The Partners and Citizens Podcast

I am back with a new episode. I am looking at gender dysphoria in America. Too often political positions in America have taken priority over scientific research in the area of gender dysphoria. 

I am looking at the events that have happened in Nashville, TN in the past few weeks. First, the school shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School is a sad story with several layers. Second, the expulsion of two black congressmen in the state is an unfortunate story of unprofessionalism in our society today.   

I am back from my ski trip in Utah with a new episode of A Pastor and His Newspaper. Today, we are looking at the rift between Washington Elementary School District (WESD) and Arizona Christian University. The district severed ties with the university in February citing ACU's Biblical views on marriage and gender. The university responded in March by suing the district for violating their First Am...

I decided to review an essay by Marilynne Robinson called "A Theology of the Present Moment." I do not discuss one particular news story. However, I discuss in this episode the significant of each person's decisions, which become the news stories that we read and watch. 

I apologize for the long wait for this episode on the Asbury Revival. But here is my view of the Asbury Revival. I also provide some history of revivals in America to provide some context. I hope you enjoy it. 

Hello, Hello, I am back with an exciting episode on Disney. I am taking my family to Disney next week, and the Economist did a special report on Disney last week. So, let's talk about the rise and fall of Disney. Enjoy. 

I am back with a new episode on the death of Pope Benedict XVI. With the former pope's death and Pope Francis now having more influence over the Catholic Church, how will this new arrangement affect this ancient institution long term?       I also highlight others, whåo passed away in 2022. 

I am back with a new season of "A Pastor and His Newspaper." I am excited to start the year discussing news with you. This episode looks at Kevin McCarthy and his struggles to earn his speakership and start the legislative year for the 118th Congress. Also I am looking at the topic of mega-states and their importance to the future of American politics. 

I am back with a new episode. I am looking at the United Methodist Church, who are in the news this week. More churches are leaving the denomination as the anticipated decision approaches at the 2024 General Conference. Also, I give you my favorite books, movies, and TV shows of 2022. Let me know what your favorite books, movies, and TV shows were this year. You can reach me at mcastro@centralchur...

This is the 25th episode of A Pastor and His Newspaper. I am joined in this episode by my dear friend, Pastor John Andrew Clayton. He is a huge soccer fan, and I have invited him to join me on the podcast to talk World Cup 2022 and Qatar, who is the World Cup host for 2022. We look at the action on the pitch (soccer term for field), and the many issues surrounding the World Cup. I hope you enjoy i...

I am back with a pre-Thanksgiving episode. In my 24th episode, I look at the 2024 election. This episode is a follow-up to the Mid-Term Elections episode. With the end of one election, the start of the next kicks off. Former President Trump has announced that he will run in 2024. However, should Biden and Trump run again? I look at that question, and who might run in their place and more. 

I am back with my takes on the 2022 Mid-Term Elections. The Red Wave never really materialized. Why? What does this mean? Here is my overview. Enjoy! 

I am back with an episode about the importance of College Football in the South. However, we must be careful not to cause a good thing to become an idol in our life. 

Queen Elizabeth II is a hero of mine. As a tribute, I am discussing the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a leader of gentleness and dignity. This episode is a tribute to Her Majesty. 

I am back after a short hiatus. My wife, Lisa, had our son, John Knox Castro. But I am ready to go with a new episode of "A Pastor and His Newspaper." We are talking about the spike in violence in Memphis, TN and the cities of America. I hope you will join me to pray for our cities, who need the church and the gospel badly. 

I am back with a new episode on the Russian Orthodox Church and the War in Ukraine. Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church are calling the war a holy war. Russian Orthodox leadership have united with Putin's propaganda machine to justify this horrendous war. Now might be the time to start praying for God's judgment on Putin, Patriarch Kiril, and the Russian government. 

I am back with a new episode. We are looking at the immigration crisis in America. The lack of workers is affecting the American economy, and the decline in immigration is one of main reason for the lack of workers. A lack of workers has in the past and is currently affecting the economy negatively. How should Christians think about immigration reform? 

In this week's episode, we look at the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. President Biden traveled to the region in July, and displayed there the lack of leadership from America today. With the extreme human suffering in the area, how should Christians think about the conflict? 

Welcome to a new addition to A Pastor and His Newspaper. I am addressing the mass migration of Americans from the West Coast and the Northeast to the Bible Belt during Covid. God is sovereignly bringing people to church rich areas. Praise the Lord! Are these churches ready? 

I am back with a new episode. I am discussing Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony at the January 6th Congressional Hearing. Christians must always be supporters of truth regardless of the people or institutions involved in an investigation. 

Hello Friends, I am back with a new episode of A Pastor and His Newspaper. Today, I am talking about the problems with political debates in Washington and social media and the church. The terms and labels that people use to attack those who disagree with them are factious. Christians must grow to be more confident in the gospel, which never changes, than political ideologue, which is constantly ch...

Dr. Castro is here for another episode of A Pastor and His Newspaper. I am discussing the recent shocking news from the Southern Baptist Convention and sexual abuse that was concealed by the SBC's Executive Committee. While sins were committed by individuals, the SBC failed to report these abuses due to arrogance. 

I am joined by my co-pastor, friend, and college football fan, Derek McFarland, as we discuss Coach Saban's recent criticism about NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and Texas A&M's coach, Jimbo Fisher. This war of words was a hot topic in the WSJ last week. So we are here to discuss it on "A Pastor and His Newspaper." How can pastors shepherd college athletes' hearts in world obsessed with money? 

In the past few days, crypto currencies and the stock market have been hit hard. The Fed's interest rate increases have taken their toil on investors. In this time of economic decline, we must be our hope, security, and comfort in Christ Jesus, whose kingdom will be filled with all the weath of the nations. 

This week presented one of the most shocking news stories from the Supreme Court in years. A leak of the majority opinion on the abortion case, Dobbs vs Jackson, indicates a potential overrule of Roe and Casey from the Supreme Court. States are preparing now to write laws stripping or protecting abortion rights in their states. How should the church prepare for the end of Roe?