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May 16, 2024


Title: UMC is Still on a Downard Spiral
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and editor of the IRD’s foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. Today, Mark discusses the continued downward spiral of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s opinion piece on this topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:


What is the driving demonic force splitting the United Methodist Church?

Has free sex without any boundary overtaken the United Methodist Church?

What led to the downfall of clergy within the United Methodist Church? Mark Tooley discusses the lack of accountability at seminary and other details about how clergy are selected for each individual church.

Did the recent UMC General Conference re-open the door for local congregations to disassociate with the United Methodist Church?

Is the United Methodist Church the only denomination that is imploding?

Can we all be excited about what God can do with those surrendered to His will? Mark believes that God is still working on America and has great plans head.

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy.



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December 6, 2023


Title: Just War and Christian Realism
Topic: Christian Worldview
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today, he discusses the importance of spreading the Truth about the War in Israel and why young people today need the proper tools to engage in an often-hostile world.

Click here to read more from Mark Tooley on this and other issues.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are many American young people not sure who’s right or wrong in the war between Israel and Hamas?

How many young Americans side with Hamas? NOTE: This number will astound you!!

Are many college campuses awash in moral blindness that includes contempt for Western Civilization?

Why does the IRD host an annual Christianity and National Security Conference for students and Professors from Christian Colleges?

Are students at Christian Colleges taught true, historic Christian teachings about war, peace, and global statecraft? Mark Tooley explains that, unfortunately, students at Christian colleges are not being taught a Biblical Worldview regarding these issues and that is why they began the annual conference seven years ago.

What is a “Just War Tradition”? Are students at Christian colleges familiar with this term and its meaning?



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Title: Part 2 of 2: Just War and Christian Realism
Topic: Christian Worldview
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Where is the Christianity and National Security Conference held each year?

What is Christian Realism? Are students at Christian colleges familiar with this term and its meaning?

Do students who attend the IRD annual conference understand that we live in a fallen world?

What is Global Statecraft? Are students at Christian colleges familiar with this term and its meaning?

Do students who attend the IRD annual conference gain more understanding about Christian responsibilities?

Is interacting with these Christian college students tremendously encouraging?

What is the cost to students and Professors for the annual conference?

How can we assist with the 2024 Christianity and National Security Conference?

Click here to help support Providence, a division of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.



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October 30, 2023


Title: New UMC in WDC – It’s About Time!
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley has been the President of The Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009. He has discussed the dissolvement of the United Methodist Church many times here on the What’s UP Radio Program. Today, Mark gives another update and encourages UMC members to stand firm in their faith.

Click here to read John Horvat’s letter to UMC members on this issue.

Click here for more information about United Methodist Action from the IRD.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Should there be a Bible-believing Methodist church in the nation’s capital?

As of this December, how many churches will have exited the United Methodist Church?

Will many great cities lack any significant presence of traditional Methodism?

What denominations are booming in the WDC area?

Has methodism been reaching the over 5 million people who live in or around WDC?

Do many of the young professionals and others working in WDC attend events hosted by the Institute in Religion and Democracy?

Mark Tooley takes the rest of the interview to discuss their new church plant in the WDC area…

Click here to help support The Institute on Religion and Democracy and their new church plant in WDC. You can also email Mark Tooley directly with any questions: mtooley@theird.org



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August 22, 2023


Title: Is Western Civilization Decaying?
Topic: Christian Worldview
Discussed by Dr. Joseph Loconte
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

The Left would like us to believe that American history is full of nothing but racism and hate.

New guest, Dr. Joseph Loconte, PhD, is a Senior Fellow at the Institute on Religion and Democracy. He also serves as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Today, Dr. Loconte discusses the true reason for the decay of Western Civilization.

Click here to read Dr. Loconte’s op-ed on this subject.

Click here for more information about Dr. Joseph Loconte.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are our traditional beliefs and institutions merely tools of the oppressor against the oppressed? Dr. Loconte reminds us that every culture and society will have oppression because that is our human nature. However, in America, “we have achieved a level of justice and openness and generosity and humanity that is absolutely unparalleled in the history of mankind.”

Are people as free in China to make their own decisions as we are in America?

Do we have a moral obligation to preserve the true history of our Judeo-Chistian civilization?

Were higher education courses in Western civilization once the cornerstone of preserving Judeo-Christian values for the next generation?

Is there a deep, cultural crisis affecting America and the West? Dr. Loconte discusses some of the evidence of the decline…

Do too many people on both sides of the political aisle believe that government is the solution to all of our problems?



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Is Western Civilization Decaying?
Topic: Christian Worldview
Discussed by Dr. Joseph Loconte
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

As our society decays and becomes more and more self-absorbed, has the Right failed to grasp how Christian ideas must be communicated to the next generation?

Have Christian philosophies about freedom, forgiveness, charity, equality, and justice been corrupted? Dr. Loconte passionately explains why he believes we must approach all of those issues from a Biblical point of view or society will continue to crumble.

In his recent op-ed, why did Dr. Loconte share the story of a young Korean woman who found life in New York City after escaping North Korea? What helped her learn more and more – MSM or old books?



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Title: Part 3 of 3 - Is Western Civilization Decaying?
Topic: Christian Worldview
Discussed by Dr. Joseph Loconte
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is “civilizational decay”? Dr. Loconte says: “There is no way you can maintain a healthy civilization if you begin to reject those founding ideals and institutions that helped to create and sustain a civilization in the first place!”

Does America still have a blind civil and criminal justice system?

Can our decaying and dying culture be revived and resuscitated? Dr. Loconte remains hopeful and urges us to do the same.

Click here to help support The Institute on Religion and Democracy.



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August 18, 2023


Title: Methodist Split and Post-Denominational USA
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009. He has discussed the dissolvement of the United Methodist Church many times here on the What’s UP Radio Program. Today, Mark offers an update on the numbers of UMC congregations that have exited the church umbrella and what the future holds for the denomination.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed on this topic.

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was the UMC once America’s largest denomination?

Is the UMC still in a free fall with the US?

How far have the membership numbers in the UMV dropped over the past 50 years?

What is the Global Methodist Church? Are churches that are exiting the UMC umbrella joining the GMC or choosing to stay non-denominational?

What are the two largest denominations currently in the US?

Should all denominations reach out to the Hispanic community to grow their church?

What is nondenominationalism? Do the majority on non-denominational church align with the Baptist creed/belief? What can other denominations learn from non-denomination churches?

Will Christianity survive in America?




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August 2, 2023


Title: Methodist Split and Post-Denominational USA
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009. He has discussed the dissolvement of the United Methodist Church many times here on the What’s UP Radio Program. Today, Mark offers an update on the numbers of UMC congregations that have exited the church umbrella and what the future holds for the denomination.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed on this topic.

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was the UMC once America’s largest denomination?

Is the UMC still in a free fall with the US?

How far have the membership numbers in the UMV dropped over the past 50 years?

What is the Global Methodist Church? Are churches that are exiting the UMC umbrella joining the GMC or choosing to stay non-denominational?

What are the two largest denominations currently in the US?

Should all denominations reach out to the Hispanic community to grow their church?

What is nondenominationalism? Do the majority on non-denominational church align with the Baptist creed/belief? What can other denominations learn from non-denomination churches?

Will Christianity survive in America?




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July 21, 2023


Title: The Sparkle Creed is Dim and Dull
Topic: Woke Progressives
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Sometimes it is really hard to believe that certain beliefs are actually real and not made-up.

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Mark is a prolific writer, sought after speaker, and frequent commentator on radio and television. Today, he discusses a rather bizarre new “spiritual creed” at a progressive LGBT “church”.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed on this issue.

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is a “creed”? What is the Apostles’ Creed?

What are some of the major points found in the “Sparkle Creed”? Can they be considered anti-God and anti-Christian?

Why is the “Sparkle Creed” getting so much attention? Is it simply another LGBT attention-grab?

Was the “Sparkle Creed” written to replace the Apostles’ Creed?

Part of the “Sparkle Creed” reads: “Saints as numerous as patches on the AIDS quilt”. Another part reads: “Love is love is love, so beloved let us love.” What on earth does this even mean?

Do too many people today believe that they can write the Creator of the Universe out of their lives, living in a way that only pleases them?

Does the “Sparkle Creed” acknowledge forgiveness of sins and the hope for eternal life?

How long will the “Sparkle Creed” be remembered? Is it really a threat to Christianity or just another new-age fad?



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June 20, 2023


Title: Who was Pat Robertson?
Topic: Evangelism
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Pat Robertson, considered by many to be the co-founder of post-denominational America, recently passed from this life into the next. He was a savvy businessman, political organizer, and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

Today, Mark Tooley remembers Pat Robertson’s influence on people around the world. Mark has been the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed.

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy as they work to reaffirm the church’s biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was Pat Robertson raised Southern Baptist? When and why did he transition to leading the upsurge in American charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity?

Did Pat Robertson transcend the need for denominations?

Did Pat Robertson consider himself a broadcaster or an evangelist?

Did Pat Robertson’s ministry make various forms of Protestant Christianity irrelevant to broader American life?

Was Pat Robertson known by nearly all “well-informed” Americans?



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Who was Pat Robertson?
Topic: Evangelism
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Did Pat Robertson escalate talk of the Rapture from an obscure corner of fundamentalism to supper-table discussions across America?

Did Pat Robertson have a church building with a sanctuary?

Did Pat Robertson call himself a minister?

How massive was Pat Robertson’s following?

In Mark’s opinion, what will happen to the Christian Broadcasting Network now that Pat Robertson has passed?



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Title: Part 3 of 3 - Who was Pat Robertson?
Topic: Evangelism
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was Pat Robertson a key founder of the modern Religious Right political movement?

Where is the movement today? Who are its leaders?

Should we be praying for more Christian men and women to rise up to lead our country?



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April 24, 2023


Title: An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Jeff Walton is the Communications Manager and Anglican Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Recently, Jeff wrote about an unexpected calling he felt to walk the property of a church in his community, praying as he did. Today, Jeff discusses this experience and how he felt the hand of God tug at his heart.

Click here  to read more about Jeff’s experience.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why did Jeff feel the urge to pull into the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church parking lot and pray?

How does the church describe the beliefs of their current congregation at Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

The Christ Crossman United Methodist Church has a prominent building in a thriving community. Why is their membership shrinking? Jeff can only speculate about the reason, but his speculation is spot-on.



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why did Jeff specifically pray for the gospel to be preached at the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

Why did Jeff specifically pray for the sheep to be pastorally tended at the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

Why did Jeff specifically pray for repentance that would begin in his own heart? Jeff calls repentance a “change of direction” and a “conscience decision to surrender something to God”. I love this!




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Title: Part 3 of 3 - An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the Jesus Movement visibly alive and well in the city of Falls Church, Virginia? Jeff describes some of the gospel-centered Christian churches and schools that are thriving in the area amidst a “progressive community that conventional wisdom says is supposed to be disinterested”.

Are other United Methodist Churches in the area shrinking or thriving?

What can we do to help spread the Truth of the Gospel? Why should Christians from all denominations pray for the United Methodist Church? Jeff references Ezekiel 37 – The Valley of the Dry Bones.

Click here to support the Institute on Religion and Democracy as they continue to spread the truth of the Gospel and advocate for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.



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April 5, 2023


Title: An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Jeff Walton is the Communications Manager and Anglican Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Recently, Jeff wrote about an unexpected calling he felt to walk the property of a church in his community, praying as he did. Today, Jeff discusses this experience and how he felt the hand of God tug at his heart.

Click here  to read more about Jeff’s experience.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why did Jeff feel the urge to pull into the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church parking lot and pray?

How does the church describe the beliefs of their current congregation at Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

The Christ Crossman United Methodist Church has a prominent building in a thriving community. Why is their membership shrinking? Jeff can only speculate about the reason, but his speculation is spot-on.



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why did Jeff specifically pray for the gospel to be preached at the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

Why did Jeff specifically pray for the sheep to be pastorally tended at the Christ Crossman United Methodist Church?

Why did Jeff specifically pray for repentance that would begin in his own heart? Jeff calls repentance a “change of direction” and a “conscience decision to surrender something to God”. I love this!




More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 3 of 3 - An Unexpected United Methodist Prayer Detour
Topic: Inspirational and Motivational
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the Jesus Movement visibly alive and well in the city of Falls Church, Virginia? Jeff describes some of the gospel-centered Christian churches and schools that are thriving in the area amidst a “progressive community that conventional wisdom says is supposed to be disinterested”.

Are other United Methodist Churches in the area shrinking or thriving?

What can we do to help spread the Truth of the Gospel? Why should Christians from all denominations pray for the United Methodist Church? Jeff references Ezekiel 37 – The Valley of the Dry Bones.

Click here to support the Institute on Religion and Democracy as they continue to spread the truth of the Gospel and advocate for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.



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March 31, 2023


Title: What is the Methodist Church Becoming?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Leaders and members of the United Methodist Church have been in a heated battle for decades. The time has come for a complete split between the liberal and conservative members.

John Lomperis is the Director of UM Action, a publication of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today, John discusses reasons for the split and what churches can do to secure the future of their congregation before it’s too late.

Click here to read John Lomperis’ urgent letter on this matter.

Click here for even more information on the issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who owns the local United Methodist church property, including all assets within the church building?

Who appoints the pastor for each United Methodist church? Does the local congregation have a vote in who their pastor is?

There are only thirteen United Methodist Seminaries in the United States and only one can be considered “conservative”. Do the others waiver on sound Biblical doctrine, such as: the virgin birth, Jesus Christ as the only son of God, his resurrection, and even the inerrancy of scripture?

What are the social issues being discussed and debated? John discusses the two main issues of homosexuality and the ordination of non-celibate pastors, but reminds us: “It’s not just one sin; it’s any kind of sin.”



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - What is the Methodist Church Becoming?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How many church congregations have joined the new Global United Methodist Church (GUMC)?

When must local congregations decide whether or not they want to leave the current UMC and join the GUMC? John stresses the urgency for local congregations to make a decision NOW as the deadline is mere months away. Click here to contact your conference representative for more information.

If a congregation chooses to move to the GUMC, what will it cost? Is financing available?

Click here for financial assistance from the Wesleyan Investment Foundation.

Click here for help from the Texas Methodist Foundation.




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Title: Part 3 of 3 - What is the Methodist Church Becoming?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is it so imperative that local UMC congregations make a decision NOW to join the Global United Methodist Church? John has admitted that he personally advocated for staying within the United Methodist Church, but now truly believes a change is necessary due to what he calls “professional church killers”.

How much has the UMC shrunk over the past 50 years?

In John’s opinion, which side is most intolerant of the other? John reveals that he and other delegates to the UMC were forced to listen to a two-hour long “reeducation session” concerning LGBTQ issues. Listen to find out what they said!

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy as they continue to spread the truth of the Gospel and advocate for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.



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February 17, 2023


Title: What is Happening at Asbury University?
Topic: Revival in America
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today he discusses the revival that has been unfolding at Asbury University, which is quite possibly the largest ongoing revival in the United States since the one that began in Wheaton in 1995.

Click here to view videos and testimonies from the Asbury revival.

Click here  for more information about the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Click here  to support the IRD as they work to reaffirm the church’s biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is happening at Asbury University? Was the Pastor’s sermon something extraordinary? Mark Tooley explains that it was just a “normal” sermon that has developed into a days-long revival with worship and preaching and healing and redemption and salvation.

How big is the chapel and auditorium? How many people can they seat? Are they filled to the brim?

Does America need a fresh visit from God?

Other colleges and universities are now participating in this revival on their campuses. Is God moving in a mighty way? Mark Tooley discusses the End Times, saying he is encouraged by the revival among our youth.

Were these revivals “planned” or are they a true move of God?

How are the people attending these revivals participating?

Without a move of the Holy Spirit, can we see right lifted up again in American and wrong put down? Mark believes that “the Church is the conscience of the society and must be renewed and in touch with the Holy Spirit… It is the key to the health of any society.”




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January 5, 2023


Title: UPDATE: UMC Deadline is Looming
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute for Religion and Democracy. Today, he gives an update on the issues that are ripping the United Methodist denomination apart. He also urges congregations that have not made the decision to split to do so immediately!

Click here for more information about the Institute for Religion and Democracy.

Click here to support the IRD as they work to reaffirm the church’s biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the United Methodist Denomination splitting over its full affirmation of same-sex rites, affirming gay clergy, transgenderism, drag queens, and much more?

Why is the property of each individual church owned by the UMC denomination?

What is the deadline to exit the denomination with their property through a congregation vote? Mark explains the exit fee each congregation will be required to pay if they choose to leave the UMC umbrella and when the money is due.

Do many churches think their congregation can’t afford the exit fee? Mark urges churches to contact the Wesleyan Investment Foundation for help.

Why must churches make the decision to exit or stay by the end of 2023?

Have many congregations already voted to exit? This number may seem large, but Mark reveals that many congregants have already left the denomination since the pandemic seeking other church homes in their community.

What is Mark’s advice to independent churches who wish to leave the UMC umbrella?




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November 17, 2022


Title: Disturbing Details about the New Woke UMC
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009 and has been active in the United Methodist Church since 1988. Today, Mark discusses disturbing details about the liberal activism destroying his beloved denomination.

Click here for more information about the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Click here to read more from Mark Tooley.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Recently, a drag queen led the children’s sermon at a United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. How and why was this allowed to happen?

Did a newly elected UMC Female Bishop really state: “It is not important that we agree on who Christ is”?

Did a newly elected liberal leader state: “Upholding traditional Christian values on marriage and sex is a sickening ‘virus’ like Ebola”?

In recent jurisdictional conferences across America, were theological traditionalists prevented from becoming bishops? Are traditionalists being purged from leadership in the UMC in America?

Who controls the curriculum at UMC theological seminaries? Who chooses the head clergy for each church? How involved are church members?

Is the United Methodist Denomination splitting apart? Mark explains the process of leaving the current UMC stronghold…

Why have several large UMC congregations left the denomination? Have other churches split or have millions of members simply stopped attending?

What is Mark’s personal plan for the future? What does he predict for the church?



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September 9, 2022


Title: Death by Bologna Sandwich
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Recently, Reverend Stan Copeland of Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, had a dream. To him, the dream was wonderful. To others, specifically Mark Tooley, the dream was very disturbing.

Mark Tooley, the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, describes Rev. Copeland’s dream, which is ultimately about the breakup of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed in response to Rev. Copeland’s horrifying post.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why did Rev. Copeland dream that Mark Tooley died eating a bologna sandwich?

Does our society lack civility today?

Do Centrist and Progressive Clergy resent the presence of traditionalists in the church? Do they also resent their departure from the church? Or, do they want the traditionalists to abandon their beliefs?

After the split is finalized, how will financial support be distributed? Will the United Methodist Church survive? Mark Tooley explains what will happen to each individual church, its members, staff/ministers, when and why this all began, and what the future holds.

Bottom Line: Do the Progressives/Centrists want the Traditionalists to abandon the teachings of traditional, Biblical marriage to keep the United Methodist Church together? Mark explains that the majority of the UMC members are Traditionalists, so there is little hope of a reconciliation.



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August 1, 2022


Title: Is the United Methodist Church in Trouble?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

John Lomperis is the Director of UM Action, a publication by the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today, John discusses the extreme measures the United Methodist Church is taking to be “all inclusive” and how their “wokeness” is leading to a major split.

Click here for more information about this topic from UM Action.

Click here for more information about the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is the United Methodist Church about to split in two? Is the main disagreement over homosexual marriage?

What will each of the two main factions be called? John explains the differences between the new Global Methodist Church (this will be the traditional UMC) vs. United Methodist Church (this will be the “woke” UMC).

How are pastors of each local UMC congregation chosen?

Have the US United Methodist Seminaries become “woke”?



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Is the United Methodist Church in Trouble?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

WWhat is Unitarian Universalism? Is this another reason the UMC is splitting? John explains that Unitarian Universalism is basically “a post-Christian religion without historic roots, denies the divinity of Jesus Christ, and is a belief in the universal salvation of all people with or without Christ.”

Do a majority of the UMC’s thirteen seminaries openly teach Unitarian Universalism?

Are the majority of UMC members split over the question of ordaining homosexual ministers?

Has this debate been going on for decades? John says: “People across the spectrum realize that we need to break up; it’s just a question of how.”




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Title: Part 3 of 3 - Is the United Methodist Church in Trouble?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

If a church votes to leave the current United Methodist denomination, who will then own the property? Will they be given the option to keep the property? John explains that time is definitely against those who want to leave.

Why should each current United Methodist Church member consider switching to the Global Methodist Church?



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May 24, 2022


Title: DC-Area Churches Tackle Supreme Court Draft Leak
Topic: Pro-Life Issues
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Jeff Walton discusses a tale of two churches: one sending a pro-life message and one sending a pro-death message. Jeff is the Communications Manager and Anglican Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Click here to read Jeff Walton’s article on this topic.

Click here  to read the op-ed from the Washington Post that Jeff discusses in today’s interview.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How would Jeff describe the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) which is steps from the United State Supreme Court? NOTE: Not mentioned in Jeff’s comment, but mentioned in the article linked above, is that the pastor of this church is a “white, non-binary-identifying pastor with the pronouns they/them”.

How would Jeff describe the other church mentioned in the Washington Post op-ed – a Southern Baptist-affiliated church? Jeff shares several heart-warming stories about congregants from this church…

Del Ray Baptist Church was almost “dead”. What happened between 2012 and 2022? How did the church survive and thrive?




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April 6, 2022


Title: Russian and Ukraine: How We Can Pray
Topic: Russia and Ukraine
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute of Religion and Democracy and editor of IRD’s foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. Prior to joining the IRD in 1994, Mark worked eight years for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Today Mark discusses how Ukrainians have been treated by Russians, what the Ukrainian Church is saying about Russian, and how we can specifically pray for Ukrainians during this troubling time.

Click here to read the latest from Mark Tooley and others from Providence Magazine.

Click here to read more about what the Ukrainian Church is urging and praying for.

Click here for a statement by the National Council of Churches about the Russia/Ukraine situation.

Click here for more from the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Click here for the official statement from the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have various nations coveted the natural resources contained within the borders of Ukraine?

Have the people of Ukraine suffered genocide and other atrocities, especially at the hands of the Soviets?

Is the world council of churches and the National Council of Churches condemning the evil actions of Russia? Mark Tooley says that they have not “condemned” Russia, but they are definitely calling for Christians across the world to unite in prayer for a quick and peaceful end to the fighting. Click on links above to read more from various groups, churches, and organizations.

Has the Russian Church condemned the action of Russian leadership? Mark says: “Unfortunately the Russian Orthodox Church has aligned itself with Putin and is not condemning his actions.”

Is the Church alive and thriving in Ukraine? Mark discusses the different denominations that are in Ukraine.

How can we aid the Church within Ukraine?

Why did a US Bishop from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church pray to “summon the heavenly legions and the Archangel Michael”?




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March 31, 2022


Title: Is the US Constitution “Trash”?
Topic: Trashing the US Constitution
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and editor of the IRD’s foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. Prior to joining the IRD in 1994, Mark worked eight years for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Today, Mark discusses the importance of knowing history, specifically slavery and the US Constitution.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed on this topic.

NOTE: The topic of discussion today is based on a comment that Eli Mystal of The Nation made recently on The View.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is it common to have our US Constitution referred to as “trash” by the “woke crowd”?

What is meant by the term “slavers” and “colonists”? Were colonists really bad people?

Are enlightened, woke people who are alive today endowed with higher intellect, wisdom, and knowledge of correct justice?

Did the US Constitution, preceded by the Declaration of Independence, make astonishing claims that were truly unique at the time? Mark says: “The startling claims of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution set into motion this expectation of a society where all live equally socially and legally. It was quite amazing and we owe it a great debt of gratitude.”

Many in the woke crowd truly believe that the Founding Fathers “invented” slavery. But – wasn’t the United States one of the first countries in modern history to actually abolish slavery? Mark discusses some of the history of slavery…

Is our US Constitution in need of defending?



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March 18, 2022


Title: Is the US Constitution “Trash”?
Topic: Trashing the US Constitution
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and editor of the IRD’s foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. Prior to joining the IRD in 1994, Mark worked eight years for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Today, Mark discusses the importance of knowing history, specifically slavery and the US Constitution.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s op-ed on this topic.

NOTE: The topic of discussion today is based on a comment that Eli Mystal of The Nation made recently on The View.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is it common to have our US Constitution referred to as “trash” by the “woke crowd”?

What is meant by the term “slavers” and “colonists”? Were colonists really bad people?

Are enlightened, woke people who are alive today endowed with higher intellect, wisdom, and knowledge of correct justice?

Did the US Constitution, preceded by the Declaration of Independence, make astonishing claims that were truly unique at the time? Mark says: “The startling claims of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution set into motion this expectation of a society where all live equally socially and legally. It was quite amazing and we owe it a great debt of gratitude.”

Many in the woke crowd truly believe that the Founding Fathers “invented” slavery. But – wasn’t the United States one of the first countries in modern history to actually abolish slavery? Mark discusses some of the history of slavery…

Is our US Constitution in need of defending?



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March 2, 2022


Title: Russian and Ukraine: How We Can Pray
Topic: Russia and Ukraine
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute of Religion and Democracy and editor of IRD’s foreign policy and national security journal, Providence. Prior to joining the IRD in 1994, Mark worked eight years for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Today Mark discusses how Ukrainians have been treated by Russians, what the Ukrainian Church is saying about Russian, and how we can specifically pray for Ukrainians during this troubling time.

Click here to read the latest from Mark Tooley and others from Providence Magazine.

Click here to read more about what the Ukrainian Church is urging and praying for.

Click here for a statement by the National Council of Churches about the Russia/Ukraine situation.

Click here for more from the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Click here for the official statement from the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have various nations coveted the natural resources contained within the borders of Ukraine?

Have the people of Ukraine suffered genocide and other atrocities, especially at the hands of the Soviets?

Is the world council of churches and the National Council of Churches condemning the evil actions of Russia? Mark Tooley says that they have not “condemned” Russia, but they are definitely calling for Christians across the world to unite in prayer for a quick and peaceful end to the fighting. Click on links above to read more from various groups, churches, and organizations.

Has the Russian Church condemned the action of Russian leadership? Mark says: “Unfortunately the Russian Orthodox Church has aligned itself with Putin and is not condemning his actions.”

Is the Church alive and thriving in Ukraine? Mark discusses the different denominations that are in Ukraine.

How can we aid the Church within Ukraine?

Why did a US Bishop from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church pray to “summon the heavenly legions and the Archangel Michael”?




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September 13, 2021


Title: The Big Split Doesn’t Need to Wait
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Methodist Denomination is set to split late summer 2022. What are the reasons for the split?

Mark Tooley, the President of the IRD, has more details on the split. Please click here to read more on this topic from Mark.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What are the reasons the UMC is splitting?

Is the expense for the Global General Conference wasted money? Mark Tooley says: “There is no reason for all of these hundreds of delegates to sit together for nine days to debate policies for a denomination that effectively will not exist any longer.” He also offers a much better solution…

What will the two new main UMC groups be? Will one be more Conservative and one more Liberal? Which one will more Americans churches join?

Is the fight over the church’s teaching on marriage and sexuality? Mark reveals some of the other reasons, which are quite shocking. Listen close!

Will each local church be allowed to vote on which new denomination they choose to join? What will happen to their church building and other financial concerns with the church? What happens if a church chooses NOT to join a specific group? What is the timeline for churches to keep their property?

Mark Tooley is very Conservative and does not agree with many of the “new” practices of the UMC. Will God bless and use a church that ordains homosexuals and allows marriages for homosexuals?



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August 3, 2021


Title: Mennonites vs Police
Topic: Blue Lives Matter
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Mennonites are known to be pacifists. Lovers, not fighters. However, they have recently announced their support and approval of the “Defund Police” movement and Black Lives Matter. In fact, they support the complete abolishment of all law enforcement.

Mark Tooley recently wrote about this issue for Juicy Ecumenism, a division of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are the Mennonites following sound Biblical doctrine when they call for the complete abolishment of all law enforcement?

What is their reasoning for advocating the abolition of all police forces across America?

Have the Mennonites prepared resources for adult Sunday School classes and other settings?

Does the Mennonite leadership encourage their congregants to take deep breaths, close their eyes, drink a cold glass of water, to zone out for a minute, meditate, and/or stretch before reading and studying the material? Why do they believe is necessary?

Does the Mennonite “curriculum” teach criminals how NOT to be a criminal? What on earth is this?

Does the Mennonite leadership have a fantasy that all crimes will simply disappear in there is no more law enforcement?

Has the Defund/Abolish Police movement already crested?

Are other countries defunding and/or abolishing police departments? Mark is not aware of any country that is doing this BUT there are many countries who are PRAYING FOR a police department to enforce law and order in their land.



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June 24, 2021


Title: Does America Need Southern Baptists?
Topic: The Southern Baptist Convention
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Does America still need Southern Baptists? Will the Southern Baptist denomination soon split?

Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, recently wrote: “We’re in a tear-down moment in American culture where there’s little patience with institutions amid visceral demands for emotional gratification to replace practicality. The SBC has existed for over 170 years. It dates to the national Baptist split over slavery. Contemporary Southern Baptists have lamented and renounced the stance of their long-ago ancestors.”

Click here  for more information on this topic from Mark.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why does America need Southern Baptists?

Did the Baptists split over slavery over 170 years ago? Did other denominations split for the same reason?

Overall, did the recent SBC showcase the spiritual vitality and biblical commitments of Southern Baptists?

In Mark’s opinion, does he sense Southern Baptists splitting anytime soon?

Mark Tooley explains why he wrote the following in his recent op-ed piece (linked above): “Speakers routinely cited biblical inerrancy, evangelism and salvation. If anything, Southern Baptists, like most of evangelicalism, could use a thicker public theology that better enables them to speak to and relate to wider society.”

Most Southern Baptists are pro-life. What changes to the pro-life platform were made at the recent SBC? Is abolishing abortion a radical idea?

Was there much debate over Critical Race Theory at the recent Southern Baptist Convention?

Were there floor fights over biblical inerrancy, evangelism, or salvation, against only male preachers, or LGBTQ+ advocacy at the recent SBC? Has he witnessed much debate over these same issues at other mainline denominational conventions?

Why does America need Southern Baptists?



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March 16, 2021


Title: Will the Methodist Church Survive a Split?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

The United Methodist Church in America is headed for a major split, with those leaving leaning toward extreme liberal ideals.

Mark Tooley, the President of the IRD, discusses just what is happening and how we can pray for their future. More information can be found here

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is United Methodism the only major liberal American mainline Protestant denomination that has not weakened its sexuality teachings? But that is changing.

Too many United Methodists in the US desire to compromise the Christian teachings on traditional marriage and homosexual relationships. Have they been fighting this battle for over 50 years?

Who is leaving? Why? How will it work?

Within the Methodist denomination, do individual churches own their own property?

The conservative, traditionalist Methodist Church will be called the Global Methodist Church. Of the Global Methodist Church, how many will reside in the US? Will the Global Methodist Church have a hierarchy that is based in Africa? Will the Global Methodist Church uphold Biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality?



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Will the Methodist Church Survive a Split?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Ultra-liberal members are calling themselves the “Liberation Methodist Connexion”. What are they pledging to “fight”? Is this Biblical?

Will the United Methodist split accelerate the implosion of liberal mainline Protestantism in America?

Does Mark Tooley believe that the Methodist Church will eventually be split into THREE different factions?

Can each individual Methodist Church vote for which group to join? If they do not vote, which group will they automatically be part of? What happens to their debt?

How will the various colleges, universities, and seminaries be divided? Can they choose/vote which faction to belong to?




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Title: Part 3 of 3 - Will the Methodist Church Survive a Split?
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Other than the Southern Baptist Church, will the new Global Methodist Church become one of America’s largest conservative Protestant denominations?

What words of warning does Mark Tooley have for the Southern Baptist Church?

The majority of United Methodist members outside the US reside in Africa. Will they be a major force in spreading the conservative, traditional Global Methodist Church throughout the world?



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February 26, 2021


Title: Christian Realism Through the Eyes of George Washington
Topic: History
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

President’s Day is a day set aside to honor the first President of the United States: George Washington. Who was George Washington?

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today, he discusses Christian Realism through the eyes of George Washington.

Click here for more on this topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was George Washington an idealist or a utopian?

Did George Washington acknowledge that people were not just fallen, but also often depraved, wicked, and murderous?

Did George Washington leave a detailed theological thesis?

Did George Washington affirm that there is an underlying providential moral universe and a purpose for fallen humanity?

Did George Washington pray?

Did George Washington have a belief that people can rise above themselves and do good, but they need encouragement?

Did George Washington believe in the fallen nature of man, himself included, while he trusted in a Supreme Being with a confident hope?

Did George Washington own slaves? Did he believe the slave owner was more important than the slave? Did he free the slaves he owned in his will?

Many want to remove the memorial statue of George Washington because he owned slaves. Should this happen, in Mark Tooley’s opinion?




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January 27, 2021


Title: UPDATE on the Viking Shaman
Topic: America Divided
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley, President of the IRD, discusses Jake…but not the Jake from State Farm. To read Mark’s editorial on this topic, click here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who is Jake Angeli, also known as the QAnon Shaman?

Is Jake a symbol of paganism?

Is Jake mixing a bunch of “religions” together to make his own?

The Left claims that Jake represents Christian, Conservative Republicans. Is this true in any way, shape, or form? Is this image going to stick in Leftist’s minds for years to come, harming Christian Conservative Republicans?

Are Jake’s actions (and those of his “followers”) comparable to ancient tribal warfare?

Must Christians (and all Americans) hold fast to America’s laws and Constitution?

Can America survive with two sets of laws?

Does the American system require reverence for human equality and dignity before God?

Mark Tooley’s office is near the White House. He shares how his office building was trashed during the 2020 summer BLM/ANTIFA riots.

During the January 6, 2021 Capitol building “insurrection”, how many people actually entered the building?



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January 7, 2021


Title: Amen and Awomen
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

By now, you have probably heard about the progressive Left Methodist Minister who opened the 2021 US Legislative Session before the House of Representatives with a prayer that ended with “amen and awomen”.

Mark Tooley, the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses the faux inclusivity of this prayer. For more on this topic from Mark Tooley, click here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why are some calling CongressMAN Reverend Emmanuel Cleaver’s prayer “the awomen prayer”?

How do other religions end their prayers?

In Christian teaching, are the male and female sexes intrinsic in creation?

In Christ, is there neither male nor female?

In Scripture, are all equal before God?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Amen and Awomen
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is “civil religion”?

When we are participating in a ceremony, should we consider other religions when we pray? Or should we stay true to our Christian belief?

What were some of key phrases of Representative Reverend Cleaver’s prayer?

Did Representative Reverend Cleaver end the prayer in support of Nancy Pelosi’s proposed bill that would eliminate male/female pronouns?




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December 14, 2020


Title: The Liberation of Methodism
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

What’s UP with the Methodist Church? Are they falling apart at the seams?

Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy since 2009. He is an accomplished author and even worked for the CIA for eight years.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is the United Methodist denomination headed towards a breakup into at least three separate and distinctly different bodies theologically?

One break-away group has already formed, the Liberation Methodist Connexion – LMX. What are their beliefs?

Has there been a 50-year battle over homosexuality in the Methodist Church?

Why is this new break-away group using an “x” in their name Liberation Methodist Connexion? Mark Tooley explains the historical “connection” for this…

How will many members of Centrist congregations across America react to drag queen eucharists, mandatory pronoun fluidity, and far-left political advocacy in worship and from the pulpit?

In general, are Biblically-sound churches in America of all denominations thriving? Or are people gravitating toward more liberal churches? If so, why?

Will a Biblically-sound strain of United Methodism emerge and survive with resemblance of the movement started by John Wesley?

Mark Tooley has chosen to stay in the Methodist Church to help fight for Biblical values. What is his prayer for the church?



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August 12, 2020


Title: Mark’s Story: Temporarily Southern Baptist
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Methodist Church has essentially shut down in the state of Virginia, where guest Mark Tooley lives. Therefore, he is temporarily attending a Southern Baptist Church with his family. Today, he tells his story…

Mark Tooley can be found here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How did Mark “find” a new congregation to worship with?

Did anything surprise Mark about the service?

Did he and his family partake in the open communion?

A recent sermon topic was…. Interesting. Something Mark had NEVER heard from a Methodist church before. Listen as Mark explains what the sermon was about…

Is watching the decline of the Methodist denomination painful?



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June 24, 2020


Title: Is America an Apartheid State?
Topic: Apartheid
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Millennials claim that America is an Apartheid State, but they have no clue what Apartheid truly is.

Today, Mark Tooley explains why America is definitely NOT an Apartheid state, never has been, and hopefully never will be.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The office of the Institute on Religion and Democracy is in downtown WDC. Recently, some protestors passed by. What happened?

What is “Apartheid”? Mark Tooley gives a recent example…

How was the racial, political, and economic system of Apartheid in South Africa enforced? Is America truly experiencing the same Apartheid racial, political, and economic system?

Was the young man who carried a sign declaring “The US is an Apartheid State” protected by police?



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Title: Part 2 of 3 - Is America an Apartheid State?
Topic: Apartheid
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are the governing elites in WDC Republicans or Democrats? How long have they “ruled”?

Is it fair to obsess over or even exaggerate America’s failings?

Has America always been self-critical, self-reforming, and striving to self-correct?

Should humans across the world reexamine their own lives and their own sins? Would this be a good starting point to right the injustices in the world?

Confronting national sins is imperative, but must it start with realistic self-appraisal, not myopic self-hatred?



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Title: Part 3 of 3 - Is America an Apartheid State?
Topic: Apartheid
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does is appear that the protestors have discovered righteousness for the first time?

What is key to national repentance?

Is America a dictatorship?

Is America an Apartheid State?

Will ignorance, ingratitude, and self-righteousness be blessed?

What would Mark Tooley say to the young protestor who thinks America is an Apartheid State?



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February 24, 2020


Title: Mega Churches vs Small Churches
Topic: Church Growth
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 3

Is there really a difference between mega churches in the big city and small rural country churches?

Chelsen Vicari, the Evangelical Program Director at the IRD, has some insight today.

Chelsen is the author of “Distortion: How the New Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What makes a mega church a “mega church”?

What are some valid criticisms of mega churches?

Can there be spiritual encouragement in a mega church?



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Title: Mega Churches vs Small Churches
Topic: Church Growth
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 2 of 3

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the Great Commission?

Why should Christians follow the command of the Great Commission?



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Title: Mega Churches vs Small Churches
Topic: Church Growth
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 3 of 3

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How can every church, no matter the size, fulfill the Great Commission?

What should our focus be, individually, even at church?

You can read Chelsen’s op-ed on this here.



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January 24, 2020


Title: NEED TO KNOW: Dangers of the Religious Left
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

The Institute on Religion and Democracy is devoted to fighting the Religious Left, exposing its extremism and false theology. Mark Tooley, President of the IRD, discusses Gay Democrat Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg’s visit last week to a liberal activist church in North Carolina, a church that embodies everything the IRD fights.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the “Religious Left” organized and fighting against Christian values, morals, and beliefs?

Mark Tooley recently made this statement: “The Religious Left makes government its messiah.” What does he mean by this?

Does traditional Christianity say “government is ordained by God chiefly to provide security and public order”? Mark Tooley references Romans 13…

Is one of the Religious Left’s goals to make government our therapist and nanny?

Back to Gay Democrat Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg… Why is this “church” so bad? Who is the pastor, William Barber?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - NEED TO KNOW: Dangers of the Religious Left
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the main focus of many Religious Left activists? Do the pastors/leaders preach the Truth of the Gospel?

Is the ideology of the Religious Left spreading to traditional Conservative churches, Evangelical colleges, and even seminaries?

Is the Religious Left view of Christianity the opposite of traditional Christianity?

Click here to help the IRD fight the Religious Left.



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January 13, 2020


Title: Methodist Church Moves to Separation
Topic: Methodist Church Dissolving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

For years, individual congregations of the United Methodist Church have chosen to move to another denomination, specifically conservative churches. Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, explains why…

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is United Methodism? Are the majority of United Methodist churches overseas? If so, where?

Is every United Methodist church a standalone entity? Or are they all held in trust?

What is causing the rift between churches and/or conferences within United Methodism? Has there been any mediation to resolve these conflicts?

Since all Methodist Churches are part of a larger entity, what happens if a specific congregation decides to split in two?

Does Mark Tooley believe the United Methodist Church, as a whole, will split into two entities? If so, will this process be messy and tragic?

How could a split affect the Methodist Seminaries in America?

Why is Mark Tooley looking forward to participating in a Methodist revival?



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December 27, 2019


Title: NEED TO KNOW: Dangers of the Religious Left
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

The Institute on Religion and Democracy is devoted to fighting the Religious Left, exposing its extremism and false theology. Mark Tooley, President of the IRD, discusses Gay Democrat Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg’s visit last week to a liberal activist church in North Carolina, a church that embodies everything the IRD fights.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the “Religious Left” organized and fighting against Christian values, morals, and beliefs?

Mark Tooley recently made this statement: “The Religious Left makes government its messiah.” What does he mean by this?

Does traditional Christianity say “government is ordained by God chiefly to provide security and public order”? Mark Tooley references Romans 13…

Is one of the Religious Left’s goals to make government our therapist and nanny?

Back to Gay Democrat Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg… Why is this “church” so bad? Who is the pastor, William Barber?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - NEED TO KNOW: Dangers of the Religious Left
Topic: Religious Left Deceived and Deceiving
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the main focus of many Religious Left activists? Do the pastors/leaders preach the Truth of the Gospel?

Is the ideology of the Religious Left spreading to traditional Conservative churches, Evangelical colleges, and even seminaries?

Is the Religious Left view of Christianity the opposite of traditional Christianity?

Click here to help the IRD fight the Religious Left.



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October 31, 2019


Title: Kanye West Finds Jesus!
Topic: Kanye West: New Believer
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

You may have heard the wonderful news: Kanye West is a Christian! He recently released a new album, glorifying God!

Chelsen Vicari has more information about his transformation and what the Bible says about a “Road to Damascus Experience”. Chelsen is the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. She is the author of “Distortion: How the New Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why do we tend to be skeptical of celebrities talking about Jesus?

What was Chelsen’s reaction to Kanye West’s speech at Howard University?

Was there an excitement, awe, and wonder in his voice which often times is familiar in new saints who’ve just met their Savior personally?

Is Kanye speaking words of truth and wisdom? Has there been an obvious change in Kanye’s life?

How can we be praying for Kanye and his family?

Does Jesus still save anyone who comes to him, repentant and sorrowful, asking him to be the Lord of their life?

Click here  for more information on Kanye West’s new album, “Jesus is King”.



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August 26, 2019


Title: Hong Kong Demonstrations Wave US Flag
Topic: Hong Kong Demonstrations Wave US Flag
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

For many around the world, America and Great Britain are seen as a repressive force in history. Christians are attacked daily. Not so in Hong Kong, where thousands of people are demonstrating against the communist regime waving American flags and singing “Hallelujah to the Lord”!

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. He believes that we should be paying close attention to these demonstrations here in America.

You can read the full article by Mark Tooley here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Wy is Mark Tooley so passionate about the demonstrations in Hong Kong? Why should we care?

Is America today as oppressive as dictatorships in Red China, Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries?

How can seemingly powerless, ordinary people make claims against powerful dictatorships?

What do the “kneelers” at sporting events not understand about the freedoms we have in America today?

Should we stand in solidarity with the demonstrators in Hong Kong and pray for them?



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August 7, 2019


Title: Is Hell Empty?
Topic: Is Hell Empty?
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

“Hell is empty and we should have no concern about our eternal fate.” So says an elected Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishop.

Wow. This is unbelievable! Do others believe this, too?

Jeff Walton, Communications Manager and Anglican Program Director for the Institute on Religion & Democracy, discusses:

Are some protestant leaders now claiming that there are no souls in hell?

Does everyone go to heaven?

Who are these “protestant leaders”?

Do these protestant leaders teach that the Son of God came to seek and to save those who are lost? Or, do they teach that the death of Jesus on the cross saved everyone automatically?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Is Hell Empty?
Topic: Is Hell Empty?
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How should we, as Christians, respond to the claim that hell is empty? Jeff Walton has two suggestions…

Did Jesus acknowledge the existence of hell as a real place, with souls wailing for eternity?

Did God give us free will to either follow Him or to not follow Him?

Is hell empty today? Was hell empty yesterday? Will hell be empty tomorrow? Will hell be empty for all of eternity?

Everyone deserves the consequence of hell. Have you changed your destiny?

Click here to read more on this issue.



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July 12, 2019


Title: MLK’s Sexual Misconduct
Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.

In 2017, a 20-page document released as part of the JFK Records Dump did not cast Martin Luther King, Jr. and his associates’ in a positive light.

Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion & Democracy. Prior to joining the IRD in 1994, Mark worked eight years for the Central Intelligence Agency. Mark Tooley discusses the documents released concerning MLK, Jr.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are the accusations of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sexual depravity just a rumor or is there truth to the accusations?

George Washington is being condemned for owning slaves. Should his monument be destroyed and his name removed from Streets, buildings, and public schools?

Do MLK’s moral failures remind us not to idolize any human, no matter how heroic?

Does MLK’s sexual immorality invalidate his work for racial justice?

Should we trust that God uses specific people for specific reasons to fulfill His purpose?

You can read Mark Tooley’s article on this issue here.



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April 26, 2019


Title: Christians or “Easter Worshippers”
Topic: Christian Discrimination
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.

Islamic jihadists had no hesitation about slaughtering Christians on the holiest day of the year, the day of Jesus Christ's Resurrection. So why are some American politicians and talking heads so squeamish about identifying the victims as Christians and now calling them “Easter Worshippers”?

Faith McDonnell is the International Religious Liberty Program Director at the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there really a difference between a Christian and an “Easter Worshipper”?

Was this just a single unfortunate random act of violence? Or was it pre-meditated, part of a bigger plan (Jihad)?

Is this act of violence reprehensible?

What can Christians do to protect ourselves?

Is there a clear difference in the Trump Administration’s recognition of religious freedom versus the Obama Administration’s recognition of religious freedom, both in American and around the world?



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March 6, 2019


Title: The Right Turn by the Methodist Church
Topic: Methodist Church and Homosexuality
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

United Methodists have upheld their denomination’s rules on sexual ethics, rejecting plans that would permit same-sex marriages and clergy to be sexually active outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriages.

Here with the details is Mark Tooley, the President of the IRD, and a member of the UMC.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is a delegate to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church?

At the General Conference, both pro-homosexual and traditional positions were presented. What is the difference in the two? Which position prevailed?

How is the UMC governed? Does Mark Tooley foresee a split in the future?

What about Methodist seminaries and colleges? What will happen to them?

What does Mark Tooley personally believe concerning this issue? Listen as he offers some advice and encouragement to other UMC members…

What does this vote mean for the Methodist Denomination as a whole?

Is the vote in favor of traditional marriage a sign that God is still in control and He still performs miracles?



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February 22, 2019


Title: Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is a Dangerous Woman
Topic: Democrats Gone Wild
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Democrat Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar goes off the rails. Today, Mark Tooley explains her faulty recollection of the Cold War. Mark is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Prior to joining the IRD, Mark was with the CIA for eight years.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Democrat Ilhan Omar falsely accused Elliot Abrams of being associated with death squads during the 1980’s. If you repeat a lie…make sure it is a whopper.

Did many Democrats cozy up to – and defend – Marxist dictators and insurgents supported by Cuba and Russia during the Cold War?

What is “liberation theology”?

Did many churches adopt a “liberation theology” approach to mission projects?

How did the human rights organization Freedom House rank various Central American countries, as well as Cuba, during the 1980’s? Listen as Mark Tooley offers more information about Freedom House and their work…

Have human rights freedoms increased or decreased across the globe over the past few decades?

Are authoritarians around the world becoming more assertive?

Why aren’t thousands of migrants marching south to enter Venezuela?



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January 16, 2019


Title: Apologizing for Christianity
Topic: Apologizing for Christianity
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

The recent triennial Urbana student mission’s convo hosted by InterVarsity and attended by 10,000 young Christians and ministry leaders featured a video apology for Christianity. You can watch the video here

Today, Mark Tooley discusses the video and why Christians worldwide should be paying attention. Mark Tooley is the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is Urbana? Who typically attends?

Listen as Mark Tooley discusses details of the Urbana 18 video…

Throughout history, have too many Christians listened to false prophets disguised as men of God?

Were more Christians martyred during the 20th century than any other century? Has much of the church been silent?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Apologizing for Christianity
Topic: Apologizing for Christianity
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there any hope for the Church when 10,000 Christian millennials attend a conference where a video is played apologizing for Christianity?

Are too many Christians remaining silent about crimes and ongoing persecution globally?

What is the “religious left”?

Did Urbana leaders mention or speak on abortion, addiction, and human trafficking?



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December 11, 2018


Title: Integrating Faith in the Workplace
Topic: Faith in the Workplace
Discussed by Katy Vanderkwaak
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

The Lord reminds us throughout Scripture that work is important. We are called to do all of our work for the glory of the Lord. But living solely for the Lord and continually striving for excellence in our jobs can be difficult.

Katy Vanderkwaak is an intern with the Institute on Religion and Democracy. She is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama. You can read her article, “Integrating Faith in the Workplace here

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are we reminded in Scripture that work is important? Terry references Colossians 3:23-24…

Is there a disconnect from what we might learn on Sunday and how we approach life on Monday?

Listen as Katy offers some advice on how to bring glory to the Lord while you are working Monday through Friday (or whatever your work schedule is).

Should we be determined that others see the image of God in our work?

Listen as Terry shares how he is presented with opportunities to witness to people through his job as a radio station manager…



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Integrating Faith in the Workplace
Topic: Faith in the Workplace
Discussed by Katy Vanderkwaak
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Barna recently conducted a survey  of Christians and how they view their work/career. Listen as Katy discusses this survey and the results…

Do the majority of Christians feel like they have God-given skills and talents they can use to glorify God and serve others outside the workplace? Why not inside the workplace?

Millennials are very “others-focused” – and this is a good thing! How is Katy personally using this as motivation in her career at the IRD?

What/who are integrators?

Should our actions speak louder than our words?




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November 5, 2018


Title: Border Wall: What Would Jesus Do?
Topic: Border Wall
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The God of the Bible sometimes knocks walls down, as at Jericho, or ordains a prophet like Nehemiah to lead their rebuilding at Jerusalem. The lesson of Babel wasn’t about construction but about human arrogance claiming for itself what only belongs to God. The divine judgment at Babel was division of humanity into different tribes and tongues.

What does this mean though? Would Jesus approve of a wall of separation on the border?

Mark Tooley is the President of Institute on Religion and Democracy. Listen as he offers his opinion…

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are open borders ‘godly’ while restrictions and fences are ungodly and inhospitable?

Are national boundaries satanic strongholds?

Do borders have providential purpose?

Do some on the Left work tirelessly for political conformity in which all nations are effectively erased?

Can political conformity only occur coercively and repressively?

Do fences make good neighbors?



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June 19, 2018


Title: The Christian Witness Behind Pregnancy Resource Centers
Topic: Christian Pregnancy Centers
Discussed by Jayda Wyse
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Pro-Life, Christian Crisis Pregnancy Centers often get a bad rap from the Main Stream Media. They claim the counselors only care about the baby. But that is simply not true.

Jayda Wyse is an intern for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. She is currently earning her undergraduate degree in Political Science at Biola University in La Mirada, California. Listen as Jayda offers a glimpse into Pro-Life, Christian Crisis Pregnancy Centers and who they really minister to.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do workers at Crisis Pregnancy Centers share the love and the good news of Jesus Christ?

Do workers at Crisis Pregnancy Centers only care about the saving one more baby?

Could Crisis Pregnancy Centers survive without the help and support of churches, volunteers, and outside donations?

What services do Crisis Pregnancy Centers provide women, babies, and even men?

Do thousands of men and women volunteer at Crisis Pregnancy Centers across America each year?

Why is Jayda pro-life?

Click here  to find a Crisis Pregnancy Center near you that you can support financially or offer your volunteer services.



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June 14, 2018


Title: What’s Going on with the Presbyterian Church?
Topic: Presbyterian Church Dying
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Jeff Walton is the Communications Director at the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Last year, he joined us on the program discussing the sharp decline in members and participation in the Presbyterian Church. Today, Jeff offers an update… Are things better or worse?

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the Presbyterian Church USA? What has been happening over the last decade? How have parishioners responded to the changes?

Is the PCUSA transitioning into a denomination of “old white people”, mainly Liberals?

What issues are on the agenda for this year’s General Assembly, to be held on June 16 through June 23?

Has the PCUSA been uniquely critical of Israel?

Does the PCUSA tout statist government solutions: the Savior is G.O.V.E.R.N.M.E.N.T. NOT G.O.D.?

Has there been a drastic decline in both children and adult baptisms within the PCUSA?

Have other parts of the Presbyterian Church (such as the Presbyterian Church in America and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church) noticed an increase in membership and baptisms? Are these more traditional or liberal in their beliefs?



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May 11, 2018


Title: Is Liberalism Shrinking Church Membership?
Topic: No Morality Killing the Church
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

What happens when you lock God out of the Church, rebuke the power of the Holy Spirit, and remove the purpose of the blood of the lamb from your songs?

Mark Tooley, a member of the United Methodist Church of America, will be discussing the controversy surrounding the denomination’s past and possible future decisions on several moral, Biblical issues.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Will the United Methodist Council of Bishops linger in prayer until they hear from God? Will they diligently and fervently search the Scriptures, with a heart open to the guidance from the Holy Spirit? Or, have they succumbed to the whiles of the devil, who says, “Thou shall surely not be condemned to an eternity apart from God because of your sexual sins”?

Will the United Methodist Council of Bishops green light church sanctions of sexual unions of any and all who come to the alter?

Will the United Methodist Council of Bishops green light church leaders to do whatever is right in their own eyes, with zero accountability?

How many Bishops live in America?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Is Liberalism Shrinking Church Membership?
Topic: No Morality Killing the Church
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What happens when a church removes the fear of Hell from its preaching, redefines marriage/sexual relationships, and allows leaders to do whatever they want?

Has the definition of good and evil changed?

Are Christians now being called Nazis for our beliefs?

Mark has been fighting to save the United Methodist Church for decades. Does he see a glimmer of hope on the horizon?



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March 19, 2018


Title: Should America Be a World Leader
Topic: Should America Be a World Leader
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses Reverend Edward Welles’ sermon from New Year’s Day, 1942. The sermon, “Pardon, Power, and Peace”, urged repentance for America’s longtime pre-Pearl Harbor isolationism.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The Reverend Edward Welles once spoke this phrase: “By far our greatest sin is the sin of international irresponsibility.” Were these words indirectly targeted toward Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt?

Did the Reverend Welles equate American isolationists to the Priest and Levite of the Good Samaritan story who shunned the assaulted traveler?

After his sermon on New Year’s Day, 1942, why did the church sing: “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”? Was this against tradition for a Southern congregation to sing a Northern song?

In his sermon, the Reverend Welles chastised a sinful America for neglecting global duties inherent to a powerful nation. Can power and prestige be sustained without accepting “international responsibility that those privileges impose”?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Should America Be a World Leader
Topic: Should America Be a World Leader
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do most Christian pastors only preach isolationism today?

Did Jesus exemplify power in a godly way?

Someday, all will bow before Him, whether they want to or not. Is this the ultimate display of power?

Are there many prominent Christians today who are willingly speak so boldly of God’s justice and mercy operating among nations?




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March 14, 2018


Title: Is the Cultural Storm Destroying Christianity?
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Nominal Christianity is collapsing in America and elsewhere as hostility to the faith increases in Western society, but that does not mean the American Church is dying. In fact, the percentage of regular church attendees has stayed the same since 1938. While there is a cultural storm brewing, it might not be what you think.

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Chelsen is the author of “Distortion: How the New Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith”. Follow her on twitter @ChelsenVicari

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there an approaching cultural storm about to destroy American Christianity?

Is the American Evangelical church the target of non-believers in Western society?

Is the number of Evangelicals in America increasing or decreasing?

Listen as Chelsen offers research discoveries and statistics…

What is “Secularism Evangelism” and why is it a concern for many?

Are more millennials leaving the church/their faith at a higher rate than other generations?



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February 22, 2018


Title: Was Jesus Political?
Topic: Politics of Jesus
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. provoked controversy with this recent tweet:
Jesus said love our neighbors as ourselves but never told Caesar how to run Rome-he never said Roman soldiers should turn the other cheek in battle or that Caesar should allow all the barbarians to be Roman citizens or that Caesar should tax the rich to help poor. That’s our job.”


Listen as Mark Tooley, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses the “politics of Jesus”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Can Christians sincerely operate within different political perspectives?

Does the religious Left often minimize traditional Christian theology?

Do Christian activists of the Left accusingly ask “Would Jesus bomb another country? Would he deport undocumented immigrants? Would Jesus support Donald Trump?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Was Jesus Political?
Topic: Politics of Jesus
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who is Jerry Falwell, Jr.?

Who is Shane Claiborne?

Instead of asking “What would Jesus do?” should we instead ask “What would Jesus have US do?

Is there hope outside of Jesus – no matter what your political affiliation?

Listen as Terry reads from Mathew 22:23-30. Some Democrats will be in heaven, just as some Republicans will be in hell.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s article on this issue.



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February 16, 2018


Title: Was Jesus Political?
Topic: Politics of Jesus
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. provoked controversy with this recent tweet:
Jesus said love our neighbors as ourselves but never told Caesar how to run Rome-he never said Roman soldiers should turn the other cheek in battle or that Caesar should allow all the barbarians to be Roman citizens or that Caesar should tax the rich to help poor. That’s our job.”


Listen as Mark Tooley, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses the “politics of Jesus”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Can Christians sincerely operate within different political perspectives?

Does the religious Left often minimize traditional Christian theology?

Do Christian activists of the Left accusingly ask “Would Jesus bomb another country? Would he deport undocumented immigrants? Would Jesus support Donald Trump?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Was Jesus Political?
Topic: Politics of Jesus
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who is Jerry Falwell, Jr.?

Who is Shane Claiborne?

Instead of asking “What would Jesus do?” should we instead ask “What would Jesus have US do?

Is there hope outside of Jesus – no matter what your political affiliation?

Listen as Terry reads from Mathew 22:23-30. Some Democrats will be in heaven, just as some Republicans will be in hell.

Click here to read Mark Tooley’s article on this issue.



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February 1, 2018


Title: Never Give Up. Never Give In.
Topic: Pro-Life Issues
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

There is FANTASTIC news on the pro-life front! The United Methodist Church is the second-largest Protestant denomination in America. For decades, the UMC has supported a woman’s right to choose abortion.

Mark Tooley is a life-long Methodist and the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Listen as he gives a POSITIVE update on the UMC’s change of heart.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is it exciting to see the United Methodist Church moving away from earlier support for abortion rights towards more Christian pro-life values?

What is the organization “LifeWatch”?

How is LifeWatch changing the minds and hearts within the leadership of the UMC?

The MSM has not covered the recent March for Life in Washington, DC. Was it well attended?

Why didn’t Mark just “give up” the fight? Listen as Mark encourages us all to Never Give Up and Never Give In.



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January 24, 2018


Title: Never Give Up. Never Give In.
Topic: Pro-Life Issues
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

There is FANTASTIC news on the pro-life front! The United Methodist Church is the second-largest Protestant denomination in America. For decades, the UMC has supported a woman’s right to choose abortion.

Mark Tooley is a life-long Methodist and the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Listen as he gives a POSITIVE update on the UMC’s change of heart.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is it exciting to see the United Methodist Church moving away from earlier support for abortion rights towards more Christian pro-life values?

What is the organization “LifeWatch”?

How is LifeWatch changing the minds and hearts within the leadership of the UMC?

The MSM has not covered the recent March for Life in Washington, DC. Was it well attended?

Why didn’t Mark just “give up” the fight? Listen as Mark encourages us all to Never Give Up and Never Give In.



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September 11, 2017


Title: The Nashville Statement
Topic: Sexuality and the Bible
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

Chelsen Vicari is the Evangelical Program Director for The Institute on Religion and Democracy. She will be discussing the recent Nashville Statement that has the Left in an uproar.

Chelsen is also the author of “Distortion: How the New Christian Left is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith”. You can order a copy from Amazon here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do Evangelical Christians today find themselves living in a time where God’s Word and the meaning of those words are being re-written?

If those who believe there is no God, then why do they care what others believe? Chelsen believes that non-believers actually do know there is a higher being and they are just fighting that recognition. Listen as she explains.

Should Christian leaders band together to defend God’s Word? Is this one reason for the Nashville Statement?

Are we, as believers, trying to throw rocks at the Left or those who disagree with our Christian beliefs and morals?

Would parents NOT teach their children driver safety? Why do so many parents NOT teach their children of the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle? The facts are there. Why are they ignored?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Nashville Statement
Topic: Sexuality and the Bible
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org



Questions/Issues Discussed:

Listen as Chelsen reviews some of the Twelve Articles from the Nashville Statement and the leaders who came together to write them.

Why is the Left going bananas over these Twelve Articles?

What does Article 11 state, specifically? Why is this included in the Twelve Articles?

You can read more on this issue here.



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June 1, 2017


Title: Is the Presbyterian Church Dying?
Topic: Presbyterian Church Dying
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

New guest Jeff Walton is the Communications Manager for The Institute on Religion & Democracy. Today, Jeff will be discussing a topic of high importance: The steep decline of the Presbyterian Church. Is politics to blame?

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is the Presbyterian Church dying a slow death?

Over the last decade or so, how many members have left the Presbyterian Church?

In response to their numbers declining, a Presbyterian official declared: “We are not dying. We are reforming”. What does this mean?

Has the Presbyterian Church’s stance on same-sex marriage had an effect on church membership?

The Presbyterian Church has also abandoned other Biblical morals and values, including allowing an Islamic leader pray at their General Assembly in 2016. Tune in to the next segment as Jeff Walton discusses more in the next segment.



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Is the Presbyterian Church Dying?
Topic: Presbyterian Church Dying
Discussed by Jeff Walton
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

In 2016, at the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly, an Islamic leader offered a prayer wherein he referred to Mohammed as a prophet alongside Jesus and decried “bigots and Islamophobes”. Listen as Jeff Walton describes this incident and how it affected the Presbyterian Church.



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May 8, 2017


Title: Fake News, Media Bias, and the Church
Topic: Fake News, Media Bias, and the Church
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Media bias is a real problem. With so many “facts” being thrown in our faces via TV, radio, and especially social media, how are Christians able to discern fact from fiction? Though we are all fallen and incapable of perfection, our reputation as public witnesses for Christ calls us to higher ethical standards.

Listen as Chelsen Vicari discusses why Christians should be extremely careful about the information they read and share with others.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How should Christians respond to what they read in the newspapers, what they hear on talk-radio, and what they read on social media?

Does media bias exist?

What is “fake news”?

How can Christians be a part of the solution to fake news and media bias, especially on social media?

Does sharing fake news really matter?



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February 27, 2017


Title: Celebrating the Murder of a Blasphemer
Topic: Islam: Understand the Truth About Islam
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Part 1 of 2

On Sunday, February 12, 2107, a mosque outside Baltimore reportedly honored the assassin of a Pakistani statesman who criticized his country’s blasphemy law.   Listen as Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, shares the disgusting details.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

A “URS” is a traditional commemoration usually given to Saints and Holy personages in the Islamic faith.

Why was this murderer given this “honor”?   What was the ultimate fate of the murderer?

What would happen if a church in America honored Lee Harvey Oswald or James Earl Ray?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Celebrating the Murder of a Blasphemer
Topic: Islam: Understand the Truth About Islam
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org



Questions/Issues Discussed:

One speaker at the mosque said: “Whoever disrespects the Holy Prophet Muhammad is worthy of death, and even if disrespects indirectly he is still worthy of death. Even if someone asks for forgiveness it is not acceptable.”   Is this a practice we want in America?



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October 6, 2016


Title: The “Nones” Need Jesus, Too!
Topic: Nones In America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

We are witnessing the rise of a new kind of religious orientation: The “Nones”. Researchers now use the label "Nones" to refer to the increasing number of people who identify as unaffiliated with religious establishments. Chelsen Vicari is the Evangelical Program Director at The Institute on Religion and Democracy. Listen in as she explains the “Nones” and why they need Jesus, too.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is a growing portion of our population self-identifying as ‘Nones’?

Who are the Millennials and why are they identifying themselves as Nones?

Why did they leave religion, many while still at home?

What affect does divorce have on Millennials?

What portion of the ‘Nones’ say they will return to religion?

Chelsen once considered herself a “None”. What happened to change her mind – and her heart?



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June 2, 2016


Title: The Methodist Church and Abortion
Topic: Methodist Church and Abortion
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing. - Edmund Burke

I have interviewed Mark Tooley with the Institute on Religion and Democracy many times over the past two decades. I have often wondered why he doesn’t just give up – give up on the Methodist Denomination. Mark Tooley and others with the Institute on Religion and Democracy did not give up and now there is fantastic news!

The Methodist Church has been a supporter of the woman’s right to choose an abortion since before Roe v. Wade. In fact, Mark explains that the Methodist Church even created the “The Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights” to counter the Catholic Church’s efforts to stop abortion. There have been other organizations over the years which the Methodist Church has formed in support of abortion, but that is all hopefully about to change now.

Listen in as Mark Tooley reveals the details of the recent vote at the United Methodist General Conference concerning this issue. He also discusses the gay marriage debate within the church and his opinion on the chances of a church split in the future.



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December 10, 2015


Title: Liberal Pastors are Wrong about Abortion
Topic: Abortion
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

If you haven’t heard the latest news about abortion supporters, you are in for a shock. If you have, Mark Tooley President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, sets the record straight about what United Methodist and Episcopalian female clergy said and prayed in front an Ohio Planned Parenthood.

Do these female clergy condemn Islamists who rape young girls and boys? Do they condemn the sexual enslavement of millions of women? Do they condemn the murder of innocent men, women, and children around the world? Do they condemn Islamists who throw homosexuals off rooftops for simply being gay? No! They are silent! They don’t want to get their hands dirty. They don’t want to offend the Muslims, but it is perfectly acceptable to offend Protestants and Catholics who oppose abortion.

Mark Tooley says Reverend Laura Young truly believes that pro-life protestors have a “misguided faith”. In fact, Mark says this about the issue: “The major threat to their freedom is Christians in America. From her (Reverend Young) perspective, she sees abortion clinics as guardians of the sexual revolution.

Mark further laments that Reverend Young and others are throwing out the common stereotype that pro-life supporters are against women. This cannot be further from the truth! The majority of pro-life supporters are women themselves. Crisis pregnancy centers exist to help women and their children. They even offer support for men who do not wish to terminate their partner’s pregnancy! If you need healing or want more information, google “crisis pregnancy centers” in your area. Let go and let God!



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October 23, 2015


Title: Liberal Pastors are Wrong about Abortion
Topic: Abortion
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

If you haven’t heard the latest news about abortion supporters, you are in for a shock. If you have, Mark Tooley President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, sets the record straight about what United Methodist and Episcopalian female clergy said and prayed in front an Ohio Planned Parenthood.

Do these female clergy condemn Islamists who rape young girls and boys? Do they condemn the sexual enslavement of millions of women? Do they condemn the murder of innocent men, women, and children around the world? Do they condemn Islamists who throw homosexuals off rooftops for simply being gay? No! They are silent! They don’t want to get their hands dirty. They don’t want to offend the Muslims, but it is perfectly acceptable to offend Protestants and Catholics who oppose abortion.

Mark Tooley says Reverend Laura Young truly believes that pro-life protestors have a “misguided faith”. In fact, Mark says this about the issue: “The major threat to their freedom is Christians in America. From her (Reverend Young) perspective, she sees abortion clinics as guardians of the sexual revolution.

Mark further laments that Reverend Young and others are throwing out the common stereotype that pro-life supporters are against women. This cannot be further from the truth! The majority of pro-life supporters are women themselves. Crisis pregnancy centers exist to help women and their children. They even offer support for men who do not wish to terminate their partner’s pregnancy! If you need healing or want more information, google “crisis pregnancy centers” in your area. Let go and let God!



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September 9, 2015


Title: Should Christians Ask God to Bless America
Topic: Separation of Church and State
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley is an expert on American and church history with the Institute on Religion and Democracy.  Today, Mark discusses the Russian-Jewish immigrant Irving Berlin who wrote “God Bless America” in 1918 and released the lyrics at the beginning of World War II. When he immigrated to America to escape religious persecution, Irving realized that, while still flawed, America was the safest place in the world for Jews.

Irving Berlin’s original verse in the song was: “God bless America land that I love. Stand beside her, guide her to the right, through the night with the light from above.” The wording was changed because “the right” was not favorable looked upon during the era this song was written.

Listen in as Mark Tooley discusses whether or not Christians should still pray for America.



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July 15, 2015


Title: Out of Line Preachers
Topic: Separation of Church and State
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Recently, a group of mostly liberal Protestant Clergy rebuked Conservative Tennessee Legislators for NOT expanding Medicaid in their state. Since when did ministers start sticking their nose into Obamacare, telling elected officials what they should and should not do?

Mark Tooley explains how this group of men and women believe Biblical Scripture commands the government provide welfare services to the poor. Mark says, “It’s ironic that (many of these) clergy members do not believe in the authority of Scriptures, but for political usage they are claiming the Scripture demands the expansion of Medicaid.” We should be wary, however, to not pick and choose just a few verses here and there for our benefit.

Please do not misunderstand Mark and Terry’s positions on the Lord’s command that we are to help those less fortunate than us. They both firmly agree that it is the church’s responsibility to help those in need. But is it the governments? Listen in as Mark gives a dire warning about why it is so dangerous to blindly follow people simply because they are pastors.

Mark Tooley can found be [here].



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July 1, 2015


Title: Is Air Conditioning a Human Rights Issue?
Topic: The Pope and Climate Change
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Paragraph number 55 in the Pope’s 45,000-word encyclical specifically criticizes the use of air conditioning for it contribution to global warming. However, poor people around the world who do not have air conditioning – or even electricity! – are dying every day due to the extreme heat and lack of centralized air. If the Pope was really concerned with saving more people – both on earth and for the Kingdom of God – then he would not be making the modern world feel guilty for using A/C! He would, instead, work with those who can help disadvantaged people to have a better quality of life!

The Pope has been told – and possibly even convinced – by the Environmental Mafia that we are going to destroy the world very soon if we do not depopulate the earth and stop the spread of global warming. Mark Tooley discusses some of the underlying issues that have given the Pope this skewed hypothesis. First being the use of electricity and A/C. Wouldn’t the use of electricity improve their quality of life, though? How does the Pope justify allowing millions of poor people to die every year when we could easily help them if the UN would let us?

Listen in as Mark discusses this and other issues regarding the Pope’s encyclical and global warming. Click here  for more.



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May 21, 2015


Title: The Left Took out Christ
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 2

Peek behind the curtain of some "progressive" or "hip" evangelical churches, past the savvy technology and secular music, and you will find more than just a contemporary worship service. You'll find faith leaders encouraging young evangelicals to trade in their Christian convictions for a gospel filled with compromise. They're slowly attempting to give evangelicalism an "update"—and the change is not for the good.

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Institute on Religion and Democracy's Evangelical Program Director. Prior to joining the IRD, she worked for Concerned Women for America. She recently wrote her first book, “Distortion”, which is the focus of today’s interview.

Chelsen says that most millennials like to blame their parents or grandparents when they drift from the church. She disagrees. While that may be part of the cause, we need to reexamine our churches. “We have let our guard down and let the Christian Left infiltrate our circles,” she says. Listen in as Chelsen explains the intent of the Christian Left and what their agenda is.

Too many parents treat Sunday School like basketball or ballet practice…They hope their kids are learning something,” Chelsen believes. Parents need to engage their children in conversation throughout the week on what they are learning in school – not just regarding academics, but religion and acceptance, as well.

She also shares a personal story of a conversation she had with one of the middle-school students she teaches in Bible Study at her church. What her Christian student said will probably shock you!



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Left Took out Christ
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Chelsen Vicari believes that the traditional Christian church has been high-jacked. Too many churches are compromising traditional Christian teaching for being political correct. As a result, the millennial generation, and even seasoned members, are too worried about being ostracized for their faith – even within their own church. They don’t want to be the odd-man out.

We see every day what spiritual decay is doing to our culture. Our religious liberties are under constant attacks,” Chelsen says. She goes on to say that the church is not doing enough to stand up to these attacks; the church is not equipping its members to go and be Disciples of Christ.

Chelsen also encourage parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and anyone who works with middle school, high school, and college-aged youth to bring up topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, feminism, radical Islam. The biggest issue is same-sex marriage. Listen in as she explains why!

It’s going to take the “adults in the room” – the seasoned Christians – to turn things around. We cannot count on the millennials to wake up on their own. Chelsen does add, however, that it’s not too late; it’s never too late.

To read Chelsen Vicari’s article on this, click [here].

To order a copy of her new book, “Distortion”, go [here].



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May 18, 2015


Title: Out of Line Preachers
Topic: Separation of Church and State
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Recently, a group of mostly liberal Protestant Clergy rebuked Conservative Tennessee Legislators for NOT expanding Medicaid in their state. Since when did ministers start sticking their nose into Obamacare, telling elected officials what they should and should not do?

Mark Tooley explains how this group of men and women believe Biblical Scripture commands the government provide welfare services to the poor. Mark says, “It’s ironic that (many of these) clergy members do not believe in the authority of Scriptures, but for political usage they are claiming the Scripture demands the expansion of Medicaid.” We should be wary, however, to not pick and choose just a few verses here and there for our benefit.

Please do not misunderstand Mark and Terry’s positions on the Lord’s command that we are to help those less fortunate than us. They both firmly agree that it is the church’s responsibility to help those in need. But is it the governments? Listen in as Mark gives a dire warning about why it is so dangerous to blindly follow people simply because they are pastors.

Mark Tooley can found be [here].



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April 7, 2015


Title: Religious and Speech Freedoms Always A Struggle
Topic: Religious and Speech Freedom
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

We have been witnessing attack after attack on religious freedom and freedom of speech during the last decade in America, specifically against Christians. Mark Tooley, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, says, “It seems that perhaps we are reaching a point in American that Christians do not have the full social, political, and economic liberty to express their views, especially on sexual issues.”

Christians, however, have always experienced persecution. He continues to explain how, in his opinion, we are definitely not in the worst of times, using the Methodist church and their stance against slavery, saloons, gambling, and “other things” as an example.

So, what’s in store for Christians in the future? “A society – or even worse, the government – that allows social intolerance to suppress private opinion will ultimately become a tyrannical and oppressive society, not just to Christians, but to all people,” Mark declares. We all must stand up for freedom of speech and religious freedom.

You can follow the Institute on Religion and Democracy on Facebook and Twitter. Click [here]  for more information.



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March 19, 2015


Title: The Left Took out Christ
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 2

Peek behind the curtain of some "progressive" or "hip" evangelical churches, past the savvy technology and secular music, and you will find more than just a contemporary worship service. You'll find faith leaders encouraging young evangelicals to trade in their Christian convictions for a gospel filled with compromise. They're slowly attempting to give evangelicalism an "update"—and the change is not for the good.

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Institute on Religion and Democracy's Evangelical Program Director. Prior to joining the IRD, she worked for Concerned Women for America. She recently wrote her first book, “Distortion”, which is the focus of today’s interview.

Chelsen says that most millennials like to blame their parents or grandparents when they drift from the church. She disagrees. While that may be part of the cause, we need to reexamine our churches. “We have let our guard down and let the Christian Left infiltrate our circles,” she says. Listen in as Chelsen explains the intent of the Christian Left and what their agenda is.

Too many parents treat Sunday School like basketball or ballet practice…They hope their kids are learning something,” Chelsen believes. Parents need to engage their children in conversation throughout the week on what they are learning in school – not just regarding academics, but religion and acceptance, as well.

She also shares a personal story of a conversation she had with one of the middle-school students she teaches in Bible Study at her church. What her Christian student said will probably shock you!



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Left Took out Christ
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Chelsen Vicari believes that the traditional Christian church has been high-jacked. Too many churches are compromising traditional Christian teaching for being political correct. As a result, the millennial generation, and even seasoned members, are too worried about being ostracized for their faith – even within their own church. They don’t want to be the odd-man out.

We see every day what spiritual decay is doing to our culture. Our religious liberties are under constant attacks,” Chelsen says. She goes on to say that the church is not doing enough to stand up to these attacks; the church is not equipping its members to go and be Disciples of Christ.

Chelsen also encourage parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and anyone who works with middle school, high school, and college-aged youth to bring up topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, feminism, radical Islam. The biggest issue is same-sex marriage. Listen in as she explains why!

It’s going to take the “adults in the room” – the seasoned Christians – to turn things around. We cannot count on the millennials to wake up on their own. Chelsen does add, however, that it’s not too late; it’s never too late.

To read Chelsen Vicari’s article on this, click [here].

To order a copy of her new book, “Distortion”, go [here].



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November 14, 2014


Title: Conservative Christians are Key to the Republican Party
Topic: Republican Party Politics
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Who voted during the Mid-Term Elections? Are Catholics still leaning right because of the abortion issue, or have they given up? The majority of college students and those under the age of 30 tend to vote left. Did that trend change this year?

There are those within the Republican Party who want the old, white hairs gone. They think the old, white hairs are damaging and ruining the party. What does Mark Tooley, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, think about that? Are they a dying breed?

Those who do not attend church or do not identify with a specific denomination usually vote Democrat, but this election many switched to the Republican Party. However, the majority are still left-leaning.

Mark gives a run-down of who voted in the November Election. He says the Mid-Term Elections were encouraging, but he wants to encourage us to stay focused and not stop registering new voters just because “we” won this time around.

For more, log on to www.TheIRD.org



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September 3, 2014


Title: How to Shrink Your Church in One Easy Step
Topic: Religion in America
Discussed by Alexander Griswold
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Parental Warning: Some information discussed with Alexander Griswold might be sensitive to young children. Please use caution when listening to the following segment.

Four of the mainline churches – Episcopalian, Evangelical Lutherans, Church of Christ, and Presbyterian – have all embraced and promoted same-sex marriage in recent years, believing the move will entice more people to join their churches. Alexander Griswold, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, has found the opposite to be true. He has studied their attendance numbers and discovered that as soon as these decisions have been made, people begin leaving the church in droves. Marriages and baptisms (both infant and adult) decline drastically, as well.

I just don’t understand why these church leaders continue to embrace sexual immorality and allow same-sex marriage. Research has clearly shown that members do not have the same zeal for abandoning their morals. In fact, Alexander points out that if the decline continues at the same rate, some of these denominations won’t even exist in forty years.

We teach our children that God created the heavens and the earth. We teach our children that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again so that we might have eternal life with him in heaven. We teach them about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. Then they go to school and hear differently from their teachers and friends. Who are they to believe?

Listen in to hear the shocking truth about churches today and why we must teach our children Biblical, moral values.

Log on to www.TheIRD.org  for more on this and other issues facing the church today.



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July 25, 2014


Title: Women and Sexuality
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 2

After hearing complaints about the poor treatment of campus rape victims and the hidden nature of such crimes, President Barack Obama has appointed a task force comprised of his Cabinet members to review the issue.

Chelsen Vicari says that males, from an early age, must be taught the value of women. Parents should not only discourage their sons from looking at pornography, but should openly discuss the reason why.

In the same way, parents should instill values or virtue and purity in their daughters. Young men are not the only effected by pornography; even teenage and college-age girls are encouraged to explore their sexuality by viewing pornography. Also, society today puts such a heavy emphasis on sexuality and the need to be accepted that young girls become confused over what is right and what is wrong to do in a relationship.



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Women and Sexuality
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Marriage today is not viewed as a holy, life-long commitment, even within religious and Christian communities. The divorce rate among couples who affiliate with some form of “religion” – Christians, Catholics, Jews – is nearly as appalling as couples who do not.

Does that mean that one out of every two marriages is absolutely doomed for failure? Not at all. According to Chelsen Vicari, we, as a society (not just “Christians”), need to shift our focus back to purity.

Will there still be sex-related crime? Will there still be divorce? I would hope not, but the fact remains that we are an imperfect society filled with temptations, lust, and hate. Only when we turn back to God will America rise up again.

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. You can follow her on twitter @ChelsenVicari



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May 6, 2014


Title: Women and Sexuality
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 2

After hearing complaints about the poor treatment of campus rape victims and the hidden nature of such crimes, President Barack Obama has appointed a task force comprised of his Cabinet members to review the issue.

Chelsen Vicari says that males, from an early age, must be taught the value of women. Parents should not only discourage their sons from looking at pornography, but should openly discuss the reason why.

In the same way, parents should instill values or virtue and purity in their daughters. Young men are not the only effected by pornography; even teenage and college-age girls are encouraged to explore their sexuality by viewing pornography. Also, society today puts such a heavy emphasis on sexuality and the need to be accepted that young girls become confused over what is right and what is wrong to do in a relationship.



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Women and Sexuality
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Chelsen Vicari
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Marriage today is not viewed as a holy, life-long commitment, even within religious and Christian communities. The divorce rate among couples who affiliate with some form of “religion” – Christians, Catholics, Jews – is nearly as appalling as couples who do not.

Does that mean that one out of every two marriages is absolutely doomed for failure? Not at all. According to Chelsen Vicari, we, as a society (not just “Christians”), need to shift our focus back to purity.

Will there still be sex-related crime? Will there still be divorce? I would hope not, but the fact remains that we are an imperfect society filled with temptations, lust, and hate. Only when we turn back to God will America rise up again.

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. You can follow her on twitter @ChelsenVicari



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January 6, 2014


Title: Costly Toll on the Soul
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 3

The issue of sex is not an easy topic to discuss. But it is, none the less, a very important topic that must be addressed, especially to teens and college-aged Christians.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 80 percent of unmarried Evangelicals between 18 and 29 have engaged in sex before marriage. No one disputes the temptation is out there. But, how can we help our teens and college kids to resist that temptation?



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Title: Part 2 of 3
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Many young Evangelicals are trying to lower the sexual moral code standard to fit their own desires. Sexual purity is not an old-fashioned notion. It is a Biblical command. When a pastor preachers a sermon on sexual purity, you can hear a pin drop in the sanctuary. Everyone knows that being sexual immoral is a sin, but they just don’t want to hear about it.



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Title: Part 3 of 3
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Sexual immorality does not only effect the young, unmarried teens and 20-somethings. Men and women who have been married for 10, 20, 30, 40 years can still struggle with sexual sins. But God has an answer and there is help out there!



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November 7, 2013


Title: Does the Methodist Church Really Accept Same-Sex Marriage?
Topic: Same-Sex Marriage and the Church
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org


Many Methodist churches have overwhelming affirmed their support for same-sex marriage. Today, Terry discusses with Mark Tooley a marquee outside a Methodist Church which read “Jesus Had 2 Dads, and He Turned out Just Fine”. What was the purpose of this sign?

Whether you’re Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Non-Denomination, or whatever you identify with, the LGBTQ is after your church. Listen in for more shocking news.



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March 8, 2013


Title: Dennis Rodman is Blinded by the Palace Lights
Topic: Celebrities and Politics
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The MSM is gushing over how wonderful and great it was to see a “celebrity” like Dennis Rodman schmooze with Dictator Kim Jong Un during a recent trip to North Korean. And I use the word “celebrity” in the loosest sense.

In case you didn’t know, Kim Jong Un just “threatened to exercise its 'right to pre-emptive nuclear attack'” against the United States and South Korea. Should we take him seriously? Can we stop him? The UN has approved sanctions aimed at disabling his finances - but will that work?

Back to Dennis Rodman…what was the purpose of his visit to North Korea? Should we, as American citizens, continue to allow Hollywood actors and other celebrities to “represent” us in foreign counties, especially socialist and dictatorship-style countries?



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March 4, 2013


Title: Jesus Said There Would be Persecution!
Topic: Istanbul Process
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is heralding an upcoming June meeting geared towards combating discrimination and intolerance on religious grounds, sighting the “Istanbul Process”.

Of course, the OIC cares nothing about Christian’s rights and other religious minorities. But what does this mean for Americans?



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February 28, 2013


Title: Even Liberals Are Beginning to See the Light
Topic: Intergenerational Injustice
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Are Liberals really opening their eyes and seeing the danger America is in? Some are, yes. But, most still need a giant shove in the “right” direction.

Mark Tooley, with the IRD, is here today to discuss the recent resignation of a prominent Liberal Evangelical from a very important company which caters to seniors. Who is it and why did he resign???



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January 16, 2013


Title: Costly Toll on the Soul
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 3

The issue of sex is not an easy topic to discuss. But it is, none the less, a very important topic that must be addressed, especially to teens and college-aged Christians. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 80 percent of unmarried Evangelicals between 18 and 29 have engaged in sex before marriage. No one disputes the temptation is out there. But, how can we help our teens and college kids to resist that temptation?



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 2 of 3
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Many young Evangelicals are trying to lower the sexual moral code standard to fit their own desires. Sexual purity is not an old-fashioned notion. It is a Biblical command. When a pastor preachers a sermon on sexual purity, you can hear a pin drop in the sanctuary. Everyone knows that being sexual immoral is a sin, but they just don’t want to hear about it.



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Title: Part 3 of 3
Topic: Sexual Purity
Discussed by Bart Gingerich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Sexual immorality does not only effect the young, unmarried teens and 20-somethings. Men and women who have been married for 10, 20, 30, 40 years can still struggle with sexual sins. But God has an answer and there is help out there!



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December 12, 2012


Title: Does the Bible Condone “Illegal” Immigration?
Topic: Illegal Immigration
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 3

Mark Tooley, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, says that there aren’t any biblical passages that give us a clear description on how God feels about “immigration” or “illegal immigration”. There are, however, some verses that Christians should keep in mind.

For instance, Leviticus 19:33-34 says that “you shall not oppress the alien”. But, does this mean “everyone” or should there be a limit or a certain law to permit them?



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Title: Obey the Bible? Or Obey the Constitution?
Topic: Illegal Immigration
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 2 of 3

The bible commands us to love our neighbor, treating them as we want to be treated. The bible commands us to teach others about Jesus Christ, especially those across the lands.

But the bible also teaches us to obey the laws of the land. So what do we do? Let every person who wishes to live in America, stay? Or do we force them to obey the law and come to America legally? What if they’re already here?



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Title: Can America Handle Any More?
Topic: Illegal Immigration
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 3 of 3

After the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 was passed, there was a spike in new illegal immigrants entries.

Mark Tooley says that the same thing will happen if the Obama administration begins granting to amnesty to every illegal immigrant in the nation. Can we handle more?



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October 10, 2012


Title: Is It An Oxymoron To Be Pro-Life But Not Pro-Birth?
Topic: Pro-life
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 2

Has the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society proudly posted on their website: "we are a church that is pro-life, not pro-birth"?

Has an official with the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society attempted to explain how they can claim to be Pro-life but not Pro-birth?

Does this official with the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society proudly affirm support for both Crisis Pregnancy Centers as well as support for life-ending, abortion performing centers?

Mark Tooley, What Would Jesus Do? Would he support both or would he condemn one?



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Title: Part 2 of 2
Topic: Pro-life
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The United Methodist Church states that their position on life is that "we are Pro-life but not pro-birth". How can focusing on pre-natal, post-natal and lifetime development bypass the acknowledgement of the killing of over 50 million babies across America?

Is the official position of the United Methodist Church accusing pro-life organization of fixating on the 'act of birth' and not the 'journey of life' a "straw argument"?

How can the UMC official position place no intrinsic value, dignity, or protection on the unborn? How can God-fearing Christians say: "All men are created equal while the innocent unborn are sacrificed to personal whim, convenience, or even sex-selection"?

Will America, as well as the United Methodist Church, someday step back and cry out for forgiveness and vow to protect all life, from the moment of conception to natural death?



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October 20, 2011


Title: Occupying Wall Street for God! Really?
Topic: Occupiers of Wall Street
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Are many of the “occupiers” of Wall Street - with their bracingly radical demands for open borders, abolishing credit rating agencies, and outlawing private health insurance - merely uttering what many Religious left zealots only quietly pray for but don’t dare publicly proclaim?

When the “Occupiers” stand with the poor, are they really standing with Jesus?

When the “Occupiers” stand with the hungry, are they really standing with Jesus?

When they curse, stomp on the American Flag, and demand that the state coercively redistribute wealth, are they uttering the words of Jesus?



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April 20, 2011


Title: The U.S. Taxpayer has invested billions upon billions on the War on Poverty since the 1960’s. What is the R.O.I.?
Topic: War on Poverty
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Why have the American Taxpayers spent billions upon billions of dollars fighting the ‘War on Poverty’ since the 1960’s? What are the results? Has the well intentioned government handouts perpetuated poverty and destroyed the traditional family structure? Is illegitimacy down or up? Is drug and alcohol use down or up? Are there more high school dropouts now? Mark Tooley joins us today from the Institute on Religion and Democracy. They can be found at www.theIRD.org.




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February 4, 2011


Title: for Abortion on Demand by Mainline Protestant Church Leadership
Topic: Abortion on Demand
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Liberal Mainline Protestant Church Leadership Supports Abortion On Demand. To ensure widespread religious backing for Roe v. Wade, mostly mainline protestant groups originally founded the RCRC (Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights). For years the RCRC was based in the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill alongside most Mainline Protestant lobbies. Mark Tooley, with the Institute on religion and Democracy discusses the ecological and elitist preoccupation of the liberal church leadership.



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January 18, 2011


Title: Schools, hospitals, market places as well as churches were common targets
Topic: Genocide, Scorched Earth Attacks, and Slave Raids
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Segment 1 of 2

Genocide, Scorched earth attacks, and Slave Raids. After decades of marginalization and persecution by its own government, the peoples of South Sudan are voting for freedom. Faith McDonnell, with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses the future of those left behind. Over 500,000 died in the first phase of the genocide. When war began, it left over 2.5 million dead and over 5 million displaced throughout South Sudan. Why?



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Title: Schools, hospitals, market places as well as churches were common targets
Topic: Genocide, Scorched Earth Attacks, and Slave Raids
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Segment 2 of 2

Genocide, Scorched earth attacks, and Slave Raids. After decades of marginalization and persecution by its own government, the peoples of South Sudan are voting for freedom. What next for those left behind?



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September 15, 2010


Title: Islamic Double Standard: Don’t Burn the Quran…but Unless You Accept, Off With Your Head. Segment 1 of 2
Topic: Don’t Burn the Quran
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Institute on Religion & Democracy (www.theIRD.org)

Would burning the Quran by a Christian provide radical Islamists with another excuse to attack already at-risk Christians in Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt and elsewhere?

Our guest, Faith McDonnell states: “Just as we do not hold all Muslims responsible for the September 11 attacks, Muslims should not hold Christian minorities responsible for the actions of one tiny Florida church." (Continued.....)



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Title: Islamic Double Standard: Don’t Burn the Quran…but Unless You Accept, Off With Your Head. Segment 2 of 2
Topic: Don’t Burn the Quran
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

If it takes something as incendiary as the destruction of a Quran to draw attention to the worldwide suffering church, we have not set our priorities in proper order. Every day, Christians in Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, and elsewhere in the Islamic world face oppression and persecution brought about without the assistance of Quran-burning clergymen.



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August 20, 2010


Title: What is “Liberation Theology”?
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

A Best Of Segment

Barak Obama gave an eloquent speech, but one that did not address the underlying nature of Senator Obama’s beliefs. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, like Mr. Obama, believes in a state-centered 21st century form of big-government socialism. His speech was magnificent in its elegance and rhetoric, but Mr. Obama reminded everyone yet again of his worldview that embraces, among other things, partial-birth abortion, military weakness, and economic socialism. Mark Tooley further explains Liberation Theology.



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Title: Ruling Would Make Traditional Believers Enemies of the State
Topic: Gay Marriage
Discussed by Alan Wisdom
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

An unelected District Judge, who many say allowed personal beliefs sway his thinking, ruled against the will of voters in California striking down California’s Proposition 8 defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Will this ruling eventually make believers in Jesus Christ enemies of the State? For complete article log onto www.TheIRD.org



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July 23, 2010


Title: IS IMMIGRATION REFORM UN-CHRISTIAN? Part 1 of 2
Topic: Immigration Reform
Discussed by Alan Wisdom
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Recently there has emerged a faith-based coalition in favor of liberalized immigration. The National Association of Evangelicals has joined the Roman Catholic Bishops and the mainline Protestant denominations in advocating higher legal immigration quotas as well as a plan allowing current illegal immigrants to become US citizens or legal residents. Individual members of the church, however, are still very divided. Is it un-Christian to not want amnesty for illegal aliens? Log on to www.TheIRD.org for more on this and other issues.



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Title: IS IMMIGRATION REFORM UN-CHRISTIAN? Part 1 of 2
Topic: Immigration Reform
Discussed by Alan Wisdom
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

We must consider the unintended “moral hazard” of amnesty. If we grant coveted US residency status to those who entered the country illegally or overstayed their temporary visas, we will likely see more persons engaging in similar lawbreaking habits, as happened after the 1986 immigration reform. Visit www.TheIRD.org to learn more.



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July 14, 2010


Title: IS JULY 4TH A SIN? Part 1 of 3
Topic: Freedom
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Is celebrating America’s Independence Day a sin? Is it honorable to kill because people don’t like being taxed? Get more on this from www.TheIRD.org



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Title: IS JULY 4TH A SIN? Part 2 of 3
Topic: Freedom
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Former Islamist terrorist Mosab Hassan Yousef more than likely celebrated the Fourth big time this year! If it had not been for our freedoms and laws here in America, he would have been deported and more than likely executed.



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Title: IS JULY 4TH A SIN? Part 3 of 3
Topic: Freedom
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

If we stop celebrating the Fourth of July, will that be the end of America?



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June 28, 2010


Title: What is “Liberation Theology”?
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Barak Obama gave an eloquent speech, but one that did not address the underlying nature of Senator Obama’s beliefs. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, like Mr. Obama, believes in a state-centered 21st century form of big-government socialism. His speech was magnificent in its elegance and rhetoric, but Mr. Obama reminded everyone yet again of his worldview that embraces, among other things, partial-birth abortion, military weakness, and economic socialism. Mark Tooley further explains Liberation Theology.



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June 24, 2010


Title: DOUBLE AGENT FACING DEPORTATION Part 1 of 2
Topic: Homeland Security
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Hamas leader Sheikh Hassan Yousef, is currently threatened with deportation from the US. Why does guest Faith McDonnell say NO! Log on to www.TheIRD.org for more on this story.



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Title: DOUBLE AGENT FACING DEPORTATION Part 2 of 2
Topic: Homeland Security
Discussed by Faith McDonnell
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mosab converted from Islam to Christianity and worked as a double agent against the Hamas for years. So why is he facing deportation? Visit www.TheIRD.org for more on this and other issues.



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June 11, 2010


Title: LIBERTARIAN THEOLOGY Part 1 of 2
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley, with The Institute on Religion and Democracy, describes “Libertarian Theology”. Log on to www.TheIRD.org for more.



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Title: LIBERTARIAN THEOLOGY Part 2 of 2
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Search for The Institute on Religion and Democracy on FB. Become a friend today!



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May 4, 2010


Title: SOCIAL JUSTICE Part 1 of 2
Topic: Social Justice
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley, the President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, explains the “ideology of Social Justice”. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? For more on this issue, visit www.theird.org



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Title: SOCIAL JUSTICE Part 2 of 2
Topic: Social Justice
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Should Christians embrace “social justice”? To learn more about this issue, log on to www.theird.org



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February 19, 2010


Title: CHURCHES OPPOSE DEFENDING AMERICA
Topic: Defending America
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Even 40 years ago, United Methodist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian officials adamantly insisted that any anti-missile system was morally wrong. How is knocking down deadly missiles with other missiles - while saving lives - wrong? Mark Tooley is with the Institute on Religion and Democracy www.IRD-Renew.org



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October 29, 2009


Title: SEMINARY PROFESSOR AGREES WITH MUSLIMS THAT JESUS IN NOT DIVINE!
Topic: Christianity and other religions
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Rosemary Radford Ruether is spouting her opinion that Jesus is NOT divine - and she is a Seminary Professor! What are her students being told and why is the Christian Seminary allowing it to happen? Log on to www.IRD.org for more.



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October 1, 2009


Title: FROM CIA TO IRD Part 1 of 2
Topic: Religious Liberty
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley joined the CIA right out of college, then left the CIA and joined the IRD - The Institute for Religion and Democracy. Why?



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Title: FROM CIA TO IRD Part 2 of 2
Topic: Religious Liberty
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Is the Methodist Church lost to liberal secularism? What about Baptists and other Conservative Religions? Will America become a “net receiver” with more missionaries coming here instead of going to other countries in the world? Log on to www.TheIRD.org for more.



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July 17, 2009


Title: Liberal Churches Demand Government Control of Health Care in America
Topic: Health Care
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

For years, mainline churches, i.e. Liberal Churches, through their spokespersons have insisted that socialized medicine is the only way to guarantee health coverage for all Americans. Please pay close attention to the demand “of health care coverage”. They are not demanded access because we already have access…but who is going to pay for it? That’s the question! Mark Tooley, the President of the Institute on Religion & Democracy is our guest.



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May 7, 2009


Title: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOTES TO UPHOLD BIBLICAL MEANING OF MARRIAGE
Topic: Christian Values
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Liberal Presbyterian activists are hounding members and leaders of the Presbyterians to abandon the Biblical meaning of marriage and chastity in singleness. While not all the votes are in, the tallies show that the majority of churches have rejected the liberal’s initiative! Log on to www.theIRD.org for more information on this and other issues.



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October 24, 2008


Title: SCARCITY AND IDOLATRY – ECONOMICS AND DEBT IN A FALLEN WORLD
Topic: Economic Crisis
Discussed by Jim Tonkowich
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, Jim Tonkowich, discusses topics in his book, “Scarcity and Idolatry – Economics and Debt in a Fallen World”. He takes a look at churches and the public square and democracy vs. politics. Log onto www.theird.org for more information.



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September 25, 2008


Title: Religious Left Demand Palin Submit to Her Husband
Topic: Palin, Sarah
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley, director of the United Methodist Committee at the Institute on Religion and Democracy, discusses the Religious Left’s demand that Palin submit to her husband.



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August 25, 2008


Title: What is “Liberation Theology”?
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Barak Obama gave an eloquent speech, but one that did not address the underlying nature of Senator Obama’s beliefs. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, like Mr. Obama, believes in a state-centered 21st century form of big-government socialism. His speech was magnificent in its elegance and rhetoric, but Mr. Obama reminded everyone yet again of his worldview that embraces, among other things, partial-birth abortion, military weakness, and economic socialism. Mark Tooley further explains Liberation Theology.



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May 1, 2008


Title: Does the SBC Now Endorse Man As the Cause of Global Warming?
Topic: Global Warming
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Does the “Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change” represent the Southern Baptist Convention or just the views of a few uninformed evangelicals?



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Title: Does the SBC Now Endorse Man As the Cause of Global Warming? Part 2
Topic: Global Warming
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Mark Tooley continues with: Does the “Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change” represent the Southern Baptist Convention or just the views of a few uninformed evangelicals?



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March 26, 2008


Title: What is “Liberation Theology”?
Topic: Liberation Theology
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Barak Obama gave an eloquent speech, but one that did not address the underlying nature of Senator Obama’s beliefs. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, like Mr. Obama, believes in a state-centered 21st century form of big-government socialism. His speech was magnificent in its elegance and rhetoric, but Mr. Obama reminded everyone yet again of his worldview that embraces, among other things, partial-birth abortion, military weakness, and economic socialism. Mark Tooley further explains Liberation Theology.



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August 2, 2007


Title: What Would Jesus Do: Would Jesus Use Gentiles to Help the Poor? Part One
Topic: A Cup of Cold Water in Jesus' Name
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

What Would Jesus Do: Would Jesus Use Gentiles to Help the Poor? Mark Tooley explains how the United Methodist Committee on Relief has announced a partnership with Muslim Aid, founded by Cat Stevens. Why should Christians help Muslims buy goats to sacrifice to a pagan god? Part One



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Title: United Methodist Committee on Relief has announced a partnership with Muslim Aid. Part Two
Topic: A Cup of Cold Water in Jesus' Name
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

What Would Jesus Do: Would Jesus Use Gentiles to Help the Poor? Mark Tooley explains how the United Methodist Committee on Relief has announced a partnership with Muslim Aid, founded by Cat Stevens. Why should Christians help Muslims buy goats to sacrifice to a pagan god? Part Two



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Title: Left-Wing Priestess for Allah
Topic: Islam: Understand the Truth About Islam
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

A Seattle Priest has become a Muslim while also retaining her clergy status in the Episcopal Church. Can a professing Muslim and Christian go to heaven?



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July 5, 2007


Title: Left-Wing Priestess for Allah
Topic: Islam: Understand the Truth About Islam
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

A Seattle Priest has become a Muslim while also retaining her clergy status in the Episcopal Church. Can a professing Muslim and Christian go to heaven?



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July 3, 2007


Title: Left-Wing Priestess for Allah
Topic: Islam: Understand the Truth About Islam
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

A Seattle Priest has become a Muslim while also retaining her clergy status in the Episcopal Church. Can a professing Muslim and Christian go to heaven?



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February 13, 2007


Title: SMU AND THE BUSH 43 LIBRARY
Topic: Freedom of Association
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

A Baptist is ok for liberal Methodist, but a conservative methodist is not. If I were Bush 43, I would stand and fight the American haters!



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August 24, 2006


Title: WHY WON’T THE ACLU COMPLAIN ABOUT THE METHODIST SEMINARY?
Topic: Free Speech Rights
Discussed by Mark Tooley
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

The Methodist Seminary in Denver hosted a Democrat Party Conference on how to attract religious voters. Surely, this is in violation of “Separation of Church and State” doctrine and they should lose their tax-free status? What do you think?



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