On The Posner Show, Sarah and Kathryn discuss the latter’s new article on sexual abuse at Bob Jones University. How do evangelical institutions handle sexual assault? They discuss how victims of sexual assault are blamed for having their own sins, while their attackers often go unpunished. Kathryn explains why Bob Jones brought in an outside group, GRACE, to address the problem. Sarah notes a contrast with the Catholic Church in terms of not closing ranks to protect abusers. Can GRACE change the way the evangelical movement deals with sexual assault?

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Matt about the fallout from Gov. Brewer’s veto of Arizona’s SB 1062. Matt explains why, contrary to what many conservatives claim, the failure of the bill was not an example of persecution of Christians. Are religious institutions poised to lose their tax-exempt status over gay rights? They debate whether photographers should be able to refuse service to gay couples, and Matt explains why, if he were a photographer, he would refuse. If the Supreme Court strikes down bans on same-sex marriage, will conservative Christians retreat to monastic-like communities? Sarah and Matt debate whether marriage is a broken institution. Plus: Is the persecution narrative a winning strategy for the Christian right?

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks to Jeff about his new article on the rise of violence and discrimination against LGBT people in Russia. They discuss the role that the American religious right has played in encouraging homophobia in Russia. What does it mean to say that Russia’s “sexual sovereignty” is threatened? And what the heck is “gay propaganda,” anyway? Sarah is shocked that homophobic vigilantes bring their children with them to terrorize gays. Are there any legal consequences for such thuggery? Finally, will the Sochi Olympics draw more international attention to Russian homophobia?

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Anthea about Pope Francis’s new appointment of cardinals. Anthea argues that by appointing no Americans, Francis was working toward parity, and breaking an Italian “cabal.” Has the media created a “fantasy pope?” While Francis is like the new CEO of a company, there are some ways in which business at the Vatican proceeds as usual. Why did Francis appoint so many cardinals from the developing world? Plus: How the US Conference of Catholic Bishops acts like evangelicals.

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Katie about the successes and challenges of the Sunday Assembly, the “atheist megachurch.” How did the Sunday Assembly spread from East London to forty cities around the world? What caused a split between the Sunday Assembly and a group in New York, which complained about prohibitions on talking about atheism? They discuss why atheist church is appealing—or not—to atheists. Katie says when you create a new church, schisms are inevitable. What is the role of charismatic leaders in keeping churches afloat? Finally: What does the future hold for atheist churches?

On The Posner Show, Sarah speaks with Matthew about Pope Francis’s impact on American Catholicism. Is the pope turning his back on conservative Catholics? Matthew explains why Francis is shifting focus, not ideology—the church isn’t changing its stance on social issues. Sarah brings up the election of Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, and Matthew describes the church’s financial crisis. Is Francis’s unscripted nature good or bad for the church? Plus: What the pope has in common with the honey badger.

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Geoff, author of the book Rule and Ruin. Geoff argues that we are living in a new era of a far-right Republican Party. They discuss the role of the John Birch Society in the GOP’s rightward tilt in the 1960s, and its legacy of attacking conservatives for betraying its view of American ideals. Geoff breaks down what last year’s Republican National Committee “autopsy” says about the death of moderation in the GOP. Can Mike Lee or Chris Christie be the moderates of the future? Plus: Why the conservative movement has no pope anymore.

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Brent about the new Pew survey of American Jews. They discuss the central question of the survey: Who is Jewish? Is “Jewish atheist” an oxymoron? Brent busts some myths about the Orthodox being the fastest-growing segment of Jews. Brent explains why he thinks the Israel question is overrated and overstated. Who, exactly, do mainstream Jewish organizations represent? Plus: How much should Israel worry about what American Jews think of it?

On The Posner Show, Anthea explains why she thinks Pope Francis is a great diplomat. She and Sarah discuss the growing doctrinal gulf between the Vatican and many bishops. Anthea predicts that the church would permit non-celibate priests before it would ordain women. Why does Jon Stewart love the Pope, but American bishops don’t seem to be showing the love?

On The Posner Show, Sarah and Betsy talk abortion politics. Does Texas’s passage of a twenty-week abortion ban spell a resurgence for pro-choice politics in the Lone Star State? Is the law a ploy to burnish Rick Perry’s presidential ambitions? Moving on to another Texan, Betsy makes the case that Ted Cruz is not on the fringe of the Republican Party. They discuss Cruz’s and Rand Paul’s recent visit to Iowa to speak to evangelical pastors. Can Paul keep his libertarian base while pandering to the religious right?