Andrew Esensten

There is a whole pangram missing from the #SpellingBee word list today ugh

A new PBS documentary series, which premieres tonight at 9 p.m. EST, traces the history between Black and Jewish Americans, examining their connection through shared experiences of persecution and tests to the relationship involving politics and societal dynamics.

New PBS docuseries examines the ‘interwoven history’ of Black and Jewish Americans (RNS) — Despite both having a history of persecution, the groups’ alliance has repeatedly been tested.

“Black and Jewish America” starts tonight on PBS. For @rns.org, I spoke with the filmmakers and some of the folks who participated in this nuanced and timely docuseries.

“We’re not governed by the government. We’re governed by God.” - SZA #Grammys

And the #Grammy for Record of the Year goes to Luther Vandross…who’s been dead for 20 years!

It Makes Sense That People See A.I. as God

“What unites the gods of every spiritual tradition is that they are capable of communicating with us. Now we are faced with another invisible, nonhuman form of intelligence that communicates linguistically with us. The slippage into describing A.I. religiously feels almost inevitable.”

NYT app broken, too much news

Druski's viral parody of flashy preachers renews debate over wealth in the pulpit (RNS) — Christian rapper and singer Lecrae defended the skit and called on Christians to reflect on the video’s critique of churches.

In Druski's video captioned “Mega Church Pastors LOVE Money,” the 31-year-old comedian impersonates a rowdy megachurch preacher ostentatiously displaying his wealth.
religionnews.com/2026/01/20/d...

Inside the San Francisco Church Where John Coltrane is a Saint | KQED There’s a church in the Bay Area that’s been worshiping the jazz legend's music for 60 years.

“Coltrane Consciousness is acknowledging that the music and the sound of John Coltrane is that anointed sound that leaped down from the throne of heaven.”

“Town & Country” by Brian Schaefer, almost done, good stuff

"Siiiiiiiick." - Alex Honnold #SkyscraperLive

The press coverage leading up to Alex Honnold’s skyscraper free solo climb has been pretty gross, playing up the fact that he could die on live TV. He could also NOT die!

The Front-Runner California’s Gavin Newsom would rather be wrong than weak.

"Newsom stopped by Gatti’s studio and saw him casting the I Ching, a traditional Chinese method of divination that uses coins or yarrow stalks. Newsom wanted to try it. 'The I Ching said, If you’re thinking about running for political, public office—don’t,' Gatti told me."

For the Hero of the Bondi Beach Attack, a Whirlwind Visit to America

Ahmed al-Ahmed said "he felt he had been placed [at Bondi Beach] by God, with a moral choice: whether to turn away or act on God’s intention."

Religious-themed brick sets hold appeal for both children and adults in digital age | Anabaptist World Bible Bricks is one of a number of Lego-compatible bricks tapping a market for offline toys inspired by biblical figures and events.

One of the cool things about writing for @rns.org is seeing your stories reprinted in publications like Anabaptist World.

Opinion | Your Social Muscles Are Wasting Away. Here Is How to Retrain Them.

“Whether you call it an intentional community, a micromonastery or a commune, our home is unusual.”

“Find your Waymoment”? Absolutely not.

How Willie Nelson Sees America On the road with the musician, his band, and his family.

“As a young man in Texas, Willie Nelson taught Sunday school and considered the ministry. On the bus in Weehawken, I asked if he saw his work as akin to a preacher’s. ‘Oh, I don’t know about that,’ Nelson said. ‘I don’t try to preach to nobody.’ Annie Nelson disagreed: ‘I think he’s a shaman.’”

Chevy Chase, what on earth does this mean? www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/a...

Greetings from the Oakland LDS Temple.

Amanda Seyfried Had a ‘Complete Spiritual Awakening’

“The film is based on the history of the Shakers, an offshoot of Quakerism that began in the 18th century. Amanda Seyfried plays [Ann] Lee, the founder of the movement, who possesses a hunger for the divine. She finds it inside a British prison cell, where she has a vision in which God is female.”

Did Josh Okogie just say the name of his *elementary school* alma mater during player intros, or am I hearing things?? #NBAonNBC

Religious-themed brick sets hold appeal for both children and adults in digital age (RNS) — Faith-based companies making Lego-compatible building blocks are tapping a market for offline toys inspired by biblical figures and events.

“A lot of us grew up with Legos and understand how fun they are,” said Sean Sutton, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who was raised in the Southern Baptist church. “I think people are hungry for high-quality religious sets.”
religionnews.com/2025/12/22/r...

Religious-themed brick sets hold appeal for both children and adults in digital age (RNS) — Faith-based companies making Lego-compatible building blocks are tapping a market for offline toys inspired by biblical figures and events.

As an AFOL (adult fan of LEGO), I thoroughly enjoyed reporting on the companies that make religious brick sets.

Why Are There So Many Films Right Now Based on the Bible?

“I am sometimes accused of gingering up the Bible with large and lavish infusions of sex and violence. I can only wonder if my accusers have ever read certain parts of the Bible.” - Cecil B. DeMille

Heating up my coffee in the microwave for the fifth time at 3:46pm, living the dream

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl shows Asian American Jews they can lead in Jewish spaces SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) — The closest thing the United States has to a celebrity rabbi, the Korean-born Buchdahl is also a role model for the tiny community of Asian American Jews.

“I am hopeful that, as we now have many Asian Jewish leaders making an impact in the Jewish community, added to the more diverse leadership we see across many different communities, that the Jewish world opens up for anyone who wants to belong.”

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl shows Asian American Jews they can lead in Jewish spaces SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) — The closest thing the United States has to a celebrity rabbi, the Korean-born Buchdahl is also a role model for the tiny community of Asian American Jews.

For @rns.org, I wrote about superstar Rabbi Angela Buchdahl.

No.

YouTube video by CBlakk CBlakk - On The Road 2 (feat. BLP Kosher & El Snappo) (Official Video)

How the opps not even Hebrew but they pockets Israelite
- @blpkosher.bsky.social