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Issues, Etc.

Lutheran Public Radio·Hosted by Todd Wilken·300 episodes

ChristianityReligionSpiritualityExpert interviewsLutheran theologyDaily episodesCurrent cultureStandalone segmentsBible and doctrine

Expert Guests, Expansive Topics, Extolling Christ

Why listen

Issues, Etc. is a daily Lutheran talk show where LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken brings in theologians, pastors, scholars, journalists, and cultural commentators for substantive conversations. Listeners get a mix of biblical teaching, Lutheran doctrine, media criticism, ethics, and current events, usually in focused interview segments rather than casual chat. It is especially useful for Christians who want confessional Lutheran analysis of both church questions and public life.

Series(10)

Episodes

58 min
Jul 21, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 7 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/21/26 (2022)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 7 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/21/26 (2022) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 21, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Eighth Sunday after Trinity – Dr. John Bombaro, 7/21/26 (2021)

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Eighth Sunday after Trinity – Dr. John Bombaro, 7/21/26 (2021) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 20, 2026
Pope Leo’s Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence – Dr. Gene Edward Veith, 7/20/26 (2012)

Dr. Gene Edward Veith, co-author, “Irreplaceable” Irreplaceable: Humanity, Vocation and the Limits of Technology God At WorkThe post Pope Leo’s Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence – Dr. Gene Edward Veith, 7/20/26 (2012) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 20, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Ninth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/20/26 (2011)

Peter Bender of The Concordia Catechetical Academy Concordia Catechetical Academy The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Ninth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/20/26 (2011) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

21 min
Jul 17, 2026
Artificial Intelligence – Nonso Mogor, 7/17/26 (1985)

Nonso Mogor, Software Developer The post Artificial Intelligence – Nonso Mogor, 7/17/26 (1985) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

51 min
Jul 17, 2026
A Review of the Movie, “The Odyssey” – Pr. Ted Giese, 7/17/26 (1984)

Pr. Ted Giese of Mount Olive Lutheran-Regina, Saskatchewan Pr. Giese’s Movie Reviews   The post A Review of the Movie, “The Odyssey” – Pr. Ted Giese, 7/17/26 (1984) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

17 min
Jul 17, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 6 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/17/26 (1983)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 6 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/17/26 (1983) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

15 min
Jul 17, 2026
Kids Have Questions, Part 58 – Pr. Jonathan Conner, 7/17/26 (1982)

Pr. Jonathan Conner of Zion Lutheran-Manning, IA Pastor Conner’s BlogThe post Kids Have Questions, Part 58 – Pr. Jonathan Conner, 7/17/26 (1982) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

11 min
Jul 17, 2026
California’s Attempt to Prevent the Promotion of Abortion Pill Reversal – Dr. Michael New, 7/17/26 (1981)

Dr. Michael New of the Charlotte Lozier Institute Michael New’s Articles at National Review The Charlotte Lozier InstituteThe post California’s Attempt to Prevent the Promotion of Abortion Pill Reversal – Dr. Michael New, 7/17/26 (1981) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

26 min
Jul 16, 2026
Confessional Lutheranism in Canada – Pr. David Haberstock, 7/16/26 (1973)

Pr. David Haberstock, President-Elect of Lutheran Church Canada The post Confessional Lutheranism in Canada – Pr. David Haberstock, 7/16/26 (1973) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

32 min
Jul 16, 2026
Old Testament Matriarch Ruth – Dr. Andrew Steinmann, 7/16/26 (1972)

Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University – Chicago The Apocrypha, The Lutheran Edition Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages The Concordia Commentary on Daniel The Concordia Commentary on 1 Samuel The Concordia Commentary on 2 Samuel Prepare the Way of the Lord From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology Concordia Commentary: Ezra & Nehemiah Concordia Commentary: ProverbsThe post Old Testament Matriarch Ruth – Dr. Andrew Steinmann, 7/16/26 (1972) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 16, 2026
A Life Lived on the Road to Emmaus, Part 3 – Dr. Arthur Just, 7/16/26 (1971)

Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN Ever to Emmaus: A Theological Memoir Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of Christ in the Divine Service Concordia Commentary: Luke 1:1-9:50 Concordia Commentary: Luke 9:50-24:53The post A Life Lived on the Road to Emmaus, Part 3 – Dr. Arthur Just, 7/16/26 (1971) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

58 min
Jul 15, 2026
The Hymn, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens” – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/15/26 (1963)

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” We Praise You, O God The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post The Hymn, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens” – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/15/26 (1963) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

21 min
Jul 15, 2026
The Benefits of Siblings – Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, 7/15/26 (1962)

Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, author, “Hannah’s Children” Life Is Better with Siblings Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth DearthThe post The Benefits of Siblings – Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, 7/15/26 (1962) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

36 min
Jul 15, 2026
Media Coverage of Religion and the World Cup – Terry Mattingly, 7/15/26 (1961)

Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture GetReligion.orgThe post Media Coverage of Religion and the World Cup – Terry Mattingly, 7/15/26 (1961) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 14, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 5 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/14/26 (1951)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 5 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/14/26 (1951) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

59 min
Jul 14, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (1 Year Lectionary) Seventh Sunday after Trinity – Pr. David Petersen, 7/14/26 (1952, Encore)

Pr. David Petersen of Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy God With Us Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran LiturgyThe post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (1 Year Lectionary) Seventh Sunday after Trinity – Pr. David Petersen, 7/14/26 (1952, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

58 min
Jul 13, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Eighth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/13/26 (1944)

Peter Bender of The Concordia Catechetical Academy Concordia Catechetical AcademyThe post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Eighth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/13/26 (1944) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

29 min
Jul 13, 2026
Responding to Listener Email and the Issues, Etc. Comment Line, 7/13/26 (1943)

Audio Open Lines The post Responding to Listener Email and the Issues, Etc. Comment Line, 7/13/26 (1943) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

9 min
Jul 13, 2026
Federal Funding for Planned Parenthood – Dr. Michael New, 7/13/26 (1942)

Dr. Michael New of the Charlotte Lozier Institute Michael New’s Articles at National Review The Charlotte Lozier InstituteThe post Federal Funding for Planned Parenthood – Dr. Michael New, 7/13/26 (1942) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

19 min
Jul 13, 2026
The Prosecution of Pornography – Dr. Scott Yenor, 7/13/26 (1941)

Dr. Scott Yenor of The Claremont Institute Ubiquitous Porn Will Keep Destroying Lives Until We Honor Those Who Fight It The Recovery of Family Life: Exposing the Limits of Modern Ideologies Dr. Scott Yenor’s YouTube ChannelThe post The Prosecution of Pornography – Dr. Scott Yenor, 7/13/26 (1941) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

51 min
Jul 10, 2026
This Week in Pop-Christianity: Carolyn Dennis’ Teaching on the Reverse Rapture – Pr. Chris Rosebrough, 7/10/26 (1913)

Pr. Chris Rosebrough of Fighting for the Faith Fighting for the FaithThe post This Week in Pop-Christianity: Carolyn Dennis’ Teaching on the Reverse Rapture – Pr. Chris Rosebrough, 7/10/26 (1913) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

40 min
Jul 10, 2026
Biblical Answers to Cultural Lies – Dr. Doug Groothuis, 7/10/26 (1912)

Dr. Doug Groothuis of Cornerstone University Taking Back Truth: A Biblical Response to Common Cultural LiesThe post Biblical Answers to Cultural Lies – Dr. Doug Groothuis, 7/10/26 (1912) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

24 min
Jul 10, 2026
King Charles and the State of Christianity in Great Britain – Dr. Carl Trueman, 7/10/26 (1911)

Dr. Carl Trueman of Grove City College No Faith Worth Defending The Desecration of ManThe post King Charles and the State of Christianity in Great Britain – Dr. Carl Trueman, 7/10/26 (1911) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

1 hr 15 min
Jul 9, 2026
Gender Dysphoria, Detransition and Advice to Parents – Katie Coblentz, 7/9/26 (1902)

Katie Coblentz, author “Lost in Error’s Maze Lost in Error’s Maze — A Compassionate Guide for Parents of Children Struggling with Gender IdentityThe post Gender Dysphoria, Detransition and Advice to Parents – Katie Coblentz, 7/9/26 (1902) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

41 min
Jul 9, 2026
Kids Have Questions, Part 57 – Pr. Jonathan Conner, 7/9/26 (1901)

Pr. Jonathan Conner of Zion Lutheran-Manning, IA Pastor Conner’s BlogThe post Kids Have Questions, Part 57 – Pr. Jonathan Conner, 7/9/26 (1901) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

32 min
Jul 8, 2026
The Nephilim in Genesis 6 and Numbers 13 – Dr. Jordan Cooper, 7/8/26 (1894)

Dr. Jordan Cooper of Just and Sinner Five Reasons I Do Not Believe the Nephilim are Supernatural Beings The Doctrine of God Just and Sinner Dr. Cooper’s WebsiteThe post The Nephilim in Genesis 6 and Numbers 13 – Dr. Jordan Cooper, 7/8/26 (1894) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

26 min
Jul 8, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 4 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/8/26 (1893)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 4 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/8/26 (1893) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

28 min
Jul 8, 2026
Christianity and Psychiatry, Part 3 – Dr. John Flo, 7/8/26 (1892)

Dr. John Flo, Board Certified Psychiatrist The post Christianity and Psychiatry, Part 3 – Dr. John Flo, 7/8/26 (1892) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

30 min
Jul 8, 2026
Pope Leo Excommunicates the Society of St. Pius X – Terry Mattingly, 7/8/26 (1891)

Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture GetReligion.orgThe post Pope Leo Excommunicates the Society of St. Pius X – Terry Mattingly, 7/8/26 (1891) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

41 min
Jul 7, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 3 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/7/26 (1882)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 3 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/7/26 (1882) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

18 min
Jul 7, 2026
US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Gender Ideology – Glenn Stanton, 7/7/26 (1881)

Glenn Stanton of Focus on the Family Ketanji Brown Jackson Is Neither A Biologist Nor A Qualified JusticeThe post US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Gender Ideology – Glenn Stanton, 7/7/26 (1881) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

58 min
Jul 7, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One-Year Lectionary): Sixth Sunday after Trinity – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/7/26 (1883, Encore)

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of The Word of the Lord Endures Forever The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One-Year Lectionary): Sixth Sunday after Trinity – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/7/26 (1883, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

45 min
Jul 6, 2026
A Life Lived on the Road to Emmaus, Part 2 – Dr. Arthur Just, 7/6/26 (1873)

Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN Ever to Emmaus: A Theological Memoir Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of Christ in the Divine Service Concordia Commentary: Luke 1:1-9:50 Concordia Commentary: Luke 9:50-24:53The post A Life Lived on the Road to Emmaus, Part 2 – Dr. Arthur Just, 7/6/26 (1873) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

13 min
Jul 6, 2026
A Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Two State Laws Forbidding Men from Competing in Women’s Sports – Suzanne Beecher, 7/6/26 (1872)

Suzanne Beecher of Alliance Defending Freedom Alliance Defending FreedomThe post A Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Two State Laws Forbidding Men from Competing in Women’s Sports – Suzanne Beecher, 7/6/26 (1872) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 6, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Seventh Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/6/26 (1871)

Peter Bender of The Concordia Catechetical Academy Concordia Catechetical AcademyThe post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Seventh Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 7/6/26 (1871) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

53 min
Jul 3, 2026
The 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – Dr. Russell Dawn, 7/4/26 (1851, Encore)

Dr. Russell Dawn, President of Concordia University, Chicago Concordia University, ChicagoThe post The 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – Dr. Russell Dawn, 7/4/26 (1851, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 3, 2026
The American Revolution vs. the French Revolution – Dr. Bradley Birzer, 7/4/26 (1844, Encore)

Dr. Bradley Birzer of Hillsdale College Russell Kirk: American ConservativeThe post The American Revolution vs. the French Revolution – Dr. Bradley Birzer, 7/4/26 (1844, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 3, 2026
The Role of Religion in America’s First Century – Dr. Miles Smith, 7/3/26 (1842, Encore)

Dr. Miles Smith of Hillsdale College Religion and Republic: Christian America from the Founding to the Civil WarThe post The Role of Religion in America’s First Century – Dr. Miles Smith, 7/3/26 (1842, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jul 3, 2026
The Seven-Fold Graces of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 11, Part 3 – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/3/26 (1841)

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of The Word of the Lord Endures Forever The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post The Seven-Fold Graces of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 11, Part 3 – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/3/26 (1841) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

38 min
Jul 2, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 2 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/2/26 (1834)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 2 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/2/26 (1834) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

34 min
Jul 2, 2026
Campus Ministry – Pr. Michael Schuermann, 7/2/26 (1833)

Pr. Michael Schuermann of University Lutheran Church, Champaign, IL University Lutheran ChapelThe post Campus Ministry – Pr. Michael Schuermann, 7/2/26 (1833) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

10 min
Jul 2, 2026
An Update on the Telehealth Abortion Case Louisiana v. The Food and Drug Administration – Dr. Michael New, 7/2/26 (1832)

Dr. Michael New of the Charlotte Lozier Institute Michael New’s Articles at National Review The Charlotte Lozier InstituteThe post An Update on the Telehealth Abortion Case Louisiana v. The Food and Drug Administration – Dr. Michael New, 7/2/26 (1832) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

34 min
Jul 2, 2026
China’s Forced Organ Harvesting Industry, Part 2 – Jan Jekielek, 7/2/26 (1831)

Jan Jekielek, author, “Killed to Order” Killed to OrderThe post China’s Forced Organ Harvesting Industry, Part 2 – Jan Jekielek, 7/2/26 (1831) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

1 hr 12 min
Jul 1, 2026
Divorce and Remarriage, Part 1 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/1/26 (1822)

Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral CareThe post Divorce and Remarriage, Part 1 – Dr. Ben Mayes, 7/1/26 (1822) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

40 min
Jul 1, 2026
Media Coverage of Christians in Iran – Terry Mattingly, 7/1/26 (1821)

Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture GetReligion.orgThe post Media Coverage of Christians in Iran – Terry Mattingly, 7/1/26 (1821) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Jun 30, 2026
China’s Forced Organ Harvesting Industry, Part 1 – Jan Jekielek, 6/30/26 (1813)

Jan Jekielek, author, “Killed to Order” Killed to OrderThe post China’s Forced Organ Harvesting Industry, Part 1 – Jan Jekielek, 6/30/26 (1813) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Jun 30, 2026
Children with Down Syndrome and Abortion – Jenna Wietfeldt, 6/30/26 (1812)

Jenna Wietfeldt The post Children with Down Syndrome and Abortion – Jenna Wietfeldt, 6/30/26 (1812) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Jun 30, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Fifth Sunday after Trinity – Dr. John Bombaro, 6/30/26 (1811)

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Fifth Sunday after Trinity – Dr. John Bombaro, 6/30/26 (1811) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

57 min
Jun 29, 2026
Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Sixth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 6/29/26 (1803)

Peter Bender of The Concordia Catechetical Academy Concordia Catechetical Academy The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (Three-Year Lectionary): Sixth Sunday After Pentecost – Pr. Peter Bender, 6/29/26 (1803) first appeared on Issues, Etc..