ERLC Podcast

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Hurricane Laura, Jacob Blake, the Republican National Convention, Liberty University, and COVID-19. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Jason Thacker with "How pornography is preying on the vulnerable in the midst of COVID-19," Alex Ward with "Explainer: Report of the Human Fetal Tissue Research Ethics Advisory Board," and Josh Wester with "4 Lessons from Carl F.H. Henry’s The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Meredith Leatherwood for a conversation about life and ministry.About MeredithMeredith Leatherwood is the Founder of Leatherwood Promotions, a business that promotes Christian records and singles in the music industry. She has been working in the music industry for nearly two decades as a record promoter. She holds a Masters in Theology from Liberty University. She and Brent have been married for eight years and they’re busy raising three children in Nashville, Tennessee. ERLC ContentJason Thacker with How pornography is preying on the vulnerable in the midst of COVID-19Alex Ward with Explainer: Report of the Human Fetal Tissue Research Ethics Advisory BoardJosh Wester with 4 lessons from Carl F. H. Henry’s “The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism”CultureA massive hurricane, named Laura, made landfall early Thursday morning off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas2 killed during Jacob Blake protests in KenoshaJustic Dept. to open investigation on Kenosha shooting17-year-old charged with homicide after shooting during Kenosha protests, authorities sayRepublican National Convention took placeFalwell resigns as president of LibertyCoronavirus cases fell by 15% this weekLunchroomLindsay: BNA CarpetJosh: The West Wing' cast will reunite to benefit When We All VoteBrent: Starbucks brings back pumpkin spice latte earlier than everConnect with us on Twitter@ERLC@jbwester@LListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Hong Kong, Uyghur Muslims, IVG, colleges opening and closing their doors, the Democratic Convention, conspiracy theories, California fires, and a Blockbuster Airbnb. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Travis Wussow with "What Hong Kong reveals about the future of China," Michael and Chelsea Sobolik with "How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims," and Alex Ward with and "Explainer: IVG is the newest technological threat to the family structure." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Michael Sobolik for a conversation about life and ministry.About MichaelMichael Sobolik is a fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). He also serves as editor of AFPC’s Indo-Pacific Monitor e-bulletin, AFPC’s review of developments in the region. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a legislative assistant to Sen. Ted Cruz from 2014 to 2019 and managed his Indo-Pacific policy portfolio. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he studied political philosophy as an undergraduate. He also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and US-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Chelsea. You can connect with him on Twitter: @michaelsobolikERLC ContentTravis Wussow with What Hong Kong reveals about the future of ChinaMichael and Chelsea Sobolik with How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur MuslimsAlex Ward with Explainer: IVG is the newest technological threat to the family structureCultureUNC-Chapel Hill fall semester going online amid COVID-19 outbreaks, one week into classesNotre Dame, Michigan State Act to Slow Coronavirus Spread1 in 5 college students don't plan to go back this fallDemocratic National ConventionTrump refuses to condemn QAnonQanon the alternative religionThe origins of QAnon trace to three people who seek financial gainGov. Newsom declares statewide emergency as fires scorch CaliforniaUnemployment claims tick back up to over 1 millionListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss 2020 election updates, a shooting outside of the White House, a derecho in the midwest, coronavirus in kids, the housing market, and college football plans for the fall. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by the ERLC Staff with an explainer on How to make sure your kids are safe on the internet, Jason Thacker with an explainer on Elections in Belarus, an internet blackout, and human rights, and Michael Natelli with How churches can serve those facing eviction during the pandemic. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Matt Emerson for a conversation about life and ministry.About MattMatt Emerson is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and a dean at Hobbs College. Matt earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and an M.Div. and Ph.D. in from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining the OBU faculty in 2015 he previously taught at California Baptist University. Matt has authored or co-authored over 20 publications. His research interests include the Old Testament’s use in the New Testament, early Christian interpretation, and theological method. He serves as co-Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Renewal, co-editor of the Journal of Baptist Studies, steering committee member of the Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar, and Senior Fellow for the Center of Ancient Christian Studies. He is also a member of a number of scholarly societies, and blogs at Biblical Reasoning. Matt and his wife, Alicia married in 2006 and have five daughters. You can connect with him on Twitter: @M_Y_EmersonERLC ContentERLC Staff with an Explainer: How to make sure your kids are safe on the internetJason Thacker with Explainer: Elections in Belarus, an internet blackout, and human rightsMichael Natelli with How churches can serve those facing eviction during the pandemicCultureThe Biden-Harris ticket rolloutBiden campaign raises $26 million in first 24 hoursTrump whisked out of press briefing after shooting outside White HouseMidwest Derecho strikes in Iowa, Illinois, IndianaThere has been a 90% increase in Covid-19 cases in US children in the last four weeks, report saysThe pandemic real estate marketNearly 150 Christians killed in sustained violence in NigeriaThe Mid-American ConferenListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss a massive explosion in Beirut, North Carolina pausing reopening, Kenya canceling school, Hurricane Isaias, mail delays, Kanye West, and UConn canceling football. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Jason Thacker with "What a new AI system reveals about our hopes for technology," Josh Wester with "How can we find truth in a world of confusion? Resting in our reliable Savior," and Ashley Newell with "What your family can do to stand for orphans: Using our gifts for the good of others." Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Dean Inserra for a conversation about life and ministry.About DeanDean Inserra is the founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Dean was called to start a church in his hometown of Tallahassee when he was the Student Body President at Leon High School. He is passionate about reaching the city of Tallahassee with the Gospel, to see a worldwide impact made for Jesus. Dean graduated from Liberty University and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He holds a M.A. in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a D.Min from Southern Seminary. Dean is married to Krissie, and they have two sons, Tommy and Ty, and a daughter, Sally Ashlyn. Dean likes baseball, wrestling, and the Miami Hurricanes. He believes Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback, and that everyone who disagrees holds the right to be wrong. You can connect with him on Twitter: @deaninserraERLC ContentJason Thacker with What a new AI system reveals about our hopes for technology: Open AI’s GPT-3 and remembering to recognize our CreatorJosh Wester with How can we find truth in a world of confusion? Resting in our reliable SaviorAshley Newell with What your family can do to stand for orphans: Using our gifts for the good of othersCultureAt least 135 killed, thousands injured after massive explosion rocks BeirutThousands march in Berlin to protest COVID-19 restrictionsNorth Carolina Will Pause Further Reopening Until September To Start The School Year260 employees in Georgia's largest school district have either tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposedKenya’s Unusual Solution to the School Problem: Cancel the Year and Start OverIsaias Live Updates: Tornadoes Are a Threat as Storm Charges NorthListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss the U.S. economy, the presidential election, Herman Cain, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, new Covid outbreaks, Regis Philbin, and mystery seeds. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including pieces by Cary Corley, Ericka Anderson, and Josh Wester. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Isaac, Gracie, Carson, and Lilly—our 2020 summer interns with the ERLC team in NashvilleAbout our 2020 InternsIsaac is from Houston, TX and attended Brown University, and now The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryGracie is from Canton, GA and attends Samford University Carson is from Jackson, TN and attends Texas Christian University Lilly is from Oklahoma City, OK and attends Oklahoma Baptist UniversityERLC ContentCary Corley with 5 principles for relationships in a contentious society: Lessons from counseling troubled marriagesEricka Andersen with How nonprofits allow us to care for the most vulnerable: Four organizations caring for immigrants well during COVID-19Josh Wester with 4 things Christians can do in a divisive political timeCultureU.S. Economy Contracted at Record Rate Last Quarter; Jobless Claims Rise to 1.43 MillionTrump floats delaying Presidential Election, He Can'tFormer GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain dies of Covid-19Ruth Bader Ginsburg recovering after non-surgical procedureMoore, others urge FDA to remove abortion pill from U.S. marketDr. Ben Mitchell is retiringCOVID outbreak of more than 40 cases tied to revival at rural Alabama churchMLB Already Has a Coronavirus Outbreak.Regis Philbin, Legendary Television Host, Dies at 88Target joins Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving DayMystery seeds are showing up in mailboxes, sparking investigationsLunchroomLindsay: Recipe; John Powell’s story on people.comBrent:  Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what is happening in China, California’s record breaking coronavirus week, the Bahamas, opening day for baseball, and a surprise Taylor Swift album. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Travis Wussow, Josh Wester, and Brent Leatherwood with an Explainer: How should Christians think about singing in church during COVID-19, Alex Ward with Why God’s Word is better than fiction with combatting sin, and Stacy Reaoch with What do our words say to a watching world? Glorifying God by respecting those with whom we disagree. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jason Thacker for a conversation about life and ministry.About JasonJason Thacker serves as the Creative Director and as Chair of Research in Technology Ethics. In these roles, he develops content and resources in the area of technology ethics and oversees all creative projects including design, video, web, audio, and print media. Jason is the author of The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity with Zondervan. He is a graduate of The University of Tennessee and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Dorie and they have two sons. You can connect with him on Twitter: @jasonthackerERLC ContentTravis Wussow, Josh Wester, and Brent Leatherwood with an Explainer: How should Christians think about singing in church during COVID-19?Alex Ward with Why God’s Word is better than fiction when combatting sin: Lord of the Rings, racism, and power of a SaviorStacy Reaoch with What do our words say to a watching world? Glorifying God by respecting those with whom we disagreeCultureChinese ambassador struggles to explain Xinjiang footage of blindfolded prisonersU.S. orders China's Houston consulate to closeCalifornia breaks record with over 12,000 new coronavirus casesThe White House has a list of 11 cities in need of aggressive action to combat Covid-19The Bahamas banned flights from the US and other hard-hit countries in effort to contain coronavirus spreadDuring Coronavirus Lockdowns, Some Doctors Wondered: Where Are the Preemies?More needed to be done to disavow Margaret SangerThe Baptist Record ceases printing, moves to free digital serviceSBC President J.D. GreeaListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss what is happening in California, reports from Israeli schools, Kanye’s presidential race update, RNC convention plans, and the new Ford Bronco. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including pieces by Palmer Williams, Daniel Darling, and Gabriel Stovall. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Palmer Williams for a conversation about life and ministry.About Palmer:Palmer Williams is a founding partner of The Peacefield Group and specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, nonprofit operations, and government affairs. She has extensive experience advocating for human rights on the international stage, including at the United Nations. Additionally, she has worked with government agencies and faith-based organizations to launch statewide initiatives and grassroots organizing campaigns. Palmer and her husband Joseph live in Nashville with their three boys. You can connect with her on Twitter: @palmerwilliams ERLC Content:Palmer Williams with Tennessee governor signs comprehensive pro-life billDaniel Darling with 4 ways we can apply Scripture to online engagementGabriel Stovall with How you can serve your community during a pandemic: Send Relief encourages Southern Baptists to make a difference through compassionate careCulture:California rolls back reopening plans as new outbreaks force major reversalGateway buildings close under renewed lockdowns; Spurgeon College announces bachelor's program updatesStudents say they'll sacrifice fun if they can return to campusIsraeli Data Show School Openings Were a Disaster That Wiped Out Lockdown GainsFacebook will launch a new section to debunk coronavirus mythsWhy Kanye West Is Reportedly Dropping Out of The Presidential RaceRNC restricts convention attendance as Florida coronavirus cases climbTennessee enacts strong pro-life law; court battle beginsFertility rate: 'Jaw-dropping' global crash in children being bornListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss this week’s Supreme Court rulings, foreign students being forced to leave the U.S., Kanye West, plans for New York City schools, Charlie Daniels and Ivy League canceling fall sports. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?, Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemic, and Josh Wester with Why Christian should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Travis Wussow for a conversation about life and ministry.About Travis:Travis Wussow serves as the Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel. Travis led the ERLC’s first international office located in the Middle East prior to joining the Washington DC office. He received a B.B.A. in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. He and his wife, Katie, have two daughters. You can connect with her on Twitter: @traviswussow.  ERLC Content:RaShan Frost with What is the difference between remembering history and celebrating division?Heather Rice-Minus with A call to pray for those in prison during the pandemicJosh Wester with Why Christians should care about the latest step in the sexual revolution: Opposing polyamory for the good of societyCultureSupreme Court ministerial exception affirmedSupreme Court rules employers with religious objections can be exempt from ACA's birth control mandateSCOTUS: Congress can't get Trump tax records, but grand jury subpoena mayForeign students could be forced to leave U.S. if colleges move onlineHarvard and MIT sue Trump administration over rule barring foreign students from online classesKanye West announces he is running for president in the 2020 US electionBBC More than three million people in the US have now tested positive for Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.CNN: Tom Hanks: Wear a maskAtlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tests positive for coronavirusNew York City schools will not fully reopen in fallListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Cooperative Program giving, the Mississippi State flag change, Coronavirus cases hitting a new threshold, Whataburger, and SCOTUS cases. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Victor Vieth with “4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuse,” Jamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with “The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differences,” and Alex Ward with a resource list to learn more about America’s founding. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Katie McCoy for a conversation about life and ministry.About KatieKatie serves as Assistant Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies at Scarborough College. Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Union University (TN) and with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Women’s Studies from SWBTS. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in May 2016. Katie has a passion for connecting global women’s issues with a biblical perspective on women’s value. Her dissertation is on Old Testament law about women, what they reveal about women’s dignity, and the Church’s social responsibility to women worldwide. As a teacher, Katie hopes to engage her students to think critically and to equip them to communicate biblical truth with grace and strength. She is a self-professed political news junkie and considers herself an adopted Texan. You can connect with her on Twitter: @blondeorthodoxy. ERLC ContentVictor Vieth with 4 ways churches can respond to the spiritual impact of child abuseJamaal Williams and Jim Tipton with The importance of Christian friendships that defy expectations: Loving one another across generational and cultural differencesAlex Ward with Learn more about America’s founding from these resourcesCultureCooperative Program giving highest in three months, down only 1.47% for yearHigh court affirms religious access to state programsMississippi State Flag ChangeChanging the state flag is not about forgetting Mississippi’s past. It’s about acknowledging it.Many Students Will Be in Classrooms Only Part of the Week This FallBiden blows by Trump in cash raceFauci warns U.S. could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases per dayU.S. daily coronavirus cases top 50,000 for first timeListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, are joined by Meagan Smith. They discuss Coronavirus back in the news with rising cases in many states, North Carolina pausing their reopening plan, and Apple telling you how long to wash your hands. They also discuss the Mississippi state flag, Bostock fallout, a Saharan dust storm, and the oldest living dog. Lindsay gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece by Missie Branch with “Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliation,” Katie Blackburn with “Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situations,” and Catherine Parks with “How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock ruling.” Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Andrew Walker for a conversation about life and ministry.About AndrewAndrew T. Walker is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Associate Dean in the School of Theology. He also serves as Executive Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. He is a Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination’s entity tasked with equipping Christians and local churches to address ethical issues facing society and the church. He is also the Executive Editor of Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology, a publication of The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and three daughters. He’s an avid distance runner and enjoys music, movies, and reading in his free time. You can connect with him on Twitter: @andrewtwalk. ERLC ContentMissie Branch with Why hope will sustain us through the pain: Trusting in God while laboring for reconciliationKatie Blackburn with Why proximity changes how we love others: The imago Dei and sticking by people in messy situationsCatherine Parks with How Title IX’s benefits for women may be threatened by the Bostock rulingCultureU.S. reports highest number of new coronavirus cases since May 1More young people across the South are testing positive for coronavirus, officials warnNew York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine for travelers from US hotspotsWatchOS 7 includes a new Apple Watch hand-washing feature for COVID-19 protectionMississippi Baptists ask Legislature to remove Confederate symbol from state flagLigon Duncan: ‘Mississippi, Take Down That Flag’Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.