2024 is a big year for politics. If you ask any person you pass on the street why this is the case, their answer would likely be because of the presidential election; one that, sadly, looks like it will be a contentious repeat of 2020. And they wouldn’t be wrong. Federal politics are important. But, most Americans don’t give much thought to politic…

Do you sense that American politics is in trouble? Are you frustrated by our inability, even as Christians, to dialogue and disagree across party lines and other differences? In 2019, the ERLC, the Fetzer Institute, and LifeWay Research conducted a study on civility in the public square. The study found that “the single most common adjective” evang…

The reproductive medical technology known as in vitro fertilization, or IVF, has been in the news lately because of a crucial decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that clearly affirmed the personhood of human embryos. IVF is the procedure through which a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm are harvested and then fertilized outside of the womb. An embryo…

Psalm 139:14 says that each life is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Out of all of his creation, Genesis tells us that human life alone is made in His image. Because of this truth, we bear a responsibility to help preserve and protect all lives. This is why the work of pregnancy resource centers across the country and abroad is vital. The i…

As part of the ERLC Podcast, we will feature special episodes from the Research team from time to time to help equip you to think deeply about the most pressing questions we face in the public square. As we continue our series on life, the Research team is bringing you a special interview today with Scott Klusendorf, the author of The Case for Life…

We believe it’s clear in God’s Word that his perfect design is for many people to eventually unite as one man and one woman in a lifetime of marriage. That marriage, in many cases, leads to the blessing of children and establishes a family that glorifies God and benefits society. Unfortunately, in a fallen world, reality is messy. Marriage is put o…

The mission entrusted to the ERLC by the Southern Baptist Convention includes applying Christian principles to moral and social problems and questions of public policy and promoting religious liberty. One of the ways we do this is through our public policy advocacy, both in Washington, D.C., and throughout individual states. Every year, we compile …

God’s Word, from the very beginning, affirms the dignity of all human life. Genesis 1 tells us that at the end of the creation process, “God said, ’Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.' … 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This reveals to us that every person is…

Throughout this series, we’ve been seeking biblical answers and practical wisdom to apply to questions of gender and sexuality swirling around in our culture, our churches, and in our hearts. It’s been a joy to explore these issues with you and spur one another on to hold fast to Christ and love our neighbors. On this last episode in our series, we…

We began our gender and sexuality series by examining what the Bible teaches us about these important topics. And as we close out this series with two more episodes, we’re going to concentrate on the Church and how pastors and leaders can disciple their members to wrestle with and hold fast to God’s good design for us. Because gender confusion has …

On our previous episode about gender and sexuality, we looked at the family and how parents can approach these important topics with their children. Today, we’re turning our attention to an issue that has caused anxiety for some parents: gender and sexuality in schools and how to direct our children as they are confronted with teaching and examples…

So far in our gender and sexuality series, we’ve learned what the Bible teaches about God’s design, we’ve traced the sexual revolution in our society, and we’ve heard a powerful testimony of honoring God in the midst of a struggle with sexual sin. Today, we’re going to talk about the family. As we discuss these important topics, you might have addi…

So far in this series, we’ve learned what the Bible teaches about gender and sexuality, how the fall affects our perception of ourselves and God, and what role the sexual revolution played in where we are today as a culture. Today, we will hear an incredible testimony from a man who has learned to honor God with his sexuality. We’re also going to h…

On Oct. 7, we woke up to the news that Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,400 people in what has been referred to as Israel’s 9/11. In the days following, we have seen the horrendous images, heard the horrifying stories, and learned more about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. To help us un…

A few weeks ago, we learned that Genesis 1 teaches God created us male and female in his image. Because we’re created, God gets to set the boundaries for our lives. But, the fall and our sin nature affects how we view ourselves and our bodies. We also heard about the sexual revolution and how it feeds us the same lie the serpent did in the garden: …

Many of our listeners have expressed a desire to better understand the ERLC’s public policy work. September is the perfect time to share about this area of our ministry assignment because it’s an important month in our nation’s Capitol and a busy time for our D.C. team, specifically. Hannah Daniel, our ERLC policy manager who works in our nation’s …

During this episode, you will hear from expert voices about: What it means to be made in the image of God; God’s good design for all people; How the world was corrupted by the fall in Genesis 3; and How to live out countercultural beliefs about gender and sexuality. The ERLC podcast is a production of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. It…

We’ve been working behind the scenes and are excited to announce an all new ERLC Podcast. While the format is new, our goal for the podcast remains the same. The ERLC seeks to help you think biblically about today’s cultural issues. We’ve been listening to you to better understand the questions you’re facing and how the ERLC can help on matters rel…

On this episode of the ERLC Podcast, Brent Leatherwood invites you to take our quick podcast survey as we prepare for a new ERLC Podcast. Take the survey here. Connect with us on Twitter @ERLC @LeatherwoodTN @LindsNicolet Sponsors Racial unity | If we, as Southern Baptists, can be willing to listen and have good conversations about race, we will se…

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolet gives an important update about exciting things coming for the ERLC Podcast. Connect with us on Twitter @ERLC @LeatherwoodTN @LindsNicolet Sponsors Racial unity | If we, as Southern Baptists, can be willing to listen and have good conversations about race, we will see fruit that will draw us closer together. That's …

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolets talks with Palmer Williams about her work at the ERLC, the realities of politics, and future Supreme Court rulings. They also discuss Palmer’s hopes for the SBC. Connect with us on Twitter @ERLC @LeatherwoodTN @LindsNicolet Sponsors Racial unity | If we, as Southern Baptists, can be willing to listen and have good …

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolet talks with Hannah Daniel about the Tennessee governor’s Order of Protection proposal. They also discuss several important Supreme Court developments including the religious postal worker case and the abortion pill Content Tennessean: SBC public policy president, a Covenant parent, backs Lee's gun law proposal Explai…

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolet talks with Hannah Daniel about the importance of the Supreme Court in today’s society. They also discuss what’s new with the rapidly moving abortion pill case. Content The abortion pill case Explainer: How a case makes it the Supreme Court Explainer: What you should know about Supreme Court decisions Connect with us…

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolets talks with Hannah Daniel about Supreme Court opinions she’s anticipating this summer and what implications they will have for free speech and religious liberty. Related content 303 Creative: Explainer Groff v. Dejoy The “Lemon Test” Nathan Finn with 3 reasons Baptists should hold to religious liberty for all Connec…

In this episode, Lindsay talks with Dana Hall McCain about her career as a writer, the intersection of faith and public policy, and how Christians can contribute to a healthy public square. They also discuss social media, pro-life issues, and what’s important for Southern Baptists in this particular culture. ERLC Content Evan Lenow with How parents…

On this episode, we'll hear the installation address of President F. Brent Leatherwood. In his message, he shared his gratitude for this stewardship, his hope for the SBC, and his vision for the ERLC. Connect with us on Twitter @ERLC @LeatherwoodTN @LindsNicolet Sponsors Racial unity | If we, as Southern Baptists, can be willing to listen and have …

On this episode, Lindsay Nicolet talks with Hannah Daniel about the Equal Rights Amendment and why it’s harmful, especially to women. We also discuss a review of states policies that cover the areas of human dignity, religious liberty, family and marriage, and the sanctity of human life. Content Hannah Daniel with Explainer: Senate considers the Eq…

On this episode, we feature a webinar hosted by Jason Thacker on discipling your church for a world in sexual crisis. Thacker talks to Dean Inserra, Katie McCoy, and Andrew Walker about a biblical sexual ethic and how to communicate it with truth and grace in a secularized society. Content Discipling your church for a world in sexual crisis Connect…

On this episode, Brent Leatherwood and Lindsay Nicolet talk to Jason Thacker about his new book, “The Digital Public Square,” and how Christian ethics apply in a technological society. They discuss the importance of Christians engaging various technological tools with wisdom and the motivation to love God and love our neighbors. Connect with us on …

On this episode, Brent Leatherwood and Lindsay Nicolet discuss the SBC Executive Committee meeting and several noteworthy developments, including the “Ministry Check” website and six churches deemed not in friendly cooperation with the SBC. They also reflected on the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Culture BP: Blalock gives update on ta…

On this episode, Brent Leatherwood interviews Ed Litton and Fred Luter about racial reconciliation and the SBC. These two men have started an important racial reconciliation effort called The Unify Project, and in this interview, they tell us about it and spur us on to be ambassadors of reconciliation within the communities where the Lord has place…

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay talk about racial unity in the SBC. They also disucss a recap of the State of the Union address, the devastating earthquake in Turkey, and J.D. Greear’s article responding to comments Andy Stanley made about homosexuality. ERLC Content Micah Gaston with Four Reasons Why I Am Committed to A Racially Reconciling Chu…

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay talk to Hannah Daniel about the ERLC’s advocacy priorities for 2023. These priorities are in the important areas of religious liberty, marriage and family, sanctity of life, and human dignity. ERLC Content Jordan Wootten with Can Christians make it in American Politics? Hannah Daniel with What the ERLC is advocati…

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss this year’s March for Life, George Santos’ deception, and the classified documents debacle. ERLC Content Jordan Wootten with Explainer: Open Doors releases 2023 World Watch List Anna Claire Flowers with 3 lessons from the March for Life 2023 Culture NY Times: First March for Life After Roe, Sets Stage for …

In this episode, Brent interviews Jon Nelson, a pastor in Missouri, about racial unity and the SBC. Lindsay also reviews a few pieces of ERLC content focused on life in light of the 2023 March for Life. ERLC Content Kadin Christian with Helping single moms choose life and education: An interview about The MOMentum Network Ashlyn Portero with 5 smal…

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss the South Carolina Supreme Court striking down the state’s 6-week abortion ban. They also talk about the pro-life organization and the March for Life happening next week. ERLC Content Jason Thacker with Two ways to make digital activism better: Real-world relationships bring about change Katelyn Walls Shel…

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss the latest development with abortion pills, the ongoing deliberations regarding speaker of the House, and Damar Hamlin’s terrifying collapse on the football field. They also talk about the latest issue of Light magazine. ERLC Content Latest issue of Light magazine: Pursuing a culture of life: The pro-life …

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent discuss their end of year focus on the Psalm 139 Project. They also talk about the status of immigration reform in the United States and an update on the Respect for Marriage Act. ERLC Content Carlotta White with How ultrasounds help moms choose life: Opening a window into the womb Hannah Daniel with What a visit …

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent talk with their former ERLC colleague, Dan Darling. He is now the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and assistant professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. Culture Land Center for Cultural Engagement Southwestern Baptist Theological Semi…

In this episode, Lindsay talks with Hannah Daniel about the Senate’s affirmative vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, the upcoming oral arguments for 303 Creative, and her trip to the border next week. They also discuss pro-life issues and the life-saving work of ultrasound machines. ERLC Content Laura Campbell with 3 things to know about pregnanc…

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent talk about Brent’s trip to Washington, D.C. and his productive meetings with lawmakers. They also discuss the Senate’s vote to move forward with the Respect for Marriage Act, the Republicans’ narrow victory to win the House, and Nancy Pelosi’s future. ERLC Content Hannah Daniel with Explainer: Why the ERLC Still O…

In this episode, Lindsay and Brent talk about the results of the midterms and how Christians can think about them. They also discuss the temptation toward discouragement, the path forward, and the hope believers have. ERLC Content Jordan Wootten with The anger of our political moment: How Christians can model a better way ERLC Staff with What you s…

In this episode, Lindsay and Hannah Daniel discuss the midterm elections and what to watch for. They also talk about the vicious attack on Paul Pelosi and what it reveals about our political climate. ERLC Content Lindsay Nicolet with Seeking the welfare of the city: An Interview About Why Christians Should be Active in the Public Square Jon Kelly w…

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the U.K.’s new prime minister, Rishi Sunak. They also talk about Putin’s threat of a radioactive bomb, the Refugee Resettlement Program, and the importance of SBC local associations. ERLC Content Hannah Daniel with Why we need to rebuild the Refugee Resettlement Program Matt Henslee with Why you should be …

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the abrupt resignation of the U.K.’s prime minister, Liz Truss. They also talk about the tragic promise by President Biden that abortion will be the top priority if Democrats retain control of Congress. ERLC Content Jason Thacker with Why do Christians address sexuality and gender issues all the time? Our …

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the 60 Minutes segment with SBC President Bart Barber, what a jury ordered Alex Jones to pay the families of Sandy Hook victims, and the ERLC’s comments about the new Veterans Affairs abortion rule. They also talk about resources for pastors that enable them to respond bibically and wisely to gender and se…

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the incredible gift of the Cooperative Program topping $200 million. They also talk about the HHS transgender rule that would threaten religious liberty and discuss DACA being sent back to a lower court for review. ERLC Content Kadin Christian with The need to serve pregnant women on college campuses: An i…

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the devastation in Southwest Florida caused by Hurricane Ian and Southern Baptist’s disaster relief mobilization. They also talk about the need in Puerto Rico, the Jones Act waiver, and the Baptist cooperation that helped make that happen. ERLC Content Hunter Baker with Why Christians should never resort t…

In this episode, Lindsay talks with Dana Hall McCain about her career as a writer, the intersection of faith and public policy, and how Christians can contribute to a healthy public square. They also discuss social media, pro-life issues, and what’s important for Southern Baptists in this particular culture. ERLC Content Evan Lenow with How parents…

In this episode, Lindsay celebrates Brent Leatherwood as the newly elected president of the ERLC. Then, Lindsay and Brent discuss the latest update with the Yeshiva University case, the delay of the Respect for Marriage Act vote, and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. ERLC Content Policy Staff with Explainer: The Yeshiva University case and its impl…