About Race and Faith Cyphers with Jason Esters and Richard M. Smith
A cypher in rap culture refers to several people rapping one after another to the same beat and maintaining a flow. This podcast uses the concept of a rap cypher to discuss issues of race, faith, social justice, inequality, family and culture. Each cypher is an ongoing conversation led by Jason Esters and Richard M. Smith, two Black men of faith who are academics and homeschooling fathers. The point is not to battle each other, but instead communicate in such a way that the flow goes unbroken, at times including new voices in the cypher to offer fresh insights and further the discussion.
It starts with Kanye's "Jesus Walks" and ends with President Obama singing "Amazing Grace". In this week's Cypher, Richard and Jason discuss, critique, and at times, celebrate, Henry Louis Gates and his new PBS Documentary, The Black Church.
23 Feb 2021
Melanating the Supply Chain
In this episode, Jason and Richard turn a conversation about food into a conversation about economic self-sufficiency in the Black community.
1 Feb 2021
Black History Month: The Past, Present, and Future
There is a rich history, definitive purpose, and inspiring passion of Black History Month. While it was necessary to help Black people to learn about who they are, where they come from, and what they can do, more of us is required. There are great opportunities for expansion and education. Jason and Richard discuss how Black History Month should be viewed and the resources available to learn even more.
21 Jan 2021
What We Gain From Intersectionality
Like Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality has come under attack by conservative evangelicals. But why? Is intersectionality really antithetical to scripture? Is it not useful to Christ followers for understanding the problems in our society? In this week's cypher, Jason and Richard address these questions and help listeners to see how the theory of intersectionality is helpful in understanding social institutions, empathizing with various groups of people, and helping us to better minister within the US.
16 Jan 2021
What We Gain From Critical Race Theory
Critical Race Theory has been under attack by political conservatives as well as conservative evangelicals. However, many people that attack Critical Race Theory don’t fully understand what it means or how it is utilized. In this cypher, Jason and Richard discuss how Critical Race Theory is not antithetical to scripture but instead a useful tool for explaining the society we live in and current racial problems.
8 Jan 2021
Building From the Ashes of 2020
2020 is done. Thank God. Now that we have entered into a new year, We can reflect on the challenges, the tragedies, and the triumphs of the previous year. Most importantly, we can consider how we can build on the lessons that 2020 has taught us. In the first cypher of the new year, Jason and Richard discuss what we can learn from 2020 that will help us get through the challenges of 2021.
16 Dec 2020
This Holiday Season
In this episode, Jason and Richard discuss how to navigate this holiday season with all of the disruptions due to the pandemic and other issues. During this very different holiday season, they provide suggestions about how to lead our families to celebrate and still see purpose in this time of the year.
18 Nov 2020
The Black Man in America
In this cypher, Jason and Richard discuss The Black Man in America. After coming off a difficult week where another Black man was killed by by the police during a mental health crisis, it's sad to also know that more Black men are supporting policies and politicians that are harmful to them. Black women continue to do their part in moving us forward, are we as black men lagging behind?
27 Oct 2020
Race, Faith, and Health?
In this cypher, Jason and Richard discuss the importance of working towards health. As black family men, it's important to have energy to enjoy time with our wives and children. Our physical health is an important part of our spiritual walk. But most of all, we want to make sure that our bodies are truly a temple for God to work through.
22 Oct 2020
A Season of Distractions
So much is going on in the world around us. Social unrest, persistent racism, pandemic, a tumultuous presidential election, backlash against discussions about racism, and personal issues. While it's important to know where we stand, have we allowed these issues to cause us to be distracted from our main goal? Jason and Richard discuss how we might be distracted and how to make sure we maintain the correct focus.
19 Sept 2020
The Black Family Reading List, pt.1
In this week's cypher, Jason and Richard discuss essential books and other forms of writing for black parents to use to educate their children. This is part one of a two part cypher that will help to provide a strong foundation for your children, and inspire a family journey into a deeper understanding of history, culture, and God's faithfulness.
16 Sept 2020
The Life and Legacy of Chadwick Boseman
This week's podcast is an exploration and celebration of the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman. Jason and Richard talks about the impact his life, words, and work had on their own families as well as many within the black community. When it comes to heroes, not only did Chadwick play one during his acting career, but the way he touched the lives of so many made him one in real life.
14 Jul 2020
Cypher 2: Should Black Christians help White Christians understand race and racism?
In this Cypher, Jason and Richard each respond to the question, "Should Black Christians help White Christians understand race and racism in the US?" This question sparks further discussion about this racial moment.
20 Jun 2020
Cypher 1: Making sense of the current racial justice movement
In this first episode, Jason and Richard discuss what this current racial movement means, how it relates to past movements against racial injustice, and how people of faith should respond.
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