thestream--2020-11-21--Critical Race Theory Threatens the Core of American Freedom

Ludwig von Mises once said , “ In a battle between force and an idea , the latter always prevails.
” As one who grew up in China , I know this has been true in Chinese history .
Many less civilized belligerent groups invaded and conquered China by force , but were soon assimilated into Chinese culture .
They won the physical battle but lost the cultural war .
The Chinese culture ’ s more noble ideas won them .
An idea is far more powerful than force in shaping a culture .
This explains why America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Iraq has failed .
It does not seem to have occurred to our leaders that even the mighty force of the U.S. military is inadequate to change their social structure , even after liberating them from tyranny .
Democratic ideas must also be brought to the minds of the people .
Here in America , new ideas , especially those that intend to remake social structure , have been less effective than in some other countries .
Consider socialism .
China became a socialist society in 1949 , ruled by the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea was introduced there .
In America , socialism was advocated before it was initiated in China .
Today , however , America is still not a socialist society , and we are not ruled by the Communist Party USA .
I attribute this to American individualism .
American people have a strong sense of individual worth and dignity .
They cherish their rights and feel free to express them .
Therefore , this individualism has a direct connection to their hunger for freedom .
They debate ideas and contend over them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are not easily influenced and swayed by new ideas .
When I was a grad student studying on the east coast , I recognized the sharp difference between American students and the ones like me who had grown up in a group-based culture .
Americans constantly questioned and challenged professors ’ assertions .
They held strong opinions and were not shy to defend their views .
Asian students were often inclined to sit quietly ; they did not feel comfortable to jump into the fight .
Growing up , I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an independent individual .
The line between myself and the bigger group to which I belonged was not clear .
I seldom sought my own interest but rather that of the group .
I avoided drawing attention to myself , knowing it would not work well within my group .
To challenge my teacher ’ s wisdom never entered my mind .
I accepted whatever anyone in authority told me and had no idea what rights and freedom meant .
The contrast between the American individualistic culture and the group-based culture is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitably meet fierce analysis , criticism , even resistance , here in the U.S. American individualism , in my opinion , functions as a firewall against the invasion of any dangerous ideas , especially those that violate rights and freedom .
New Exception to the Rule There seems to be a new exception to that rule , however .
Critical Race Theory has become widespread in a relatively short period of time in our society .
CRT claims that America was built on White Supremacy from its beginnings .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative of oppressors and victims .
CRT sets up Whites as oppressors against the rest , the victims .
Salvation or damnation depend on the group to which one belongs , white or non-white .
Marxists have used similar tactics in other places to acquire dominance .
But Marxists have always used issues such as race as a prop .
The idea with CRT is not to solve real racial problems , but rather to gain political power , again with the aim of reconstructing society .
I need not repeat all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead I want explore the question , how did CRT bypass the American firewall of individualism ?
How has it asserted such strong influence in our society ?
I see CRT as creating a new reality .
Persons no longer exist as individuals responsible for their own behavior .
Their identity is based on group membership instead .
The group “ White persons ” has in the past committed grave wrongs , and inequities continue today .
Therefore all White persons are guilty of it all .
When a crime is unjustly applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gigantic invisible wave .
Individuals feel powerless to resist .
This is why identity politics is so formidable .
CRT creates an impersonal reality in which individuality is greatly diminished .
One tends to lose willpower to oppose even absurd ideas .
Besides that , each of has the sense of original sin deep in our hearts .
We long for deliverance .
CRT provides a natural way to express remorse ; it ’ s a secular means of salvation .
CRT not only alters one ’ s view of reality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the soul craves .
CRT therefore has three means by which it can lead innocent people to willingly accept crimes they have never committed .
It deprives them of their individual identity .
It alters their sense of reality .
And it turns unjust accusations into a saving grace .
This is why I consider CRT the most grievous threat to our society .
It bypasses our security system by disarming the firewall of individualism .
With that , the loss of our liberties becomes inevitable .
CRT has been used as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our society .
We still have a window of opportunity to reject CRT , though , and we must .
Otherwise it will sweep the nation like a hurricane .
Our nation as a whole will lose its ability to resist .
The people will surrender their will , and give up their rights and freedoms to it without firing a shot .
We must act now to stop it .
Chenyuan Snider was raised in Communist China and majored in Chinese language and literature in college .
After immigrating to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School , she became a professor and taught at Christian colleges and seminary .
After March of this year , she sensed God was leading her to use her unique voice to provide a warning about various kinds of Marxist influences in our society .
She lives in northern California with her husband and has two grown children .

Ludwig von Mises once said, “In a battle between force and an idea, the latter always prevails.” As one who grew up in China, I know this has been true in Chinese history. Many less civilized belligerent groups invaded and conquered China by force, but were soon assimilated into Chinese culture. They won the physical battle but lost the cultural war. The Chinese culture’s more noble ideas won them.
An idea is far more powerful than force in shaping a culture. This explains why America’s effort to democratize Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq has failed. It does not seem to have occurred to our leaders that even the mighty force of the U.S. military is inadequate to change their social structure, even after liberating them from tyranny. Democratic ideas must also be brought to the minds of the people.
Here in America, new ideas, especially those that intend to remake social structure, have been less effective than in some other countries. Consider socialism. China became a socialist society in 1949, ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, within decades after the idea was introduced there. In America, socialism was advocated before it was initiated in China. Today, however, America is still not a socialist society, and we are not ruled by the Communist Party USA.
American Individualism
I attribute this to American individualism. American people have a strong sense of individual worth and dignity. They cherish their rights and feel free to express them. Therefore, this individualism has a direct connection to their hunger for freedom. They debate ideas and contend over them, instead of accepting them uncritically. Therefore, they are not easily influenced and swayed by new ideas.
When I was a grad student studying on the east coast, I recognized the sharp difference between American students and the ones like me who had grown up in a group-based culture. Americans constantly questioned and challenged professors’ assertions. They held strong opinions and were not shy to defend their views. Asian students were often inclined to sit quietly; they did not feel comfortable to jump into the fight.
Growing up, I did not have a clear sense of myself as an independent individual. The line between myself and the bigger group to which I belonged was not clear. I seldom sought my own interest but rather that of the group. I avoided drawing attention to myself, knowing it would not work well within my group. To challenge my teacher’s wisdom never entered my mind. I accepted whatever anyone in authority told me and had no idea what rights and freedom meant. The contrast between the American individualistic culture and the group-based culture is sharp.
This means that new ideas inevitably meet fierce analysis, criticism, even resistance, here in the U.S. American individualism, in my opinion, functions as a firewall against the invasion of any dangerous ideas, especially those that violate rights and freedom.
New Exception to the Rule
There seems to be a new exception to that rule, however. Critical Race Theory has become widespread in a relatively short period of time in our society. CRT claims that America was built on White Supremacy from its beginnings. It’s a racist country, best understood through the narrative of oppressors and victims. CRT sets up Whites as oppressors against the rest, the victims. Salvation or damnation depend on the group to which one belongs, white or non-white.
Marxists have used similar tactics in other places to acquire dominance. But Marxists have always used issues such as race as a prop. The idea with CRT is not to solve real racial problems, but rather to gain political power, again with the aim of reconstructing society.
I need not repeat all that’s been said about CRT. Instead I want explore the question, how did CRT bypass the American firewall of individualism? How has it asserted such strong influence in our society?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I see CRT as creating a new reality. Persons no longer exist as individuals responsible for their own behavior. Their identity is based on group membership instead. The group “White persons” has in the past committed grave wrongs, and inequities continue today. Therefore all White persons are guilty of it all.
When a crime is unjustly applied to a mass indiscriminately, it creates a gigantic invisible wave. Individuals feel powerless to resist. This is why identity politics is so formidable. CRT creates an impersonal reality in which individuality is greatly diminished. One tends to lose willpower to oppose even absurd ideas.
Original Sin and Secular Salvation
Besides that, each of has the sense of original sin deep in our hearts. We long for deliverance. CRT provides a natural way to express remorse; it’s a secular means of salvation. CRT not only alters one’s view of reality, it also provides a rare redemptive opportunity that the soul craves.
CRT therefore has three means by which it can lead innocent people to willingly accept crimes they have never committed. It deprives them of their individual identity. It alters their sense of reality. And it turns unjust accusations into a saving grace. This is why I consider CRT the most grievous threat to our society. It bypasses our security system by disarming the firewall of individualism. With that, the loss of our liberties becomes inevitable.
CRT has been used as racial sensitivity training material throughout every stratum in our society. We still have a window of opportunity to reject CRT, though, and we must. Otherwise it will sweep the nation like a hurricane. Our nation as a whole will lose its ability to resist. The people will surrender their will, and give up their rights and freedoms to it without firing a shot.
We must act now to stop it.
Chenyuan Snider was raised in Communist China and majored in Chinese language and literature in college. After immigrating to the U.S. and having studied at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School, she became a professor and taught at Christian colleges and seminary. After March of this year, she sensed God was leading her to use her unique voice to provide a warning about various kinds of Marxist influences in our society. She lives in northern California with her husband and has two grown children.


thestream--2020-11-21--How Creating a Context Vacuum Sucks Us Into Overwriting God’s Word

It ’ s easy to overwrite the meaning of God ’ s word .
We can do it without trying because the process is almost automatic .
That ’ s why we need to vigilantly develop good Bible reading habits .
Reading a Bible verse in context is necessary to understand the verse ’ s meaning .
That ’ s because the context — the text before and after a verse — determines the meaning of the verse .
Change the context , and you change the meaning .
Consider the following phrase : Does the person need a water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know because you lack context .
It becomes clear when I add more text .
“ The coach called .
He needs a pitcher .
Can one of the other players fill in ?
” It ’ s obvious that “ pitcher ” is referring to a baseball player .
Consider a different context , though : “ The waiter is asking for your help .
He needs a pitcher .
Fill it with water and bring it to him.
” Changing the context changes the meaning of the word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jug ) .
What happens , then , when you read a Bible verse but don ’ t read the context ?
Two unfortunate consequences occur .
First , you ignore the words the Holy Spirit provided to help you understand the meaning of the verse .
You may miss out on what God is trying to communicate .
Second , you create what I call a context vacuum .
When there ’ s no context , your mind instantly fills the void with something from your experience .
It ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to mind when you read the following sentence : “ Give it to the alien ” ?
Most people will think of an extra-terrestrial because , perhaps , they enjoy science fiction movies .
That sentence , however , is written in Deuteronomy 14:21 ( an alien is a non-Israelite ) .
But because you read it out of context , your mind quickly filled the context vacuum with something from your own life context — the idea of an extra-terrestrial .
Since the verse now has a different context than what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context determines meaning ) , you overwrite the meaning of the verse with a new meaning that was imposed by your own mind .
Our minds do this instantly .
Consider another sentence : “ He drives like a maniac.
” Most likely your mind thought of a person driving his car recklessly on the road .
That ’ s because I created a context vacuum by leaving out the sentences before and after .
Your mind instantly filled the vacuum with an idea from your own life experience : recently driving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience became the context for the sentence , and since context determines meaning , you made the meaning of the sentence be about a reckless car driver .
Those words are from 2 Kings 9:20 , however , and are about a person controlling ( or not controlling ) a chariot .
Reading the verse in isolation creates a context vacuum that is quickly filled with our own life context , which creates a new meaning .
God ’ s intended meaning is overwritten by our own meaning .
These first two examples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this error can have more serious consequences for theology and decision-making .
Greg Koukl tells the story of a woman he met who was seeking God ’ s will regarding a new romantic relationship , even though she was already married .
As she flipped through the Scripture , Ephesians 4:24 jumped out at her .
The verse says , “ Put on the new man ” ( KJV ) .
She took that phrase as God speaking to her through his Word and followed its “ advice ” by divorcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
Her grievous interpretation is caused by the process I just outlined .
She read a verse out of context , and then her own life situation ( considering a new man ) quickly filled the context vacuum .
Her life context created new meaning to the verse , which overwrote God ’ s intended meaning .
If we ’ re going to take God seriously , we need to take his words seriously .
Reading Bible verses or passages in isolation from their context is a recipe for interpretive disaster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
The skill needed to learn the context is easy : reading .
If you can read a Bible verse out of context , then you can also read it in context .
There ’ s no excuse .
Alan Shlemon is an author and speaker for Stand to Reason .
He trains Christians to share their convictions in a persuasive , yet gracious manner .
He has been a guest on both radio and television , and has spoken to thousands of adults and students across the country at churches , @ @ @ @ @ @

It’s easy to overwrite the meaning of God’s word. We can do it without trying because the process is almost automatic. That’s why we need to vigilantly develop good Bible reading habits.
Reading a Bible verse in context is necessary to understand the verse’s meaning. That’s because the context — the text before and after a verse — determines the meaning of the verse. Change the context, and you change the meaning.
Context Determines Meaning
Consider the following phrase:
“He needs a pitcher.”
Does the person need a water jug or a baseball player? You don’t know because you lack context. It becomes clear when I add more text.
“The coach called. He needs a pitcher. Can one of the other players fill in?”
It’s obvious that “pitcher” is referring to a baseball player. Consider a different context, though:
“The waiter is asking for your help. He needs a pitcher. Fill it with water and bring it to him.”
Changing the context changes the meaning of the word “pitcher” (now it means jug).
Your Mind Fills The Void
What happens, then, when you read a Bible verse but don’t read the context? Two unfortunate consequences occur. First, you ignore the words the Holy Spirit provided to help you understand the meaning of the verse. You may miss out on what God is trying to communicate. Second, you create what I call a context vacuum. When there’s no context, your mind instantly fills the void with something from your experience. It’s an automatic process.
For example, what comes to mind when you read the following sentence: “Give it to the alien”? Most people will think of an extra-terrestrial because, perhaps, they enjoy science fiction movies. That sentence, however, is written in Deuteronomy 14:21 (an alien is a non-Israelite). But because you read it out of context, your mind quickly filled the context vacuum with something from your own life context — the idea of an extra-terrestrial. Since the verse now has a different context than what was originally in the Bible (and context determines meaning), you overwrite the meaning of the verse with a new meaning that was imposed by your own mind. Our minds do this instantly.
Change the context, and you change the meaning.
Consider another sentence: “He drives like a maniac.” Most likely your mind thought of a person driving his car recklessly on the road. That’s because I created a context vacuum by leaving out the sentences before and after. Your mind instantly filled the vacuum with an idea from your own life experience: recently driving a car on the road. Your personal experience became the context for the sentence, and since context determines meaning, you made the meaning of the sentence be about a reckless car driver.
Those words are from 2 Kings 9:20, however, and are about a person controlling (or not controlling) a chariot. Reading the verse in isolation creates a context vacuum that is quickly filled with our own life context, which creates a new meaning. God’s intended meaning is overwritten by our own meaning.
A Recipe for Interpretive Disaster
These first two examples might seem innocuous (even humorous), but this error can have more serious consequences for theology and decision-making.
Greg Koukl tells the story of a woman he met who was seeking God’s will regarding a new romantic relationship, even though she was already married. As she flipped through the Scripture, Ephesians 4:24 jumped out at her. The verse says, “Put on the new man” (KJV). She took that phrase as God speaking to her through his Word and followed its “advice” by divorcing her husband and putting on a new man.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Her grievous interpretation is caused by the process I just outlined. She read a verse out of context, and then her own life situation (considering a new man) quickly filled the context vacuum. Her life context created new meaning to the verse, which overwrote God’s intended meaning.
If we’re going to take God seriously, we need to take his words seriously. Reading Bible verses or passages in isolation from their context is a recipe for interpretive disaster. There’s no need to do that. The skill needed to learn the context is easy: reading. If you can read a Bible verse out of context, then you can also read it in context. There’s no excuse.
Alan Shlemon is an author and speaker for Stand to Reason. He trains Christians to share their convictions in a persuasive, yet gracious manner. He has been a guest on both radio and television, and has spoken to thousands of adults and students across the country at churches, conferences, and college campuses.
Originally published at STR.org. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-11-21--Church, Let Us Speak With Courage: We Will Not Be Silenced!

“ The America we once knew is gone ” : sobering words from Dr. Erwin Lutzer of The Moody Church in Chicago .
You knew it already , though , didn ’ t you ?
The question is no longer whether the world is changing .
The question is whether Christians will recognize the new situation surrounding us and know what to do with it .
I know of no better guide than Lutzer ’ s newly released We Will Not Be Silenced : Responding Courageously to Our Culture ’ s Assault on Christianity .
It ’ s not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
Change happens always , and always some of it for the better .
It ’ s the Christian-friendly aspect of our country that ’ s departed .
Apart from a special work of God , we need not expect it to return .
“ The purpose of this book is not to inspire us to ‘ take America back , ’ ” says Lutzer .
“ We have crossed too many fault lines ; too many barriers have proven too weak to withstand media-driven cultural streams that have flooded our nation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s gone , and we ’ re foolish if we keep on going as if nothing ’ s any different .
Lutzer explains clearly what we ’ re up against as the Left seeks to rewrite history , divide us with misleading “ diversity , ” limit free speech , sell socialism , and in Lutzer ’ s most heartfelt complaint , sexualize the children : And the more born out of wedlock , the more brokenness , pain , and spiritual loss they will experience .
The Left sells its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a far superior replacement for the “ oppressive , ” “ patriarchal , ” “ white ” Christianity it seeks to supplant .
Its hostility to the faith is so great , it even allies with Islam .
Why ?
Because the leftists do not want to be critical of a religion that is helping them destroy the foundations of Western civilization.
” We Must Go On Seeking the Kingdom of God It ’ s happened at truly dizzying speed .
Among Christians , many have caved in , accommodating their doctrine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have nothing to do with God ’ s truth .
Others are blissfully but dangerously unaware .
Those who see what ’ s happening may wonder what it means to Christian life and ministry .
Lutzer ’ s chief concern is with the second and third groups , as he explains eight of the main currents driving cultural change and suggests ways to keep moving forward .
He finds a model for that in Augustine , who “ loved the city of Rome , ” yet , “ when he was told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to have said , ‘ Whatever men build , men will destroy .
So let ’ s get on with building the kingdom of God.
” So as Lutzer had said his purpose was not to “ take America back , ” he adds , “ I write not so much to reclaim the culture as to reclaim the church .
But “ where is the hope ?
” one might ask .
We find it in the same place we always have , in the faithfulness of our God .
Lutzer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes as one whose main concern is less with hope , now , than with courage .
We Must Act with Faith and Courage Large swaths of the Western church have caved in to the mockery , the deception , the lies , telling us the world has a better idea than God .
Much of the remaining faithful , Bible-believing Christianity has let itself be cowed into silent submission .
The culture seeks to intimidate Christians in two ways , says Lutzer .
“ One is to criminalize what they say or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shame them .
Many Christians will not be talked out of their faith , but they will be mocked out of it .
Shame will cause many Christians to retreat into silence.
” Christianity isn ’ t just marginalized by our culture , it ’ s demonized .
The great question used to be , “ Is Christianity true ?
” The question now has shifted to , “ Is Christianity good ?
” Such is the degree to which the Left has turned truth upside down .
But this is no time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huldrych Zwingli , a leader of the Reformation in Switzerland , who is “ purported to have said , ‘ For God ’ s sake , do something courageous !
’ ” “ Uncompromising Truth and Love , Risking It All for God ” Lutzer devotes a chapter to each of his eight major issues , from “ Rewrite the Past to Control the Future , ” to “ Vilify !
Vilify !
Vilify !
” — the new “ answer ” to resolving disagreements in our day .
In each chapter he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , practical wisdom on how best to respond .
Every chapter he closes with prayers we all should be praying .
More than anything else in the book , one piece of what you might call “ ministry advice ” caught my attention .
Lutzer had just heard a lecture given by Sam Solomon , a Muslim convert to Christianity .
He sat down to talk with him afterward : And what is the secret to this boldness ?
“ Fear God more than the flames , ” urges Lutzer .
“ Fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us be done with the faint-hearted , tepid leadership .
Ours is the day to ‘ play the man ’ with bold , uncompromising truth and love , risking it all for God.
” We Will Not Be Silenced This book is for all Christians , but especially for leaders .
The America we once knew is gone .
The rise of the Left means the rise of serious anti-Christian hostility , putting our people ’ s faith at risk .
Our youth are especially in the cross-hairs .
We will never adequately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we ’ ve never taken time to understand them .
And we ’ ll never lead at all unless we decide to lead with courage .
So let us decide now to study and understand .
For this , Lutzer ’ s book is a great place to start .
Let us then set the example , and let us urge our people to follow us in it : We will not be silenced .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

“The America we once knew is gone”: sobering words from Dr. Erwin Lutzer of The Moody Church in Chicago. You knew it already, though, didn’t you? The question is no longer whether the world is changing. The question is whether Christians will recognize the new situation surrounding us and know what to do with it. I know of no better guide than Lutzer’s newly released We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture’s Assault on Christianity.
It’s not just that the America we once knew is gone. Change happens always, and always some of it for the better. It’s the Christian-friendly aspect of our country that’s departed. Apart from a special work of God, we need not expect it to return. “The purpose of this book is not to inspire us to ‘take America back,’” says Lutzer. “We have crossed too many fault lines; too many barriers have proven too weak to withstand media-driven cultural streams that have flooded our nation.”
We Must Not Hide From This
It’s gone, and we’re foolish if we keep on going as if nothing’s any different. Lutzer explains clearly what we’re up against as the Left seeks to rewrite history, divide us with misleading “diversity,” limit free speech, sell socialism, and in Lutzer’s most heartfelt complaint, sexualize the children:
The goal of the secularists is clear: attack any form of decency, sacredness, or normal sexual relations. Confuse the children by awakening sexual desires reserved for adults, and utterly destroy any concept of the traditional family. Encourage children to have multiple sexual experiences. And in the process, reap the consequences: more abortions, more antireligious bigotry, and most importantly, more broken homes. The more children are born out of wedlock, the more susceptible they are to being shaped according to Marxist principles.
And the more born out of wedlock, the more brokenness, pain, and spiritual loss they will experience.
The Left sells its efforts as a “noble cause,” a far superior replacement for the “oppressive,” “patriarchal,” “white” Christianity it seeks to supplant. Its hostility to the faith is so great, it even allies with Islam. Why? Because the leftists do not want to be critical of a religion that is helping them destroy the foundations of Western civilization.”
We Must Go On Seeking the Kingdom of God
It’s happened at truly dizzying speed. Among Christians, many have caved in, accommodating their doctrine and practice to new cultural dictates that have nothing to do with God’s truth. Others are blissfully but dangerously unaware. Those who see what’s happening may wonder what it means to Christian life and ministry. Lutzer’s chief concern is with the second and third groups, as he explains eight of the main currents driving cultural change and suggests ways to keep moving forward.
He finds a model for that in Augustine, who “loved the city of Rome,” yet, “when he was told that vandals had trashed it, he is reported to have said, ‘Whatever men build, men will destroy. So let’s get on with building the kingdom of God.”
“He pressed his index finger against my chest and said, ‘Your responsibility is to teach your people to be ready to die as martyrs for the faith!'”
So as Lutzer had said his purpose was not to “take America back,” he adds, “I write not so much to reclaim the culture as to reclaim the church.
But “where is the hope?” one might ask. We find it in the same place we always have, in the faithfulness of our God. Lutzer reminds us of that often, but writes as one whose main concern is less with hope, now, than with courage.
We Must Act with Faith and Courage
Large swaths of the Western church have caved in to the mockery, the deception, the lies, telling us the world has a better idea than God. Much of the remaining faithful, Bible-believing Christianity has let itself be cowed into silent submission.
The culture seeks to intimidate Christians in two ways, says Lutzer. “One is to criminalize what they say or do, and the other is to shame them. Many Christians will not be talked out of their faith, but they will be mocked out of it. Shame will cause many Christians to retreat into silence.”
Christianity isn’t just marginalized by our culture, it’s demonized. The great question used to be, “Is Christianity true?” The question now has shifted to, “Is Christianity good?” Such is the degree to which the Left has turned truth upside down. But this is no time for silence. Lutzer reminds us of Huldrych Zwingli, a leader of the Reformation in Switzerland, who is “purported to have said, ‘For God’s sake, do something courageous!’”
“Uncompromising Truth and Love, Risking It All for God”
Lutzer devotes a chapter to each of his eight major issues, from “Rewrite the Past to Control the Future,” to “Vilify! Vilify! Vilify!” — the new “answer” to resolving disagreements in our day. In each chapter he opens with analysis, then offers compassionate, practical wisdom on how best to respond. Every chapter he closes with prayers we all should be praying.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
More than anything else in the book, one piece of what you might call “ministry advice” caught my attention. Lutzer had just heard a lecture given by Sam Solomon, a Muslim convert to Christianity. He sat down to talk with him afterward:
I asked him a simple question: “In light of what you have shared, and considering the game that radical Islam is making in America, what is my responsibility as the pastor of a church?” He pressed his index finger against my chest and said, “Your responsibility is to teach your people to be ready to die as martyrs for the faith!”
And what is the secret to this boldness? “Fear God more than the flames,” urges Lutzer. “Fear him more than your reputation. Let us be done with the faint-hearted, tepid leadership. Ours is the day to ‘play the man’ with bold, uncompromising truth and love, risking it all for God.”
We Will Not Be Silenced
This book is for all Christians, but especially for leaders. The America we once knew is gone. The rise of the Left means the rise of serious anti-Christian hostility, putting our people’s faith at risk. Our youth are especially in the cross-hairs.
We will never adequately address these threats to their Christian lives if we’ve never taken time to understand them. And we’ll never lead at all unless we decide to lead with courage. So let us decide now to study and understand. For this, Lutzer’s book is a great place to start. Let us then set the example, and let us urge our people to follow us in it: We will not be silenced.
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.


thestream--2020-11-21--CS Lewis’s Prophecy Coming True, As We Give Over Our Freedoms to Technology

As Europe was reeling from the aftermath of the Second World War , C.S .
Lewis was taking part in a conversation in the English papers about the possibility of progress .
As usual , Lewis cut through both the vague optimism of the progressives and the sour negativity of the pessimists .
In reading his thoughts in Is Progress Possible — in the collection of his essays called God in the Dock — I came across a remarkable prophecy .
Lewis was analyzing the state of mind of so many in post-war Europe .
Many were homeless , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the war .
When Lewis was writing in the early 1950s Britain was limping along with widespread poverty , rationing of food and an ongoing social crisis .
He recognized that the government would have to step in to provide for the people , but he feared the result would be the loss of freedom .
The Power Behind the Throne — Modern Science Furthermore , Lewis observed that the ruling power in the brave new world would neither be God nor kings who were supposedly divinely appointed .
Neither would it simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought the power behind the throne would be modern science .
I dread the government in the name of science .
That is how tyrannies come in .
In every age the men who want us under their thumb , if they have any sense will put forward the particular pretension which the hopes and fears of that age render most potent .
They ‘ cash in ’ .
It has been magic , it has been Christianity .
Now it will certainly be science .
Lewis was not denigrating science as such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which science provided the ruling belief system behind the power .
Why was science a frightening dark Lord ?
Because those who have science as their underlying ideology are also utilitarian in their views .
That is to say , they will choose the scientific , efficient , cost-effective and surgical or chemical solution to problems .
In his novel That Hideous Strength Lewis told the story of an England in the grip of a cabal of scientific , atheistic globalists , planning to dominate humanity .
Their planned utopia turns out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a nightmare .
Lewis knew that a society driven only by scientific advancement would be a nightmare because individuals would become pawns in the power games .
They would be used , abused and disposed of without a second thought .
Without belief in the human soul there is no reason to recognize innate value in each human being .
Those who have science as their one Lord and Master will invariably take pragmatic decisions ; thus abortion , euthanasia and abuse of the elderly , the disabled and the poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All it requires is that the “ final solution ” be quick , easy and painless .
The Ultimate Tyrant Is the Application of Science : Technology Lewis ’ insights were wise , and easy to understand at the time .
Still , what is amazing is his understanding that science on its own would not be the tyrant of the future .
Instead the ultimate tyrant would be the application of science : technology .
After the grim reality of the atom bomb and the suffering in the postwar period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Caught Up in the Web When I read these words my heart skipped a beat .
Is this not what we are facing in these days , with our reliance on high technology in every aspect of our lives ?
Rod Dreher ’ s new book Live Not By Lies analyzes our dependence on tech and the control the tech giants already have over our lives .
With computer tracking and spying , data collection , censorship and financial control , we ’ re already caught up in the web more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of an “ omnicompetent global technocracy ” seventy years ago .
He also saw the threat to human freedom that such a global technocracy presented .
Is this not the ideal opportunity for enslavement ?
This is how it has entered before ; a desperate need in one party , a power to relieve it in the other .
In the ancient world individuals sold themselves as slaves in order to eat … Perhaps the terrible bargain will be made again .
We can not blame men for making it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet we can hardly bear that they should .
C.S .
Lewis ’ prophetic insights should serve as a warning .
Already most of us are ensnared in the web of the global technocracy in one way or another .
What is the way forward ?
How do we use the wonderful advances of technology without being enslaved by them ?
How do we establish proper checks and balances to the techno-overlords so their wizardry serves our freedoms and does not enslave us ?
When do we say enough is enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plug ?
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina .
His latest book is Immortal Combat : Confronting the Heart of Darkness .

As Europe was reeling from the aftermath of the Second World War, C.S. Lewis was taking part in a conversation in the English papers about the possibility of progress. As usual, Lewis cut through both the vague optimism of the progressives and the sour negativity of the pessimists.
The Possibility of Progress
In reading his thoughts in Is Progress Possible — in the collection of his essays called God in the Dock — I came across a remarkable prophecy. Lewis was analyzing the state of mind of so many in post-war Europe. Many were homeless, their livelihoods destroyed and their lives fractured by the war.
When Lewis was writing in the early 1950s Britain was limping along with widespread poverty, rationing of food and an ongoing social crisis. He recognized that the government would have to step in to provide for the people, but he feared the result would be the loss of freedom.
The Power Behind the Throne — Modern Science
Furthermore, Lewis observed that the ruling power in the brave new world would neither be God nor kings who were supposedly divinely appointed. Neither would it simply be power hungry politicians. Instead Lewis thought the power behind the throne would be modern science.
I dread the government in the name of science. That is how tyrannies come in. In every age the men who want us under their thumb, if they have any sense will put forward the particular pretension which the hopes and fears of that age render most potent. They ‘cash in’. It has been magic, it has been Christianity. Now it will certainly be science.
Lewis was not denigrating science as such. He was warning of a society in which science provided the ruling belief system behind the power. Why was science a frightening dark Lord? Because those who have science as their underlying ideology are also utilitarian in their views. That is to say, they will choose the scientific, efficient, cost-effective and surgical or chemical solution to problems.
Not a Dream, but a Nightmare
In his novel That Hideous Strength Lewis told the story of an England in the grip of a cabal of scientific, atheistic globalists, planning to dominate humanity. Their planned utopia turns out to be not a dream, however, but a nightmare. Lewis knew that a society driven only by scientific advancement would be a nightmare because individuals would become pawns in the power games. They would be used, abused and disposed of without a second thought.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Without belief in the human soul there is no reason to recognize innate value in each human being. Those who have science as their one Lord and Master will invariably take pragmatic decisions; thus abortion, euthanasia and abuse of the elderly, the disabled and the poor and even genocide will all be rationalized. All it requires is that the “final solution” be quick, easy and painless.
The Ultimate Tyrant Is the Application of Science: Technology
Lewis’ insights were wise, and easy to understand at the time. Still, what is amazing is his understanding that science on its own would not be the tyrant of the future. Instead the ultimate tyrant would be the application of science: technology.
After the grim reality of the atom bomb and the suffering in the postwar period, Lewis faced mankind’s dilemma squarely:
We have on the one hand a desperate need: hunger, sickness and the dread of war. We have on the other, the conception of something that might meet it: omnicompetent global technocracy.
Caught Up in the Web
When I read these words my heart skipped a beat. Is this not what we are facing in these days, with our reliance on high technology in every aspect of our lives? Rod Dreher’s new book Live Not By Lies analyzes our dependence on tech and the control the tech giants already have over our lives. With computer tracking and spying, data collection, censorship and financial control, we’re already caught up in the web more than we realize.
C.S. Lewis saw the threat of an “omnicompetent global technocracy” seventy years ago. He also saw the threat to human freedom that such a global technocracy presented.
Is this not the ideal opportunity for enslavement? This is how it has entered before; a desperate need in one party, a power to relieve it in the other. In the ancient world individuals sold themselves as slaves in order to eat … Perhaps the terrible bargain will be made again. We cannot blame men for making it. We can hardly wish them not to. Yet we can hardly bear that they should.
C.S. Lewis’ prophetic insights should serve as a warning. Already most of us are ensnared in the web of the global technocracy in one way or another. What is the way forward? How do we use the wonderful advances of technology without being enslaved by them? How do we establish proper checks and balances to the techno-overlords so their wizardry serves our freedoms and does not enslave us? When do we say enough is enough, turn off the gadgets and pull the plug?
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina. His latest book is Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness.


thestream--2020-11-21--Did the Resurrection Really Occur? How Can We Know?

How can we be sure that Jesus rose from the grave ?
What process could we employ to investigate the @ @ @ @ @ In this video from J. Warner ’ s “ Quick Shots : Fast Answers to @ @ @ @ @ RightNow Media , J. Warner answers this common question related to the claims of Christianity @

How can we be sure that Jesus rose from the grave? What process could we employ to investigate the case for the Resurrection? In this video from J. Warner’s “Quick Shots: Fast Answers to Hard Questions” series on RightNow Media, J. Warner answers this common question related to the claims of Christianity.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-11-22--Is Our Country Already Lost?

Is Our Country Already Lost?

DIRECTV has a channel called “ news mix.
” It is a four-way split screen that allows me to watch four different news channels at the same time .
I can only listen to one at a time , but I can toggle back and forth between the channels for the audio .
These four channels are not always the same .
For the several weeks immediately preceding and following the election , however , they included : CNN , MSNBC , FOX , and Newsmax .
The various prejudices of each station were blatantly obvious when watching them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I watched the standard pro-our candidate/anti-their candidate spin on all the channels .
The day of the election came with the stereotypical calling of “ our ” candidate ’ s states early and “ their ” states late .
While these contrasts proved to be interesting , it ’ s been the reporting since the election that has demanded my attention .
As Election-night Tuesday rolled into the early hours of Wednesday morning , I saw two incredibly strange interviews on one of the liberal channels .
Democratic strategist , James Carville was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Derangement Syndrome sufferer Michael Steele was the other .
Their messages were almost identical .
They addressed the Democratic base somewhere between 1 and 2 a.m. , as I started getting ready for bed .
Trump had a comfortable lead in Georgia , and was several points ahead in the other four swing states , with something over 90 % of the precincts having reported in .
To me the election was over and Trump had won handily .
Yet , both Carville and Steele were smiling and calm , urging Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic , ” they both said .
Not in the reassuring way of someone losing a contest , but almost as if they possessed some secret knowledge that would change the current course of the election .
I awoke later that morning to find all five swing states back in play !
One of them switching would have been a shocker to me .
Two would have seemed highly unlikely , bordering on suspicious .
All five ?
Suddenly the Carville/Steele interviews felt more like an eerie foreshadowing .
I have witnessed 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redirect like that .
I suppose technically this kind of massive shift is not entirely impossible , but it is highly improbable .
Needless to say , as the day progressed , I remained glued to the election results and the analysis thereof .
I watched the CNN broadcaster dutifully explicate the political constituency of micro-jurisdictions , in an attempt to explain away what seemed like an impossible Biden surge .
Eventually , I was listening to the “ conservative ” station interview various poll workers who , despite having proper paperwork , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility .
If they were , they were kept at such a distance that they effectively could not see a thing .
At that exact same moment , I read a scroll on the “ liberal ” station that said there is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud .
I remember thinking , “ Really ?
Because I ’ m looking at it !
” Even so , the MSM message resonates .
The other night , at my weekly poker game , half the table was practically ridiculing the other half for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We know for a fact that voter fraud happens in other countries .
What ’ s to stop it from happening here other than extreme vigilance ?
We should always be checking the integrity of our voting system .
More Than Enough Evidence Rather than go into a long list of allegations that have already been reported by many others , I will refer you to The Stream ’ s resident expert on this matter : Al Perrotta .
In this article he gives 13 potential examples of voter fraud .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 500 allegations of voter fraud in 7 different categories .
Now , one abnormality can be ignored ; possibly even two .
Not thirteen .
And certainly not over 500 !
At minimum , that calls for an investigation .
Both sides should demand this investigation , regardless of how they feel about Trump .
If the main stream media want to cast doubt on the veracity of these allegations , fine .
But to report that “ there is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud ” is inexcusable , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference between reporting a story with a spin on it , and bald-faced lying .
More tellingly , the left ’ s exaggerated sense of outrage at the very idea of a recount belies the confidence with which they reject even the possibility of impropriety .
Why should a recount be an issue ?
If you reject the notion of voter fraud entirely , then there are only three possible outcomes : 1 ) there was no voter fraud , the count was correct , Biden won the election .
Or , 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legitimate mistakes were made in counting , Trump won the election .
No one should have a problem with these two .
They both guarantee no fraud was perpetrated and therefore the outcome of the election is legitimate .
The big problem exists behind door number three .
3 ) Trump is using the recount to manipulate the outcome of the election .
But this puts liberals in a Catch-22 scenario , because even though this takes place after the election , it would still be considered voter fraud .
The very thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , to be worried about this potential outcome is to admit that voter fraud is possible .
So , unless Trump is the lone genius in the United States capable of pulling such a thing off , we are now left with two choices .
Either voter fraud is not possible , in which case it won ’ t hurt anyone to check .
Or , voter fraud is a very real possibility , in which case it won ’ t hurt anyone to check .
Except , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This Important ?
This is important because no less than the very essence of our country hangs in the balance .
If Trump ’ s claims are false , throw him in jail .
But if voter fraud led to the election of Joe Biden , and this fraud is allowed to stand , then our country is already lost .
It is not “ on its way out ” or “ going downhill , ” it is over and done with .
Finished .
We will have joined the ranks of third-world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vote in a “ fair and honest ” election .
Where a government “ of the people , by the people , and for the people ” will have perished from this Earth .
And , one person , one vote , will be nothing more than the lingering after-taste of a distant , glorious past .

DIRECTV has a channel called “news mix.” It is a four-way split screen that allows me to watch four different news channels at the same time. I can only listen to one at a time, but I can toggle back and forth between the channels for the audio.
These four channels are not always the same. For the several weeks immediately preceding and following the election, however, they included: CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and Newsmax. The various prejudices of each station were blatantly obvious when watching them in that format.
They Urged Democrats to Relax
Prior to the election I watched the standard pro-our candidate/anti-their candidate spin on all the channels. The day of the election came with the stereotypical calling of “our” candidate’s states early and “their” states late. While these contrasts proved to be interesting, it’s been the reporting since the election that has demanded my attention.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
As Election-night Tuesday rolled into the early hours of Wednesday morning, I saw two incredibly strange interviews on one of the liberal channels. Democratic strategist, James Carville was one, and former RNC Chairman turned Trump Derangement Syndrome sufferer Michael Steele was the other.
Their messages were almost identical. They addressed the Democratic base somewhere between 1 and 2 a.m., as I started getting ready for bed. Trump had a comfortable lead in Georgia, and was several points ahead in the other four swing states, with something over 90% of the precincts having reported in. To me the election was over and Trump had won handily. Yet, both Carville and Steele were smiling and calm, urging Democrats to relax.
“Don’t panic,” they both said. Not in the reassuring way of someone losing a contest, but almost as if they possessed some secret knowledge that would change the current course of the election.
The Big Switch
I awoke later that morning to find all five swing states back in play! One of them switching would have been a shocker to me. Two would have seemed highly unlikely, bordering on suspicious. All five? Suddenly the Carville/Steele interviews felt more like an eerie foreshadowing.
I have witnessed 11 Presidential elections and have never seen a redirect like that. I suppose technically this kind of massive shift is not entirely impossible, but it is highly improbable.
Needless to say, as the day progressed, I remained glued to the election results and the analysis thereof. I watched the CNN broadcaster dutifully explicate the political constituency of micro-jurisdictions, in an attempt to explain away what seemed like an impossible Biden surge. Eventually, I was listening to the “conservative” station interview various poll workers who, despite having proper paperwork, were not allowed in the vote counting facility. If they were, they were kept at such a distance that they effectively could not see a thing.
At that exact same moment, I read a scroll on the “liberal” station that said there is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud. I remember thinking, “Really? Because I’m looking at it!”
Even so, the MSM message resonates. The other night, at my weekly poker game, half the table was practically ridiculing the other half for believing in this “voter fraud conspiracy.” We know for a fact that voter fraud happens in other countries. What’s to stop it from happening here other than extreme vigilance? We should always be checking the integrity of our voting system.
More Than Enough Evidence
Rather than go into a long list of allegations that have already been reported by many others, I will refer you to The Stream’s resident expert on this matter: Al Perrotta. In this article he gives 13 potential examples of voter fraud. In this article he refers to a chart of over 500 allegations of voter fraud in 7 different categories.
Now, one abnormality can be ignored; possibly even two. Not thirteen. And certainly not over 500! At minimum, that calls for an investigation. Both sides should demand this investigation, regardless of how they feel about Trump. If the main stream media want to cast doubt on the veracity of these allegations, fine. But to report that “there is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud” is inexcusable, and patently false. There is a big difference between reporting a story with a spin on it, and bald-faced lying.
If Trump’s claims are false, throw him in jail. But if voter fraud led to the election of Joe Biden, and this fraud is allowed to stand, then our country is already lost.
More tellingly, the left’s exaggerated sense of outrage at the very idea of a recount belies the confidence with which they reject even the possibility of impropriety. Why should a recount be an issue? If you reject the notion of voter fraud entirely, then there are only three possible outcomes: 1) there was no voter fraud, the count was correct, Biden won the election. Or, 2) there was no voter fraud, legitimate mistakes were made in counting, Trump won the election. No one should have a problem with these two. They both guarantee no fraud was perpetrated and therefore the outcome of the election is legitimate.
The big problem exists behind door number three. 3) Trump is using the recount to manipulate the outcome of the election. But this puts liberals in a Catch-22 scenario, because even though this takes place after the election, it would still be considered voter fraud. The very thing the Dems claim isn’t possible. Therefore, to be worried about this potential outcome is to admit that voter fraud is possible.
So, unless Trump is the lone genius in the United States capable of pulling such a thing off, we are now left with two choices. Either voter fraud is not possible, in which case it won’t hurt anyone to check. Or, voter fraud is a very real possibility, in which case it won’t hurt anyone to check. Except, of course, those conducting themselves illegally.
Why is This Important?
This is important because no less than the very essence of our country hangs in the balance. If Trump’s claims are false, throw him in jail. But if voter fraud led to the election of Joe Biden, and this fraud is allowed to stand, then our country is already lost. It is not “on its way out” or “going downhill,” it is over and done with. Finished. We will have joined the ranks of third-world dictatorships where tin-pot tyrants get 98% of the vote in a “fair and honest” election.
Where a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” will have perished from this Earth. And, one person, one vote, will be nothing more than the lingering after-taste of a distant, glorious past.
George Janek is a conservative thinker encamped in Northern California.


thestream--2020-11-22--CDC Director Says School is ‘One of the Safest Places’ for Children, Data Supports In-Person Learnin

CDC Director Says School is ‘One of the Safest Places’ for Children, Data Supports In-Person Learning

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) Director Dr. Robert Redfield said school “ is one of the safest places ” for children and data supports in-person learning .
Redfield stressed the importance of adhering to data during a White House press briefing on Thursday .
The CDC director also said “ data-driven decisions ” are what should lead discussions regarding “ institutions or what we ’ re doing for commercial closures.
” “ For example as was mentioned last spring the CD.C .
did not recommend school closures nor , nor did we recommend closures today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring there was limited data .
Today there is extensive data that we have , ” Redfield said .
“ We ’ ve gathered over the last two to three months and confirm that k-12 schools can operate with face-to-face learning and they can do it safely and they can do it responsibly , ” he continued .
Redfield said coronavirus infections originated from “ the community and the household ” and not in schools .
Redfield referred to what Dr. Deborah Birx said about “ family gatherings ” presenting a large possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth is for kids k-12 is one of the safest places they can be from our perspective is to remain in school , ” Redfield said .
Redfield stressed using data and not basing decisions off of emotions .
“ It ’ s really important that following the data , making sure we don ’ t make emotional decisions about what to close and what not to close , ” Redfield said .
“ Data strongly supports that k-12 schools , as well as institutes of higher learning , really are not where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be counterproductive from a public health point of view just in containing the epidemic if there was an emotional response to say let ’ s close the schools , ” Redfield said .
The CDC director expressed his confidence they will end the coronavirus pandemic and referred to Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s message of hope that the pandemic is coming to a close .
He also urged Americans to “ embrace masks , social distancing , hand washing , ” be wary of crowds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to schools “ and institutes of higher learning.
” The CDC didn ’ t immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield said school “is one of the safest places” for children and data supports in-person learning.
Redfield stressed the importance of adhering to data during a White House press briefing on Thursday. The CDC director also said “data-driven decisions” are what should lead discussions regarding “institutions or what we’re doing for commercial closures.”
“For example as was mentioned last spring the CD.C. did not recommend school closures nor, nor did we recommend closures today. I will say back in the spring there was limited data. Today there is extensive data that we have,” Redfield said.
“We’ve gathered over the last two to three months and confirm that k-12 schools can operate with face-to-face learning and they can do it safely and they can do it responsibly,” he continued.
Redfield said coronavirus infections originated from “the community and the household” and not in schools. Redfield referred to what Dr. Deborah Birx said about “family gatherings” presenting a large possibility of spreading the coronavirus.
“The truth is for kids k-12 is one of the safest places they can be from our perspective is to remain in school,” Redfield said.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Redfield stressed using data and not basing decisions off of emotions.
“It’s really important that following the data, making sure we don’t make emotional decisions about what to close and what not to close,” Redfield said.
“Data strongly supports that k-12 schools, as well as institutes of higher learning, really are not where we’re having our challenges and it would be counterproductive from a public health point of view just in containing the epidemic if there was an emotional response to say let’s close the schools,” Redfield said.
The CDC director expressed his confidence they will end the coronavirus pandemic and referred to Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Anthony Fauci’s message of hope that the pandemic is coming to a close. He also urged Americans to “embrace masks, social distancing, hand washing,” be wary of crowds, and back the data that is connected to schools “and institutes of higher learning.”
The CDC didn’t immediately respond 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--2020-11-22--Cancel Thanksgiving? Not on Our Watch

Cancel Thanksgiving? Not on Our Watch

In 1789 , President Washington issued a day of thanksgiving proclamation .
He asked the nation to set aside Thursday , November 26th of that year .
This was so they could “ acknowledge the providence of Almighty God , to obey his will , to be grateful for his benefits , and humbly to implore his protection and favor.
” Fresh off of the tumultuous and violent years of the American revolution , Washington ’ s proclamation acknowledged Almighty ’ s providence in the founding of our nation .
It acknowledged God ’ s providing “ an opportunity peaceably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their safety and happiness.
” It expresses thanks for God ’ s hand in providing “ for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed.
” Now , on this upcoming Thanksgiving Day , 231 years later to the day , we have a solemn obligation to gather with friends and family and do the same .
The soul of our nation is at stake and the religious freedom of Americans is now in doubt .
Under the guise of COVID-19 restrictions , governments at every level have repeatedly crossed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This resulted in what U.S. Supreme Justice Alito called “ previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty.
” The COVID restrictions forced on Americans throughout the country are being used to attack our personal freedoms and religious liberties .
Across the nation churches are kept closed , while judges rule that strip clubs and casinos can be open .
Protests and riots continue unabated in the streets , yet government leaders have shut down religious gatherings and targeted churches who dared to open their doors .
They ’ ve arrested people attending outside worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move .
We ’ re constantly assured that the attacks on our religious freedom is only temporary .
David Kinnaman from the Barna Group says that 1 in 5 American churches may remain permanently closed due to the financial strain and drop in attendance .
Yet the self-appointed demigods are not content that they ’ ve stripped public worship from Americans .
Now they are demanding entrance into our homes to cancel our Thanksgiving celebrations .
These elected officials , who have spent the year trying to play God , want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop families and communities from gathering and corporately praising the true God who has bestowed mercy and favor on our country .
Do Not Bend a Knee to Tyrants So , I ’ m asking Americans to disregard overreaching orders from bureaucrats .
I ’ m asking them to gather to participate in the original intent of the Thanksgiving holiday .
The stakes are too high to not fulfill the sacred duty of Thanksgiving that George Washington proclaimed .
We must not bend the knee to tyrants who seek to replace God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have set themselves up as the only moral authority and provider of rights and provision .
Now , more than ever , we should be on our knees before our God .
We should be thanking Him for His grace upon our land and crying out to Him , in a time of unprecedented national strife , turmoil and unrest .
Abraham Lincoln understood this .
This is why , in the middle of the dark years of civil war , he issued a similar proclamation as President Washington ’ s .
Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
” On that day , God ’ s faithfulness on America would be “ be solemnly , reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
” When we gather this sacred Thanksgiving Day , we should not just offer thanks to God , but also seek repentance .
Both presidential proclamations stressed this .
Washington asked Americans to “ beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions , ” while Lincoln called his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience.
” We didn ’ t arrive at this precipice in America suddenly and without warning .
Rather , evils have advanced in our country at times when God ’ s people have turned a blind eye to injustice , corruption and greed .
We must now fervently repent of inaction and apathy .
We must pursue the biblical citizenship of involvement in our neighborhoods and towns that God expects of us .
This November 26th , with President Washington and Lincoln ’ s proclamations as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and praise God for the freedoms that He has bestowed on our nation and His faithfulness to our families and country .
Then repent for our personal and national disobedience , and cry out to God to heal our land .
Previous generations of Americans would expect nothing less .
And the fate of future generations demand it .
Editor ’ s note : As of November 19 , the CDC recommends that Americans not travel for Thanksgiving .
Pastor Brian Gibson is founder of the Peaceably Gather Coalition representing thousands of pastors @ @

In 1789, President Washington issued a day of thanksgiving proclamation. He asked the nation to set aside Thursday, November 26th of that year. This was so they could “acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”
Fresh off of the tumultuous and violent years of the American revolution, Washington’s proclamation acknowledged Almighty’s providence in the founding of our nation. It acknowledged God’s providing “an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” It expresses thanks for God’s hand in providing “for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed.”
Now, on this upcoming Thanksgiving Day, 231 years later to the day, we have a solemn obligation to gather with friends and family and do the same. The soul of our nation is at stake and the religious freedom of Americans is now in doubt.
Individual Liberty Restrictions
Under the guise of COVID-19 restrictions, governments at every level have repeatedly crossed the line of American’s freedoms. This resulted in what U.S. Supreme Justice Alito called “previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty.”
The COVID restrictions forced on Americans throughout the country are being used to attack our personal freedoms and religious liberties.
Across the nation churches are kept closed, while judges rule that strip clubs and casinos can be open. Protests and riots continue unabated in the streets, yet government leaders have shut down religious gatherings and targeted churches who dared to open their doors. They’ve arrested people attending outside worship gatherings.
The Goalpost Continues to Move
The goalpost for reopening continues to move. We’re constantly assured that the attacks on our religious freedom is only temporary. David Kinnaman from the Barna Group says that 1 in 5 American churches may remain permanently closed due to the financial strain and drop in attendance.
Yet the self-appointed demigods are not content that they’ve stripped public worship from Americans. Now they are demanding entrance into our homes to cancel our Thanksgiving celebrations.
These elected officials, who have spent the year trying to play God, want to stop our coming together. They want to stop families and communities from gathering and corporately praising the true God who has bestowed mercy and favor on our country.
Do Not Bend a Knee to Tyrants
So, I’m asking Americans to disregard overreaching orders from bureaucrats. I’m asking them to gather to participate in the original intent of the Thanksgiving holiday. The stakes are too high to not fulfill the sacred duty of Thanksgiving that George Washington proclaimed.
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We must not bend the knee to tyrants who seek to replace God in our nation and communities. They have set themselves up as the only moral authority and provider of rights and provision.
Now, more than ever, we should be on our knees before our God. We should be thanking Him for His grace upon our land and crying out to Him, in a time of unprecedented national strife, turmoil and unrest.
Abraham Lincoln understood this. This is why, in the middle of the dark years of civil war, he issued a similar proclamation as President Washington’s. Lincoln called for “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” On that day, God’s faithfulness on America would be “be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”
We Must Seek Repentance
When we gather this sacred Thanksgiving Day, we should not just offer thanks to God, but also seek repentance. Both presidential proclamations stressed this. Washington asked Americans to “beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions,” while Lincoln called his fellow citizens to approach God with “humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience.”
We didn’t arrive at this precipice in America suddenly and without warning. Rather, evils have advanced in our country at times when God’s people have turned a blind eye to injustice, corruption and greed. We must now fervently repent of inaction and apathy. We must pursue the biblical citizenship of involvement in our neighborhoods and towns that God expects of us.
Gather and Praise God
This November 26th, with President Washington and Lincoln’s proclamations as our guide, let us gather together and praise God for the freedoms that He has bestowed on our nation and His faithfulness to our families and country. Then repent for our personal and national disobedience, and cry out to God to heal our land.
Previous generations of Americans would expect nothing less. And the fate of future generations demand it.
Watch:
Editor’s note: As of November 19, the CDC recommends that Americans not travel for Thanksgiving.
Pastor Brian Gibson is founder of the Peaceably Gather Coalition representing thousands of pastors nationwide.


thestream--2020-11-22--Christian Maturity: Arrived, or Just Way Too Far Behind?

Have you ever thought , “ I ’ m just not where I want to be , or feel I am supposed to be as a Christian ” ?
The most dominant feelings in your life may be of guilt , a feeling of dissatisfaction with yourself , of feeling stuck .
Or perhaps quite the opposite .
You think , “ I have arrived.
” You have a dominant feeling of satisfaction , of being satisfied with yourself as a person , and as a Christ follower .
Whether we are feeling satisfied or dissatisfied with ourselves , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help us : Paul is well aware that , despite his extensive experience of walking with Jesus , he has not arrived .
This speaks to us when we think we have arrived .
There are two different ways that we may think we have arrived .
First , we may think we have progressed so far in Christian maturity , that there is nowhere left to grow .
There are no changes left to be made .
There is nothing more to learn about God , or ourselves .
When we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words come as a challenge .
If the apostle Paul knew that he had not yet arrived , how much more should we realize the need , and opportunity , for further growth ?
Second , we may think that the only goal of Christianity is to get people to heaven .
Since we know that we are saved by the love of God and not our own righteousness , the goal has been reached .
We have been saved .
We will go to heaven when we die .
All is good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the only goal ?
It may sound like the only goal in certain variations of Christianity , but we won ’ t find that it is in biblical Christianity .
Consider what Paul goes on to say : The Christian life is described here as a race .
There is motion , there is direction , there is an effort expended in reaching toward a goal .
There is a sense of progression , of movement .
We could sum it up with “ yes , by God ’ s grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but you are now in the race , so get running !
” The goal of Christianity is not just getting people to heaven instead of hell , of ensuring life forevermore as opposed to separation from God at the end .
The goal is experiencing God ’ s presence in our lives forevermore , beginning now , and affecting us now .
The goal is not just resurrection to eternal life when Christ returns , but new life now made possible through the Holy Spirit ’ s presence within us .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our motives , our ethics , our attitudes — affecting everything about us .
This race is not a sprint , but a marathon , a long journey .
Of course we have not arrived .
We Belong Even Though We Haven ’ t Arrived This brings us to those times we beat ourselves up because we have not yet arrived .
If that describes us today , there are three things to take note of from Paul ’ s words .
First , be comforted by the fact that God ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t : We belong , even though we have not arrived .
We belong because of the faithfulness of Jesus , because of the love and grace of God .
Our Christian maturity does not make God love us more .
So be comforted by the fact that you belong .
You Are Not Alone Second , if you feel you have some distance to go , you are not alone .
Paul makes no claim on being the perfect Christian either .
None of the heroes of the faith we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of the heroes of the faith we find through the history of Christianity were perfect .
Why do we beat ourselves up for not being perfect ?
So , let us be comforted by the fact that we are not alone in our imperfection .
God is not surprised .
Let Us Challenge Ourselves Third , let us be challenged .
There is a road to travel , there is a race to run : Are we challenged by those verbs of action : “ straining forward , ” “ I press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge to put some effort in ?
To run a race , it is best we not spend all our time looking behind us .
When we spend a lot of time looking back , we might end up thinking things like “ I experienced this , my family of origin was like that , I have never been able to do this , I have always done that.
” If we look at how things have been , why would we expect anything to ever be different ?
But what if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be healthier , I have lost 50 pounds .
If I only looked back , I would see nothing but a steady rise in weight .
An app forced me to look forward .
At the close of each day it would say “ if every day was like today , in five weeks you will weigh this.
” Looking back , I would always feel defeated .
Looking forward I felt inspired .
If we feel stuck , let us hear the challenge to look forward .
In motorcycle safety courses they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you go .
So , don ’ t spend all your time looking back , and don ’ t look down !
In life , if we keep looking back , we will continue to get hung up over the same old things .
Let ’ s stop looking back at events and decisions we think define us .
Instead , let ’ s look forward to what God has for us .
Let the future God has in store for us define us .
Let us not look back at a history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how others have failed us .
Let us look forward to where God is leading us , to what kind of character we will have and what kind of people we will be .
Growth is possible , especially given the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the upward calling in Christ .
We can grow in our character .
We can grow in our depth of relationship with God in Christ .
We can grow in our awareness and knowledge of God .
We can grow in our awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come from , but more importantly , where we are going .
Whether we feel we have far to go , or nowhere left to go in the journey of Christian maturity , God will help get us moving on our way .
Clarke is the pastor of Calvary Baptist in Cobourg , Ontario .
He blogs at clarkedixon.wordpress.com .

Have you ever thought, “I’m just not where I want to be, or feel I am supposed to be as a Christian”? The most dominant feelings in your life may be of guilt, a feeling of dissatisfaction with yourself, of feeling stuck.
Or perhaps quite the opposite. You think, “I have arrived.” You have a dominant feeling of satisfaction, of being satisfied with yourself as a person, and as a Christ follower.
Whether we are feeling satisfied or dissatisfied with ourselves, something Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi will help us:
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12, NRSV)
Paul is well aware that, despite his extensive experience of walking with Jesus, he has not arrived. This speaks to us when we think we have arrived.
There are two different ways that we may think we have arrived.
Have We Arrived?
First, we may think we have progressed so far in Christian maturity, that there is nowhere left to grow. There are no changes left to be made. There is nothing more to learn about God, or ourselves. When we think that, let Paul’s words come as a challenge. If the apostle Paul knew that he had not yet arrived, how much more should we realize the need, and opportunity, for further growth?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Second, we may think that the only goal of Christianity is to get people to heaven. Since we know that we are saved by the love of God and not our own righteousness, the goal has been reached. We have been saved. We will go to heaven when we die. All is good.
Not the Only Goal
However, is that the only goal? It may sound like the only goal in certain variations of Christianity, but we won’t find that it is in biblical Christianity. Consider what Paul goes on to say:
Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14, NRSV)
The Christian life is described here as a race. There is motion, there is direction, there is an effort expended in reaching toward a goal. There is a sense of progression, of movement. We could sum it up with “yes, by God’s grace you will reach the finish line, but you are now in the race, so get running!”
The goal of Christianity is not just getting people to heaven instead of hell, of ensuring life forevermore as opposed to separation from God at the end. The goal is experiencing God’s presence in our lives forevermore, beginning now, and affecting us now. The goal is not just resurrection to eternal life when Christ returns, but new life now made possible through the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. There is a maturing process touching our character, our motives, our ethics, our attitudes — affecting everything about us. This race is not a sprint, but a marathon, a long journey. Of course we have not arrived.
We Belong Even Though We Haven’t Arrived
This brings us to those times we beat ourselves up because we have not yet arrived. If that describes us today, there are three things to take note of from Paul’s words.
First, be comforted by the fact that God’s got this, even if we don’t:
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12, NRSV, emphasis added)
We belong, even though we have not arrived. We belong because of the faithfulness of Jesus, because of the love and grace of God. Our Christian maturity does not make God love us more. So be comforted by the fact that you belong.
You Are Not Alone
Second, if you feel you have some distance to go, you are not alone. Paul makes no claim on being the perfect Christian either. None of the heroes of the faith we find in the Bible were perfect. None of the heroes of the faith we find through the history of Christianity were perfect. Why do we beat ourselves up for not being perfect? So, let us be comforted by the fact that we are not alone in our imperfection. God is not surprised.
Let Us Challenge Ourselves
Third, let us be challenged. There is a road to travel, there is a race to run:
Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14, NRSV)
Are we challenged by those verbs of action: “straining forward,” “I press on”? Do we hear the challenge to put some effort in?
To run a race, it is best we not spend all our time looking behind us. When we spend a lot of time looking back, we might end up thinking things like “I experienced this, my family of origin was like that, I have never been able to do this, I have always done that.” If we look at how things have been, why would we expect anything to ever be different? But what if we look forward?
Looking Forward
In an effort to be healthier, I have lost 50 pounds. If I only looked back, I would see nothing but a steady rise in weight. An app forced me to look forward. At the close of each day it would say “if every day was like today, in five weeks you will weigh this.” Looking back, I would always feel defeated. Looking forward I felt inspired.
If we feel stuck, let us hear the challenge to look forward. In motorcycle safety courses they teach you that where you look, you go. So, don’t spend all your time looking back, and don’t look down! In life, if we keep looking back, we will continue to get hung up over the same old things. Let’s stop looking back at events and decisions we think define us. Instead, let’s look forward to what God has for us. Let the future God has in store for us define us.
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6, NRSV)
Let us not look back at a history of failures, whether our own or how others have failed us. Let us look forward to where God is leading us, to what kind of character we will have and what kind of people we will be.
Are We Growing?
Growth is possible, especially given the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the upward calling in Christ. We can grow in our character. We can grow in our depth of relationship with God in Christ. We can grow in our awareness and knowledge of God. We can grow in our awareness and knowledge of ourselves, where we have come from, but more importantly, where we are going.
Whether we feel we have far to go, or nowhere left to go in the journey of Christian maturity, God will help get us moving on our way.
Are you growing?
(The full reflection can be seen as part of this “online worship expression”)
Clarke is the pastor of Calvary Baptist in Cobourg, Ontario. He blogs at clarkedixon.wordpress.com.
Originally published on Clarke’s blog. Reprinted with permission.