Approach the Bench

Approach the Bench

Two Christian Conservative Bachelors at Harvard Law take on the world's most difficult problems — on a bench. New episodes every Thursday. Send in your questions to approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com or record a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench. You can also submit anonymous questions and comments through https://forms.gle/qxmFi2y5DAnsbnBv8.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Should Gay Marriage Be Legal? | ATB #26

    WEEK 26: The Gay Marriage Debate (with Ripken). Welcome back to the bench. This week, we’re joined by Ripken Holt for one of our most direct and controversial conversations yet: should gay marriage be legal—and how should Christians think about it? We jump straight into the deep end. No long intro—just the question everyone’s actually asking: what do Christians believe about gay marriage, and what should that mean for law and public policy? But before we get there, we lay the groundwork with a key threshold issue: how should Christians think about LGBTQ+ identity more broadly? We break down the three major frameworks you’ll hear today: the traditional/orthodox view, the celibate gay Christian perspective, and the affirming/revisionist position. We walk through the biblical texts, the theological reasoning behind each, and the real pastoral implications—especially for how Christians relate to people inside and outside the Church. From there, we move into the legal side: how marriage actually works in the United States. We explain the state-driven structure of marriage law, the role of the Constitution, and how cases like Obergefell reshaped the entire landscape. We also explore alternative frameworks—what it would look like to return to a pre-Obergefell system, remove the state from marriage entirely, or shift to a civil-union model. Then we hit the core debate: should Christians support banning gay marriage? We take seriously the argument that even if same-sex relationships are viewed as sinful, it doesn’t follow that the government should prohibit them. We walk through the “two kingdoms” framework, the limited role of law, religious liberty concerns, and the tension between moral conviction and political coercion. Will's Resources: Rebecca McLaughlin & Rachel Gilson Resources on Orthodox Approaches to HomosexualityPodcasts https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IjFDBoB9BJpVSHgXFLpnD?si=ojnWwQ4FTAOWK8cCN1oXLQ https://open.spotify.com/episode/4C8ArxaAY9qjE35p4l5oK8?si=PscLPwtJQ6i_IhoR-cESKA https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lTw8CM1kUAfhvlI2hbWgh?si=_0vKk6qwQa-TGSrp0gUgZA https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xHAFfGgcb7mbBRJFhdQCl?si=1fOeG5Z9S6ifUqdLgxGn4A Books Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality" (2024) - Rebecca McLaughlin Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next (2020) - Rachel Gilson Along the way, we keep it grounded (and a little lighter) with some classic segments: - Ranking the best and worst fast food spots (yes, Chick-fil-A makes an appearance) - And some honest tension about what Christian relationships should actually look like We close with Girl Problems: - How Christian is “Christian enough” to date? - Should you call out friends for secular relationships?- Dating apps—with Ripken’s take This is one of those episodes where we don’t dodge the hard parts. Whether you agree or disagree, we try to lay out the arguments clearly, seriously, and without pretending the answers are easy. Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 03:49: The Christian View on Homosexuality 18:27 Gay Marriage: Should it be legal? 1:03:04 Fast Food Restaurants 1:10:01 Feedback 1:11:04 Girl Problems

    1hr 23min

  2. 26 MAR

    You Might Be Single Forever… And That’s Okay | ATB #25

    WEEK 25: The Singleness Special Welcome to Will’s house. This week, we slow things down after a run of politics-heavy episodes to ask a different kind of question: what if singleness isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—but actually a meaningful, even good, way to live? We kick things off with some spring break recap and listener feedback. Then we jump into a fun but revealing appetizer: Green Flag or Red Flag? From texting habits to family closeness to political intensity, we test our instincts on what actually matters in dating—and where people might be overthinking it. From there, we turn to the core topic: should you just stay single? We take a serious look at whether modern Christian culture has overpromised marriage—especially in the wake of purity culture—and whether that has set people up for disappointment. We walk through the biblical tension: marriage as a creational good, singleness as a real and sometimes advantageous calling, and the reality that neither is guaranteed. We break down the real advantages of singleness—time, flexibility, risk tolerance, and undivided focus—and distinguish between temporary and lifelong singleness. We also push back where needed: when “the gift of singleness” becomes an excuse to avoid growth, vulnerability, or rejection. Along the way, we tackle some uncomfortable but necessary questions: Are Christians subtly equating marriage with maturity? Why does Christian dating feel so intense and high-stakes? In what situations might someone actually be called to remain single long-term? We close by reframing the goal: not “find a spouse,” but “become a faithful, integrated Christian adult”—whether that leads to marriage or not. Then, of course, we finish with Girl Problems: How to handle it when someone seems interested—but they’re already in a relationshipDo girls actually like nice guys? (what the data says vs. reality)Do guys really have “types”?And one question we probably shouldn’t have answeredEmail approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction, Spring Break, Homeless People 08:16 Where are We? And Feedback. 10:19 Red, Yellow, or Green Flag? 14:08 Singleness 44:52 Girl Problems

    1hr 1min

  3. 19 MAR

    Should We Keep Doing This? | ATB #24

    Week 24: The Spring Break Special Shooting at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Mason and Will take a bit of a break from the typical content flow to have a heart-to-heart on the bench. They discuss the positives and negatives of podcasting in a social media age and open up about their active debates about what to focus on, how to share their views, and whether to continue doing the podcast at all.  If you want an inside look at the Christian Conservative Harvard Bachelor podcasting space, this episode is for you. Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 1:17 Problems with Podcasting and Priorities 13:01 Reflecting on ‘Political Podcasting’ 24:10 Spring Break Plans! 25:50 Girl Problems: The Thirty-Three Percent Rule

    32 min

  4. 12 MAR

    Three Interventionists Debate Iran, Progressive Christian Nationalism, and Marriage | ATB #23

    WEEK 23: American Empire & Progressive Christian Nationalism. This week, we take the bench to the Radcliffe Gardens across from Cambridge Common and are joined by Frank, another Harvard student with a sharp interest in politics, law, and the role of religion in public life. We open with a quick introduction to Frank’s background — from Bates College to Harvard — and talk about what drew him into debates about politics, faith, and American power. For the appetizer, we come prepared with a classic law-student exercise: our top three best and worst Supreme Court decisions. We debate cases ranging from Brown v. Board and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to infamous decisions like Dred Scott, Buck v. Bell, and Wickard v. Filburn, arguing about which rulings most strengthened — or most damaged — the American constitutional system. The main topic turns to one of the most urgent geopolitical questions right now: Iran, U.S. power, and the rules of international law. We walk through the basic legal framework governing war between states under the United Nations Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force, the doctrine of self-defense under Article 51, and the principles of necessity and proportionality that are supposed to limit military action. Using the latest escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States as a case study, we ask whether American involvement fits within international law — or whether the modern system has simply broken down when major powers decide to act. From there, we pivot to the growing political figure James Talarico, the Texas Democrat whose viral speeches combine progressive politics with overtly theological language. We unpack the idea of “progressive Christian nationalism,” look at some of Talarico’s more controversial statements about faith and identity, and debate whether his approach represents a genuine theological vision or a political repackaging of Christianity. We then turn briefly to the Texas Senate race, breaking down the contrast between John Cornyn’s institutional Republican career and Ken Paxton’s confrontational, populist brand of conservatism, and what that fight says about the future direction of the GOP. Finally, we close with Girl Problems, where things get a little more personal: Should you ever settle for anything less than the best in a spouse? What are the top traits to look for in a husband or wife — and which traits are the biggest red flags? We each give our lists and debate what actually matters when choosing someone to build a life with. Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introducing Frank 12:27 Best and Worst Supreme Court Opinions 22:56 Iran and the American Empire 51:05 Progressive Christian Nationalism 1:08:32 Girl Problems: Best and Worst Traits in a Spouse

    1hr 24min

  5. 5 MAR

    The Pastor Calling Harvard Law Back to Christianity | ATB #22

    WEEK 22: The Pastor Calling Harvard Law Back to Christianity Recorded in Hastings Hall, the oldest dorm at Harvard Law School, this week we sit down with Justin Yim — the pastor serving HLS students — to talk about something that may be quietly happening across American campuses: a renewed hunger for Christianity. We begin with a quick introduction to Justin and how he ended up doing ministry at one of the most elite and intellectually intense law schools in the world. But before getting into it too much, we open with a rapid-fire parenting debate: at what age should kids be allowed to do various things? Smartphones, social media, dating, R-rated movies, alcohol, jobs, and sleepovers — we each give a number and defend it. It’s a surprisingly revealing way to talk about authority, maturity, and how modern culture has changed childhood. From there, we dive deeper into Justin’s story. How did he enter ministry? Where did he begin? And how did he end up pastoring students at Harvard Law specifically? That leads to bigger questions about evangelism in elite institutions. How do you share the gospel with students trained to interrogate every claim? Is Harvard Law spiritually darker than other places — or just intellectually honest? What does the daily life of a Christian law student look like compared to their peers? And what does it mean to faithfully preach the gospel when persuasion is never guaranteed? Then we turn to the big question: Is a revival beginning among young people? We play a voice memo from a woman in ministry describing a surge in campus ministry participation and discuss broader signs pointing in the same direction. After decades of decline, new data suggests the rise of the religiously unaffiliated has slowed. Ministries like Cru and InterVarsity report growing attendance, the Asbury revival drew tens of thousands of primarily young worshippers, and Bible sales and Christian content engagement online have surged. We ask Justin what he’s seeing firsthand at Harvard Law: are students actually searching for faith? Finally, we close with one of the most thoughtful Girl Problems segments we’ve had yet. Several female listeners wrote in responding to our conversation about dating and careers. They raise a serious concern: many women today aren’t choosing ambitious careers out of ideology, but out of necessity. If marriage isn’t guaranteed and dating culture is dysfunctional, financial independence becomes survival. We wrestle with the tension between traditional aspirations for family and the practical realities of modern life. Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 3:45 Parenting Advice from a Dad and Two Bachelors 28:31 Justin’s Ministry at Harvard Law 53:40 Is There a Revival Happening? 1:00:05 Girl Problems

    1hr 16min

  6. 26 FEB

    Dating is Dead, Short Kings Fight Back, and the American Dream Lives On | ATB #21

    WEEK 21: Is Modern Dating Rigged? (With Luis Penichet, HBS & Former Marine) This week we’re joined by Luis Penichet — second-year Harvard Business School student, former U.S. Marine, and founder working on a new kind of dating app. And we go straight at one of the biggest cultural questions facing our generation: Is the American dating system fundamentally broken? We begin with a blunt diagnosis. Dating apps reward dopamine, novelty, and endless optionality — not long-term bonding, sacrifice, or family formation. Swiping trains people to treat each other as consumable profiles rather than covenantal possibilities. We discuss why both men and women are struggling — women facing overwhelming choice and rising expectations, men shaped by pornography and comparison culture — and whether our standards are too high, too low, or just disordered. Luis then shares the idea behind the app he’s building: instead of scrolling through photos, you scroll through simulated conversations. Users create AI agents trained on their views, personality, and values. Those agents interact with other users’ agents first — and you review the conversations before ever seeing a photo. The goal? Shift attraction toward worldview, communication style, humor, and compatibility before physical filtering takes over. We debate whether this could actually rewire incentives — or whether technology will always drift toward superficiality. From there, we pivot to Luis’s family story. As the son of Cuban immigrants, he explains why identity politics and Marxist frameworks are so dangerous — not in theory, but in lived history. We discuss how grievance-based politics corrodes gratitude, how America differs from Latin American revolutionary culture, and why economic resentment can quietly become moral justification for state overreach. Then things get fun. We run through a lightning round of conspiracy theories — which ones are obviously false, which ones are plausible, and which ones we genuinely don’t know what to do with. Instead of dismissing or embracing them wholesale, we talk about epistemic humility, institutional trust, and how to think without becoming paranoid or naïve. Finally, we close with Girl Problems: - Luis speaks for the short kings (he is one):How should women think about height preferences? - Biological clocks and delayed adulthood - And the infamous Alabama Hypothetical Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 2:24 Problems with Dating Culture 18:22 Are the Issues with Dating More Deep-Rooted? 37:54 Luis's Cuban Heritage and the Essence of America 57:27 Conspiracy Theories... 1:10:02 Feedback, real quick! 1:13:22 Girl Problems: Short Kings 1:21:05 Girl Problems: Biological Clock 1:24:34 Girl Problems: The Alabama Hypothetical

    1hr 31min

  7. 19 FEB

    The Secret Lives of Protestant Guys | ATB #20

    WEEK 20: Inside the Life of Three Protestants at Harvard Welcome to Brian’s apartment. This week, we bring Brian Rath, Harvard Business School student, into the mix and step back from pure politics to talk about something deeper: what it actually looks like to live as Protestants at Harvard. We begin with a breakdown of the differences between Harvard Law and Harvard Business School — the culture, the people, and the academics. We then move into introductions and testimony — what brought Brian to Harvard, how faith shapes each of our lives, and what spiritual life looks like in a place known more for ambition than confession. We respond to strong listener feedback on our birth control discussion, including a passionate Catholic critique of Protestant sexual ethics, and we wrestle seriously with the differences in moral authority, conscience, and how Christians reason through hard questions. From there, we answer a thoughtful question from a law student about sharing the Gospel in academic settings: when is it bold witness, when is it unwise, and how should Christians think about appropriateness in professional environments? In the appetizer, in the spirit of Presidents’ Day, we rank the best and worst Presidents. We’ve got some controversial takes on those (now viewed and debated by over 400,000 people on Instagram). Highly recommend listening to this section! Then we move to the core topic: what makes Protestant life distinct. We walk through authority (sola Scriptura), conscience, personal responsibility before God, how we confess sin, how we think about moral reasoning, and why Protestantism emphasizes disciplined disagreement over moral delegation. We discuss life issues, dignity, and the difference between intrinsic moral wrongs and matters of prudential judgment. We close with the classic: Girl Problems.- Thoughts on pre-nups- Dating a non-Christian you genuinely love- And advice for the hopeless romantics who don’t want to settle but don’t want to be alone forever Here are the links to Brian's Protestant resources:Gavin Ortlund/Truth Unites - https://www.youtube.com/@TruthUnites  https://open.spotify.com/show/5pwOh3BIp7rQaeZpmy8SF8?si=3744ff49a1994446Anglican Aesthetics - https://www.youtube.com/@anglicanaesthetics  https://open.spotify.com/show/1U8TF897KNNea8PTXpvIsD?si=f84bc76f5e3b4341Sola Media/White Horse Inn - https://www.youtube.com/@solamediaorghttps://open.spotify.com/show/11CeAFKB1ZF7pAmhGv4fMA?si=bf326f01138949efThe Daily Office - https://open.spotify.com/show/7ABjzy7Tumx5tczT8LBqX5?si=cd458d56ff1642a0Mike Winger - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeWingerhttps://open.spotify.com/show/57uF3G2X0cUJnUMLyRp5HY?si=8e56eada734a4e35 Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 1:30 Harvard Business v. Harvard Law School 6:46 Getting to Know Brian 13:50 Feedback! 21:32 Ranking the Best and Worst Presidents 43:49 Very Interesting Discussion of Nuclear Energy! 54:27 The Secret Lives of Protestant Guys 1:34:00 GIRL PROBLEMS

    1hr 55min

  8. 12 FEB

    Can You Love Your Country? | ATB #19

    WEEK 19: Can You Love Your Country in a Divided Age? This week, we open by reacting to this year’s Super Bowl commercials — what they reveal about American culture, corporate messaging, and the stories companies think will resonate with young people today. From there, we turn to the Supreme Court’s gay marriage decision and its long-term cultural and legal consequences. We discuss how marriage has been redefined in American law, what that shift has meant for religious liberty, family formation, and public morality, and why these questions remain unresolved a decade later. The centerpiece of the episode is a deeper conversation about patriotism, cynicism, and national identity. In light of recent comments from U.S. Olympic athletes and growing distrust toward political institutions, we ask: Can you love your country while being deeply critical of its leaders? Is modern “activist patriotism” compatible with gratitude and loyalty? And has Gen Z been taught to see America primarily as something to apologize for rather than steward? We wrestle with whether healthy love of country requires honesty about injustice without collapsing into permanent resentment — and how Christian ethics shape our understanding of citizenship, responsibility, and public life. We close with Girl Problems, responding to listener questions about modern dating pressures, political compatibility in relationships, and realistic timelines for engagement and marriage in a high-pressure professional environment. Email approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com with your questions/comments or submit a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench for a chance to be featured on the show! You can also submit anonymous comments through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/9Zjxzkpwajivx19z8 00:00 Introduction 07:48 Rating Super Bowl Commercials 24:42 The Gay Marriage Supreme Court Case 36:41 Can You Love Your Country? 54:10 Girl Problems: Hoeflation 1:01:09 Girl Problems: Do Politics Matter in Dating? 1:04:40 Girl Problems: Ideal Timeline for Dating/Engagement

    1hr 10min
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About

Two Christian Conservative Bachelors at Harvard Law take on the world's most difficult problems — on a bench. New episodes every Thursday. Send in your questions to approachthebenchquestions@gmail.com or record a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/approachthebench. You can also submit anonymous questions and comments through https://forms.gle/qxmFi2y5DAnsbnBv8.

Information

  • Creator
    Approach the Bench
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Approach the Bench
  • Show Website
    Approach the Bench

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