On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Mollie about religion and the Republican National Convention. Why has Romney decided to open up about his Mormon faith? For the first time, the GOP ticket doesn’t have a Protestant on it, and Sarah and Mollie discuss why. Do Paul Ryan’s economic proposals reflect Catholic teaching, and does it matter? They debate the importance of Todd Akin, and Mollie argues that President Obama is the real abortion extremist. Does America have an “abortion culture“? Plus: Is the election still about the economy?

On The Posner Show, E.J. and Maggie debate gay marriage. Maggie argues that sex can’t be separated from reproduction. E.J. believes gay marriage is the result of changing attitudes toward marriage in general, not a cause of that change. What is the purpose of civil marriage, and is it compatible with gay marriage? Maggie explains why she thinks gay marriage could negatively affect marriage as an institution. Finally, they discuss whether children need a mother and a father.