What if the very institutions you trust are entangled in webs of power and politics? Join us on this episode for a riveting exploration of the intersections between faith, politics, and global influence. We kick off with a light-hearted take on the controversial fashion choice of skinny jeans for youth pastors, setting the stage for deeper discussions. Special thanks to Michael Hichborn for his contributions during a recent absence, and for his contributions in this episode.

Shocking revelations unfold as we dissect the murky world of church funding and government ties. Allegations fly around the misuse of USAID grants, with accusations of churches prioritizing financial gain over spiritual missions. We dive into the creation of a new church in Ukraine, hinting at hidden agendas and covert operations, drawing parallels to the Vatican's dealings with China. The conversation expands to explore the broader ramifications of these entanglements, questioning the very autonomy of religious institutions facing political pressures and financial dependencies.

Brace yourself for a thought-provoking journey through history and prophecy, as we ponder the future of the Church amidst global upheaval. From examining the historical ironies of Protestantism's role in secularism to speculating on the validity of papal abdication, we navigate a complex landscape of faith and power. Despite the challenging topics, we anchor the episode with themes of hope and resilience, reflecting on the Church's potential rebirth and the enduring strength of the faithful. And don't miss our lively discussion on scripture!

Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/

Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition

Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1

https://www.avoidingbabylon.com

Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com

Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com

RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon