Issues, Etc.

Erin Hawley, Chairwoman of Lex Politica’s Supreme Court and Appellate team and of counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, defends pro-life pregnancy centers. She discusses New Jersey’s history of subpoenas and alleged viewpoint-based harassment. She explains First Amendment retaliation, the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling, and the legal steps being pursued to protect centers and donor privacy.

Will Weedon, assistant pastor and former LCMS director of worship, sketches Lutheran liturgy and its history. He traces the Saxon order, Walther’s defense of reverent ceremonies, the Common Service’s English translation, and efforts to restore uniform, traditional Divine Service practice. Short practical steps for congregations are also outlined.

Terry Mattingly, Senior Fellow on Communications and Culture and seasoned religion reporter, breaks down religion-related developments from President Trump’s China visit. He discusses arrests of Christian pastors, tech leaders’ influence on online religious freedom, Vatican-China tensions, social credit impacts on families, and how internet controls shape conscience and worship.

Dr. Michael New, visiting assistant professor and senior associate scholar who writes on abortion and public policy. He defines telehealth abortion and how pills are prescribed and mailed. He walks through the Louisiana lawsuit, the Fifth Circuit ruling, and the Supreme Court’s recent stay and timeline. He surveys related lower-court cases and outlines possible paths the Court might take next.

Dr. John Bombaro, senior pastor and Navy chaplain offering confessional Lutheran and liturgical insight. He explores Ascension Day’s theological meaning, the Ascension preface and liturgical symbolism. He connects Psalms and Old Testament types to Christ’s exaltation, traces Acts 1’s movements, and reflects on hymns and festival tone.

Open lines covering conference plans and scheduling quirks. Discussion of a listener critique about idealized motherhood portrayals. Questions about Lutherans' view of Mary and liturgical music for Ascension Day. Reflections on higher biblical criticism and tracking down an old marriage book recommendation.

Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life activist and author of Unplanned, offers a mini bio and perspective. She discusses how the sexual revolution reshaped motherhood’s image. Short takes cover anti-motherhood messaging, its effect on children’s self-worth, and reclaiming motherhood as a shared, natural gift.

Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor and Rome Examined publisher, explains why justification sparked the Reformation. He contrasts Trent’s account with Lutheran forensic language. He discusses Rome’s process view, purgatory’s role, law versus gospel distinctions, and Chemnitz’s critique of Trent. Short, theological, and focused on major controversies around justification.

Peter Bender, pastor and director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, offers concise theological teaching. He unpacks Jesus' High Priestly Prayer and its link to the Lord's Prayer and catechesis. He discusses Acts 1, apostolic authority and Matthias' selection. He explores suffering, prayer, unity, reciprocal love, and how God’s name is kept holy through true preaching and godly living.

Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish medical doctor and former minister known for defending Christian views on marriage and religious freedom. She outlines appealing a conviction to the European Court of Human Rights. She recounts how a tweet and a church pamphlet sparked legal trouble. She warns about vague hate speech laws, censorship of Christian writers, and the pressure to self-censor.