Stephen reviews the recent popular film, directed by Lee Daniels, starring Forest Whitaker as a butler who serves in the White House through multiple administrations.

From Washington D.C., Stephen talks about the current shutdown of the U.S. government and what it means for the country.

Stephen pays tribute to the victims of the September 16 Navy Yard Shooting in Washington, D.C.

Stephen explains the ancient religious tensions undergirding the civil war in Syria. Related Articles Five Surprising Cultural Facts About Syria: http://news.discovery.com/human/life/surprising-cultural-facts-about-syria-130831.htm The New Hama Rules: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/opinion/the-new-hama-rules.html?_r=0 Hawks, Doves, Fence Sitters: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2013/09/obama_congress_and_syria_arguments_for_and_against_the_bombing_resolution.html

Stephen describes the astonishing benefits of a popular news gathering app. Related Articles: Here's How Zite Plans to Replace Google Reader: http://venturebeat.com/2013/03/15/google-reader-zite-plans/

Stephen weighs in on the Reza Aslan/Lauren Green debacle. Related Articles: Sikhs Facing Increased Attacks since 9/11: http://www.npr.org/2012/08/06/158187828/since-sept-11-attacks-have-increased-against-sikhs Speed Read: "Zealot," by Reza Aslan: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/07/30/speed-read-the-six-most-controversial-reza-aslan-claims-about-jesus.html Odd Fox News Interview Boosts Book Sales: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/business/media/odd-fox-news-interview-lifts-reza-aslans-biography-on-jesus.html?_r=1&

Stephen addresses the statistics behind one of America's darkest crises. Correction: In describing the shooting of Amadou Diallo, Stephen mistakenly claims that Diallo was shot in his car: in fact he was shot in the vestibule of his apartment complex. Related Articles: Officer in Diallo Shooting Retains His Gun: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/nyregion/amadou-diallos-mother-asks-why-officer-who-shot-at-her-son-will-get-gun-back.html?_r=0 A Thoughtful [read more]

The tragedy behind the case of George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin transcends the court verdict. Stephen reflects on the moral, legal and practical aspects of the terrible incident. Related Articles: Seven Points of Interest Regarding the Verdict: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/07/on-the-killing-of-trayvon-martin-by-george-zimmerman/277773/ Debate: Are "Stand Your Ground" Laws a Good Idea?: http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/are-stand-your-ground-laws-a-good-idea Florida Woman Fires [read more]

Stephen responds to questions submitted by listeners around the world in the latest edition of BackTalk.

In his new book, Killing Jesus, Stephen explored the sometimes contradictory descriptions of Jesus' life and death in the Bible. This has moved more than one reviewer to charge him with heretical views. Hear his response in this intriguing podcast. Related Articles Review: Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield: http://reformedreader.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-stephen-mansfield-killing.html Is The Bible The [read more]