Sexual Wholeness—Part 2
This is part two of a discussion about sexual wholeness with Janelle Hallman, a licensed professional counselor and executive director of Desert Hope Ministries. This week Janelle will discuss some of the issues facing homosexuals, but will also talk about God’s ability to bring healing to those who struggle with sexual issues and how the church should respond to them. (December 31) Listen
Sexual Wholeness—Part 1
Today’s culture is dominated by the consequences of sexual behavior that is outside of God’s design. This week’s guest, Janelle Hallman, is a licensed professional counselor and executive director of Desert Hope Ministries. She specializes in female homosexuality and emotional dependencies. In part one of her interview, Janelle defines Biblical sexual wholeness and explains some of the origins of homosexuality. (December 24) Listen
Talking to Kids About Sex
Parents are often intimidated by the prospect of talking to their kids about sex. Yet, in today’s culture, parents know that it is imperative that their children hear the truth about this important topic. To aid in this process, the Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MISH) has released a new book entitled Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age. On this week’s program, Dr. Gary Rose, the president and CEO of MISH, will discuss this new resource and how parents can effectively communicate about sexual health with their children. (December 17) Listen
Examining the ACLU
Very often the mere mention of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is enough to strike fear in the hearts of many individuals. For years the ACLU has been challenging religious freedom, while advocating for a liberal social agenda including abortion, homosexuality and pornography. This week’s guest has written a book that examines the negative impact that the ACLU has had on America. Alan Sears, the president and general counsel of the Alliance Defense Fund, has co-authored The ACLU vs. America: Exposing the Agenda to Redefine Moral Values and will be highlighting some of the findings in his book. (December 10) Listen
Children of Divorce
Much of the talk surrounding today’s divorce culture centers on what has been called the “good divorce.” However, attempts to minimize the effects of divorce on children have come at their expense and the expense of marriage itself. This week’s guest, Elizabeth Marquardt, whose book Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce is based on a groundbreaking national study that examined the emotional, moral and spiritual lives of children of divorce, talks about divorce’s effects on children and what they face as a result. Elizabeth is an affiliate scholar with the Institute for American Values. (December 3) Listen
Marriage's Benefit to Family and Society—Pt. 2
This week’s program features part two of a discussion with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse about some of the ideas in her book Smart Sex: Finding Life-Long Love in a Hook-Up World. Dr. Morse explains the negative impact that the sexual revolution has had on the way our culture views sex. She also explains why strong, healthy marriages are essential to the success of a free society. (November 26) Listen
Marriage's Benefit to Family and Society—Pt. 1
Contrary to the sexual revolution’s proclamation of sexual freedom, it is sex within the loving bonds of marriage that bring true happiness and societal benefit. In this first of two programs, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse discusses the trivialization of sex in our culture and how marriage offers the environment that is essential for the “natural purposes of sexual activity.” Dr. Morse is a research fellow with the Acton Institute and author of the book, Smart Sex: Finding Life-Long Love in a Hook-Up World. (November 19) Listen
Why Truth Matters—Pt. 2
This week’s program features part two of a discussion with Nancy Pearcey about having a Biblical worldview. Nancy continues with an explanation of how to develop a Biblical worldview and offers advice for parents who want to develop this mindset in their children. Nancy is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and author of the book, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity From Its Cultural Captivity. (November 12) Listen
Why Truth Matters—Pt. 1
A recent study found that only 16 percent of evangelical Christians base their decision about moral issues on what the Bible says. This amazing finding shows the lack of a Christian worldview in the church. On this first in a two-part series, Nancy Pearcey explains what a Biblical worldview is, why it is important and why so many Christians do not look to the Bible for their views on morality. Nancy is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and author of the book, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity From Its Cultural Captivity.(November 5) Listen
"Generation Joshua"
As efforts progress to counter the moral decline in today’s culture, there is one group of people that must not be overlooked—today’s youth. A new program called “Generation Joshua” has been established to help equip young people with the skills and knowledge to get involved and make a difference. This week’s guest is Ned Ryun, the director of Generation Joshua. Ned will be discussing the program and why is it important to begin training the next generation how to engage the culture. (October 29) Listen
Stem Cells and Human Cloning—Part 2
This week’s program continues a discussion with Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk (“Father Tad”) about the topics of stem cell research and human cloning. This week he takes on a common argument in favor of stem cell research and then moves to a discussion about the process of human cloning and the ethical dilemmas that is poses. (October 22) Listen
Stem Cells and Human Cloning—Part 1
Recent advances in bioethics have raised ethical concern about the use of embryonic stem cells and cloning to cure human diseases. This week’s guest, Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, is the director of education and staff ethicist for the National Catholic Bioethics Center and holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Yale University. In this first of two shows, Father Tadeusz will be discussing the ethics and science behind embryonic stem cell research and why adult stem cells are a proven alternative to this controversial procedure. (October 15) Listen
Legislating Morality
A common phrase used to disregard efforts to align public policy with traditional religious views has been “you can’t legislate morality.” But is such a phrase accurate? This week’s guest, Frank Turek, asserts that morality is legislated all the time, and it is simply a question of whose morality will be advanced. Frank is senior partner of The Austin Group and coauthor of the book, Legislating Morality: Is it Wise? Is it Legal? Is it Possible? In this interview, he talks about the role of the law in our society and how to legislate morality correctly. (October 8) Listen
Gambling, Government and the Church
With millions of people playing and even state governments and churches involved, gambling has become a part of the mainstream of American life. But widespread acceptance does not negate the harmful nature of gambling. This week’s guest, Dr. Rex Rogers is president of Cornerstone University and author of the new book entitled, “Gambling: Don’t Bet On It.” Dr. Rogers will be discussing how gambling has become so accepted, and why it should be rejected by churches and governments. (October 1) Listen
Legal Intern Perspectives
Each summer the North Carolina Family Policy Council hosts legal interns who spend six weeks doing research and writing. These law students are part of the Blackstone Fellowship, a legal leadership development program that is a ministry of the Alliance Defense Fund. This week, interns Tim Hesler and Matt Gerrald share some of what they have learned during their time with the policy council, including research on important issues and newfound perspectives on the public policy arena. (September 24) Listen
2005 NC Legislative Session Review
On September 2, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned its legislative session. State lawmakers considered (and in some cases ignored) many important issues that impact North Carolina’s families. This week’s guest, John Rustin, the director of government relations for the North Carolina Family Policy Council discusses some of the bills that were passed, including a state lottery, and other bills that were not considered, such as the state marriage amendment. (September 17) Listen
"See You at the Pole"
Each year millions of students gather around the flagpole at their school to worship and pray. The event, known as “See You at the Pole,” takes place this year on Wednesday, September 21. This week’s guest, David Overstreet, is with the National Network of Youth Ministries, an organization that assists in coordinating the event. David will be talking about the annual event, the rights of students to participate and how students in North Carolina can organize a “See You at the Pole” event at their school. (September 10) Listen
Examining Pro-Homosexual Theology
Attempts to legitimize homosexuality have not been limited to popular media and public policy. Efforts are also being made in the religious community through the promotion of pro-homosexual theology—theology that attempts to normalize homosexuality from a Biblical perspective. This week’s guest, Joe Dallas, is the founder of Genesis Counseling, past president of Exodus International and a regularly featured speaker for Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out Conference. Joe will be talking about pro-homosexual theology, how it is being used in churches across the country and how Christians can combat it with Biblical truth. (September 3) Listen
Public School Bible Curriculum
The National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools has provided a state-certified elective Bible course to 312 school districts in 37 states. Recently, the National Council has been featured in the news because of a report attacking their Bible curriculum as sectarian, full of errors and inappropriate for public schools. This week’s guests are the National Council’s founder and president Elizabeth Ridenour, along with Alliance Defense Fund attorney Mike Johnson. They will be discussing these recent attacks and set the record straight about the Council and its Bible curriculum. (August 27) Listen
Protecting Your Religious Liberties–1 & 2
Freedom of religion is one of the hallmarks of the American democracy. However, it is a freedom that continues to be challenged by many claiming a separation of church and state. This week’s guest, Mat Staver, offers some insight into how religious liberties are lost and explains the freedoms protected by the Constitution. Mat is the founder and president of Liberty Counsel, a religious civil liberties education and legal defense organization and the author of the new book Eternal Vigilance: Knowing and Protecting Your Religious Freedom. (August 13) Listen
In part 2, Mat Staver explains some of the roadblocks to religious freedom that Christians frequently face, especially with regard to demonstrations and zoning laws. (August 20) Listen
Abuse Of Judicial Power
The attention being given to President Bush’s nomination of Judge John Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court has highlighted the importance of the court’s role to both sides of the political spectrum. But many Americans are unaware of what the proper role of the Supreme Court is. This week, Phyllis Schlafly discusses what the courts were designed to do and how many have abused their role. Ms. Schlafly is the president of Eagle Forum and has been a leader in the pro-family movement for over four decades. Her new book The Supremacists: The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It, explains the misuse of power by the courts and what can be done about it. (August 6) Listen
Ten Commandment Rulings–1 & 2
Last month the U.S. Supreme Court delivered two highly anticipated rulings on the constitutionality of posting the Ten Commandments on public property. Unfortunately, the high court did little to clarify the confusion by handing down two differing opinions—one that upheld the constitutionality of a display in Texas and another that declared two Ten Commandments displays in Kentucky unconstitutional. In part 1, guest, Jeff Schafer will explain what the Court did and what it means to religious freedom jurisprudence in this country. Jeff is the senior legal counsel for the Washington D.C. office of the Alliance Defense Fund. In part 2, Jeff offers further insight into the impact these rulings might have on religious freedom in America. (July 23) Listen
In part 2, Jeff Schafer offers further insight into the impact these rulings might have on religious freedom in America. (July 30) Listen
Evaluating Motherhood
Until now, little has been known about what the broad range of mothers from many different backgrounds across the country thinks and feels about motherhood. However, a new study by the Motherhood Project at the Institute for American Values has surveyed thousands of mothers in the United States about their attitudes, values, concerns, and experiences. This week’s guest, Enola Aird, is Director of the Motherhood Project and the coauthor of this study. Ms. Aird explains the study’s findings and what its findings tell us about motherhood today. (July 16) Listen
Economic Impact of Casino Gambling—1 & 2
Casino gambling is an important issue in North Carolina. The Tar Heel state currently has only one casino, which is operated by the Cherokee Indians on their reservation. The casino is limited to certain types of gambling, but the tribe is seeking to expand to more Vegas-style gambling. Such a move could have significant economic impact on the state and the region. This week’s guest is Professor Ed Morse, Associate Dean and Professor of Law at Creighton University. Professor Morse is co-author with Dr. Ernie Goss of a new study entitled, “The Impact of Casino Gambling on Individual Bankruptcy Rates from 1990 to 2002.” In this, the first in a two-part series, he talks about the findings of his study on casinos and bankruptcy rates. (July 2) Listen
For the second part, in addition to further discussion of the economic impact of casino gambling, Professor Morse discusses some of the problems with current federal law that regulates Indian casinos. (July 9) Listen
Why Fatherhood Matters
As families across the country celebrate Father’s Day this month, it is important to remember the vital role that fathers play in the lives of their children. This week’s guest, Glenn Stanton is the Director of Social Research and Cultural Affairs, and a senior research analyst at Focus on the Family. Glenn has written extensively on fatherhood and will be sharing his insights on the unique contribution fathers make in their children’s lives. In addition, he will offer advice to single dads, discuss some of the pressures facing today’s dads and explain how the church can play a unique role in encouraging fatherhood. (June 17) Listen
Sexual Morality
The last several decades have seen a significant alteration in the traditional view of sexuality—particularly sexuality as prescribed in the Bible. The result has been serious negative effects on individuals, the family and even the church. This week’s guest, Dr. Daniel Heimbach, addresses the “counterfeit” views of sexuality in today’s culture and what the Bible has to say about true sexual morality. This is the first in a two-part series of interviews. Dr. Heimbach is a professor of Christian ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina and author of the recently released True Sexual Morality: Recovering Biblical Standards for a Culture in Crisis. (June 10) Listen - (June 25)
Analyzing Adoption Law
Years ago it was common practice for married couples to be preferred when a home was being sought for an adoptive child. However, according to a new policy brief published by the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy (IMAPP), which reviewed all 50 states’ adoption laws, legal preferences for married couples in adoption is rare. In fact, some states even ban “discrimination” based on marital status when placing a child into a home. This week’s guest, Maggie Gallagher is the president of IMAPP, and a syndicated columnist and author. Maggie will be talking about the report, including North Carolina’s adoption law and why married couples should be preferred in adoptions. (June 3) Listen
Comparing World Religions
Despite claims that the major world religions are basically the same, there are very real differences. Different too are the ways that media outlets cover these religions. This week’s guest, Marvin Olasky, will explain a little about some of these religions and how they are portrayed in the press. Dr. Olasky, a professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and editor-in-chief of World magazine, is author of a new book entitled The Religions Next Door: What We Need to Know About Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam—and What Reporters Are Missing. (May 27) Listen
The Natural Family
In the debate over public policy and its affect on the family, much of the discussion seems to focus on the negatives. However, a new document called The Natural Family: A Manifesto, is a positive statement about what the pro-family movement is all about. The document outlines a pro-family worldview and a program of action for building a family-centered society. One of the Manifesto’s authors, Dr. Allan Carlson joins us for this week’s Family Policy Matters. Dr. Carlson is the founder and president of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society and is the founder and international secretary of the The World Congress of Families. (May 20)
Protecting Family From the Culture
Parenting in a culture filled with immorality can be a real challenge. Unfortunately, even the once-safe environment of the home is not immune from the constant barrage of anti-family messages being sent by the culture. This week’s guest, Rebecca Hagelin, addresses this danger in her new book entitled, “Home Invasion: Protecting Your Family in a Culture That’s Gone Stark Raving Mad.” Rebecca is a vice president for communications and marketing at the Heritage Foundation, she is the author of the weekly column “Heart Beat,” and is a radio commentator for Salem Communications. In this interview, she will address how popular culture is invading today’s families and what parents can do to protect their children from its influence. (May 13) Listen
State Marriage Amendment
On Tuesday, May 10, North Carolinians from across the state will gather at the State Legislature for a citizen action rally in support of a State Marriage Amendment. Currently, there is legislation in the North Carolina House and Senate to amend the state constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. However, neither bill has been brought up for consideration. The rally is part of an effort to encourage the State Legislature to take action on this important legislation. On this week’s program, North Carolina Family Policy Council president Bill Brooks will give further details on the purpose and details of the rally. Bill is joined by Mike Johnson, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund and one of several speakers who will be present at the rally. Mike will be talking about the need for a state constitutional amendment to protect marriage. (May 6) Listen
The 2005 National Day of Prayer
On Thursday, May 5, millions of Christians will gather at rallies, breakfasts and other events to mark the National Day of Prayer- a day to pray for the nation and leadership in all levels of government. This week's guest, Jim Weidman, is a vice-chairman of the National Day of Prayer. He is also an executive cabinet member at Focus on the Family, and host of "The Family Night Guy," a weekly radio feature. Jim will discuss the details of this year's event and what role prayer plays in our nation's history and future. (April 30) Listen
The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Teenagers
In most discussions about the lives and interests of teenagers, one topic that is often absent is religion. However, a new study by the National Study of Youth and Religion, a four-year research project at UNC-chapel Hill, has shed new light on the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers. This week's guest, Dr. Christian Smith is the co-author of "Soul Searching," which highlights the major findings and conclusions from the study. Dr. Smith explains what teenagers think about religion, how it influences their lives, and what all this means for parents and youth leaders. (April 23) Listen
Having Joy at Work
When most people think of their work environment, the word “fun” is not often associated with it. However, this week’s guest proposes an approach to the corporate mindset that would make work fun again. Dennis Bakke is president and CEO of Imagine Schools and formerly founded The AES Corporation where he served as its CEO from 1994 to 2002. On this week’s program Dennis discusses his new book “Joy at Work: A CEO’s Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job” where he sets forth a challenge to take a new look at how to define the purpose and practice of business by emphasizing principles like integrity, social responsibility and fun. (April 16) Listen
The Importance of Fathers
Research has shown that involved, attentive and responsible fathers are a great benefit to children, families and society as a whole. This week’s guest, Dr. Ken Canfield, is the founder and president of the National Center for Fathering, an organization that has been equipping men to be good fathers. Dr. Canfield will be facilitating an upcoming seminar called “The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathering” coming to Durham on April 29 and 30, 2005. On this program, he will be speaking about the upcoming seminar, the importance of fathers and special struggles today’s fathers face. (April 8)
Day of Truth
On April 14, 2005, students across the country will participate in the "Day of Truth," and event to encourage students to speak the truth about homosexuality in their schools. The Day of Truth is a response to the "Day of Silence," an event where homosexual activists encourage students to protest discrimination against homosexuality by remaining silent at school the entire day. However, it has been the students who have attempted to speak against the homosexual agenda that have been silenced and even punished for their beliefs. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is sponsoring the Day of Truth, and Joe Infranco, a Senior Vice President with ADF, will be explaining the event, why it is necessary, and how students in North Carolina can get involved. (April 1)
Explaining Intelligent Design
The theory of Intelligent Design as a way to explain the existence of living things has been getting a lot of attention in scientific and education fields, as well as in the media. However, there has been much confusion about exactly what the theory means. This week’s guest is Dr. Stephen Meyer, the Director and Senior Fellow of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute. In this two-part series, Dr. Meyer will be discussing the theory of Intelligent Design, how it differs from creationism and evolution, and why it is attracting so much attention. (March 18 and 25)
The High Cost of Absent Parents
In today’s society where family schedules are crammed full and many homes have only one parent, there has been a dramatic reduction in the amount of time families spend together. This is the subject of a new book written by this week’s guest Mary Eberstadt. In her book “Home-Alone America,” Mary argues that we’ve become a nation of parent substitutes—using day care, after-school programs, and behavioral drugs as a substitute for mom and dad. And as a result, the behavior, education and health of children have suffered. Mary discusses this trend and why the presence of parents is so important. (March 11)
Building a Culture of Life
This year, the United States marked the 32nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand. Since then, over 40 million abortions have taken place. This week’s guest, Carrie Gordon Earll will discuss the impact of abortion on our nation, the progress the pro-life movement has made, and what it will take to rebuild a culture that respects and welcomes life. Carrie is the senior policy analyst for bioethics at Focus on the Family, where she researches and writes on a range of topics including abortion, end-of-life care decisions, and stem cell research. (March 4)
Treatment of Religion by Television
Recently, the Parents Television Council released a study that examined a year of prime time programming on the major broadcast networks to determine how religious issues and people of faith were depicted. The study, entitled “Faith in a Box: Entertainment Television and Religion,” found that religion is being portrayed more and more negatively, which does not reflect the viewpoints of a majority of Americans. This week’s guest, Melissa Caldwell, who is the director of research for the Parents Television Council, will discuss the study and its findings. (February 25)
The Marriage Movement
Recently, over 140 leaders of the grassroots marriage movement signed a statement declaring their intention to continue to strengthen marriage and ensure that as many children as possible grow up in a home with their married mother and father. This week’s guest, David Blankenhorn was a signatory to the statement. He is the founder and president of the Institute for American Values and the author of several books including “Fatherless America.” In this first in a two-part series of programs, David will be talking about the Marriage Movement and their goals to strengthen marriage in the United States. In part 2, the discussion covers major challenges facing the effort to renew marriage in the United States. (February 11 and 18)
National Day of Purity
In an effort to encourage young people to express their intention to stay sexually pure and to counter the culture’s message of sexual promiscuity, the Second Annual Day of Purity has been scheduled for Valentine’s Day (February 14). This week’s guest, Rena Lindevaldsen, a litigation counsel for Liberty Counsel and the national coordinator for the Day of Purity, explains the event and how students and churches in North Carolina can get involved. (February 4)
The Status of Abortion
In January, pro-lifers and abortion supporters across the nation marked the 32nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Decision that legalized abortion on demand. This week, Barbara Holt, the president of North Carolina Right to Life is on the program to talk about what is happening with the abortion issue in North Carolina, including what pro-life legislation is expected to come up during the General Assembly’s 2005 legislative session. (January 28)
The Failure of European Family Policy
As America struggles with its own definition of marriage, experimentation with the family in European nations has provided some important lessons that should serve as a warning to those who would seek to redefine the traditional family. This week’s guest is Allan Carlson, the president and founder of The Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society and author of “The Swedish Experiment in Family Politics.” He will be talking about European family policy, why it has failed, and what America can learn from Europe’s mistakes. (January 21)
How Religious Beliefs Affect Fatherhood
The popular way to portray a Christian father in the media is often to characterize him as an unbending authoritarian who is cold and disengaged from his wife and children. However, a new book about how religious beliefs affect fatherhood paints a completely different picture. This week’s guest, Professor W. Bradford Wilcox, has written a new book entitled “Soft Patriarchs, New Men: How Christianity Shapes Fathers and Husbands.” Professor Wilcox examined data from social surveys to determine how religious beliefs and practices impact the family life of married men and their children. In this broadcast, he will be talking about the important findings in his book. (January 14)
Struggles Today's Women Face
With the responsibilities of home, work and friends, today’s women are facing many challenges. In addition, the popular media’s depictions of beauty and womanhood have left many women feeling inadequate. This week’s guest, Sharon Jaynes is the vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, a ministry that offers spiritual encouragement to women. In part two, Sharon continues her discussion about some of the issues facing women today and how popular culture is misleading women into trying to be something that they are not. (January 7)
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