Jesus, Justice + Mercy: Bold faith, radical love and justice for the church

There’s a sacred tension between the Jesus we love and the version of faith many of us inherited. If you’ve ever felt caught in the messy middle, between belonging and questioning, between clarity and disorientation, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, Kristen names the holy discomfort so many of us carry and explores what it means to walk through a season of unraveling. With wisdom...

Episode 3: Jesus Isn’t Triggered by Justice, But We Might Be Justice makes some Christians squirm, but Jesus never flinched. So why do we? In this episode, we untangle the difference between biblical justice and the modern versions we see in headlines and hashtags. We’ll unpack the Hebrew words ( mishpat , tzedakah ), explore the vision of shalom as kingdom come, and ask why justice has become suc...

Why does something so clearly rooted in Scripture feel so controversial in Christian spaces? In this episode, we name the emotional, cultural, and theological weight behind the term “social justice” from fear and guilt to confusion and grief. We trace its Christian roots, explore how it became politicized in the American Church, and wrestle with why it still sparks tension today. Through Scripture...

For the believer who’s wrestling with faith, identity, and the world’s deep ache. Can you love Jesus and care deeply about justice? If you’ve ever felt caught in that tension—longing to follow Christ while also seeking change in a hurting world—this episode is for you. In this Season Two opener, Kristen shares the heart behind Jesus, Justice + Mercy and her personal journey navigating faith, ident...

Welcome to the first episode of Summer Snippets! In this episode, we look at the complex topic of adoption, focusing on the unplanned removal of children from their families and the systemic issues within the foster care system. We'll discuss these children's challenges, the importance of family reunification, and potential solutions for creating a more supportive system. Info from this...

As we finish Season 1, Episode 17 is a short episode exploring the "School to Prison Pipeline," a critical issue pushing at-risk children from classrooms into the justice system, highlighting its devastating impact on marginalized communities. We'll explore the alarming incarceration rates in the U.S., particularly among Black Americans, and the systemic factors contributing to thes...

In Episode 16 Kristen opens up about a deeply personal experience involving her 18-year-old son's mental health crisis. The episode, marked by vulnerability and raw emotion, explores the challenges of parenting a child with mental health struggles stemming from childhood trauma. She recounts the harrowing events of her son's crisis, from an early morning discovery of his distress to seek...

This week, we look at the intricate intersections of poverty, race, and the foster care system, offering a deep exploration rather than mere observation. With a compassionate yet critical lens, this episode seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding these issues. In this installment, Kristen delves into real-life stories with authenticity, seamlessly weaving them with insightful data to prompt...

In this heartfelt episode of Jesus, Justice, and Mercy, we embark on a deeply personal journey with our host, Kristen, as she shares her experiences with foster care, adoption, and childhood trauma. As May highlights National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, she delves into the complexities of these intersecting issues, offering poignant insights and reflections. From navigatin...

In episode thirteen, we look at the intricate dynamics of poverty in the United States, unraveling its multifaceted nature and shedding light on its far-reaching impacts. Through exploring data, personal anecdotes, and historical insights, Kristen helps us navigate the layers of systemic barriers perpetuating inequity.   Drawing upon Christian principles and teachings, we examine past and present...

Welcome to Jesus, Justice, and Mercy, Episode 12! In this thought-provoking episode, Kristen dives into the concept of 'othering' and its profound impact on society, particularly in the context of US history and immigration policies.  From exploring the roots of xenophobia to challenging fear-based narratives, we examine how these dynamics shape our perceptions and interactions with othe...

In episode 11, we dive into the profound concept of Jubilee as outlined in the Old Testament. Join Kristen as she explores the connections between ancient laws and contemporary reflections on justice and equity. Discover how the principles of Jubilee offer timeless wisdom for navigating socio-economic challenges and fostering community solidarity.  From the earliest documentation of taxation to th...

In this podcast, we explore biblical passages, with a particular focus on the writings of Paul in Romans and the book of James. Throughout each episode, we have navigated these texts' historical and cultural contexts, challenging ourselves to reconsider their relevance in addressing contemporary issues of oppression, discrimination, and inequality.  As we journey through these ancient writing...

In Episode 9 of the Jesus Justice and Mercy podcast, our host Kristen Brock, helps us explore the profound connections between Jesus, justice, and the resurrection, discovering how these themes intertwine to envision a world free from injustices. Beginning with the origins of Jesus's ministry, we examine how his teachings and actions challenged societal norms, particularly regarding the treat...

In week three of Justice in the Bible, join us on a journey through the Gospel of Luke, often hailed as the epitome of social justice teachings within the New Testament. Through insightful analysis and deep reflection, we delve into Luke's unique perspective on compassion, equality, and love in Christ. From the iconic parable of the Good Samaritan to contemporary issues echoing its themes, we...

Welcome to episode 7, as Kristen continues a deep dive into the theme of justice in the Bible. This week, we first look at the Psalms, finding resonance with David's emotions and experiencing the humanity behind these timeless prayers. In Psalm 82, God establishes Himself as the ultimate judge, rebuking unjust rulers and emphasizing the importance of justice for the weak and oppressed, warnin...

Welcome to our new series delving into the theme of justice in the Bible! Over the next five weeks, we'll explore specific passages, starting with the Pentateuch and moving through the prophets, gospels, and epistles. In today's episode, we'll focus on Exodus and a passage from Deuteronomy, examining how justice is integral to God's covenant with His people. Come along as we un...

In today's episode, we delve into the heart of social justice, drawing inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." We explore the tension between justice and gospel proclamation and discuss why these two are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined in our Christian faith. We unpack the definition of social justice and examine its...

In the final episode of our Black History Month series, we reflect on the challenges and importance of engaging with issues of race and social justice. We explore personal experiences and conversations, highlighting the need for deep listening and acknowledging others' experiences. We discuss concepts like biases, white centering, and the pitfalls of superficial solutions. Drawing on data and...

In week 3 of a 4-part series for Black History Month, this week Kristen explores the challenging intersection of church, race, and justice. Beginning with a personal journey of unexpected podcast timing due to a semester off from theology studies, Kristen acknowledges the discomfort and complexity of the topic. Drawing on biblical narratives of justice and the writings of scholars like Obery M. He...

In Episode 2 of "Jesus, Justice, and Mercy," we explore generational trauma as a part of our 4-week Black History Month series. Discussing insights from Eddie Glaude Jr.'s "Begin Again," we navigate the complexities of trauma, its impact, and its roots in historical injustices. The Lie of America's inherent goodness is confronted, examining the 3/5 compromise and its...

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1! In the podcast's inaugural episode, "Jesus, Justice + Mercy," host Kristen introduces a 4-week series honoring Black History Month. With empathy and a call for understanding, she delves into historical aspects like the Middle Passage, Slave Codes, wealth and housing gaps, voting rights, and the enduring impact of systemic racism, urging listeners to c...

Join Kristen for Episode Zero as she shares her journey to starting this podcast, what you can expect, and what is in store for Season One. You can find me on Instagram at Jesus, Justice + Mercy or at my website www.kristenannette.com . Or feel free to email me at hello@jesusjusticeandmercy.com Thanks for listening! For women who stayed small and called it faithfulness : a reading list to start fi...

Welcome to Jesus, Justice + Mercy. A podcast where we talk about race, grace, faith, and healing for the 21st-century church. Grounded in theology join me as we explore social justice, not as a political statement but as a living, breathing imitation of who Jesus was. Season 1 kicks off in late January 2024 as we start by exploring the case for justice in the Bible. Head on over to Jesusjusticeand...