Uh oh! We’re dipping our toes into politics, or at least trying to. Recently, President Trump has announced that he is creating a task force to “Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias” and he is instituting a White House Faith Office headed by Paula White. Jodie and Matthew discuss what this may mean from a religious perspective and then we flesh out a few misunderstandings some people may have, especially about Paula White’s brand of Charismatic Christianity and Prosperity Gospel. We know we are no political scientists, so don’t take this too seriously, but as always, let us know what you think! Happy Super Bowl!

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias – The White House

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Twitter/X: @TheRELTreehouse

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

TikTok: @thereligioustreehouse

Facebook: TRT

Email:TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

We’ve all heard of Jonestown. But do we all know what actually happened? Do we know the story behind the massacre? And perhaps more importantly, do we know the story about after the massacre? Jodie and Matthew discuss the history behind Jonestown and the events leading up to its infamous last moments, followed by a conversation on how Jonestown has been framed by the media and others, and pontificate on potential ways it may be useful to look at Jonestown and “cults” in general.

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Moore, R. (2018). Jonestown, Forty Years On. Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions, 22(2), 3–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26537917

TV Show: “Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown” directed by Marian Mohamed, 2024

Movie: “Jonestown: The Women Behind the Massacre” directed by Nicole Rittenmeyer, 2018

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Twitter/X: @TheRELTreehouse

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

TikTok: @thereligioustreehouse

Facebook: TRT

Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

In their first expedition into the world of Hebrew poetry, Jodie and Matthew discuss the Psalms and answer the burning questions regarding this wide collection of poetry. Using Psalm 137 as an example we examine its context, structure, and interpretations. Who wrote the Psalms? When? How are these Psalms organized? Structured? Performed? Stick around until the end to hear a tiny bit about how Psalm 137 and Rastafarianism overlap!

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

“Rivers of Babylon” by The Melodians, (Song, 1970)

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Twitter/X: @TheRELTreehouse

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

TikTok: @thereligioustreehouse

Facebook: TRT

Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com