How do culture, politics and faith influence one another? Historian, and author of 'Jesus and John Wayne', Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Clayton to explore the forces that shape religious communities, the relationship between belief and cultural identity, and what history can teach us about the challenges facing faith in the modern world. Kristin specifically focuses on the influence of white-evangelicals in the American culture & politics.About Kristin Kobes Du Mez:Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a historian, author and professor at Calvin University. Kristin examines the historical movements, ideas and cultural influences that have shaped generations of Christians and continue to impact society today.

How do culture, politics and faith influence one another? Historian, and author of 'Jesus and John Wayne', Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Clayton to explore the forces that shape religious communities, the relationship between belief and cultural identity, and what history can teach us about the challenges facing faith in the modern world. Kristin specifically focuses on the influence of white-evangelicals in the American culture &amp; politics.About Kristin Kobes Du Mez:Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a historian, author and professor at Calvin University. Kristin examines the historical movements, ideas and cultural influences that have shaped generations of Christians and continue to impact society today.

Towards Understanding is a full-length feature interview radio program hosted by Clayton Bjelan. The show contains a mix of interviews based around the understanding and living out of Christian faith and those just doing remarkable things in our world. It focuses on three key groups of people - The Known, The Overcomer and The Unknown.



89.9 | TheLight | PositiveMedia | LightFM | Melbourne 

Towards Understanding is a full-length feature interview radio program hosted by Clayton Bjelan. The show contains a mix of interviews based around the understanding and living out of Christian faith and those just doing remarkable things in our world. It focuses on three key groups of people - The Known, The Overcomer and The Unknown.
 
89.9 | TheLight | PositiveMedia | LightFM | Melbourne

Towards Understanding

Kristin Kobes Du Mez | When Faith and Culture Shape Each Other

One in seven Christians around the world experiences persecution for their faith, yet many Australian Christians know little about what life is like for believers living under pressure. Nathan Holland joins Clayton to explore the stories behind the 2026 World Watch List, including the growing challenges facing Christians in places like Nigeria, Syria and across Asia. Together they discuss resilience, faith under pressure, and what it means to move from distant sympathy to active solidarity with the persecuted Church.Nathan works with Open Doors Australia, helping connect Australian Christians with the realities facing the persecuted Church around the world. Through speaking, podcasting and advocacy, he shares the stories of believers living under pressure and encourages others to stand with them through prayer, awareness and practical support.

One in seven Christians around the world experiences persecution for their faith, yet many Australian Christians know little about what life is like for believers living under pressure. Nathan Holland joins Clayton to explore the stories behind the 2026 World Watch List, including the growing challenges facing Christians in places like Nigeria, Syria and across Asia. Together they discuss resilience, faith under pressure, and what it means to move from distant sympathy to active solidarity with the persecuted Church.Nathan works with Open Doors Australia, helping connect Australian Christians with the realities facing the persecuted Church around the world. Through speaking, podcasting and advocacy, he shares the stories of believers living under pressure and encourages others to stand with them through prayer, awareness and practical support.

Nathan Holland | What We Can Learn from the Persecuted Church

The internet has opened up incredible opportunities for young people, but it has also introduced new challenges for parents and families. Susan McLean joins Clayton to discuss the realities of growing up in a digital world, exploring online safety, social media, cyberbullying and the practical steps parents can take to help children and teenagers navigate life online with confidence and resilience. Susan is one of Australia's leading experts in cybersafety and youth wellbeing. A former police officer and the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a cyber safety role, she has spent more than two decades helping parents, schools and communities understand the opportunities and risks young people face online.

The internet has opened up incredible opportunities for young people, but it has also introduced new challenges for parents and families. Susan McLean joins Clayton to discuss the realities of growing up in a digital world, exploring online safety, social media, cyberbullying and the practical steps parents can take to help children and teenagers navigate life online with confidence and resilience. Susan is one of Australia's leading experts in cybersafety and youth wellbeing. A former police officer and the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a cyber safety role, she has spent more than two decades helping parents, schools and communities understand the opportunities and risks young people face online.

Susan McLean | Growing Up Digital

Sometimes the experiences that shape us most are the ones we never planned. Ian Reilly joins Clayton to reflect on how a teaching opportunity in Samoa transformed his understanding of culture, community and compassion, influencing the course of his life and career in ways he never expected. Together they explore the lessons learned through cross-cultural living, innovation, leadership and seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

Sometimes the experiences that shape us most are the ones we never planned. Ian Reilly joins Clayton to reflect on how a teaching opportunity in Samoa transformed his understanding of culture, community and compassion, influencing the course of his life and career in ways he never expected. Together they explore the lessons learned through cross-cultural living, innovation, leadership and seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

Kristin Kobes Du Mez | When Faith and Culture Shape Each Other

In 1 playlist(s)

Towards Understanding

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips