
Outstanding
Critical conversations on the news of the day and the issues that shape us.
Outstanding is a podcast of The Washington Stand, Family Research Council's outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. We examine outstanding news and issues from TWS with an aim to take every thought captive for the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Join us as we examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
Latest episodes

Jan 5, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 60: When a Republican Governor Vetos a Law Protecting Children
Right before Christmas, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) quietly, but also publicly, vetoed H.B. 68, which would have protected minors from gender reassignment surgeries and bar men from competing in women’s sports. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson, a native of Ohio, to unpack the governor’s action to veto this bill. Known in the past for his tendency to support more liberal-leaning agendas, DeWine claims to be “protecting life” with his decision, but are there other factors impacting his actions? Currently, state officials are hard at work to overturn the veto.
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Jan 1, 2024 • 38min
Ep. 59: Resolved: Stephen J. Nichols, Jonathan Edwards, and How to Make a Resolution
With the start of the new year come new goals, dreams, and aspirations. New Year’s resolutions are created to help achieve those healthy habits or self-improvement goals, but as Christians how should we write and prioritize our New Year’s resolutions? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Stephen J. Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College to discuss the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. In 1723, Edwards wrote 70 resolutions, all written to help him live a life honoring to the Lord. Listen now to learn how you can make the most out of your resolutions!
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Dec 22, 2023 • 42min
Ep. 58: First Amendment & Higher Education Reform
In a place built for growth and possibilities, an alarming number of universities are silencing or punishing students simply because they disagree with them. Alliance Defending Freedom's Tyson Langhofer, joins host Joseph Backholm in a discussion centered around higher education reform and the rampant violations of university students' First Amendment rights. Tyson highlights a few of these scenarios and offers an analysis of the type of speech the First Amendment protects. Joseph and Tyson also wrestle with the question: Can higher education be reformed? If so, what does that look like?
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Dec 19, 2023 • 41min
Ep. 57: The Ethics of Voting As A Christian
As 2023 comes to an end, many Americans are looking into 2024 with one specific national event on their mind: the presidential election. Be it Republican or Democrat, Libertarian or Independent, there are a lot of options to choose from, but how does one know whom to pick? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Andrew Walker, Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to discuss the morals and methods that Christians should implement when voting. To Walker, politics is about promoting the common good and loving your neighbor. Listen now to better understand how to ethically vote for candidates that align with your values!
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Dec 15, 2023 • 39min
Ep. 56: Rosaria Butterfield: an Unlikely Convert
Rosaria Butterfield, a former lesbian feminist activist, shares her remarkable journey from skepticism to faith. She recounts how a local pastor's outreach sparked a two-year exploration of Christianity, transforming her views on identity and belief. The conversation dives into the power of genuine relationships in evangelism and the importance of church communities for support. Rosaria reflects on finding peace in trusting God during life’s challenges, showcasing her profound transformation and the complexities of faith.

18 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 37min
Ep. 55: Rosaria Butterfield and Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
Rosaria Butterfield, an insightful author and commentator on Christianity, joins host Joseph Backholm to tackle five deceptive narratives of our time. They discuss the normalization of homosexuality, the pitfalls of pagan spirituality, and how feminism challenges traditional church values. Transgenderism and the redefinition of modesty are examined through a biblical lens. With a focus on truth and compassion, the conversation invites listeners to reconsider contemporary beliefs in light of scripture.

Dec 8, 2023 • 37min
Ep. 54: Raising Up the Next Generation: A Gen Z Perspective
Out of the mouths of babes comes insightful reflection on the parenting skills that helped two Gen Z’ers shape their strong biblical worldview and instilled in them an undying love for Christ. Family Research Council interns Georgina Simonson and Isaac Pilon join host Joseph Backholm to discuss the ways in which their parents and upbringing impacted the worldview they believe today. They touch on the influence education, parenting types, and unique environments have on a young mind. Sharing their own personal stories, learn what the greatest influences are in shaping an adolescent's worldview!
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Dec 5, 2023 • 38min
Ep. 53: How To Start A Christian School
For all the debates about schooling, we can all agree that by and large, the public school scene ain't what it used to be. More and more families are seeking alternative types of education for their children that align with their values. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Michael Olaya, CEO and founder of Dexter Academy, which provides resources to help parents start classical Christian schools within their community. Although it seems daunting, Michael seeks to empower parents and offer the right tools to create a learning environment centered around a biblical worldview. Education is not a one size fits all. Listen now to learn how you can start your own classical Christian school!
Resources
Dexter Academy
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Dec 1, 2023 • 42min
Ep. 52: The Current and Future State of America with Os Guinness
Theologian, author, and cultural commentator Os Guinness joins host Joseph Backholm to discuss the civilizational movement in America today. The West is standing on a cliff with three options: renewal, replacement, or decline. Os firmly believes in the renewal of America but draws attention to two crucial pieces of the renewal puzzle: a faithful remnant and leadership. He explains what both of those pieces look like and the meaning behind his term “golden triangle of freedom”. Os is hopeful for the future and offers encouragement to fight pessimism and place our complete trust in a sovereign God.
Resources
Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life by Os Guinness
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Nov 28, 2023 • 26min
Ep. 51: How to Save Western Civilization (Calvin Robinson pt. 2)
It’s time to put back the original Christian foundation of Western culture. In the second installment with Father Calvin Robinson, he joins host Joseph Backholm to discuss the decline of Western civilization and the steps that need to be taken in order to preserve it. Throughout history, we see the rise and fall of civilizations. When a moral compass is removed, there is no telling how long a civilization will last. Father Robinson believes that the West can still be saved, but changes need to be made. It starts with the church and needs to be centered around Christ. He urges Christians to speak truth in a culture plagued by the sin of convenience.
Resources
Ep. 50: Pt. 1: The Changing of Culture
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.