Issues, Etc.

T.C. Schmidt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and author of Josephus and Jesus, studies early Christianity and ancient historiography. He explores who Flavius Josephus was and the contested Testimonium Flavianum. He discusses his computer-assisted linguistic findings, manuscript evidence, links between Josephus and Jerusalem leaders, and how Josephus may corroborate Gospel details.

Will Weedon, Lutheran pastor and worship scholar who once directed LCMS worship and leads a daily Bible study. He explores how worship practice reveals belief. He traces Luther’s liturgical reforms, the role of chant, and the Book of Concord’s guidance on ceremonies and adiaphora. He contrasts casual service settings with traditional sanctuary practice.

Dr. Leonard Payton, pastor and author focusing on prayerful living in a post-Christian culture. He discusses evaluating governments by worship and fruitfulness. He talks about public education, sexuality and family flourishing, the societal harms of internet pornography, and presenting a joyful vision of God’s world through faithful marriages.

Jim Campbell, Chief Legal Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom and Supreme Court advocate, explains Colorado’s ban on certain counseling speech and the legal fight that overturned it. He discusses viewpoint discrimination, the speech-versus-conduct debate, the Court’s ruling, nationwide implications for similar laws, and the importance of open counseling conversations for youth.

Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor and theologian behind Rome Examined, explains Chemnitz’s eight classes of tradition and why Scripture ranks first. He contrasts Roman claims about doctrinal development and how Scripture can be subordinated. He discusses original sin, Trent’s vague definition, concupiscence, baptism’s effects, and the theological stakes of downplaying sin.

Dr. John Bombaro, senior pastor and U.S. Navy chaplain, offers liturgical and lectionary reflections. He explores Quasimodogeniti and the Easter octave. He links baptism, Eucharist, and resurrection imagery from Ezekiel, Psalm 33, and 1 John. He examines John 20, apostolic commissioning, and the hymn of resurrection assurance.

Peter Bender, pastor and director at the Concordia Catechetical Academy, offers concise catechetical teaching. He explores catechism themes during Eastertide. He connects the Holy Spirit to sacraments, preaching, and absolution. He unpacks Acts, 1 Peter, and John 20 with emphasis on obedience, baptismal doxology, suffering, and the office of the keys.

Terry Mattingly, senior fellow on communications and culture and author of the Rational Sheep newsletter, discusses why a Finnish hate-speech trial involving Lutheran leaders has been underreported. He critiques media framings of orthodox religion, explores free speech boundaries versus secular norms, and examines newsroom incentives and European political stakes.

Audio Open Lines The post What Is Your Favorite Easter Hymn and Why? 4/7/26 (0972) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Tim Goeglein, Sr. of Focus on the Family Why young adults need Dating 101 Stumbling Toward Utopia Toward a More Perfect UnionThe post Faith, Freedom and Family – Tim Goeglein, 4/7/26 (0971) first appeared on Issues, Etc..