We are once again donning our tin foil hats here at Outstanding as host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges and Family Research Council’s Matt Carpenter to analyze and guide listeners on how one can think biblical about conspiracy theories. Did the government generate Hurricane Milton and Helene? What is the difference between cynicism and conspiracy? While many conspiracy theorists are in search of knowledge and truth, as believers we can rest assured knowing our truth is in Christ and we will never fully know everything in this life.
How invested should the U.S. government be in conflicts around the world? Is there a specific role the government should play? Professor at Regent University, A.J. Nolte, joins host Joseph Backholm to answer these questions regarding the war in Ukraine. Joseph and A.J. unpack the current situation in Ukraine, the United States’ role in the conflict, and if there is a clear path to resolution. With a new administration coming into power, will they handle Ukraine, Russia, and foreign policy differently?
Freedom is not free. In the wake of Veterans Day, host Joseph Backholm is joined by Family Research Council’s Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin, as he reflects on his 36 years in the military, what he has learned, and where he sees the institution heading. General Boykin shares his story of service, how the military exceeded his expectations, and the changes he believes would be necessary to return the American military to its former glory.
Election 2024 is in the books, and there's never been one like it. Donald Trump's "red wave" victory was preceded by assassination attempts, an opponent swap, and a hostile media. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and FRC's Quena Gonzalez as they drill down on the results and analyze what they mean for Christians in America.
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Jesse Rine, the Executive Director of the Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing, to discuss his findings and work on creating a comprehensive online directory of Christian higher education for parents and soon to be students to use. Having worked at several Christian universities, Jesse shares his personal perspective on what has caused universities to shift more left, even Christian ones. While picking a college can be overwhelming, Jesse’s comprehensive guide breaks down 250 colleges across the country and addresses whether or not they have a true biblical worldview. Listen now to this episode and check out his resources below! Resources Christian College Guide
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson for a conversation about the importance of the Electoral College. While not always a hot-button topic, the Electoral College has its moments in the spotlight every four years surrounding the presidential election. But what is the Electoral College? How does it function? Ben shares the inception of this election regulator, why it was created, and the purpose it is still serving. Joseph and Ben discuss what elections would look like if we switched to solely a national popular vote and if there are biblical principles we can lean on to learn how we should structure our elections. With the 2024 presidential election less than a week away, listen now to better understand how we elect the next president of the United States.
In this special episode, host Joseph Backholm is joined by the Dean of Theology at the African Christian University in Zambia, Voddie Baucham, for a Q & A with young adults. Voddie shares how the Lord has moved in his life, advice for the younger generation trying to navigate the culture, and encourages them with truth. There has never been a Christian that has not made a bad decision and there has also never been a Christian where the Lord did not use that bad decision to bring sanctification. Voddie takes questions from the audience and reminds them that the Lord is always working and refining! Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
When an idea is planted, it can do one of two things: take root and flourish or wither and die. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Tim Goeglein who serves as the Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family for a conversation around his new book “Stumbling Toward Utopia”. To understand the current political and cultural climate, we must look at the past. Tim dives into the people and ideas that have largely shaped the society we see today. Take a trip back to the 1960s and 1970s to discover the real cause of the cultural shifts we have seen throughout the years. Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Fired from his teaching job because he refused to use “proper pronouns”, Peter Vlaming and his attorney, Alliance Defending Freedom’s Tyson Langhofer, join host Joseph Backholm to tell his story and unpack the five year long legal battle of protecting his rights to free speech and religion. One minute Peter is teaching a French class and the next he is put on administrative leave. Five years ago, Peter had to decide if he was going to stand by his beliefs or bend to the school board when one of his long-time students came out as transgender. While Peter used the student’s male name, the board said that wasn’t enough and required him to use “he/him” pronouns even when the biological female student was not around. Although the journey was long and the battles hard, Peter shares what he has learned, how the Lord provided, and encouragement for anyone walking through this same experience. Listen now to how one teacher stood for his beliefs and the effect this case will have on free speech for years to come. Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Dr. Robert George, a professor at Princeton University, for a conversation addressing the pressing issues of this generation. First and foremost, Christians are called to protect the unborn. Professor George emphasizes and unpacks how the Republican party has shifted from this narrative and how the Democratic party is not the party of love and compassion, but one of harm to women, immigrants, and Americans. He also gives his thoughts on immigration reform, how higher education impacts culture and the age of feeling. Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Theologian, author, and cultural commentator Os Guinness joins host Joseph Backholm to offer insight and encouragement to the culture wars and division we see in America today. As Christians, we must understand the gravity of the moment and act accordingly. We were placed in this tumultuous time to serve God’s purpose in this generation. Os weighs in on what it would take to have an “awakening” in America and how we have strayed so far from our founding principles. We have seen cultures on the brink of collapse be renewed to their former glory, we must not give up hope and live in faith trusting the Lord’s promises. Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Are we bowing to God or government? Host Joesph Backholm is joined by Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel Gary Hamrick for a conversation on how Christians can navigate this upcoming election season. While many Christians are less than enthused by their options in this upcoming presidential election, Pastor Hamrick encourages them to mobilize, because if we do not, someone else will fill the void. He encourages Christians who are “tired” of the current political climate and emphasizes the effective power of God’s word. The Lord can and will move no matter the chaos of this present day! Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
In a culture of “gentle parenting”, do parents think too much about what their child wants that it hinders their ability to process negative emotions when they get older? Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the founder of Them Before Us, Katy Faust, for a conversation centering around pro-children policies, parenting, and political trends being seen in young adults. One of the main goals of everything we do should be to benefit children, but that is not always the case. Katy offers advice on parenting strategies to help balance care for children, while also letting them learn from their mistakes, weighs in on the many political policies that are harming children, and the micro trend of young men starting to lean more conservative and young women more liberal. Listen now to this insightful podcast on all things parenting and children! Resources Pro-Child Politics by Katy Faust Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City by Katy Faust Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Host Joseph Backholm is joined by executive director of the Philos Project Luke Moon for an in-depth analysis of the conflict in the Middle East, why it is occurring and where is it going. It’s been a few days since Iran launched close to 200 ballistic missiles at Israel and it seems the world is waiting with bated breath to see how and if Israel will retaliate. Joseph and Luke discuss possible retaliation tactics, potential targets, and whether anyone will come to Iran’s aid if Israel were to retaliate. Going deeper than the current conflict, the two look at the inner workings of the Middle East and why conflict seems to be a constant occurrence in that region. It is a region in great turmoil, with global impact. Listen now to grow your understanding of the relationships and alliances in the Middle East. Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
About 2 and a half years ago, Russia launched a full-on invasion into Ukraine. Countless lives have been lost, families separated, cities destroyed, and many are wondering if the war will ever end. Host Joseph Backholm is joined again by Gennadiy Mokhnenko, a Christian pastor actively preaching in Russian-occupied Ukraine, for an update of what life and ministry is like in a war zone. Pastor Gennadiy serves as a leader of battalion chaplains at the front lines. He describes how the war has impacted families (his included), what he believes to be Russia’s “end game”, and confirms that Ukrainian children are being taken and brought back to Russia. The Ukrainian people are paying a large cost for freedom, but Pastor Gennadiy believes it is worth it to one day see a free Ukraine. Listen now to hear this special update and how you can be praying for the people of Ukraine. Resources Ep. 65: Life In Occupied Ukraine - One Pastor's Story Of Encouragement
We are 40 days from the 2024 presidential election and many people are still debating how they will cast their vote. For those wondering how they can cast their vote wisely, tune in to the conversation with host Joseph Backholm and Pastor of Heritage Church Trent Hunter, for a conversation about how Christians can and should be civically engaged. Casting a vote can seem like a big deal with heavy consequences, but we were given this responsibility and we must vote with discernment. Joseph and Trent offer advice on how Christians can make wise choices at the ballot box with the options given, how pastors can encourage their church during this season, and how the church can disciple in a civic way. Questioning if you should cast a vote this November-- listen now to learn how to steward your civic responsibility wisely. Resources Make Civics Great Again: A Pastoral Guide to Casting Ballots Wisely Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
President Lincoln once said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand". Over the last several years, politics has divided the nation instead of uniting it. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Denise Gitsham, a political commentator, attorney, and author of "Politics for People Who Hate Politics", for a conversation about the political divide and how to tackle it from a biblical perspective. How should Christians respond to the divide, and what does Jesus say about division? Joseph and Denise unpack these difficult questions and more. Listen now to better understand how you can navigate the modern political climate. Resources Politics for People Who Hate Politics by Denise Gitsham Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
Culture has become the topic of conversation since news broke that Haitian immigrants were supposedly eating domesticated cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by the president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, John Stonestreet, for a conversation about the origin of cultures. If all cultures reflect certain morals, does that make one superior than the other? Joseph and John unpack subcultures, diversity, and assimilation. Listen now to better understand what shapes and forms a culture.
It is safe to say that many Americans are concerned about the economy but are not sure what would help turn it around. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by Jerry Bowyer, an investment manager, author, and economy expert, to offer guidance on how Christians can think biblically about the economy. First things first, what does the Bible say about the economy? How did certain economic situations affect Jesus’ preaching and teachings? Leaning on scripture, Jerry offers a biblical perspective on all things economics, from price gauging to tariffs, and how America can achieve a pro-growth, pro-sharing economy. Resources The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics by Jerry Bowyer Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.
After weeks of waiting, Kamala Harris has finally posted her policies to her campaign site. Host Joseph Backholm is joined by The Washington Stand’s Ben Johnson to unpack exactly what she has planned. At 30,000, voters can view her Equality Act, a national expansion on abortion, amnesty for immigrants, gun control, and so much more. Joseph and Ben take a closer look at what it would mean for Christians if her Equality Act became law and the impact of a national abortion expansion. Listen now to learn more about what Kamala Harris stands for and her policies. Resources The 10 Kamala Harris Lies Moderators Let Slide at the ABC News Debate Kamala Harris: ‘My Values’ Say Pro-Life Laws Are ‘Immoral’ Read The Washington Stand, featuring news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Published by Family Research Council.