The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Latest Episodes:

White Smoke: Thoughts on the Coming Papal Election Feb 20, 2013

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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-point-to-another-european-pope

On Pope Benedict XVI Feb 13, 2013

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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 Resigned: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/the-bizarre-stories-of-the-other-popes-who-resigned/article_2ef967ff-fb51-5828-beba-98f1d6562016.html What Was the "Media Frenzy" Like in 1415? http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/02/the-last-time-a-pope-resigned-mass-media-was-called-mass/273098/

The Rise of Turkey Feb 06, 2013

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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

Abraham Lincoln and Conservatives Jan 30, 2013

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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 Mansfield: http://www.lincolnsbattlewithgod.com

Beyond the E-Z Bible Jan 23, 2013

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

Lincoln, Obama and Inaugurations Jan 16, 2013

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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/

Answering the Culture of Despair Jan 09, 2013

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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 commentary on the idea of a Golden Age: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/01/actually-dont-write-like-youre-dead/266934/

Hope for the New Year Dec 26, 2012

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

My Favorite Books of 2012 Dec 11, 2012

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Stephen lists his favorite books of the year.

Rob Bell’s Universalism: Revisited Nov 28, 2012

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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

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