The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Allow yourself to think in terms of nuance. Avoid the traps of good/bad, black/white polarization. You’ll be wiser and better able to lead yourself out of the lesser angels of your nature. This is a sign of wisdom and maturity. It is what smart people do in our very tumultuous generation.

America has imbued its tax laws and culture with an emphasis on generosity. The theme has raged to the forefront in recent decades. Charities Aid Foundation's World Giving Index reports that Americans are radically generous. Seventy-two percent of Americans help strangers and forty-two percent volunteer to help others. During the pandemic (2020-2021), Americans were more generous than in years prior. In fact, nearly sixty percent of Americans gave money last year. In this episode, Stephen urges listeners to give generously, and to give wisely. Resources mentioned in this episode: BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Navigator Charity Watch Candid (GuideStar) IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Give to GreatMan GreatMan Global Donations Support GreatMan through Amazon Smile

It is essential that our nation’s leaders ensure we are not so dependent on foreign products and energy that we are incapable of being self-sustaining in the crises we face as a nation. We learned in the early days of COVID-19 that many critical supplies like N-95 masks came from China. You may have also learned that in 2021 the US received 21% of its gasoline from Russia. This reliance on other nations comes with significant risk. The United States has the resources to care for itself, and we ought to be self-sustaining in the essentials.

Vladimir Putin was raised by an atheist father and a deeply Christian mother. He still carries the cross he was given at baptism and considers himself a Christian, committed to the Russian Orthodox Church. He believes Ukraine and Russia to be of the same “spiritual space,” and now he intends to restore his spiritual vision of the Russian empire. Tune in as Stephen travels back through the centuries and unravels the origins of this narrative in an attempt to understand some of Putin’s less discussed motives behind the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

There is a white supremacy movement rising among young, white, privileged males in the US, and it’s doing a great deal of damage. Stephen encourages us all to take responsibility for this as far as we have reach and influence. Let’s stamp out this evil and destructive idea by having conversations, building friendships across racial lines, and traveling as we’re able. This episode originally aired on May 1, 2019.

When the COVID crisis began, we realized in the U.S. that we did not have some of the critical medical supplies. We found ourselves reliant on China for equipment as simple as the N-95 mask. Now, China is making war noises at Taiwan, the world’s biggest manufacturer of high end microchips. If China makes war, our economy and national security could be severely damaged. The U.S. cannot allow itself to be in this situation. As a nation, we should insist that any critical parts of our infrastructure are made here at home.

As you know, there could soon be a massive war in Eastern Europe. Russia has amassed 5,000 troops on the border of Ukraine and begun agitprop (“agitation propaganda”). President Biden, in response, has mobilized 2,000 specialized troops into Eastern Europe. He has made the right move. By sending elite troops into the region, the U.S. sends a message of strength, which may cause President Putin to back off. War may be prevented through Mr. Biden’s actions. It’s a dangerous world and violence may come, but we have taken the right stands for now. Image via U.S. Department of Defense (source)

The present condition of Union Station in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of what is happening in our society. Stephen recently visited the historic and beloved train station for the first time in a year-and-a-half. From sprawling homeless camps to swastika graffitis to dilapidated facilities, the downward trend of the building is notable. What’s happening to our institutions?

Open Doors’ World Watch List ranks the most dangerous places for Christians. The organization’s 2022 report is extremely revealing. For the first time in decades, North Korea is not at the top of the list. As a result of both the Trump and Biden administrations, Afghanistan now ranks number one on the list. Whether you are Christian or of another faith, it’s important to pay attention to religious liberties around the globe. Where you have religious liberty, you tend to have economic freedom and opportunity, higher education rates, and higher civil rights scores. The opposite is also true. Tune in. Mentioned in this episode: The 10 most dangerous places for Christians

There is an unbelievably dangerous situation unfolding in Ukraine, and it very well may lead to a war in Europe and the United States’ involvement. At this very moment, President Putin, a keen strategist with his eye on restoring Russian fortunes, is generating a false flag operation in Ukraine. This has been largely made possible by the Untied States’ recent plunge in credibility. Though the U.S. is currently perceived as politically weak, the damage can be reversed and justice can be upheld if we resolve to regain our strength, principles, and unity. Image via Wikimedia Commons