The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

History is not led by by the majority, but by the dedicated minority. And that minority is often led by one man of character - one man who inspires the people while embodying their hopes and values. In this episode, Stephen honors one such man, United States Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, “The Warrior Monk.”

We see the horrific use of chemical weapons in places like Syria and sometimes think, “It’s happening there, and it’s terrible, but it’s not happening here.” Without trying to incite irrational fear, Stephen suggests that such attacks could happen on U.S. soil. In this episode, he provides clear information about chemical warfare, as well as three concrete steps the average person can take in response to the proliferation of these weapons.

In this episode, Stephen talks about one good thing that’s happening in our political culture. It’s a corrective to trends of recent generations and something to be excited about. In the midst of the seeming ineptitude of Congress and all the weirdness and confusion coming out of Washington, D.C., states are beginning to consider their direction on their own. Stephen discusses why this is such a needed trend.

Evangelicals today are in crisis – largely because so many, especially the leaders, are wed to Donald Trump, who earned 81% of the white evangelical vote, half of the Roman Catholic vote, and half of the votes of regular church attendees. So, what’s the problem? Stephen sees a backlash against evangelicals that will only grow without some changes in behavior. Find out what solutions he proposes in this episode. "Blue Springs Church" by “Bill Showalter“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 03 April 2018. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wrshow/33541016781

Stephen recently learned from Kurdish elders in Nashville that ISIS is reaching out to Iraqi, Iranian, and Kurdish youth. In fact, ISIS is gaining money, power, and influence throughout the U.S. In this episode, Stephen urges awareness, action, and relationship-building. There is too great a chasm between Anglo cultures and Middle Eastern cultures. It’s time for that to change.

Russia’s behavior is a result of the United States’ weakness at certain critical moments. (For a recent example: our failure to support the Kurds, 93% of whom voted in favor of a referendum on independence.) Stephen believes that if the U.S. doesn’t change its diplomatic tone, Russia is going to gain alliances and territories in the Middle East that it’s wanted for generations. It’s time to take a stand.

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.

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.

People who do not clean up their own house end up having their house cleaned for them. We’ve seen this with the American medical community through Obamacare and now the Trump administration’s attempts to fix the system. Now, we’re going to see the process unfold yet again through gun legislation. Stephen’s urge to gun-owners: judge yourself, lest ye be judged.

Stephen wants you to fall in love with Winston Churchill… however it happens! In this episode, Stephen shares his top book and film recommendations, as well as why Churchill is rewarding at every level.Books:Stephen’s book: The Character and Greatness of Winston Churchill: Hero in a Time of Crisis by Stephen MansfieldStephen’s favorite: My Early Life: 1874-1904 by Winston ChurchillHighly recommended: Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill: A Brief Account of a Long Life by Gretchen Rubin Newer Churchill book: Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice MillardOlder Churchill book: Winston Churchill: An Informal Study of Greatness by Robert Lewis TaylorSubstantial one-volume tome: In Search of Churchill by Martin GilbertFilms:Young Winston (1972)Churchill: The Wilderness Years (1981)The Gathering Storm (2002)Into the Storm (2009)Dunkirk (2017)Darkest Hour (2017)