The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

No, the world’s not coming to an end. But economic turmoil is always a real possibility. Fortunately, it’s something we can prepare for and protect ourselves from. In this episode, Stephen shares practical tips to help get your family on firm footing. Learn about “The Grandmother Strategy,” the connection between generosity and prosperity, and a behavior Stephen calls the “key to wealth.” This episode originally aired on May 16, 2018.

Stephen is often asked how he gets the information that he needs. How does he learn? How does he stay on top of trends? One of the ways, of course, is by reading. Non-fiction certainly isn’t the only type of reading that can teach you about the world. In this episode, Stephen shares how “smart fiction” can teach you about current affairs, from how Russia corrupts and controls the West with dirty money to how nations battle for control of the Arctic shelf. Check out these three books that will help you digest important information about our current world. The Cellist by Daniel Silva Black Ice by Brad Thor China by Edward Rutherfurd

Sunday, July 11, 2021 could go down in history as the date in which a nation began to change. Something special is happening in Cuba. The 62-year-old Communist regime was rocked for the first time with popular uprising around the entire nation. In this episode, Stephen shares a brief political history of the nation, and asks: could we see Cuba become a democracy in our generation? Has the time come? Will this be the pivotal moment in Cuban history that shapes the island’s next chapter?

It’s very likely that water will be a significant crisis in the United States and around the world in the coming years. We’re seeing a decrease of potable water, especially in the Western United States, where many lakes and reservoirs are dropping down to as low as 10% of capacity. We have to get serious about technologies that will ensure the world has the water it needs. Let’s use our American common sense to save lives and build a great land.

Stephen tackles one of the latest controversial topics in our politically-charged environment: critical race theory. He explains what it is, where it comes from, and provides his balanced take that sees the nuances in both sides. There have been horrible injustices in African-American history, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment and the Tulsa race massacre. But is the blanket application of the lens of critical race theory the right way to teach history?

The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment is a critical part of American history, and it may have something to do with why many African Americans are hesitant to get the vaccine. Tune in as Stephen describes how this six-month long program stretched out into 40 years of abuse. Medical researchers purposely misdiagnosed hundreds of black men and failed to treat them properly – even when there was a remedy. Let’s remember: we’re not all living out of the same history. Let’s be compassionate about each other’s experiences. Image credit: Credit: Finding your Roots

Between 1865 and 1920, African Americans built almost 50 townships in Oklahoma. Many flourished, especially Tulsa’s “Greenwood District,” which became known as “Black Wall Street.” Soon it was the envy of whites in Tulsa. On May 31, 1921 tragedy struck. The city erupted into violence and fire in the infamous Tulsa race massacre. Black Wall Street was destroyed. To add insult to injury, the insurance companies didn’t even pay out to black owners after all of this painful death and destruction. Stephen tells this important tale and urges our great nation to ponder the opportunity now available to these insurance companies. Will the wrongs be addressed? Will this one hundred year anniversary mark a point of healing? Image via Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

A stunning 27% of white evangelicals believe in the QAnon conspiracy theory – the idea that the government, media, and financial worlds are in league together to run a global child-trafficking ring. Though there absolutely is trafficking in the world – as many as 48 million people, we’re being told – there is zero evidence for QAnon. This QAnon obsession is ripping up families and churches and damaging the soul of our nation. If you really care about trafficking, stop griping about QAnon and instead get involved with an organization like Uncaged, which is actually doing something about the problem.

The statue version of history omits flaws. This view perpetuates a false belief that the great men and women of history had relatively little existence outside of the great acts for which they are known. The story of the university that wanted to remove a Lincoln statue because the Great Emancipator once said he would allow slavery to continue if it would preserve the Union tells us as much. Our society is waking up to the idea that great figures of history can be mixed. Not all aspects of their lives are “statue-worthy.” This episode originally aired on January 17, 2018.

There’s been a trend of recent decades toward trying to personally destroy the people that we cannot defeat politically. In this episode, Stephen discusses why this trend is toxic to democracy. He also shares a story about the first time he saw it happen in 1987, as well as how the politics of personal destruction affected one of his friends. This episode originally aired on May 9, 2018.

We have all seen photos and videos of the events of January 6 in Washington, D.C. We witnessed the violence and desecration of the U.S. Capitol. (We must also acknowledge that well-intended people went to pray peacefully for our nation on that day.) The violence, however, should anger any American patriot. Now there is a call for a Congressional commission, which will create a classic D.C. crisis that Stephen explains in this episode. How did the Republicans react to the Democrats’ call for a commission? How should they have reacted? Stephen shares his analysis of the situation… tune in!

Many experts believe we may be heading toward a massive military engagement with China. “Cold War 2.0,” some are calling it. Watch the budget and you will observe Washington, D.C. shifting focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. The Navy, for example, has ordered 850 anti-ship missiles – compared to 88 the year before. President Biden wants to move 60% of US seapower to the Indo-Pacific. Australia and Japan are making preparations. One thing is certain: China is on the move. We must be ready.

The Republican Party needs unity. Instead, it’s eating itself alive, setting itself up for unbelievable defeat if it doesn’t change course. As of this recording, the GOP will likely remove Liz Cheney from her party leadership role. Representative Cheney is the third highest ranking Republican in the House of Representatives and the highest ranking Republican woman in the House. She is a woman of principle. She has voted with Donald Trump 98% of the time. And yet she has run afoul of Republican leadership and, more importantly, apparently, Donald Trump, by finding the former President’s actions on January 6 to be unconscionable. This all raises the question: Is the GOP a big enough tent to include both Trump supporters and critics? Or will the GOP tear itself apart by punishing those who aren’t deemed “pure” or “right” enough?

Welcome to a new format of the Stephen Mansfield Podcast! In this episode Stephen quickly touches on a number of issues, from politics and macroeconomics to book recommendations, personal life updates, and more. Find out what’s happening – and what you should be paying attention to – in this fast-paced, rapid-fire episode.

The House recently voted in favor of DC statehood. In this episode, Stephen addresses the Founding Fathers’ intent in creating Washington, DC, a district that Congress would govern directly so that the federal government could carry out its work without being beholden to partisan politics or the agenda or needs of a particular state. Tune in for Stephen’s historical perspective and thoughts on the political ramifications of this amendment – as well as why it won’t pass (at this time).

Stephen recently received the COVID-19 vaccine. In this episode, he shares his own personal history with vaccines, as well as his reasoning for getting this particular one. While speaking to all people around the world, Stephen specifically addresses some concerns on the hearts and minds of many American evangelicals, including questions over abortion-related stem cells, the mark of the beast, and how some libertarian ideologies conflict with Scripture. Tune in for an interesting discussion of these critical topics and to learn the non-political reasons why Stephen strongly encourages vaccination. Resources referenced in this episode: https://catholiccitizens.org/news/93519/four-pro-life-medical-groups-say-pfizer-moderna-covid-vaccines-not-made-with-aborted-baby-cells/ https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-covid-vaccine-ingredients-idUSKBN2AQ2SW https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2021/january/vital-information-for-churches-and-christian-leaders.html

We could talk forever about Billy Graham’s life, ministry, preaching, and theology. But today Stephen wants to talk about one critical moment in Billy Graham’s life that happened in 1949. In a monumental meeting, Graham and his team set firm boundaries that resulted in a scandal-free ministry for more than 60 years. Those four important decisions are discussed in this episode. This episode originally aired on March 7, 2018.

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.

Consider the possibility that we may have a new political party in the near future. In this episode, Stephen shares what he imagines could be the core values of a moderate party rooted in the “radical middle.” Let’s call it The Commonsense Party! Tune in for a discussion of the Trump-Tilting-GOP, Finger-In-the-Air-Biden, and why Stephen admires one of the most vilified members of the Republican Party.

Is Trump Conservatism the only form of conservatism we’re going to hear about in the coming years? The word "conservative" cannot be a codeword for “Donald Trump.” Otherwise the ideology is going to die in the next five to ten years. In this episode, Stephen discusses what may be next for the Republican party and what changes are necessary to keep the party alive. "Republican Elephant - Icon" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The New York Times recently published “The Children of Pornhub” by journalist Nick Kristof. “Pornhub became my trafficker,” said one young woman interviewed by Kristof, whose article reveals how content on Pornhub encourages the abuse and trafficking of many women, including young, underage girls. In this episode, Stephen shares what he learned in this important piece of journalism, and also encourages you to join him in making a difference in the fight against sex trafficking. Go to www.uncaged.org. Read “Opinion | The Children of Pornhub” from the New York Times.

Election fraud? Lawsuits? New appointees? In this episode, Stephen discusses the most important issues surrounding the transition of power from President Trump to President-elect Biden. Stephen shares what he’s learning about alleged fraud from friends in D.C. He also comments on how appointees like Antony Blinken indicate a powerful shift away from the current administration’s stance on foreign policy.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Last week, Stephen told a brief version of the Thanksgiving story. Today, he asks, what’s with the modern controversies surrounding Thanksgiving? Why is the simple, sweet, faith-filled story of Thanksgiving so attacked? Tune in as Stephen debunks the would-be debunkers! Above all, may you remember the good, noble, and true parts of our heritage during this holiday. Let’s honor those who paved the way by continuing to tell the Thanksgiving story to the next generation.

Watch this episode on YouTube. The first Thanksgiving story begins in the North of England with a congregation. In it, we see people who desire to be a stepping stone to the light of Christ. They’re also credited with writing one of the first civil compacts in history. “We sailed for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith,” wrote the Pilgrims in the Mayflower Compact during that frigid transatlantic journey. In this episode, Stephen shares the cherished story of their experience, highlighting truths often overlooked in many contemporary retellings. Next week on the podcast… the attempt to undermine our history.

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have been declared the winners of the presidential election. Donald Trump claims the election has been stolen. In this episode, Stephen shares what he’s learned from friends in D.C. How true are the allegations of fraud? How valid are the recounts and lawsuits? If there is corruption, let it be exposed. And if there is none, may our systems of justice validate the results. The tension between left and right serves us well for safer and better elections. So, in the meantime, stay at peace, pray, and trust that what’s happening now will increase respect for our institutions.

I’m proud of my country this morning. During a pandemic, and with 400 million opinions to consider, most election results are in, there is no major violence, and by nearly all accounts there is no corruption and no system breakdown. Our politics are divided, but our system works. In this morning’s episode, we’ll cover the “Blue Wave,” President Trump’s late night announcement, polling, and more. Above all, I urge you to be peacemakers in the hours and days ahead.

This past week, eminent pastor and Christian writer John Piper wrote an article titled: “Policies, Persons, and Paths to Ruin: Pondering the Implications of the 2020 Election.” Piper explains how he could never vote for Biden or the Democrats because of a number of moral issues. And though Trump may align more closely with the moral views of many Christians, his character is undeniably destructive to our nation. In this episode, Stephen references Piper’s essay as a jumping off point for musing, “What does all this say about America?” Why is our nation under such torment? Even in spite of COVID-19, we have great wealth, technology, and power. And yet our cities are burning. Another Supreme Court Justice will be appointed with an asterisk appended to the name in the minds of many Americans. Are we, as a nation, being dealt with by God? Why are we in the Slough of Despond, as is written in Pilgrim’s Progress? What does this season mean for America, what she’s meant to be, and how she relates to God and her history?

After a couple weeks off celebrating his son’s wedding, Stephen is back, answering your questions about the election and Amy Coney Barrett hearings. Earlier this year, Stephen had predicted that Donald Trump might win this election. In this episode, Stephen updates his analysis of the Biden/Trump race, analyzes the strategies behind each man’s campaign, and shares insights about the role of a Supreme Court Justice – as a nominee in hearings and as a member of the court.

During the race riots in Charlottesville and Boston, white supremacists repeatedly described themselves as “Christian” and “Conservative.” As Stephen contends in this podcast, nothing could be further from white supremacist philosophy than true Christianity and true Conservatism. Since Stephen considers himself both a Christian and a Conservative, he pushes back against racists kidnapping these two terms for themselves and shows how these world views are actually the opposite of what the KKK and similar demonstrators have claimed. This episode was originally published on August 23, 2017.

Though this episode originally aired in July 2018, our age of crass, malicious, and vile politics has only intensified. It’s not one-sided. Both Trump and the left have contributed to this. In this episode, Stephen urges listeners to be on guard. Don’t allow the coarseness in public debate to make you coarse, too. Think rationally. Find common ground. Support good, judicious leaders.

Stephen has recorded this podcast on the eve of the first Presidential debate. We’ve had fresh revelations via the New York Times regarding Donald Trump’s taxes. And soon Judge Amy Coney Barrett will undergo hearings. We stand at an unbelievably dramatic moment in American history. Stephen predicts that the Democrats are likely to use her faith as a weapon against her. For listeners unfamiliar with Judge Barrett’s faith, Stephen explains the Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition from which she comes. While we can hope for a Senate hearing that is high and elevated with conversation focusing on her jurisprudence, legal philosophy, and personal character, watch for the tone of religious bigotry.

The recent passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has led to a major collision in American politics between Democrats and Republicans. In this episode, Stephen untangles the various precedents involved, going back to the 1992 “Biden Rule.” Tune in to find out what Stephen thinks President Trump should do in the days and weeks ahead.

In a recent episode, Stephen stated that the appointment of Kamala Harris as vice-presidential nominee was a smart move. As usual, the podcast was posted on social media. If you listen regularly, you know that Stephen says he can’t vote for Joe Biden and that he’s deeply opposed to many of Kamala Harris’s policies. Yet many people on social media were quick to make assumptions that by praising the Democratic Party’s political strategy Stephen is also endorsing their policies. Not the case. In this day and age, more than ever, we owe it to ourselves to read beyond the headlines but not be easily deceived by clickbait.

At the end of August, U.S. Marshals in Georgia rescued 39 children held by seven to nine captors for the evil purposes of sex trafficking. The distraction factor in American politics often keeps us from noticing some of these incredibly important issues. In this episode, Stephen addresses the colossal issue of human trafficking, which affects some 48 million people worldwide. To learn more and help, visit www.uncaged.org, an organization Stephen is honored to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Our politics in America have taken on a Messianic nature. We are overheated and passionate. Yet neither Biden nor Trump will bring the dawn of a new era and radically change history forever. The real tragedy and source of damage we face is the great chasm in American society – a chasm that is tied up in cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors, among others.

You probably saw or heard the surreptitious recording of Maryanne Trump Barry talking about her brother, President Trump, in the most vile and critical terms. Think what you will about the president, Stephen grieves that politics in this country have gotten down to the family dinner table. Our Founding Fathers didn’t want people preoccupied with government. They believed other things were more important: faith, family, and relationships. As a matter of both policy and heart, Stephen urges us to return to the moderate middle, where most true governing occurs.