The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

April marks the two-year anniversary of The Stephen Mansfield Podcast, and we've got some exciting new upgrades to tell you about. Related Links     Contact us at the new email address: backtalk@mansfieldgroup.com Listen to Isaac Darnall's original music: http://ikecatrett.bandcamp.com/track/headin-to-virginia-free-wheelin

The last few weeks have seen a number of developments regarding same-sex marriage. Stephen discusses both the legal and moral aspects of Hollingsworth v. Perry. Related Articles: Views From Around the Media: http://www.policymic.com/articles/31084/hollingsworth-v-perry-views-from-around-the-media Statistics Show Christians Divided on Same-Sex Marriage: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christi...

Stephen lays out the historical validity of what his book, Lincoln's Battle With God, says about Lincoln's last words. Related Articles Photo Gallery: http://www.history.com/photos/abraham-lincoln/photo1# The Co-Conspirators: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/ biography/assassination-co-conspirators/ Lincoln's Battle With God by Stephen Mansfield http://www.lincolnsbattlewithgod....

Stephen reads from a chapter of his book, Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, to commemorate the week of Washington's birthday. The phrase "then darkness fled" comes from a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr—the anniversary of Dr. King's assassination is marked this week as well.

Stephen talks about the new Pope and what his intentions are for the Roman Catholic Church.

Stephen addresses a crucial topic: privacy and government intrusion in the age of information. Related Articles: It's Time for a National Conversation: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphbenko/2013/03/11/1-6-billion-rounds-of-ammo-for-homeland-security-its-time-for-a-national-conversation/ Google Glass: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/video/google-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114 Why Facebook Us...

Stephen talks about the psychology of thorough, in-depth reading in this age of instant information. Related Articles The Shallows—What the Internet is Doing To Our Brains: http://www.theshallowsbook.com/nicholascarr/Nicholas_Carrs_The_Shallows.html

Stephen analyzes the factors behind the recent rise of Nashville, Tennessee. Related Articles Nashville Takes Its Turn in the Spotlight: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/us/nashville-takes-its-turn-in-the-spotlight.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 The Black Keys Cement Nashville's Rock Star Status: http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2013/02/09/the-black-keys-help-cement-nashvilles-rock-star-status/

Stephen analyzes Pope Benedict's surprise resignation and lists some of the candidates likely to be considered in the upcoming papal election. Related Articles  Vatileaks: A Guide http://theweek.com/article/index/230986/the-catholic-churchs-vatileaks-scandal-a-guide Numbers Point to Another European Pope: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/02/12/171787275/doing-the-cardinal-math-numbers-poin...

Stephen reflects on the transitional papacy of Joseph Ratzinger. Related Articles Lightning Strikes the Vatican Hours After Benedict Resigns: http://www.weather.com/news/pope-resigns-20130211 Pope Benedict's Resignation and John Paul's Suffering: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/ 2013/02/benedict-in-resigning-is-no-john-paul.html The Bizarre Stories of the Four Other Popes Who Resig...

Stephen discusses the rising power of Turkey in world affairs. Related Articles Turkey is reversing years of antagonism with its Arab neighbors: http://www.economist.com/node/14753776

Stephen responds to an email he received from a Son of the Confederacy about Abraham Lincoln's federalist legacy. Related Articles Stephen's Article on Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/12/30/sacred-legacy-150th-anniversary-emancipation-proclamation/ A List of Executive Orders Organized by Year: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/executive_orders.php?year=1862 Lincoln's Battle With God, by...

Stephen offers some historical and literary context for the Bible, revealing the common dangers of using Scripture as an "E-Z-Reference."

As President Obama's second inauguration approaches, Stephen looks back at our country's most famous Second Inaugural Address. Related Articles A List of Inaugural Addresses: http://www.bartleby.com/124/ Taking a Closer Look at Presidential Inaugurations: http://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2013/01/taking-a-closer-look-at-presidential-inaugurations-lincolns-second-inaugural-address/

We're living in tough times, but despair is not an option. Stephen discusses the reasons this is true. Related Articles Read The Tennessean's recent piece on Stephen: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=2013301060095 Why this is not the worst Congress ever: http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterjreilly/2012/12/30/dysfunctional-congress-at-least-they-are-not-maiming-one-another/ More co...

Recording from the historic Washington D.C. Union Station, Stephen offers an optimistic reminder for our nation in light of a troubling year.

Stephen lists his favorite books of the year.

Stephen examines the problems behind the Universalism taught in Rob Bell's book "Love Wins." This episode was originally released on March 26, 2011. In light of the recent article by Kalefa Sanneh in New Yorker magazine, we thought we'd share it again. You can read Sanneh's "The Hell Raiser" at www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/11/26/121126fa_fact_sanneh

Stephen urges new approaches in conservative politics.

Stephen discusses the results of the 2012 presidential race and what it means for the Republican party.

Stephen discusses an important phrase Romney used in the final presidential debate.

Stephen discusses the two presidential candidates in light of their final debate performance.

Stephen describes his upcoming Kindle Single release.

Stephen discusses his book, Lincoln's Battle With God, and tells us why it's one of his favorites. Related Articles: Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" A Q & A with Daniel Day Lewis and Steven Spielberg The Time Abraham Lincoln and a Political Rival Almost Dueled on an Island

Stephen talks about his experience writing The Mormonizing of America. Related Articles (linked at http://mansfieldgroup.com/category/podcast): Benjamin Wallace-Wells on Romney's Mormonism Christopher Hitchens on Romney's Mormonism