Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 06/13/25

An eight-episode second season of Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints has been ordered by Fox Nation. Half of the episodes will premiere later this year with the other half debuting next spring. This time out, the docudrama will feature the stories of Saint Mary the Virgin (aka the mother of Jesus), Saint Peter, Saint Carlo Acutis, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Longinus, Saint Lucia and Saint Thomas Becket.

The deal was announced by Fox News Media Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer Jason Klarman who proclaims “It was evident our subscribers wanted more, and we delivered. We’re thrilled to welcome back Mr. Scorsese for season two of The Saints. It truly has been a remarkable partnership.”

For his part, Scorsese adds “For many years, I dreamed of telling stories of the lives of the saints. It’s been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember. So the chance to do this series meant the world to me, and it’s heartening to know that people have responded to it. I’m very excited to be coming back for a second season.”

The first season of Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints shattered viewership records for Fox Nation, becoming the streaming service’s highest-engaged and most- watched series yet. First season presentations included the stories of Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Sebastian, Maximillian Kolbe, Francis of Assisi, Mary Magdalene, and Moses the Black.
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Make Dads Great Again. Just in time for Father’s Day, Promise Keepers CEO Shane Winnings shared with me why his organization has launched its TV ad campaign promoting the value of fatherhood in America.

JWK:  Tell me about the mission of Promise Keepers and its Make Dads Great Again ad campaign.
Shane Winnings: Promise Keepers exists to call men to live out their biblical identity as husbands, fathers, and leaders. The Make Dads Great Again campaign is a bold call to action. It’s about restoring fatherhood to its rightful place — as a spiritual assignment. We’re using media to challenge culture and remind the nation that the health of the home shapes the future.

JWK: What motivated you to become involved in this particular subject?

SW: As a former Army officer and police officer, I’ve seen what happens when fathers are absent. I’ve also seen the power of a present, godly man. I got involved because this isn’t just a family issue — it’s a spiritual battle. Fatherhood is one of the most important callings a man can answer.

JWK: How big a problem is fatherlessness in America?

SW: It’s one of the most urgent crises we’re facing. Over 18-million kids are growing up without their fathers. That absence is tied to nearly every major social problem — crime, poverty, addiction, broken identity. This isn’t just about homes without dads. It’s about a generation without direction.

JWK: How do we begin to fix the problem?

SW: We start by calling men back to their purpose. They need to be challenged and equipped. The Church must step up and disciple men, not sideline them. Fathers don’t need to be perfect — they need to be present.  We need the men of our nation to understand that fatherhood is not optional. If you bring a child into this world, it is your responsibility to raise them.

JWK: The Democratic Party is reportedly spending $20-million to figure out why they’ve lost so much of the male vote. I think a lot of the explanation can be summed up in the term “Toxic Masculinity.” What are your thoughts on that phrase?

SW: The phrase “toxic masculinity” has done real damage. It tells men their instincts to lead, protect, and provide are dangerous. The truth is, masculinity isn’t the problem. The absence of it is. Strong, godly men aren’t a threat. They’re the answer to what’s broken.

“Toxic masculinity,” as it’s defined currently by culture does exist, however I’d argue that it’s not masculinity at all. Dominating a woman isn’t masculine, it’s childish. Sleeping with countless women isn’t masculine, it’s a lack of self control. What we are doing at PK is clearly defining what masculinity is, and it’s the opposite of what culture has taught the next generation.

JWK: In the culture, fathers used to be celebrated in the media. Do you agree and, if so, how do we change the cultural narrative?

SW: I do agree. There was a time when TV showed dads as wise, strong, and grounded. Now, fathers are either invisible or turned into a joke. The culture doesn’t value strong fatherhood — but people still crave it. We change the narrative by creating content that tells the truth. And if Hollywood won’t tell that story, we will.  We’re sick of Disney movies killing off the dad in the beginning of movies, manipulating a culture into viewing fatherless homes as the norm. We want to create media, even as short as commercials, that emphasize the presence of a father and hit that heart string that no words can touch.

JWK: Care to name any real-life and/or fictional fathers who have inspired you?

SW: My dad made a huge impact on my life. He led with faith and consistency. Fictionally, I think of Andy Griffith from The Andy Griffith Show or Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights. Both showed what it looks like to lead with strength and love. In reality I look to men like Kirk Cousins who lead on and off the football field with Christ first, or Tom Satterly of Delta Force, who nearly lost his life in the true battle of Mogadishu depicted in Blackhawk Down, (and) overcame adversity and severe setbacks to be the husband and father his kids deserved.

JWK: Where does the campaign go from here?

SW: We’re expanding. More content, more events, more voices. We’re focused on equipping men digitally and in person. Make Dads Great Again isn’t just a media push — it’s a movement to restore fatherhood in this generation.  I also don’t want to get too caught up in the “where do we go from here” mentality.  Too often we’re looking for the next best thing, how to scale, etc.  While this is clearly important in an organization, there’s a sweetness in staying in our lane and chugging away. These short videos are rocking millions of hearts across America, so I don’t want to be too quick to look for greener grass.

JWK: Do you think it’s possible to change the narrative on fatherhood?

SW: Yes, and we’re already seeing it. Men are stepping up. They’re reconnecting with their kids, returning to church, and taking spiritual leadership seriously. Culture may be loud, but truth still resonates. And when men lead well, everything changes. Online, these videos have millions and millions of views and tens of thousands of comments.  People are testifying to crying, remembering their childhood, pledging to be great fathers themselves, women pledging to marry a man like the one depicted in the video; it’s working.

JWK: Anything you’d like to say as we wrap up?

SW: If we want to change the future of this nation, we need to rebuild the home. That starts with fathers taking their place. This isn’t about shame. It’s about strength. And we’re here to help men rise.  We can’t do this alone.  Views show interest but partnership keeps us rolling.  If people want to see more of this and a real change in this country to occur, fuel our mission at promisekeepers.org/mdga.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.