African Countries Make Persecution Surge on Open Doors World Watch List
Mali jumps from unranked to No. 7; North Korea remains No. 1 on list of worst persecutors
North Korea is still No. 1 when it comes to persecution of Christians. For the 11th consecutive year, the hermit communist country heads the World Watch List. Possessing a Bible alone can be a reason for a Christian to be executed or sent to a prison camp along with three generations of his or her... Continue Reading
We Are Raising a Generation Of Deluded Narcissists
We must beware of the toxic psychological impact of media and technology on children, adolescents and young adults…turning them into faux celebrities
Distractions, however, are temporary, and the truth is eternal. Watch for an epidemic of depression and suicidality, not to mention homicidality, as the real self-loathing and hatred of others that lies beneath all this narcissism rises to the surface. I see it happening and, no doubt, many of you do, too. A... Continue Reading
U.S. Intelligence Agencies See a Different World by 2030
Thinking and planning way ahead for the long term to mitigate negative outcomes and to promote positive ones
The National Intelligence Council report lays out dangers and opportunities for nations, economies, investors, political systems and leaders due to four “megatrends” that government intelligence analysts say are transforming the world. Those major trends are the end of U.S. global dominance, the rising power of individuals against states, a rising middle class whose demands challenge... Continue Reading
2012 Saw Second-Highest Number of Abortion Restrictions Ever
Reproductive health and rights were the subject of extensive debate in state capitols in 2012
Twenty-four of the 43 new abortion restrictions were enacted in just six states. Arizona led the way, enacting seven restrictions; Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin each enacted at least three….some of the most high-profile debates occurred around legislation requiring that women seeking an abortion be required to first undergo an ultrasound…. ... Continue Reading
Arguments Begin In Case of Minister Accused of ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ For Homosexuality Remarks
Lawsuit filed against Massachusetts pastor by a foreign homosexual advocacy group accusing him of “crimes against humanity”
SMUG, represented in court by the George Soros-funded “Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR),” accused Lively of “violating the law of nations” and “crimes against humanity” as well as conspiracy and various “civil rights” crimes because of his outspokenness against the homosexual agenda in Uganda. In their filing, they listed a number of violent acts committed... Continue Reading
Owen Strachan Named New Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood Executive Director
Strachan is Assistant Professor of Christian Theology and Church History at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky
Strachan has published numerous articles, essays, and reviews on gender roles for publications like The Atlantic online, Christianity Today, The City, and the Journal for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood. He participated in a widely-listened to 2012 debate with Rachel Held Evans over egalitarianism on the UK radio show “Unbelievable.” The Council on Biblical... Continue Reading
“Abba” is not “Daddy”
Expressing intimacy while preserving the dignity of God
It isn’t quite right to say that the Aramaic “abba” means “daddy.” In other words, to call the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob “daddy” at the outset of our prayers is a bit too casual and irreverent. Philip Ryken explains: To call God ‘Abba, Father’ is to speak to him with reverence as well... Continue Reading
A Sad Tale of Feminism Gone to Seed
Chasing after self-indulgence leaves women lonely and unfulfilled
I do not believe feminism is to blame for all women who find themselves single. Nor do I think that feminism alone accounts for all the moral pathologies on display in Wurtzel’s article. But I do believe that feminism has provided the social context for women to be congratulated by the culture for sad choices... Continue Reading
The Millennial Generation’s Acceptable Sin
Bending God's own standards to satiate their libido
More disturbingly, many young evangelicals are trying to loosen the standards of the moral law to fit their desire to become sexually active before committing to marriage. Some are direct, telling the church to shut up and stay out of their sex lives. They say that Jesus wants his followers to pursue justice, provide for... Continue Reading
A Brief Review of Tom Hooper’s “Les Misérables”
How many people are moved by Les Misérables without really knowing why?
I wonder how many people long for the better world behind the barricade, but don’t know how to get there. Moved to tears by grace-on-display in the character of a man who lays down his life for others, they miss the connections between this literary classic and the greatest Story ever told. Ever since... Continue Reading