thestream--2020-08-14--Gender-Transition Surgery Does Not Improve Mental Health After All

Last fall , the American Journal of Psychiatry published a study entitled “ Reduction in Mental Health Treatment Utilization Among Transgender Individuals After Gender-Affirming Surgeries.
” According to the study ’ s authors , people with “ gender incongruence ” ( that means they struggle to identify with their biological sex ) have higher risk of mental-health disorders .
In fact , they are “ more than six times as likely to have been hospitalized after a suicide attempt ” as others .
This study was not the first to highlight the significant rates of depression and suicidal ideation among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , the high correlation between mental health struggles and the transgender community is agreed upon by all sides .
Incredibly contentious , on the other hand , is the best way to help these people .
These authors in the American Journal of Psychiatry claimed that their research unequivocally affirmed the benefits of “ gender affirmation ” surgery .
To be clear , “ gender affirmation ” is a backwardly defined phrase .
It does not refer to attempts to align one ’ s thinking to the biological realities of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” affirms the dysphoria , seeking to realign one ’ s body to feelings , either by dress , counseling , hormone manipulation or physical mutilation .
Not only is this kind of “ affirmation ” assumed to be the correct response to gender dysphoria , in many circles , doubting it , especially as a medical or academic professional , is not tolerated .
For these researchers to claim that their study “ supports the decision to provide gender-affirming surgeries to transgender individuals who seek them ” was no surprise .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they had not .
Nor was it a surprise when the study received significant media coverage , touted as confirmation of the benefits of “ gender-affirmation.
” On the other hand , writing at The Public Discourse , Paul Dirks has noted that some of the best-designed , most-rigorous and time-tested studies suggest otherwise , specifically the efficacy of medical transition .
Especially in the case of male-to-female transitions , other studies reveal much higher mortality rates due to suicide , AIDS , drug abuse and even cardiovascular disease .
In other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show the worst results when it comes to transition surgery .
These studies , however , never seem to generate the same media coverage as those that confirm our current cultural predeterminations .
And now we learn , months after their study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry , these authors have issued a correction .
Contrary to their earlier claim , “ results demonstrated no advantage of surgery in relation to subsequent mood or anxiety disorder-related health care.
” In an explanatory note , the Journal called the 2019 study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but admitted that there were “ some issues with [ their ] interpretation ” of the data .
What kind of issues ?
The kind in which the data actually showed that “ treatment for anxiety disorders was higher in persons … who had received gender-affirming surgery [ than among those ] … who had not received gender-affirming surgery.
” Another way to put it ( in fact , the better way to put it ) is that the initial report on the 2019 study was just wrong .
As Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , “ So , the bottom line [ is that ] the largest dataset on sex-reassignment procedures — both hormonal and surgical — reveals that such procedures do not bring the promised mental health benefit.
” Like the other , better studies , this recent correction isn ’ t garnering nearly the same media attention as the original article .
The neglect is not only misleading ; it ’ s tragic given the incredible rates of mental and psychological suffering of those who struggle with gender dysphoria .
More committed to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects science , medicine , and caters to an ideology that tosses around phrases such as “ gender-affirmation ” and “ gender incongruence ” and “ cisgender ” as if made-up euphemisms could reconstruct reality .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Perhaps more evidence that transition surgery isn ’ t beneficial will , one day , open the eyes of educators , public health officials and legislators .
Perhaps some will even have the courage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their careers , reputations and Twitter feeds .
Until then , I pray the rest of us would have the courage to say what is true , not out of anger and vindication , but from love and concern for those victims of our very bad ideas .
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview .
He ’ s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture , theology , worldview , education and apologetics .

Last fall, the American Journal of Psychiatry published a study entitled “Reduction in Mental Health Treatment Utilization Among Transgender Individuals After Gender-Affirming Surgeries.” According to the study’s authors, people with “gender incongruence” (that means they struggle to identify with their biological sex) have higher risk of mental-health disorders. In fact, they are “more than six times as likely to have been hospitalized after a suicide attempt” as others.
Conclusions From the 2019 Study
This study was not the first to highlight the significant rates of depression and suicidal ideation among those who struggle with gender dysphoria. In fact, the high correlation between mental health struggles and the transgender community is agreed upon by all sides. Incredibly contentious, on the other hand, is the best way to help these people. These authors in the American Journal of Psychiatry claimed that their research unequivocally affirmed the benefits of “gender affirmation” surgery.
To be clear, “gender affirmation” is a backwardly defined phrase. It does not refer to attempts to align one’s thinking to the biological realities of the body. Rather, “gender affirmation” affirms the dysphoria, seeking to realign one’s body to feelings, either by dress, counseling, hormone manipulation or physical mutilation. Not only is this kind of “affirmation” assumed to be the correct response to gender dysphoria, in many circles, doubting it, especially as a medical or academic professional, is not tolerated.
For these researchers to claim that their study “supports the decision to provide gender-affirming surgeries to transgender individuals who seek them” was no surprise. It likely wouldn’t have been published if they had not. Nor was it a surprise when the study received significant media coverage, touted as confirmation of the benefits of “gender-affirmation.”
Rigorous and Time-Tested Studies Suggest Otherwise
On the other hand, writing at The Public Discourse, Paul Dirks has noted that some of the best-designed, most-rigorous and time-tested studies suggest otherwise, specifically the efficacy of medical transition. Especially in the case of male-to-female transitions, other studies reveal much higher mortality rates due to suicide, AIDS, drug abuse and even cardiovascular disease. In other words, the best studies tend to show the worst results when it comes to transition surgery. These studies, however, never seem to generate the same media coverage as those that confirm our current cultural predeterminations.
A Correction Issued
And now we learn, months after their study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, these authors have issued a correction. Contrary to their earlier claim, “results demonstrated no advantage of surgery in relation to subsequent mood or anxiety disorder-related health care.”
Another way to put it (in fact, the better way to put it) is that the initial report on the 2019 study was just wrong.
In an explanatory note, the Journal called the 2019 study “promising,” and “exciting,” but admitted that there were “some issues with [their] interpretation” of the data. What kind of issues? The kind in which the data actually showed that “treatment for anxiety disorders was higher in persons … who had received gender-affirming surgery [than among those] … who had not received gender-affirming surgery.”
Another way to put it (in fact, the better way to put it) is that the initial report on the 2019 study was just wrong. As Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation bluntly put it, “So, the bottom line [is that] the largest dataset on sex-reassignment procedures — both hormonal and surgical — reveals that such procedures do not bring the promised mental health benefit.”
Made-Up Euphemisms Can’t Reconstruct Reality
Like the other, better studies, this recent correction isn’t garnering nearly the same media attention as the original article. The neglect is not only misleading; it’s tragic given the incredible rates of mental and psychological suffering of those who struggle with gender dysphoria. More committed to a narrative than helping people, this neglect subjects science, medicine, and caters to an ideology that tosses around phrases such as “gender-affirmation” and “gender incongruence” and “cisgender” as if made-up euphemisms could reconstruct reality.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Perhaps more evidence that transition surgery isn’t beneficial will, one day, open the eyes of educators, public health officials and legislators. Perhaps some will even have the courage to tell the truth at the expense of their careers, reputations and Twitter feeds. Until then, I pray the rest of us would have the courage to say what is true, not out of anger and vindication, but from love and concern for those victims of our very bad ideas.
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics.
Originally published at breakpoint.org. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-08-14--Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: My Interview With Jentezen Franklin

Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel , a multi-campus church based in Gainesville , GA. Each week @ @ @ @ @ Connection , is broadcast on major networks all over the world .
Today we discuss @ @ @ @ @ and all things pertaining to life and godliness , why the Church must stand up @ @ @ @ @ ’ s too late , and how President Trump is like “ strong medicine.
” @ @ @ @ @ video , I mention a special gathering of Christian leaders that took place at the @ @ @ @ @ watch that story here .
You can view all the videos in this interview series @ @ @ @ @ The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay @ @ @ @ @ .

Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, GA. Each week his television program, Kingdom Connection, is broadcast on major networks all over the world. Today we discuss the current assault against freedom and all things pertaining to life and godliness, why the Church must stand up and speak now before it’s too late, and how President Trump is like “strong medicine.”
At the end of this video, I mention a special gathering of Christian leaders that took place at the White House. You can watch that story here.
You can view all the videos in this interview series here.
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-08-14--GOP Lawmakers Call on Trump Admin to End Tax Breaks for Abortions

Over 100 Republican members of Congress sent a letter Wednesday calling on President Donald Trump ’ s administration to end tax deductions for abortions .
In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , 23 senators and 80 representatives urged the Department of the Treasury “ to take swift action to issue new regulations to protect innocent human life by ending tax breaks for abortion under the guise of medical care.
” “ Abortion is not health care , as it takes an innocent human life , ” Republican Montana Sen. Steve Daines , who joined lawmakers in sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Foundation .
“ The IRS should reverse its misguided policy.
” The lawmakers note in the letter that following the passage of Roe v. Wade , IRS officials determined that “ amounts paid for any legal abortion are tax-deductible as ‘ medical care ’ under §213 ( d ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the Internal Revenue Code.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
“ This holding , in turn , creates tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deduction as well as through health flexible spending accounts , health savings accounts , health reimbursement arrangements , and other tax preferred health accounts and tax breaks that incorporate §213 ( d ) ’ s definition of ‘ medical care , ’ ” the letter from lawmakers said .
The senators and representatives insist that the holding must be reversed with regard to abortion .
“ Every human life from the moment of conception is invaluable , ” said Republican Indiana Sen. Mike Braun in a statement provided to the DCNF .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through abortion is certainly not health care , and should not be treated as such.
” A number of pro-life organizations , including the March for Life , the Susan B. Anthony List , the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops , and Americans United for Life , have endorsed the letter , according to a press release from the Senate Pro-Life Caucus .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Over 100 Republican members of Congress sent a letter Wednesday calling on President Donald Trump’s administration to end tax deductions for abortions.
In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, 23 senators and 80 representatives urged the Department of the Treasury “to take swift action to issue new regulations to protect innocent human life by ending tax breaks for abortion under the guise of medical care.”
“Abortion is not health care, as it takes an innocent human life,” Republican Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who joined lawmakers in sending the letter, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “The IRS should reverse its misguided policy.”
Thank you @SenatorBraun and Rep. @WarrenDavidson for leading 103 members of Congress to urge @stevenmnuchin1 to issue new regs to protect innocent human life by ending tax breaks for abortion under the guise of medical care. https://t.co/bO14JCu5Ix — Susan B. Anthony List (@SBAList) August 13, 2020
The lawmakers note in the letter that following the passage of Roe v. Wade, IRS officials determined that “amounts paid for any legal abortion are tax-deductible as ‘medical care’ under §213(d)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“This holding, in turn, creates tax breaks for abortions through the medical expenses deduction as well as through health flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and other tax preferred health accounts and tax breaks that incorporate §213(d)’s definition of ‘medical care,’” the letter from lawmakers said.
The senators and representatives insist that the holding must be reversed with regard to abortion.
“Every human life from the moment of conception is invaluable,” said Republican Indiana Sen. Mike Braun in a statement provided to the DCNF. “Taking the life of an unborn child through abortion is certainly not health care, and should not be treated as such.”
A number of pro-life organizations, including the March for Life, the Susan B. Anthony List, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Americans United for Life, have endorsed the letter, according to a press release from the Senate Pro-Life Caucus.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-08-15--150 Wells to Go: Final Days of Water for LIFE 2020

Selefi will never forget the day her little boy , Johan , died .
She always feared that day would come to one of her children ; she just didn ’ t know when .
Every day she must draw water from a muddy borehole to provide for her family .
It ’ s a chore that ’ s filled with fear because the water she brings home is not good or free of disease .
And within hours of drinking that water , Johan began to get very sick with stomach pains and then horrible diarrhea that would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only grew worse .
Sheila Walsh , cohost of LIFE TODAY , was with the mission team in Zambia and was deeply impacted by Selefi ’ s story as she spoke with her .
“ I know she did what every loving mother would do ; she held him , wiped his brow and held his hand – the special touches a mother provides when her child is sick .
But that would be the last time she would give comfort to Johan .
And that just broke my heart.
” Selefi carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping for a turnaround in his condition .
But only four days later , Johan passed away .
She told Sheila , It ’ s every loving parent ’ s hope for their children , but life here is often cut short , tragically , because of bad water .
And the fear of it happening again grows daily even as Selefi still grieves .
She knows there is nothing she can do to bring Johan back .
She has prayed every day for help to come to the village to provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told our mission team : It ’ s a life filled with sorrow and fear because the single most important need in life – clean water for good health – does not exist in her village .
Sheila and our entire team are always touched by the dedication of these mothers and their love for their children .
And also their faith in God !
I , too , am always impressed when I hear of the dedication to God from those in the “ household of faith ” around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a responsibility to share their stories with you .
And , as I do , I ’ m also asking you to bless them and give to help with their need .
There is an Answer This is the last weekend of our 2020 Water for LIFE campaign as we seek the all-important funding to drill the final 150 wells of the year .
A water well is truly a life-changing blessing .
With the average cost of drilling and establishing a well still at $ 4,800 , and as each well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it costs as litt le as $ 4.80 to provide a child with years of clean water .
As Selefi has been praying for clean water , many in the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and praying for a miraculous breakthrough .
Together , we need to continue to pray for God ’ s blessings and help .
He is our source in life , and He is at work around the world .
But whatever gift you can give today , no matter how small , will be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Selefi .
I pray you will give your most generous gift to help share clean water !
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay Richards ) and Living Amazed .

Selefi will never forget the day her little boy, Johan, died. She always feared that day would come to one of her children; she just didn’t know when. Every day she must draw water from a muddy borehole to provide for her family.
It’s a chore that’s filled with fear because the water she brings home is not good or free of disease. And within hours of drinking that water, Johan began to get very sick with stomach pains and then horrible diarrhea that would not subside. In the following days it only grew worse.
Sheila Walsh, cohost of LIFE TODAY, was with the mission team in Zambia and was deeply impacted by Selefi’s story as she spoke with her. “I know she did what every loving mother would do; she held him, wiped his brow and held his hand – the special touches a mother provides when her child is sick. But that would be the last time she would give comfort to Johan. And that just broke my heart.”
Selefi carried her son to a clinic, desperately hoping for a turnaround in his condition. But only four days later, Johan passed away. She told Sheila,
“He was a good child, a gift from God. I love my children, and my hope for every one of them is to be free of sickness. I want them to be educated and grow up to have a better life.”
It’s every loving parent’s hope for their children, but life here is often cut short, tragically, because of bad water.
Hope for Others
And the fear of it happening again grows daily even as Selefi still grieves. She knows there is nothing she can do to bring Johan back. She has prayed every day for help to come to the village to provide a well, a source of clean water. She told our mission team:
“I still go to the borehole, and every day I pass the grave of my child. That breaks my heart, but I must go because that borehole is our only water supply. And because of that, there are other tragedies occurring like mine. There have been other deaths in the village, as children still get sick,”
It’s a life filled with sorrow and fear because the single most important need in life – clean water for good health – does not exist in her village. Sheila and our entire team are always touched by the dedication of these mothers and their love for their children. And also their faith in God!
I, too, am always impressed when I hear of the dedication to God from those in the “household of faith” around the world. I consider it a privilege and a responsibility to share their stories with you. And, as I do, I’m also asking you to bless them and give to help with their need.
There is an Answer
This is the last weekend of our 2020 Water for LIFE campaign as we seek the all-important funding to drill the final 150 wells of the year. A water well is truly a life-changing blessing. With the average cost of drilling and establishing a well still at $4,800, and as each well is able to serve 1,000 people, it costs as litt le as $4.80 to provide a child with years of clean water.
As Selefi has been praying for clean water, many in the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and praying for a miraculous breakthrough. Together, we need to continue to pray for God’s blessings and help. He is our source in life, and He is at work around the world.
But whatever gift you can give today, no matter how small, will be an answer to the prayers of many mothers like Selefi. I pray you will give your most generous gift to help share clean water!
Watch:
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-08-15--50 Questions for Christians #24: ‘How Can We Be Sure That Jesus Performed Miracles?’

Part of an extended series of answers to Guy P. Harrison ’ s book 50 Simple Questions for Every Christian .
Read the series intro here .
This might surprise you : serious skeptical and atheistic New Testament scholars widely concede that Jesus was a real person with a reputation as a miracle worker .
Guy P. Harrison knows that , but wants to ask whether the miracles were real .
“ Christians still speak of his magical powers with awe and reverence , ” he says , but “ skeptics and nonbelievers … suspect that they were probably nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Magician tricks , ” he calls them .
He talks of charlatans “ being caught using cheap tricks to fool others , ” including fakers doing it in the name of Christ .
It ’ s despicable stuff , this dishonesty .
Where it happens I denounce it more severely than Harrison does .
I ’ ve experienced a healing miracle myself , though , so I don ’ t jump to conclusions as he does .
Easy to Fool in Those Pre-Scientific Days ?
Back to Jesus ’ miracles now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be denied that it would have been very easy to impress people with very little back then , ” says Harrison .
It ’ s because they had less “ general knowledge about nature and physics , ” so they were less able to connect natural causes to weird events.
” That , plus , “ skeptical-thinking skills , in short supply today , must have been extraordinarily rare in the general public then.
” Right .
Not much thinking skill at all in the ancient world — the same world that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archimedes .
It also produced a whole team of very highly educated academics in and around Jerusalem who did everything they could to undermine Jesus ’ claims .
Saul the Christian-hater , who became the apostle Paul , was no slouch , either — just read his writings and you ’ ll see .
Harrison would do well to apply his own “ skeptical-thinking skills ” and demand evidence from himself for that claim .
But that doesn ’ t mean they couldn ’ t have been fooled !
“ Right here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigeria gave birth to a horse during church services.
” He thinks it was a trick .
I ’ ll go with him on that one .
Tricksters can do incredible things .
I ’ ve seen a man make the Statue of Liberty disappear — from the bottom up !
It was an on-stage replica , of course , but there it was : the top still there , the bottom , nothing but empty air .
It was done by a famous inventor of illusions , who ’ d worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real Statue of Liberty disappear on national TV .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
I ’ ve even seen the same illusionist “ walk on water.
” His name is André Kole , and he ’ s dedicated a large portion of his life to unmasking religious illusions .
I ’ ve had the privilege of spending hours with him and his team , on the road and in their home office .
They never allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( so don ’ t ask ) .
But I did get to know him ; in fact , I was with him investigating a purported Christian healer .
That preacher , too , alas , was a fake .
André knows as much about fakery and illusions as any man on earth — and he knows Jesus didn ’ t do that kind of “ magic.
” He does admit that Jesus could have walked on water the same fake way he does — all it would have taken is the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the set-up time — all done in secret , without even his disciples ’ knowledge .
And that ’ s why we can be sure fakery had nothing to do with Jesus ’ walking on water .
The same principle applies to all His major miracles : Some things can be faked , but it takes time and equipment Jesus never would have had on hand .
Jesus didn ’ t do miracles by magic .
Guy Harrison can consider that question answered .
You can hear André Kole ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discusses “ walking ” on the lake in this video , which is also the source of the screenshot used for the image at the top here .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

Part of an extended series of answers to Guy P. Harrison’s book 50 Simple Questions for Every Christian. Read the series intro here.
This might surprise you: serious skeptical and atheistic New Testament scholars widely concede that Jesus was a real person with a reputation as a miracle worker. Guy P. Harrison knows that, but wants to ask whether the miracles were real. “Christians still speak of his magical powers with awe and reverence,” he says, but “skeptics and nonbelievers … suspect that they were probably nothing more than exaggerations or tricks.”
Tricks. “Magician tricks,” he calls them. He talks of charlatans “being caught using cheap tricks to fool others,” including fakers doing it in the name of Christ. It’s despicable stuff, this dishonesty. Where it happens I denounce it more severely than Harrison does. I’ve experienced a healing miracle myself, though, so I don’t jump to conclusions as he does.
Easy to Fool in Those Pre-Scientific Days?
No, Christians don’t “speak of Jesus’ magical powers with awe and reverence” — not if we define “magical” properly. When used for stage or street “magic,” it’s merely illusion. In occult terms and in some religions it applies to manipulating gods, demons, or supernatural entities to perform the magician’s, witch’s, or wizard’s will. That’s completely foreign to any form of either Jewish or Christian prayer. It has absolutely nothing to do with manipulation, but only with seeking the will of God the Father.
Back to Jesus’ miracles now, though: “It can’t be denied that it would have been very easy to impress people with very little back then,” says Harrison. It’s because they had less “general knowledge about nature and physics,” so they were less able to connect natural causes to weird events.” That, plus, “skeptical-thinking skills, in short supply today, must have been extraordinarily rare in the general public then.”
Right. Not much thinking skill at all in the ancient world — the same world that produced Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Archimedes. It also produced a whole team of very highly educated academics in and around Jerusalem who did everything they could to undermine Jesus’ claims. Saul the Christian-hater, who became the apostle Paul, was no slouch, either — just read his writings and you’ll see. Harrison would do well to apply his own “skeptical-thinking skills” and demand evidence from himself for that claim.
But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have been fooled! “Right here in the twenty-first century, a woman in Nigeria gave birth to a horse during church services.” He thinks it was a trick. I’ll go with him on that one.
An Illusionist Answers
Tricksters can do incredible things. I’ve seen a man make the Statue of Liberty disappear — from the bottom up! It was an on-stage replica, of course, but there it was: the top still there, the bottom, nothing but empty air. It was done by a famous inventor of illusions, who’d worked with David Copperfield to help Copperfield make the real Statue of Liberty disappear on national TV.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I’ve even seen the same illusionist “walk on water.” His name is André Kole, and he’s dedicated a large portion of his life to unmasking religious illusions. I’ve had the privilege of spending hours with him and his team, on the road and in their home office. They never allowed me backstage where they hid their secrets (so don’t ask). But I did get to know him; in fact, I was with him investigating a purported Christian healer. That preacher, too, alas, was a fake.
André knows as much about fakery and illusions as any man on earth — and he knows Jesus didn’t do that kind of “magic.” He does admit that Jesus could have walked on water the same fake way he does — all it would have taken is the same truck-fulls of equipment he travels with. And the set-up time — all done in secret, without even his disciples’ knowledge.
And that’s why we can be sure fakery had nothing to do with Jesus’ walking on water. The same principle applies to all His major miracles: Some things can be faked, but it takes time and equipment Jesus never would have had on hand. Jesus didn’t do miracles by magic. Guy Harrison can consider that question answered.
You can hear André Kole’s own explanation of it here:
André also discusses “walking” on the lake in this video, which is also the source of the screenshot used for the image at the top here.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-08-15--Condolences to Pro-Life Democrats

Condolences to Pro-Life Democrats

It is time to offer our condolences to pro-life members of the Democratic Party .
For decades the party has touted itself as the advocate for the underdog and for the “ little guy.
” But when you look at their current position on abortion , there ’ s only one possible conclusion : That party is dead .
The Decline of the Party Once upon a time , there were major Democrats who were pro-life .
Leaders like Edward Kennedy and Jesse Jackson defended the unborn , until they decided that presidential ambitions were more important than defending helpless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beliefs , particularly such giants as Sergeant Shriver , Bob Casey Sr. , and Cesar Chavez .
Some Democrats even came to regret their earlier support for abortion , such as former New York Governor Hugh Carey .
Many Democratic representatives in Congress could be counted on for their pro-life votes .
But those days are clearly over .
For years the Democratic Party has been getting more and more radical on abortion .
Years ago , Bill Clinton spoke of making abortion “ safe , legal and rare.
” Now , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It opposes any common-sense regulation .
It stonewalls and calumnies judicial nominees who might be inclined to cut back on abortion .
Language about limits on abortion , protections for religious liberty and rights to conscientious objection have been completely scrubbed from the party platform .
The Chairman of the national committee has said that support for abortion is “ non-negotiable ” for Democratic candidates .
As a result , few pro-life Democrats remain in prominent offices .
The current nominees for President and Vice-President are perfect examples of this drift to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself a “ moderate ” on abortion .
Yet now he calls abortion a “ constitutional right.
” He would make support for abortion an absolute litmus test for Supreme Court nominees .
Biden wants taxpayers to fund all elective abortions .
He ’ s enthusiastically endorsed by all the major pro-abortion advocacy groups .
And he defends federal funding for Planned Parenthood ( the leading killer in America , with over 300,000 deaths at their bloody hands each year ) .
The Vice-Presidential nominee , Kamala Harris , has all the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse on abortion .
She opposed giving medical care to babies born alive accidentally during an abortion .
She opposes any limits on late-term abortions ( when a child can feel pain as she is dismembered ) .
And she would require all private employers to give health insurance coverage for abortion .
She even shows an authoritarian tendency by promising to block state laws that limit abortion .
This is a gross abuse of executive authority that is utterly unconstitutional in our federalist system .
Harris has even shown a streak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she submitted written questions to a nominee to the Fourth Circuit asking about her involvement with Alliance Defending Freedom , a Christian legal group .
In December 2018 , she asked a District Court nominee questions about his membership in the Knights of Columbus .
This kind of behavior reflects a view that one can not be faithful Catholic or Christian and hold public office .
It is tantamount to anti-Catholic McCarthyism and is utterly reprehensible .
These and other senatorial displays of intolerance were widely condemned as bigotry , and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate as an unconstitutional religious test for public office .
There is no question that the Democratic party ’ s current abortion extremism is far out of step with the opinions of ordinary Americans and rank-and-file Democrats .
Recent polls show that 45 % of Democrats believe that abortion should be legal only under some circumstances , and 29 % consider themselves to be pro-life .
Large numbers of Democrats — and all Americans — support reasonable restrictions on abortion such as late-term bans , parental involvement laws , and restrictions on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way of pro-life legislative victories that should reflect bipartisan agreement on protecting vulnerable lives .
Where This Leaves Pro-Life and Catholic Democrats This leaves pro-life Democrats in a difficult quandary .
Many see no way to remain in a party that doesn ’ t seem to want them .
As Ronald Reagan once said , “ I didn ’ t leave the Democratic Party , it left me.
” Others feel politically homeless because they also consider some positions of the Republic Party to be morally repugnant .
Minor parties that might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the American Solidarity Party , have not yet gained enough political traction .
Some remain , like Democrats for Life , hoping that their party will regain its senses .
Pro-life Catholic Democrats are in a particularly difficult situation .
Catholics are required to make political and voting decisions in accord with the teachings of the Church .
Our bishops have been very clear about what issues we must consider .
Abortion is at the top of the list .
“ Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education , housing , and health care , ” they wrote in Living the Gospel of Life .
“ … But being ‘ right ’ in such matters can never excuse a wrong choice regarding direct attacks on innocent human life.
” Catholics can not vote for a pro-abortion candidate in order to advance that evil agenda .
In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship , they explained that voting for such a candidate would only be permissible “ for truly grave moral reasons , not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a tragic state of affairs when a major political party is completely in the grips of an ideology of grave moral evil .
Pro-life Catholics and Democrats , and the entire American political system , suffer as a result of this extremism .
But , of course , the 800,000+ unborn children who will be aborted this year will suffer the worst consequences of a political party that no longer sees their lives as worth living .
Edward Mechmann is director of public policy for the Archdiocese of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he worked as a state and federal prosecutor .
He ’ s written an introduction to Catholic social teaching called God , Society and the Human Person .
The Human Life Review gave him its “ great defender of life ” award in 2018 .
This article appeared on the public policy office ’ s blog and is used with permission .

It is time to offer our condolences to pro-life members of the Democratic Party. For decades the party has touted itself as the advocate for the underdog and for the “little guy.” But when you look at their current position on abortion, there’s only one possible conclusion: That party is dead.
The Decline of the Party
Once upon a time, there were major Democrats who were pro-life. Leaders like Edward Kennedy and Jesse Jackson defended the unborn, until they decided that presidential ambitions were more important than defending helpless children. Others held to their pro-life beliefs, particularly such giants as Sergeant Shriver, Bob Casey Sr., and Cesar Chavez. Some Democrats even came to regret their earlier support for abortion, such as former New York Governor Hugh Carey. Many Democratic representatives in Congress could be counted on for their pro-life votes.
For more on this, see Peter Wolfgang’s Kamala Seals the Deal on Biden’s Anti-Catholic Campaign
But those days are clearly over. For years the Democratic Party has been getting more and more radical on abortion. Years ago, Bill Clinton spoke of making abortion “safe, legal and rare.” Now, the party supports absolutely no limitations on abortion. It opposes any common-sense regulation. It stonewalls and calumnies judicial nominees who might be inclined to cut back on abortion.
Language about limits on abortion, protections for religious liberty and rights to conscientious objection have been completely scrubbed from the party platform. The Chairman of the national committee has said that support for abortion is “non-negotiable” for Democratic candidates. As a result, few pro-life Democrats remain in prominent offices.
The Current Nominees
The current nominees for President and Vice-President are perfect examples of this drift to abortion extremism. Joseph Biden once considered himself a “moderate” on abortion. Yet now he calls abortion a “constitutional right.” He would make support for abortion an absolute litmus test for Supreme Court nominees. Biden wants taxpayers to fund all elective abortions. He’s enthusiastically endorsed by all the major pro-abortion advocacy groups. And he defends federal funding for Planned Parenthood (the leading killer in America, with over 300,000 deaths at their bloody hands each year).
The Vice-Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, has all the same awful positions, but is actually even worse on abortion. She opposed giving medical care to babies born alive accidentally during an abortion. She opposes any limits on late-term abortions (when a child can feel pain as she is dismembered). And she would require all private employers to give health insurance coverage for abortion. She even shows an authoritarian tendency by promising to block state laws that limit abortion. This is a gross abuse of executive authority that is utterly unconstitutional in our federalist system.
Anti-Catholic Kamala Harris
Harris has even shown a streak of anti-Catholicism and anti-Christianity. In October 2018, she submitted written questions to a nominee to the Fourth Circuit asking about her involvement with Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal group. In December 2018, she asked a District Court nominee questions about his membership in the Knights of Columbus.
This kind of behavior reflects a view that one cannot be faithful Catholic or Christian and hold public office. It is tantamount to anti-Catholic McCarthyism and is utterly reprehensible. These and other senatorial displays of intolerance were widely condemned as bigotry, and were unanimously repudiated by her colleagues in the Senate as an unconstitutional religious test for public office.
There is no question that the Democratic party’s current abortion extremism is far out of step with the opinions of ordinary Americans and rank-and-file Democrats. Recent polls show that 45% of Democrats believe that abortion should be legal only under some circumstances, and 29% consider themselves to be pro-life. Large numbers of Democrats — and all Americans — support reasonable restrictions on abortion such as late-term bans, parental involvement laws, and restrictions on public funding.
Yet the party stands in the way of pro-life legislative victories that should reflect bipartisan agreement on protecting vulnerable lives.
Where This Leaves Pro-Life and Catholic Democrats
This leaves pro-life Democrats in a difficult quandary. Many see no way to remain in a party that doesn’t seem to want them. As Ronald Reagan once said, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, it left me.” Others feel politically homeless because they also consider some positions of the Republic Party to be morally repugnant.
Minor parties that might be more amenable to their views, like the American Solidarity Party, have not yet gained enough political traction. Some remain, like Democrats for Life, hoping that their party will regain its senses.
Pro-life Catholic Democrats are in a particularly difficult situation. Catholics are required to make political and voting decisions in accord with the teachings of the Church. Our bishops have been very clear about what issues we must consider. Abortion is at the top of the list. “Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism, poverty, hunger, employment, education, housing, and health care,” they wrote in Living the Gospel of Life. “… But being ‘right’ in such matters can never excuse a wrong choice regarding direct attacks on innocent human life.”
Catholics cannot vote for a pro-abortion candidate in order to advance that evil agenda. In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, they explained that voting for such a candidate would only be permissible “for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil.”
A Tragedy
It’s a tragic state of affairs when a major political party is completely in the grips of an ideology of grave moral evil. Pro-life Catholics and Democrats, and the entire American political system, suffer as a result of this extremism.
But, of course, the 800,000+ unborn children who will be aborted this year will suffer the worst consequences of a political party that no longer sees their lives as worth living.
Edward Mechmann is director of public policy for the Archdiocese of New York. Before coming to the archdiocese, he worked as a state and federal prosecutor. He’s written an introduction to Catholic social teaching called God, Society and the Human Person. The Human Life Review gave him its “great defender of life” award in 2018. This article appeared on the public policy office’s blog and is used with permission.


thestream--2020-08-15--Still Waiting and Wondering: Six Years on From Yazidi Genocide

August 3 , 2020 , marks six years since the genocidal attacks on the Yazidi community in and around Sinjar and the Nineveh Plains of Northern Iraq .
The brutality of ISIS against this minority community has rightfully been acknowledged as genocide by numerous bodies including the Iraqi Council of Ministers , U.S. State Department , U.S. House of Representatives , U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom , U.S. Agency for International Development , European Parliament , and the U.K. House of Commons .
Yet , as another anniversary comes and goes , far too little has changed .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The security situation and services in Sinjar are far from sufficient to support large-scale returns .
More than 2,000 women and children are still believed to be held in captivity .
For those who have escaped , few have received sufficient services to address the severe trauma they have endured .
Dozens of mass graves remain to be exhumed .
While many ISIS members have been captured , there have been few who have been made to stand to account for the atrocities they have committed against the Yazidi people .
As Knox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for religious minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia , wrote for United States Institute of Peace , “ Justice and peace go hand in hand .
Bringing to justice those who committed these evil acts would dissuade future perpetrators , while also breaking the cycle of violence by demonstrating justice systems can work.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Writing on the impact of delayed justice , legal researcher Ewelina Ochab said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outrageous message that it is possible to get away with genocide .
If we have learned anything from similar atrocities it is that we can not allow an atmosphere of impunity to flourish.
” Despite the attention given to the plight of Yazidis , Christians , and other minorities over the past six years , actions have not succeeded .
Nadia Murad , who received the Nobel prize for her campaign against the abuse she endured at the hands of ISIS , warned that the “ status quo is destroying our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremist group to “ accomplish their goal of eradicating the Yazidis from Iraq.
” Will Yazidis Be Able to Return Home ?
What more needs to be done ?
There is no shortage of recommendations .
The sixth anniversary was marked by three high profile commemorations , hosted by Yazda , Free Yezidi Foundation , and Nadia ’ s Initiative .
Each of them featured commentary from rights advocates , humanitarian organizations , and government officials expressing solidarity and a commitment to see the Yazidi community remain and flourish in Iraq .
Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , however , there must be stability , which means a resolution to local disputes , an end to the era of militias , an immediate cease to Turkish airstrikes , and an economic and humanitarian plan , ” wrote Murad Ismael , Yazidi activist and co-founder of Yazda , and Nadine Maenza , a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom .
Will the government in Baghdad take real steps to resolve these issues and implement such plans ?
Will international partners provide the necessary resources and accountability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As another anniversary is marked , hundreds of thousands of Iraq ’ s Yazidi community are still left waiting and wondering : Will they be able to return home or is there is another round of violence to come ?
Jeremy P. Barker serves as Senior Program Officer and Director of the Middle East Action Team for the Religious Freedom Institute .

August 3, 2020, marks six years since the genocidal attacks on the Yazidi community in and around Sinjar and the Nineveh Plains of Northern Iraq.
The brutality of ISIS against this minority community has rightfully been acknowledged as genocide by numerous bodies including the Iraqi Council of Ministers, U.S. State Department, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, U.S. Agency for International Development, European Parliament, and the U.K. House of Commons.
Yet, as another anniversary comes and goes, far too little has changed.
International Inaction
Still, hundreds of thousands remain displaced. The security situation and services in Sinjar are far from sufficient to support large-scale returns. More than 2,000 women and children are still believed to be held in captivity. For those who have escaped, few have received sufficient services to address the severe trauma they have endured. Dozens of mass graves remain to be exhumed. While many ISIS members have been captured, there have been few who have been made to stand to account for the atrocities they have committed against the Yazidi people.
As Knox Thames, former State Department special advisor for religious minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia, wrote for United States Institute of Peace, “Justice and peace go hand in hand. Bringing to justice those who committed these evil acts would dissuade future perpetrators, while also breaking the cycle of violence by demonstrating justice systems can work.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Writing on the impact of delayed justice, legal researcher Ewelina Ochab said, “The lack of justice sends the outrageous message that it is possible to get away with genocide. If we have learned anything from similar atrocities it is that we cannot allow an atmosphere of impunity to flourish.”
Despite the attention given to the plight of Yazidis, Christians, and other minorities over the past six years, actions have not succeeded. Nadia Murad, who received the Nobel prize for her campaign against the abuse she endured at the hands of ISIS, warned that the “status quo is destroying our community” and international inaction is enabling the extremist group to “accomplish their goal of eradicating the Yazidis from Iraq.”
Will Yazidis Be Able to Return Home?
What more needs to be done? There is no shortage of recommendations. The sixth anniversary was marked by three high profile commemorations, hosted by Yazda, Free Yezidi Foundation, and Nadia’s Initiative. Each of them featured commentary from rights advocates, humanitarian organizations, and government officials expressing solidarity and a commitment to see the Yazidi community remain and flourish in Iraq.
Will those aspirations be realized?
“Before this, however, there must be stability, which means a resolution to local disputes, an end to the era of militias, an immediate cease to Turkish airstrikes, and an economic and humanitarian plan,” wrote Murad Ismael, Yazidi activist and co-founder of Yazda, and Nadine Maenza, a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Will the government in Baghdad take real steps to resolve these issues and implement such plans? Will international partners provide the necessary resources and accountability to ensure these promises are delivered on?
As another anniversary is marked, hundreds of thousands of Iraq’s Yazidi community are still left waiting and wondering: Will they be able to return home or is there is another round of violence to come?
Jeremy P. Barker serves as Senior Program Officer and Director of the Middle East Action Team for the Religious Freedom Institute.


thestream--2020-08-15--Is Believing in God Like Believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

Is belief in God completely irrational ?
Is it like believing in mythological or fantastical creatures ?
In this video @ @ @ @ @ “ Quick Shots : Fast Answers to Hard Questions ” series on RightNow Media , @ @ @ @ @ concern related to the claims of Christianity .
J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured @ @ @ @ @ at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview , Adj .
Professor of Christian Apologetics at @ @ @ @ @ Biola University , author of Cold-Case Christianity , God ’ s Crime Scene , and @ @ @ @ @ of the Case Makers Academy for kids .

Is belief in God completely irrational? Is it like believing in mythological or fantastical creatures? In this video from J. Warner’s “Quick Shots: Fast Answers to Hard Questions” series on RightNow Media, J. Warner answers this common concern related to the claims of Christianity.
J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured Cold-Case Detective, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Adj. Professor of Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, author of Cold-Case Christianity, God’s Crime Scene, and Forensic Faith, and creator of the Case Makers Academy for kids.


thestream--2020-08-15--If You Inherited a Fortune Today, Would You Be at Work Tomorrow?

Editor ’ s Note : Hugh Whelchel ’ s seminal book , How Then Should We Work : Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work , is now available on Audible !
The following is an excerpt from Chapter 1 .
The arena was packed with over 5,000 business people attending a one-day motivational conference .
They would listen to some of today ’ s greatest inspirational speakers including General Colin Powell , Dick Vitale , and Tony Robbins .
One of the speakers asked the assembled business leaders this question : “ If you went home tonight and found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left you 10 million dollars , would you be at work tomorrow ?
” From all over the arena came a resounding “ NO !
” The Majority of Americans Hate Their Jobs The audience ’ s response is no surprise .
A Gallup poll found that 77 % of Americans hate their jobs .
Another poll found that Americans hate their jobs more today than in the past 20 years ; fewer than half say they are satisfied with their current job .
With 50-hour-plus work weeks and long commutes , workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives at work ; yet many of them are unfulfilled and frustrated with their jobs .
Even for many Christians , work is often only a means to an end .
Many Christians today have bought into the pagan notion that leisure is good and work is bad .
They have also been misled by the sacred/secular distinction , which teaches that working in the church is the only “ real ” full-time Christian service .
Such an artificial division between sacred and secular has not always prevailed .
The Reformers taught that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted as a calling and performed “ as unto the Lord.
” This truth has slipped dramatically in both today ’ s church and contemporary culture .
Paul Helm in his book The Callings : The Gospel in the World , says : As followers of Christ , we must address our failure to live as His followers in the workplace and to think theologically about how we integrate our faith and our work .
We must learn not just to work to live , but to live to work for the glory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the Glory of God The doctrine of calling has fallen on hard times in the contemporary , postmodern world .
Even people in the church speak of their “ religious preferences ” and “ spiritual lifestyles ” instead of their God-ordained duties , responsibilities and privileges .
All evangelical Christians would acknowledge that all of life is to be lived under the comprehensive Lordship of Christ ( Matt 28:18 ) .
Few , however , understand that even in our everyday work , the scripture teaches no separation between the secular and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission is more spiritual than any other profession such as law , business , education , journalism or politics .
All of our actions should be unified in obedience to God and for God ’ s glory ( 1 Cor 10:31 ; Col 3:17 ) .
The Kingdom of God bears on every dimension of life , and agents of the Kingdom serve as salt and light ( Matt 5:13-16 ) wherever the Spirit leads them .
As we Christians live out our worldview in public life , we help reverse the erosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In the midst of the fragmentation of postmodern pluralism , Christians should see all things as unified in God ’ s overarching plan for the universe , summed up in the supremacy of Christ and his full calling on our lives .
In this regard , Abraham Kuyper , the great Dutch statesman , theologian and journalist , made the famous statement , “ There is not a square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human existence over which Christ , who is sovereign over all , does not cry : ‘ Mine !
’ ” Dorothy Sayers wrote extensively about the problem of work in England after the First World War .
In light of where we are in the church today , her writing is prophetic : In nothing has the Church so lost Her hold on reality as in Her failure to understand and respect the secular vocation .
She has allowed work and religion to become separate departments , and is astonished to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secular work is turned to purely selfish and destructive ends , and that the greater part of the world ’ s intelligent workers have become irreligious , or at least , uninterested in religion .
But is it astonishing ?
How can anyone remain interested in a religion that seems to have no concern with nine tenths of his life ?
The Church ’ s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to exhorting him not to be drunk and disorderly on Sundays .
What the Church should be telling him is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables .
Our call to be salt and light in the world requires us to understand not only the dominant cultural forces shaping our environment but also how to use both our primary and secondary callings to positively promote God ’ s Kingdom .
The church needs to be teaching lawyers , doctors , construction workers and parents homeschooling their children how to carry out their vocational calling from a truly Christian perspective .
Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and author of How Then Should We Work ?
Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work .
Hugh has a Master of Arts in Religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE .
This article is republished with permission from the Institute for Faith , Work & Economics ( www.tifwe.org ) .
IFWE is a Christian research organization committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society .
Visit https : //tifwe.org/subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Editor’s Note: Hugh Whelchel’s seminal book, How Then Should We Work: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work, is now available on Audible! The following is an excerpt from Chapter 1.
The arena was packed with over 5,000 business people attending a one-day motivational conference. They would listen to some of today’s greatest inspirational speakers including General Colin Powell, Dick Vitale, and Tony Robbins.
One of the speakers asked the assembled business leaders this question: “If you went home tonight and found that a long lost relative had died and left you 10 million dollars, would you be at work tomorrow?”
From all over the arena came a resounding “NO!”
The Majority of Americans Hate Their Jobs
The audience’s response is no surprise. A Gallup poll found that 77% of Americans hate their jobs. Another poll found that Americans hate their jobs more today than in the past 20 years; fewer than half say they are satisfied with their current job. With 50-hour-plus work weeks and long commutes, workers are spending more and more of their lives at work; yet many of them are unfulfilled and frustrated with their jobs.
Even for many Christians, work is often only a means to an end. Many Christians today have bought into the pagan notion that leisure is good and work is bad. They have also been misled by the sacred/secular distinction, which teaches that working in the church is the only “real” full-time Christian service.
Such an artificial division between sacred and secular has not always prevailed. The Reformers taught that all labor is noble if it is accepted as a calling and performed “as unto the Lord.” This truth has slipped dramatically in both today’s church and contemporary culture. Paul Helm in his book The Callings: The Gospel in the World, says:
Work is part of a Christian’s calling … this Biblical idea has had a profound influence in Europe and North America since the Reformation but has largely been forgotten, due to the eclipse of the influence of the Christian gospel from national life.
As followers of Christ, we must address our failure to live as His followers in the workplace and to think theologically about how we integrate our faith and our work. We must learn not just to work to live, but to live to work for the glory of God.
Live to Work — For the Glory of God
The doctrine of calling has fallen on hard times in the contemporary, postmodern world. Even people in the church speak of their “religious preferences” and “spiritual lifestyles” instead of their God-ordained duties, responsibilities and privileges. All evangelical Christians would acknowledge that all of life is to be lived under the comprehensive Lordship of Christ (Matt 28:18). Few, however, understand that even in our everyday work, the scripture teaches no separation between the secular and the sacred. No church-related work or mission is more spiritual than any other profession such as law, business, education, journalism or politics. All of our actions should be unified in obedience to God and for God’s glory (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17).
The Kingdom of God bears on every dimension of life, and agents of the Kingdom serve as salt and light (Matt 5:13-16) wherever the Spirit leads them. As we Christians live out our worldview in public life, we help reverse the erosion of truth in a number of different ways.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In the midst of the fragmentation of postmodern pluralism, Christians should see all things as unified in God’s overarching plan for the universe, summed up in the supremacy of Christ and his full calling on our lives. In this regard, Abraham Kuyper, the great Dutch statesman, theologian and journalist, made the famous statement, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”
Salt and Light
Dorothy Sayers wrote extensively about the problem of work in England after the First World War. In light of where we are in the church today, her writing is prophetic:
In nothing has the Church so lost Her hold on reality as in Her failure to understand and respect the secular vocation. She has allowed work and religion to become separate departments, and is astonished to find that, as a result, the secular work is turned to purely selfish and destructive ends, and that the greater part of the world’s intelligent workers have become irreligious, or at least, uninterested in religion. But is it astonishing? How can anyone remain interested in a religion that seems to have no concern with nine tenths of his life? The Church’s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to exhorting him not to be drunk and disorderly on Sundays. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables.
Our call to be salt and light in the world requires us to understand not only the dominant cultural forces shaping our environment but also how to use both our primary and secondary callings to positively promote God’s Kingdom. The church needs to be teaching lawyers, doctors, construction workers and parents homeschooling their children how to carry out their vocational calling from a truly Christian perspective.
Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and author of How Then Should We Work? Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work. Hugh has a Master of Arts in Religion and brings over 30 years of diverse business experience to his leadership at IFWE.
This article is republished with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (www.tifwe.org). IFWE is a Christian research organization committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society. Visit https://tifwe.org/subscribe to subscribe to the free IFWE Daily Blog.


thestream--2020-08-15--Joy Break: ‘God … Was With Us’: Church Video Shows the Moment of the Beirut Blast

When we turn on our televisions or smart phones we are bombarded with news that brings us down .
Where are all the good stories ?
They ’ re still there .
Here ’ s one that we hope will bless you .
Last week ’ s explosion in Beirut , Lebanon , was captured on film as a Catholic church celebrated Mass .
Father Marwan Mouawad , a priest at St. Maron Baouchrieh Church , said initially they thought it was an earthquake .
“ As usual we started the Mass and at the beginning of it we felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earth was moving , shaking , so first we looked at the roof to see if it was going to collapse on us , ” he told the Associated Press .
The video shows Father Rabih Thoumy in the middle of Mass just before the blast sent him running as chunks of the ceiling fall down around him .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Fr .
Mouawad said God was with them .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us because when you look at the damage you can think that no one can come out from this alive because there were big damages with lots of glass and iron pieces that exploded , ” he said .
“ It ’ s truly a miracle .
It ’ s a miracle.
” The church resumed services Sunday .
One parishioner said their faith gave them courage to come back .
“ Of course what we are going through is a catastrophe , we are praying for all the dead people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children , ” said parishioner Marlene Rauphael .
“ We hope to survive , but here in Lebanon we already are survivors.
” Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

When we turn on our televisions or smart phones we are bombarded with news that brings us down. Where are all the good stories? They’re still there. Here’s one that we hope will bless you.
Last week’s explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, was captured on film as a Catholic church celebrated Mass.
Father Marwan Mouawad, a priest at St. Maron Baouchrieh Church, said initially they thought it was an earthquake. “As usual we started the Mass and at the beginning of it we felt as if an earthquake was happening, the earth was moving, shaking, so first we looked at the roof to see if it was going to collapse on us,” he told the Associated Press.
The video shows Father Rabih Thoumy in the middle of Mass just before the blast sent him running as chunks of the ceiling fall down around him.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Fr. Mouawad said God was with them. “We felt the grace of God who was with us because when you look at the damage you can think that no one can come out from this alive because there were big damages with lots of glass and iron pieces that exploded,” he said. “It’s truly a miracle. It’s a miracle.”
The church resumed services Sunday. One parishioner said their faith gave them courage to come back.
“Of course what we are going through is a catastrophe, we are praying for all the dead people, for all the injured, for all the children,” said parishioner Marlene Rauphael. “We hope to survive, but here in Lebanon we already are survivors.”
Watch:
Priest celebrates live streamed Mass when a massive explosion rips through Beirut. pic.twitter.com/uvhEW33cFa — Norbert Elekes (@NorbertElekes) August 5, 2020
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-08-15--LA County Health Dept. Threatens to Shut Down Outdoor Church Service

Editor ’ s note : Please join us in praying for Pastor Shane Idleman and the leaders of the Stadium Revival services in southern California as they seek counsel on how to respond to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ’ s most recent demands .
Please also join us in praying for God to be glorified at Saturday ’ s meeting .
Recently , a few news outlets asked , “ What ’ s going on in California ?
” That question prompted me to write these articles ( you can view the first one here ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Pastors Jack Hibbs ’ , Rob McCoy ’ s , and John MacArthur ’ s bold stances , we decided to launch a Saturday night service in Lancaster , California , at JetHawk Stadium on July 25th .
It ’ s being tagged # TheStadiumRevival .
To get you up to speed : Although the event was primarily for our local body as a way to come together , word quickly spread , and approximately 1,000 people have been showing up every Saturday .
This move of God simply shows how hungry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and even convicted .
But when God is moving , so are opposing forces .
The Los Angeles County Health Department received complaints about our service .
On Thursday the department told us we can not sing , even if we are six feet apart , but that they would consider allowing singing if we double our social distance and wear masks the entire service .
We ’ re not sure what will happen on Saturday ( will they attempt to shut us down midway through like they suggested ? )
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here Saturday at 7 p.m. PDT to see what happens .
Some Guiding Thoughts on How to Respond We respect our governing authorities and comply when possible ( the Bible is clear here ) , but when mandates begin to hinder efforts to worship God and we see tons of inconsistencies ( e.g.
, protests are not shut down or challenged ) , then we must take a stand .
Others far more gifted than me , such as John MacArthur , have written extensively on this topic , but I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I love America — I love how God has blessed us .
I read the writings of the Founding Fathers and the Puritans often .
My heart beats for restoration and renewal .
Second , my heart is to honor and obey our elected officials when they are trying to honor God .
Third , it ’ s important that Christians respond in wisdom rather than react in pride .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a First Amendment issue , at least not initially , because the stay-at-home order appeared to be short-term and very specific .
I also believe that reacting can damage our witness if decisions are not bathed in prayer and carefully considered .
It can demonstrate a spirit of rebellion and send a wrong message across the landscape of America .
Civil rights must be viewed in the context of social responsibility , such as “ Will exercising my ‘ right ’ hurt others ?
” But also , “ Will keeping our church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from depression to suicide ?
” An interesting dynamic , as well as a transition , is taking place — some of our leaders are not truly seeking God , so decisions are made in fear and guided by anxiety .
And it ’ s crystal clear now that COVID-19 is being used as a political weapon .
All kinds of evil are being exposed from pedophilia rings to satanic agendas .
Anyone who denies this is either naive or on the side of deception .
Granted , COVID-19 is a real virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complacency , and when are mandates overkill ?
We must seek God wholeheartedly and unconditionally if we truly desire wisdom .
We have been very compliant .
As this drags on , though , we will need to make decisions based on the biased targeting of churches .
Maintaining six feet to pray for the sick may be impossible .
Jesus laid hands on the sick and the leprous .
I ’ m not implying that we become rebels and do what we want to do , for there is a fine line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , though , the church must be the church .
God-given rights must be maintained .
My conviction on this day , August 14 , 2020 , is that we continue to support local ordinances when they are realistic and fair across the board .
During this time , we must humble ourselves as we fast and pray for direction .
So my question to you is , are you doing this , too ?
I don ’ t think anyone should speak out until they have first sought the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbiblical rebellion .
Are you “ reacting ” in anger or “ responding ” in wisdom ?
As I said in a recent article , in addition to bringing back the economy , we must constantly turn to God and His Word .
Psalm 119:67 reminds us of an essential truth : “ Before I was afflicted I went astray , but now I keep Your word.
” Affliction via difficulties , challenges and obstacles can lead us back to God .
In one fell swoop , COVID-19 has dethroned many of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really important .
In this sense , I am incredibly encouraged , since this is fertile ground for revival .
Revival thrives in brokenness , repentance , humility , and passionate prayer .
I am concerned that America is fearful but not repentant , anxious but not surrendered to God , worried but not worshipful , confused but not diligently seeking Him .
What will it take to draw us back to God ?
Like the Israelites in Joel ’ s time , we must change course and cry out to Him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God heard His people then , and He will hear us now — once again pouring out His Spirit on a dry and thirsty land , for whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved ( Joel 2:25-32 ) .
This is our goal at the Stadium Revival services in Southern California .
Would you please keep us in prayer ?
# TheStadiumRevival Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

Update: Neither the L.A County health department’s mask mandate, nor 100 degree heat, nor smoke from the raging Lakes Fire could keep people away from Saturday’s Stadium Revival. Pastor Shane Idleman reports just under 1000 people attended. And praise God, 24 people came forward to be baptized! This included at least six children, including one 11-year-old girl who had a dream about Jesus the night before and rushed to get baptized. Idleman decided to ask those attending to comply with the requirements the health department imposed and to continue singing.
Recently, a few news outlets asked, “What’s going on in California?” That question prompted me to write these articles (you can view the first one here). With the beach gatherings, along with Pastors Jack Hibbs’, Rob McCoy’s, and John MacArthur’s bold stances, we decided to launch a Saturday night service in Lancaster, California, at JetHawk Stadium on July 25th. It’s being tagged #TheStadiumRevival.
To get you up to speed: Although the event was primarily for our local body as a way to come together, word quickly spread, and approximately 1,000 people have been showing up every Saturday. This move of God simply shows how hungry people are to be encouraged and uplifted — and even convicted. But when God is moving, so are opposing forces.
COVID-19 is a real virus, but when does compliance turn into complacence, and when are mandates overkill? We must seek God wholeheartedly and unconditionally if we truly desire wisdom.
The Los Angeles County Health Department received complaints about our service. On Thursday the department told us we cannot sing, even if we are six feet apart, but that they would consider allowing singing if we double our social distance and wear masks the entire service. We’re not sure what will happen on Saturday (will they attempt to shut us down midway through like they suggested?), but you can watch the live feed here Saturday at 7 p.m. PDT to see what happens.
Some Guiding Thoughts on How to Respond
We respect our governing authorities and comply when possible (the Bible is clear here), but when mandates begin to hinder efforts to worship God and we see tons of inconsistencies (e.g., protests are not shut down or challenged), then we must take a stand.
Others far more gifted than me, such as John MacArthur, have written extensively on this topic, but I’d like to share some thoughts. First, I love America — I love how God has blessed us. I read the writings of the Founding Fathers and the Puritans often. My heart beats for restoration and renewal. Second, my heart is to honor and obey our elected officials when they are trying to honor God. Third, it’s important that Christians respond in wisdom rather than react in pride.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I don’t think it was a First Amendment issue, at least not initially, because the stay-at-home order appeared to be short-term and very specific. I also believe that reacting can damage our witness if decisions are not bathed in prayer and carefully considered. It can demonstrate a spirit of rebellion and send a wrong message across the landscape of America. Civil rights must be viewed in the context of social responsibility, such as “Will exercising my ‘right’ hurt others?” But also, “Will keeping our church closed hurt others mentally or spiritually … from depression to suicide?”
Compliance or Complacency?
An interesting dynamic, as well as a transition, is taking place — some of our leaders are not truly seeking God, so decisions are made in fear and guided by anxiety. And it’s crystal clear now that COVID-19 is being used as a political weapon. All kinds of evil are being exposed from pedophilia rings to satanic agendas. Anyone who denies this is either naive or on the side of deception. Granted, COVID-19 is a real virus. But when does compliance turn into complacency, and when are mandates overkill? We must seek God wholeheartedly and unconditionally if we truly desire wisdom.
We have been very compliant. As this drags on, though, we will need to make decisions based on the biased targeting of churches. Maintaining six feet to pray for the sick may be impossible. Jesus laid hands on the sick and the leprous. I’m not implying that we become rebels and do what we want to do, for there is a fine line between presumption and faith. At some point, though, the church must be the church. God-given rights must be maintained.
Seeking God for Direction and Revival
My conviction on this day, August 14, 2020, is that we continue to support local ordinances when they are realistic and fair across the board. During this time, we must humble ourselves as we fast and pray for direction. So my question to you is, are you doing this, too? I don’t think anyone should speak out until they have first sought the heart of God, and no Christian should incite unbiblical rebellion. Are you “reacting” in anger or “responding” in wisdom?
I am concerned that America is fearful but not repentant, anxious but not surrendered to God, worried but not worshipful, confused but not diligently seeking Him.
As I said in a recent article, in addition to bringing back the economy, we must constantly turn to God and His Word. Psalm 119:67 reminds us of an essential truth: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” Affliction via difficulties, challenges and obstacles can lead us back to God.
In one fell swoop, COVID-19 has dethroned many of our idols. We are finally realizing what is really important. In this sense, I am incredibly encouraged, since this is fertile ground for revival. Revival thrives in brokenness, repentance, humility, and passionate prayer. I am concerned that America is fearful but not repentant, anxious but not surrendered to God, worried but not worshipful, confused but not diligently seeking Him.
What will it take to draw us back to God? Like the Israelites in Joel’s time, we must change course and cry out to Him in repentance with prayer and fasting. God heard His people then, and He will hear us now — once again pouring out His Spirit on a dry and thirsty land, for whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:25-32). This is our goal at the Stadium Revival services in Southern California. Would you please keep us in prayer? #TheStadiumRevival
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.


thestream--2020-08-16--Dallas Mayor Declares ‘Pray Dallas Day’ on Aug. 19 ‘for the Eradication of Coronavirus’

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson proclaimed Aug. 19 , 2020 will be Pray Dallas Day .
It will be “ a day of prayer and fasting for the eradication of the coronavirus from the City of Dallas.
” The proclamation says that residents are encouraged to “ pray in place ” wherever they are during the noon hour and “ if so led , to fast and pray during all or part of that day.
” Pray Dallas was started by Tom Altemus , a home improvement contractor .
In a video on the Pray Dallas website , Altemus says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream from God .
In the dream Christians came out of their houses and united to oppose anti-God activity outside .
The Christians lifted up their hands to heaven and lifted up the name of Jesus .
Then the work of the enemy was destroyed .
When Altemus woke up , God gave him the verse Joshua 8:19 : “ The men in ambush rose quickly from their place , and when he had stretched out his hand , they ran and entered the city and captured it , and they quickly set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
He saw the scripture of Joshua 8:19 applied to modern day Dallas , where those awaiting the signal from God would take the city and light revival fires .
The signal was the Day of Payer and Fasting to eradicate Coronavirus on the date corresponding to the scripture , 8/19 .
Let us pray that our Churches seize the opportunity to unite to bring healing and transformation to our city .
Altemus says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heflin ’ s 1990 book Glory .
The quote ends with , “ I saw America ablaze with God , and I knew that when the revival had fully been ignited across America , Dallas , Texas , would be the center of it.
” He says that he believes God has told him to lead this prayer movement to “ eradicate coronavirus ” and to bring revival .
“ We want the name of Jesus to be lifted over the name of coronavirus , ” Altemus says in the video .
Julie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a Facebook video that their they have received messages from people around the nation and the world .
She encourages them to join in on Aug. 19 to “ do this for your region too.
” Aliya Kuykendall is a staff writer and proofreader for The Stream .
You can follow Aliya on Twitter @ AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson proclaimed Aug. 19, 2020 will be Pray Dallas Day. It will be “a day of prayer and fasting for the eradication of the coronavirus from the City of Dallas.” The proclamation says that residents are encouraged to “pray in place” wherever they are during the noon hour and “if so led, to fast and pray during all or part of that day.”
Pray Dallas was started by Tom Altemus, a home improvement contractor. In a video on the Pray Dallas website, Altemus says that the day of prayer started with a dream from God. In the dream Christians came out of their houses and united to oppose anti-God activity outside. The Christians lifted up their hands to heaven and lifted up the name of Jesus. Then the work of the enemy was destroyed. When Altemus woke up, God gave him the verse Joshua 8:19: “The men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
A statement from Pray Dallas explains:
He saw the scripture of Joshua 8:19 applied to modern day Dallas, where those awaiting the signal from God would take the city and light revival fires. The signal was the Day of Payer and Fasting to eradicate Coronavirus on the date corresponding to the scripture, 8/19. Let us pray that our Churches seize the opportunity to unite to bring healing and transformation to our city.
Altemus says he then read a quotation from Ruth Heflin’s 1990 book Glory. The quote ends with, “I saw America ablaze with God, and I knew that when the revival had fully been ignited across America, Dallas, Texas, would be the center of it.” He says he believes God has told him to lead this prayer movement to “eradicate coronavirus” and bring revival.
“We want the name of Jesus to be lifted over the name of coronavirus,” Altemus says in the video.
Julie Altemus, Tom Altemus’ wife, said in a Facebook video that they have received messages from people around the nation and the world. She encourages them to join in on Aug. 19 to “do this for your region too.”
Aliya Kuykendall is a staff writer and proofreader for The Stream. You can follow Aliya on Twitter @AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.