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#BelieveAllWomen #ShedeurSanders #NFLDraft2025 #RaceInSports #MeToo #SlogansAndSociety #BlackExcellence #DeionSanders #RaceReligionPolitics #barronjones #unfilteredcrossroads

In this episode of Unfiltered Crossroads, we tackle two powerful topics that challenge how we think about faith, power, and influence.First, we take a hard look at the intoxicating nature of power—especially in the political sphere. We’re watching leaders who once spoke out against Donald Trump suddenly fall in line to secure their own positions. Why are so many people willing to compromise their morals just to stay close to power? From JD Vance to Marco Rubio, we examine how quickly people switch sides when it benefits them. As Christians, should we be concerned when leaders prioritize power over principle? And what does Jesus teach us about true leadership and authority?Then, we shift gears and ask a different question: Does God care about sports? Some say God has bigger things to worry about, but if He knows the number of hairs on our heads, why wouldn’t He care about something that impacts millions? Athletes pray for victory just like people pray for promotions, protection, and success in their careers. So why do some dismiss the idea that God could have a role in a game? We also break down the deeper issue of competing prayers—when both teams pray for a win or when soldiers on opposite sides of a war both ask for God's protection. How do we understand God’s role in situations where there are clear winners and losers?These discussions will make you think, challenge assumptions and hopefully spark some real conversation.Drop your thoughts in the comments! Are political leaders compromising for power? Do you think God is involved in sports and other competitions? Let’s talk about it.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#barronjones #podcast #UnfilteredCrossroads #politics #FaithAndSports #politicalpower

In this episode, we begin with a sobering discussion on genocide, inspired by the account in Luke 9 where Jesus rebukes his disciples for suggesting the destruction of a Samaritan village. Against the backdrop of modern conflicts and the rise in genocide rhetoric, we examine the historical and cultural context of this passage and draw lessons on restraint, compassion, and rejecting impulsive, destructive solutions to conflict.Next, we dive into the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats program, which allows players to spotlight causes they care about. One player’s choice to support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sparked controversy due to the organization’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. We explore the complexities of freedom of expression, whether athletes should be tied to every aspect of the organizations they support, and the growing tension between personal values and societal expectations.We close with our Fan Mail segment, revisiting listener comments from last week’s fiery discussion on reparations. While the focus was on Donald Trump’s proposal for reparations to white people, many listeners pivoted to debate reparations for Black Americans. We tackle the myths, misconceptions, and outright contradictions in these arguments, highlighting the deep-seated resistance to addressing historical injustices while exposing the double standards often applied to these conversations.Join us for an episode that delves into some of the most contentious topics of our time, unpacking race, religion, politics, and culture with an unfiltered lens designed to challenge and inspire.Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#barronjones #podcast #unfilteredcrossroads #genocide #nfl #mycleatsmycause #reparations

In this episode, we dive into some tough but important conversations about race, faith, and politics.Segment 1: Let’s talk about the tricky spot Black Christians often find themselves in. On one side, there’s the pro-Black movement that sometimes expects faith to take a backseat. On the other, predominantly white Christian spaces that often ignore the realities of being Black in America. How do you stay true to both your faith and your identity when neither side fully embraces you?Segment 2: So, Donald Trump is talking about “reparations for white people.” Yep, you heard that right. We break down what he means by this, how it ties to his fight against DEI programs, and why it’s not as surprising as it might seem. Plus, a little history lesson on how reparations have worked in America—and spoiler, it’s not in favor of Black Americans.Fan Mail: We’re responding to some comments, like the classic “racism was pretty much gone in the ‘90s” and “the best way to end racism is to stop talking about it.” Really? Let’s unpack why these arguments just don’t hold up and why the conversation around racism is far from over.This episode is raw, real and unapologetic. Let’s get into it!Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission.#Race #Faith #Politics #DEI #Reparations #BlackChristians #unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones

In this episode of the podcast, we tackle three pressing topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and politics:*Why Evangelicals Love Culture Wars*We explore the motivations behind the Christian right's obsession with cultural battles, from debates over "woke" ideologies to bathroom laws and Trump Bibles. Are these battles advancing the Kingdom of God, or are they distractions from the true mission of discipleship? We delve into the historical, theological, and societal implications of engaging in culture wars and argue why Christians may need to refocus on living out the Gospel authentically.*How DEI Became a Curse Word for Conservatives*Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become lightning rods for controversy, especially among right-wing conservatives. We examine how DEI has been weaponized as a coded attack on Black professionals and other marginalized groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This segment dives into the hypocrisy of meritocracy claims, the historical context of systemic bias, and the true value of DEI initiatives for creating inclusive and thriving organizations.*Fan Mail: Should the Church Be More Political?*We respond to a listener’s thoughtful comment arguing that “Christ is King of every facet of life, including politics,” and the church should therefore engage more in political life. Is this approach biblical, or does it risk compromising the church’s mission? We analyze the risks of conflating faith and partisanship and why stepping back from the political fray might actually strengthen the unity of the body of Christ.Throughout this episode, we challenge believers to reflect on their role in a polarized society. Are we called to fight culture wars and dominate politics, or are we called to a higher mission of love, justice, and reconciliation?Shout Hallelujah by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission#unfilteredcrossroads #culturewars #podcast #dei #barronjones #diversityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion

In this episode, we dive into some of the most pressing and controversial topics shaping the current cultural and political climate in the United States. First, we discuss the federal judge’s decision to block Louisiana’s law requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. We examine the underlying motivations of such legislation, the broader implications of these culture wars for the church, and why Christians should prioritize authenticity and personal transformation over political stunts.Next, we tackle the challenging question: Can Christians maintain fellowship with those on the opposite end of the political spectrum? With the 2024 election results still fresh, we explore how the divisive rhetoric and partisanship within American Christianity have made unity increasingly difficult. We reflect on the need for repentance, humility, and stepping away from partisanship to foster true Christian fellowship.Finally, in our fan mail segment, we respond to listeners’ reactions to previous episodes, including critiques about race, voting choices, and the enduring legacy of redlining. From addressing the hypocrisy of "letting it go" to dismantling why certain political alignments lack moral authority, we engage candidly with your feedback while holding a mirror to societal and spiritual issues.This episode is a thought-provoking, no-holds-barred look at how faith intersects with politics, culture, and race in 2024. Whether you're grappling with these issues personally or within your faith community, this episode offers insight, challenge, and encouragement for the road ahead.Shout Hallelujah written by Randy Gill, Copyright 2003. Used by permission#unfilteredcrossroads #barronjones #louisiana #tencommandments #politics #politicaldivide