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

Our opinions about January 6 don’t really matter. The fact is that many in Canada, our closest cultural and geographical neighbor, think that America is not working and that civil war could be on the horizon. Thomas Homer-Dixon, executive director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University, writes, “The American polity is cracked and might collapse.” Stephen calls on those of us who are willing to be activists for righteousness to rise up and recover what’s been lost. Let’s remember who we are as a nation when we’re at our best. Let’s see America recovered and strong for the future. 

One of the most important current trends in the United States is the failure of the Left driving people to the Right. Much of American politics comes down to: “What works?” (As Reagan said, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?”) While there is a percentage of Americans who care about abstract ideas, most are pragmatic, which is why we are seeing financial institutions moving from New York to Florida, companies leaving California for Texas, and small business owners in Left-dominated states uprooting their families and employees for states with more favorable policies. Some of the most significant Democratic strongholds in this country are failing and losing talent and capital. This is America’s Great Migration.

In this final episode of the year, Stephen shares seven predictions or trends that he believes will be highly important in 2022. While these predictions are all political in nature, remember that our Founding Fathers did not intend for government and politics to be at the center of our lives. As we enter what may be yet another turbulent year, don’t allow politics to rob you of the stability of your soul, your faith, your balance, and peace. The most important things in life are your connection to God, fulfilling your destiny, your family, immediate community, and the nobility of the work that you do. May 2022 be your best year yet.

The Supreme Court of the United States is reconsidering a nearly 50-year history of its own ruling on abortion. Under Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Mississippi Legislature said there can be no abortion after 15 weeks. This directly challenges the Supreme Court’s two previous rulings on the matter, Roe v. Wade (1973), and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). In this episode, Stephen discusses Dobbs, the precedents set in 1973 and 1992, and recent comments from Supreme Court justices. With a 6-3, conservative-liberal breakdown on the Supreme Court, what happens next, whatever the outcome, will make history. America currently has some of the most supportive abortion laws in the world, ranking alongside China and North Korea. Will they be upheld, or will decisions go back to the states?

In this episode, Stephen reflects on the Kyle Rittenhouse case and what the verdict means for our society. There are some philosophical questions to ponder: do we want a society in which individuals can walk around with AR-15s? Do we want a society in which 17 year-olds can openly carry weapons into violent and contentious situations? While the Rittenhouse verdict followed Wisconsin law, it should cause us to reflect on the type of society we want.

Do you know the true, historically accurate Thanksgiving story? The Pilgrims are often under attack these days, but these godly men and women sacrificed much, giving their lives to bring the Gospel to the new world. They laid a foundation our nation would do well to remember. Tune in and recall the heritage and the purposes to which the Pilgrims were devoted. And while you listen, think of who may be changed and challenged by hearing this episode. Think of how you can get this story in front of children, because it needs to be passed to the next generation. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and may you, too, live for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.

Many conservatives have deep concerns about Donald Trump and how his politics may affect upcoming elections and the future of the GOP. While Trump has done some good things, some of his beliefs and policies have also damaged the Republican Party and alienated potential voters. In this episode, Stephen recaps several recent conservative victories outside of the Trump bubble. The United States is still a center-right country, and voters are willing to engage with sane conservatism. 

A lack of religious knowledge has plagued our society for years, causing great devastation at home and abroad. Many people, for example, don’t know the difference between a Muslim and a Sheikh or an Evangelical and a Catholic. Very few have ever had a comparative religion class. In this episode Stephen presents a challenge and discusses an opinion on the matter that he shares in common with the ACLU.
This episode originally aired on May 22, 2019.