In this special Advent edition of Character Study, Jon Fortt and David Tieche pause their Abraham series to reflect on Luke 2 and two often-overlooked figures surrounding Jesus’ infancy: Simeon and Anna. Coming after a discussion of Herod, the episode intentionally contrasts worldly power with quiet faithfulness.

The conversation centers on how Simeon and Anna are, by all conventional measures, “nobodies:” elderly, powerless and historically insignificant. Yet they are seen by God. Simeon, described as righteous and devout, has waited his entire life for the “consolation of Israel.” Guided by the Holy Spirit, he recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah and declares himself ready to die in peace, having finally seen God’s salvation. His response stands in sharp contrast to Herod’s fear-driven violence: Simeon welcomes the Christ even though it marks the end of his own life.

Simeon’s prophecy carries both joy and darkness. While proclaiming Jesus as a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, he also foretells division, opposition, and suffering—including a warning to Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul. Jon and Dave reflect on how Christmas is not merely sentimental but represents Jesus “landing in occupied territory” — a spiritual invasion that forces a response, causing some hearts to rise toward God and others to harden against Him.

The episode then turns to Anna, an elderly prophetess who has spent decades fasting, praying, and worshiping in the temple. Though widowed early and living through national decline and oppression, Anna remains anchored in hope. When she sees Jesus, she immediately gives thanks and tells others who are longing for Israel’s redemption. Dave highlights Anna as a model of perseverance: disappointment does not push her away from God but deeper into prayer, scripture, and prophetic imagination.

Together, Simeon and Anna embody faithful waiting. Their lives testify that God’s promises unfold on His timetable, not ours, and that quiet devotion can carry eternal significance. The episode closes by framing their stories as guides for Advent—an invitation to make space for Christ in hearts already crowded by fear, power, and distraction.

This special episode of Character Study marks a first for the podcast, as Jon Fortt and David Tieche welcome their inaugural guest: Dr. Carlos Campo, CEO of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Campo, who has led the museum for about a year and a half after previously serving on its board, describes his role not as a career move but as a calling. After decades as a university president and Christian academic leader, he and his wife discerned that the museum’s mission—to illuminate the Bible’s narrative, history, and global influence—aligned deeply with their convictions.Campo explains that the Museum of the Bible is far more than a collection of ancient texts. It is built around three pillars: Narrative, which immerses visitors in the biblical story; History, which explores archaeology and textual transmission; and Impact, which traces the Bible’s influence on art, music, science, philanthropy, and American history. The museum combines rare artifacts—some of the oldest biblical manuscripts in existence—with immersive experiences such as walking through the Red Sea or encountering the burning bush. These environments are designed not just to inform but to inspire awe and emotional connection.A central theme of the conversation is the museum’s posture toward belief. Campo is explicit: the institution is nonsectarian, apolitical, and non-proselytizing. Its mission begins with the phrase “We invite all people.” Rather than instructing visitors what to believe, the museum presents the Bible openly—its beauty, influence, and complexity—allowing individuals to draw their own conclusions. This includes confronting difficult chapters, such as the Bible’s misuse in slavery or political oppression, through exhibits like the Slave Bible.The discussion turns to the Dead Sea Scrolls, whose discovery confirmed the remarkable accuracy of biblical transmission across centuries. Campo describes the rarity of displaying authentic scroll fragments and related artifacts, including the Magdala Stone and ancient Jerusalem road pavers associated with Jesus. These physical encounters, he argues, offer something digital access alone cannot replicate.Jon and Dave explore how technology, faith, and modern life intersect, noting that many people today are not hostile to the Bible but unfamiliar with it. Both observe a growing spiritual curiosity—especially among younger generations—driven by dissatisfaction with shallow digital culture and a hunger for meaning.The episode closes on a personal note as Campo names Daniel as his favorite biblical figure, praising his ability to engage culture without compromise. The conversation ends with gratitude, reflection, and a shared hope that Scripture can still speak powerfully into modern life.

Jon and Dave continue their Advent conversation in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. In Episode 7 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche unpack the historical facts and Biblical details about Herod, his interactions with the magi, relationship with the Roman Empire, and significance as a political figure.

Jon and Dave continue their Advent conversation in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. For Episode 6 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche explore the story of Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, and how he responded to the miraculous news that a baby was on the way.

Dave and Jon take a break from the Abraham cycle in the podcast to begin reflecting on the Christmas moment in scripture. In Episode 5 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche look at how different audiences react to the news of the savior's arrival, and what we can learn from them.

Your money or your life? Lot follows his uncle Abraham on an epic journey, but along the way their economic interests collide. As a result, Lot makes a fateful decision to pitch his tent near a city notorious for values that are out of alignment with the God he and Abraham serve. In Episode 4 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche look at Lot's choices and Abrahams, the contrast in what they value, and how that sets them on very different paths – both literally and figuratively.

This is a tough story. Hagar shows up in Genesis 16, but it's in a context where, as we talked about in the last couple episodes, Abraham and Sarah have been promised a child, an offspring, but they're old. Then there's a delay. And that's the problem. Sarah had an Egyptian slave named Hagar. So she said to Abraham, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go sleep with my slave. Perhaps I can build a family through her." In Episode 3 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche delve into Hagar's pain and hope, and explore how God's promise to her illuminates His character.

Sarah wants children but can't get pregnant. God promises to fix the situation – but isn't in a rush. Her husband has big dreams and a bigger calling, and she sometimes feels like an afterthought. In Episode 2 of Character Study, journalist Jon Fortt and pastor David Tieche explore the story of a woman dealing with extraordinary circumstances and massive disappointment – and what we can learn from the way God addresses her needs.