

Outstanding
The Washington Stand
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2024 • 37min
Ep. 149: The American Military with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin
Freedom is not free. In the wake of Veterans Day, host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin, as he reflects on his 36 years in the military, what he has learned, and where he sees the institution heading. General Boykin shares his story of service, how the military exceeded his expectations, and the changes he believes would be necessary to return the American military to its former glory.

Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 148: Breaking Down an Election for the Ages
Election 2024 is in the books, and there's never been one like it. Donald Trump's "red wave" victory was preceded by assassination attempts, an opponent swap, and a hostile media. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and FRC's Quena Gonzalez as they drill down on the results and analyze what they mean for Christians in America.

Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 147: A Guide to Christian Higher Education
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Jesse Rine, the Executive Director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing, to discuss his findings and work on creating a comprehensive online directory of Christian higher education for parents and soon to be students to use. Having worked at several Christian universities, Jesse shares his personal perspective on what has caused universities to shift more left, even Christian ones. While picking a college can be overwhelming, Jesse’s comprehensive guide breaks down 250 colleges across the country and addresses whether or not they have a true biblical worldview. Listen now to this episode and check out his resources below!
Resources
Christian College Guide

Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
Ep. 146: The Importance of the Electoral College
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson for a conversation about the importance of the Electoral College. While not always a hot-button topic, the Electoral College has its moments in the spotlight every four years surrounding the presidential election. But what is the Electoral College? How does it function? Ben shares the inception of this election regulator, why it was created, and the purpose it is still serving. Joseph and Ben discuss what elections would look like if we switched to solely a national popular vote and if there are biblical principles we can lean on to learn how we should structure our elections. With the 2024 presidential election less than a week away, listen now to better understand how we elect the next president of the United States.

Oct 29, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 145: Q & A with Voddie Baucham
In this special episode, host Joseph Backholm is joined by
the Dean of Theology at the African Christian University in Zambia, Voddie Baucham, for a Q & A with young adults. Voddie shares how the Lord has moved in his life, advice for the younger generation trying to navigate the culture, and encourages them with truth. There has never been a Christian that has not made a bad decision and there has also never been a Christian where the Lord did not use that bad decision to bring sanctification. Voddie takes questions from the audience and reminds them that the Lord is always working and refining!
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Oct 25, 2024 • 35min
Ep. 144: How One Idea Can Shape a Society
When an idea is planted, it can do one of two things: take root and flourish or wither and die. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Tim Goeglein who serves as the Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family for a conversation around his new book “Stumbling Toward Utopia”. To understand the current political and cultural climate, we must look at the past. Tim dives into the people and ideas that have largely shaped the society we see today. Take a trip back to the 1960s and 1970s to discover the real cause of the cultural shifts we have seen throughout the years.
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 143: Personal Testimony - A Win for Free Speech and Freedom of Religion
Fired from his teaching job because he refused to use “proper pronouns”, Peter Vlaming and his attorney, Alliance Defending Freedom’s Tyson Langhofer, join host Joseph Backholm to tell his story and unpack the five year long legal battle of protecting his rights to free speech and religion. One minute Peter is teaching a French class and the next he is put on administrative leave. Five years ago, Peter had to decide if he was going to stand by his beliefs or bend to the school board when one of his long-time students came out as transgender. While Peter used the student’s male name, the board said that wasn’t enough and required him to use “he/him” pronouns even when the biological female student was not around. Although the journey was long and the battles hard, Peter shares what he has learned, how the Lord provided, and encouragement for anyone walking through this same experience. Listen now to how one teacher stood for his beliefs and the effect this case will have on free speech for years to come.
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Oct 18, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 142: The Age of Feeling with Dr. Robert George
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Dr. Robert George, a professor at Princeton University, for a conversation addressing the pressing issues of this generation. First and foremost, Christians are called to protect the unborn. Professor George emphasizes and unpacks how the Republican party has shifted from this narrative and how the Democratic party is not the party of love and compassion, but one of harm to women, immigrants, and Americans. He also gives his thoughts on immigration reform, how higher education impacts culture and the age of feeling.
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Oct 15, 2024 • 33min
Ep. 141: Past, Present, and Future of America with Os Guinness
Theologian, author, and cultural commentator Os Guinness joins host Joseph Backholm to offer insight and encouragement to the culture wars and division we see in America today. As Christians, we must understand the gravity of the moment and act accordingly. We were placed in this tumultuous time to serve God’s purpose in this generation. Os weighs in on what it would take to have an “awakening” in America and how we have strayed so far from our founding principles. We have seen cultures on the brink of collapse be renewed to their former glory, we must not give up hope and live in faith trusting the Lord’s promises.
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.

Oct 11, 2024 • 33min
Ep. 140: Navigating Election Season with Pastor Gary Hamrick
Are we bowing to God or government? Host Joesph Backholm is joined by Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel Gary Hamrick for a conversation on how Christians can navigate this upcoming election season. While many Christians are less than enthused by their options in this upcoming presidential election, Pastor Hamrick encourages them to mobilize, because if we do not, someone else will fill the void. He encourages Christians who are “tired” of the current political climate and emphasizes the effective power of God’s word. The Lord can and will move no matter the chaos of this present day!
Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.