V-2 PEOPLE FILES
- Carlo Vigano - Rich Villodas - Conrad Vine - Matthew Vines - Samantha Vincent-Alexander - Frank Viola - Phil Vischer - Ryan Visconti - Edward Vitagliano - Russ Vought - Jinger Duggar Vuolo -
==carlo vigano======
Over 12K Sign Christian Petition Condemning 'False Prophet' Mike Johnson
In response to Mike Johnson recently becoming the new House speaker, over 12,000 people have signed a Christian petition condemning the congressman as a "false prophet" among other Republican Party members.
Faithful America, an online Christian group that supports social justice causes, released their second-annual "False Prophets Don't Speak for Me" campaign featuring a list of top Christian-nationalist leaders in both church and politics along with a petition on Tuesday. The list, which in addition to Johnson, identifies former President Donald Trump, pastor Mark Burns, self-proclaimed prophet affiliated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) Julie Green, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, conservative activist and radio talk show host Charlie Kirk, pastor Jackson Lahmeyer, Texas' Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Archbishop Carlo Viganò, self-proclaimed prophet affiliated with NAR Lance Wallnau, and co-founder of Moms for Liberty and school board chair in Sarasota, Florida, Bridget Ziegler as "false prophets."
(Natalie Venegas/Newsweek 11/4/23) Read More>>>>>
In response to Mike Johnson recently becoming the new House speaker, over 12,000 people have signed a Christian petition condemning the congressman as a "false prophet" among other Republican Party members.
Faithful America, an online Christian group that supports social justice causes, released their second-annual "False Prophets Don't Speak for Me" campaign featuring a list of top Christian-nationalist leaders in both church and politics along with a petition on Tuesday. The list, which in addition to Johnson, identifies former President Donald Trump, pastor Mark Burns, self-proclaimed prophet affiliated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) Julie Green, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, conservative activist and radio talk show host Charlie Kirk, pastor Jackson Lahmeyer, Texas' Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Archbishop Carlo Viganò, self-proclaimed prophet affiliated with NAR Lance Wallnau, and co-founder of Moms for Liberty and school board chair in Sarasota, Florida, Bridget Ziegler as "false prophets."
(Natalie Venegas/Newsweek 11/4/23) Read More>>>>>
==rich villodas============
Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related matters, and the art of preaching. His first book was entitled "The Deeply Formed Life."
Tom Ascol, Sam Rainer, and Willy Rice Among FL Pastors Bracing for Hurricane Milton
Pastor Rich Villodas, who leads New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York, posted a photo of people helping his parents in Tampa. “My parents’ neighbors are helping them board up their home in Tampa,” he said. “Grateful for good neighbors. Keep the west coast of Florida in your prayers.”
(Church Leaders 10/9/24) READMORE>>>>>
Pastor Rich Villodas, who leads New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York, posted a photo of people helping his parents in Tampa. “My parents’ neighbors are helping them board up their home in Tampa,” he said. “Grateful for good neighbors. Keep the west coast of Florida in your prayers.”
(Church Leaders 10/9/24) READMORE>>>>>
Rich Villodas and ‘The Narrow Way
On this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes his friend, the pastor and author Rich Villodas. The two discuss Villodas’ new book, The Narrow Path, which focuses on the Matthew text. Villodas and Cuss discuss false needs, the longing for the good life, and what it means that God only dwells in reality.
(Christianity Today 8/26/24 READ MORE>>>>>
On this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss welcomes his friend, the pastor and author Rich Villodas. The two discuss Villodas’ new book, The Narrow Path, which focuses on the Matthew text. Villodas and Cuss discuss false needs, the longing for the good life, and what it means that God only dwells in reality.
(Christianity Today 8/26/24 READ MORE>>>>>
May 5, 2023: Christian Post: Arizona megachurch Pastor Joshua Butler resigns amid controversy over book’s hyper-spiritualization of sex
Prominent pastors also urged The Gospel Coalition to remove the article and issue an apology, including former Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren and Kevin DeYoung. Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York, issued a statement retracting his initial endorsement of the book.
Prominent pastors also urged The Gospel Coalition to remove the article and issue an apology, including former Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren and Kevin DeYoung. Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York, issued a statement retracting his initial endorsement of the book.
March 4, 2023: Christian Post: The Gospel Coalition takes down 'Sex Won't Save You' article; Rick Warren calls for apology
Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York, issued a statement retracting his initial endorsement of Beautiful Union and said Butler’s “exegesis of Ephesians 5 is not just problematic, it’s dangerous. … I was wrong to write an endorsement for something I didn’t fully read."
Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York, issued a statement retracting his initial endorsement of Beautiful Union and said Butler’s “exegesis of Ephesians 5 is not just problematic, it’s dangerous. … I was wrong to write an endorsement for something I didn’t fully read."
==samantha vincent-alexander======
Two Historic Philadelphia Churches Offer Lessons for an America Divided Today and in Its Infancy
Christ Church’s current senior pastor is the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander, the first woman to serve as rector in its more than 300-year history. “The idea of what do we do in this political environment right now and how do we deal with that is an incredible challenge,” she says. “Most of our congregations are not a unified voting bloc. They represent different people much like at the time of the American revolution.” “We had people who were loyalists and people who supported independence, and the clergy at the time had to find a way to keep the congregation together.” (Christian Post 10/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Christ Church’s current senior pastor is the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander, the first woman to serve as rector in its more than 300-year history. “The idea of what do we do in this political environment right now and how do we deal with that is an incredible challenge,” she says. “Most of our congregations are not a unified voting bloc. They represent different people much like at the time of the American revolution.” “We had people who were loyalists and people who supported independence, and the clergy at the time had to find a way to keep the congregation together.” (Christian Post 10/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==conrad vine===========
Conrad Vine was Born into a pastoral family, Elder Conrad Vine grew up with his twin brother and two sisters in homes across the UK. After graduating with a business management degree (1995), he served in the UK public healthcare system before God led him to ADRA (1996). Initially serving in Azerbaijan, Elder Vine served with ADRA through 2002 in a variety of roles worldwide. Following seminary training at Newbold College (2002-2004), he and Luda began their pastoral ministry in London, UK. After a stint in the Middle East Union, they served in the pastoral ministry for 4 years in Minnesota following which Elder Vine answered the call to serve as President of Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM). Elder Vine is an ordained minister of the Gospel in the SDA Church. Conrad and Luda were married in December 1999, and regard their marriage as a personal blessing from a loving Heavenly Father.
A Brief Critique of Conrad Vine’s “Wycliffe, Luther, and Today”
About a month ago, Conrad Vine, president of Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM), was banned from Michigan Conference pulpits. In a public statement, the conference cited his promoting a parachurch organization and advocacy for withholding tithe, both of which “undermine the unity and integrity” of the Adventist Church, the conference said....The core issue with Vine’s presentation lies in his misinterpretation of historical events and figures. Wycliffe and Luther were engaged in profound theological disputes that reshaped the religious landscape of Europe. Their challenges were against doctrinal corruption, the sale of indulgences, and the authority of the papacy over scripture—not against public health initiatives.
(Spectrum Magazine 10/15/24 ) READMORE>>>>>
About a month ago, Conrad Vine, president of Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM), was banned from Michigan Conference pulpits. In a public statement, the conference cited his promoting a parachurch organization and advocacy for withholding tithe, both of which “undermine the unity and integrity” of the Adventist Church, the conference said....The core issue with Vine’s presentation lies in his misinterpretation of historical events and figures. Wycliffe and Luther were engaged in profound theological disputes that reshaped the religious landscape of Europe. Their challenges were against doctrinal corruption, the sale of indulgences, and the authority of the papacy over scripture—not against public health initiatives.
(Spectrum Magazine 10/15/24 ) READMORE>>>>>
==matthew vines======
To queer or not to queer, that is the question
When it comes to debating LGBTQ inclusion in the church, most folks think the debate is only about whether gays and lesbians can be Christians and whether they and their B, T and Q cohorts should be allowed full participation in the church.But that’s only the beginning. Inside the world of affirming Christians lies another big debate — actually, several debates — about where and if to draw any lines. Two of the most prominent views on the bigger debate are articulated by two gay men who have come out of evangelical Christianity: Matthew Vines and Brandan Robertson. (Baptist News Global 3/5/24) READMORE>>>>>
When it comes to debating LGBTQ inclusion in the church, most folks think the debate is only about whether gays and lesbians can be Christians and whether they and their B, T and Q cohorts should be allowed full participation in the church.But that’s only the beginning. Inside the world of affirming Christians lies another big debate — actually, several debates — about where and if to draw any lines. Two of the most prominent views on the bigger debate are articulated by two gay men who have come out of evangelical Christianity: Matthew Vines and Brandan Robertson. (Baptist News Global 3/5/24) READMORE>>>>>
==frank viola======
Frank Viola Files
We live in a very dark world where rumors abound. Gossip abounds. Slander abounds. Even in the “Christian” community (so-called), tragically.
Slander is a serious sin, and according to Paul, slanderers will be barred from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). -Frank Viola
==phil vischer======
How a bucolic Tennessee suburb became a hotbed of ‘Christian Nashville-ism’
Phil Vischer, the co-creator of “VeggieTales” and a co-host of the popular “Holy Post” podcast, calls it “Christian Nashville-ism” — a Southern and distinctly evangelical version of Christian nationalism.
(Bob Smietana/Religion News 11/8/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Phil Vischer, the co-creator of “VeggieTales” and a co-host of the popular “Holy Post” podcast, calls it “Christian Nashville-ism” — a Southern and distinctly evangelical version of Christian nationalism.
(Bob Smietana/Religion News 11/8/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==ryan visconti======
The Plot to Queer Evangelical Churches
The following essay is adapted from Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. In September 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, pastor Ryan Visconti was thrilled to find himself at a private dinner with Andy Stanley, pastor of what was then the largest church in the United States. On any given weekend, Stanley’s North Point church has roughly 31,000 attendees across eight campuses in Atlanta, Georgia. Stanley is also the author of dozens of books, and his sermons are distributed through a vast digital ministry that includes not only podcasts and YouTube videos, but also traditional broadcasts on NBC, CBS, and radio stations across the country. Little wonder, then, that Preaching Magazine ranked him number eight on its list of the twenty-five most influential preachers of the last twenty-five years. But perhaps over no group does Stanley hold more sway than other pastors. Stanley was in Arizona for his “Irresistible” tour, a conference that promised to teach church leaders how to “expand [their] influence.” Visconti was excited for the opportunity to pick Stanley’s brain, though, at thirty-four, he would be the youngest at a table of about fifteen men and expected to spend the majority of the meal quietly soaking up wisdom from Stanley and the more seasoned leaders. That plan went off the rails when the discussion turned toward homosexuality and how the men’s ministries were confronting increasing cultural pressure to compromise on clear biblical teaching. Stanley shocked the room by arguing that they shouldn’t so much confront it as accommodate it. “He said he would encourage any gay couples in his congregation to commit to each other,” Visconti recalled.
(First Things 8/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The following essay is adapted from Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. In September 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, pastor Ryan Visconti was thrilled to find himself at a private dinner with Andy Stanley, pastor of what was then the largest church in the United States. On any given weekend, Stanley’s North Point church has roughly 31,000 attendees across eight campuses in Atlanta, Georgia. Stanley is also the author of dozens of books, and his sermons are distributed through a vast digital ministry that includes not only podcasts and YouTube videos, but also traditional broadcasts on NBC, CBS, and radio stations across the country. Little wonder, then, that Preaching Magazine ranked him number eight on its list of the twenty-five most influential preachers of the last twenty-five years. But perhaps over no group does Stanley hold more sway than other pastors. Stanley was in Arizona for his “Irresistible” tour, a conference that promised to teach church leaders how to “expand [their] influence.” Visconti was excited for the opportunity to pick Stanley’s brain, though, at thirty-four, he would be the youngest at a table of about fifteen men and expected to spend the majority of the meal quietly soaking up wisdom from Stanley and the more seasoned leaders. That plan went off the rails when the discussion turned toward homosexuality and how the men’s ministries were confronting increasing cultural pressure to compromise on clear biblical teaching. Stanley shocked the room by arguing that they shouldn’t so much confront it as accommodate it. “He said he would encourage any gay couples in his congregation to commit to each other,” Visconti recalled.
(First Things 8/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==Ed Vitagliano======
Rev. Edward Vitagliano is Executive Vice-President of American Family Association and American Family Radio. He has served in a number of capacities since joining AFA in 1996. Ed has been an award-winning journalist for the American Family Association Journal, the monthly publication for AFA, and is a co-host on the radio program Today’s Issues, heard weekdays on the American Family Radio network. He has also helped produce a number of documentary films for AFA and American Family Studios. He has been in the pastorate since 1982. He is married and has two grown children and three grandchildren.
Edward Vitagliano Files
In the opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson said that “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” entitled the nations of the earth to a “separate and equal station.” In the context of history, this was a striking statement. Jefferson was arguing – on behalf of the American colonies – that people had a right to govern themselves because God had purposed that it be so. Nature itself demonstrated this in ways that were so clear that they could be understood as laws. In the second paragraph of the Declaration is undoubtedly one of the most famous phrases in modern history: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The statement is breathtaking in its implications. Jefferson acknowledges the existence of a God who created us and with that life-giving act also made it clear that we are equal before Him. In turn, that equality meant that we all had certain rights that could not lawfully – that is, in the eyes of our Creator – be abridged by governments. When Jefferson stated that such truths were “self-evident,” he is referencing natural law. The reality was objectively true – just as much as the laws of science. Human beings, empowered with reason, were expected to see and understand the breadth of blessings bestowed upon mankind. --Ed Vitagliano (AFA) 09.01.16
==russ vought======
Russell “Russ” Thurlow Vought (born March 26, 1976) is an American former government official who held significant roles in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the Trump administration: Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): July 2020 to January 2021: Russ Vought served as the 42nd Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Donald Trump. He was previously the deputy director of the OMB from 2018 to 2020 and acting director from 2019 to 2020. In 2021, Russ Vought founded the organization called the Center for Renewing America. This center focuses on combating critical race theory and promoting conservative principles. Vought earned his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College and his Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School. Before his OMB roles, he worked for Heritage Action, the lobbying arm of The Heritage Foundation. His career also includes positions such as executive director and budget director of the Republican Study Committee and legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Phil Gramm.
Russ Vought, Architect of Trump II, Adopts a Christian Nationalist Vision for America
The political landscape in America has been deeply influenced by figures like Russ Vought, a key architect of Donald Trump’s political agenda, who openly advocates for a radical vision of a Christian nationalist America. Vought’s fervent support for Trump’s policies and his alignment with Christian nationalist ideology underscore the growing influence of this movement within conservative circles. In a speech on Capitol Hill last year, Vought articulated his vision for a “cold civil war,” emphasizing the use of “biblical principles” to shape government policies according to the desires of the MAGA right.
(The Artistree 3/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The political landscape in America has been deeply influenced by figures like Russ Vought, a key architect of Donald Trump’s political agenda, who openly advocates for a radical vision of a Christian nationalist America. Vought’s fervent support for Trump’s policies and his alignment with Christian nationalist ideology underscore the growing influence of this movement within conservative circles. In a speech on Capitol Hill last year, Vought articulated his vision for a “cold civil war,” emphasizing the use of “biblical principles” to shape government policies according to the desires of the MAGA right.
(The Artistree 3/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
June 2, 2023: Media Matters: Fox’s Jeanine Pirro appears on Christian nationalist program FlashPoint to warn of “takedown of religion” in America
Pirro’s interview on FlashPoint and upcoming “tent revival” appearance are just two examples of Fox’s apparent connections to the Christian nationalist movement. Fox has regularly hosted Russ Vought, the Christian nationalist figure who is reportedly advising Republicans on how to gut the federal aid programs, and the network has also propped up a harassment campaign against libraries that pushed the movement’s talking points. Additionally, since November, Fox Business has been profiting from weekly sermons from a Christian nationalist pastor airing on the network as paid programming.
Pirro’s interview on FlashPoint and upcoming “tent revival” appearance are just two examples of Fox’s apparent connections to the Christian nationalist movement. Fox has regularly hosted Russ Vought, the Christian nationalist figure who is reportedly advising Republicans on how to gut the federal aid programs, and the network has also propped up a harassment campaign against libraries that pushed the movement’s talking points. Additionally, since November, Fox Business has been profiting from weekly sermons from a Christian nationalist pastor airing on the network as paid programming.
==jinjer duggar vuolo======
I saw an interview on Friday that piqued my interest about the world of Gothard and the Duggars. Allie Beth Stuckey interviewed one of the adult daughters of the Duggars, Jinger (see below). Jinger has just written a book detailing her life as a Gothardite and her recent renunciation of his teaching. It’s titled Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear (Thomas Nelson, 2023). After watching the interview two days ago, I bought the book and devoured it. I could hardly put it down.
The book is not a lurid behind-the-scenes tell-all about the Duggars. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is not your book. Rather, it’s a theological memoir—a testimonial of how Jinger broke free from the legalism and destructive false teaching of Bill Gothard. Jinger’s account is a devastating exposé of Gothard’s work. Jinger describes his movement in almost cult-like terms. From his legalism to his tortured proof-texting to his unbiblical views about authority and women, the guy comes across as an oppressive nutter. Jinger writes that the man who insisted women should not work outside the home made an exception for the constant rotation of attractive “Gothard girls” that worked for his ministry. Even worse, Gothard has since been accused by 34 women of sexual harassment, four of whom alleged molestation.
Growing up Duggar, Jinger knew nothing of the sordid details of Gothard’s ministry. In the dark, she remained as devoted a follower of Gothard as there has ever been. She believed his “seven pillars” were the key to life and happiness, and she pitied outsiders who didn’t know the truth like she did. Gothard himself became a close family friend and even visited the Duggars’ home. Jinger viewed Gothard as a prophet and man of God and revered him and his teaching throughout her childhood and early adulthood.
Nevertheless, Jinger’s faith in Gothard’s teaching began to crumble after she met the man who would become her husband, Jeremy Vuolo. Jeremy was a former professional soccer player and had travelled the world by the time he met Jinger. He was also raised as a reformed Baptist in a church that actually took the Bible seriously. He was an outsider to the Duggars and their Gothardite sect. For that reason, Jinger’s father had Jeremy take a crash course in the family faith, which resulted in Jeremy listening to over 60 hours of teaching from Gothard’s ministry. --Denny Burk; Jinger Duggar Vuolo Takes on Bill Gothard… and Wins 2.6.23
The book is not a lurid behind-the-scenes tell-all about the Duggars. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is not your book. Rather, it’s a theological memoir—a testimonial of how Jinger broke free from the legalism and destructive false teaching of Bill Gothard. Jinger’s account is a devastating exposé of Gothard’s work. Jinger describes his movement in almost cult-like terms. From his legalism to his tortured proof-texting to his unbiblical views about authority and women, the guy comes across as an oppressive nutter. Jinger writes that the man who insisted women should not work outside the home made an exception for the constant rotation of attractive “Gothard girls” that worked for his ministry. Even worse, Gothard has since been accused by 34 women of sexual harassment, four of whom alleged molestation.
Growing up Duggar, Jinger knew nothing of the sordid details of Gothard’s ministry. In the dark, she remained as devoted a follower of Gothard as there has ever been. She believed his “seven pillars” were the key to life and happiness, and she pitied outsiders who didn’t know the truth like she did. Gothard himself became a close family friend and even visited the Duggars’ home. Jinger viewed Gothard as a prophet and man of God and revered him and his teaching throughout her childhood and early adulthood.
Nevertheless, Jinger’s faith in Gothard’s teaching began to crumble after she met the man who would become her husband, Jeremy Vuolo. Jeremy was a former professional soccer player and had travelled the world by the time he met Jinger. He was also raised as a reformed Baptist in a church that actually took the Bible seriously. He was an outsider to the Duggars and their Gothardite sect. For that reason, Jinger’s father had Jeremy take a crash course in the family faith, which resulted in Jeremy listening to over 60 hours of teaching from Gothard’s ministry. --Denny Burk; Jinger Duggar Vuolo Takes on Bill Gothard… and Wins 2.6.23