L-5 PEOPLE FILE
- David Livingston - Loran Livingston - Jim Lo - Jesse Lomax - Sally Lloyd-Jones - Juston Lomas - Thomas G Long - Dwight Longenecker - Shayne Looper - Frank Lopez - Randy Loubier - Jeffrey Lowder - John Lowe II - Keith Loy - Scot Loyd - Tim Lucas -
==david livingston======
Trump isn't the real threat to democracy. Christian nationalism is
This year, Rep. David Livingston, who serves as chairman of Arizona NACL, along with 34 other lawmakers, sponsored SB 1600, which would criminalize an abortion clinic, hospital or medical practitioner who fails to “take all medically appropriate and reasonable actions to preserve the life and health of the infant who is born alive,” regardless the newborn’s likelihood of survival. They pushed book, transgender sports bans. In 2022, lawmakers passed SB 1164, last year’s variation of NACL’s model Heartbeat Bill, that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.
(Herb Paine/AzCentral 12/26/23) READ MORE>>>>>
This year, Rep. David Livingston, who serves as chairman of Arizona NACL, along with 34 other lawmakers, sponsored SB 1600, which would criminalize an abortion clinic, hospital or medical practitioner who fails to “take all medically appropriate and reasonable actions to preserve the life and health of the infant who is born alive,” regardless the newborn’s likelihood of survival. They pushed book, transgender sports bans. In 2022, lawmakers passed SB 1164, last year’s variation of NACL’s model Heartbeat Bill, that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.
(Herb Paine/AzCentral 12/26/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==loran livingston=====
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>>>>>
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>>>>>
==jim lo======
Feb 24, 2023: CBN: Revival Spreads to Texas A&M, Indiana Wesleyan and LSU: 'It's Not Religion. It's Just Meeting JESUS'
Jim Lo, a professor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in Maron, Indiana, wrote in a Facebook post that "God is doing a work at IWU" as well.
"I've been at IWU since 3am. As I sit in the chapel-auditorium, involved in reflective prayer, the words of Robert Coleman comes to mind. 'Anytime you see a revival, you can be sure it started with prayer'," Lo wrote.
"God is doing a work at IWU. It may not have the proportions of what is happening at Asbury, but students are responding to the touch of the Spirit," he noted.
Jim Lo, a professor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in Maron, Indiana, wrote in a Facebook post that "God is doing a work at IWU" as well.
"I've been at IWU since 3am. As I sit in the chapel-auditorium, involved in reflective prayer, the words of Robert Coleman comes to mind. 'Anytime you see a revival, you can be sure it started with prayer'," Lo wrote.
"God is doing a work at IWU. It may not have the proportions of what is happening at Asbury, but students are responding to the touch of the Spirit," he noted.
==sally lloyd-jones======
Dec 7, 2013: Huffington Post: Sally Lloyd-Jones, 'Jesus Storybook Bible' Author, Sells Over 1,000,000 Books
“People often ask me, ‘What’s your theological training?’” said Lloyd-Jones, who reads works by John Stott and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and attends Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. “I’ve been at ‘Tim Keller university.’ I had been hearing how Jesus is in every story for several years.” Keller wrote the forward to her 2012 book, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing,” and his wife, Kathy Keller, said she gives “The Jesus Storybook Bible” to everyone from university presidents to car salesmen because anyone can understand it.
“People often ask me, ‘What’s your theological training?’” said Lloyd-Jones, who reads works by John Stott and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and attends Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. “I’ve been at ‘Tim Keller university.’ I had been hearing how Jesus is in every story for several years.” Keller wrote the forward to her 2012 book, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing,” and his wife, Kathy Keller, said she gives “The Jesus Storybook Bible” to everyone from university presidents to car salesmen because anyone can understand it.
==justin lomas======
Justin Lonas
Ultimately, Jesus’s special concern for the poor shows their role in the bigger story God is telling. Back in Isaiah 61, we see he’s in the business of turning the world’s categories on their heads. To his believing people who are poor and oppressed, he promises: to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD,
that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (Isa. 61:3–4) Those on the
bottom of the present system are precisely the ones God will use to rebuild what humanity’s sin has ruined. The glories of his upside-down kingdom demonstrate his sovereignty over all. And “the year of the LORD’s favor” that Jesus references? It’s the year of jubilee, when the inequities between his rich and poor people are leveled, and every believer is given a fresh start so that those who have become poor “can continue to live with you” (Lev. 25:35, 36). The God who has always made it his purpose to dwell among his people, and who is coming again to make all things new (Rev. 21:5), desires that both rich and poor dwell together now as a symbol of this promise. In a church that seeks to live this promise out, Agur’s prayer is answered, and Paul’s contentment is fulfilled. --Justin Lomas; Does God Prefer Us to Be Rich or Poor? 5.28.19
that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (Isa. 61:3–4) Those on the
bottom of the present system are precisely the ones God will use to rebuild what humanity’s sin has ruined. The glories of his upside-down kingdom demonstrate his sovereignty over all. And “the year of the LORD’s favor” that Jesus references? It’s the year of jubilee, when the inequities between his rich and poor people are leveled, and every believer is given a fresh start so that those who have become poor “can continue to live with you” (Lev. 25:35, 36). The God who has always made it his purpose to dwell among his people, and who is coming again to make all things new (Rev. 21:5), desires that both rich and poor dwell together now as a symbol of this promise. In a church that seeks to live this promise out, Agur’s prayer is answered, and Paul’s contentment is fulfilled. --Justin Lomas; Does God Prefer Us to Be Rich or Poor? 5.28.19
Justin Lonas
God brings good news to his burdened people as surely as he brings sunshine after rain.
So Joseph’s painful imprisonment gives way to an appointment as prime minister. Job’s misery simmers for thirty-some chapters, then breaks forth into a new family and fortune. The Baptist’s beheading transfers him from prison to paradise. And the bad news of Good Friday entombs the Son of God, only to have the stone roll away on Easter morning. Jesus himself was cast down dead in the dirt like a grain of wheat — and the world still cannot restrain the fruit from that death (John 12:24). Our good-news God gives “a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:3).
It’s not that the ashes, mourning, and faint spirit aren’t real. They are — as real as Jesus’s tomb. But like the tomb, they’re also temporary. You may lie battered in a tomb of bad news for three days, or for a stretch of miserable months, or even for many sorrowful years. But Sunday is always coming, and God will exchange your death for resurrection.
So Joseph’s painful imprisonment gives way to an appointment as prime minister. Job’s misery simmers for thirty-some chapters, then breaks forth into a new family and fortune. The Baptist’s beheading transfers him from prison to paradise. And the bad news of Good Friday entombs the Son of God, only to have the stone roll away on Easter morning. Jesus himself was cast down dead in the dirt like a grain of wheat — and the world still cannot restrain the fruit from that death (John 12:24). Our good-news God gives “a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:3).
It’s not that the ashes, mourning, and faint spirit aren’t real. They are — as real as Jesus’s tomb. But like the tomb, they’re also temporary. You may lie battered in a tomb of bad news for three days, or for a stretch of miserable months, or even for many sorrowful years. But Sunday is always coming, and God will exchange your death for resurrection.
==jesse lomax======
Grapeland Church Sends Water to Help Struggling Jackson, Mississippi
On Monday, Deacon Jesse Lomax and Pastor’s Aide Sandra Walker were busy working at the back entrance of the church as people came and went bringing cases of bottled water and donations for the cause. “I reached out to some local pastors and churches and the local community,” Hill said. “We spoke with Brother Bradshaw in Crockett on the radio on Sunday. We want to make this water effort a big success.” (Messenger 9/14/22)
READ MORE>>>>>
On Monday, Deacon Jesse Lomax and Pastor’s Aide Sandra Walker were busy working at the back entrance of the church as people came and went bringing cases of bottled water and donations for the cause. “I reached out to some local pastors and churches and the local community,” Hill said. “We spoke with Brother Bradshaw in Crockett on the radio on Sunday. We want to make this water effort a big success.” (Messenger 9/14/22)
READ MORE>>>>>
==thomas g long======
May 2, 2018: Christianity Today: Tim Keller, John Piper, and Andy Stanley Among the 12 ‘Most Effective’ Preachers
Thomas G. Long, professor emeritus of preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Long described his preaching process in a 1991 CT Pastors interview, urging pastors to stick to “one-point sermons” and admitting his own critical eye towards his preaching: “I think serious preachers, preachers who give themselves to this task, need to learn how to forgive themselves for not producing masterpieces every week.”
Thomas G. Long, professor emeritus of preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Long described his preaching process in a 1991 CT Pastors interview, urging pastors to stick to “one-point sermons” and admitting his own critical eye towards his preaching: “I think serious preachers, preachers who give themselves to this task, need to learn how to forgive themselves for not producing masterpieces every week.”
==frank lopez======
Jan 23, 2023: New Republic: The Rise of Spirit Warriors on the Christian Right
In heavily Latino Miami-Dade County—the largest county in what was once considered the biggest “swing state” in the nation—President Joe Biden won only 53 percent of the vote, compared with the 63 percent share won by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the 62 percent share won by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Pastor Frank Lopez, who heads the Jesus Worship Center, a Miami-based church with two campuses that is allied with KCIA, “an alliance of apostles and prophets,” has characterized Biden as “an ignorant leader with a destructive agenda” who is “rebelling against God.” Lopez is hardly a voice in the wilderness; he hosts prominent Latin American conservatives on his YouTube show and serves on the board of directors of the Asociación de Ministros Hispanos del Sur de la Florida, a Miami-based association of pastors that has collaborated with Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition.
In heavily Latino Miami-Dade County—the largest county in what was once considered the biggest “swing state” in the nation—President Joe Biden won only 53 percent of the vote, compared with the 63 percent share won by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the 62 percent share won by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Pastor Frank Lopez, who heads the Jesus Worship Center, a Miami-based church with two campuses that is allied with KCIA, “an alliance of apostles and prophets,” has characterized Biden as “an ignorant leader with a destructive agenda” who is “rebelling against God.” Lopez is hardly a voice in the wilderness; he hosts prominent Latin American conservatives on his YouTube show and serves on the board of directors of the Asociación de Ministros Hispanos del Sur de la Florida, a Miami-based association of pastors that has collaborated with Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition.
==Fr Dwight Longenecker====== |
Fr. Dwight Longenecker was brought up as an Evangelical, studied at fundamentalist Bob Jones University, and later was ordained an Anglican priest in England. After ten years in the Anglican ministry as a curate, a chaplain at Cambridge, and a country parson, he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1995. He is the author of more than twenty books on apologetics and Catholic faith and culture and has published hundreds of articles on websites, in magazines, and in newspapers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States
Fr Dwight Longenecker Files
There’s the line in The Death of a Salesman where Willy Loman’s wife Linda says, “Life is a casting off.” I love that line.
Life means casting off and leaving everything behind, not clinging to everything. That stands things on their head– yes?
We do the opposite we cling to our children, cling to our spouses, cling to our houses, cling to our status, cling to our possessions, cling to our security, cling to our friends, cling to all these things.
But life is a casting off.
It is also a casting off as in casting off from the shore. Casting off from the dock. We’re on the long voyage home, across the Western Seas until we meet the dawn and wade in the warm shallows to the real Narnia.
Do you have to cast off even from your family? ‘Fraid so. I remember talking to my dying father who said, “I have tried to show how to live for Christ. Now I want to show how to die in Christ.” He was casting off.
What about families here and now? I sometimes think this verse has a bearing on the difficult decisions we face when family members and friends depart from the way of following Christ.
What do you do when a family member divorces, remarries, goes down the path of an addiction or in some other way behaves in a way that is intolerable? If they are repentant and want to return they are always welcome, but if they persist in a life that is contrary to the gospel and their choices threaten your own walk with Christ and the example and witness and purity of your family then to be Christ’s disciple you may have to “hate your father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children” to be his disciple.
It’s a tough one, but sometimes you have to simply walk away–not because you condemn anyone, but because you are simply walking on a different path to a different destination. It’s not so much that you hate them, but that you love Christ more.
This choice has been made countless times by countless disciples down through the ages. It was made by any young man or woman entering the religious life. It was made by countless missionaries who went abroad never to be seen again by their families. It was made by many who sought to follow Christ when they converted to the fullness of the faith in the Catholic Church. It’s there in the True Grit version of the gospel. If we ignore it our expectations will be skewed and when the separation is demanded we will be resentful and perhaps disobedient. If we realize that demand is there we may face such separations with a bit more fortitude, faith and resilience.
My friend asked that I pray that she not break down and cry uncontrollably when the baby sister went inside to become a bigger sister.
I advised that she cry her eyes out, for that was the healthy response, and after that to dry her tears and thank God for the great graces that will be unfolded as her sister’s life is yielded to that Divine Mercy which is at once tender and severe. - Fr. Dwight Longenecker; Life is a Casting Off; 11.12.18
Life means casting off and leaving everything behind, not clinging to everything. That stands things on their head– yes?
We do the opposite we cling to our children, cling to our spouses, cling to our houses, cling to our status, cling to our possessions, cling to our security, cling to our friends, cling to all these things.
But life is a casting off.
It is also a casting off as in casting off from the shore. Casting off from the dock. We’re on the long voyage home, across the Western Seas until we meet the dawn and wade in the warm shallows to the real Narnia.
Do you have to cast off even from your family? ‘Fraid so. I remember talking to my dying father who said, “I have tried to show how to live for Christ. Now I want to show how to die in Christ.” He was casting off.
What about families here and now? I sometimes think this verse has a bearing on the difficult decisions we face when family members and friends depart from the way of following Christ.
What do you do when a family member divorces, remarries, goes down the path of an addiction or in some other way behaves in a way that is intolerable? If they are repentant and want to return they are always welcome, but if they persist in a life that is contrary to the gospel and their choices threaten your own walk with Christ and the example and witness and purity of your family then to be Christ’s disciple you may have to “hate your father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children” to be his disciple.
It’s a tough one, but sometimes you have to simply walk away–not because you condemn anyone, but because you are simply walking on a different path to a different destination. It’s not so much that you hate them, but that you love Christ more.
This choice has been made countless times by countless disciples down through the ages. It was made by any young man or woman entering the religious life. It was made by countless missionaries who went abroad never to be seen again by their families. It was made by many who sought to follow Christ when they converted to the fullness of the faith in the Catholic Church. It’s there in the True Grit version of the gospel. If we ignore it our expectations will be skewed and when the separation is demanded we will be resentful and perhaps disobedient. If we realize that demand is there we may face such separations with a bit more fortitude, faith and resilience.
My friend asked that I pray that she not break down and cry uncontrollably when the baby sister went inside to become a bigger sister.
I advised that she cry her eyes out, for that was the healthy response, and after that to dry her tears and thank God for the great graces that will be unfolded as her sister’s life is yielded to that Divine Mercy which is at once tender and severe. - Fr. Dwight Longenecker; Life is a Casting Off; 11.12.18
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shayne looper
Shayne Looper
St. Paul would call the gospel of Christian Nationalism “a different gospel.” It proclaims the present realization of the kingdom of God through political might. America, rather than the Church of Jesus Christ, is the proverbial city on a hill. Legislation takes the place of God’s Spirit in conforming people to the image of Christ — whether they want to be conformed or not. In the gospel of Christian Nationalism, it is the blood of our men and women in uniform that saves us, not the blood of the Lamb. What strength does a Lamb have compared to a Navy Seal? Christian Nationalism’s saints are soldiers. To honor soldiers is a good thing. To dishonor Christ, through neglect and inattention, is not. Christians give more than lip service to Christ. They give him their highest loyalty. The problem, once again, is not that Christians want to shape society by legislation. That is their right and, in some cases, their responsibility. The problem is not even that some secularists want to silence Christians in the public square. Let them try. The problem is that Christians themselves are silent about Christ. They would rather talk about politics than about Jesus. They display more confidence in the power of the president than in the power of God. They have been seduced by a different gospel. That may be nationalism, but it is not Christian. Christians put Christ first.
--Shayne Looper; Christian Nationalism a seduction of a different gospel 12/15/23
--Shayne Looper; Christian Nationalism a seduction of a different gospel 12/15/23
randy loubier
|
Apr 13, 2022: Jerusalem Post: Army of evangelists aims to turn spiritual tide in New Hampshire
To better understand how the Evangelical community is addressing the issue in New Hampshire and the surrounding area, The Jerusalem Post spoke with Pastor Randy Loubier of Chestnut Hill Chapel in New Boston, New Hampshire. Along with his role at Chestnut Hill Chapel, Loubier is a best-selling author and the founder of 603 Witness, a movement that aims to rally New Hampshire evangelists. The mission is to raise, train and then deploy a new "army of evangelists" into churches throughout the state, he explained. |
“Many have tried to find characteristics in our culture that would explain it, but without success,” Loubier said. “New Hampshire people are not much different than the average person in the US. The Bible says we don’t battle against flesh and blood. Truly, the only valid explanation for New Hampshire being last in the nation is spiritual. The battle in the heavenlies touched down in New Hampshire a long time ago and has settled here.” 4.13.23 |
jeffrey jay lowder
Jeffery Jay Lowder is President Emeritus of Internet Infidels, Inc., which he co-founded in 1995. He is also co-editor of the book, The Empty Tomb: Jesus Beyond the Grave.
Response to Jeffrey Jay Lowder on God and Consciousness
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available. Lowder looks at objections to his argument, such as the following:
(Jonathan Garner/Philosophy of Religion Blog 9/17/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available. Lowder looks at objections to his argument, such as the following:
(Jonathan Garner/Philosophy of Religion Blog 9/17/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
john lowe ii
Mar 12, 2023: Daily Mail: When good pastors go bad: From disgraced Carl Lentz's multiple affairs in Hillsong scandal to NYC's 'bling bishop', these are the biggest falls from grace
Pastor John Lowe II stepped down from the New Life Christian Church in Indiana in May 2022 after admitting in front of his entire congregation that he had an affair with a 16-year-old girl.
In a shocking moment, the pastor was confronted on stage by Bobi Gephart, a 43-year-old woman who came forward with a microphone to tell their church in Warsaw, Indiana, how he'd groomed her as a teen, starting when she was 16 - the legal age of consent in the state.
Pastor Lowe II had told the church that he 'sinned' 20 years ago by committing adultery, without mentioning how old the woman or girl was at the time. He begged for the church's forgiveness, then received a standing ovation.
Bobi then stormed towards the stage with her husband, Nate, to say it 'was not just adultery' because she was so young at the time.
She said to Lowe: 'I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do.
'You did things to to my teenage body that should have never been done. If you can't admit the truth, you have to answer to God. You are not the victim here.'
Her husband then presented a pearl necklace that his wife had been given by the church and a 'purity ring' that he said the pastor gave her during their affair.
Lowe has stepped down from the church and been scrubbed from its website.
Pastor John Lowe II stepped down from the New Life Christian Church in Indiana in May 2022 after admitting in front of his entire congregation that he had an affair with a 16-year-old girl.
In a shocking moment, the pastor was confronted on stage by Bobi Gephart, a 43-year-old woman who came forward with a microphone to tell their church in Warsaw, Indiana, how he'd groomed her as a teen, starting when she was 16 - the legal age of consent in the state.
Pastor Lowe II had told the church that he 'sinned' 20 years ago by committing adultery, without mentioning how old the woman or girl was at the time. He begged for the church's forgiveness, then received a standing ovation.
Bobi then stormed towards the stage with her husband, Nate, to say it 'was not just adultery' because she was so young at the time.
She said to Lowe: 'I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do.
'You did things to to my teenage body that should have never been done. If you can't admit the truth, you have to answer to God. You are not the victim here.'
Her husband then presented a pearl necklace that his wife had been given by the church and a 'purity ring' that he said the pastor gave her during their affair.
Lowe has stepped down from the church and been scrubbed from its website.
==keith loy======
Feb 16, 2023A: Argus Leader: Christian film 'Jesus Revolution' to debut in Sioux Falls with Celebrate Church connection
The Sioux Falls debut arose from Celebrate Community Church Pastor Keith Loy's relationships with several people within the Christian film industry.
“Opportunities like this create interest and awareness for faith-based movies, which empowers producers to write and fund more Christian films," Loy said in a statement. "Those movies are leading to a cultural shift in the industry and giving families new entertainment options."
The Sioux Falls debut arose from Celebrate Community Church Pastor Keith Loy's relationships with several people within the Christian film industry.
“Opportunities like this create interest and awareness for faith-based movies, which empowers producers to write and fund more Christian films," Loy said in a statement. "Those movies are leading to a cultural shift in the industry and giving families new entertainment options."
==scot loyd======
Scot Loyd
Donald Trump once famously claimed that even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York City, his supporters wouldn’t abandon him. A recent survey by CBS News suggests he might be right. The survey, conducted during the week of August 16th, 2023, focused on people likely to vote for Trump in the Republican Presidential Primaries. It found that these voters trust Trump’s words more than other sources like conservative media, religious leaders, or even their own friends and family. This strong support for Trump doesn’t surprise me anymore, but it still disappoints me that many American evangelicals continue to back him in his third run for the Presidency.
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics. --Scot Loyd; Faith On View; Challenging the influence of Trump and Tuberville with the love of Christ 8.29.23
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics. --Scot Loyd; Faith On View; Challenging the influence of Trump and Tuberville with the love of Christ 8.29.23
==tim lucas======
July 14, 2023: NPR: Megachurches are getting even bigger as churches close across the country
Church barbecues, pizza and movie nights are all part of the mix. On Sundays, "it's loud. ... it's casual. People can wear flip-flops and drink coffee," says Pastor Tim Lucas, who founded Liquid Church in 2007.
"We're at the gates of Manhattan," he says. "People can go in and see Hamilton or Billy Joel at [Madison Square] Garden. We're not competing with the world. What we are trying to do is ... put the timeless message of Jesus into new wineskins."
Church barbecues, pizza and movie nights are all part of the mix. On Sundays, "it's loud. ... it's casual. People can wear flip-flops and drink coffee," says Pastor Tim Lucas, who founded Liquid Church in 2007.
"We're at the gates of Manhattan," he says. "People can go in and see Hamilton or Billy Joel at [Madison Square] Garden. We're not competing with the world. What we are trying to do is ... put the timeless message of Jesus into new wineskins."
