The Higher Ground Podcast
The Higher Ground Podcast is hosted by Washington Times and Higher Ground columnist Billy Hallowell. Focused on faith and culture, each week he'll bring you light amid the chaos.
Recent Stories
Listen: Behind the furor over NFL Harrison Butker, pro-lifer to serve 57 months in prison
Billy Hallowell goes behind the headlines with CBN's Tre Goins Phillips and the Washington Times' Valerie Richardson.
How a homeless man shouting profanity in church sparked a chain reaction of hope
"Let's do something different." That's what Pastor Ed Newton of Community Bible Church in San Antonio said from the pulpit one Sunday last month. The pastor immediately halted one of his sermons to offer an explicit example of what preachers and houses of worship are called to do: love the lost.
The Higher Ground Podcast: Mass baptisms, shocking Baptist numbers, LGBTQ Methodist chaos continues
On today's "Higher Ground Podcast" The Washington Times' Mark Kellner joins Billy Hallowell to go behind the headlines on the biggest faith news of the week.
The shocking 'God' moments that are shattering culture's big lie
"We have never seen anything like this in our church." That's what Wayne Bray, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, said last year after 141 people were baptized in one day at his South Carolina house of worship.
Wake up, America: Disturbing realities behind rampant anti-Israel, anti-Jewish hatred
"It's frightening." Those two words were recently uttered by a Holocaust survivor observing virulent antisemitism boiling over at American colleges and universities.
LISTEN: Mandisa shares journey of pain, doubt and finding God's love amid chaos
As we remember the life and legacy of Mandisa, Billy Hallowell revisits a 2022 interview with the "American Idol" alum and Grammy award-winning musician.
LISTEN: Antisemitism rages, chaos on college campuses and sounding the alarm over Taylor Swift
Why is antisemitism raging, what's happening on American college campuses -- and why is an evangelist sounding the alarm over pop icon Taylor Swift's new lyrics and album?
Is Biden really a 'good Catholic'?
"He doesn't understand the Catholic faith." That's what a Catholic bishop recently said about President Biden, a rosary-carrying, self-professed "good Catholic."
LISTEN: Bill Maher, Mark Driscoll and 25th anniversary of Columbine
Billy Hallowell, host of the Higher Ground Podcast, is joined by Washington Times reporter Valerie Richardson and Church Leaders Senior Editor Jesse Jackson to discuss the biggest faith headlines of the week.
Three shocking discoveries, events that threaten to turn transgender movement on its head
One would assume any structured medicalization process endlessly foisted upon children would be tried, tested and true, validated, and corroborated by extensive research categorically proving its viability and usefulness.
MSNBC's bizarre panic over kids' Bible access
A recent MSNBC segment delivered an ominous warning about a "distressing" program impacting public schools and threatening communities across America -- an initiative host Alex Wagner fears could inextricably sway youths' hearts and minds.
Higher Ground: Bibles burned outside Church, Trump on Christian Visibility Day and more
Welcome to Higher Ground, the faith-centric newsletter focused on the intersection of culture and politics from experienced journalists at The Washington Times.
Higher Ground Podcast: Bibles burned outside church, OnlyFans model turns to Jesus, more revivial
Join Washington Times columnist Billy Hallowell, Washington Times reporter Mark Kellner and Jesse T. Jackson of Church Leaders as they discuss some of the biggest faith stories of the week.
4 reasons 'Duck Dynasty' family is the answer to Hollywood depravity
Amid the flurry of the entertainment industry's immorality and lostness, one famous family stands out for its authenticity, grit, countercultural prowess and love for God: the Robertsons.
Higher Ground: Abortion at Supreme Court, resurrection research, Trump USA Bible
Welcome to Higher Ground, the faith-centric newsletter focused on the intersection of culture and politics from experienced journalists at The Washington Times.
The most pressing question at the center of the abortion debate
There's a pressing question at the center of the tear-inducing debate that must be comprehended, confronted and honestly answered.
Higher Ground weekly newsletter: Best faith, culture news and commentary
American author Mark Twain once responded to the premature publication of his obituary by saying, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." The same can be said about Christianity: In many parts of the world, belief is soaring.
Higher Ground Podcast: Jackie Hill Perry on gay weddings and an Antisemitism debate
Ian Giatti from The Christian Post and Jesse Jackson from Church Leaders join Billy Hallowell to break down stories about gay weddings, Martin Luther -- and more.
Four spiritual crises destroying the Democratic Party and threatening America
The modern Democratic Party is experiencing a spiritual crisis that threatens to destroy its very fabric, with the poisons of self-obsession and a cataclysmic detachment from the eternal driving the progressive platform increasingly further into the pits of a hellish ideological inferno.
Higher Ground: Shared beliefs on premarital sex and abortion among evangelicals
A new survey finding politically conservative and liberal American evangelicals agree that homosexual activity, pornography, premarital sex, abortion and drunkenness are sinful.
Parents, you're destroying your kids
If you're a parent allowing your children unfettered access to social media, you're willfully abdicating your responsibility to protect and at grave risk of irreparably damaging them.
Higher Ground: Will 'Progressive Christianity' hijack the church?
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Everything you've been told about 'Christian Nationalism' is a lie
"Christian nationalism" is everywhere these days...but is it really?
Laken Riley's mom has a message every American must hear
There's nothing more traumatic, painful and heart-shattering than the loss of a child. This reality has been on full display in recent days after the Feb. 22 murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose vibrant life and promising future were senselessly snuffed out.
Higher Ground: Americans wary of the First Amendment
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
'Christian nationalism' panic must be called out for exactly what it is
A sinister boogeyman is threatening the very fabric of our nation -- an evil force overtaking hordes of hearts and minds, twisting them into a zombie-like force bent on the total and utter destruction of the American ethic.
Higher Ground: Attacks against churches soar
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Higher Ground Podcast: Is surgically transitioning kids a diabolical evil?
Christian Post reporter Brandon Showalter has been on a mission to expose gender ideology, blowing the top off some of the most shocking stories of what he says is clear medical malfeasance.
Hollywood actor proves superheroes do exist
We're increasingly getting glimpses of goodness -- moments that break past the glitz and glamor to expose celebrities' humanity, compassion and kindness. From fascinating faith conversions to worthy charitable giving, some celebrities truly stand out. The latest example is Oscar-winner Christian Bale. The former "Batman Begins" actor is proving it's entirely possible to play a superhero both on-screen and off.
Higher Ground: Why did God allow the Lakewood Church shooting?
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Higher Ground Podcast: Was the 'He Gets Us' Super Bowl ad an abomination or an inspiration?
Join Billy Hallowell of The Higher Ground Podcast and Jason Vanderground, co-creator of the "He Gets Us" campaign to discuss the one Super Bowl ad everyone is talking about.
Is everyone watching the 'He Gets Us' ads all wrong?
Many Christians turned to social media to sound off about a Jesus-themed, Super Bowl commercial that sparked everything from frustration to accolades.
Higher Ground: High schoolers study Bible's links to Taylor Swift
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
What really sparked the Asbury Revival? True story behind the historic 'outpouring'
Zach Meerkreebs, a writer and pastor at Asbury University, talks about what sparked the prayer and worship service that lasted two weeks in 2023.
Sick, vile reactions to Toby Keith's death expose our cultural rot
After the news of country singer Toby Keith's untimely death on Tuesday, millions of accolades and thoughtful remembrances came pouring in. But among the influx of favorable honors were a slew of truly deplorable reactions, with some critics turning to mockery or even relishing in Mr. Keith's demise.
Higher Ground: What is a woman?
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Higher Ground Podcast: Should Christians cancel Alistair Begg over LGBTQ wedding response?
Join Billy Hallowell, host of The Higher Ground Podcast, to dive into the recent controversies surrounding Alistair Begg and Christian nationalism.
Bill Maher's 'men can have babies' takedown unveils most toxic attribute plaguing our culture
"This is a different kind of nuts." That's how comedian Bill Maher recently framed some of the current dynamics surrounding gender ideology and the "my truth, your truth" mantra increasingly eclipsing public sanity.
Higher Ground: Holocaust survivor shares how he outlasted the Nazis
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
The Higher Ground Podcast: How does China's Communist Party terrorize Christians?
Join Billy Hallowell, host of The Higher Ground Podcast, as he discusses Christian persecution across the globe.
Can Christians really vote for Trump?
Can Bible-believing Christians of good conscience vote for Donald Trump in November? That's a question at the heart of plenty of debate and consternation as it becomes increasingly clear the former president -- a boisterous, thrice-married businessman-turned-politician who is the first former president to face criminal charges -- is likely to be the 2024 Republican nominee.
Higher Ground: The countries persecuting the most Christians
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Can Christians really vote for Trump? Pastor delivers candid assessment of good vs. evil
Listen to the latest episode of "The Higher Ground Podcast" and hear Billy Hallowell and Pastor Shane Idleman discuss whether Christians can really vote for Trump in 2024.
Bible itself on trial in Christian politician's legal fight
Imagine facing potential jail time or massive fines for sharing a Bible verse on social media. Likewise, take a moment to envision being criminally castigated for merely commenting on theology -- or for codifying in a pamphlet your thoughts about biblical marriage.
Higher Ground: Catholics, bishops worldwide respond to Pope
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Higher Ground: Harvard and DEI's downfall
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
Horror in Nigeria: Christians stoned, slaughtered as world looks the other way
As people around the world jovially celebrated the birth of Jesus, sang carols, exchanged gifts and relished in the sights and sounds of the season, Christians in Nigeria were embroiled in an unimaginably hellish scenario.
Higher Ground: Faith stories of 2023 worth remembering
Welcome to Higher Ground, the newsletter and website dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues, with reporting from the experienced journalists of The Washington Times.
3 reasons House Speaker Mike Johnson's bold Christianity is exactly what America needs
The scene was nothing short of extraordinary: a newly minted House speaker fresh off the heels of a historic, highly emotive debacle publicly honoring God and delivering a mini-sermon of sorts to his fellow lawmakers.
