Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Was everything you learned about the Crusades wrong? Why has the history of Christianity and Islam been so misunderstood? And what can history teach us about today's cultural and geopolitical challenges?
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with historian and bestselling author Raymond Ibrahim for a thought-provoking conversation about the history of Christianity and Islam, the Crusades, the rise of Islamic empires, religious persecution, and the way history shapes our understanding of today's world. Together, they examine common misconceptions about the Crusades, discuss how historical narratives influence modern culture, explore the persecution of Christians throughout history, and consider how Christians should think biblically about history, religious freedom, immigration, and engaging their neighbors with both truth and love.
Whether you've wrestled with questions about the Crusades, Islamic history, Western civilization, or the role of Christians in today's culture, this conversation challenges listeners to pursue truth with wisdom, humility, and a biblical worldview.
In this episode you'll discover:
• What really sparked the Crusades—and why history is often misunderstood.
• How historical narratives shape modern culture and politics.
• The history of Christian persecution in the Middle East.
• How Christians can think biblically about Islam while loving their Muslim neighbors.
• Why understanding history matters for faithfully following Christ today.
Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.
🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop
📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download
00:00:00 - Coming Up…
00:00:16 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:04 - Introducing Raymond Ibrahim: The Al Qaeda Reader & Two Must-Read Books
00:03:24 - How Raymond Got Canceled by CAIR at the US Army War College
00:17:35 - The Crusades: What You Were Taught vs. What Actually Happened
00:19:10 - Five Centuries of "Peaceful Coexistence"? Dismantling the Myth
00:29:31 - Why History Books Get It So Wrong: Fake History vs. Fake News
00:38:06 - Was Andalusia Really a Golden Age of Tolerance?
00:42:52 - "Most Muslims Are Peaceful" — How to Think About This Correctly
00:47:21 - The Abrogation Doctrine: Why the Peaceful Quran Verses Don't Apply
00:51:06 - Three Phases of Muslim Immigration: Is the Pattern Real?
00:58:07 - Muhammad Is Now the #1 Baby Name in England, Scotland & Europe
01:01:27 - England Drops "Defender of the Faith" After 500 Years
01:07:27 - Why Islam & the Progressive Left Are Allied Against Christianity
01:16:20 - Join Us for At the Movies!
01:17:24 - Reacting to Pastors Who Praised Ottoman Rule Over Israel
01:27:02 - Islam, Ishmael & Bible Prophecy: A Theological Conversation
01:39:40 - Muslims Coming to Christ: Stories & How to Reach Your Muslim Neighbor
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
Was everything you learned about the Crusades wrong? Why has the history of Christianity and Islam been so misunderstood? And what can history teach us about today's cultural and geopolitical challenges?
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with historian and bestselling author Raymond Ibrahim for a thought-provoking conversation about the history of Christianity and Islam, the Crusades, the rise of Islamic empires, religious persecution, and the way history shapes our understanding of today's world. Together, they examine common misconceptions about the Crusades, discuss how historical narratives influence modern culture, explore the persecution of Christians throughout history, and consider how Christians should think biblically about history, religious freedom, immigration, and engaging their neighbors with both truth and love.
Whether you've wrestled with questions about the Crusades, Islamic history, Western civilization, or the role of Christians in today's culture, this conversation challenges listeners to pursue truth with wisdom, humility, and a biblical worldview.
In this episode you'll discover:
• What really sparked the Crusades—and why history is often misunderstood.
• How historical narratives shape modern culture and politics.
• The history of Christian persecution in the Middle East.
• How Christians can think biblically about Islam while loving their Muslim neighbors.
• Why understanding history matters for faithfully following Christ today.
Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.
🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop
📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download
00:00:00 - Coming Up…
00:00:16 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:04 - Introducing Raymond Ibrahim: The Al Qaeda Reader & Two Must-Read Books
00:03:24 - How Raymond Got Canceled by CAIR at the US Army War College
00:17:35 - The Crusades: What You Were Taught vs. What Actually Happened
00:19:10 - Five Centuries of "Peaceful Coexistence"? Dismantling the Myth
00:29:31 - Why History Books Get It So Wrong: Fake History vs. Fake News
00:38:06 - Was Andalusia Really a Golden Age of Tolerance?
00:42:52 - "Most Muslims Are Peaceful" — How to Think About This Correctly
00:47:21 - The Abrogation Doctrine: Why the Peaceful Quran Verses Don't Apply
00:51:06 - Three Phases of Muslim Immigration: Is the Pattern Real?
00:58:07 - Muhammad Is Now the #1 Baby Name in England, Scotland & Europe
01:01:27 - England Drops "Defender of the Faith" After 500 Years
01:07:27 - Why Islam & the Progressive Left Are Allied Against Christianity
01:16:20 - Join Us for At the Movies!
01:17:24 - Reacting to Pastors Who Praised Ottoman Rule Over Israel
01:27:02 - Islam, Ishmael & Bible Prophecy: A Theological Conversation
01:39:40 - Muslims Coming to Christ: Stories & How to Reach Your Muslim Neighbor
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
