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).

Presidents, Senators, Representatives, and new citizens all take an oath to support and defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. We don’t ask them to commit to individuals or political parties. We ask them to commit to a document. Sadly, we are living at a time when the centrality of the Constitution is beginning to recede. With former President Trump, and now President Biden, we are moving toward Imperial Presidencies, characterized by leaders who legislate through Executive Orders. In this episode, Stephen makes an argument for restoring the centrality of the Constitution, as well as why you should read this document if you’re one of the 57% of Americans who never have.

As you know, former President Trump is currently facing his second impeachment trial. In this episode, Stephen shares why he believes Democrats are making a mistake in their approach. Stephen also discusses the president’s behavior during the final months of his term, as well as what we might anticipate if the second impeachment is unsuccessful.
Referenced in this episode: “Democrats Need a Do-Over on Their Impeachment Article” (via National Review)

The 1970s, under the leadership of Graham, Falwell, Colson, and many others, ushered in the era of the Religious Right, a movement that culminated with the Reagan administration in the 1980s. Now, the trends are shifting again. We’re witnessing the rise of a new Secular Right, borne by individuals and groups lacking in the former guard’s moral values and personal constraints. January 6, 2021 tells the story of this new secular, paramilitary religious right. (No, not those who went to the Hill to pray, but those who stormed the Capitol.) In this episode, Stephen unpacks this shift and again encourages pastors – and all religious conservatives – to be laser clear in their messaging. Don’t miss this episode for a sense of where we’ve been… and where we’re going.

For many Americans, there’s a sense that Mr. Biden’s administration brings a level of competence to the political stage. International partnerships are coming back, scientists no longer feel gagged, and we’re seeing an aggressive pandemic response. Stephen appreciates some of this, but also grapples with various aspects of the new President’s ideology. While Biden is a Roman Catholic, many of his policies are completely bereft of moral rooting. In this episode, Stephen discusses some of the President’s Executive Orders and stances on issues such as abortion and the ban on transgender soldiers. Mr. Biden is engaged in a low-grade cultural revolution. The question is: will it serve America well?

Stephen has often advocated for taking Washington, D.C. for a righteous, noble cause. On January 6, many salt-of-the-earth, heartland Christians who genuinely believe the election was stolen gathered to do just that. They convened to pray and cry out to God from the nation’s capital. Unfortunately, this gathering was tainted by the presence of anti-Semites, Proud Boys, white supremacists, and many others. In this episode, Stephen speaks directly to pastors – though, as always, all are invited to listen. As people of faith, we must be careful with our words. How can we be more prudent with our language?

January 6, 2021 is a day that will go down in the history books. What happened at the U.S. Capitol? Is President Trump responsible? What should we make of the position he put Mike Pence in? Where is the evidence of election fraud? Stephen reflects on these questions and what their answers may hold for the soul of the nation. Certainly there were good Christians present who stood on the lawn to pray. But there were also many individuals armed with riot gear and out for blood with the intent of violence, destruction and murder. Let’s hold and weigh both of these truths in reviewing the day’s events.
CC image courtesy of Blinkofanaye on Flickr

The COVID-19 bill (“Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021”) that was recently signed into law touted the goal of putting funds into the hands of hurting Americans. Superglued onto this legislation was $15M for Pakistan, $36M for Cambodia, $130M for Nepal, $135M for Burma, $453M for Ukraine, $700M for Sudan, and more than $1B for new Smithsonian museums in D.C. Furthermore, Congress was given about six hours to review this 5,593-page bill. Stephen discusses this real-time civics lesson, as well as the Electoral College results that are expected to be certified today.

Without question, it has been a challenging year. Yet we are grateful for the battles that make us better. In this episode, Stephen reflects on COVID-19, the 2020 election, and the phenomenon of creative destruction. Good days are ahead. At this very moment, we stand on the precipice of a year that has the potential to be one of our finest hours. Let’s rise.