D-4 PEOPLE FILES
- Darren Dochuk - David Dockery - Timothy Cardinal Dolan - Shari Dollinger - Bill Donohue - Adam Dooley - Jim Dorman -
==darren Dochuk======
David A Hollinger
We now have a formidable body of scholarship that establishes the depth and extent of these features of the American evangelical tradition, confirming and expanding on Richard Hofstadter’s legendary analysis in his 1964 book, Anti-intellectualism in American Life. This new body of scholarship is the work of a remarkable generation of young historians who have yet to receive the credit they’re due, so I name some of them here: Darren Dochuk, Matthew Sutton, Anthea Butler, Timothy Gloege, Jesse Curtis, Lerone Martin, J. Russell Hawkins, Stephen Young, Daniel Hummel, Daniel Silliman, and—the only one in this cohort to gain wide media recognition--Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the justly famous and marvelously titled, Jesus and John Wayne. Sadly, while the majority of these scholars have written for Religion Dispatches, the conclusions of these bold and creative scholars have been largely ignored in the discussion of religion and politics found in the pages of The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media of comparable reach and influence. --David Hollinger; Religion Dispatches; The Critiques of Evangelical Writers Opposing Christian Nationalism Fail to Recognize Evangelicalism’s Troubling History 6/18/24
How a bucolic Tennessee suburb became a hotbed of ‘Christian Nashville-ism’
Darren Dochuk, a historian at Notre Dame and author of “From Bible Belt to Sunbelt: Plain-Folk Religion, Grassroots Politics, and the Rise of Evangelical Conservatism,” said suburban communities often have the feel of a small town, including a sense of autonomy that is protective of conservative social values and suspicious of the federal government. That kind of conservatism, he said, is often fueled by fear-driven political rhetoric that motivates people to put their money and connections to work to protect what they see as theirs. “They are fiercely driven and outspoken and they have institutions including churches around which they can rally and coordinate,” Dochuk said. Add in assets like social media, and it becomes easier for well-off suburban Christians to turn their anxiety into populist action. He said the influence of the Tea Party — which launched a series of anti-government protests during Barack Obama’s presidency, often in well-off communities like Franklin — has been overlooked in the Trump era. Dochuk said scholars and journalists often overlooked the role that religion played in the Tea Party. “What we see today in Trump America can be explained in no small part through the success of that movement,” he said. “And that movement was again driven not by the deplorables, but by those with something to lose.” (Bob Smietana/Religion News 11/8/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Darren Dochuk, a historian at Notre Dame and author of “From Bible Belt to Sunbelt: Plain-Folk Religion, Grassroots Politics, and the Rise of Evangelical Conservatism,” said suburban communities often have the feel of a small town, including a sense of autonomy that is protective of conservative social values and suspicious of the federal government. That kind of conservatism, he said, is often fueled by fear-driven political rhetoric that motivates people to put their money and connections to work to protect what they see as theirs. “They are fiercely driven and outspoken and they have institutions including churches around which they can rally and coordinate,” Dochuk said. Add in assets like social media, and it becomes easier for well-off suburban Christians to turn their anxiety into populist action. He said the influence of the Tea Party — which launched a series of anti-government protests during Barack Obama’s presidency, often in well-off communities like Franklin — has been overlooked in the Trump era. Dochuk said scholars and journalists often overlooked the role that religion played in the Tea Party. “What we see today in Trump America can be explained in no small part through the success of that movement,” he said. “And that movement was again driven not by the deplorables, but by those with something to lose.” (Bob Smietana/Religion News 11/8/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==jim dorman======
Abigail Kessler
After hearing over three hours of public comment on the topic, Flagstaff City Council approved a resolution supporting abortion access in the city at its meeting Tuesday...........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. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Arizona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
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. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Arizona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
Multigenerational Mix: Christ’s Church of Flagstaff
What’s more, church leaders in recent years prioritized attracting families with children, saying they believe a multigenerational congregation is vital for a healthy, growing church. To that end, they overhauled their children’s ministry staff and began hiring people with a clear passion for mentoring kids, then provided training to help them do their jobs even better. Additionally, the children’s church on the 13-acre campus was remodeled to make it more “welcoming and safe,” church leaders report. “We wanted to make sure families felt comfortable handing over their kids,” explains James Dorman, senior pastor. “And we want our children to wake their parents up and say, ‘We can’t wait to go to church!’” The multigenerational emphasis—called “expanding the church’s DNA” among its pastors—has been a boon. “As we celebrate 30 years,” Dorman says, “we remain young, vibrant and strong.” (Outreach Magazine 12/3/14) Read More>>>>>
What’s more, church leaders in recent years prioritized attracting families with children, saying they believe a multigenerational congregation is vital for a healthy, growing church. To that end, they overhauled their children’s ministry staff and began hiring people with a clear passion for mentoring kids, then provided training to help them do their jobs even better. Additionally, the children’s church on the 13-acre campus was remodeled to make it more “welcoming and safe,” church leaders report. “We wanted to make sure families felt comfortable handing over their kids,” explains James Dorman, senior pastor. “And we want our children to wake their parents up and say, ‘We can’t wait to go to church!’” The multigenerational emphasis—called “expanding the church’s DNA” among its pastors—has been a boon. “As we celebrate 30 years,” Dorman says, “we remain young, vibrant and strong.” (Outreach Magazine 12/3/14) Read More>>>>>
==david dockery======
Barber exhorts Southwestern graduates to go to the harvest
FORT WORTH—Get to work in the harvest, Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber challenged the 301 graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College during spring commencement held May 3 on the Fort Worth campus. The spring 2024 graduating class included students representing 27 states of the U.S. and 22 countries. Seventy-seven of the 301 certificates and diplomas awarded were for non-English degrees and certificates. “This class represents the student body at Southwestern, which is now a multinational, multi-ethnic, intercultural, intergenerational community,” said SWBTS President David S. Dockery, noting the names listed in the commencement program that were representative of “every region of the country and multiple nations around the world, and we celebrate God’s goodness in bringing them here.” (Southern Baptist Texas 5/14/24) Read More>>>>>
FORT WORTH—Get to work in the harvest, Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber challenged the 301 graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College during spring commencement held May 3 on the Fort Worth campus. The spring 2024 graduating class included students representing 27 states of the U.S. and 22 countries. Seventy-seven of the 301 certificates and diplomas awarded were for non-English degrees and certificates. “This class represents the student body at Southwestern, which is now a multinational, multi-ethnic, intercultural, intergenerational community,” said SWBTS President David S. Dockery, noting the names listed in the commencement program that were representative of “every region of the country and multiple nations around the world, and we celebrate God’s goodness in bringing them here.” (Southern Baptist Texas 5/14/24) Read More>>>>>
April 18, 2023: Baptist Press: SBC leaders, former presidents react to death of Charles Stanley
“Charles Stanley was an exemplary preacher and teacher of God’s Word. We are indeed grateful for the influence of his faithful ministry, which extended around the globe. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate the significant life and legacy of this Southwesterner, even as we give thanks for the hope of the resurrection.”--David S. Dockery, interim president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Charles Stanley was an exemplary preacher and teacher of God’s Word. We are indeed grateful for the influence of his faithful ministry, which extended around the globe. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate the significant life and legacy of this Southwesterner, even as we give thanks for the hope of the resurrection.”--David S. Dockery, interim president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
==timothy cardinal dolan======
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Christians across New York City mark Holy Thursday
Christians all over the world marked Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Archbishop of New York Timothy Cardinal Dolan blessed cases of free food and the New Yorkers receiving it.
"It's a day, for me, to celebrate the fact that the teaching and work of Jesus continues," Dolan said. "This is a time to kind of affirm and celebrate the great works of charity, assistance, community involvement."
(CBS News 4/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Christians all over the world marked Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Archbishop of New York Timothy Cardinal Dolan blessed cases of free food and the New Yorkers receiving it.
"It's a day, for me, to celebrate the fact that the teaching and work of Jesus continues," Dolan said. "This is a time to kind of affirm and celebrate the great works of charity, assistance, community involvement."
(CBS News 4/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==shari dollinger======
A sizeable US demographic, many Evangelicals are sending money and manpower to IsraelThe images are part of Don’t Look Away, a campaign launched by Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Over a month into the Israel-Hamas war, American Evangelicals are providing moral and material support to Israel, hosting fundraisers and poster campaigns, and sending volunteers and supplies. With more than 100 million Evangelicals in the United States, it is a deep well from which to draw.“ While things are bleak on the college campuses and in some places in the country, it’s not representative of mainstream America. We have 10 million members. So many people want to help in a physical way to give Israel and Jewish people some sense that you are not alone,” CUFI’s co-executive director Shari Dollinger told The Times of Israel (Cathryn J Prince/The Times of Israel 11/12/23) Read More>>>>>
==bill donohue======
Bill Donohue: Oscar For Religiophobia Wanted
Rob Reiner, more commonly known as “Meathead,” released a movie last month that demonstrates the pervasiveness of religiophobia in Hollywood. “God and Country” is about an alleged threat to American democracy posed by so-called Christian nationalists. The Meathead would have the audience believe that we are on the verge of a theocratic takeover, though few outside of Hollywood and other secular subcultures pay any attention to this fable. The film is based on the work of Katherine Stewart, an author who harbors a deep phobia about Christianity. In 2021, she cited as evidence that Christian nationalists are “running the country” a quip by President Trump. He mentioned that the Covid crisis would wane by Easter. Because he didn’t say by “mid-April”—but instead dropped the nefarious “E-word”—this was all the proof this sage needed to declare this a Christian nationalist moment. I’m not making this up. The Hollywood Reporter was so exercised by the movie that it said that Christian nationalism “bears an unfortunate similarity to the rise of Nazi Germany.” Thus does this noted publication trivialize what happened to Jews under Hitler. Shameless is too kind a word to describe this characterization. As for the Meathead, he says Christian nationalism is out to make us a Christian nation, something the Founders rejected. It is true that the Founders did not want the establishment of a Christian nation, but it is also true that they recognized, and indeed applauded, the founding of a Christian-inspired nation. That is why there are four references to God in the Declaration of Independence. Here’s the good news. “God and Country” is a bomb. It took in a whopping $38,415 in its first weekend—over four-days—playing in 85 theaters. As one movie critic put it, this means it averaged $451 per theater, a stunning achievement, even for the Meathead. Time for Hollywood to award an Oscar for Best Performance for Religiophobia. Call it reparations to the faithful, especially Christians.
--Bill Donohue; President of Catholic League; Oscar For Religiophobia Wanted 3/8/24
Rob Reiner, more commonly known as “Meathead,” released a movie last month that demonstrates the pervasiveness of religiophobia in Hollywood. “God and Country” is about an alleged threat to American democracy posed by so-called Christian nationalists. The Meathead would have the audience believe that we are on the verge of a theocratic takeover, though few outside of Hollywood and other secular subcultures pay any attention to this fable. The film is based on the work of Katherine Stewart, an author who harbors a deep phobia about Christianity. In 2021, she cited as evidence that Christian nationalists are “running the country” a quip by President Trump. He mentioned that the Covid crisis would wane by Easter. Because he didn’t say by “mid-April”—but instead dropped the nefarious “E-word”—this was all the proof this sage needed to declare this a Christian nationalist moment. I’m not making this up. The Hollywood Reporter was so exercised by the movie that it said that Christian nationalism “bears an unfortunate similarity to the rise of Nazi Germany.” Thus does this noted publication trivialize what happened to Jews under Hitler. Shameless is too kind a word to describe this characterization. As for the Meathead, he says Christian nationalism is out to make us a Christian nation, something the Founders rejected. It is true that the Founders did not want the establishment of a Christian nation, but it is also true that they recognized, and indeed applauded, the founding of a Christian-inspired nation. That is why there are four references to God in the Declaration of Independence. Here’s the good news. “God and Country” is a bomb. It took in a whopping $38,415 in its first weekend—over four-days—playing in 85 theaters. As one movie critic put it, this means it averaged $451 per theater, a stunning achievement, even for the Meathead. Time for Hollywood to award an Oscar for Best Performance for Religiophobia. Call it reparations to the faithful, especially Christians.
--Bill Donohue; President of Catholic League; Oscar For Religiophobia Wanted 3/8/24
==adam dooley======
Adam Dooley
....we are to pray with commitment. The purpose of prayer is NOT to get our will done in heaven, but God’s will done on earth. Restricting the substance of our petitions to the will of God is key to receiving the answer we seek. Again, John reassures us, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).” By surrendering our desires to God’s design, we emulate the spirit of Jesus in Gethsemane as He prayed, “Not my will, but thy will be done (Matt. 26:39).”
But how can we discern God’s will in order to pray it? We know that God is willing to fill us with the knowledge of His will (Col. 1:9), but how does He do it? Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit are the only trustworthy guides. God will not answer any prayer that contradicts His word or justifies sinful behavior (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible lays down guidelines (some explicit and some implicit) for us to live by, and the Spirit of God reveals specific direction within those parameters. Those who have a submissive heart fully committed to God’s preference for their lives can pray knowing that God will always answer. E. Stanley Jones explained, “Prayer is surrender — surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. If I throw out a boat hook from a boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.”
--Adam Dooley; Kentucky Today; DOOLEY NOTED: The gift that we refuse 9.19.23
But how can we discern God’s will in order to pray it? We know that God is willing to fill us with the knowledge of His will (Col. 1:9), but how does He do it? Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit are the only trustworthy guides. God will not answer any prayer that contradicts His word or justifies sinful behavior (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible lays down guidelines (some explicit and some implicit) for us to live by, and the Spirit of God reveals specific direction within those parameters. Those who have a submissive heart fully committed to God’s preference for their lives can pray knowing that God will always answer. E. Stanley Jones explained, “Prayer is surrender — surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. If I throw out a boat hook from a boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.”
--Adam Dooley; Kentucky Today; DOOLEY NOTED: The gift that we refuse 9.19.23
