Friday, May 29, 2015

New Fox Series To Feature Lucifer

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Fox Television Network is set to air a new series this Fall called "LUCIFER," portraying Satan as a likable, helpful being.

Earlier this year, the series was pitched to Fox by its creators, with this description: "The TV series centers on Lucifer who, bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, resigns his throne and abandons his kingdom for the gorgeous, shimmering insanity of Los Angeles, where he gets his kicks helping the LAPD punish criminals."

Fox bought in. Unfortunately, so will millions of uninformed people.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Is Yoga Right For Christians?

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When Catholic Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz issued a statement to the question, his answer went viral.

He told the women's group in Lincoln, Nebraska, "Good Christians shouldn't do yoga."

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that following his statement, "All hell broke loose."

Indeed it did.

Any perceived serenity was quickly lost as Catholic yoga enthusiasts became angry and took to Facebook.

Tranquility aside, the Bishop's beliefs and even the Bishop himself was attacked.

The Star Journal wondered if Protestant leaders agreed with the bishop.

In answer to their own question they reported that "Evangelicals have long preached yoga-avoidance, because the chants, poses and movement names all connect to ancient Hindu religion and the individual quest for enlightenment."

The Journal Star is right about the Hindu connection, but perhaps they should take a closer look at what many Evangelicals are saying about yoga today.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Cultural Christianity vs. Convictional Christianity

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Dr. Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, says there is a significant difference between "cultural Christianity" and "convictional Christianity."

In referring to the recent Pew Research Center's report titled, "America's Changing Religious Landscape," which reported to America and the world that Christianity is in decline in America, Dr. Land points out that there is more behind the numbers than meets the general public eye.

The effect of cultural Christianity is obvious.

Communist China's Academy of Social Sciences has said Christian values and principles are the reason the West has been so powerful.

Conversely, its recent decline in cultural influence is also obvious. And not properly understood by many.

He says, what is seen as "decline" may in fact result in the growth and even flourishing of more traditional, biblical "convictional" Christianity in America.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Ireland Falls. Is It About More Than Same-Sex Marriage?

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Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told the world Saturday, "The answer is yes to the future, yes to their love, yes to equal marriage. That 'Yes' is heard loudly across the world as a sound of pioneering leadership from our people---Ireland, thank you."

Ireland voted Saturday, as you have likely heard, to redefine marriage. 62% said yes. Unthinkable only a few years ago.

US Vice President Joe Biden Tweeted, "We welcome Ireland's support for equality. #Lovewins."

Hillary Tweeted "Well done, Ireland."

Reuters International News Service called it a "social revolution" suggesting it was about more than homosexual marriage.

The New York Times reported the Catholic Church was "swept aside" in a "resounding victory" placing the country "at the vanguard of social change."

The Catholic Church in Ireland told national news Saturday, "The Church needs to do a reality check."

Columnist Benjamin Harris-Quinney wrote an article titled, "Ireland's Road To Serfdom," drawing parallels from Friedrich Hayek's famous book, "The Road To Serfdom".

But it was Major David French, graduate of Harvard Law School, former Cornell Law School professor and former senior legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, whom I believe spoke to the heart of the matter in a speech to the students at conservative Hillsdale College.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day--Yesterday And Today

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This weekend we remember those who have passed, particularly those who served our country to preserve liberty and freedom.

We also thank those who presently serve our country.

Those who were born about, or perhaps prior to the time of World War II sometimes wonder if this generation---the teenagers, really appreciate or understand the enormous price that was paid in preserving our freedom.

And how blessed we are to be Americans.

Looking back to June 6, 1944, then looking at a high school in South Carolina last week gives reason for hope.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Gov. Jindal's Religious Liberty Bill Defeated By Republicans

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It was a sad day in Louisiana.

Republican lawmakers sided with Democrats, big business and LGBT activists to kill a bill that would have protected individuals and religious institutions opposed to same-sex "marriage."

The proposed law was very clear, stating that its only purpose was to prevent the government from discriminating against a person or a non profit because of their support for traditional marriage.

Governor Bobby Jindal said, "I'm issuing an Executive Order to prevent the state from discriminating against those with deeply held religious beliefs."

A house legal committee of 12 people, including several Republicans, voted 10-2 this week to shelve the bill, effectively killing it and the Order.

Tony Perkins says, "Those ten legislators voted against freedom and against two-thirds of Louisianans who support the Marriage and Conscience Act."

He says, "This is a failure of leadership and goes to the heart of what's wrong with American politics today."

Why would Republicans go on the record in public opposition to the most fundamental value---faith and freedom, that the Party claims to stand for?

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Is Bill Nye Really The "Science Guy?"

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Although the TV series "Bill Nye The Science Guy" was only created for 5 years---1993 to 1998---100 episodes, millions of kids have knelt in front of a TV screen learning the lessons of science--- thanks to reruns---from the "Science Guy."

The reruns remind some they are no longer the little kid they once were in the 90s, while the little kids of 2015 continue to be charmed---and educated, by Bill's wit. He's funny.

But is he right?

Is he really the "Science Guy" or is he a highly motivated, very effective advocate?

Science Guy Nye has made it abundantly clear over the years, and in recent statements and debates, he does not believe that God created, well...Creation.

Last week he spoke to the grown up kids at Rutgers University. It was their Commencement.

He told the kids, "There's no such thing as race" because "skin color is a consequence of ultraviolet light, latitude and climate."

He also told the students to "Challenge those who dismiss climate change. The scientific consensus on climate change is as strong as the consensus that smoking causes cancer."

Are you sure about that, Bill Nye the Science Guy?

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

"This Is Angie From PP--We Need An Ambulance..."

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New 911 recordings obtained by Operation Rescue show that a Planned Parenthood patient in Spokane, WA., was transported to the hospital April 15, 2015.

"This is Angie from Planned Parenthood. We need an ambulance for a patient we can't stop the bleeding," a Planned Parenthood caller told a 911 dispatcher.

The Planned Parenthood worker was transferred to a Fire Department dispatcher who asked her what happened. The rest of the recording was redacted---much like the emails on Secretary of State Hillary's personal/professional/government employee server.

And speaking of Hillary---I'll come back to that in a moment.

Folks from Sidewalk Advocates, a pro-life organization in Spokane, shot video footage as the ambulance loaded the patient at the Planned Parenthood facility in Spokane.

I wrote about this incident when it happened.

Their video shows a woman carrying what appears to be a red plastic biohazard bag getting into the ambulance and leaving with the patient.

Aborted baby remains are often placed in these bags.

Abortion advocates always claim these kinds of incidents are rare and isolated.

But are they?

And are abortion clinics, advertised as safe for women's health needs---aka, abortion, prepared for emergencies rising from botched abortions?

Monday, May 18, 2015

Jeb Bush: "Perfect Candidate Existed 2000 Years Ago"

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Political strategists say probable presidential candidate Jeb Bush had a very bad week, last week.

Indeed he did. He even stumbled in his Fox interview.

Saturday in Iowa City, a reporter from the Washington Post asked him why he wasn't better prepared to answer the questions everybody knew he would be asked? And does that suggest a sign of weakness in his probable candidacy?

Bush replied, "Nah...we are all going to make mistakes. If you're looking for the perfect candidate he probably existed 2,000 years ago."

Most of us get that. Jesus was perfect. We are not. We also get that Jesus wasn't running for anything. He already was something. He is God. Politicians are not God, although some would like to be.

What politicians seem to consistently miss is that most of us "non-elite" folks are not looking for a "perfect" candidate.

Ironically, The New York Times, of all newspapers, may have at least brushed the truth this past weekend about what we the people actually "do" want in a candidate.

Friday, May 15, 2015

SC Newspaper Wins Pulitzer, Blaming Christianity For Domestic Abuse

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The South Carolina "Post and Courier" published a 7-part series on domestic abuse in the South titled "Till Death Do Us Part."

The feature story blamed biblical teaching and Christianity for at least part of the domestic abuse, saying in part 1 of the series, "Awash in guns, saddled with ineffective laws and lacking enough shelters for the battered, South Carolina is a state where the deck is stacked against women...Couple this with deep rooted beliefs about the sanctity of marriage and the place of women in the home, and the vows 'till death do us part' take on a sinister tone."

For this, the Pulitzer Prize board has awarded the newspaper a Pulitzer Prize for the series.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Why Does Obama Disapprove Of Kids In Private Schools?

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President Obama said this week our nation's problem isn't racial segregation, it's wealth segregation, manifest by "elites" who "are able to live together away from folks who are not as wealthy."

The result, the president says is, "Kids start going to private schools."

Is he serious?

Didn't he attend private schools? And do his own children not attend---as a president's children should---private school?

This is really not about "private schools."

It's about the advancement of economic socialism, and the progressive's attempt to dismantle America's free market capitalism which has given us the most prosperous, free nation in the history of the human race.

It is also about an ideology---cultural Marxism, that was rejected by our Founding Fathers, and has been historically rejected by the citizens of America.

It is about the wholesale attempt to redefine our economic system, our culture and the foundational beliefs about marriage and the sanctity of life that have sustained our society.

The president, in his own words:

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Actor Denzel Washington: "Put God First"---Public Says "No"?

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In the commencement speech Sunday at Dillard University, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington told the graduates to "put God first" in everything they do---adding everything he has accomplished in his life was due to "the grace of God."

But is the public, particularly the young, saying "no" to Washington's appeal?

A new Pew Research survey released yesterday concludes, "The share of US residents who identify as Christian has shrunk over the past seven years while adults unaffiliated with organized religion now represent a larger portion of the public."

The secular progressives are taking great comfort in what this could mean, but let's take a closer look.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Planned Parenthood Exploits Mother's Day Again

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Once again this past Mother's Day, Planned Parenthood reached out to those mothers who regret having children and would have done otherwise if only they had better access to so-called "reproductive health" options.

Some would think that the largest abortion operation in America would give it a rest on Mother's Day.

Not a chance.

This year they offered 4 Mother's Day cards, all celebrating "choice" rather than "life"---reaching out to the "angry" women who have been denied "reproductive health" options like destroying the life of an unwanted child.

And in the true spirit of Planned Parenthood's founder, racist and eugenicist Margaret Sanger, 3 of the 4 cards depict Black women.

Dr. Alveda King wrote yesterday, "My mother was not only angry in 1950, she was pregnant and scared; seeking a D&C. Thank God my Granddaddy Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. had seen me in a dream in 1947; and he was looking and waiting for me."

Monday, May 11, 2015

School Board To Parents: "The Gov't Made Me Do It"

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Parents and concerned citizens are outraged. The school board actually summoned the police to help control and keep order at last Thursday's school board meeting.

School Board Chair Tamera Derenak Kaufax explained the action she and the board was taking was intended to "protect our students and staff from discrimination."

However, their action discriminates against 99% of all students and their families in the school district.

When pressed by parents the school board told the parents, "The government made me do it."

Friday, May 08, 2015

Dr. Ben Carson's Mother: "Never Give Up"

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World renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson has formally announced he wants to be President of the United States.

He has also said his mother is significantly responsible for his success, teaching him that faith in God and an education would change his life.

She was right.

Success Magazine says, "As a boy, Ben Carson watched his father walk out on his family, closing the door on a life the 8 year old would never know again. Through periods of heartbreak, fear and financial struggle, his mother, Sonya Carson, provided for Ben and his brother. A determined woman with only a third grade education, she insisted her sons see their potential and that they never let circumstances get them down."

She recalls, "Ben was lost... hopelessly behind in his school work... kids picked on him and called him 'dummy'... Ben lashed back with his fists."

Ben had resigned himself "to thinking he was stupid."

His mother never gave up.

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Mitch McConnell Muzzles Republican Senators

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has muzzled Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) from doing what constituents elected them to do---Vote. Have a public opinion.

Rubio and Cotton had proposed amendments to the Iran nuclear agreement.

Rubio was calling for an amendment that would require Iran to acknowledge Israel's right to exist as a state, while Cotton's required Iran to take specific steps, including "full access to suspicious sites" before getting relief from sanctions.

What's wrong with either of them? How can either of these be unacceptable to Republican leadership?

In "Politicland," decisions are often driven more by, well, politics then by what is actually the right thing to do.

McConnell has used his leadership to muzzle Rubio and Cotton.

Cotton told his colleagues, "If you are in the Senate and you don't want to vote, you should leave."

Rubio told them on the record, "If you don't want to vote on things, don't run for office...Be a columnist. Get a talk show."

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Huckabee: "From Hope To Higher Ground"

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The man who was actually born in Hope, Arkansas, not "near" Hope, Arkansas, formally told America yesterday that he is a candidate for the presidency of the United States.

He told the country that he believes he can bring "the kind of change that truly can get America from hope to higher ground."

Huckabee, as with several other GOP candidates, understands the moral depth to which our nation has fallen, and that until the moral issues are addressed, we will merely continue to chase the hollow, ever elusive "hope and change" promised by those who lack spiritual understanding.

What Associated Press is not reporting is that Huckabee is warning Christians and Christian pastors that if the Supreme Court rules in June that so-called gay "marriage" is a "civil right" protected by the US Constitution, "pastors who refuse to perform same-sex weddings will be breaking the law" just as florists, bakers, photographers and other biblical Christians are now being charged with doing.

Huckabee is suggesting a better way, one in which we press on the upward way, gaining new heights every day.

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Here Come The Candidates---Who Gets My Vote?

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Yesterday, with the formal announcement of Republican candidates Dr. Ben Carson and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorino, the New York Times published a helpful chart of who "is" running, who is "probably" running and who is "not" running for the presidency of the United States.

That's the easy part.

The hard part may be deciding who gets my vote?

Before we get to that---actually casting our vote---we will hear an endless process of speeches, debates, sound bites and smear campaigns from opponents over the next dozen and a half months.

Much will be done and said to influence you.

During this process, more than 100 million conservative Christians, evangelicals and Catholics will, hopefully, seek to be informed and will ask God's guidance, because this group will most likely determine the outcome of America's most important election in recent history.

Seeking God's guidance is not new to America or American politics.

Our Constitution was finally drafted as a result of a prayer meeting.

Some thoughts on the candidates and the process of deciding "who gets my vote?"

Monday, May 04, 2015

Pastor Abandoned By "Unanimous Compromise"

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The American Center for Law and Justice is calling a statement from the White House "despicable" and "outrageous."

Jay Sekulow's ACLJ said in a statement, "This is despicable. This is outrageous. And it is an insult to the captive Americans and their families."

The Obama administration says the president will veto any attempt by congress to attach the release of Pastor Abedini and 3 other hostages as a contingency for approving Obama's agreement with Iran, due to their unanimous compromise.

"Unanimous compromise"---a term often used in relationship to the new order of morality, virtue and principle, is rooted in the ever evolving relativism of our times. It is a shift from compromise in policy and process to a compromise in principle itself.

Friday, May 01, 2015

Gay Rights: An Oligarchy Of 1%

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Oligarchy is a form of government where most political power rests with a small segment of society.

Generally that segment is defined by its wealth or its military strength. Or both.

According to a Gallup survey out this week, less than 1%---.8% of Americans are part of a same-sex couple.

The same survey finds only that only .3% of US adults are "married" to a same-sex spouse and a mere .5% identify as being in a same-sex domestic partnership.

Yet this less than 1% is driving the national debate and narrative, demanding our courts redefine marriage, education revise curriculum, business restructure business models, the names on public restrooms be changed to accommodate gender confusion, and certain Scripture and biblical teaching be updated or deleted to accommodate and celebrate their sexual behavior.

In a letter to James Warren on February 12, 1779, Samuel Adams warned of such a moment: "A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when they lose their virtue then will they be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader."

The internal invasion is under way.