The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

The House recently voted in favor of DC statehood. In this episode, Stephen addresses the Founding Fathers’ intent in creating Washington, DC, a district that Congress would govern directly so that the federal government could carry out its work without being beholden to partisan politics or the agenda or needs of a particular state. Tune in for Stephen’s historical perspective and thoughts on the political ramifications of this amendment – as well as why it won’t pass (at this time).

Stephen recently received the COVID-19 vaccine. In this episode, he shares his own personal history with vaccines, as well as his reasoning for getting this particular one. While speaking to all people around the world, Stephen specifically addresses some concerns on the hearts and minds of many American evangelicals, including questions over abortion-related stem cells, the mark of the beast, and how some libertarian ideologies conflict with Scripture. Tune in for an interesting discussion of these critical topics and to learn the non-political reasons why Stephen strongly encourages vaccination. Resources referenced in this episode: https://catholiccitizens.org/news/93519/four-pro-life-medical-groups-say-pfizer-moderna-covid-vaccines-not-made-with-aborted-baby-cells/ https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-covid-vaccine-ingredients-idUSKBN2AQ2SW https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2021/january/vital-information-for-churches-and-christian-leaders.html

We could talk forever about Billy Graham’s life, ministry, preaching, and theology. But today Stephen wants to talk about one critical moment in Billy Graham’s life that happened in 1949. In a monumental meeting, Graham and his team set firm boundaries that resulted in a scandal-free ministry for more than 60 years. Those four important decisions are discussed in this episode. This episode originally aired on March 7, 2018.

Hunter v. Department of Education is a class-action lawsuit recently filed in the U.S. that will have long-lasting ramifications for many American institutions, notably Christian universities. In this episode, Stephen explains the lawsuit, its implications for Title IX and religious-affiliated organizations, as well as why the students behind this suit may come to regret it. Christian educators and friends, prepare for the day when accreditation and federal funding is no longer a given.

Stephen recently published a podcast on the topic of guns, which generated much feedback and conversation among listeners. Today he issues an apology regarding a statement made in that episode. This episode also includes a discussion of how the Second Amendment, James Madison’s writings in the Federalist Papers, and recent Supreme Court cases can inform our understanding of the contemporary gun debate. Finally, leaders especially need to hear Stephen’s exhortation regarding guns and safety at the conclusion of this episode. This episode originally aired March 24, 2018. This week, Stephen is on assignment for Uncaged.org, serving in the fight against human trafficking. New episodes of the Stephen Mansfield Podcast will resume next week.

All good governing happens in the center. In this episode, Stephen looks at the immigration policies of former President Trump and President Biden. The Trump administration put a dent in immigration through extreme measures. Then came Joe Biden, eager to provide a path to citizenship for those who have lived and worked here. The stance softened. Both policies have extreme features. In this episode, Stephen argues for a move away from the extremes, outlining the path to a country that is sane – not reactionary.

As we begin to see the end of the COVID-19 crisis, Stephen shares statistics and reasons for why the post-pandemic American economy may be ready to roar. Tune into this brief episode for critical data on rising household net worth, real estate, and cash balances, as well as the many billions of dollars in credit card debt pay down. There is an economic engine cranking up in America, and if we get on top of this pandemic like we think we will, there is opportunity for tremendous prosperity ahead. We may soon see a flowering of the American economy and a restoration beyond what’s been lost. Articles referenced in this episode: 17 Reasons to Let the Economic Optimism Begin (The New York Times) U.S. households ended 2020 with record $130.2 trillion in wealth, Fed says (Reuters)

The Equality Act has recently passed in the House. Though it is unlikely to pass in the Senate, Stephen expects some version of it to pass in the future. What is the Equality Act, and how could a bill that sounds fair and reasonable in name actually be incredibly damaging to religious institutions like Christian universities? Stephen unpacks the bill, which classifies LGBTQ+ as a protected class, and discusses the ramifications for traditionalists.

Myth blinds us from the truth and keeps us from effective action. It prevents wise thinking and meaningful advancement. We see throughout society the detrimental effects of belief in myth: from large-scale stolen election conspiracy to belief in a trafficking ring in the basement of a pizza shop. Election fraud happens. Human trafficking is certainly real. Yet a wholehearted belief in false myth can be incredibly damaging to our society.

It’s time we reclaim civic grace: the ability to work together with people we don’t fully agree with. Be clear on who you are, what you know, and why you know it. Then, lock arms with those who share with you in your cause. Be on guard against messaging that declares you can’t be friends with anyone outside of your identity politics. Rather, observe what the Scriptures say, and practice xenophilia (love of strangers).