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Resources: Social Issues

Resources:

Social Issues

Find Focus on the Family broadcasts, best-in-class books,
referral recommendations, and more.

Black and Pro-Life in America by Robert Artigo 
“The Incarceration and Exoneration of Walter B. Hoye”

Captive in Iran by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh 
Two women shared their Christian faith in Iran—and were eventually imprisoned in Evin Prison in Tehran. They continued to minister to others and were finally freed.

City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era by Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner
Former White House insiders Gerson and Wehner call evangelicals toward a new kind of political engagement—a kind that is better both for the Church and the country, and that avoids historic mistakes of both the Religious Right and the Religious Left.

A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture by David Platt 
Platt explores how to take a stand for God’s truth on issues of poverty, same-sex marriage, racism, sex slavery, immigration, persecution, abortion, orphan care, and pornography.

Compelling Interest: The Real Story Behind Roe V. Wade by Roger Resler 
Resler draws from original sources and interviews with experts to examine the historic Roe v. Wade decision. He offers balanced insight that will challenge your thinking on abortion, regardless of your current stance.

Culture Shift: The Battle for the Moral Heart of America by Al Mohler 
Mohler applies biblical insights to today’s challenging topics—including parenting, education, entertainment, politics, homosexuality, abortion, and terrorism.

Culture Shock by Chip Ingram 
“A Biblical Response to Today’s Most Divisive Issues”

Generous Justice: Finding Grace in God Through Practicing Justice by Timothy Keller 
Keller helps seekers and lifelong Christians understand that God’s justice for the poor and marginalized is central to His command to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

God & Government by Charles Colson 
“An Insider’s View on the Boundaries Between Faith & Politics”

He Walks Among Us: Encounters With Christ in a Broken World by Richard and Reneé Stearns
This 90-day devotional underscores Christ’s transforming love. Read stories about people in desperate situations around the world whose lives were changed by God’s sovereign care.

How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin Schmidt 
Schmidt documents the impact—both good and bad—of Christianity through the centuries. He explores how the faith has inspired great achievements and become the moral basis for Western civilization.

How Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey 
Colson and Pearcey alert believers to the increasing divergence between a Christian worldview and those of a culture that’s morally adrift. They explain how Christian truth can influence education, science, medicine, the legal system, and the media.

How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans
Evans looks at the necessary qualities of a good candidate—including intellect, education, competency, skill, and spiritual beliefs—to help us evaluate individuals in light of God’s Word.

In Our Backyard by Nita Belles
“Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop It”

Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary Haugen
Haugen doesn’t believe that Christians are called to lives of safety and comfort. He offers a vision for a more satisfying way of life: joining God in reaching out to a hurting world.

Killing Christians: Living the Faith Where It’s Not Safe to Believe by Tom Doyle
Doyle shares the stories of Christians in the Middle East who face torture and martyrdom—and who long for others to know how the Lord works through unimaginable suffering.

Kingdom Citizen by Tony Evans
“Your Role in Rebuilding a Broken Nation”

Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins 
The son of sharecroppers in 1930s Mississippi, Perkins grew up under the weight of poverty and racism. He came to Christ in California and returned home to share the Gospel and help others find equality, justice, and economic independence.

Marriage Done Right by Jim Daly 
“One Man, One Woman”

The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons 
“Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World”

One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future by Ben Carson, M.D. 
Carson discusses the current state of our nation. Consider what you can do to reverse negative trends.

Oneness Embraced by Tony Evans 
“Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We Are Stronger Together”

Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel by Russell Moore
Moore discusses western Christianity’s shift from moral majority to prophetic minority. He encourages a renewed focus on seeking God’s Kingdom so that we can speak His truth regarding the issues of our day.

Passport Through Darkness: A True Story of Danger and Second Chances by Kimberly Smith 
Traveling around the world, Smith and her family discovered the atrocities of human trafficking. As she and her husband make every effort to save thousands from slavery, persecution, and disease, they see God work in impossible situations.

Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, and Nina Shea 
Understand widespread persecution happening around the world, and learn how to better pray and take action.

Refocus: Living a Life That Reflects God’s Heart by Jim Daly 
Daly encourages Christians to embrace a biblical model of cultural engagement—engaging those with whom we disagree in a spirit of grace, compassion, and love, while remaining committed to upholding biblical truth.

Religious Freedom by Bruce Hausknecht 
“Protecting How We Practice Our Faith”

The Ring Makes All the Difference by Glenn Stanton 
“The Hidden Consequences of Cohabitation and the Strong Benefits of Marriage”

Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender by Kay Warren 
Whether God calls you to minister to the poorest of the poor or the richest of the rich, He can work through you to share His love and hope with a desperate world.

Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ by Brother Andrew
Understand the persecution facing Christians in the Middle East—and God’s call to forgiveness and prayer.

Singing Through the Night by Anneke Companjen
Read stories of eleven women in nine countries who have lost their loved ones, their livelihoods, even their freedom—but who still love and praise God.

Stolen: The True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor by Katariina Rosenblatt 
Rosenblatt shares about being trapped in a child trafficking ring and how she overcame the cycle of violence—and now helps others escape.

Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Dr. Wess Stafford 
Children are our future, but throughout the world, many become victims of war, pornography, prostitution, and poverty. Learn why it’s crucial to make children a priority and to never overlook the importance of investing in their lives.

The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception by John MacArthur 
In a postmodern culture, Christians face a push to eliminate absolute Truth. But MacArthur reclaims the unwavering certainty of God’s Truth and anchors Christians in the eternal, immovable promises found in His Word.

Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson 
“Getting Real About Race. Getting Free From the Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us.”

Unlikely: Setting Aside Differences to Live Out the Gospel by Kevin Palau 
Palau shares about the creation of CityServe, an unlikely but God-directed partnership between the city of Portland and a group of churches.

We Cannot Be Silent by Al Mohler 
“Speaking Truth to a Culture Redefining Sex, Marriage, & the Very Meaning of Right & Wrong”

While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
“A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age During the Civil Rights Movement”

The White Umbrella: Walking With Survivors of Sex Trafficking by Mary Frances Bowley 
Bowley shares stories of girls who have been forced into the sex trade, and of individuals who’ve reached out to protect and lead them to restoration. Whether by prayer or action, we can all play a role in these girls’ healing.

With Justice for All: A Strategy for Community Development by John Perkins 
Perkins extends an invitation to live out the Gospel in a way that brings good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed—so that every racial and ethnic group might be reconciled to one another and work together to further God’s Kingdom.

Why Family Matters: A Modern Look at an Ancient Truth by Focus on the Family
Understand how modern sociological research supports the ancient institutions of marriage and family. Learn to champion the family as God intended it to be.

Why Marriage Matters by Glenn Stanton (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“Reasons to Believe in Marriage in Post-Modern Society”

Broadcasts

Abortion Survivors Tell Their Stories (Melissa Ohden, Claire Culwell) 
While in the womb, Ohden soaked in a toxic saline infusion abortion for five days and survived. She was left to die, until a sympathetic nurse took her to the NICU. Culwell’s mother was 13 when she got pregnant with twins. Five months along, she was forced to have an abortion, but Culwell survived. Both women have reconnected and become close friends with their birth moms. They discuss the political side of abortion and about the importance of having compassion for post-abortive women.

Advocating for Religious Liberty (Chuck Colson, Richard Doerflinger) 
(Taped in 2012) Colson and Doerflinger discuss a government mandate that undermines the First Amendment by forcing religious groups and employers to violate deeply held moral convictions.

America’s Strong Foundation (Reverend Tommy Nelson) 
Nelson presents an outline of America’s history from its beginnings to the present day, describing how our nation has veered from the biblical principles upon which it was founded.

Birmingham and Beyond: Racial Tensions in America (Carolyn McKinstry) 
McKinstry survived the 1963 bombing of her church by the Ku Klux Klan, which killed four friends and injured another. In describing the struggles she and others endured, she shares Christ’s message of love and forgiveness.

Bridging the Racial Divide in the United States (Senator James Lankford, Senator Tim Scott)
(Taped in 2017) Lankford and Scott have an important conversation on race conflicts that have been occurring in the United States and the need for reconciliation and an end to violence.

Celebrating God’s Original Design for Marriage (Jim Daly)
Daly outlines what God’s design for marriage is and why that design works better than the alternatives our culture offers. 

Challenges to Our Religious Freedoms (Helen Alvaré, Jordan Lorence, Aaron and Melissa Klein) 
First aired in 2013, law professor Helen Alvaré, attorney Jordan Lorence, and business owners Aaron and Melissa Klein discuss recent examples of infringements upon religious freedoms that continue to pop up across the United States.

Changing Culture by Changing Hearts (John MacArthur) 
If our primary goal is to change the world’s moral values, we become enemies of society rather than compassionate friends. But it’s possible to silence critics when our lives and actions reflect the truth of the God who loves, saves, and transforms people.

Changing Lives in the Inner City (panel) 
The transforming power of the Gospel and the efforts of both an inner-city entrepreneur and a local pastor are helping men, in particular, overcome substance abuse and hopelessness to live confident, productive lives.

Cohabitation: Why Traditional Marriage Matters (Glenn Stanton) 
Stanton talks about how living together has the biggest negative impact on the woman, as well as the children in the home. He explains that waiting until marriage to experience life under one roof is a better choice for everyone involved.

Confronting Racism in Your Heart, Home, and Community (Kay Coles James)
James shares her experiences as an African-American growing up during school integration. She discusses the importance of raising children to live in a racially diverse world without discriminating against anyone.

Courageously Stepping Out to Change the World (Pastor Eugene Cho) 
Cho shares his struggle of learning to walk his talk. After struggling with unemployment and underemployment, he became a pastor, took a mission trip to Burma, was convicted to help alleviate poverty, and started the organization One Day’s Wages.

The Drop Box: Saving Babies, Changing Lives (Brian Ivie, Kelly Rosati) 
Ivie shares about his conversion as a result of filming The Drop Box, which documents a South Korean pastor’s efforts to rescue hundreds of abandoned babies. Learn more about the needs of orphans worldwide.  

Engaging Politically in This New Era (Peter Wehner, Michael Gerson)
Wehner and Gerson discuss thoughts from their book City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era, encouraging Christians who engage in the political arena to do so in a persuasive and appealing way, without compromising biblical principles.

Engaging the Culture: Marriage and Religious Liberties (Dr. Al Mohler)
Mohler shares insights on today’s culture, focusing on religious liberties surrounding the institution of marriage, as well as the issue of tolerance.

Engaging Today’s Culture With the Gospel (Dr. Russell Moore) 
Moore suggests the Church has always been a minority, but we didn’t realize it. As we see our freedoms erode and our nation become secularized, Moore gives hope for the future of Christianity and the Church—even if the culture dismisses our faith.

The Erosion of Marriage in America (Helen Alvaré) 
Marriage is a divine gift from God and is the best environment for children to be nurtured into productive citizens. But Alvaré, a law professor, reveals the calculated path through the court system that has undermined marriage as God intends.

Exposing the Dark World of Human Trafficking (Linda Smith, “Briana”)
Smith, of Shared Hope International, and “Briana,” a victim of sex trafficking, share the realities of this horrific industry. They encourage parents to help teens recognize signs of someone who is being trafficked—or someone who wants to control them.

Faith in Action: Defending Religious Freedom (Congressman Frank Wolf, Ambassador Tony Hall) 
Sharing stories from their own efforts and experiences, Wolf and Hall discuss our moral responsibility to be global advocates for human dignity and freedom of religion.

Finding Purpose Through Saving Others (Kimberly Smith) 
Smith shares how God led her to rescue victims from human trafficking. Though difficult to hear about the horrendous situations she witnessed and encountered, her story reminds listeners of God’s heart for the orphans, widows, and oppressed.

Forging a Path to Racial Reconciliation (Benjamin Watson)
NFL tight end Watson knows the pain of being singled out as “different” because of the color of his skin. He talks about prejudices common to everyone, and he offers insights and solutions for racial tension in our culture.

Forty Years Since Roe v. Wade (Yvette Maher, Jim Daly) 
Maher shares her testimony of having one abortion and almost going through with a second—but choosing life instead and giving birth to twin girls. She and Daly talk about the sanctity of human life and about Focus’ Option Ultrasound program.

George W. Bush: Reflections on the Presidency (Former President George W. Bush) 
America’s 43rd president reflects candidly on 9/11 and other defining moments based on his memoir, Decision Points.

Having Compassion for the World’s Children (Dr. Wess Stafford) 
President Emeritus of Compassion International, Stafford endured horrible abuse as a child in a missionary boarding school. But he found emotional healing by forgiving those who hurt him, and he went on to fulfill his God-given desire to help children around the world. He shares his concern for the sanctity of human life and for the impressionable hearts of children.

Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know (Linda Smith, “Lacy”)
Smith, founder of Share Hope International, and Lacy discuss human trafficking of minors in the U.S. Lacy shares her story of being trafficked, starting at the age of 12, and of finding help and learning to forgive her perpetrators. Linda shares the signs of trafficking so parents, children, youth leaders, and teachers know what to watch for.

The Importance of Voting (John Stonestreet, Carrie Gordon Earll)
(Recorded in 2016) Stonestreet and Earll discuss our civic responsibility to make our voices heard in elections.

Jeb Bush on the Importance of Family (Jeb Bush) 
Bush talks about his family heritage, issues that families care about, and the importance of strong families. He also speaks on the sanctity of human life, the protection of religious freedoms, and civil engagement on cultural issues.

Kirsten Powers on Faith and Freedoms (Kirsten Powers) 
Powers shares about her liberal upbringing and coming to faith. She also talks about the many ways our freedoms of speech are being suppressed, discussing tactics used and the impact these efforts are having, especially on college campuses. She points to the need for conversations in the public arena, and she advises how we can have disagreements in a respectful way.

A Legacy of Justice and Freedom (Dr. John Perkins) 
At 82, Perkins has a vivid memory of the early years in a segregated Southern Mississippi that was cruel toward African Americans. Sharing his testimony of finding Christ and being nearly beaten to death by white law officers, he encourages listeners to pray for those who persecute them and remember that every life is worthy of respect.

Living Out Your Faith in Culture (Pastor Brady Boyd, Gabe Lyons)
Boyd and Lyons talk about Christian leadership, where the Church is heading and how it can effectively engage the culture, and how believers can discern their role in God’s plan.

Making the Case for Traditional Marriage (Dr. Brad Wilcox, Glenn Stanton) 
Wilcox and Stanton discuss research affirming that the best family structure for both children and adults is a one-man, one-woman, married household. They talk about how the decline of marriage—and the increase in cohabitation and out-of-wedlock childbearing—impacts the culture.

Marriage and the Supreme Court (Professor Helen Alvaré, Dr. Al Mohler)
First aired in 2013, Alvaré and Mohler talk about deliberations by the Supreme Court on the definition of marriage and legality of same-sex marriage, as well as the Proposition 8 law passed in California, which protected marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Merging Faith and Policy to Benefit Families (Senator Tim Scott) 
Raised by a single mom while living with his grandparents, Scott’s future changed when a mentor stepped in, and he accepted Christ. He shares how America is the land of second chances and how his faith shapes the way he interacts with constituents.

Modern Feminism and the Gender Blur (Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Mary Kassian) 
Feminism is a prevailing mindset in our culture, but we can’t dismiss God’s design for men and women. DeMoss and Kassian discuss the joy that comes from purposefully living out biblical manhood and womanhood.

Navigating End-of-Life Decisions (Dr. Margaret Cottle, Jason Tippetts, Kara Tippetts) 
Cottle (a medical specialist who cares for the terminally ill) and the Tippetts share their hearts in dealing with Kara’s incurable cancer—how they’re handling grief, minimizing family conflict, helping young children cope, and how to care for Kara in her remaining days. They offer compassionate and godly perspectives on how to live well while facing a terminal diagnosis. 

Proclaiming Truth: A Liberal Journalist Asks Tough Questions (Kirsten Powers)
First aired in April 2013, Kirsten Powers discusses the trial of abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell, as well as the mainstream media’s minimal coverage of the horrendous crimes committed in a Philadelphia abortion clinic.

Putting Your Faith Into Action (Chuck Colson)
Colson discusses the importance of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy, the influence the Church has historically had on society, and the responsibility of believers to stand up for their faith in the public arena.

Reaching Your Neighbors for Christ (Reverend Lee Strobel) 
In a message to teens and parents, Strobel shares stories and offers suggestions to help Christians not be afraid of non-believers’ tough questions. Living out our beliefs genuinely and winsomely can attract others to the Jesus they see in our lives.

Reclaiming the Culture of Your Community (Bryan Wickens) 
Wickens discusses his grassroots efforts to reduce the number of sexually oriented businesses in his community, and he offers advice about how listeners can make a positive difference in their own communities.

Refocusing Our Lives to Reflect God’s Heart (Jim Daly) 
Sharing thoughts from his book ReFocus, Daly encourages believers to rise above political agendas and partisan battles. Instead, we should interact with others in ways that reveal the Lord’s kindness to a hurting world.

Religious Liberties Around the World (Frank Wolf) 
First aired in 2015, former Congressman Frank Wolf speaks about the current threat to religious liberties around the world, including the eradication of religious minorities in Iraq and the ISIS terrorism outbreak. He encourages listeners to become active on behalf of religious freedom and to pray for persecuted Christians.

Responding in Grace on Divisive Issues (Pastor Chip Ingram) 
Ingram addresses the problem of relative truth. He also discusses sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, and abortion—some of the cultural hot-button topics that must be approached with grace.

Responding to the Supreme Court Decision on Same Sex Marriage (Professor Helen Alvaré, Dr. Al Mohler) 
Alvaré and Mohler discuss the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage issued June 26, 2015.

Seeing Race Through Jesus’ Eyes (Tony Evans)
Evans uses biblical illustrations to explain God’s view of race and how Christians should respond to racial issues in the culture.

Showing Christ’s Love to Your City (Kevin Palau, Sam Adams) 
Palau, author of Unlikely, and Adams talk about their friendship formed in the context of meeting social needs in Portland. They offer a practical example of how Christians can dialogue respectfully and share the love of Christ with those who hold different views.

Speaking Up When the Culture Wants Silence (Dr. Al Mohler)
Mohler explains how we can lovingly proclaim truth and live out our faith in a culture that doesn’t agree with our beliefs. Should we attend a same-sex wedding ceremony? When is it okay to voice your opinion, and how do you do so without being marginalized?

Standing Up for Our Religious Freedoms (Joe Kennedy, Kelly Shackelford, Kristen Waggoner)
(Taped in 2017) Coach Kennedy prayed at midfield after a high school football game and was suspended. Hear about his legal battle and that of other business owners who’ve taken a stand for their religious rights.

Taking a Pro-Life Stand in the Black Community (Walter Hoye)
Abortion is the leading cause of death in the African-American community. Hoye was jailed for taking a compassionate and loving stand for pre-born babies and their mothers. His message was simple: God loves you and your baby. How can I help?

Understanding and Responding to the Threat of Terrorism (Tass Saada)
Saada explains what motivates ISIS and other extremist groups to perform acts of terrorism. He suggests ways Christians should respond.

Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking (Nita Belles)
Belles shines a light on the problem of labor and sex trafficking. She shares stories of people caught in and rescued from horrific situations. She also provides practical suggestions to help victims and protect children. 

A Vision of Christ Among the World’s Poor (Richard and Reneé Stearns) 
The Stearns share stories of their world travels and their faith in Jesus that brings unity—no matter the country or culture.

A Visit With Dr. Ben Carson (Dr. Ben Carson) 
Carson talks about being raised by a single mother, his struggles with anger, and finding God. He discusses the importance of education; issues of debt, welfare, and abortion; and how we should interact with those who have differing views.

A Visit With Governor Bobby Jindal (Governor Bobby Jindal) 
Jindal shares his story of coming to faith in Christ. He discusses his pro-life stance and concerns for the family in a troubled culture, and he suggests how Christians can engage in the political process while keeping their focus on Christ.

Voting As a Kingdom Citizen (Tony Evans)
Using a biblical context, Evans emphasizes the privilege and responsibility we have as citizens of a free country to participate in the voting process.

Why Should Christians Vote? (Dr. Tony Evans) 
Evans talks about the need for citizens to participate in the free election process, both as a privilege and a duty. He urges voters to exercise that right as ambassadors for God’s Kingdom—to protect religious freedoms and to better our society.


DVDs

The Drop Box (Focus on the Family) 
This documentary tells the true story of a South Korean pastor’s efforts to protect abandoned children. It’s a story about the forgotten, the disabled, the discarded—and the man who gives everything to protect them.

The Family Project (Focus on the Family) 
This 12-session series explores the theological, philosophical, and cultural underpinnings of the traditional family. It combines that information with inspiring stories and practical tools to help 21st-century families thrive.

Focus on the Family Counseling Consultation Line
If you need someone to talk to, Focus on the Family offers a free phone counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (MT). 

Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Network
Search for licensed Christian counselors in your area.

Alliance Defending Freedom
ADF defends the right to hear and speak biblical truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

American Values
This organization shares our Founding Fathers’ vision of, and unites public support behind, conservative principles.

Concerned Women for America
This center keeps women current on family-oriented issues and helps bring biblical principles into all levels of public policy.

Eagle Forum
This social conservative interest group defends traditional values and the family in the public policy arena.

Family Policy Alliance (formerly CitizenLink)
This is a public policy partner of Focus on the Family. They are dedicated to family issues in policy and culture.

Family Research Council
FRC supports Christian principles and pro-family issues in Washington, D.C.

WallBuilders Presentations
WallBuilders is dedicated to influencing government, education, and the family by teaching about the godly foundation of our country.