The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Donald Trump says he wants to buy Greenland, and the world reacts as if watching an SNL skit. Of course, there’s much more to the story than meets the eye. For Stephen, the Greenland idea captures almost all the good, bad, and ugly of the Trump administration. Learn why this idea isn’t as novel as it may sound and why the Arctic could become a global political tension zone in the very near future.

American society is becoming a high-tech version of Rome, where life was cheap and control was maintained through “bread and circuses.” Today, for the first time ever on the podcast, Stephen tackles the topic of football, focusing specifically on the story of Andrew Luck, the famous 29-year-old quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who recently announced his decision to resign from the sport due to recurrent injuries and pain. "File:Andrew Luck 2013.jpg"by Mr.schultz is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Stephen’s been receiving some odd phone calls lately: “Are you in the family?” Which one? Ah, Netflix’s new mini-series, The Family? In this episode, Stephen answers that question while providing some background and insights regarding The Fellowship organization, the Netflix production, and the possible motivations behind this dramatized documentary. Cue the ominous music… and pop in your earbuds! (Image via Netflix)

What demographic trends are shaping the world in which you live? In this follow up to a May 2019 episode, Stephen examines high-level global and domestic trends. Dive into this statistically rich episode, and learn about rising and falling birth rates, the white/non-white divide in political parties, and the increasing urban/rural divide that’s turning conventional wisdom on its head.

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.

Ready for a thought experiment? Join Stephen in this episode as he imagines what he would say if he were an advisor to the GOP. Stephen addresses demographic issues (one of the most important truths of American politics today), rhetoric, Trump (the good and bad), and key points about free markets and economic development that the GOP should be making in order to attract a wider voting base. Next, Stephen chastises the GOP for their serious error in supporting President Trump’s wildly uninformed and offensive, “Send them back,” message. Finally, he demonstrates why the GOP should have no problem defeating the rhetoric of several popular far-left congresspeople new to the scene.

In the speeches of Bernie Sanders, in the Occupy Wall Street movement, and in popular chitchat, we hear often that the top one percent of earners in our society are destroying us. Is this true? Is one percent of the country the cause of all our woes? And what do you have to earn to be in the top one percent, anyway? Stephen answers all these questions and points us to a more sane view than you may have likely heard before. This episode originally aired in July 2017.

Immigration is one of the most difficult topics to discuss in the U.S. today. In this episode, Stephen addresses the serious flaws in the United States’ standard operating procedures of holding and treating illegal immigrants as American criminals under U.S. criminal law. This flawed policy results in parent/child separation with many parents ultimately being released in the U.S. Stephen, who is pro-immigrant, offers a different approach for dealing with the nation’s immigration issues.

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.

July 1, 2019 marked the longest period that the US economy has gone without a recession. We’re at a 50-year unemployment rate low. Naturally, the doomsayers are coming out of the woodwork and predicting a turn for the worse. Nobody knows what will happen, but Stephen believes a modulation is on the horizon. In this episode, Stephen shares three critical concepts every adult must understand and master in order to ride out potential economic storms. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to have financial stability and wealth regardless of the direction of the economy.

Stephen has written on the faith of several former Presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Abraham Lincoln. In this podcast, he addresses the reasons why his most recent book is not called The Faith of Donald Trump. Discover how religious figures like Paula White and Norman Vincent Peale (author of The Power of Positive Thinking) influenced Trump from his early years all the way through the election. Pick up your own copy of Choosing Donald Trump: God, Anger, Hope, and Why Christian Conservatives Supported Him. Note: This episode originally aired in November 2017.

At surface level, the economy appears to be stronger than ever. But those who understand economic trends know how to interpret the bellwether, namely, the current state of debt. Commercial and consumer debt is in trouble and sending some disconcerting signals about the future. In the first quarter of 2019, credit card delinquency reached a new high since 2012 (largely driven by consumers age 18-29). The U.S. National Debt reached a new record high in the second quarter of 2019 – $1 trillion higher than the previous record. Stephen urges listeners to get their households in order and plan for the future. Do you need help? Get Debt Help from Dave Ramsey Stephen Mansfield does not receive any compensation for recommending Dave Ramsey.

There’s something troubling the Southern Baptist Church, and the discussion is rippling out into the rest of the evangelical world and beyond. The issue: whether women (specifically Beth Moore, in this case) should be able to teach men. Stephen addresses the issue from several angles in this podcast episode. Image via lproof.org/about

On June 17, 2015, a young man walked into Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, SC, sat through a prayer meeting and Bible study, then pulled out a gun and killed nine black people who had just shown him love and hospitality. Amazingly, within 48 hours the surviving families of the victims openly forgave the shooter and urged him to receive Jesus Christ into his life. A very special movie has been made about this tragic event and those affected by it. Go see Emanuel, in theaters June 17 and 19 only. Details: www.emanuelmovie.com. (Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Did you know that a nation must have a birth rate of 2.1 in order to maintain a population? Understand birth rates and you’ll understand more about the future of your country and world than most people. In this episode, Stephen touches on some critical data that reveals what the United States will look like 20+ years from now. Learn how demographics, lifespans, and populations will radically transform before our very eyes.

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.

“I think this ought to be discussed in closed session,” is a phrase that makes many Americans, especially members of the press, wild with fury. It’s anti-democratic! It’s deceptive! Stephen argues the opposite from his experience living in DC. Lives are frequently ruined when things that should be dealt with in closed session are dealt with publicly instead. In this episode, Stephen looks at a recent example involving Jerry Falwell Jr. and Michael Cohen.

As our nation finds itself constantly preoccupied with Trump, Barr, Mueller, and the rest, very important happenings are taking place with little notice. This past week, for example, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that Putin encouraged Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, to stay in office instead of leave for Cuba. Stay alert, don’t get distracted, and be ever vigilant, for eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

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.

Stephen observes a trend of “all or nothing” politics. As a Christian and a conservative, he can say he’s grateful for many of Trump’s policies. At the same time, he can say that Trump is foul-mouthed, immoral, deceptive, and brings others into his deceptions. Statements like Michele Bachmann’s (“We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetime.”) are imbalanced and polarizing. If you can’t see both the good and bad in various candidates and political parties, then you will have a tough time being a change agent in our society. We should stand with the truth and evaluate all things in light of it.

Donald Trump has been threatening out of anger to relocate illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities. Though he may be right on the issue of illegal immigration, he is wrong in his approach. In this episode, Stephen discusses why leaders need to be aware of the emotions affecting their decisions. Great leaders must “clear the weeds” of emotions blocking the view to a good decision, for when we make decisions out of anger, we make foolish decisions.

Sex trafficking has become such a huge problem that many of us are hard-pressed to get our minds around it. The U.S. government estimates 56 million people are trafficked globally each day. The industry brings in more than $150 billion; that’s more than the intake of the world’s five largest companies. In this episode, Stephen discusses the nature of this despicable global issue, as well as his own involvement in fighting modern day slavery.

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.

Evangelicals today are in crisis – largely because so many, especially the leaders, are wed to Donald Trump, who earned 81% of the white evangelical vote, half of the Roman Catholic vote, and half of the votes of regular church attendees. So, what’s the problem? Stephen sees a backlash against evangelicals that will only grow without some changes in behavior. Find out what solutions he proposes in this episode. Note: This episode of the Stephen Mansfield Podcast was originally published on April 4, 2018.

The college admissions scandal, Smollett, #MeToo, Manafort, Cohen, Nassar… we live in an age of justice, and Stephen celebrates it. This reformist impulse happens from time to time in history, and we are witness to it now. In this episode, Stephen discusses how we may live through these fascinating (though sometimes disorienting) times so that we may become more effective leaders who are better equipped to bring about change.

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.

Those of us in the West spend little time and money on food. Only one in 50 people work in food production, and less than 10% of personal income is spent on food. For comparison, 82% of Ethiopia’s population works in food production… and 60% of a person’s income in the Philippines is spent on food. The good news is, from 1990 to 2015, one billion people were lifted out of extreme poverty. In the last 36 months of that period (2012-2015), 200 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty. The pace is quickening. The catalyst? Food. In this episode, Stephen discusses how access to food can revolutionize an entire nation. Want to be a part of the change? Check out Convoy of Hope: https://www.convoyofhope.org/.

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.

Throughout American political history, the people of this nation have treasured the Cincinnatus image. Cincinnatus was a Roman gentleman farmer who left his plow to serve his state in a time of crisis, after which he returned to his farm. George Washington embodied this ideal, as do many individuals on both sides of the political aisle who run for office as “outsiders,” as “one of the people.” In this episode, Stephen questions the Cincinnatus myth in light of Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a state of emergency.

Most conservatives lack appeal because they lack the ability to make their case. The right cannot survive simply by vilifying the left. Those of us right-of-center must be ready to give an answer in defense of our beliefs. It’s not enough to cling to traditional values. We must possess informed and compelling language. Do you know your history? Are you able to show why socialism doesn’t work? In this episode, Stephen challenges listeners to examine the foundations of their beliefs and fill in the gaps in their education, as needed.

If you’ve been watching the news, you know there have been two state initiatives regarding abortion: one in New York and one in Virginia. What’s happening today is a reaction to steps taken by President Trump, who has appointed two Supreme Court Justices with pro-life leanings. Pro-choice state legislators are wary that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade. In response, they are expanding abortion rights, codifying them into state law in the event of an overturn. This week, Stephen takes on the abortion debate with history, facts, and fresh perspective.

We don’t want a government comprised of politicians who are too chummy beyond a certain level of civility. We don’t want politicians swept into Potomac Fever, as Truman called it. We need tension. Though we’re currently experiencing a brief reprieve, the government shutdown is slated to return. How can it be avoided? The solution is going to come from those who roll up their sleeves and stay up late at the negotiating table. Real governing doesn’t come from the wingnuts, who try to shift the center lines to the right and left. Real governing is produced through compromise by those who hammer out solutions in the middle of the political spectrum.

Bill Lee, the newly inaugurated Governor of Tennessee, is a model for both the GOP and broader politics in America. Just 30 days before election day he was polling behind by double digits. His opponents slung mud and tried to smear him. “This campaign’s starting to feel like a race to the bottom,” he stated in one ad. But Lee didn’t give in. Bucking the Trump-led trends of bickering and pettiness, Lee strove for nobility, honesty, and character. May we see more campaigns of the same integrity in the elections ahead. Image via https://transition.billlee.com/about-bill/

You know that Stephen tends to pay attention to macro-trends and verified stories, but he’s intrigued by something he’s heard from people in the administration and on the Hill. Some are saying that there is at least the hope of the tiniest possibility (how’s that for a disclaimer?) that President Trump may not run for re-election. In this episode, Stephen discusses the implications of such an event, as well as what that hope says about our nation and our politics – regardless of whether anything of this rumor materializes.

The Founding Fathers distrusted human nature. They were mostly Christians who believed in the Fall of Man. Though the phrase hadn’t been uttered yet, they believed that “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” That’s why they designed a tripartite government that forces conflict to serve us. They wanted tension, differing opinions, and checks and balances. While temporarily painful, the pressure felt during a government shutdown is ultimately a good thing. As constituents, we are better served by this kind of discussion and pressure. Note: This episode originally aired on January 24, 2018. While the circumstances of this shutdown are different, the sentiments presented in this episode are as relevant today as they were in 2018.

Stephen doesn’t typically make end-of-year predictions, but in this episode he analyzes current trends in the world and the United States, focusing on three specific shifts we might expect in 2019. Listen to the warning signs, and then stay tuned for some solutions and hope! Stephen shares tactics and strategies he uses for grounding himself in turbulent times.

If you’re a regular listener, you know that Stephen has concerns about the degree to which religious conservatives have blindly supported Donald Trump. Though right of center and glad for much of what the Trump administration has accomplished, Stephen is grieved by Donald Trump’s manner: his language, racist attitudes, and the adolescence exhibited on Twitter. These behaviors are causing a great deal of damage in our country. However, there’s something in particular that will soon put the Trump administration and our nation in even greater crisis. Tune in to find out what lies ahead.

Brexit, the Yellow Vest Movement in France, and recent elections around the globe have all resounded as strong reactions to the post-World War II trend toward globalization. Globalism has many benefits, but so does nationalism. In this episode, Stephen proposes that we shouldn’t have to choose between one and the other. We want strong nations that are free to pursue their interests, and we want those nations to be part of global networks that are helping all nations to thrive. Beware of the hyper-globalist. Beware of the hyper-nationalist. They are both extremes, and the way forward may be in the middle.

George H.W. Bush was a man of moderation, a virtue sorely lacking in our current political climate. Perhaps you’ve heard it said that moderation is the ability to simultaneously ponder two different views and consider their virtues. Number 41 was excellent in this regard. This week, as you watch the funeral and read the tributes, consider the skill of moderation, which the former President exemplified well, and consider how you might apply it to your own thinking. "President George Bush on the Texans sideline. Houston Texans Vs. New York Giants Reliant Stadium. Houston, Tx. Oct. 10, 2010." by “AJ Guel“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 04 December 2018. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_George_H._W._Bush.jpg

On Friday the U.S. government issued a climate report saying that global warming is severe and will soon affect us economically. We see the fires, droughts, and other natural disasters. Anybody with eyes can tell that the polar ice caps are shrinking. There’s no question that environmental change is happening, but what’s causing it? Are humans responsible? In this episode, Stephen addresses what we know, what we don’t know, and what our responsibility is in this era.

I want to encourage you to take some time this season to really read. Here are seven books I recommend that you get, give, and read. From contemporary politics to history to soul-ennobling literature, these are books that should be on your shelf (or under your tree). You can find Amazon links below. Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse Faith of My Fathers by John McCain To the Last Man by Jeff Shaara One Small Candle by Thomas Fleming A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens The Day Christ Was Born by Jim Bishop

“You reap what you sow.” It’s a broad principle of life, and we’re seeing it play out now in the wake of the midterm elections. Since his campaign, Donald Trump has pushed hard against women and Democrats. Now there are more women in Congress than ever before and the Democrats have taken the House. As a political science professor of mine once said, “The electorate bounces.” Undoubtedly, we are seeing the electorate’s elasticity in action. So begins a season of payback. For the next two years, President Trump will reap the fight he’s sown. "Señalización de lugar de votación en California. 2008.." by “Tom Arthur“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 13 November 2018. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Voting_United_States.jpg

As you know, a caravan of migrants is headed toward the Mexico/U.S. border. At the same time, President Trump has stated his intention to ban birthright citizenship. In this episode, Stephen looks into the 14th amendment, which provides U.S. citizenship to persons born on U.S. soil. Is it time we revisit the meaning of the 14th amendment in the 21st century? And to speak more broadly, how can the United States be a beacon to the world, welcoming people, while reforming an immigration policy that currently offers entitlements to those who enter illegally?

Last Friday night, for the first time in my life, I attended a Jewish Shabbat service at the invitation of Rabbi Daniel Lapin. It was a wonderful experience and lovely to learn about some of the traditions and requirements that come from the root of my own Christian faith. Of course, the very next morning, a man who claims to be a Christian entered a different synagogue a few hundred miles away and murdered 11 people. My friends, to be a Christian is to actively engage and love all people – people from different walks of life, ethnicities, and religions. There is certainly no sanction for antisemitism or the denigration of any people groups. I hope you’ll join me in a desire to live larger than our times, beyond narrow politics and narrow viewpoints. The world needs this now more than ever.

You’ve certainly heard of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist who entered the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Istanbul and never came out. The Saudi Arabian government initially denied the death, then said Khashoggi died in a fistfight in the embassy. Others say he was dismembered inside. Whatever happened, it’s clearly been a colossal political failure (not to mention a moral one, of course). It’s especially a shame as there’s a new, innovative generation on the rise in Saudi Arabia – one that’s advancing solar technology, liberating women, and democratizing the nation. So, how do we hold these two opposing narratives: one of corruption and one of progressivism?

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 was originally published on December 13, 2017.

Commenting on the Kavanaugh/Ford controversy, Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, said on Fox News, “This is not a battle between Republicans and Democrats. It’s a battle between good and evil — between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.” Sadly, many Americans think in these types of dichotomies. In this episode, Stephen argues that we need moderation now more than ever. When we speak in these polarizing terms, we do damage. "Robert Jeffress speaking at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, DC on October 7, 2011." by “Gage Skidmore“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 09 October 2018. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robert_Jeffress.jpg

The Kavanaugh hearings highlight a trend in our nation toward the politics of personal destruction. What we see often now is that when a group can’t win by virtue of a vote, they will use other tactics to get their way. Of course we want the truth to be known, but Stephen argues in this episode that Kavanaugh’s opposition chose to handle the accusations against him in a way that would cause a national scandal rather than following the rules of the Senate.

A Russian plane was shot down in the Middle East by Syrian aircraft missiles, and the Russians spun out by accusing Israel. What could these rising tensions mean for the future? In this episode, Stephen urges listeners: keep your eye on significant world events and don’t be distracted by window dressing and short-term political issues in the United States.

The first time Stephen met Pastor Joel Hunter, it wasn’t pleasant! However, this man is a hero. His story and his example both have a great deal to offer to our generation, particularly to religious people in America. The former spiritual advisor to President Barack Obama, Dr. Hunter has now retired from his Senior Pastor role at Northland Church and is giving himself to the cause of homelessness. Learn more about his remarkable story in this episode. Northland church Pastor Joel Hunter trades pulpit for nonprofit to aid homeless