The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

How did “evangelical,” which has its roots in the Greek word for “good news,” come to have a largely negative association with right-wing politics? In this episode, Stephen briefly traces the history and usage of the word, discussing along the way: the ancient church, John Wesley and the Methodist movement, Billy Graham and Richard Nixon’s friendship, and our own age – an era that saw 81% of white evangelicals vote for Donald Trump. This episode originally aired on January 3, 2018.

The political middle has been abandoned. The mainstream may talk about the “middle” as a place for those with weak, undecided opinions, but Stephen sees the “radical middle” as a place for thoughtful voters with convictions and morals. In this episode, Stephen gives some examples of what a right-of-center political viewpoint looks like. This episode originally aired on December 6, 2017.

Politically speaking, Stephen finds himself right of center – what he’s come to call “the radical middle.” While this podcast is not about Stephen’s political beliefs, he believes that his experience and viewpoint may help listeners make sense of our current political climate. This episode originally aired on November 29, 2017.

We are constantly being bombarded with negative news. It’s easy to become disillusioned, our beliefs about ourselves, our people, and our country suffering along the way. In this podcast, Stephen offers a solution through recommending a few books and videos. May these restore your peace, hone your vision, and ennoble your soul. Patriotic Grace: What It Is and Why We Need It Now by Peggy Noonan What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner Listen to David McCullough on YouTube (you pick the video!) This episode originally aired on December 13, 2017.

Midsummer is here, and reading is on many listeners’ minds. In this episode, Stephen shares some of the top reading habits he’s developed over the years. Listen in to discover tactics that will make you a better and more accomplished reader. This episode is a must-listen for veteran readers and would-be readers alike! This episode originally aired on July 4, 2018.

Regular listeners of the podcast know that Stephen has called Roe v. Wade “bad law” for years. Even liberal justices such as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have been critical of the precedents used in the Roe v. Wade ruling. The landmark 1973 case, of course, has just been overturned, and legislative powers regarding abortion have been returned to the individual states where they should have always remained. Amidst the frenzy of public reaction, it’s important to remember that the US has not outlawed abortion. The ruling has simply said that the Constitution provides no guarantee of abortion. Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization was a good decision and a wonderful restoration of balance in American government.

Over the last five years, New York has spent $200,000 of taxpayers money (per year) inviting drag performers to interact with children as young as three years old. Stephen has and will continue to advocate for laws that ensure the fundamental rights and protections of LGBTQ people. But this situation in New York is asinine. And it isn’t just happening in New York. Even in conservative areas like Franklin, TN, you can find books such as The GayBCs in public elementary school libraries. Whether you are politically-aligned with the left or right, can we find some common ground and common sense on these issues?

Our economy is full of bad news: high inflation, high gas prices, a crashing stock market, and rising interest rates. But the economy is doing better than ever overall. We are in a time when the economy is serving more people than ever. 78% of Americans are confident in their personal financial wellbeing. The middle class saw $2.1 trillion in gains over the last 10 years through home ownership. Consider this lesson from economics and history: more than one thing can be happening at a time. Our economy and our times are multi-faceted.

There’s an important historical principle that Stephen uses when evaluating current news and trends. Trends move toward moderation. Don’t become preoccupied with the clanging trends of our time. Instead, think about where these shifts (inflation, COVID, Great Resignation, remote work, etc.) will leave us once the dust settles. How can you evaluate current trends so that you might lead well in the days to come? In other words, add a “this too will pass” attitude into your critical thinking and assessment toolkit! Also mentioned in this episode: Listen to the GreatMan Podcast Subscribe to Leading Thoughts

In this special episode recorded for both the GreatMan Podcast and the Stephen Mansfield Podcast, Stephen reflects on the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Tune in for a discussion of gun laws, school security, but most importantly: the powerful role that family and community can play in preventing troubled young men like the Uvalde shooter from taking such brutal and violent actions.

Did you know there are nearly 20,000 cryptocurrencies with a market cap of approximately $1.2 trillion? Stephen recently stayed at a hotel where a massive cryptocurrency conference was also taking place. Even while leading cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum are down more than 50% from their all-time highs, Stephen got the sense from these passionate attendees that crypto will be an important technology in our future. For now, crypto should be viewed by most of us as an emerging technology – not a safe haven, currency, or hedge against inflation. But that may change in the future. Tune in as Stephen shares what he has learned.

Roe v. Wade is bad law and it has tormented America for decades. Stephen explains the rationale behind the Supreme Court’s ruling in the landmark 1973 decision, as well as why he’s in favor of the Court returning the abortion issue back to the states, where it should have remained. Tune in for some level-headed discussion in the midst of these politically charged times.

Pain and hardship is a part of life. In fact, these things may even be the price of an exceptional life. There’s no avoiding them. Happy Warriors know that there is glory and victory on the other side. They’re made better by the struggle. Every swing of the sword and push of the shield invigorates them. They love to overcome adversity and raise a glass with their band of brothers or band of sisters to celebrate the sweet victories of life. May we, in our age, band together as Happy Warriors to contend against the challenges of life. This episode originally aired on August 7, 2019.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem – and suicide rates around the world are skyrocketing. In the U.S., for example, the annual suicide rate has increased 24% between 1999 and 2014. So, what can we do? In this episode, Stephen reflects on suicide in our culture, as well as the loss of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. This episode originally aired on June 13, 2018.

Stephen recently gave a talk on Volodymyr Zelensky. Many people found it inspiring and uplifting. One attendee responded with an email claiming Zelensky is an evil man involved in the trafficking of children via underground tunnels bought and paid for by George Soros. What bothers Stephen is not the disagreement itself, but that this intelligent person could so vehemently contend a blatantly false position from a source specifically designed for disinformation. You cannot rely on just a few news sources. You need to gather your information from a variety of news resources. Americans are divided in our response to war in Ukraine, one of the greatest refugee crises in history, because there are people who believe in disinformation, which is a direct result of consuming very limited media. Diversify your news. In this episode, Stephen explains how he sources his news.

This week, as the IRS becomes inundated with paperwork, Stephen shares an argument for a flat tax, which has seen tremendous success in other countries, such as Hungary, where revenues increased 24% in the first year that the nation replaced a progressive tax rate with a flat tax of 16%. A flat tax is the most fair, productive, simple, and democratic solution. Tune in to find out why.

Violent evil must be met with an equal force. The West must be resolved to counter Putin’s wrongdoings. His country’s population is half of the United States’ and his military is smaller. Is it time to step in? Should we be willing for World War III if that is the price of halting evil? Stephen believes we cannot allow other nations to be served up to Russia, as has happened in the past. Though history doesn’t repeat itself, it often rhymes.

There are three kinds of people always at work in society: rebels, radicals, and reformers. The rebels are unhappy, angry, and will take any opportunity for mischief and mayhem. The radicals are usually more intelligent and better organized. They may have a social vision that calls for the overthrow of the entire system in order to bring about justice in a certain area. Reformers want to bring needed change to a system with a direction consistent to what the system was originally intended to achieve. Recognize the differences. This episode originally aired on July 29, 2020.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine could perhaps be the most important event of our time, even eclipsing COVID in its impact. In this episode, Stephen analyzes the conflict through the lens of Just War Theory. Tune in to learn about “jus ad bellum,” “jus in bello,” and the various tests used to evaluate the ethics of war.

Allow yourself to think in terms of nuance. Avoid the traps of good/bad, black/white polarization. You’ll be wiser and better able to lead yourself out of the lesser angels of your nature. This is a sign of wisdom and maturity. It is what smart people do in our very tumultuous generation.

America has imbued its tax laws and culture with an emphasis on generosity. The theme has raged to the forefront in recent decades. Charities Aid Foundation's World Giving Index reports that Americans are radically generous. Seventy-two percent of Americans help strangers and forty-two percent volunteer to help others. During the pandemic (2020-2021), Americans were more generous than in years prior. In fact, nearly sixty percent of Americans gave money last year. In this episode, Stephen urges listeners to give generously, and to give wisely. Resources mentioned in this episode: BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Navigator Charity Watch Candid (GuideStar) IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Give to GreatMan GreatMan Global Donations Support GreatMan through Amazon Smile

It is essential that our nation’s leaders ensure we are not so dependent on foreign products and energy that we are incapable of being self-sustaining in the crises we face as a nation. We learned in the early days of COVID-19 that many critical supplies like N-95 masks came from China. You may have also learned that in 2021 the US received 21% of its gasoline from Russia. This reliance on other nations comes with significant risk. The United States has the resources to care for itself, and we ought to be self-sustaining in the essentials.

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.

Pope Francis and President Biden recently met. The Pope declared Biden a good Christian and Catholic and said he should continue receiving communion. As someone who is pro-life and slightly right of center, Stephen is concerned about the Pope’s public statements regarding moral issues. Are we are headed toward a crisis in the Catholic Church? Will the Vatican’s political and moral positions tear apart the Catholic Church?

While spending the past few days in Arizona, Stephen met a number of people who recently moved to the Copper State from California, Washington, and other blue states. Rapidly increasing crime rates, sky-high taxation, a shrinking law enforcement presence, and left-leaning policies have driven these families out of their hometowns. Join Stephen in this episode as he considers America’s present dilemma and her future.

Inflation is essentially government theft. Let’s talk about it. Inflation occurs when government expands the money supply. The greater the supply, the less scarce – and therefore valuable – something becomes. In our economy, the federal government can expand the money supply through policy. We currently have an inflation rate around 5.9%. In this episode, Stephen discusses what this can mean for everyday wage-earners and investors. Be wise, and keep your eye on the inflation rate.

Borrowed Future: How Student Loans are Killing the American Dream is a new documentary from Ramsey Solutions that uncovers the dark side of the student loan industry and exposes how the system is built to work against students. Stephen recently had the opportunity to watch this film, which is available on Google Play, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video beginning October 14. Tune in for his review of this must-watch documentary! There is a predatory lending industry and flawed ratings system in our country that is resulting in many 18 year-olds starting their lives with more debt than their parents have now. Learn more. Image via https://borrowedfuture.com/.

Travis asks, “What is Christian statesmanship?” In this episode, Stephen shares several Biblically-based answers to the question through addressing foundational Christian theology and reflecting on great leaders and events from history. Discover why Christian statesmanship matters and why it should be understood by people of all backgrounds. This episode originally aired on July 10, 2019.

Did you know that three companies control 95% of all credit cards? Or that three companies also control 80% of all mobile telecoms? Stephen is pro-business and fully supportive of free markets, but he is also fully opposed to monopolies. Dive into this episode to learn more about the dangers of monopolies, the advantages of free markets, and the role that the founding fathers intended the government to play in managing these threats. This episode originally aired on April 3, 2019.

Here is a truth of leadership: if you don’t fix it, somebody else is going to. And they’re probably going to fix it in a clumsy and heavy-fisted way. The AMA failed to address our healthcare issues, and so we got Obamacare. Several administrations failed to address trade issues, and so we got the Trump approach. Police your industry, or it will get policed for you. This episode originally aired on March 13, 2019.

We often think of America as a force of good in the world. Our nation provides foreign aid and spreads democracy. Certainly, America does much good. Yet there is a dark side of American influence abroad. In this episode, Stephen examines the dual America: the noble, generous, value-driven America of Ellis Island, and the America that obtusely puts a fist in the face of those she aims to serve. (Take, for example, the US Embassy in Kabul flying the LGBTQ flag in the middle of a highly conservative Muslim society that is radically opposed to gay issues.) Tune in and ponder these two Americas.

Through Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization the Supreme Court will have to determine if it is going to overturn or uphold Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion throughout America. In this episode, Stephen discusses The Texas Heartbeat Act and the political genius of this legislation, which was crafted so that private citizens might bring a civil case to court. We are poised for a turning on the issue of abortion in America. What will happen next?

According to US Department of Labor, 11.5M workers quit their jobs in April, May and June. This has been confirmed by a recent survey of 30,000 workers. What’s happening? People are looking honestly at their job dissatisfaction. COVID-19 caused 74% of people to rethink their work life. Now, many are looking for better bosses. Employees seek employers they can trust, employers who will protect their interests. People are realizing that work doesn’t have to be toxic or terrifying. There are good companies who want business to be a place of social good and personal uplift. Let’s talk about what this may mean for you and our nation. Mentioned in this podcast: The Great Resignation Is Here, and It's Real (via Inc.)

Many in our current class of Congress are proponents of socialism. They point at our warped version of capitalism and say, “Capitalism doesn’t work! We must throw it out and do something different!” Of course, the system we have today is not a free market economy with a fair playing field. (Warren Buffett’s secretary pays a higher tax rate than he does.) Those of us who believe in a traditional, free market American system need to be prepared to debate and defend the position. This episode originally aired on February 27, 2019.

Our bungled retreat from Afghanistan will have a profound impact on the trajectory of our country and the configuration of the world. The way the Biden administration left Afghanistan has been unbelievably disastrous. This has been a sign of American weakness and we’re going to see our enemies emboldened in the years ahead. If we’re going to undo the damage done by this unwise President and his unwise military advisors, we’re going to have to act boldly and do it now because this move has imperiled America.

True private enterprise should create a just and strong society. In this episode, Stephen discusses the $15/hr minimum wage and how we are seeing this economic and social issue play out in legislation and the free market. If business leaders don’t make changes on their own, then the government often steps in to fix the problem. One way is often better than the other! Tune in to find out how this debate is being resolved through the free market.