The Commonwealth Matters
The Commonwealth Matters is a weekly long-form program on issues and events that affect Kentuckians.
Episodes
How should Christians engage the culture? And should Christians engage politically? To help us think through these important questions with help from the wisdom of the early Church, we are joined by Dr. Stephen Presley to discuss his latest book Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church. Dr. Presley is a professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Senior Fellow for Religion...
Is America a Christian nation? If so, how should Christianity influence public policy? In this week's edition of the Commonwealth Matters, we are joined by Dr. Mark David Hall, professor at the Robertson School of Government at Regent University. We discuss his latest books Proclaim Liberty Through All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans and Did America Have a Christian Founding?: S...
On this episode of The Commonwealth Matters, Richard Nelson addresses the controversy surrounding sexually explicit LGBTQ books found in the Daviess County Public Library’s youth section. Nelson explains why protecting children from pornographic and graphic material is not an act of censorship, but a necessary stand for decency and community responsibility. He discusses how parents and concerned citizens can engage library official...
In this week's edition of the Commonwealth Matters, we are joined by Robert Cunningham, founder and director of Christ for Kentucky and former Senior Pastor of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church. We discuss what it means to be faithful and to do God's will in our post-modern society, and we discuss his new organization Christ for Kentucky, which provides "public theology and strategy for the common good of the Commonwealt...
In this episode, Richard Nelson explores what it means to hold fast to Christian hope amid the challenges of modern life. He examines how faith can remain steady in a culture marked by doubt, distraction, and moral confusion. Through biblical reflection and personal insight, Nelson shows how the hope of Christ shapes our perspective on suffering, purpose, and the future. The conversation invites listeners to root their confidence n...
What is leadership? How do you become a leader? What biblical principles can leaders integrate into their lives and work? To talk further about biblical leadership is Todd Gray, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and host of the podcast "Leadership Lessons."
If you would like to interview Richard Nelson, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Policy Center, please email r...
On the latest episode of Commonwealth Matters, Richard Nelson sits down with Sen. Lindsey Tichenor for a wide-ranging conversation about education in Kentucky. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, Tichenor offers insight into the challenges facing the state’s schools, including recent reports of overspending in Fayette County. She also shares her perspective on how lawmakers can better steward taxpayer dollars and what fu...
On this episode of The Commonwealth Matters, Richard Nelson is joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most pressing issues of our day. They discuss the new documentary Truth Rising and its call to recover biblical truth in an age of confusion, reflect on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and the movement he inspired, and consider how the West can be renewed and p...
On this episode of The Commonwealth Matters, Richard Nelson takes a thoughtful look at the sudden death of Charlie Kirk, one of the most prominent conservative voices of his generation. Richard explores not only the immediate reactions to Kirk’s passing—from political leaders, media outlets, and grassroots supporters—but also what those reactions reveal about the state of American public life. What does it mean when a figure like K...
On this episode of Commonwealth Matters: Dr. Ryan T. Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, joins Richard Nelson for a conversation on the family and cultural renewal. Dr. Anderson explains why the family is the cornerstone of a healthy society, how cultural shifts have weakened that foundation, and what steps can be taken to restore it. They discuss challenges posed by the sexual revolution, the redefinition o...
In this episode, we delve into the fundamental aspects of a healthy society, questioning whether it is rooted in the individual or the family. We explore the impact of family breakdowns and examine the connection between such occurrences and government policies. Joining us to talk about this important issue is Colin Smothers, executive director of the Center for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and director of the Kenwood Institute i...
A recent MSNBC article claimed that Donald Trump uses Christianity as a political prop to advance a theocracy and Kamala Harris practices the Christian faith she was raised in and embraces pluralism. Many on the Left call the Right Christian nationalists, and paint Christian nationalism as an existential threat to America, democracy, and the Church. Is this correct? To talk with us about this important issue is Mark David Hall, pro...
Is marriage an out-of-date institution? Does it get in the way of happiness and fulfillment? To talk further about the importance of marriage to individuals, families, and society, Dr. Brad Wilcox of the University of Virginia joins us to discuss his latest book Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization.
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This episode of Commonwealth Matters Richard Nelson explores why strong families are essential to a healthy and flourishing society. Stable homes nurture happiness, improve health outcomes, and set the stage for long-term personal success. They also create safer, more resilient communities where people can thrive. This episode emphasizes that when families are strong, society as a whole benefits and that strengthening the family is...
Richard Nelson explores the economic and practical implications of the Big Beautiful Bill for Kentuckians and Americans at large. He unpacks how the proposed legislation could reshape key sectors of the economy, influence the cost of living, and impact small businesses across the country. Nelson also considers how the bill may expand the role of government and affect individual freedoms. With an eye on both local and national conse...
Is the best way to find yourself to look within? In this week's edition of the Commonwealth Matters, we are joined by Thaddeus Williams, assistant professor of Systematic Theology for Talbot School of Theology, to discuss his book Don't Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Richard Nelson welcomes Ken Ham—founder, president, and CEO of Answers in Genesis and visionary behind the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter—for a wide-ranging discussion on the foundational importance of the Genesis account. Together, they explore how belief in a literal six-day creation is not just a theological detail, but a worldview cornerstone that shapes how we understand truth, moralit...
On this episode of Commonwealth Matters, John Stonestreet of the Colson Center joins Richard Nelson to discuss how Christianity speaks to the cultural challenges of our time. They explore the importance of worldview formation, the moral confusion of the modern age, and the church’s responsibility to engage culture with clarity and compassion.
If you would like to interview Richard Nelson, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Polic...
In this episode Richard Nelson sits down with Senate President Robert Stivers to discuss the most pressing issues addressed during the 2025 Legislative Session. They reflect on the state’s political direction, major legislative themes, and the broader implications for Kentucky’s future. The conversation offers a thoughtful look at how policy, leadership, and principle continue to shape life in the Commonwealth.
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On this Independence Day, we reflect with gratitude on the founding principles of our nation—life, liberty, and the pursuit of virtue under God. As we celebrate our freedom, may we be reminded that true liberty is preserved not only through laws and institutions, but through moral responsibility and faithfulness to the values that shaped this great experiment in self-government. Richard Nelson, host of Commonwealth Matters, walks u...
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