JB Shreve & the End of History

Track this entire series and more at https://theendofhistory.net Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

Track this whole series and additional insights and discoveries at https://theendofhistory.net Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

This is part 1 in our podcast series The Empire: A 250 Year American Story Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

The newest series from JB Shreve & the End of History podcast opens with an invitation—not to nostalgia, not to outrage, but to clarity. Host JB Shreve sets the stage for The Empire – A 250 Year American Story, a sweeping exploration of how the United States became what it is today and why understanding that journey matters now more than ever. As he explains, “we become accustomed to the news cycles, the shocks, the outrage… and we miss the glaring reality that all of this is anything but normal.” This introductory episode frames the project as both historical and deeply human. We reflect on the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary and how a recent art exhibit revealed a striking contrast between America’s past confidence and today’s pervasive anxiety. Visitors left messages filled with fear—fear of decline, fear of loss, fear of the future. “They were all fearful… of what is being lost or what might be lost,” he notes. That emotional shift becomes a central question for the series: How did a nation born in revolution and idealism arrive at this moment of uncertainty? Rather than taking sides in the polarized battles over American history, we position the series as an honest search for truth. We revisit the competing narratives—from the 1619 Project to the 1776 Project, from New Left revisionism to Christian nationalist retellings—and show how each contains pieces of truth, but none captures the whole story. The episode emphasizes that national history is always political, but today’s climate has pushed that politicization to new extremes. We look at questions such as, "Is America a Christian nation? Does such a thing even exist?" Drawing from Romans and Matthew, the Bible’s criteria for a “good nation” differ sharply from patriotic mythmaking. Nations, like individuals, are complex, flawed, and shaped by both noble intentions and darker impulses. Ultimately, this series aims to trace the rise of the American empire—its ideas, contradictions, triumphs, and failures—without reducing it to slogans or caricatures.  The journey begins here, with an open‑handed invitation to explore the echoes of the past and the forces that shaped the present. The first full episode is already live, ready to launch listeners into a story as vast and complicated as the nation itself. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

The Peace of Westphalia of 1648 stands as one of the most transformative milestones in the history of international relations. Emerging from the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War, which claimed millions of lives across Europe, the treaty redefined the way nations interacted and established principles that continue to shape global politics today.Before thePeace of Westphalia, political authority was deeply intertwined with religious legitimacy. Empires and the Catholic Church often claimed supranational control, leading to endless conflicts over faith and power. The treaty broke from this tradition by affirming the sovereignty of individual states. Each nation gained the right to govern its territory without external interference, regardless of its religion or internal politics. This principle ofnational sovereigntyandnon-interferencebecame the cornerstone of the modern international system.ThePeace of Westphaliaalso marked a shift from domination by brute force to cooperation through agreement. Nations recognized that stability could be achieved not only by military might but also by respecting boundaries and forging diplomatic consensus. This framework laid the foundation for centuries of European stability, enabling technological innovation, economic growth, and the eventual expansion of European influence across the globe. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In today’s world of fake news, deep fakes, and endless bias, it’s harder than ever to know what’s true. Yet global events—from wars in Ukraine and Gaza to economic bailouts in Argentina—shape our daily lives, from grocery prices to retirement accounts. That’s why this new podcast series “How the World Works” is here: to cut through the noise and help listeners gain clarity by understanding international relations.This 10-episode series offers a virtual curriculum that explores the rules, strategies, and philosophies nations use to navigate power, security, and prosperity. It’s not about partisan politics—it’s about learning the “language of Babylon,” the systems and theories that explain why nations act the way they do. Concepts like sovereignty, humanitarian intervention, regime change, and coalitions are unpacked so listeners can see the bigger picture behind the headlines. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

The Venezuela crisis is rapidly intensifying as the U.S. government, under President Trump, escalates military operations off Venezuela’s coast. Since September 2025, dozens of Venezuelans have been killed in targeted boat strikes, with the U.S. claiming these vessels are linked to drug cartels. However, no evidence has been presented to support these claims, raising serious questions about legality, motive, and truth. The Trump administration has rebranded the Department of Defense as the Department of War and designated Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This move allows for military action without due process, blurring the lines between counterterrorism and political theater. Venezuela, historically not a major drug exporter, is being portrayed as a narco-terrorist threat—despite data showing that countries like Colombia and Mexico play far larger roles in the drug trade. Behind the scenes, the crisis appears less about narcotics and more about regime change. Diplomatic efforts with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have been abruptly cut off. U.S. warships, bombers, and troops are amassing in the Caribbean, signaling a shift from negotiation to confrontation. The administration’s rhetoric suggests a calculated campaign to destabilize Venezuela, using drug war language as a smokescreen for deeper geopolitical ambitions. This unfolding Venezuela crisis is not just a regional issue—it’s a global flashpoint. With echoes of Cold War tactics and post-9/11 justifications, the situation demands scrutiny. As the U.S. ramps up its presence and dismisses diplomatic overtures, the risk of full-scale conflict grows. Understanding the true motives behind this aggression is essential to grasping the future of Venezuela and the broader implications for international law, sovereignty, and global stability. This is part 1 in a four-part series on the Venezuela Crisis. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In the Kings and Prophets series finale, we examine the background to books such as Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Malachi, Zechariah, and Haggai. While the majority of the captives remained in Persia and Babylon, many returned to Jerusalem. It was here that the prophets came to gain a new understanding of God's purposes among His people.Learn more and follow along at https://jbshreve.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jb_shreve/ Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this penultimate episode of the series, we examine how the Word of God, the message of God, evolved during the Babylonian captivity. Through prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, and others, the people began to see a picture of God far bigger than they imagined before. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

This episode looks at the final invasion of Babylon, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the beginning of the Jewish captivity in Babylon. The era of the kings is now over. The era of the prophets would now explain and give understanding to what it meant to be the people of God. It was a painful moment for the children of God, but it was the beginning of a great unfolding and unveiling of God’s higher designs and intents. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In today’s episode in our Kings and Prophets podcast series, we continue to look at the life of Jeremiah and specifically his ministry during the reign of King Jehoiakim. This wicked king made one fateful and stupid move after another that set the nation of Judah up for the invasion of Babylon. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode, we look at the life and influence of Nebuchadnezzar and the Kingdom of Babylon. These entities are more than historical realities, but key figures and symbols used throughout scripture to define the systems and powers of this world that stand against the Kingdom of God. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode, we look at the beginning of the life and ministry of the prophet Jeremiah. He is, in a subtle way, one of the most influential figures in all of scripture due to his behind-the-scenes operations and writings as the Kingdom of Judah began to collapse.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In today’s episode, we will explore no fewer than three different kings of Judah: some quite terrible and one truly incredible. We examine the lives of King Manasseh, King Amon, and finally King Josiah, the great reformer king. Multiple prophets will make an appearance in this week’s episode, including one of the greatest of the prophets - Jeremiah!  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode of the Kings and Prophets podcast series we complete our look at the reign of King Hezekiah. He would be one of the last of the great kings of Judah, and from here a dark cloud begins to cover the kingdom. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode, we look at the rise of King Hezekiah. The Bible marks him as among the greatest of Judah’s kings, probably even greater than Solomon. Much of his greatness is established by what he came out of when we consider who his father was. It is also based upon the great acts he took in the governance of Judah that would serve the nation well in the days ahead. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this week's episode, we look at the life of the prophet Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is the longest book of prophecy in the Bible, at 66 chapters. He is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament. As influential as his prophecies and work were, however, many people are not familiar with his life. Here we cover that story, including his ministry that spanned the reigns of multiple kings of Judah. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this week’s dramatic episode, we arrive at the finale and end to the northern Kingdom of Israel and Samaria. The long foretold and anticipated judgment finally arrives in the form of the mighty empire of Assyria. We will explore the ultimate collapse of Israel-Samaria, the prophets Amos, Hosea, Jonah, and Joel. We will also look at the Assyrian Empire and the idea of the Lost Tribes of Israel.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

We are going to cover a lot of ground in this week's podcast as we shift our gaze from the northern Kingdom of Israel and Samaria to the southern Kingdom of Judah. We will see the first and last Wicked Queen of Judah, a boy king whose life is miraculously saved, and another king taken captive by the north. Jerusalem will even be invaded in this episode! Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In 'The House of Jehu" we look at the man God used to bring judgment to the House of Ahab and Jezebel. This story includes some of the most brutal, violent, and graphic imagery recorded in scripture. There is a reason for that! We look at who Jehu was, where he went right and where he went wrong as this king of Israel steers the nation ever closer to its ultimate destruction.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

As we continue our story on the Kings and Prophets of I and II Kings, we have spent the last couple of episodes looking at the life of the prophet Elisha. In today's episode, we look at how Elisha interacted not only with Israel-Samaria and Judah but also with surrounding nations. It was a unique development in the role of the prophet among the people of God.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In our last episode, we looked at the call and the beginning of Elisha's prophetic ministry. Today, in episode 11 of the Kings and Prophets podcast series we look at The Ministry of the Prophet Elisha among the people of Israel. He was a very active and engaged prophet with the surrounding society, beginning to feel the hardship of God's judgment on the land.   Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In Episode 10 of the Kings and Prophets podcast series we look at the calling of Elisha and how God set him apart from the prophets who followed Elijah.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

For the last three episodes, we have been focused on events in the northern kingdom of Israel/Samaria with the stories of Elijah, Ahab, and Jezebel. Today, we turn our focus back to the south to see what was taking shape during this same time period. We look at the good king Jehoshaphat who was succeeded by his terrible son Jehoram.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode of our Kings and Prophets podcast series we conclude the story of Elijah and Ahab. While Jezebel outlives them both, her day of judgment is not far away. Ahab goes to war against the Kingdom of Aram. He and Jezebel steal Naboth's vineyard, and Elijah rides the whirlwind.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode 7 of our Kings and Prophets podcast series we come to one of the most famous stories of the Old Testament with Elijah's confrontation of the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Immediately after this, we encounter a sudden and dramatic turn of events as Elijah falls into despair. We will unfold both events, looking at all the details you might have missed in these incredible stories.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode six of our Kings and Prophets podcast series, we look at the Rise of Ahab and Jezebel in the northern kingdom of Israel, now known as Samaria.We will look at the background of this royal couple and the harsh descent of the northern kingdom into idolatry and even murderous purges of those who worshipped the one true God. We will look at the rise of Baal worship in the northern kingdom, where it came from and how it got there. And finally, we will get our first look at one of the most famous of the Old Testament prophets. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this next episode of our Kings and Prophets podcast series, we look at the Dark Days of Israel and Judah. In the northern Kingdom of Israel, we see unending tumult and chaos. Coups and uprisings continue until the House of Omri finally brings order. In the southern Kingdom of Judah, our first reformer, King Asa, comes to the throne. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode 4 of the Kings and Prophets podcast series, we turn our gaze to the northern kingdom of Israel and the first king of the northern kingdom - Jeroboam. From his high origins, which began with the calling and selection of God, we see Jeroboam make a series of blunderous moves. At least three prophets are included in this story, and among them is a prophecy that will plot the ultimate destination of destruction for the northern kingdom because of moves that Jeroboam makes here. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode 3 of the Kings and Prophets podcast series, we look at King Solomon's son and successor, Rehoboam. All that David and Solomon built up in the kingdom is devastated by the failure and foolishness of King Rehoboam of Judah. In this episode, we will discover the irreparable split in Israel between northern and southern kingdoms. We will also see Egypt's invasion of the southern kingdom. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode 2 of the Kings and Prophets podcast series, we look at Solomon and the Judgment of God.As noted in the last episode, the life and reign of Solomon, as recorded in the book of 1 Kings, is marked by two key encounters with God. The first launches his reign of wisdom. The second begins the judgment for his abandonment of the commands of God.This episode is key for understanding where and how idolatry entered the land of Israel through Solomon's reign. We look at his 700 wives and the beginning of God's judgment upon the reign of Solomon.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In episode 1 of our Kings and Prophets podcast series, we look at the first half of Solomon's story. The beginning of Solomon's reign of the Israelites' history includes the temple's dedication. We explore his famous request for wisdom and the culture of wisdom and prosperity that dominated his reign. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

We are looking at the Politics of God, and in this final episode in our section covering the issue of race and the politics of God, JB Shreve & the End of History take a deep dive into some scripture that may surprise you. God’s perspective on race is very different than mankind’s perspective.In this episode we explore interesting and intriguing scriptures that discuss race within the Bible. We look at the problems that humanity will never overcome outside the redemption of God. Then we look at how God approaches race and the commands and directive he has given us to follow. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

We did not always look at one another through the framework of race. Humanity has always looked at one another through the framework of power, who has it, who does not have it, and how can I get more of it. Race is only the latest measure used to measure and distribute power in the long story of human history. Enjoy this intriguing and eye opening insight into human history and an exploration of the human heart and character that has brought us to where we are today.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

We begin with an exploration of the issues of race in American politics. We then do a survey of false doctrines and teachings that many Christians through the ages believed when it comes to race. From the mark of Cain to the Hamitic Hypothesis, Christians have unfortunately contributed a lot of terrible perspectives into the politics of race through the centuries.This is episode will begin to set the stage for us to see the truth about the politics of God when it comes to race. We need to first remove the scales of false perspectives from our eyes before we can open our eyes to what the Truth of His Word says about race. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

No matter what, as you will see from the scripture reviewed in these episodes, you should take care to get this issue right. The issue of immigrants and refugees is highly important in God's mind. That is what His Word reveals over and over again. To find the politics of God involves a completely different approach to both scripture and politics than most of us are accustomed to today. God is not a Republican. He is not a Democrat. He has a value system and philosophy far above the bickering polarization of this world. Learn more at www.theendofhistory.net Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

Learn more at www.theendofhistory.net Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

To find the politics of God involves a completely different approach to both scripture and politics than most of us are accustomed to today. God is not a Republican. He is not a Democrat. He has a value system and philosophy far above the bickering polarization of this world. And what is most important is that He wants us to find it! This second part of JB Shreve & the End of History’s introduction to the politics of God contrasts the life and death politics of God’s Word against those of this world. In this episode, JB Shreve builds the framework that we will use for the rest of the podcast series when exploring different modern-day political issues and finding what the Word of God really says about them. Episode 2: Life and Death Politics – Show NotesAmerican Theocracy by Kevin Phillips The Dark and Dangerous Reality of Christian Nationalism(Free Video Series)Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal PoliticsKey Scripture from this episodeRevelation 21:3-5Genesis 3:6Luke 4:5-8Exodus 19:3-6Exodus 20:1-2Deuteronomy 6:20-251 John 4:19John 15:12Hosea 6:6Leviticus 19:2Matthew 5:48 Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

The politics of this world, no matter the party, no matter the governing system, always turn to corruption and death. That is what scripture teaches us. The politics of God are something very different though, because they come from a different source. Listeners are invited to join us in this podcast series for an intriguing journey that will help you see scripture in a completely new light. Not only is the Word of God relevant to our political issues today, but God is also extremely interested in His people engaging with the world around them on the basis of His Truth. The Politics of God is neither Republican nor Democrat. It is the principles and ethics of a Kingdom that knows no end and never compromises with this fallen world. Episode 1 – The Politics of God - Show Notes History of the Christian Right Podcast SeriesPolitically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal PoliticsThe Faithful Spy: Dietrich BonhoefferKey Scriptures from this EpisodeDaniel 1:17-21Matthew 5:21-24John 3:6-8John 6:63Romans 8:5-7Hebrews 12:25-29 Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

See the Show Notes at https://www.theendofhistory.net Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In our Six Years That Made the Modern Middle East podcast series, we come to 2003, the year of the US invasion of Iraq. This would be a game changer for the region, sending it over the edge and into the abyss of chaos. This episode looks at the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the intifada, and the peace process. We look at the rise of the mujahideen in Afghanistan and their spread to different conflicts throughout the world. Then we turn to the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and finally the cataclysmic US invasion of Iraq. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In our next episode of the Six Years that Made the Middle East, we look at 1979. In the aftermath of the Six Days War, the 1970s saw the rise of a new element to the chaos we know today – extremist Islam. Far from common before 1979, most resistance and protest in the early decades of the modern Middle East  was performed through the framework of politics and political resistance. That changed in 1979.This episode looks at the rise of Khomeini in Iran and the Islamic Revolution there. We see the rise of Arafat among the Palestinians, the war in Lebanon, the rise and fall of Sadat in Egypt, and more. This is part 4 in our series, The Six Years that Made the Middle East. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

Episode 3 in our series Six Years That Made the Middle East, looks at 1967. This is the year of the famous Six Days War. In this episode we look at the instability that spread across the Middle East between 1948 and 1967, the rise of Nasser, and the slow transition of the US as the new great power in the region. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode, we look at the interwar period in the Middle East, the beginning of independent states, and the deliberate intentions of some European powers to foster dysfunctionality in these new nations that they previously ruled. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

In this episode you will encounter famous characters of history like Woodrow Wilson, TE Lawrence, Feisal Hussein, Lord Balfour, and more as we begin our journey through the six years that made the modern Middle East.  Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

New podcast series looking at the history of the modern middle east is now live! Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

This final episode in our series looks at how the religious and Christian right lost its influence in America. Picking up with the culture wars in the 1990s and continuing through to today we look at how the years of greatest strength for the religious right ended up exposing massive vulnerabilities. This is where the religious right ends.The end of the religious right was not about losing political struggles and battles. It was about political priorities overcoming the original values and principles that the members of the religious right believed in. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

The 1980s saw great prominence for the rise of the religious right. The beliefs and politics of this group transitioned from a subculture to the mainstream and set the stage for the Culture Wars of the 1990s. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.

After the tumult of the 60s and Watergate, Americans were burnt out by the mid-1970s. Jimmy Carter entered the scene as America’s first born again president. He wouldn’t be good enough for the standards of the religious right and the newly formed organization of the moral majority. Learn more about the End of History at our website https://theendofhistory.net.