d - people-Files
- Jim Daly - Charlie Dates - Angela Davis - Sarah Davis - Cora Lynn Deibler - Michael Demastus - Terry Detwiler - Steve Dewitt - Tim Dickau - Monica Dobbins - James Dobson - Jim Dorman - Roma Downey - Paul Doyle - Rod Dreher - Jen Dreiske - Ralph Drollinger - Kristin Du Mez - Ligon Duncan - Jerushah Duford - Will Dyer -
Jim Daly |
- Focus On The Family - Wikipedia -
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Feb 28, 2023: Jim Daly: Belleville News Democrat: Importance of being playful
Feb 1, 2023: Jim Daly: Carrol County Comet: STABLE FAMILIES FORM BEDROCK OF SOCIETY
Nov 29, 2022: Daily Signal: Focus on the Family Blamed for Club Q Shooting Despite Jim Daly Condemnation, Suspect’s Nonbinary IdentityFocus on the Family President Jim Daly condemned the shooting on the day it occurred. He said the “horrific” event “exposes the evil and wickedness inside the human heart. We must condemn in the strongest terms possible the taking of innocent life.”
After the vandalism, Daly said the shooting’s aftermath should be “a time of prayer, grieving and healing, not vandalism and the spreading of hate.” “The families of the five individuals killed in Saturday night’s senseless attack are in our prayers,” Daly added in a public statement. “We urge everyone to pray for peace and we also pray for the individual or group responsible for this mischievous and unwarranted defacing of our ministry’s property.” Many news outlets cited Daly’s condemnation of the shooting, but the Southern Poverty Law Center notably did not. Instead, the SPLC illustrated how some on the Left smear political opponents, even when they have nothing to do with the crime at issue
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Jim Daly (born July 22, 1961) is the head of Focus on the Family, an international Christian communications ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He succeeded founder James Dobson in 2005.
Daly started his career at Focus in 1989 as an assistant to the president, fostering relationships with the ministry’s supporters. He was appointed international field director for Asia, Africa and Australia in 1992, and in 1997 was promoted to vice president of the International Division. In 2004, Daly was appointed chief operating officer, the role he held until he was handpicked by Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson to be the group’s president. |
charlie dates
Jan 10, 2023: Christian Post: ‘I’m almost afraid to hand you this,’ Pastor James Meeks says in handing over megachurch to Charlie Dates
Founding pastor of the 10,000-member Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, James Meeks, said he was “almost afraid” to hand over the reins of the congregation he led for the last 38 years to Pastor Charlie Dates. In an emotional retirement ceremony Sunday, he revealed he is trusting God to give his spiritual son the strength he needs to carry on the ministry.
Founding pastor of the 10,000-member Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, James Meeks, said he was “almost afraid” to hand over the reins of the congregation he led for the last 38 years to Pastor Charlie Dates. In an emotional retirement ceremony Sunday, he revealed he is trusting God to give his spiritual son the strength he needs to carry on the ministry.
angela davis
May 20, 2022: MPR: How evangelical Christians in Minnesota are responding to calls for racial justice
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about churches and racial justice, specifically how white evangelical Christians are responding to calls for racial equity.
She’s joined by two leaders in the evangelical church and MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman, who is reporting on a group of Black students pushing for equity changes at the University of Northwestern, a small evangelical school in Minnesota.
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about churches and racial justice, specifically how white evangelical Christians are responding to calls for racial equity.
She’s joined by two leaders in the evangelical church and MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman, who is reporting on a group of Black students pushing for equity changes at the University of Northwestern, a small evangelical school in Minnesota.
sarah davis
Oct 18, 2021: Christianity Today: Ravi Zacharias’s Daughter Steps Down to Launch New Ministry
The CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) has stepped down to start a new apologetics organization.
Sarah Davis led RZIM through her father Ravi Zacharias’s death, the posthumous investigation of his sexual abuse, and the breakup and dramatic downsizing of the global apologetics ministry. Now, she will go out on her own and launch a new ministry called Encounter.
The CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) has stepped down to start a new apologetics organization.
Sarah Davis led RZIM through her father Ravi Zacharias’s death, the posthumous investigation of his sexual abuse, and the breakup and dramatic downsizing of the global apologetics ministry. Now, she will go out on her own and launch a new ministry called Encounter.
cora lynn deibler
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Dec 9, 2022: UConn Today: Professors Challenge Christian Right to Live Out Their Faith with Humility and Compassion
MacDonald enlisted UConn illustration professor Cora Lynn Deibler and together they engaged the help of students and Greenhouse Studios to release a musical animation that shows circling schools of fish sometimes baring their teeth at one other – a metaphor for groups of people and a nod to the Greek ichthys, the symbolic Christian fish. The hymn’s titular lyrics, “They will know we are Christians by our love,” float across the screen. Micah 6:8 scrolls: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Then follows Leviticus 19:33: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land do not mistreat them.” “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me,” Matthew 25:42-43 notes. |
“I’m sad that fundamentalists have taken over Christianity and made religion a bad thing,” Deibler says. “Christian fundamentalism is misguided and hurtful and dangerous. Fundamentalists in any major world religion make trouble, and I’m disappointed they’ve stolen the good things that faith practices can bring to societies.” 12.9.22 |
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Nov 18, 2020: The Courier: GUEST COLUMN: Local pastors oppose mask mandate
This column was submitted by Pastor Keeton Wainscott, Calvary Baptist Church, Waterloo; the Rev. Cary Gordon of Cornerstone World Outreach in Sioux City; Pastor Michael Demastus of the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ in Des Moines; the Rev. Christian Shields of Christian Life Church of Cedar Rapids; and Pastor Sam Jones, Faith Baptist Church, Hudson. Apr 10, 2015: BCNN: What is America Coming To? A Witch Offers Invocation in Iowa House as Christians Pray Elsewhere Pastor Michael Demastus of the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ organized a group of Christians who prayed at the Capitol on Thursday morning in response to Maynard’s appearance. He said he doesn’t dispute Maynard’s constitutional right to pray as she wishes, but he would rather have legislators hearing lessons from the God of the Bible |
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terry detwiler
Feb 23, 2023: News Dakota: FAITH BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLANNED FOR VALLEY CITY
A group of pastors are working on opening a new faith based elementary school in Valley City.
Pastor Terry Detwiler said three area pastors have been working on a plan to open a Christian School in Valley City.
A group of pastors are working on opening a new faith based elementary school in Valley City.
Pastor Terry Detwiler said three area pastors have been working on a plan to open a Christian School in Valley City.
steve dewitt
We want the love of a mother, the love a father, the love of a friend, the love of a spouse, the love of someone. We want an enduring and unconditional love. Even the worst criminal locked up in prison longs for someone to love him. Have you ever thought about why? If the origin of the universe is an accident, and if through time and chance human beings are who they are, why do all people want to be loved? Further, we might also ask why all human love is ultimately disappointing. No spouse loves us exactly like we want. Too often family love erupts into friction and conflict. Friends fail us. We desperately want someone to love us perfectly. This is why loneliness is so painful. I have spoken often to my church and others about my struggles with loneliness through years of singleness (not that those two always go together, they just seem to for me). There is a palatable ache within that can wash over you like waves of despair. I could analyze it. I could philosophize about it. I could even teach on it. But I could not overcome it. Then I began to look at the pain from the perspective of beauty and to consider why I felt the way I did. I came to discover that loneliness was not an enemy but a friend. It is a painful reminder that I was not made for myself. I was made for Him, and the pain is God’s way of saying, “Here I am!” Loneliness has become a guide and a friend in my spiritual journey. When I feel lonely, I am feeling theology inside. All the pleasures, desires, and loves in this world will not take that pain away. We desperately want someone to love us perfectly, yet no one does. But when we wake up to the fact that no relationship can fully satisfy, we realize that we are lonely for God.”
–Steve DeWitt, Eyes Wide Open: Enjoying God in Everything.
–Steve DeWitt, Eyes Wide Open: Enjoying God in Everything.
tim dickau
Sept 2, 2016: Baptist Gobal News: Pastors oppose Franklin Graham crusade in Canada
Tim Kuepfer, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vancouver, and Tim Dickau, pastor of Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, joined three other local religious leaders in publicly declining a request by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that they endorse the Festival of Hope gathering scheduled March 3-5, 2017, at the 18,000-seat Rogers Arena.
The pastors said they “unreservedly oppose” the invitation to Franklin Graham, citing public comments by the evangelist they say are a poor witness for the gospel message.
“Given that the express goal of this event is evangelism, with the commitment of new believers to Christ, we do not believe that Rev. Graham, with his expressed broader belief system, should be the exemplar that impresses itself upon these new believers.”
Tim Kuepfer, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vancouver, and Tim Dickau, pastor of Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, joined three other local religious leaders in publicly declining a request by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that they endorse the Festival of Hope gathering scheduled March 3-5, 2017, at the 18,000-seat Rogers Arena.
The pastors said they “unreservedly oppose” the invitation to Franklin Graham, citing public comments by the evangelist they say are a poor witness for the gospel message.
“Given that the express goal of this event is evangelism, with the commitment of new believers to Christ, we do not believe that Rev. Graham, with his expressed broader belief system, should be the exemplar that impresses itself upon these new believers.”
monica dobbins
Feb 16, 2023: ABC4: A moral obligation’: Religious leaders call on Utah lawmakers to save Great Salt Lake
“It’s their responsibility both as lawmakers and as people of faith, as individuals of faith, to take action now,” Reverend Monica Dobbins said. “We can’t wait.” Dobbins represented First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City. She spoke about the need to act now before the lake’s deuteriation becomes irreversible.
“It’s their responsibility both as lawmakers and as people of faith, as individuals of faith, to take action now,” Reverend Monica Dobbins said. “We can’t wait.” Dobbins represented First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City. She spoke about the need to act now before the lake’s deuteriation becomes irreversible.
james dobson
Christian psychologist and cultural commentator James Dobson is calling for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating in a newsletter: “Some murderous tyrants need to be ‘taken out’ to save innocent lives. That, at least, is my view.”
Writing to supporters of Dr. James Dobson Family Institute based in Colorado Springs, Dobson addressed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and quoted Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who stated in a March 3 tweet referring to Putin: “The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out.” -Josh Shepherd; Roys Report 3.22.22
Writing to supporters of Dr. James Dobson Family Institute based in Colorado Springs, Dobson addressed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and quoted Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who stated in a March 3 tweet referring to Putin: “The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out.” -Josh Shepherd; Roys Report 3.22.22
jim dorman
March 11, 2023: Arizona Daily Sun: Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access
Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff.
Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff.
Roma Downey
| Roma Downey (born 6 May 1960) is an Irish actress and Emmy nominated producer from Northern Ireland. She played kind-hearted angel Monica on the American TV series Touched by an Angel, alongside Della Reese; they remained close friends after the series. Downey received two Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role on the show. Downey is an ambassador for Operation Smile. She is an author of three books for children and producer of the children's series, Little Angels. She was the executive producer of the television miniseries The Bible on the History channel, in which she also played the role of Mary. Downey and her husband Mark Burnett produced the movie version of the series, Son of God, which was released on February 28, 2014, and was distributed by 20th Century Fox. Its sequel, A.D.: The Bible Continues, premiered on NBC Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 |
She has the voice of an angel – an Irish angel that is. Actress Roma Downey grew to fame on the TV series “Touched by an Angel,” telling millions of viewers each week that “There is a God, that He loves you, and wants to be a part of your life.” It’s a message that’s now embedded in her work with husband/producer Mark Burnett. Their mini-series on The Bible a few years ago became a surprise hit; a surprise to the secular world of Hollywood elites that is, not to Roma and Mark. Their latest offering is on the cornerstone of Christianity, The Resurrection. It’s a film that would have been released in theaters, but because of the pandemic it could not be. -Fox News Radio 2.6.22
Writing for CNN, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett make their plea in light of the massacre of Christian college students in Kenya and ongoing threats against Christians elsewhere.
They say: "We are calling upon Christians to also reflect upon the crucifixion, beheading, stoning, enforced slavery, sexual abuse, human trafficking, harassment, bombing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Christians -- and others -- whose faith alone has made them a target of religious extremists."
They mention persecution in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria. -Ruth Giedhill; Christian Today; 4.8.15
They say: "We are calling upon Christians to also reflect upon the crucifixion, beheading, stoning, enforced slavery, sexual abuse, human trafficking, harassment, bombing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Christians -- and others -- whose faith alone has made them a target of religious extremists."
They mention persecution in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria. -Ruth Giedhill; Christian Today; 4.8.15
"It was an extraordinary time, and I have to say, Hollywood gets a bad rap. I think there's a lot of good people there and a lot of good people doing good work. While shooting 'Touched by an Angel' it was unusual perhaps for a Hollywood set that we would gather hands before those scenes and we would pray — pray that there would be less of us and there would be more of God, and that there would be an opportunity through the camera that the Holy Spirit could move through the camera and touch people's hearts." -Roma Downey
"Touched By an Angel" taught about God from a monolithic viewpoint where there was God...but far less common for anyone to mention Jesus Christ or any suggestion of salvation through Him and Him alone. Downey's efforts are largeley new ageist. -ZR
"Touched By an Angel" taught about God from a monolithic viewpoint where there was God...but far less common for anyone to mention Jesus Christ or any suggestion of salvation through Him and Him alone. Downey's efforts are largeley new ageist. -ZR
paul doyle
Jan 23, 2023: New Republic: The Rise of Spirit Warriors on the Christian Right
Among reactionary Pentecostals, the battle, to be clear, is fought not in the individual conscience but on the public stage. The political headlines, according to this way of thinking, are a clue to the desires of God and the plots of His enemies. Paul Doyle, a Pentecostal pastor of the Cornerstone Church in Batavia, New York, which hosted the ReAwaken America tour in April 2022, took aim at “leftist agenda policies,” “woke churches,” and “vaccines and critical race theory” and framed the struggle as “a new battle of good and evil.” “Jesus bloodied himself for me,” he said, “and I am ready to bloody myself for him.”
Among reactionary Pentecostals, the battle, to be clear, is fought not in the individual conscience but on the public stage. The political headlines, according to this way of thinking, are a clue to the desires of God and the plots of His enemies. Paul Doyle, a Pentecostal pastor of the Cornerstone Church in Batavia, New York, which hosted the ReAwaken America tour in April 2022, took aim at “leftist agenda policies,” “woke churches,” and “vaccines and critical race theory” and framed the struggle as “a new battle of good and evil.” “Jesus bloodied himself for me,” he said, “and I am ready to bloody myself for him.”
rod Dreher
Mar 24, 2023: Premier Christianity: I've just been dismissed by a Christian college for tweets on homosexuality – if I wasn’t safe, no one is
Rod Dreher’s excellent book, Live Not By Lies (Sentinel), interviews Christians who suffered under Soviet communism and who now see similar totalitarian patterns in Western progressivism. One woman, a Soviet-born émigré now teaching at a US university, said: “You have no idea what completely normal things you do today, or say today, will be used against you to destroy you. This is what people in the Soviet Union saw. We know how this works.”
Rod Dreher’s excellent book, Live Not By Lies (Sentinel), interviews Christians who suffered under Soviet communism and who now see similar totalitarian patterns in Western progressivism. One woman, a Soviet-born émigré now teaching at a US university, said: “You have no idea what completely normal things you do today, or say today, will be used against you to destroy you. This is what people in the Soviet Union saw. We know how this works.”
jen dreiske
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Feb 19, 2023: Argus Leader: Dreiske: Religious freedom or religious fear?
As an active member of my Jewish Community as well as the Interfaith Community in Sioux Falls, I am greatly concerned about how the religious fear of one religious group is being imposed on the religious freedoms of our religiously diverse communities in South Dakota. Religious freedom, according to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, says everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all. Religion is a set of communal beliefs, practices and perspectives that affect and provide direction for the believer’s life. It is a lens in which we see and interact with the world around us. Freedom is the power to be who we are without hindrance. Fear is the belief that something is dangerous. |
Jen Dreiske is the Deputy Director at South Dakota Voices for Peace, a Sioux Falls based nonprofit focused on inclusion for immigrant, refugree and Muslim communitess. And this column is part of an ongoing series of perspectives, called "Speaking Truth to Power," written by voices from a cohort of community leaders and residents weighing in on social issues and current events in South Dakota. The goal is to elevate voices from a diverse group of individuals by challenging issues through different views to contribute to ongoing community conversations. |
Ralph Drollinger
June 16, 2021: Salon: Kayleigh McEnany, Mike Pence, and the narcissistic apocalypse of the new evangelicals
Or Ralph Drollinger, who wrote that the coronavirus is the "consequential wrath of god," punishing America for its various moral depravations. Drollinger is a spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump.
Or Ralph Drollinger, who wrote that the coronavirus is the "consequential wrath of god," punishing America for its various moral depravations. Drollinger is a spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump.
Mar 27, 2020: Huffington Post: Amid COVID-19 Spread, Influential D.C. Pastor Says ‘God’s Wrath’ Caused By LGBTQ People
Ralph Drollinger, who leads a Bible study for Trump’s cabinet members, claims homosexuality, environmentalism and atheism are signs of God’s wrath.
Ralph Drollinger, who leads a Bible study for Trump’s cabinet members, claims homosexuality, environmentalism and atheism are signs of God’s wrath.
jerushah duford
Jan 24, 2021: Wyoming Public Media: Evangelical Leaders Condemn 'Radicalized Christian Nationalism'
Signers of the open letter calling out Christian nationalism include Jerushah Duford, a granddaughter of the evangelical preacher, the late Rev. Billy Graham. In an interview with NPR, Duford said she was "heartbroken" by the events of Jan. 6, a feeling she said she experienced throughout the Trump years as she watched many white evangelical leaders align themselves with him.
Signers of the open letter calling out Christian nationalism include Jerushah Duford, a granddaughter of the evangelical preacher, the late Rev. Billy Graham. In an interview with NPR, Duford said she was "heartbroken" by the events of Jan. 6, a feeling she said she experienced throughout the Trump years as she watched many white evangelical leaders align themselves with him.
kristin du mez
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April 7, 2021: Religion News Service: Beth Moore apologizes for her role in elevating ‘complementarian’ theology that limits women leaders
“This whole complementrian ideology is a historical construction,” said Kristin Du Mez, a Calvin University historian and author of “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.” “All the packaging that comes with it — what it means to be a man, what it means to be a woman — that’s a historical and cultural creation, even as it’s packaged and sold as timeless, inerrant and biblical.” |
A scholar of American Christianity presents a seventy-five-year history of evangelicalism that identifies the forces that have turned Donald Trump into a hero of the Religious Right.
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LIGON DUNCAN
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Feb 1, 2023: Madison County Journal: Rep. Ford co-sponsors transgender legislation
Speakers included Dr. Ligon Duncan, CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary, House Speaker Philip Gunn, Meeke Addison of American Family Radio, Matt Sharp of Alliance Defending Freedom, Dr. Mike Artigues, President-Elect of the American College of Pediatricians, Xandra, a de-transitioner, Ford, and Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gibson. Jan 18, 2021: Kentucky Today: Mississippi flag change influenced by SBC resolution Ligon Duncan, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, also issued a statement at Gunn’s request. Apr 1, 2015: Youtube:The Inerrancy Summit - General Session 05 - Ligon Duncan |
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will dyer
Dec 6, 2022: Atlantic Journal Constitution: Some Georgia pastors push back against spread of Christian nationalism
The way the Rev. Will Dyer sees it, if pastors aren’t speaking out against Christian nationalism, then they’re making a huge mistake.
Dyer, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Augusta, has addressed the ideology in his sermons and in private conversations with members, cautioning against the philosophy that some say calls for the blending of religion and government.
His stance cost him about 10 members from his congregation, which has an average Sunday attendance of 1,000.
“It’s something I had to do,” Dyer said of his decision to speak on the issue. “It’s a reality in all of our churches and pulpits.”
The way the Rev. Will Dyer sees it, if pastors aren’t speaking out against Christian nationalism, then they’re making a huge mistake.
Dyer, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Augusta, has addressed the ideology in his sermons and in private conversations with members, cautioning against the philosophy that some say calls for the blending of religion and government.
His stance cost him about 10 members from his congregation, which has an average Sunday attendance of 1,000.
“It’s something I had to do,” Dyer said of his decision to speak on the issue. “It’s a reality in all of our churches and pulpits.”
