I knew Stalin was evil. I was in the IB program in high school and we had a whole class on dictators during WWII but the material stuck to the period just before and during the war. It’s really been fascinating to learn about him in depth and better understand the man behind the atrocities.
I also can’t wait to read The Spirit of Justice! The Color of Compromise was so pivotal in my faith journey as a white evangelical Christian coming to terms with the deep cracks in my faith tradition.
Yes to both of these! I focused on 20th Century Europe for my history degree in college and I’m learning so much more about Stalin from the podcast.
And Jemar Tisby is a gift to the church (whether they like it or not!) I am thankful for his voice and thankful to Sharon for platforming him here! (And Esau McCaulley on her podcast, too)
I am really enjoying your series on Stalin. I listen to it on Thursdays on my way to see my brother in assisted living and check on his condo. Am I reading too much into Stalin’s story to see parallels today?
Re: the Stalin series -- I have two close friends from Ukraine and it's fascinating discussing Soviet and World history with them. They express frustration that Stalin isn't seen as history's biggest villain by much of the world and have plenty of family stories to justify their feelings. They also once asked who we were taught won WWII, because their schooling said it was the Soviets alone, full stop -- the US is hardly mentioned and definitely not credited. Sooooo interesting to see how digesting different narratives can create such different worldviews.
I love the fact that you're bringing to light the story of the *other* evil guy who came to power at this most consequential time in world history. Do you anticipate this podcast being transcribed into your next book? I, for one, would snatch that up in a heartbeat. Thanks Sharon!
Thanks, Stalin is a great series. Loved the Bulwark article. Very confused about what conservatives actually believe except that people on a personal level should live below their means and save for a rainy day and invest in their future which I totally agree with. I'm still confused but it seems so are conservatives at this point according to the article. Being grateful for Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for being conservatives who care more about democracy than conservatism is a new experience for me. It makes me more curious to try to understand the reasoning behind their conservatism. I only see the way they vote in congress and only hear the over the top rhetoric. I suspect that is not the whole story. And I suspect that our fundamental views of reality are very different. When I listen to what some say I find myself saying wait an minute that is just not true. That is why I am curious to find out why they say that. Maybe there is not just truth but different viewpoints of truth that have different weights in how they effect our perceptions.
I knew Stalin was evil. I was in the IB program in high school and we had a whole class on dictators during WWII but the material stuck to the period just before and during the war. It’s really been fascinating to learn about him in depth and better understand the man behind the atrocities.
I also can’t wait to read The Spirit of Justice! The Color of Compromise was so pivotal in my faith journey as a white evangelical Christian coming to terms with the deep cracks in my faith tradition.
Yes to both of these! I focused on 20th Century Europe for my history degree in college and I’m learning so much more about Stalin from the podcast.
And Jemar Tisby is a gift to the church (whether they like it or not!) I am thankful for his voice and thankful to Sharon for platforming him here! (And Esau McCaulley on her podcast, too)
I am really enjoying your series on Stalin. I listen to it on Thursdays on my way to see my brother in assisted living and check on his condo. Am I reading too much into Stalin’s story to see parallels today?
Re: the Stalin series -- I have two close friends from Ukraine and it's fascinating discussing Soviet and World history with them. They express frustration that Stalin isn't seen as history's biggest villain by much of the world and have plenty of family stories to justify their feelings. They also once asked who we were taught won WWII, because their schooling said it was the Soviets alone, full stop -- the US is hardly mentioned and definitely not credited. Sooooo interesting to see how digesting different narratives can create such different worldviews.
Your docuseries on Stalin has been so informative! I’ve learned many new facts about him and that time period.
You introduced us to Jemar Tisby a few months ago and I’ve really enjoyed reading his substack now as well. Looking forward to his book!
I’ll be at the DC stop of your book tour and can’t wait!
I love the fact that you're bringing to light the story of the *other* evil guy who came to power at this most consequential time in world history. Do you anticipate this podcast being transcribed into your next book? I, for one, would snatch that up in a heartbeat. Thanks Sharon!
One more thing. Why Denmark? Hamlet?
Thanks, Stalin is a great series. Loved the Bulwark article. Very confused about what conservatives actually believe except that people on a personal level should live below their means and save for a rainy day and invest in their future which I totally agree with. I'm still confused but it seems so are conservatives at this point according to the article. Being grateful for Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for being conservatives who care more about democracy than conservatism is a new experience for me. It makes me more curious to try to understand the reasoning behind their conservatism. I only see the way they vote in congress and only hear the over the top rhetoric. I suspect that is not the whole story. And I suspect that our fundamental views of reality are very different. When I listen to what some say I find myself saying wait an minute that is just not true. That is why I am curious to find out why they say that. Maybe there is not just truth but different viewpoints of truth that have different weights in how they effect our perceptions.
Everyone should read the new memoir The Well Trained Wife. It really shows the underside of the people behind project 2025