April 25, 2024:
North Carolina pastor calls Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible 'blasphemous' in viral sermon A North Carolina pastor has gone viral after urging his congregants not to embrace the "God Bless the USA Bible" endorsed by former President Donald Trump, which includes documents central to the founding of the United States. Pastor Loran Livingston of Central Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, condemned the "God Bless the USA Bible" in a sermon delivered on April 14. Clips of the sermon have been viewed millions of times after various users have shared them on social media in recent days. During Holy Week, Trump endorsed the "God Bless the USA" Bible in a video posted to Truth Social last month. On sale for $59.99, the special edition Bible contains copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance, along with the handwritten chorus to the Lee Greenwood song "God Bless the USA," which is frequently played at Trump's rallies. (Christian Post 4/26/24) READ MORE>>>>> April 25, 2024:
AARON BURKE: ‘CHRISTIANS DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO PREACH TO PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVEN’T PRAYED FOR FIRST’ Aaron Burke emphasized that Christians don’t have the right to preach to people they haven’t prayed for first. The lead pastor of Radiant Church, Aaron Burke, discussed ways to share one’s faith. According to him, one thing that Christians could do for those who haven’t encountered God was to pray for them. “Prayer is the most powerful way to invite God into a relationship, whether it’s a friend or a coworker or a spouse. If you want to see God change their life, pray for them,” he highlighted. (Church Learning 4/25/24) READ MORE>>>>> April 24, 2024:
LAUREN DAIGLE MINISTERS TO 300 WOMEN IN OKLAHOMA PRISON Christian artist Lauren Daigle visited an Oklahoma prison and ministered to 300 women. She remarked, “When you go into prisons and sing, that is where you get a true sense of freedom.” PrisonThe Prison Fellowship shared on social media how the Christian singer Lauren Daigle used her talent to minister to women inside the prison. She was not indifferent but compassionate toward them. (Christian Learning 4/24/24) READ MORE>>>>> God ‘answered a lot of prayers’: Scalise discusses faith, cancer recovery In an exclusive update on his health this week, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise discussed with EWTN News Nightly the role prayer and his Catholic faith played in his recovery from blood cancer. “For so many people that are watching, that said prayers and offered just true, genuine support, I can't thank everybody enough — because you feel that when you're going through things,” Scalise said during an interview with EWTN News Capitol Hill correspondent Erik Rosales. “And thank God, God performed a lot of miracles and answered a lot of prayers,” he added. (Catholic News Agency 4/24/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
drivel“So if you are a faithful Christian, not a fake Christian, David French Christian, but an actual Christian of the kind this country has always had, of the kind this country was created to harbor, actually you are seen as an enemy by the people who run it.”-Tucker Carlson 4/16/24 drivel“I’m surprised they haven’t killed me. I’m surprised they’ve let me continue to live.”-Michael Flynn on the "Deep State" in documentary "Flynn." drivelIf Jesus Christ led Trinity, would HE have an Autism Awareness Week? Of course not! Why? Because anything that exalts itself above the name of Christ should be brought down. --Florida Pastor Matt Baker 4.5.24 |
April 20, 2024:
Surprising Mourners for the Decline of Christianity
In an interview with LBC in London, famed atheist Richard Dawkins offered two startling admissions: first, that he mourned the loss of much of what reflects the Christian faith in the world, and second, that he would consider himself a “cultural” Christian. He stated: I do think we are culturally a Christian country. I call myself a cultural Christian. I’m not a believer, but there is a distinction between being a believing Christian and a cultural Christian…I love hymns and Christmas carols and I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos, and I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense…[I] would not be happy if, for example, we lost all our cathedrals and our beautiful parish churches.
(Church Leaders 4/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In an interview with LBC in London, famed atheist Richard Dawkins offered two startling admissions: first, that he mourned the loss of much of what reflects the Christian faith in the world, and second, that he would consider himself a “cultural” Christian. He stated: I do think we are culturally a Christian country. I call myself a cultural Christian. I’m not a believer, but there is a distinction between being a believing Christian and a cultural Christian…I love hymns and Christmas carols and I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos, and I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense…[I] would not be happy if, for example, we lost all our cathedrals and our beautiful parish churches.
(Church Leaders 4/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 19, 2024:
‘Flynn’ Portrays the Christian Nationalist Evangelist’s Fight With the Deep State
It was 1991, early in the first Gulf War and I and colleagues in Pakistan huddled round the kitchen table listening to the BBC World Service every hour. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, having months earlier invaded Kuwait, had now begun firing scud missiles at Israeli cities in an attempt to drag Israel into the war. We all understood that if Israel retaliated, it would ignite a wider war in the Middle East that would potentially drag in other Islamic countries such as Pakistan.
The Pakistani government had originally condemned Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait. But as soon as Western bombing of Iraq started the whole situation reversed. It seemed every rickshaw in town carried a picture of Saddam and we could hear riots on the nearby Grand Trunk Road, with protesters burning effigies of US President George Bush and shouting “death to America”.
It’s a picture of what happens when there is an attack on an Islamic country by a non-Islamic one. The whole ummah – the Muslim community – feels a deep emotional urge to come together to defend its own. Unfortunately, what that means is that Christian minorities in the Islamic world immediately become seen as suspect - and even the target of mob violence.
(Church Leaders 4/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
It was 1991, early in the first Gulf War and I and colleagues in Pakistan huddled round the kitchen table listening to the BBC World Service every hour. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, having months earlier invaded Kuwait, had now begun firing scud missiles at Israeli cities in an attempt to drag Israel into the war. We all understood that if Israel retaliated, it would ignite a wider war in the Middle East that would potentially drag in other Islamic countries such as Pakistan.
The Pakistani government had originally condemned Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait. But as soon as Western bombing of Iraq started the whole situation reversed. It seemed every rickshaw in town carried a picture of Saddam and we could hear riots on the nearby Grand Trunk Road, with protesters burning effigies of US President George Bush and shouting “death to America”.
It’s a picture of what happens when there is an attack on an Islamic country by a non-Islamic one. The whole ummah – the Muslim community – feels a deep emotional urge to come together to defend its own. Unfortunately, what that means is that Christian minorities in the Islamic world immediately become seen as suspect - and even the target of mob violence.
(Church Leaders 4/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 18, 2024:
Drag queen cancels story hour at Pennsylvania church after backlash
A drag queen story hour event that was moved from a library venue to a theologically progressive church in Pennsylvania has been canceled. Vision of Hope Metropolitan Community Church of Mountville planned to host a drag queen performer known as Miss Amie for a gathering described as a “tea party” on April 27.
However, the church announced Monday morning that the event is canceled, citing “unforeseen circumstances and news media publishing content without fact checking."
(Christian Post 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A drag queen story hour event that was moved from a library venue to a theologically progressive church in Pennsylvania has been canceled. Vision of Hope Metropolitan Community Church of Mountville planned to host a drag queen performer known as Miss Amie for a gathering described as a “tea party” on April 27.
However, the church announced Monday morning that the event is canceled, citing “unforeseen circumstances and news media publishing content without fact checking."
(Christian Post 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
What the Iran-Israel conflict means for Christians
It was 1991, early in the first Gulf War and I and colleagues in Pakistan huddled round the kitchen table listening to the BBC World Service every hour. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, having months earlier invaded Kuwait, had now begun firing scud missiles at Israeli cities in an attempt to drag Israel into the war. We all understood that if Israel retaliated, it would ignite a wider war in the Middle East that would potentially drag in other Islamic countries such as Pakistan.
The Pakistani government had originally condemned Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait. But as soon as Western bombing of Iraq started the whole situation reversed. It seemed every rickshaw in town carried a picture of Saddam and we could hear riots on the nearby Grand Trunk Road, with protesters burning effigies of US President George Bush and shouting “death to America”.
It’s a picture of what happens when there is an attack on an Islamic country by a non-Islamic one. The whole ummah – the Muslim community – feels a deep emotional urge to come together to defend its own. Unfortunately, what that means is that Christian minorities in the Islamic world immediately become seen as suspect - and even the target of mob violence.
(Premier Christianity; Martin Parson 4/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
It was 1991, early in the first Gulf War and I and colleagues in Pakistan huddled round the kitchen table listening to the BBC World Service every hour. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, having months earlier invaded Kuwait, had now begun firing scud missiles at Israeli cities in an attempt to drag Israel into the war. We all understood that if Israel retaliated, it would ignite a wider war in the Middle East that would potentially drag in other Islamic countries such as Pakistan.
The Pakistani government had originally condemned Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait. But as soon as Western bombing of Iraq started the whole situation reversed. It seemed every rickshaw in town carried a picture of Saddam and we could hear riots on the nearby Grand Trunk Road, with protesters burning effigies of US President George Bush and shouting “death to America”.
It’s a picture of what happens when there is an attack on an Islamic country by a non-Islamic one. The whole ummah – the Muslim community – feels a deep emotional urge to come together to defend its own. Unfortunately, what that means is that Christian minorities in the Islamic world immediately become seen as suspect - and even the target of mob violence.
(Premier Christianity; Martin Parson 4/19/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 18, 2024:
Tennessee names first English-language Bible translation in U.S. as official state book
The first English-language translation of the Bible in the United States will become an “official state book” in Tennessee on July 1. Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed a bill on Tuesday that names the Aitken Bible and nine other texts as official state books in the Tennessee Blue Book (an official manual on the state government). This is the first time Tennessee has formally recognized any official state books. The Bible translation was published by Philadelphia printer Robert Aitken in 1782 and received an official endorsement from Congress. The American Revolution, which began in 1776, halted trade with Great Britain and cut off the supply of Bibles, which prompted Aitken to publish an English-language Bible in the country, according to the legislation.
(Catholic News Agency 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The first English-language translation of the Bible in the United States will become an “official state book” in Tennessee on July 1. Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed a bill on Tuesday that names the Aitken Bible and nine other texts as official state books in the Tennessee Blue Book (an official manual on the state government). This is the first time Tennessee has formally recognized any official state books. The Bible translation was published by Philadelphia printer Robert Aitken in 1782 and received an official endorsement from Congress. The American Revolution, which began in 1776, halted trade with Great Britain and cut off the supply of Bibles, which prompted Aitken to publish an English-language Bible in the country, according to the legislation.
(Catholic News Agency 4/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 17, 2024:
Catholic Nuns Fight in Court Against New York Mandate Forcing Them to Fund Abortions
A diverse coalition of religious groups was at the New York Court of Appeals yesterday to continue their fight against the state’s abortion mandate. In Diocese of Albany v. Harris, a group of Anglican and Catholic nuns, Catholic dioceses, Christian churches, and faith-based social ministries sued New York after it mandated that they cover abortion in their employee health insurance plans in violation of their religious beliefs. After state courts left the mandate in place, Becket, Jones Day and Tobin and Dempf, LLP, asked the Supreme Court to step in. In 2021, the Justices reversed the lower courts’ rulings and told them to reconsider the case. When the New York State Department of Financial Services initially proposed the abortion mandate, it promised to exempt employers with religious objections. However, after facing pressure from abortion activists, New York radically narrowed the exemption to cover only religious groups that both primarily teach religion and
primarily serve and hire those who share their faith. This exception does not apply to most religious ministries that seek to serve all people, regardless of faith. For example, the exemption doesn’t extend to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and their Teresian Nursing Home because they serve the elderly and dying regardless of religious affiliation. (Life News 4/17/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A diverse coalition of religious groups was at the New York Court of Appeals yesterday to continue their fight against the state’s abortion mandate. In Diocese of Albany v. Harris, a group of Anglican and Catholic nuns, Catholic dioceses, Christian churches, and faith-based social ministries sued New York after it mandated that they cover abortion in their employee health insurance plans in violation of their religious beliefs. After state courts left the mandate in place, Becket, Jones Day and Tobin and Dempf, LLP, asked the Supreme Court to step in. In 2021, the Justices reversed the lower courts’ rulings and told them to reconsider the case. When the New York State Department of Financial Services initially proposed the abortion mandate, it promised to exempt employers with religious objections. However, after facing pressure from abortion activists, New York radically narrowed the exemption to cover only religious groups that both primarily teach religion and
primarily serve and hire those who share their faith. This exception does not apply to most religious ministries that seek to serve all people, regardless of faith. For example, the exemption doesn’t extend to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and their Teresian Nursing Home because they serve the elderly and dying regardless of religious affiliation. (Life News 4/17/24) READ MORE>>>>>
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Faces Backlash After Trump Comments
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson—a devout Christian—discussed his faith and how he sees politics as a corrupting force within Christianity. “I'm a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do," Ritchson told THR. "Love other people until death. It doesn't mean we're all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing."
But Christians have become “ the most vitriolic tribe” the 41-year-old actor added. "It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do."
(Forbes) READ MORE>>>>>
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson—a devout Christian—discussed his faith and how he sees politics as a corrupting force within Christianity. “I'm a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do," Ritchson told THR. "Love other people until death. It doesn't mean we're all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing."
But Christians have become “ the most vitriolic tribe” the 41-year-old actor added. "It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do."
(Forbes) READ MORE>>>>>
April 12, 2024:
First Baptist Abilene Pastor Brandon Hudson resigns after arrest
The pastor of a historic large Baptist church in West Texas has resigned two weeks after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Forty-four-year-old Brandon Hudson, the senior pastor of Texas' First Baptist Church Abilene, submitted his resignation Sunday after over a year as senior pastor. At the church's Sunday morning service, Bob Ellis, introduced by the church's personnel committee chair, read Hudson's letter of resignation and asked the congregation to keep Hudson and his family in their prayers.(Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The pastor of a historic large Baptist church in West Texas has resigned two weeks after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Forty-four-year-old Brandon Hudson, the senior pastor of Texas' First Baptist Church Abilene, submitted his resignation Sunday after over a year as senior pastor. At the church's Sunday morning service, Bob Ellis, introduced by the church's personnel committee chair, read Hudson's letter of resignation and asked the congregation to keep Hudson and his family in their prayers.(Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 11, 2024:
Trump-ite evangelicalism or Biden-ist Catholicism?
Cultural times are hard for traditional Christians. American evangelicalism has proved a fruitful target for those both outside and inside the Church who want to stir up popular panic about Christian Nationalism, racism, homophobia, and all the other ill-defined but nonetheless mortal sins of our day. Evangelicalism is presented as the root of all contemporary evils. Donald Trump’s recent
hawking of a Bible bound together with America’s founding documents simply adds fuel to this fire. But in a week where it seemed that Trump’s would be the most blasphemous action of a leading politician, President Biden outdid him at the last minute, declaring that this year Easter Sunday would be an official day of trans visibility, and predictably characterizing any who disagreed with him as motivated by hate. As conservatives decried the declaration, the president’s supporters pointed out that the trans day of visibility has been held on March 31 since 2009. Its coincidence with Easter this year is just that: a coincidence. But this scarcely exculpates the president. There was no need for a formal White House statement on the day. More importantly, the underlying theology of trans ideology that problematizes the human body and legitimates hormonal and genital mutilation assumes an anthropology at odds with Christian teaching, which requires respect for the human body and the distinction between male and female. So the president was still celebrating the desecration of the image of God, even as his opponent desecrated the Word of God.
(Carl Trueman: Christian Post 4/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Cultural times are hard for traditional Christians. American evangelicalism has proved a fruitful target for those both outside and inside the Church who want to stir up popular panic about Christian Nationalism, racism, homophobia, and all the other ill-defined but nonetheless mortal sins of our day. Evangelicalism is presented as the root of all contemporary evils. Donald Trump’s recent
hawking of a Bible bound together with America’s founding documents simply adds fuel to this fire. But in a week where it seemed that Trump’s would be the most blasphemous action of a leading politician, President Biden outdid him at the last minute, declaring that this year Easter Sunday would be an official day of trans visibility, and predictably characterizing any who disagreed with him as motivated by hate. As conservatives decried the declaration, the president’s supporters pointed out that the trans day of visibility has been held on March 31 since 2009. Its coincidence with Easter this year is just that: a coincidence. But this scarcely exculpates the president. There was no need for a formal White House statement on the day. More importantly, the underlying theology of trans ideology that problematizes the human body and legitimates hormonal and genital mutilation assumes an anthropology at odds with Christian teaching, which requires respect for the human body and the distinction between male and female. So the president was still celebrating the desecration of the image of God, even as his opponent desecrated the Word of God.
(Carl Trueman: Christian Post 4/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Megachurch pastor apologizes for 'careless words' after backlash to wedding night joke
A megachurch pastor apologized for what he characterized as "careless words" when he joked that women should do whatever their husbands want on their wedding night, even though he insisted that his remarks were taken out of context. During service on Sunday, Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, addressed comments he made during a Feb. 26 sermon that generated backlash online. "A couple of weeks ago … the week after Marriage Night, I tossed out a joke," he said. (Christian Post) READ MORE>>>>>
A megachurch pastor apologized for what he characterized as "careless words" when he joked that women should do whatever their husbands want on their wedding night, even though he insisted that his remarks were taken out of context. During service on Sunday, Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, addressed comments he made during a Feb. 26 sermon that generated backlash online. "A couple of weeks ago … the week after Marriage Night, I tossed out a joke," he said. (Christian Post) READ MORE>>>>>
April 10, 2024:
CAIR-SFBA Condemns Repeated Vandalism Targeting San Francisco Mosque During Ramadan
The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today condemned repeated vandalism targeting a San Francisco mosque during the month of Ramadan. A suspect was caught on video vandalizing the mosque. The suspect allegedly entered the mosque and shouted Islamophobic rhetoric and wrote “you will burn in hell” on the facility.
(CAIR; 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today condemned repeated vandalism targeting a San Francisco mosque during the month of Ramadan. A suspect was caught on video vandalizing the mosque. The suspect allegedly entered the mosque and shouted Islamophobic rhetoric and wrote “you will burn in hell” on the facility.
(CAIR; 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
DOJ must defend churches from more expected pro-abortion attacks, Catholic leader says
A prominent Catholic organization is calling on the Department of Justice to defend Catholic churches from anticipated pro-abortion attacks, pointing to the disparities in the DOJ’s enforcement of a law protecting both abortion clinics and churches. In a letter first obtained by The Daily Signal, CatholicVote President Brian Burch calls on Attorney General Merrick Garland to detail what steps the DOJ plans to take to “combat the incessant attacks against Catholic churches.”
“How much more violence needs to happen before you will act?” he asks Garland. “Why is the FACE Act being enforced against Holocaust survivors, but not [against] those who attempt to destroy churches or even kill Catholics?”
(The Lion; 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A prominent Catholic organization is calling on the Department of Justice to defend Catholic churches from anticipated pro-abortion attacks, pointing to the disparities in the DOJ’s enforcement of a law protecting both abortion clinics and churches. In a letter first obtained by The Daily Signal, CatholicVote President Brian Burch calls on Attorney General Merrick Garland to detail what steps the DOJ plans to take to “combat the incessant attacks against Catholic churches.”
“How much more violence needs to happen before you will act?” he asks Garland. “Why is the FACE Act being enforced against Holocaust survivors, but not [against] those who attempt to destroy churches or even kill Catholics?”
(The Lion; 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
OPINION: Trump’s ‘God Bless the USA Bible’ highlights problematic nature of Christian nationalism
On March 28, following his venture into fashion with the "Never Surrender" gold high-tops, former President Donald Trump launched his latest product: the exclusive "God Bless the USA Bible." This edition of the Christian Bible contains the King James Version of the Bible, a historically inaccurate and misrepresentative version of the Bible, and features foundational documents of the United States including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, it features patriotic elements, including the hand-written lyrics of "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood and the Pledge of Allegiance. The “God Bless the USA Bible” combines the two central themes of the Trump campaign — Christian nationalism and American patriotism.
(North Carolina State University Technician) READ MORE>>>>>
On March 28, following his venture into fashion with the "Never Surrender" gold high-tops, former President Donald Trump launched his latest product: the exclusive "God Bless the USA Bible." This edition of the Christian Bible contains the King James Version of the Bible, a historically inaccurate and misrepresentative version of the Bible, and features foundational documents of the United States including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, it features patriotic elements, including the hand-written lyrics of "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood and the Pledge of Allegiance. The “God Bless the USA Bible” combines the two central themes of the Trump campaign — Christian nationalism and American patriotism.
(North Carolina State University Technician) READ MORE>>>>>
April 9, 2024:
Jones: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
Jesus was one of the earliest and most important advocates for separation of church and state. As he succinctly put it: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” In other words, our government acts in the temporal realm, while God is in control of the spiritual realm. We have seen a blurring of those lines in Idaho in recent years, with some zealous Christian organizations seeking to use the government to regulate everyday life in accordance with their religious views. Christian nationalist groups like the Idaho Family Policy Center have pushed legislation to restrict the right of parents to obtain necessary medical care for transgender children, have cast aspersions upon the LGBTQ community and have falsely claimed that librarians and teachers are trying to sexualize our children. The Christian nationalist Alliance Defending Freedom has worked closely with Idaho’s Attorney General to defeat the constitutional rights of LGBTQ Idahoans in federal and state court proceedings. In both the court and legislative arenas, the LGBTQ community has been falsely portrayed as a serious threat to Idaho kids that must be opposed at every turn. Consequently, the health and safety of LGBTQ Idahoans have been put at risk.
(Idaho Press 4/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Jesus was one of the earliest and most important advocates for separation of church and state. As he succinctly put it: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” In other words, our government acts in the temporal realm, while God is in control of the spiritual realm. We have seen a blurring of those lines in Idaho in recent years, with some zealous Christian organizations seeking to use the government to regulate everyday life in accordance with their religious views. Christian nationalist groups like the Idaho Family Policy Center have pushed legislation to restrict the right of parents to obtain necessary medical care for transgender children, have cast aspersions upon the LGBTQ community and have falsely claimed that librarians and teachers are trying to sexualize our children. The Christian nationalist Alliance Defending Freedom has worked closely with Idaho’s Attorney General to defeat the constitutional rights of LGBTQ Idahoans in federal and state court proceedings. In both the court and legislative arenas, the LGBTQ community has been falsely portrayed as a serious threat to Idaho kids that must be opposed at every turn. Consequently, the health and safety of LGBTQ Idahoans have been put at risk.
(Idaho Press 4/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 8, 2024:
Florida Christian School Cancels 'Autism Awareness Week,' Just Like Jesus Would Have
Last weekend, conservatives lost their very minds over President Biden putting out an announcement for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurred the same day as Easter. Now, many of us just assumed that these were people who would prefer trans people be invisible and were particularly upset over them being recognized on Easter, because of how it’s their special day. But, as it turns out, it is entirely possible some were just upset about the idea of awareness, in general, as a concept. Trinity Christian Academy in Palm Beach County, Florida, canceled its Autism Awareness Week after the school’s lead pastor decided it was “demonic,” because people aren’t supposed to have identities outside of Jesus
(Wonkette 4/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Last weekend, conservatives lost their very minds over President Biden putting out an announcement for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurred the same day as Easter. Now, many of us just assumed that these were people who would prefer trans people be invisible and were particularly upset over them being recognized on Easter, because of how it’s their special day. But, as it turns out, it is entirely possible some were just upset about the idea of awareness, in general, as a concept. Trinity Christian Academy in Palm Beach County, Florida, canceled its Autism Awareness Week after the school’s lead pastor decided it was “demonic,” because people aren’t supposed to have identities outside of Jesus
(Wonkette 4/8/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 6, 2024:
The Uncomfortable Truth of Christianity
I recently heard an influential pastor tell his congregation that God wanted him to be rich. He then asked the congregation to declare aloud in unison ‘God wants me to be rich!’ as though it was a promise to be claimed by each of his members. The cooperative participation from the audience led me to consider one of the issues that continues to plague mainstream Christianity, myself included. We yearn for the gift more than the gift-giver. To use the platform of a Christian church to present as gospel truth that God wants us to be rich in this world is grossly misleading. Do I want to be rich? Well, sort of. I like the idea of being able to afford whatever I desire when I desire it. But when I consider the responsibilities of managing riches and the negative affects they can have on personal relationships, I begin to think again..
(The Voice 4/5/24) READ MORE>>>>>
I recently heard an influential pastor tell his congregation that God wanted him to be rich. He then asked the congregation to declare aloud in unison ‘God wants me to be rich!’ as though it was a promise to be claimed by each of his members. The cooperative participation from the audience led me to consider one of the issues that continues to plague mainstream Christianity, myself included. We yearn for the gift more than the gift-giver. To use the platform of a Christian church to present as gospel truth that God wants us to be rich in this world is grossly misleading. Do I want to be rich? Well, sort of. I like the idea of being able to afford whatever I desire when I desire it. But when I consider the responsibilities of managing riches and the negative affects they can have on personal relationships, I begin to think again..
(The Voice 4/5/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 5, 2024:
Human Composting Bill Meets Resistance from Lawmakers, Catholic Church
A proposal to legalize the composting of human remains as an environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation was met with opposition from Republican legislators and the Catholic Church. State Rep. Christine Palm, D-Chester, vice chair of the Environment Committee, told CT Examiner that the practice is sanitary, safe and gives families dignity, while also preventing the release of carbon emissions associated with cremation and the burial of toxins in soil. “This can be a new model for funeral parlors. This is what people used to do. This is a permissive law; it would not be mandated anymore than we say everyone must get cremated. It’s an alternative to the existing ways we have of disposing of a human corpse,” Palm said.
(Connecticut Examiner 4/5/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A proposal to legalize the composting of human remains as an environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation was met with opposition from Republican legislators and the Catholic Church. State Rep. Christine Palm, D-Chester, vice chair of the Environment Committee, told CT Examiner that the practice is sanitary, safe and gives families dignity, while also preventing the release of carbon emissions associated with cremation and the burial of toxins in soil. “This can be a new model for funeral parlors. This is what people used to do. This is a permissive law; it would not be mandated anymore than we say everyone must get cremated. It’s an alternative to the existing ways we have of disposing of a human corpse,” Palm said.
(Connecticut Examiner 4/5/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 4, 2024:
GOP lawmaker denounces LGBTQ+ people during sermon in Arizona House
A state legislator on Monday used his time delivering a sermon that said a holiday to celebrate trans people was “dark,” proof of America being "unrighteous," and then denounced non-Christians. The sermon was given as the Arizona House opened its daily floor session, during which lawmakers convene to vote on bills passed through committees. Every day, the House and Senate open their floor sessions with a prayer that is meant to be non-denominational, but Republicans who control both chambers have long only used Christians to speak. But Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-Benson), who is also a minister, went a step further in his opening prayer Monday, and spent nearly five minutes on a fire-and-brimstone-styled sermon against non-Christians. "Eternal life is not available just to everybody, it is available just to those that acknowledge Jesus Christ," Diaz said on the House floor.(Pheonix New Times) Read More>>>>>
A state legislator on Monday used his time delivering a sermon that said a holiday to celebrate trans people was “dark,” proof of America being "unrighteous," and then denounced non-Christians. The sermon was given as the Arizona House opened its daily floor session, during which lawmakers convene to vote on bills passed through committees. Every day, the House and Senate open their floor sessions with a prayer that is meant to be non-denominational, but Republicans who control both chambers have long only used Christians to speak. But Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-Benson), who is also a minister, went a step further in his opening prayer Monday, and spent nearly five minutes on a fire-and-brimstone-styled sermon against non-Christians. "Eternal life is not available just to everybody, it is available just to those that acknowledge Jesus Christ," Diaz said on the House floor.(Pheonix New Times) Read More>>>>>
April 3, 2024: QUOTE BYTE:
“It takes a great deal of arrogance to litter the U.S. with over 200 different sects of Christianity, all with their own unique theology yet insist your sect has the moral authority to speak not for all Christians, but for all people in our country. The founders wrote the Constitution, not the apostles. They added the Bill of Rights, not the 10 Commandments. Their intent was freedom of religion. It was not controlled by religion......Conservative Christians aren’t looking for religious freedom, they’re looking for religious dominance. Well, no offense, but you can’t be Christian and hate gay people. You can’t be Christian and hate people of a different color, or speaking a different language. You can’t be Christian and hate people for living differently than you do. You can’t be Christian and hate people. That is not Christianity.....You made sure I didn’t get lunch at school. When I was thirsty, you made sure I didn’t get water while waiting in line to vote. When I was a stranger, you put razor wire in the water and watched as I drowned. What you did to these you did to me?”
--Cassie Woolworth; Kansas County Commission 4/3/24
--Cassie Woolworth; Kansas County Commission 4/3/24
April 2, 2024:
Editorial: Moody Bible case tests whether religious doctrine is a defense against workplace discrimination
As the Christian faithful gather to celebrate Easter this Sunday, a lawsuit over religious beliefs is getting new life in Chicago’s federal courts. In a March 18 decision, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a teacher who claims Moody Bible Institute fired her because of sex discrimination. The private evangelical Christian college had sought to dismiss the complaint, saying in part that it’s forbidden based on the U.S. Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. At the heart of the dispute is a tough call about whether religious doctrine was merely a cover for illegal discrimination in the workplace. Moody has claimed that it fired Janay Garrick because she challenged the church’s teaching that only men can become clergy. Garrick has said that Moody knew her views on the topic when it hired her and that the school treated her badly because she was an outspoken woman, not because she thinks qualified people should be considered for clergy roles regardless of their gender. (Chicago Tribune) READ MORE>>>>>
As the Christian faithful gather to celebrate Easter this Sunday, a lawsuit over religious beliefs is getting new life in Chicago’s federal courts. In a March 18 decision, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a teacher who claims Moody Bible Institute fired her because of sex discrimination. The private evangelical Christian college had sought to dismiss the complaint, saying in part that it’s forbidden based on the U.S. Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. At the heart of the dispute is a tough call about whether religious doctrine was merely a cover for illegal discrimination in the workplace. Moody has claimed that it fired Janay Garrick because she challenged the church’s teaching that only men can become clergy. Garrick has said that Moody knew her views on the topic when it hired her and that the school treated her badly because she was an outspoken woman, not because she thinks qualified people should be considered for clergy roles regardless of their gender. (Chicago Tribune) READ MORE>>>>>
V. Gilbert Beers, author of Christian books and former Christianity Today editor, dies
V. Gilbert Beers was a prolific author of Christian books and reference materials and was the editor of Christianity Today magazine in the 1980s. Beers, 95, died of pneumonia on Feb. 28 at a hospice center in Naperville, said his son, Ron. He was previously a longtime Elgin resident. Victor Gilbert Beers was born in the tiny downstate community of Sidell, the son of a grain farmer. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in 1950. He then earned a master’s degree in religious education in 1953 from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he picked up a bachelor of divinity degree from the seminary the following year and a master of theology degree in 1955. (Chicago Tribune 4/2/24) READ MORE>>>>>
V. Gilbert Beers was a prolific author of Christian books and reference materials and was the editor of Christianity Today magazine in the 1980s. Beers, 95, died of pneumonia on Feb. 28 at a hospice center in Naperville, said his son, Ron. He was previously a longtime Elgin resident. Victor Gilbert Beers was born in the tiny downstate community of Sidell, the son of a grain farmer. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in 1950. He then earned a master’s degree in religious education in 1953 from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he picked up a bachelor of divinity degree from the seminary the following year and a master of theology degree in 1955. (Chicago Tribune 4/2/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 1, 2024:
Olasky’s Books For April: Christian Nationalism Fuels Revenues
(REVIEW) How big a threat is “Christian nationalism?” Fear of Donald Trump increased the revenues of big media companies in 2016, and fear of Christian nationalism in 2024 is helping the sale of books screaming about it. Mark David Hall’s “Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?” (Fidelis, 2024) is an even-tempered, even-handed analysis that examines the hype from both sides. Hall’s writing is succinct and often witty. He notes that “Don Quixote mistakenly attacked windmills that he believed were evil giants, but that does not mean that evil giants don’t exist.” He writes that Paul, Augustine and Martin Luther might object to “Trump’s post-presidential claim that ‘nobody has done more for Christianity or for evangelicals or for religion itself than I have,' but of course they wouldn’t, as those men at least attempted to practice the Christian virtue of humility.” (Religion Unplugged 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
(REVIEW) How big a threat is “Christian nationalism?” Fear of Donald Trump increased the revenues of big media companies in 2016, and fear of Christian nationalism in 2024 is helping the sale of books screaming about it. Mark David Hall’s “Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?” (Fidelis, 2024) is an even-tempered, even-handed analysis that examines the hype from both sides. Hall’s writing is succinct and often witty. He notes that “Don Quixote mistakenly attacked windmills that he believed were evil giants, but that does not mean that evil giants don’t exist.” He writes that Paul, Augustine and Martin Luther might object to “Trump’s post-presidential claim that ‘nobody has done more for Christianity or for evangelicals or for religion itself than I have,' but of course they wouldn’t, as those men at least attempted to practice the Christian virtue of humility.” (Religion Unplugged 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>