

ERLC Podcast
ERLC
Insights into the moral, cultural, and ethical issues of our day.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 10, 2020 • 39min
Holy Week, the Queen’s speech, and a conversation with Catherine Parks
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Bernie Sanders ending his presidential bid, an important ruling on abortion, Queen Elizabeth’s speech on COVID-19, more laughs from the Cuomo brothers, and a very different looking Easter. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Alex Ward on coronavirus and Holy Week, Chelsea Sobolik on the pandemic’s effects on the vulnerable, and Stephen Grcevich on the church and mental health concerns during this crisis. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by the ERLC’s Catherine Parks for a conversation about life and ministry. About Catherine Catherine Parks has loved reading biographies since she was a kid. When she's not reading, she loves playing volleyball and basketball, traveling with her family, and helping lead worship for her church. She's the author of Empowered and Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships and lives in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, two children, and a cute dog named Ollie. You can follow her on Twitter: @CathParksERLC ContentAlex Ward on What Holy Week reminds us of in the midst of a pandemicChelsea Patterson Sobolik on How the coronavirus is affecting vulnerable children: And how Christians can help Stephen Grcevich with How churches can promote mental health through the coronavirus pandemicPLUS: Dan Darling in National Review and Russell Moore in Christianity Today (on Easter Sunday)Culture A new White House Press SecretaryWisconsin’s complicated primaryBernie drops outRuling: Abortions are not essential servicesAre abortListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Apr 3, 2020 • 40min
Social distancing extended, the rise of Zoom bombing, and a conversation with Jen Wilkin
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about the extension of social distancing, staggering unemployment numbers, the rise of Zoom bombing, and the brothers who won’t stop making America laugh. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Scott James on praying for medical providers, Lieryn Barnett on caring for your mental health, Aaron Mercer on international religious freedom, and Russell Moore on how churches should think through pursuing SBA-backed loans available through the CARES Act. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jen Wilkin for a conversation about life and ministry.About JenJen Wilkin is a wife, a mother of four, and an advocate for women to love God with their minds through the faithful study of his Word. She writes, speaks, and teaches women the Bible. Jen is the author of multiple books including None Like Him, Women of the Word, and In His Image. She and her family are based at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. You can follow her on Twitter: @jenniferwilkinERLC ContentScott James with Six ways you can pray for medical providersLieryn Barnett on 3 suggestions for keeping your mental health in check during COVID-19Aaron Mercer with Are U.S.-India relations good for religious freedom?Russell Moore with Do SBA-backed loans violate the separation of church and state?Culture6.5 million people file for unemployment. Nearly ten million have filed in the last two weeksSocial distancing extended until April 30thJoe Diffie passes away from Covid-19 + Ellis Marsalis at 85The DNC delayed until AugustAre abortions essential during coronavirus? Zoom announces steps for call securitySouthern Baptists donate masks, suppliesState Conventions gather to prayListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Mar 27, 2020 • 56min
$2 trillion in relief, the Olympics postponed, and a conversation with Dr. Charles Smith
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about life in isolation, the Olympics being postponed, the latest in the Democratic primary, and how much most of us are missing baseball. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Brad Hambrick on talking to your kids about COVID-19, Brandt and Jill Waggoner on loving your neighbor during social distancing, Daryl Crouch on local churches stepping up during a crisis, and the Russell Moore’s content on religious liberty and love of neighbor. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Charles Smith for a conversation about life and ministry.About CharlesCharles Smith is assistant professor of leadership and vice president for institutional relations at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College in Kansas City, Mo. You can follow him on Twitter: @Charleswsmithjr ERLC ContentBrad Hambrick with 4 principles to remember when talking to your children about coronavirusconversation, not a monologue; answer child’s questions, not your priorities; grapevine effect; remember body language.Brandt and Jill Waggoner with 7 ways to love our neighbors while socially distancedBlood banks; food for school children; check on neighborsDaryl Crouch with 3 ways the local church is ready for challenging timesJust as hospitals are built to treat sick people and schools are built to educate uneducated people, churches exist to give hope and help to people who need hope and help.Russell Moore with God Doesn’t Want Us to Sacrifice the Old and Does it violate religious liberty to close churches over coronavirus?Culture U.S.Biden operating from home; Bernie still wants to debateCuomo becoming a media star for a nation stuck at homeYuval Levin: A Hard Pause, Soft StartCompanies are Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Mar 20, 2020 • 51min
Quarantine, coronavirus, and a conversation with Dr. Scott James
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about coronavirus and quarantines, the latest in the Democratic primary, and some good news to end your week. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Joe Carter on reading the news with discernment, Dane Hays on talking to your kids about COVID-19, and the ERLC’s reading recommendations during social distancing. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Dr. Scott James, an infectious disease specialist, for a conversation about coronavirus and his new children’s book.About Dr. JamesScott James serves as an Elder at The Church at Brook Hills. He and his wife, Jaime, have four children and live in Birmingham, Ala, where he works as a pediatric physician. He is the author of two family worship books (The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent; Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional), as well as illustrated children's books, including The Littlest Watchman (The Good Book Company, 2017) and his latest book, Where Is Wisdom? (B&H).ERLC ContentJoe Carter with How to read the news with discernment“Guard your mind,” “Consume less news” Dane Hays with How to talk to your kids about coronavirusWhat kind of memories are you building, even now, for your children and loved ones about the coronavirus outbreak of 2020? Thirty years from now, my prayer is they will they speak of things like more family time, serving others, and most importantly, hearing about the love and goodness of Christ.Melissa Affolter with What I’ve learned from working with survivors of abuse and trauma: The power of story and community in healingJason Thacker with Reading recommendations during the coronavirus shutdown. CultureThis week marked the first day of Spring!PoliticsBiden vs. Bernie; Bill Weld suspends campaign; campaigns uses texting instead of door-to-door;Mitch McConnell uses campaign to deliver groceries and Chick-fil-A Election results!Joe Biden has won the Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Mar 13, 2020 • 44min
Harvey Weinstein sentenced to prison, the coronavirus shuts down the U.S., and a conversation with Dr. Randy Davis
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about the coronavirus upending life all over the U.S., justice in the case of Harvey Weinstein, the results of Big Tuesday, and NASA’s new Mars rover Perseverance. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a piece from Courtney Reissig on parenting and work, Neal Hardin on LGBT issues at BYU, and Russell Moore’s article “Don’t Quarantine the Great Commission.” Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Dr. Randy Davis for a brief conversation about life and ministry.About Dr. DavisDr. Randy C. Davis became the executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board in 2010 after 34 years of pastoral ministry, serving churches in Mississippi and Tennessee. Davis is a graduate of William Carey College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Center for Biblical Studies. Davis and wife, Jeanne, have two adult daughters, Wendy and Beth, and four grandchildren.ERLC ContentUnderstanding how men and women approach parenting and work: A new study reveals many women prefer working part time by Courtney Reissig“What this study does is provide us with the freedom to divide care and work according to what works for our family, while also showing us that mothers and fathers care both about the home and the marketplace.”Explainer: BYU removes section from honor code about homosexual behavior by Neal Hardin“The cultural pressure to change stances on the vast array of LGBTQ issues is being brought to bear on every Christian institution, and it won’t stop. Because of this, Christians need to know how to think through these issues well.”How meeting practical needs helps vulnerable families: A family restoration success story by Lindsey TeatDon’t Quarantine the Great Commission by Russell MooreCultureCoronavirusWidespread alarm and misinformation, we recommend you follow live updates on Covid-19 from the Washington PostPulling out all the stops to stem the tide, churches, schools, and major events across the nation are delayed, cancelled, or moving online.The NCAA has cancelled both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the NBA and NHL have suspended play, and the MLB has ceased operations and delayed opening day.InternationalRussian moves toward extending VladimListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Mar 6, 2020 • 42min
Tennessee tornadoes, an abortion case at SCOTUS, and a conversation with Jason Thacker
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about an abortion case at the Supreme Court, coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading in the U.S., tornadoes in Tennessee, Joe Biden’s comeback, and rumors about Ed Sheeran. And don’t miss Lindsay’s rundown of this week’s ERLC content including a Q&A with infectious disease specialist Scott James M.D. about how to prepare for coronavirus, a piece from Rebecca McLaughlin on winsome apologetics, and our explainer on ethical concerns about research using fetal tissue. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Jason Thacker for a brief conversation about faith and technology.About JasonJason Thacker is the author of The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He serves as the Creative Director and an Associate Research Fellow at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is a graduate of The University of Tennessee in Knoxville and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. His writing has been featured at The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and many other outlets. He is married to Dorie and they have two sons. You can follow him on Twitter: @jasonthackerERLC ContentThe state of Louisiana is right to protect women The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in June Medical Services v. Russo by Jeff PickeringPlus: Chelsea Patterson Sobolik’s CBN interview about the caseHow can we engage in apologetics with gentleness and respect? by Rebecca McLaughlinExplainer: Federal government creates ethics advisory board for human fetal tissue researchA Q&A on coronavirus with an infectious disease specialist by Lindsay Nicolet & Brent LeatherwoodCultureCoronavirusIMB forms a coronavirus task forceCalifornia, Florida declare states of emergencySurgeon General says stop buying masksConferences and events being cancelled due to COVID-19New James Bond film premiere pushed back to Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Feb 28, 2020 • 49min
Justin Bieber, Super Tuesday, and a conversation with Juan Sanchez
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about the spread of the Coronavirus, Justin Bieber on faith, the state of the Democratic primary, and some fun news from this week in culture. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including Catherine Parks on the life of George Liele, an excerpt from Jason Thacker’s book on AI (which releases next week!), Diane Langberg on caring for trauma victims, and the ERLC’s partnership to launch the pro-life movement in Northern Ireland. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Juan Sanchez for a brief conversation about his life and ministry. About Juan Since 2005, Juan has served as senior pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and holds an MDiv, a ThM, and a PhD in systematic theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, Juan serves as a council member of The Gospel Coalition, co-founder and president of Coalición, assistant professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and an ERLC trustee. He has authored numerous books, including 1 Peter for You and Seven Dangers Facing Your Church. He and his wife Jeanine have five daughters and four grandchildren. You can follow him on Twitter: @ManorJuan ERLC ContentWho was the first known Baptist missionary? Honoring George Liele’s legacy by Catherine Parks Adapted from Catherine’s book, Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You) The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention recently voted to approve the first Sunday in February as the annual George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism, and Missions Day. Liele holds the distinction for being the first known Baptist missionary. Having been enslaved from birth and shared the gospel in Jamaica.Artificial intelligence could change the human body as we know it by Jason Thacker Excerpted from: The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of HumanityThe 2,411 hoarded remains in Indiana were murdered human beings by Todd E. BradySince 1973, ovListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Feb 21, 2020 • 41min
Bloomberg, polygamy in Utah, and a conversation with Daniel Ritchie
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about the Democratic debate in Nevada, the Boy Scouts filing for bankruptcy, Utah’s move to de-criminalize polygamy, and new research on the top concerns for evangelical pastors in the United States. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including an interview Jeff Pickering did with two former White House staffers, a new article from Chelsea Sobolik on pro-life legislation in the Senate, and Brents reflections on the importance of President’s Day. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Daniel Ritchie for a brief conversation about his life and ministry. About Daniel Daniel was born without arms and spent the majority of his life being told that he was a hopeless mistake and woefully insufficient to lead a full life. Yet, at the age of 15, he accepted Christ as his Lord. One year after getting saved, he submitted his life to a full-time call to ministry. Since then, God has allowed Daniel to serve in camp ministry, as a student pastor, conference speaker and writer. He now spends his time traveling, preaching & speaking at churches, conferences, and youth events in the United States and abroad. He recently published his first book, My Affliction For His Glory. You can follow him on Twitter: @DanielRitchie ERLC ContentWhat should civility look like in politics? A conversation with two former White House staffers by Jeff Pickering“Civility is what grace looks like in public.” – Micheal WearStudy shows preborn babies feel pain as early as 12 weeks' gestation by Chelsea Sobolik “Previously, most scientists and medical professionals, including the two researchers of this study, believed that pain could be felt at 22 weeks' gestational age/20 weeks fetal age. This new study reconsiders that claim, and makes the case for pain being felt at an earlier (12 weeks) gestational age.”Why we should appreciate Presidents Day: Recommended resources about the executive office by Brent Leatherwood Culture Bloomberg’s first debate (Axios)Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy (Fox News)Utah moves to decriminalize polygamy (The Guardian)What America’s pastors are most concerned about (Barna Research) LuncListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Feb 14, 2020 • 40min
Valentine’s Day, the Oscars, and a conversation with Trillia Newbell
Happy Valentine’s Day! In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent talk about the Oscars, the rebirth of the XFL, the latest on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the status of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Lindsay also gives a rundown of this week’s ERLC content including an article from Prison Fellowship’s Heather Rice-Minus on Christians and criminal justice reform, another Super Bowl ad, and a resource from Brad Hambrick from the Summit Church on seeing a counselor. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Trillia Newbell for a brief conversation about life and ministry.About TrilliaTrillia Newbell serves as the Director of Community Outreach for the ERLC. She is the author of numerous books, including Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith (2019). Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, True Woman, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and more. Her greatest love besides God is her family. She is married to her best friend and love, Thern. They reside with their two children near Nashville, Tennessee. You can follow her on Twitter: @trillianewbellERLC ContentWhat Christians think—and what the Bible says—about criminal justice reform by Heather Rice-MinusWhat a Google commercial teaches us about the purpose of technology by Jason Thacker“The goal and purpose of all technological innovation is to serve us as we serve the Creator of the universe.”Pre-order Jason’s book: The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of HumanityWhat the coronavirus reveals about the deeper disease of China’s government by Drew GriffinWhat would you say to the Christian who feels ashamed to seek counseling? By Brad Hambrick (video)Culture Coronavirus deaths surpass SARS deaths; infections spiked on Thursday (CNN)The Irish election – a stunning three-way tie (NYT)Oscars – Parasite cleaned up; Joaquin Phoenix did whatListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

Feb 7, 2020 • 41min
News-mageddon: The Super Bowl, Impeachment, and a conversation with Ashlyn Portero
In this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent walk through the week that some are calling “news-maggedon,” dealing with everything from the Super Bowl to the meltdown in Iowa to the end of impeachment. Lindsay also gives a rundown on this week’s ERLC content including a viral pro-life tv ad and threats to religious liberty in California. Also in this episode, the hosts are joined by Ashlyn Portero for a brief conversation about life and ministry.About AshlynAshlyn lives in Tallahassee, Florida, and serves as an executive director at City Church. She graduated from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a M.A. in Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology. Ashlyn serves on the advisory council for Redeemer Queens Park in London, U.K. ERLC Content One story behind the pro-life Super Bowl ad you didn’t see this year by Erin Roach (Texan Online)The Christian’s call to care for addictive populations by Supriya G. ReddyAre we free to disagree? Biblical sexual ethics, religious liberty, and Title IX at Fuller Theological Seminary by Casey B. HoughCultureCoronavirus (Washington Post)10 more people tested positive for coronavirus on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise-liner anchored in Japan’s Yokohama harbor on Thursday, raising the total of infected on the ship to 20, including three Americans.Coronavirus infections in mainland China also rose sharply again, with nearly 3,700 additional cases and 73 new deaths reported on Wednesday alone . . . China’s total confirmed cases top 28,000, more than 3,800 of them critical.Brexit Day (NPR)Iowa Results (New York Times)How Iowa Melted Down (New York Times)Impeachment Ends (NPR)New Hampshire Democratic Debate (New York Times)Ashlyn’s Book ListInterpreter of Maladies – JhumpaListen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.


