thestream--2020-09-10--All Kidding Aside, Democrats: Why’d You Kill All Those Old Folks?

I ’ m not sure how many readers have friends or family members who might be considering voting for Biden .
My friends are all to the right of me , so they ’ re not a problem .
I do have a sister who loathes President Trump for intractable reasons .
( He reminds her too much of our dad , and I can ’ t argue with that . )
But she lives in New York state , where votes don ’ t mean very much .
So there ’ s no point contesting things with her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state the Democrats will carry long after the heat death of the universe .
It allowed me to vote my conscience — third party — instead of for candidates like George W. Bush or John “ Bomb the Belgians !
” McCain .
The Fence Is Too Ouchy to Sit on But maybe you are still in regular contact with people who sit on the fence , politically .
I can ’ t imagine that .
It sounds too painful .
Especially these days as the fence gets ever higher and spikier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put myself in the mental space that considers as rational options Joe Biden , Kamala Harris , and the Squad .
But that ’ s the point , isn ’ t it ?
They ’ re irrational options , but options nevertheless .
Millions of people in America thought at some point that it was a good idea to “ try out ” crystal meth “ just once.
” Or Scientology .
Each night to unwind I watch World ’ s Dumbest , to scoff at folks thought it best to slide down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold up a liquor store in their underwear .
Or put out cigarettes on their tongues .
These people ’ s votes , it ’ s important to note , count as much as yours or mine .
If You Must Vote for Biden , Don ’ t Vote Some people are so in the tank for the Democrats , so fevered by Trump Derangement Syndrome , that they ’ re unpersuadable .
If you ’ re still linked to people like this , try to talk them out of voting in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think are likely to work .
Maybe : “ You ’ re just legitimizing this racist system.
” Or : “ The Russians could morph every mail-in vote for Biden to two for Trump.
” Or even “ White supremacists like Candace Owen might shoot up the polling place.
” Customize your treatment depending on each patient ’ s symptoms .
The Protocols of the Elders of Jamestown What about people who are actually reachable ?
Maybe you can ’ t convince them that Orange Man isn ’ t Bad .
Or that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every crackpot leftist ideology and fringe group , with absolutely no filter .
Or that America wasn ’ t founded as a secret racist conspiracy in 1619 , as it says in The Protocols of the Elders of Jamestown .
Treat whatever media-spawned myth possesses your friend as a bomb you need to disarm .
You don ’ t go straight for the Semtex , but look for the little wires that connect it to the detonator .
So I ’ d like to lay out here just one key question for Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , because no Democrat is willing to answer it .
Instead they just change the subject , shout “ What about Trump ’ s last tweet ?
” then run out of the room .
I ’ ll add some follow-up questions that twist the knife just a bit .
Remember that your goal here isn ’ t to make your Democrat friend into a gung-ho Trump voter .
It ’ s to plant enough legitimate , rational doubts in his mind .
To take the edge off his enthusiasm .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loses the enthusiasm to turn out and vote for Biden .
Along with all those down-ballot Democrats whose leaders have promised to abolish the filibuster , open the borders to 20 or 40 million new low-skill immigrants , and make Guantanamo Bay a state with two Muslim Democrat senators .
Perhaps you ’ ve read about New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ’ s latest .
He ’ s blaming President Trump for all the COVID deaths in his state .
On the face of it , that ’ s gallows-comedy gold .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
That ’ s when Cuomo was boasting that New York had more COVID infections because it ’ s so welcoming of immigrants , legal or illegal .
That was before the memo went out from George Soros , Pope Francis or President Xi , “ No , this is serious .
Use it to crash the economy and win in November.
” It was back when Nancy Pelosi was still inviting people to Chinatown , Joe Biden was still bashing Trump ’ s travel ban , and New York Mayor De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the gym .
Vote for Us Or Your Kids Will Die Hideously Since then , the Democrats have repositioned themselves as the party of contamination phobia .
“ Vote for us or your kids will die slowly and hideously , ” is its new , focus-grouped slogan .
A big hit with soccer moms who make their kids wear helmets in the bath tub .
Don ’ t underestimate the political genius here .
Political scientist Jonathan Haidt has shown persuasively that aversion to contamination is a major psychological motivator on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to keep out dangerous viruses , biological or political .
We worried about leftist infiltration of the government in the 50s , the universities in the 70s , and the churches in the 90s .
And we were right on every count , for whatever that ’ s worth .
We were the ones who shouted for the bathhouses to be closed down during the AIDS crisis , while the left shouted “ Love is love !
” We think admitting Islamists , Chinese spies , and MS-13 to the U.S. is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of Diversity add up to Strength .
But when it came to COVID , in order to crash Trump ’ s economy , the Left stole our songbook .
And the virus panic party might very well win .
But here ’ s where my killer question ( if you ’ ll pardon the expression ) comes in .
Why ’ d You Kill All Those Veterans and Grandparents ?
Why did Democrat governors dump COVID patients on nursing homes , when they had plenty of empty hospital beds ?
Andrew Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reporter has asked it .
Neither has Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf .
Or California Governor Gavin Newsome .
Or New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy .
The press have danced around the piled-up corpses in the room .
Media have let these governors preen as anti-COVID warriors , smash up small businesses , shut down churches , ban Trump rallies , but make exceptions for Antifa/BLM riots .
At each turn , the MSM gave political cover for a dizzying series of self-contradictory and hypocritical decisions , each one driven by naked electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailing all of them .
I won ’ t .
I just want the answer .
Why did these governors decide to inflict a deadly virus on the most vulnerable citizens in their states ?
Why dump this slow death on grandparents and veterans , locked inside with no visitors , no clergy , no single face of mercy or care except the masked face of a nurse a few times per day ?
Why mass cremate them like euthanized dogs and cats at the city pound ?
I just want to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poster boy for Democrats COVID policy , explain his lethal decision to the sons and daughters of the old people he killed ?
Why haven ’ t hundreds of them been picketing his home every day , demanding it ?
Why have no “ journalists ” questioned him on it ?
Why hasn ’ t he at least said that he ’ s sorry ?
If your Biden voter friend isn ’ t haunted by these questions , maybe you need better friends .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .
He is co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

I’m not sure how many readers have friends or family members who might be considering voting for Biden. My friends are all to the right of me, so they’re not a problem. I do have a sister who loathes President Trump for intractable reasons. (He reminds her too much of our dad, and I can’t argue with that.) But she lives in New York state, where votes don’t mean very much. So there’s no point contesting things with her.
I kind of miss living in a state the Democrats will carry long after the heat death of the universe. It allowed me to vote my conscience — third party — instead of for candidates like George W. Bush or John “Bomb the Belgians!” McCain.
The Fence Is Too Ouchy to Sit on
But maybe you are still in regular contact with people who sit on the fence, politically. I can’t imagine that. It sounds too painful. Especially these days as the fence gets ever higher and spikier. It’s hard for me to put myself in the mental space that considers as rational options Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and the Squad.
But that’s the point, isn’t it? They’re irrational options, but options nevertheless. Millions of people in America thought at some point that it was a good idea to “try out” crystal meth “just once.” Or Scientology. Each night to unwind I watch World’s Dumbest, to scoff at folks thought it best to slide down a mountainside on a sofa. Or hold up a liquor store in their underwear. Or put out cigarettes on their tongues. These people’s votes, it’s important to note, count as much as yours or mine.
If You Must Vote for Biden, Don’t Vote
Some people are so in the tank for the Democrats, so fevered by Trump Derangement Syndrome, that they’re unpersuadable. If you’re still linked to people like this, try to talk them out of voting in the first place. Use whatever arguments you think are likely to work.
Maybe: “You’re just legitimizing this racist system.” Or: “The Russians could morph every mail-in vote for Biden to two for Trump.” Or even “White supremacists like Candace Owen might shoot up the polling place.” Customize your treatment depending on each patient’s symptoms.
The Protocols of the Elders of Jamestown
What about people who are actually reachable? Maybe you can’t convince them that Orange Man isn’t Bad. Or that the Democrats have opened the gates to every crackpot leftist ideology and fringe group, with absolutely no filter. Or that America wasn’t founded as a secret racist conspiracy in 1619, as it says in The Protocols of the Elders of Jamestown. Treat whatever media-spawned myth possesses your friend as a bomb you need to disarm. You don’t go straight for the Semtex, but look for the little wires that connect it to the detonator.
So I’d like to lay out here just one key question for Democrats that is absolutely unanswerable. We know that, because no Democrat is willing to answer it. Instead they just change the subject, shout “What about Trump’s last tweet?” then run out of the room. I’ll add some follow-up questions that twist the knife just a bit.
Demoralize and Dispirit
Remember that your goal here isn’t to make your Democrat friend into a gung-ho Trump voter. It’s to plant enough legitimate, rational doubts in his mind. To take the edge off his enthusiasm. To demoralize and dispirit him, so he loses the enthusiasm to turn out and vote for Biden. Along with all those down-ballot Democrats whose leaders have promised to abolish the filibuster, open the borders to 20 or 40 million new low-skill immigrants, and make Guantanamo Bay a state with two Muslim Democrat senators.
NYC: Virus-Ridden and Proud
Perhaps you’ve read about New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s latest. He’s blaming President Trump for all the COVID deaths in his state.
On the face of it, that’s gallows-comedy gold. I’m old enough to remember March 2020. That’s when Cuomo was boasting that New York had more COVID infections because it’s so welcoming of immigrants, legal or illegal.
The Democrats have repositioned themselves as the party of contamination phobia. “Vote for us or your kids will die slowly and hideously,” is its new, focus-grouped slogan. A big hit with soccer moms.
That was before the memo went out from George Soros, Pope Francis or President Xi, “No, this is serious. Use it to crash the economy and win in November.” It was back when Nancy Pelosi was still inviting people to Chinatown, Joe Biden was still bashing Trump’s travel ban, and New York Mayor De Blasio was literally the last New Yorker at the gym.
Vote for Us Or Your Kids Will Die Hideously
Since then, the Democrats have repositioned themselves as the party of contamination phobia. “Vote for us or your kids will die slowly and hideously,” is its new, focus-grouped slogan. A big hit with soccer moms who make their kids wear helmets in the bath tub.
Don’t underestimate the political genius here. Political scientist Jonathan Haidt has shown persuasively that aversion to contamination is a major psychological motivator on the Right. We are the people usually trying to keep out dangerous viruses, biological or political. We worried about leftist infiltration of the government in the 50s, the universities in the 70s, and the churches in the 90s.
And we were right on every count, for whatever that’s worth. We were the ones who shouted for the bathhouses to be closed down during the AIDS crisis, while the left shouted “Love is love!” We think admitting Islamists, Chinese spies, and MS-13 to the U.S. is a bad thing. That not all forms of Diversity add up to Strength.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
But when it came to COVID, in order to crash Trump’s economy, the Left stole our songbook. And the virus panic party might very well win. But here’s where my killer question (if you’ll pardon the expression) comes in.
Why’d You Kill All Those Veterans and Grandparents?
Why did Democrat governors dump COVID patients on nursing homes, when they had plenty of empty hospital beds?
Andrew Cuomo has never answered this question, because no reporter has asked it. Neither has Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Or California Governor Gavin Newsome. Or New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The press have danced around the piled-up corpses in the room.
Media have let these governors preen as anti-COVID warriors, smash up small businesses, shut down churches, ban Trump rallies, but make exceptions for Antifa/BLM riots. At each turn, the MSM gave political cover for a dizzying series of self-contradictory and hypocritical decisions, each one driven by naked electoral politics. I could spend 40,000 words detailing all of them.
I won’t. I just want the answer.
Why did these governors decide to inflict a deadly virus on the most vulnerable citizens in their states? Why dump this slow death on grandparents and veterans, locked inside with no visitors, no clergy, no single face of mercy or care except the masked face of a nurse a few times per day? Why mass cremate them like euthanized dogs and cats at the city pound?
I just want to know why.
How would Andrew Cuomo, the poster boy for Democrats COVID policy, explain his lethal decision to the sons and daughters of the old people he killed? Why haven’t hundreds of them been picketing his home every day, demanding it? Why have no “journalists” questioned him on it?
Why hasn’t he at least said that he’s sorry?
If your Biden voter friend isn’t haunted by these questions, maybe you need better friends.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”


thestream--2020-09-10--When Well-Meaning Christians Tell Me to ‘Stay With the Gospel’

Constructive criticism is wonderful .
It is helpful , life-giving , and even life-saving .
I welcome it and receive it on a regular basis , sometimes even daily .
But I find it very unhelpful when people urge me to “ stay with the gospel , ” as if addressing moral and cultural issues is not part of the gospel .
To be clear , though , I do not write this to complain .
( Please take me at my word . )
Rather , I write this to illustrate some real blind spots in the Body , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with culture or as if a minister of the gospel can only preach about Jesus dying for our sins .
Recently , I wrote an article intended to help my White brothers and sisters see things through the eyes of their Black brothers and sisters in America .
I made clear it had nothing to do with laying guilt on Whites or justifying a victimhood mentality among Blacks .
Rather , I ended the article saying , “ let ’ s keep asking big questions in order to find big answers in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our God-given potential as a people and a nation .
Mixing in a healthy dose of empathic understanding will go a long way in helping us achieve those goals.
” This is pretty straightforward .
What were some of the reactions ?
( Because of time constraints , coupled with the amount of responses we get on social media , I normally am not able to read the comments .
But reading these on our Facebook page , it ’ s clear that many commented without even reading the article . )
Robin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joke right now.
” Ah yes , of course .
Anyone who would dare call for empathy and understanding is a joke .
“ Nothing to Do With the Gospel ” Chris wrote : “ this guy is constantly writing articles that have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel .
If you are truly saved , Dr Brown , why is it you have diverted away from the Gospel ?
And what is worse , you are attempting to draw those away from the Gospel itself , by luring them through matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address those who make their way in unknowingly to the church in his 2nd epistle in the 2nd chapter .
.
Paul speaks about it throughout his epistle entirely , such Romans 16:17,18 ; 1 Corinthians 1 , and chapter 2 :2 , about knowing nothing , except Jesus Christ , and Him crucified !
” So , compassion , empathy and the pursuit of righteousness “ have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel.
” Not only so , but I ’ m a divisive heretic to be avoided ( that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ) , I ’ m leading others away from the gospel , and I ’ m not following Paul ’ s model of preaching only “ Jesus Christ , and Him crucified.
” This is really remarkable , demonstrating an extraordinary level of scriptural ignorance ( mixed with hubris ) .
First , Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their neglect of “ the weightier matters of the law : justice and mercy and faithfulness ” ( Matthew 23:23 ) .
He also urged His followers to seek the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority ( Matthew 6:33 ) .
Second , based on Chris ’ s logic , Christian leaders should never address social evils , from slavery to abortion .
Third , while Paul ’ s evangelistic strategy was to emphasize the death and resurrection of Jesus ( as is mine ) , in the very letter referenced by Chris ( 1 Corinthians ) , Paul dealt with : gossip and division in the local church ; failure to expel a sexually immoral brother ; the importance of adjudicating legal matters within the fellowship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions of marriage and celibacy — and much more .
It looks like Paul did not only preach “ Jesus Christ , and Him crucified.
” Lanin also rightly pointed that , “ You recall that Paul also wrote the letter to Philemon , don ’ t you ?
” This was the primary text used by abolitionists !
Called to Share the Gospel , Which Includes Addressing Moral Issues James wrote , “ Bro .
Brown , we are commissioned to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus .
Why do you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
You have hurt your testimony again .
I asked you before , on another article , why you play both sides of the fence .
This is our time to stand for Truth , and Light .
What are you doing ?
.
.
.
You have left your call to be a minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus .
.
.
.
Where did you lose your call…..and your way ?
” In point of fact , I ’ ve been sharing the gospel of Jesus on a regular basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both one-on-one and from the pulpit , at times at the risk of my life ( literally ) .
I ’ ve preached Jesus all across America , around the world , on street corners , on university campuses , in book form , in debates and on social media .
And by God ’ s grace , I ’ ve had the privilege of helping train missionaries who are now serving around the globe .
The Great Commission burns in my heart every day of my life .
I ’ m also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural issues .
In fact , there ’ s not a day that goes by without other believers ( often pastors and leaders ) thanking me for addressing these critical issues .
If we don ’ t , who will ?
( For our relevant video on this , see here . )
This too is part of the gospel , and as a talk radio host and op-ed columnist , this is part of my sacred calling in the Lord .
That ’ s why I “ promote ” articles like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the fence , ” if that means doing my best to understand and fairly represent both sides of an argument by speaking the truth in love , I ’ ll take that as a compliment . )
But the most bizarre thing James wrote is that by addressing moral and cultural issues , I ’ m “ hurting my testimony.
” Really ?
This makes one wonder if William Wilberforce hurt his testimony by opposing the slave trade in the British Empire .
Or if William Carey hurt his testimony by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their husband ’ s funeral pyres in India .
Or if the early Christians hurt their testimony when they rescued abandoned babies and spoke out openly against abortion .
What on earth are people thinking ?
Do We Understand the Gospel ?
But perhaps there ’ s more to the story .
As I tweeted , “ How interesting !
When I expose laws in CA that protect sexually aggressive adults rather than children , or when I confront the radical agenda of BLM , people cheer me on .
But when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segregation in America , I ’ m told to ‘ stay with the gospel.
’ ” Perhaps there ’ s something else going on here ?
To say it once more , I ’ m not complaining about the criticism .
It comes with the territory , some of it is well-meaning , and I get attacked 100 times more severely by the hour , especially on our YouTube channel .
Bring it on !
And I ’ m not defending my calling , which ultimately is between me and God ( as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong words about this in Romans , writing , “ Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another ?
It is before his own master that he stands or falls .
And he will be upheld , for the Lord is able to make him stand.
” ( Romans 14:4 ) Instead , I ’ m seeking to illustrate how myopic we can be in our understanding of the gospel , as if the Word of God — which we preach and teach — does not have something to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Could this be another reason that we have so little impact on the world around us ?
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

Constructive criticism is wonderful. It is helpful, life-giving, and even life-saving. I welcome it and receive it on a regular basis, sometimes even daily. But I find it very unhelpful when people urge me to “stay with the gospel,” as if addressing moral and cultural issues is not part of the gospel.
To be clear, though, I do not write this to complain. (Please take me at my word.) Rather, I write this to illustrate some real blind spots in the Body, as if the gospel does not intersect with culture or as if a minister of the gospel can only preach about Jesus dying for our sins.
A Call for Empathy
Recently, I wrote an article intended to help my White brothers and sisters see things through the eyes of their Black brothers and sisters in America. I made clear it had nothing to do with laying guilt on Whites or justifying a victimhood mentality among Blacks. Rather, I ended the article saying, “let’s keep asking big questions in order to find big answers in order that, together, we can fulfill our God-given potential as a people and a nation. Mixing in a healthy dose of empathic understanding will go a long way in helping us achieve those goals.”
This is pretty straightforward. What were some of the reactions? (Because of time constraints, coupled with the amount of responses we get on social media, I normally am not able to read the comments. But reading these on our Facebook page, it’s clear that many commented without even reading the article.)
Robin wrote, “AskDrBrown you are a joke right now.” Ah yes, of course. Anyone who would dare call for empathy and understanding is a joke.
“Nothing to Do With the Gospel”
Chris wrote: “this guy is constantly writing articles that have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel. If you are truly saved, Dr Brown, why is it you have diverted away from the Gospel? And what is worse, you are attempting to draw those away from the Gospel itself, by luring them through matters that have nothing to do with salvation…Peter address those who make their way in unknowingly to the church in his 2nd epistle in the 2nd chapter. . Paul speaks about it throughout his epistle entirely, such Romans 16:17,18; 1 Corinthians 1, and chapter 2 :2 , about knowing nothing, except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified!”
So, compassion, empathy and the pursuit of righteousness “have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel.” Not only so, but I’m a divisive heretic to be avoided (that’s what some of the scripture references state), I’m leading others away from the gospel, and I’m not following Paul’s model of preaching only “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”
This is really remarkable, demonstrating an extraordinary level of scriptural ignorance (mixed with hubris).
So, compassion, empathy and the pursuit of righteousness “have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel.”
First, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their neglect of “the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). He also urged His followers to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness as a priority (Matthew 6:33).
Second, based on Chris’s logic, Christian leaders should never address social evils, from slavery to abortion.
Third, while Paul’s evangelistic strategy was to emphasize the death and resurrection of Jesus (as is mine), in the very letter referenced by Chris (1 Corinthians), Paul dealt with: gossip and division in the local church; failure to expel a sexually immoral brother; the importance of adjudicating legal matters within the fellowship rather than in the local courts; questions of marriage and celibacy — and much more. It looks like Paul did not only preach “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”
Lanin also rightly pointed that, “You recall that Paul also wrote the letter to Philemon, don’t you?” This was the primary text used by abolitionists!
Called to Share the Gospel, Which Includes Addressing Moral Issues
James wrote, “Bro. Brown, we are commissioned to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Why do you feel the need to promote articles like this? You have hurt your testimony again. I asked you before, on another article, why you play both sides of the fence. This is our time to stand for Truth, and Light. What are you doing? . . . You have left your call to be a minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. . . . Where did you lose your call…..and your way?”
In point of fact, I’ve been sharing the gospel of Jesus on a regular basis (often daily) since 1971, both one-on-one and from the pulpit, at times at the risk of my life (literally). I’ve preached Jesus all across America, around the world, on street corners, on university campuses, in book form, in debates and on social media. And by God’s grace, I’ve had the privilege of helping train missionaries who are now serving around the globe. The Great Commission burns in my heart every day of my life.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I’m also called by God to address moral and cultural issues. In fact, there’s not a day that goes by without other believers (often pastors and leaders) thanking me for addressing these critical issues. If we don’t, who will? (For our relevant video on this, see here.)
This too is part of the gospel, and as a talk radio host and op-ed columnist, this is part of my sacred calling in the Lord. That’s why I “promote” articles like this. (As for “playing both sides of the fence,” if that means doing my best to understand and fairly represent both sides of an argument by speaking the truth in love, I’ll take that as a compliment.)
But the most bizarre thing James wrote is that by addressing moral and cultural issues, I’m “hurting my testimony.” Really? This makes one wonder if William Wilberforce hurt his testimony by opposing the slave trade in the British Empire. Or if William Carey hurt his testimony by fighting against the burning of widows on their husband’s funeral pyres in India. Or if the early Christians hurt their testimony when they rescued abandoned babies and spoke out openly against abortion. What on earth are people thinking?
Do We Understand the Gospel?
But perhaps there’s more to the story. As I tweeted, “How interesting! When I expose laws in CA that protect sexually aggressive adults rather than children, or when I confront the radical agenda of BLM, people cheer me on. But when I talk about the legacy of slavery & segregation in America, I’m told to ‘stay with the gospel.’”
Perhaps there’s something else going on here?
To say it once more, I’m not complaining about the criticism. It comes with the territory, some of it is well-meaning, and I get attacked 100 times more severely by the hour, especially on our YouTube channel. Bring it on! And I’m not defending my calling, which ultimately is between me and God (as is yours). Paul had some strong words about this in Romans, writing, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
Instead, I’m seeking to illustrate how myopic we can be in our understanding of the gospel, as if the Word of God — which we preach and teach — does not have something to say about virtually every aspect of life.
Could this be another reason that we have so little impact on the world around us?
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-09-10--Weekly Jobless Claims Increase to 884,000, Missing Wall Street Expectations

The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims increased to 884,000 last week as the economy continues to suffer from the coronavirus pandemic , according to the Department of Labor .
The Department of Labor figure released Thursday represented an increase of new jobless claims compared to the week ending on Aug. 29 , in which there were 881,000 new jobless claims reported .
Economists expected Thursday ’ s jobless claims number to come in around 850,000 , according to The Wall Street Journal .
New jobless claims fell below 1 million in the first week of August , marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below under 1 million since March .
“ There ’ s still a long way to go , and I think we ’ re likely to see continued progress , ” said Stephen Stanley , chief economist at Amherst Pierpont , WSJ reported .
“ More businesses are still reopening.
” Jobless claims hovered around 200,000 per week before the pandemic , according to WSJ .
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in March as coronavirus spread rapidly around the world .
The U.S. added 1.4 million jobs in August , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Department of Labor data released Friday .
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 licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims increased to 884,000 last week as the economy continues to suffer from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Department of Labor.
The Department of Labor figure released Thursday represented an increase of new jobless claims compared to the week ending on Aug. 29, in which there were 881,000 new jobless claims reported.
Economists expected Thursday’s jobless claims number to come in around 850,000, according to The Wall Street Journal. New jobless claims fell below 1 million in the first week of August, marking the first time the weekly claims were below under 1 million since March.
“There’s still a long way to go, and I think we’re likely to see continued progress,” said Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Amherst Pierpont, WSJ reported. “More businesses are still reopening.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Jobless claims hovered around 200,000 per week before the pandemic, according to WSJ. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in March as coronavirus spread rapidly around the world.
The U.S. added 1.4 million jobs in August, while unemployment fell to 8.4%, according to Department of Labor data released Friday.
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--2020-09-10--#Election 2020: Media Outraged Trump Didn’t Want Americans to Panic, Biden Borrows Trump’s Manufactu

#Election 2020: Media Outraged Trump Didn’t Want Americans to Panic, Biden Borrows Trump’s Manufacturing Policy

54 days to go until Election Day .
Yesterday was another frenzied day in Campaign Land .
“ Blessed are the peacemakers , for they shall receive a boost for their campaign.
” President Donald Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering an historic peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emerites .
That deal will be signed at the White House next Tuesday .
The nomination was submitted by Christian Tybring-Gjedde , a member of the Norwegian Parliament and chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly .
Curiously , though not expectedly , the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more time on the Norwegian ’ s politics – described by AP as “ far right ” – than it did on Trump ’ s historic accomplishment .
Trump also announced a further reduction in troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan .
Excerpts from Bob Woodward ’ s new book Rage set the Swamp alight yesterday .
Seems Trump told Woodward in a March interview that he publicly downplayed the potential severity of the COVID virus early on to avoid panic .
Naturally , the media is going hysterical .
Forgetting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downplay the threat … before it became politically helpful to sell it as the end of life as we know it .
Joe Biden also jumped on the Trump statement like a Pee Wee league player on a fumble .
He shamelessly declared that President Trump killed off Americans to protect rich people .
Said Joe , “ It ’ s all about making sure that the stock market did not come down and his rich friends didn ’ t lose money and that anything that happened had nothing to do with him.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Snake News : Whatever has the media and democrats hyperventilating about Trump will be proven false , usually within 24 hours .
In this case , the media is saying Trump lied to the American people .
Yesterday , Anthony Fauci — St. Fauci to the media — declared he “ didn ’ t get any sense ” that Trump was “ distorting anything ” about coronavirus .
One more thing about the Woodward “ bombshell.
” If Woodward actually thought that Trump ’ s effort to ease panic over the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why didn ’ t he say something six months ago ?
His answer is that he was waiting to confirm sources .
Which makes no sense , since he had Trump ’ s actual words on tape .
While we ’ re talking COVID , Trump hanger rallies scheduled for Nevada this weekend had to be cancelled because of the Democratic governor ’ s COVID restrictions .
Trump ’ s going to Nevada anyway , the White House says .
The White House is finally playing the game .
When asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , which apparently violated the state ’ s current mandate to limit outdoor gatherings to 50 people , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declared : “ People have a First Amendment right if they so choose to show up and express their political opinion in the form of a peaceful protest , which is what the president has held , and there is a real double standard here.
” Translation : “ Until you complain about BLM and Antifa protests , we don ’ t want to hear a thing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan for a campaign event yesterday .
Michigan ’ s Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer was fine with it .
No COVID problems with Joe .
However , she found a similar Trump campaign event “ very distressing.
” Biden did a fabulous Trump impression in Michigan .
At least on policy .
At his “ Made in America ” event , Biden promised to change the tax code to discourage moving jobs overseas and to reward companies for investing in domestic production .
This after he spent half a century doing the opposite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s backing of China joining the World Trade Organization .
The Trump team was also quick to remind voters the last time Biden was in Michigan he lit into an auto worker who was pressing him .
“ You ’ re full of s*** , ” Biden said , “ I don ’ t work for you.
” Then who do you work for , Joe ?
The Chinese ?
Check out this story from John Solomon ’ s Just the News .
Headline : “ Hunter Biden teamed with Chinese military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maker.
” Joe left that out of his speech in Michigan .
Next time , maybe the hard working people of Michigan should put $ 1.5 billion in Hunter Biden ’ s pocket , if they want to keep their companies here .
So who ’ s ahead , Joe Biden or Donald Trump ?
A new Rasmussen study suggests we can take the current polling with a grain of salt .
They found that some 17 % of likely voters who Strongly Approve of President Trump — or nearly one in five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they ’ re going to vote .
Notice how we ’ re not seeing Kamala Harris out doing all too many campaign events ?
Biden ’ s team says it ’ s because of COVID concerns .
But is that being generous ?
Peter Schweizer points out the obvious .
He told Breitbart , “ If Joe Biden is not out there on the campaign trail and Kamala Harris is , it highlights the fact that they don ’ t have a policy about campaigning [ regarding COVID-19 ] .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden out on the campaign trail.
” Schweizer also cites another possible reason Harris isn ’ t out there in public much .
Moderate voters don ’ t find her all that that likable or sincere .
Perhaps that ’ s why Kamala Harris did a cozy webchat with Barack Obama for Biden ’ s campaign website .
To try and look likable .
The two joked about Biden ’ s fondness for aviator glasses and ice cream .
Obama did get serious , saying “ The main thing we know about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sense of why we do this.
” Sure , he may lose sense of what state he ’ s in , what decade he ’ s in and which woman on the stage with him is his wife … but not why we do this .
We also learned that Kamala works out every morning “ regardless of how much sleep I had.
” Good .
Maybe that ’ s a question for Kamala when she does get around to taking questions .
“ Forget COVID-19 , how do we get rid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many of us have put on during the shutdown.
” And finally , after 20 seasons Keeping Up With the Kardashians is coming to an end .
This has nothing to do with the election , but given how rotten 2020 has been , we can use all the bright news we can get .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at @ Streamdotorg .

54 days to go until Election Day.
Yesterday was another frenzied day in Campaign Land.
President Trump Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall receive a boost for their campaign.”
President Donald Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering an historic peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emerites. That deal will be signed at the White House next Tuesday. The nomination was submitted by Christian Tybring-Gjedde, a member of the Norwegian Parliament and chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Curiously, though not expectedly, the Associated Press article on the Nobel prize nomination spent far more time on the Norwegian’s politics — described by AP as “far right” — than it did on Trump’s historic accomplishment.
Trump also announced a further reduction in troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Trump Thumped for Admitting He Downplayed COVID Danger
Excerpts from Bob Woodward’s new book Rage set the Swamp alight yesterday. Seems Trump told Woodward in a March interview that he publicly downplayed the potential severity of the COVID virus early on to avoid panic. Naturally, the media is going hysterical. Forgetting the media’s own massive effort to downplay the threat … before it became politically helpful to sell it as the end of life as we know it.
Joe Biden also jumped on the Trump statement like a Pee Wee league player on a fumble. He shamelessly declared that President Trump killed off Americans to protect rich people. Said Joe, “It’s all about making sure that the stock market did not come down and his rich friends didn’t lose money and that anything that happened had nothing to do with him.”
What’s the First Law of Snake News: Whatever has the media and democrats hyperventilating about Trump will be proven false, usually within 24 hours. In this case, the media is saying Trump lied to the American people. Yesterday, Anthony Fauci — St. Fauci to the media — declared he “didn’t get any sense” that Trump was “distorting anything” about coronavirus.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
One more thing about the Woodward “bombshell.” If Woodward actually thought that Trump’s effort to ease panic over the virus was wrong, was endangering the public, why didn’t he say something six months ago? His answer is that he was waiting to confirm sources. Which makes no sense, since he had Trump’s actual words on tape.
While we’re talking COVID, Trump hanger rallies scheduled for Nevada this weekend had to be cancelled because of the Democratic governor’s COVID restrictions. Trump’s going to Nevada anyway, the White House says.
The White House is finally playing the game. When asked about Trump’s campaign rally in North Carolina, which apparently violated the state’s current mandate to limit outdoor gatherings to 50 people, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany declared: “People have a First Amendment right if they so choose to show up and express their political opinion in the form of a peaceful protest, which is what the president has held, and there is a real double standard here.”
Translation: “Until you complain about BLM and Antifa protests, we don’t want to hear a thing about our rallies.”
Joe Biden Heads to Michigan
Joe Biden went to Michigan for a campaign event yesterday. Michigan’s Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer was fine with it. No COVID problems with Joe. However, she found a similar Trump campaign event “very distressing.”
Biden did a fabulous Trump impression in Michigan. At least on policy. At his “Made in America” event, Biden promised to change the tax code to discourage moving jobs overseas and to reward companies for investing in domestic production. This after he spent half a century doing the opposite. Think NAFTA, TTP, Biden’s backing of China joining the World Trade Organization.
The Trump team was also quick to remind voters the last time Biden was in Michigan he lit into an auto worker who was pressing him. “You’re full of s***,” Biden said, “I don’t work for you.”
The last time Joe Biden was in Michigan, he yelled at an autoworker. "You're full of sh*t," Biden said angrily. "I don't work for you."pic.twitter.com/OSBs0kMpZy — Trump War Room – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) September 9, 2020
Then who do you work for, Joe? The Chinese? Check out this story from John Solomon’s Just the News. Headline: “Hunter Biden teamed with Chinese military supplier to acquire dual-use Michigan auto parts maker.”
Biden’s investment fund BHR co-purchased Henniges Automotive with Chinese military contractor AVIC, which has been identified as front for China’s military and was sanctioned before the Obama administration approved the Biden-connected sale.
Joe left that out of his speech in Michigan. Next time, maybe the hard working people of Michigan should put $1.5 billion in Hunter Biden’s pocket, if they want to keep their companies here.
Trump Voters the Silent Majority?
So who’s ahead, Joe Biden or Donald Trump? A new Rasmussen study suggests we can take the current polling with a grain of salt. They found that some 17% of likely voters who Strongly Approve of President Trump — or nearly one in five — are less likely to tell people how they’re going to vote.
Kamala Chats With Obama
Notice how we’re not seeing Kamala Harris out doing all too many campaign events? Biden’s team says it’s because of COVID concerns. But is that being generous? Peter Schweizer points out the obvious. He told Breitbart, “If Joe Biden is not out there on the campaign trail and Kamala Harris is, it highlights the fact that they don’t have a policy about campaigning [regarding COVID-19]. It’s just they don’t want Joe Biden out on the campaign trail.”
Schweizer also cites another possible reason Harris isn’t out there in public much. Moderate voters don’t find her all that that likable or sincere.
Perhaps that’s why Kamala Harris did a cozy webchat with Barack Obama for Biden’s campaign website. To try and look likable. The two joked about Biden’s fondness for aviator glasses and ice cream.
Obama did get serious, saying “The main thing we know about Joe is that Joe has never lost his sense of why we do this.” Sure, he may lose sense of what state he’s in, what decade he’s in and which woman on the stage with him is his wife … but not why we do this.
We also learned that Kamala works out every morning “regardless of how much sleep I had.” Good. Maybe that’s a question for Kamala when she does get around to taking questions. “Forget COVID-19, how do we get rid of the COVID-20? Those extra pounds so many of us have put on during the shutdown.”
Finally…
And finally, after 20 seasons Keeping Up With the Kardashians is coming to an end. This has nothing to do with the election, but given how rotten 2020 has been, we can use all the bright news we can get.
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Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-10--Prominent Disney Stakeholder Calls Company’s Embrace of China ‘Wildly Offensive,’ Demands Answers

Disney ’ s embrace of China despite its reported oppression of the Uighur Muslims is akin to “ normalizing genocide , ” according to one company stockholder who claims investors are preparing to formally demand answers from the company .
It ’ s inconceivable that Disney was unaware that Xinjiang , China , is the location where China is imprisoning the country ’ s Uighur population , stockholder Justin Danhof told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Disney is facing intense criticism for filming in 2019 the live-action version of Mulan in Xinjiang , where the minority group is allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing from us in a formal way on this issue .
We will be engaging with Disney in that way , ” Danhof said , referring to his fellow stockholders .
“ Other investors who are not aware of what Disney is doing will be made aware.
” Danhof did not elaborate on what he and the other stockholders supposedly have planned , noting that he does not like to discuss such internal matters .
In the credits for Mulan , Disney thanked a Chinese agency called Turpan Municipal Bureau of Public Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internment camps housing China ’ s Muslim minority groups , the BBC reported Monday .
Numerous reports show Uighurs held in concentration camps and subjected to forced sterilization .
“ It ’ s wildly offensive , ” said Danhof , general counsel and director of the Free Enterprise Project , which is a product of conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research .
“ There can be no doubt that Disney has to be aware of this .
Some executives probably even saw some of the centers housing the Uighurs.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on conservative matters .
He presented CEO Bob Chapek with research at an annual meeting of Disney shareholders in March supposedly showing bias in Disney ’ s ABC News division .
The Media Research Center study Danhof prepared at the meeting suggested ABC News ’ s coverage of President Donald Trump is overwhelmingly negative .
Danhof asked Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger during a stakeholder meeting in 2018 about ABC host Joy Behar ’ s past criticisms of Vice President Mike Pence ’ s Christian faith .
Iger , who stepped down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he took exception to Behar ’ s remarks .
That meeting ultimately resulted in Behar apologizing for mocking Christians , Danhof told the DCNF .
Disney won ’ t be able to hide from its ties to China , according to Peter Flaherty , chairman and CEO of the National Legal and Policy Center ( NLPC ) , a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit that promotes ethics in public life .
Flaherty is an “ anti-corruption activist who has successfully pursued some of the most powerful members of Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Disney can not stonewall this , ” Flaherty told the DCNF .
“ Unlike other issues , human rights in China is something that does concern both conservatives and liberals , so they could have a pretty broad coalition allied against them even though we live in polarized times .
Disney ignores the protests at their own risk.
” The Chinese government is working to lower the birthrates of Uighurs while encouraging other native populations to have more children , an Associated Press investigation published in June found .
The study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , family members and a former detention camp instructor , as well as government statistics and documents , AP said .
Meanwhile , Disney opened a $ 5.5 billion entertainment resort in Shanghai , China , in 2016 , Variety reported .
Iger called Shanghai Disney the company ’ s “ greatest opportunity since buying land in Florida.
” Disney partnered with a state-owned company , Shanghai Shendi Group , for the resort .
“ Certain anti-Chinese forces abroad are smearing and attacking China in Xinjiang , ” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Xinjiang at a briefing Tuesday .
Disney has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .
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 licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Disney’s embrace of China despite its reported oppression of the Uighur Muslims is akin to “normalizing genocide,” according to one company stockholder who claims investors are preparing to formally demand answers from the company.
It’s inconceivable that Disney was unaware that Xinjiang, China, is the location where China is imprisoning the country’s Uighur population, stockholder Justin Danhof told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Disney is facing intense criticism for filming in 2019 the live-action version of Mulan in Xinjiang, where the minority group is allegedly being interned.
“Disney will be hearing from us in a formal way on this issue. We will be engaging with Disney in that way,” Danhof said, referring to his fellow stockholders. “Other investors who are not aware of what Disney is doing will be made aware.”
Danhof did not elaborate on what he and the other stockholders supposedly have planned, noting that he does not like to discuss such internal matters.
In the credits for Mulan, Disney thanked a Chinese agency called Turpan Municipal Bureau of Public Safety, which is allegedly responsible for running internment camps housing China’s Muslim minority groups, the BBC reported Monday. Numerous reports show Uighurs held in concentration camps and subjected to forced sterilization.
“It’s wildly offensive,” said Danhof, general counsel and director of the Free Enterprise Project, which is a product of conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research. “There can be no doubt that Disney has to be aware of this. Some executives probably even saw some of the centers housing the Uighurs.”
Danhof has a history of grilling executives on conservative matters. He presented CEO Bob Chapek with research at an annual meeting of Disney shareholders in March supposedly showing bias in Disney’s ABC News division. The Media Research Center study Danhof prepared at the meeting suggested ABC News’s coverage of President Donald Trump is overwhelmingly negative.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Danhof asked Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger during a stakeholder meeting in 2018 about ABC host Joy Behar’s past criticisms of Vice President Mike Pence’s Christian faith. Iger, who stepped down as the company’s CEO in 2020, said he took exception to Behar’s remarks. That meeting ultimately resulted in Behar apologizing for mocking Christians, Danhof told the DCNF.
Disney won’t be able to hide from its ties to China, according to Peter Flaherty, chairman and CEO of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that promotes ethics in public life. Flaherty is an “anti-corruption activist who has successfully pursued some of the most powerful members of Congress,” according to NLPC’s website.
“Disney cannot stonewall this,” Flaherty told the DCNF. “Unlike other issues, human rights in China is something that does concern both conservatives and liberals, so they could have a pretty broad coalition allied against them even though we live in polarized times. Disney ignores the protests at their own risk.”
The Chinese government is working to lower the birthrates of Uighurs while encouraging other native populations to have more children, an Associated Press investigation published in June found. The study was based on interviews with former detainees, family members and a former detention camp instructor, as well as government statistics and documents, AP said.
Meanwhile, Disney opened a $5.5 billion entertainment resort in Shanghai, China, in 2016, Variety reported. Iger called Shanghai Disney the company’s “greatest opportunity since buying land in Florida.” Disney partnered with a state-owned company, Shanghai Shendi Group, for the resort.
“Certain anti-Chinese forces abroad are smearing and attacking China in Xinjiang,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said about Disney’s work in Xinjiang at a briefing Tuesday. Disney has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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--2020-09-10--There is Another in the Fire With You

There is Another in the Fire With You

In a recent sermon I said that there is no hindrance too great , no battle too hard , and no power too strong to overpower God .
Nothing can thwart His plans .
We can take great comfort in that , but what do you do when you ’ re going through the fire — through the trial ?
Hear the sermon , Another in the Fire , here .
We can actually learn a lot from the historical account of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3 , who made an image of gold and told the people to bow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast into the midst of a fiery furnace .
Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego were accused of insurrection when they refused to follow the king ’ s orders .
The first lesson here is that we must prepare for accusations .
An accusation is a charge that you did something illegal or wrong .
But the key question is always “ What does God ’ s Word say ?
” because legal is not always lawful .
In other words , something can be legal according to the laws of a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to God ’ s Word .
For example , we are starting to see headlines such as , “ Scholars now say pedophilia is a sexual orientation that should be embraced.
” This is pure wickedness and evil that can not be embraced : “ Woe be to those who call evil good , and good evil ” ( Isaiah 5:20 ) .
As a result of Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego ’ s disobedience , Nebuchadnezzar became furious and gave the command to throw them into the fire .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rage is often a demonic response when some don ’ t get their way .
No one can debate against the truth , so those who oppose you will get upset and throw a temper tantrum .
Don ’ t respond to them in anger , but gentleness : “ A gentle answer turns away wrath , but a harsh word stirs up anger ” ( Proverbs 15:1 NIV ) .
We need to stop trying to hide in a bubble and avoid controversy .
Our faith will often be tested .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but this battle chose you .
The direction of America today reminds us that we need to make a choice : Do I submit and capitulate ( take a knee , so to speak ) , or do I firmly stand for what is right ?
When the three young men decided to rebel , they backed it with a powerful declaration : “ Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace , and He will deliver us from your hand , O king.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had true faith by adding that even if God didn ’ t deliver them , they would not obey the king ( v. 17 ) .
We must have the same mindset : God can deliver me , but even if He doesn ’ t , I will not bow to evil agendas .
My following God is not contingent on what ’ s happening to me ; it ’ s based on who He is .
Sometimes God removes you from the fire , and sometimes He walks through it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God regardless of the outcome .
Then we read that “ Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury , and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego .
He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated ” ( vv .
19–20 ) .
Another key lesson : The heat is often turned up to break you down .
However , heat can be good if it removes impurities .
When we pray , “ Lord , help me develop patience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle may be ) , often the heat is turned up so that a greater degree of brokenness occurs .
Humble yourself , trust God , and move forward .
As these Hebrews surrendered to the will of God and trusted Him , God delivered them : “ Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished ; and he rose in haste and spoke , ‘ Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire ?
’ They answered and said to the king , ‘ True , O king.
’ ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I see four men loose , walking in the midst of the fire ; and they are not hurt , and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God ’ ” ( vv .
24–25 ) .
Don ’ t miss this .
I ’ m still standing — as are many of you — because there is another in the fire !
People will ask , “ How are you still standing in the midst of divorce , in the midst of unemployment , in the midst of financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” and we can answer , “ Because there is another in the fire with me — the Son of God.
” But keep in mind that the enemy of our souls will taunt us just like the king taunted the Hebrews : “ And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands ?
” ( v. 15 ) .
When this happens , first remind yourself of God ’ s promise in Isaiah 43:2 , “ When you pass through the waters , I will be with you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My heart will not fear what God has defeated.
” Again , we must get to the point that we say , like Daniel ’ s friends , “ My God will deliver me , but even if He doesn ’ t , I will not bow to the world ’ s system or succumb to fear and false narratives.
” And then turn to Paul ’ s reminder : “ I have been crucified with Christ .
It is no longer I who live , but Christ lives in me ” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have assurance , let me share a few key Scriptures for you : Romans 5:8 declares , “ But God demonstrates His own love toward us , in that while we were still sinners , Christ died for us.
” Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost .
He died for us , took our spot , and paid the price of our sin .
Romans 10:9 : “ If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord , and believe in your heart that God raised Him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved.
” You can take this promise to the bank : “ For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved ” ( Romans 10:13 ) .
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 .

In a recent sermon I said that there is no hindrance too great, no battle too hard, and no power too strong to overpower God. Nothing can thwart His plans. We can take great comfort in that, but what do you do when you’re going through the fire — through the trial? Hear the sermon, Another in the Fire, here.
We can actually learn a lot from the historical account of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3, who made an image of gold and told the people to bow down to it. Whoever disobeyed was cast into the midst of a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were accused of insurrection when they refused to follow the king’s orders.
The first lesson here is that we must prepare for accusations. An accusation is a charge that you did something illegal or wrong. But the key question is always “What does God’s Word say?” because legal is not always lawful. In other words, something can be legal according to the laws of a particular nation, but in no way lawful according to God’s Word. For example, we are starting to see headlines such as, “Scholars now say pedophilia is a sexual orientation that should be embraced.” This is pure wickedness and evil that cannot be embraced: “Woe be to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).
Truth and Temper Tantrums
As a result of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s disobedience, Nebuchadnezzar became furious and gave the command to throw them into the fire. A second lesson from this narrative is that rage is often a demonic response when some don’t get their way. No one can debate against the truth, so those who oppose you will get upset and throw a temper tantrum. Don’t respond to them in anger, but gentleness: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).
We need to stop trying to hide in a bubble and avoid controversy. Our faith will often be tested. You may not have chosen this battle, but this battle chose you. The direction of America today reminds us that we need to make a choice: Do I submit and capitulate (take a knee, so to speak), or do I firmly stand for what is right?
God Will Deliver Us
When the three young men decided to rebel, they backed it with a powerful declaration: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” But they didn’t stop there; they had true faith by adding that even if God didn’t deliver them, they would not obey the king (v. 17). We must have the same mindset: God can deliver me, but even if He doesn’t, I will not bow to evil agendas. My following God is not contingent on what’s happening to me; it’s based on who He is. Sometimes God removes you from the fire, and sometimes He walks through it with you — even to death. Trust God regardless of the outcome.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Then we read that “Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated” (vv. 19–20). Another key lesson: The heat is often turned up to break you down. However, heat can be good if it removes impurities. When we pray, “Lord, help me develop patience and trust” (or whatever the struggle may be), often the heat is turned up so that a greater degree of brokenness occurs. Humble yourself, trust God, and move forward.
As these Hebrews surrendered to the will of God and trusted Him, God delivered them: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, ‘Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?’ They answered and said to the king, ‘True, O king.’ ‘Look!’ he answered, ‘I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God’” (vv. 24–25).
Why You’re Still Standing
Don’t miss this. I’m still standing — as are many of you — because there is another in the fire! People will ask, “How are you still standing in the midst of divorce, in the midst of unemployment, in the midst of financial collapse, health issues, or persecution?” and we can answer, “Because there is another in the fire with me — the Son of God.” But keep in mind that the enemy of our souls will taunt us just like the king taunted the Hebrews: “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (v. 15). When this happens, first remind yourself of God’s promise in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,” and then pray, “My heart will not fear what God has defeated.”
Again, we must get to the point that we say, like Daniel’s friends, “My God will deliver me, but even if He doesn’t, I will not bow to the world’s system or succumb to fear and false narratives.” And then turn to Paul’s reminder: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
If you do not have assurance, let me share a few key Scriptures for you: Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He died for us, took our spot, and paid the price of our sin. Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” You can take this promise to the bank: “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
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--2020-09-10--First Look: NFL Star Benjamin Watson Tackles Abortion Debate in ‘Divided Hearts of America’

On Wednesday , NFL star Benjamin Watson and his wife Kirsten unveiled the trailer for their long-awaited documentary on the abortion debate .
Divided Hearts of America will release via on-demand streaming service SalemNOW on September 17 .
“ This documentary is for all people , whether they consider themselves to be pro-life , pro-choice , or somewhere in between , ” Benjamin Watson told me at the March for Life in January .
“ It ’ s an honest look at where our country stands on this issue.
” Watson , a Super Bowl-winning tight end for the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
In 2017 , he was a featured speaker at the March for Life which is held annually on the National Mall in Washington , D.C .
Since then , Watson and his family have attended the pro-life gathering several times .
“ Abortion in America has been a hot topic for decades , ” he said .
“ We are seeking to bring humanity and understanding to both sides of the story.
” More than 30 leading voices on both sides of the debate are interviewed in the film .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senator Tim Scott , R-S.C. , Alveda King , niece of Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , and New York State Senators Liz Krueger and Gustavo Rivera .
The latter two public officials supported their state ’ s recent expansive abortion law .
The film is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Chad Bonham .
Co-producers include Betsy Kennedy Ryzewicz and Stream contributor Jason Jones of Movie to Movement .
Public opinion on abortion rights has remained starkly divided since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973 .
In July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 46 percent of Americans identify as “ pro-life ” and 48 percent as “ pro-choice ” — a difference within the margin of error .
Notably , it reveals 70 percent of Americans favor some restrictions on abortion .
The Democratic Party platform released last month advocates for no restrictions .
“ If you ’ ve ever wrestled with the abortion debate , this film is a must-see , ” said Watson .
“ It ’ s a look at a lot of people ’ s different perspectives.
” The analysis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflicts in the courts and Congress .
More than 400 pro-life state laws have been enacted over the past decade , viewed as a major cause of the decline in abortion rates .
Some states , including New York and Illinois , have also enacted extreme pro-choice measures .
“ Many laws have changed over the course of even just the last couple of years , ” said Watson .
“ Divided Hearts of America is my journey of discovery in light of that .
“ This will unveil the truth about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t. ” For over a decade , the Watsons have led in outreach and charity work through the One More Foundation .
His 2015 book Under Our Skin , which addresses current issues of racial discrimination and injustice , has become all the more relevant in recent years .
The faith-driven family has taken a firm stand for human dignity .
“ Though our commitment to serve and protect mothers and their preborn children is no secret , this is a documentary , not propaganda , ” the Watsons said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will watch this film and think about abortion in a whole new way , based on facts , not partisanship.
” Their explosive film will release just days after the new NFL season begins .
For the first time since 2004 , Benjamin Watson will be watching from the sidelines rather than leading on the field .
At the same time , he is also stepping anew into a major arena of ideological conflict .
“ I really want to invoke empathy for people on all sides , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand for life — not only in the womb , but in all stages of natural life.
” On September 17 , documentary film Divided Hearts of America will release nationwide via SalemNOW .
Stream contributor Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Federalist .
Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

On Wednesday, NFL star Benjamin Watson and his wife Kirsten unveiled the trailer for their long-awaited documentary on the abortion debate. Divided Hearts of America will release via on-demand streaming service SalemNOW on September 17.
“This documentary is for all people, whether they consider themselves to be pro-life, pro-choice, or somewhere in between,” Benjamin Watson told me at the March for Life in January. “It’s an honest look at where our country stands on this issue.”
Tackling Hot Topic with Compassion, Fairness
Watson, a Super Bowl-winning tight end for the New England Patriots, retired from the NFL in March. In 2017, he was a featured speaker at the March for Life which is held annually on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Since then, Watson and his family have attended the pro-life gathering several times. “Abortion in America has been a hot topic for decades,” he said. “We are seeking to bring humanity and understanding to both sides of the story.”
More than 30 leading voices on both sides of the debate are interviewed in the film.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
They include abortion survivor Melissa Ohden, Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., Alveda King, niece of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and New York State Senators Liz Krueger and Gustavo Rivera. The latter two public officials supported their state’s recent expansive abortion law.
The film is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Chad Bonham. Co-producers include Betsy Kennedy Ryzewicz and Stream contributor Jason Jones of Movie to Movement.
Where the Debate Stands
Public opinion on abortion rights has remained starkly divided since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973.
In July, Gallup released its latest poll results showing that 46 percent of Americans identify as “pro-life” and 48 percent as “pro-choice” — a difference within the margin of error.
Notably, it reveals 70 percent of Americans favor some restrictions on abortion. The Democratic Party platform released last month advocates for no restrictions.
“If you’ve ever wrestled with the abortion debate, this film is a must-see,” said Watson. “It’s a look at a lot of people’s different perspectives.”
The analysis in the film does not stop at abortion conflicts in the courts and Congress. More than 400 pro-life state laws have been enacted over the past decade, viewed as a major cause of the decline in abortion rates.
Some states, including New York and Illinois, have also enacted extreme pro-choice measures. “Many laws have changed over the course of even just the last couple of years,” said Watson. “Divided Hearts of America is my journey of discovery in light of that.
“This will unveil the truth about what abortion is and what it isn’t.”
Truth, Empathy and Human Dignity
For over a decade, the Watsons have led in outreach and charity work through the One More Foundation. His 2015 book Under Our Skin, which addresses current issues of racial discrimination and injustice, has become all the more relevant in recent years.
“This is a documentary, not propaganda… I really want to invoke empathy for people on all sides” – Benjamin Watson
The faith-driven family has taken a firm stand for human dignity. “Though our commitment to serve and protect mothers and their preborn children is no secret, this is a documentary, not propaganda,” the Watsons said in a statement.
“Our hope is that people will watch this film and think about abortion in a whole new way, based on facts, not partisanship.”
Their explosive film will release just days after the new NFL season begins. For the first time since 2004, Benjamin Watson will be watching from the sidelines rather than leading on the field.
At the same time, he is also stepping anew into a major arena of ideological conflict. “I really want to invoke empathy for people on all sides,” he said. “It’s designed to encourage people to stand for life — not only in the womb, but in all stages of natural life.”
On September 17, documentary film Divided Hearts of America will release nationwide via SalemNOW.
Stream contributor Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-11--How to Explain Christians’ Support for Trump? ‘Former Evangelical’ Philosopher Says ‘Trump’s B***h’

How to Explain Christians’ Support for Trump? ‘Former Evangelical’ Philosopher Says ‘Trump’s B***h’ Covers It

The headline at Salon reads , “ How the evangelical movement became Trump ’ s ‘ bitch ’ — and yes , I know what that word signifies.
” The author is Michael Rea , former evangelical , former president of the Society of Christian Philosophers , now a teacher of feminist theology at Notre Dame .
It ’ s one more in the interminable series of “ explanations ” for Christian leaders ’ support for Donald Trump .
Here ’ s what I don ’ t get : Why don ’ t they ask ?
When they do ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our answers aside ?
Why must they insist , “ No it ’ s not that , not that at all .
It ’ s something else.
” Michael Rea roots his “ something else ” out from evangelicalism ’ s dark cellars , then mangles it into a theory that ’ s supposed to represent us all , in dark-cellar ways not one of us would recognize .
Most of us explain our support for Trump this way : “ We supported him originally because in spite of his acknowledged flaws , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton .
Now that he ’ s served over three years , we still see his flaws , but we also see he ’ s doing a reasonably good job of promoting policies that are good for the country .
And he ’ s way better than Biden.
” What ’ s so tough about that ?
Probably it ’ s too sensible , and it isn ’ t dark enough .
Explanations as Dark As Dark Can Be Rea is a philosopher , and probably a good one , but his theory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s psychology , as occult ( in every sense of the term ) as Freud ’ s , and at this he is no expert .
In Rea ’ s version , evangelicalism has created a cult of masculinity .
We value it so much we ’ ve allowed ourselves to become sissified and subservient to Donald Trump .
In prison they call that kind of sissified underling a “ bitch.
” That ’ s who we are : We ’ re Donald Trump ’ s bitch .
Now , I ask you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you like a more thorough , complete , and honest explanation than the one we usually give ?
It ’ s dark enough , anyway , if that ’ s what they value in an explanation .
It comes from a man who says he considered himself an evangelical until he wrote an apology for a speaker who ’ d “ offended ” LGBT people at a meeting of the SCP .
Now he thinks it ’ s just fine to call evangelicals “ Donald Trump ’ s bitch.
” I expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he apologizes for that offense .
Or is it okay to offend evangelicals ?
He rightly recalls Jesus saying we should receive offense well .
I don ’ t know where Jesus says it ’ s fine to deliver such offense .
Surely , though , you ’ re wondering about this “ sissification ” thing .
So am I , even after three times reading through his rambling 3,500 words .
The idea comes from a book by Kristin Kobes Du Mez , titled Jesus and John Wayne : How White Evangelicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Du Mez argues that American evangelicalism has departed from biblical Christianity by teaching masculinity for men .
This teaching , she says , is “ both patriarchal and racialized.
” ( You knew race was going to show up here , didn ’ t you ? )
Rea calls her book a “ tour-de-force indictment of the white evangelical cult of masculinity.
” Tour-de-force analyses are typically forced analyses .
If she has to work that hard to make her point , maybe it wasn ’ t there to be made .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just asked us .
Taking her lead , though , Rea tells us that “ under the banners of ‘ biblical manhood and womanhood ’ and the promotion of ‘ family values ’ ” —— oh , excuse me ; I must interrupt to take note of those scare quotes .
Apparently Rea thinks they ’ re code words for something else , something dark and hidden , probably our racialized patriarchy .
Anyway , continuing his analysis : “ Evangelical leaders like James Dobson , Marc Driscoll , John Piper and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ sissification ’ of American Christianity.
” More quotes , this time around ‘ sissification.
’ This time that would seem suggest seem these leaders have used that word , and used it often .
Have you heard that from them ?
I haven ’ t .
Or maybe it ’ s Du Mez he ’ s quoting ; that ’ s not clear here .
“ High Priest of the Evangelical Cult of Masculinity ” It ’ s not at all unclear , though , in Rea ’ s words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us .
It ’ s led us to seek “ shelter in the arms of powerful , paradigmatically masculine politicians.
” We ’ ve idolized Trump ’ s masculinity to the point of subordinating ourselves to him .
We ’ ve taken the feminine role next to him .
We ’ ve sissified ourselves , and made ourselves his bitch .
And that ’ s why we support him .
Rea agrees with Du Mez ’ s view : Trump “ was the latest and greatest high priest of the evangelical cult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be .
Who knew ?
And I ’ ve been thinking all along that I supported Trump because , in spite of his acknowledged flaws , he ’ s been doing a decent job of advancing the right policies .
It ’ s a whale of a lot better than either of his Democratic opponents would have done .
What Kind of Explanation Do They Want ?
Does Truth Matter ?
It never ceases to amaze me how hard it is for some people to accept that explanation .
Maybe it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an explanation should fulfill .
It could be it ’ s not complicated enough — they need a true tour-de-force to get at evangelicals ’ hidden motives .
Or maybe it ’ s not dark enough .
“ Trump ’ s bitch ” makes us look about as bad as we could look .
The thing I like most about my explanation , compared to theirs , though , isn ’ t that it ’ s simple , and it isn ’ t that it puts us in a better light .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , and for virtually every other evangelical leader I know , it meets the real need an explanation should fulfill .
It ’ s true .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

Editor’s warning: Some rough language ahead.
The headline at Salon reads, “How the evangelical movement became Trump’s ‘bitch’ — and yes, I know what that word signifies.” The author is Michael Rea, former evangelical, former president of the Society of Christian Philosophers, now a teacher of feminist theology at Notre Dame.
It’s one more in the interminable series of “explanations” for Christian leaders’ support for Donald Trump. Here’s what I don’t get: Why don’t they ask? When they do ask, why do they have to brush our answers aside? Why must they insist, “No it’s not that, not that at all. It’s something else.”
Michael Rea roots his “something else” out from evangelicalism’s dark cellars, then mangles it into a theory that’s supposed to represent us all, in dark-cellar ways not one of us would recognize.
Most of us explain our support for Trump this way: “We supported him originally because in spite of his acknowledged flaws, he was so much better than Hillary Clinton. Now that he’s served over three years, we still see his flaws, but we also see he’s doing a reasonably good job of promoting policies that are good for the country. And he’s way better than Biden.”
What’s so tough about that? Probably it’s too sensible, and it isn’t dark enough.
Explanations as Dark As Dark Can Be
Rea is a philosopher, and probably a good one, but his theory isn’t philosophy, it’s psychology, as occult (in every sense of the term) as Freud’s, and at this he is no expert. In Rea’s version, evangelicalism has created a cult of masculinity. We value it so much we’ve allowed ourselves to become sissified and subservient to Donald Trump. In prison they call that kind of sissified underling a “bitch.” That’s who we are: We’re Donald Trump’s bitch.
Now, I ask you, fellow evangelical, does that sound to you like a more thorough, complete, and honest explanation than the one we usually give?
Tour-de-force analyses are typically forced analyses. If she has to work that hard to make her point, maybe it wasn’t there to be made. Maybe she, too, could have just asked us our opinion.
It’s dark enough, anyway, if that’s what they value in an explanation. It comes from a man who says he considered himself an evangelical until he wrote an apology for a speaker who’d “offended” LGBT people at a meeting of the SCP. Now he thinks it’s just fine to call evangelicals “Donald Trump’s bitch.”
I expect it’ll be a while before he apologizes for that offense. Or is it okay to offend evangelicals? He rightly recalls Jesus saying we should receive offense well. I don’t know where Jesus says it’s fine to deliver such offense.
Patriarchal, Racialized, Sissified
Rea agrees with Du Mez’s view: Trump “was the latest and greatest high priest of the evangelical cult of masculinity.” Well, I’ll be. Who knew?
Surely, though, you’re wondering about this “sissification” thing. So am I, even after three times reading through his rambling 3,500 words. The idea comes from a book by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, titled Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. Du Mez argues that American evangelicalism has departed from biblical Christianity by teaching masculinity for men. This teaching, she says, is “both patriarchal and racialized.” (You knew race was going to show up here, didn’t you?)
Rea calls her book a “tour-de-force indictment of the white evangelical cult of masculinity.” Tour-de-force analyses are typically forced analyses. If she has to work that hard to make her point, maybe it wasn’t there to be made. Maybe she, too, could have just asked us.
Taking her lead, though, Rea tells us that “under the banners of ‘biblical manhood and womanhood’ and the promotion of ‘family values’” —— oh, excuse me; I must interrupt to take note of those scare quotes. Apparently Rea thinks they’re code words for something else, something dark and hidden, probably our racialized patriarchy. Anyway, continuing his analysis: “Evangelical leaders like James Dobson, Marc Driscoll, John Piper and many others have decried or sought to prevent the ‘sissification’ of American Christianity.”
More quotes, this time around ‘sissification.’ This time that would seem suggest seem these leaders have used that word, and used it often. Have you heard that from them? I haven’t. Or maybe it’s Du Mez he’s quoting; that’s not clear here.
“High Priest of the Evangelical Cult of Masculinity”
It’s not at all unclear, though, in Rea’s words, that this cult of masculinity has done to us. It’s led us to seek “shelter in the arms of powerful, paradigmatically masculine politicians.” We’ve idolized Trump’s masculinity to the point of subordinating ourselves to him. We’ve taken the feminine role next to him. We’ve sissified ourselves, and made ourselves his bitch.
And that’s why we support him. Rea agrees with Du Mez’s view: Trump “was the latest and greatest high priest of the evangelical cult of masculinity.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Well, I’ll be. Who knew? And I’ve been thinking all along that I supported Trump because, in spite of his acknowledged flaws, he’s been doing a decent job of advancing the right policies. It’s a whale of a lot better than either of his Democratic opponents would have done.
What Kind of Explanation Do They Want? Does Truth Matter?
It never ceases to amaze me how hard it is for some people to accept that explanation. Maybe it doesn’t meet some need they thing an explanation should fulfill. It could be it’s not complicated enough — they need a true tour-de-force to get at evangelicals’ hidden motives. Or maybe it’s not dark enough. “Trump’s bitch” makes us look about as bad as we could look.
The thing I like most about my explanation, compared to theirs, though, isn’t that it’s simple, and it isn’t that it puts us in a better light. What I like about it is that for me, and for virtually every other evangelical leader I know, it meets the real need an explanation should fulfill. It’s true.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.