The Middle East is the crossroad of civilizations and the birthplace of Christianity. This region and its people have witnessed history's most consequential triumphs and tragedies. The ancient and richly diverse Christian communities native to the Middle East are characterized by their rich tapestry of traditions and nuanced histories. They've played a central role in shaping, and enriching, world civilization—eastern and western—through centuries of religious, cultural and intellectual contributions. Unfortunately, in recent centuries—and most notably the twentieth and twenty-first centuries—these native Christian communities have been persecuted and pushed to the brink of extinction.
Who are these Christians? What's their origin story? Where are they headed? What are the stakes? What can be done to interrupt this destructive historical course? And how can their rich legacy be preserved, invigorated, and shared with the world?
We'll tackle these questions, and more, on In the Middle: A Podcast on Christianity in the Middle East, presented by In Defense of Christians. I'm your host, Richard Ghazal, and I invite you to join me on this contemplative endeavor, as we dive deep in discussion on a broad spectrum of issues touching Christianity in the Middle East, yesterday and today. We'll ask the tough questions and engage in candid, thought-provoking discussions with some of the world's foremost experts spanning a variety of fields, including religion, history, U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East.
In the Middle will hit all major podcast platforms—including Spotify, Apple, Android, Google Podcasts, and on YouTube—beginning in January 2023, with new episodes dropping monthly. We look forward to having you join us In the Middle.